The Last Party at Silverton Hall - Rachel Burton

 

A gripping and heartbreaking tale of family, duty and the secrets we keep from those we love most. Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes.

Two women. Two centuries. A life-changing night...

1952: Vivien and Max collide in the thick London smog. Within a few years, their whirlwind romance sees them living a quiet life on the Norfolk coast, blissfully happy with their beautiful daughter – at least, that's how it appears...

2019: Isobel is hoping for a fresh start when she inherits her beloved grandmother Vivien's house in Silverton Bay. But when she discovers an old photograph of Vivien at one of the infamous parties held at Silverton Hall in the 1950s, Isobel is forced to question how well she really knew her grandmother. Silverton Hall is a place Vivien swore she never went and never would – but why would she lie? And what other secrets was she keeping?

Together with an old friend, Isobel searches for answers. But is she prepared for the truth?

'I was absolutely transported to Silverton Bay... I loved it and wanted to savour every page.' Kathleen McGurl

My Review:

Enchanted by this story from start to finish. I think a combination of setting and characters won me over and I was reluctant to put it down!

I think for a dual timeline to work, both elements have to be captivating, whether by character or storyline but this was written perfectly, the “older” timeline playing out in clever ways, hinting at what was to come, drip feeding tasty titbits. I was fully investing in both stories, although they are both part of one. Vivien and Isobel are both strong women in difficult or uncomfortable circumstances. Vivien promised one life but presented with something she never anticipated; Isobel finding herself at a point where she can reassess her life and reconnect with those she holds close in her heart.

A beautiful story of secrets, choices and opportunities; it highlights the importance of being honest, open and willing to see things from another point of view.

With great writing, strong and likeable characters. I wishes it continued on a little longer; a must read for fiction fans. 

Praise for Rachel Burton:

'Enticing and atmospheric... Packed with love and mystery that will keep you wanting more from the first page to the last' Lauren North, author of Safe at Home

'A wonderful escape... I adored the characters, the headiness of their first loves, and vulnerabilities as they hoped for their own happily-ever-afters'  Jenny Ashcroft

'With her signature nostalgia, swoon-worthy hero and wistful setting, this is a romance to whisk you away any time of the year' Victoria Cooke

About Rachel:

 Rachel Burton has been making up stories for as long as she can remember and always dreamed of being a writer until life somehow got in the way. After reading for a degree in Classics and another in English Literature she accidentally fell into a career in law, but eventually managed to write her first book on her lunch breaks. She loves words, Shakespeare, tea, The Beatles, dresses with pockets and very tall romantic heroes (not necessarily in that order) and lives with her husband in Yorkshire. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @RachelBWriter

Follow Rachel:

On Twitter: @RachelBWriter

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rachelburton74

On Instagram: @rachelbwriter

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#TheLastPartyAtSilvertonHall

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Party-Silverton-Hall-ebook/dp/B0B3SCGXYF/

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-last-party-at-silverton-hall/rachel-burton/9781803287256

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_
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Website: www.sarahmorgan.com

The Resistance Girl - Jina Bacarr

 

The Resistance Girl
Two women. One heartbreaking secret.

Paris, 1943.
Sylvie Martone is the star of French cinema, and adored by fans. But as Nazi officers swarm the streets of Paris, she is spotted arm in arm with an SS Officer and her fellow Parisians begin to turn against her.
However Sylvie has a secret - one she must protect with her life.

Paris, 2020.
Juliana Chastain doesn't know anything about her family history. While her mother was alive she remained very secretive about her past.
So when Juliana discovers a photograph of a glamorous French actress from World War Two amongst her mother's possessions, she is in shock to find herself looking at her grandmother - especailly as she is arm in arm with a Nazi Officer...
Desperate for answers, Juliana is determined to trace the journey of her grandmother. Surely there is more to the photograph than meets the eye?
But as she delves into Sylvie's past, nothing can prepare Juliane for the tales of secrets, betrayal and sacrifice which she will uncover.

A heart-wrenching story of love and war, perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff and Suzanne Goldring.

My Review:

An interesting, somewhat informative read told from the perspectives of Sylvie and granddaughter, Julianna. She is desperate to prove her grandmother wasn’t a Nazi sympathiser after discovering a photograph.

I enjoyed seeing Sylvies journey unfold – leaving a convent to become a star in French films. The book describes the highs and lows of this lifestyle and all that came with it. Using her power and influence Sylvie finds she can help the resistance even if this may cost her more than she realises.  

The storytelling was well written and I really liked the characters, I didn’t feel as much emotional impact from the descriptions of the war or what was happening as I have read in other books. I didn’t feel the true horrors of the situation were as hard hitting as they could be – maybe this is just personal preference as it didn’t take anything away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

The book is intriguing and is a great story. I love that the characters go through ups and downs, we go on an emotional rollercoaster with them and I was kept interested throughout. I enjoyed each chapter and read this is a few sittings. I would definitely recommend for fans of this genre. 
Purchase Link - https://buff.ly/3dHGHqQ

Author Bio: 

Jina Bacarr is a US-based historical romance author of over 10 previous books. She has been a screenwriter, journalist and news reporter, but now writes full-time and lives in LA. Jina’s novels have been sold in 9 territories.

