Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Café - Rosie Green

 Log Fires & Toffee Apple Cake at the Little Duck Pond Café

Get set for a wonderful celebration of autumn with all your favourite characters at the Little Duck Pond Cafe!
An autumn fair is coming to Sunnybrook, much to the delight of the villagers. But for Madison, whose personal life seems to be spinning out of control, a roller-coaster is the last thing she needs – especially when it’s her emotions at stake.
Can she convince the delectable Jack that their relationship is worth another shot? Or has their romance ground to a permanent halt like a faulty big wheel? Will she solve the mystery of the missing name on her birth certificate? Or will her discoveries take her on a journey even bumpier than the dodgem cars? One thing’s for sure. Madison is going to need more than a fairground fortune teller to find the answers to her questions, if she’s going to ‘waltz-er’ into the happiest of sunsets…

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/38v98Fz

My Review:

It’s book twelve of this fantastic series from the lovely Rosie Green, I can’t believe it. I adore this series – I say it every time and I mean it wholeheartedly. Each time I finish one book I am already eagerly awaiting the next.

The characters are now firm favourites, each brings something different; their quirks and personalities are contrasting but overall, that is what makes it all work so well.

This book focuses on Madison, who has probably caused more tension and ill feeling than most. She can be very misunderstood and when she first appeared, I didn’t think she would ever gel well with the rest of the group. Time has served her well and she is a little less selfish these days… a teeny weeny bit.

It has been nice to get to know her better, I think it was long overdue. We saw her loved up and know that it kind of fallen apart. This story picks up on Madison trying to discover herself a little more.

The discoveries she makes are, quite frankly, life changing and she handles them as well as any other person might. I thought it was quite emotional in places and I felt for her, even if she did always seem to go feet first into every situation.

There are some funny moments, as always in these books, especially where Madison mixes up dog snorkelling with bog snorkelling.

I think by the end of the book Madison has changed a little, she’s found the love and approval she needed and believes in herself a little more. Relationships have been repaired in all ways and its very heart warming.

A gorgeous return to our favourite little community. Despite this being book 12, you can read each as standalones, with enough to fill you in on previous moments so you don’t feel confused. Rosie has a wonderful, engaging and fun writing style, the books flow beautifully and you feel at the heart of the community.

Roll on Book 13, I cannot wait! 

Author Bio:

Rosie 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.

Her series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘Lucy’s Great Escape', is out now.

Rosie will be revisiting the Little Duck Pond Café with a beautiful story of love and friendship at Christmas time, entitled A Kiss in the Snow, out in October 2020.

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

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

 

Wishes Under a Starlit Sky - Lucy Knott

 

About the book:

When life doesn’t go to plan, you can write yourself a new story…

From the outside, Harper Hayes looks like she is winning at life.

She has an amazing job as a script writer, a wonderful house, an awesome best friend and an incredible husband. Yes, life seems to be pretty, dare she say it? Perfect?

But life is about to throw more than one spanner in the works of Harper’s picture perfect existence and at the busiest time of the year too.

As Christmas approaches, Harper will have some soul searching to do to decide if there really is such thing as the happily-ever-after she writes about.

My Review:

A lovely festive treat with themes of heartbreak, friendship and empowerment that really warms the heart and soul. This book emphasises the power of believing in yourself, doing what is best for your own good and surrounding yourself with people who truly care.
Harper deserves a change of luck; her husband betrays her and doesn’t seem to have a shred of decency. In swoops Madi, best friend extraordinaire, who helps put her back together again and is set on getting her back on the right path. 

A year later and Madi takes matters into her own hands, realising Harper needs a shove in the right direction she packs their bags and ships them both off to Colorado – to Harpers parents. 

Whilst she’s with those that she loves, Harper discovers parts of herself she either forgot she had or never explored. She pushes herself out of the comfort zone she’d created. With a new sense of adventure, Harper moves forward and takes opportunity with both hands.
A gorgeous setting that’s written so well you will feel like you right on those Colorado slops. With gorgeous characters, Lucy Knott has given us another brilliant story that’s full of heart and soul. It’s not your typical story either which I really enjoyed – I love a romantic tale but this is something different. 

I’ve enjoyed everything Lucy Knott has written so far and will look forward to the next time.

About the Author:

Lucy Knott is a former professional wrestler with a passion for storytelling. Now, instead of telling her stories in the ring, she’s putting pen to paper, fulfilling another lifelong dream in becoming an Author.
Inspired by her Italian Grandparents, when she is not writing you will most likely find her cooking, baking and devouring Italian food, in addition to learning Italian and daydreaming of trips to Italy.
Along with her twin sister, Kelly, Lucy runs TheBlossomTwins.com, where she enthusiastically shares her love for books, baking and Italy, with daily posts, reviews and recipes.

You can find Lucy on 
Twitter @TheBlossomTwins or @LucyCKnott
Instagram @LucyCKnott

Website: www.theblossomtwins.com

BLOGTOUR: The Summer of Going Topless - Liz Davies

The Summer of Going Topless

Candice Summerville is invisible. No one seems to notice her - not really. Heck, she often doesn’t notice herself, except for her monthly scrutiny in the mirror to check on her body’s steady slide towards middle age.

But when her ancient, practical estate car is consigned to the scrap heap, Candice falls in love with a cute, purple convertible, and from that moment on her life begins to take on a whole new meaning. Strangers wave at her and people stop to talk, and suddenly she isn’t invisible any longer.

Life seems to be looking up, especially when she meets silver fox and handy-man, Paul. There’s just one fly in the ointment, one thing she that has her second-guessing herself.

Is it the car that Paul sees - or is it her?