Social Media Links: 

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/JinaBacarrNewsletter

Website: https://jinabacarr.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JinaBacarr.author

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LadydeGrey/videos?view_as=subscriber

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jina-bacarr

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50392.Jina_Bacarr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jinabacarr/

https://bookandmainbites.com/JinaBacarr

The Secret Seaside Escape - Heidi Swain

Escape to the seaside with the brand new novel from Heidi Swain, the Sunday Times bestselling author of feel-good women’s fiction!
 
Tess Tyler needs a break. Weighed down by her high-pressure job and her demanding father, she’s left little time to take care of herself. But after a shocking discovery sends her spiralling, she flees to Wynmouth, the seaside town she fell in love with as a child, to escape it all.

With its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community, Tess feels like she can finally breathe again. And as she grows ever closer to local barman Sam, she dares to dream that she might never return to her real life. But when a familiar face returns to town, Tess realises that there are secrets in Wynmouth too, and that her own past may be about to catch up with her . . .   The Secret Seaside Escape  is the perfect read this summer, promising sandy beaches, stunning rockpools and breath-taking romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Sarah Morgan.

My Review:


I’m a #swainette through and through...
This fantastic new book from Heidi Swain is perfect for a mental break away, given current circumstances this is the perfect read if you want to escape for a little while.
After reading (devouring) the book I just wanted to go and escape to the seaside myself (I wish), I’d love to fall into a community with characters like Heidi creates. All of Heidi’s books have such wonderful communities – as you may know if you’ve read any of Heidi’s other books – but this is a brand new one with wonderful new people who feel like friends by the end.
Tess is fed up working hard for her father and not getting the appreciation she needs. She takes herself away to the seaside, Wynmouth, the place she spent so much time growing up. Awakening old memories and secrets, Tess has decisions to make about her future but will the heart rule the head, especially when she realises her feelings for a certain local.
I love Tess. She’s sweet, kind and gets involved in the community straight away which I like. She soon settles into place and its clear she feels at home there with some brilliant friendships made early on. A great character! There is a whole host of supporting characters who add to the fun, George and his meddling, Sophie, Hope, Joe and of course, Sam.
Easy to be charmed by the amazing writing and descriptions, you will feel like you are part of the idyllic seaside neighbourhood. I loved the development, the twists that were unexpected but interesting. It’s a wonderful tale of friendships, community spirit, forgiving the past and learning to accept what is meant to be. Romance is as always a theme running throughout the book, but it isn’t the main focus, personal development and fixing relationships is in my opinion – although in my opinion a little bit of romance is always welcome.

I cannot recommend this enough, as I would any Heidi Swain book. A feel good, cosy read that will entice you in and leave you wanting more. Treat yourself to a trip to Wynmouth, you won’t be disappointed. Fingers crossed for a return trip!!
Available to purchase NOW: Amazon

About the Author:

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

 

BLOGTOUR: Forget My Name - J.S. Monroe

About the book

You are outside your front door. There are strangers in your house. Then you realise... You can't remember your name.

She arrived at the train station after a difficult week at work. Her bag had been stolen, and with it, her identity. Her whole life was in there – passport, wallet, house key. When she tried to report the theft, she couldn't remember her own name. All she knew was her own address.

Now she's outside Tony and Laura's front door. She says she lives in their home. They say they have never met her before.

One of them is lying.

My Review:

‘Forget my Name’ is a fantastic, very well written, thriller that will keep you invested and on the edge of your seat. The books grabbed my attention from the very first chapter and didn’t let up at all.

The story line is very well thought out, and even though so much happens early on I didn’t think it felt rushed at all. The amnesia trope is always interesting, and I feel that in comparison to others I have read, Forget My Name is done in a fresh and gripping way.

The characters are all very interesting, I liked getting to know them – even when I was suspicious of them! It’s written from several points of view and I think this worked well. With other books I have felt confused by this (if not clearly indicated) but I didn’t get that here. If anything, it added to the tension and general confusion over what was going on.

I usually pride myself on being able to figure things out and I must admit I thought I had this all sussed out too, but I was kept on my toes with some good twists and turns. It had me doubting what I thought I knew, not trusting the people I originally had and this for me, makes a superb thriller.

I enjoyed this on a lazy Sunday afternoon, once I’d picked it up I didn’t put it down again until I’d finished!A first book from this author for me but I will look out for more in future.

Thank you to @HeadofZeus for the advanced copy of this book. 

                                          Buy links:

 

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

iBooks: https://apple.co/2Fu8Wdb

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2OeS78y

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/2FiksHd

About the Author    

J.S. Monroe read English at Cambridge, worked as a foreign correspondent in Delhi, and was Weekend editor of the Daily Telegraph in London before becoming a full-time writer. Monroe is the author of six novels, including the international bestseller, Find Me.

Follow J.S. Monroe:

Twitter: @JSThrillers

Facebook: @JSMonroeFindMe

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Twitter: @HoZ_Books

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