Purchase Links:

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V72XKWP 

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V72XKWP

My Review: 

The title of this book is fun and quirky, a play on the fact that our main character – Candice – buys herself a convertible when she needs a new car. After her husband left her for a newer model, she’s taken time to move on and the purchase of this car (which she names jellybean) is just what she needs to give her a new lease of life. It certainly does that!

We see Candice start to spread her wings and claw back some independence, doing things for her own good instead of for someone else.

She starts doing yoga, finds romance, has a makeover and starts becoming more than the woman we initially met. I found her very soft; yes, very caring but really the love for that car was perhaps a little over the top for me. I get that it just represented something new for her, a change and the push she needed to become a different version of herself but there was so much emphasis on Jelly Bean.

It was nicely written, fast paced and an easy read. It’s amusing and will have you chuckling. For people in the same position it will be a fun glimpse into how a little bit of effort can really change your outlook on life.  There were no big twists or surprises, I could tell what would happen but that’s ok.

An enjoyable read, light hearted and fun - something quick for the last of the summer. 

About the Author: 

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it. 

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

BLOGTOUR: The Girl I Used to Know - Faith Hogan

About The Book

Amanda King and Tess Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Amanda seems to have it all, absolute perfection.

She projects all the accouterments of a lady who lunches. Sadly, the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart.

By comparison, in the basement flat, unwanted tenant Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love.

It takes a bossy doctor, a handsome gardener, a pushy teenager and an abandoned cat to show these two women that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations.

My Review:

The Girl I Used to Know is a beautiful, inspiring story of self-discovery, knowing your own worth and having a second go at life.

A story of friendships, this book shows us how people are always worth taking a chance on, looking past the exterior and trying to understand the person someone truly is or wants to be. I love how the emphasis was put on friendships and in supporting others – taking two main characters who were both alone, but in very different ways and making them so powerfully connected.

I enjoyed the plot of the book, the ways their lives are so very different, yet they are so closely entwined. Such meaningful and powerful writing by Faith Hogan, it is a well-paced book with short, fast chapters that will allow you to get fully immersed into the two ladies’ lives. I loved that we had chapters that took us back in time and we get to see what happened in Tess’s early life, I think this adds so much to the story and gave us such compassion for the character.

At the beginning of the book neither of our main characters are that appealing, I doubt many people found them charming or even likable but as I read through their story, I grew to be very fond of them both. This book is a real emotional journey and full of surprises. Both Amanda and Tess have some real low blows within their lives, things that turn everything they think they know on its head, but this is countered by some fantastic highs and moments of pure happiness for both.

It’s a gorgeous book to curl up and enjoy, I cannot recommend it enough as it is very uplifting and motivating. I am very grateful to Aria Fiction and Faith Hogan for the opportunity to read and review - Thank you!

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JF2sLJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2W78zzb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Wo4qWD

About the Author:

Faith lives in the west of Ireland with her husband, four children and two very fussy cats. She has an Hons Degree in English Literature and Psychology, has worked as a fashion model and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector.

Twitter: @GerHogan

Follow Aria: 

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

BLOGTOUR: Review of Ellie & The Harp - Hazel Prior

Purchase Here

Sometimes it takes a chance encounter to discover what your life could be like... 

Meet Ellie. She’s perfectly happy with her home and her husband and her quiet life. Happy enough, anyway. Which is why she’s so surprised to find herself drawn to an extraordinary stranger who gives her a gift - and a fresh perspective.
Meet Dan. He thinks all he needs to be happy is the time and space to carry on making harps. Sometimes people buy them, too. But the last thing he expects is for Ellie to walk into his life, a whirlwind with cherry-coloured socks, bringing a string of surprises into his ordered existence.

As Ellie and Dan get to know one another, they begin to see the world - and themselves - in an entirely new way...

 Perfect for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and Three Things About Elsie

My Review:

This is a beautiful story that’s told in an incredibly well written and charming way. It’s a tale of finding friendship in unlikely places with unlikely people, a story of looking past your initial conceptions and in following your own path, even trying something new.  Hazel Prior is very descriptive, whether it’s about the characters, the places etc. and I think it just adds to the story and especially lends well to Dan’s character and the way he thinks.

I adored Dan. What a fantastic character! I love a book that gives us both main characters POV and I enjoyed the insight in to what went through his mind as we progressed through the story – how he dealt with occurrences beyond what he was used to, how he evolved and handled what was out of his control.  Dan’s character was explored well, his personality and traits that make him such an intriguing and beguiling character.  The type of character that you don’t see often.

Ellie is interesting, someone that is looking for more than she has but doesn’t necessarily know what it is she is looking for. She is a simple soul, who enjoys writing poetry and feeling at one with nature walking the Exmoor Country. She is seeking something to comfort her losses, give her a purpose that is truly hers. Her husband Clive is controlling, overbearing and far from what Ellie needs, didn’t like him from the moment he made her return the harp at the beginning of the book.

This is a beautiful debut novel, as you read you get a clear sense of the authors love for the subject – for the angelic sounding harps, which were described so poetically.  As I read of a blossoming friendship for these two individual souls, I had a sense of trouble looming for both Dan and Ellie but as tragedy unfolds, it isn’t over the top, over dramatised or sensationalised, it remained in keeping with the style in which Hazel Prior had created.

Ellie and the Harp Maker is such a sweet and simple story, a special read that leaves you with a warm feeling, just like a cosy hug. A real treat to read and one I recommend highly.

Thank you to Anne Cater, Hazel Prior and Penguin RandomHouse for the opportunity to read and review this book, and for the chance to take part in this blog tour.  

Hazel Prior lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat.

As well as writing, she works as a harpist. You can find Hazel at @HaveAHarp. #EllieandtheHarpmaker