The Hub - Nicola May

 

ONE TURKEY FARM, FIVE WILD COLLEAGUES AND A BARN FULL OF MYSTERY

When jilted crime writer August Saunders returns from London to her roots in rural Wiltshire, she feels lost and lacking in inspiration. Determined to reignite her writing mojo, she responds to an advert for a shared workspace in a converted barn.

At the Hub, with its ill-equipped gym, inedible catering and motley array of fellow users, including a matchmaker more interested in her own conquests and a TikToker with a dodgy nocturnal sideline, August is confronted with a real-life mystery to solve.

Why is Max Ronson, the handsome but volatile owner of the Hub, so evasive about his past? And who or what is he hiding on the premises? She is determined to find out – but will her curiosity snuff out the spark of romance?

Nicola May mixes mischief with mystery in a fast-paced rural romp which will make Futtingbrook Farm as beloved a location as Ferry Lane Market or Cockleberry Bay.

Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary, Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Cathy Bramley.

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hub-uplifting-laugh-out-loud-romance-mystery-ebook/dp/B0B4PYPFWC/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Hub-uplifting-laugh-out-loud-romance-mystery-ebook/dp/B0B4PYPFWC/

My Review:

Nicola May is one of my ‘go to’ authors, I love every book and recommend them to everyone I meet. I am always hooked from page one and ‘The Hub’ was no different.

I am such a fan of her style of writing and the ability to make serious issues be delicately woven with comedy, romance, and the odd bit of drama here and there. Tackling some potentially upsetting themes, The Hub, is another book that presents them carefully and thoughtfully as part of the story and not just for the sake of it.

Our main character is author, August, and I think she is brilliant; she says it like it is but without hurting people’s feelings, she is empathetic and kind, it isn’t surprising that people seem to warm to her instantly.

Meeting the characters who also work from The Hub was a highlight, what a great group of characters who each bring their own element of fun. I loved they were all different yet down to earth and fun.

Max is a puzzle, so up and down. It is clear that he is hiding something but what and why remains a mystery, but one August is keen to solve.

Highs and lows, fun and sadness. Turkeys, police raids and matchmaking! I absolutely LOVED every second of reading The Hub. 

Author Bio:

Nicola May is a rom-com superstar. She is the author of sixteen romantic comedies, all of which have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. Her books are translated into fourteen languages. Two of them won awards at the Festival of Romance, and another was named ebook of the week in The Sun. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK, across all genres, in January 2019, and was Amazon’s third-bestselling novel in that year. Described by Winifred Robinson of BBC Radio 4’s You and Yours as ‘the invisible bestselling author’, Nicola campaigned successfully for the introduction of ebook charts in the publishing trade press.

 

Social Media Links:

T: https://twitter.com/nicolamay1

W: www.nicolamay.com

Nicola May - Home | Facebook

i: https://www.instagram.com/author_nicola/

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

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Buy links:

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

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

Elodie's Library of Second Chances - Rebecca Raisin

 

An uplifting story about fresh starts, new beginnings and the power of stories, from the bestselling author of Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop!

When Elodie applies for the job of librarian in peaceful Willow Grove, she’s looking forward to a new start. As the daughter of a media empire, her every move has been watched for years, and she longs to work with the thing she loves most: books.

It’s a chance to make a real difference too, because she soon realises that there are other people in Willow Grove who might need a fresh start – like the homeless man everyone walks past without seeing, or the divorcée who can’t seem to escape her former husband’s misdeeds.

Together with local journalist Finn, Elodie decides these people have stories that need sharing. What if instead of borrowing books readers could ‘borrow’ a person, and hear the life stories of those they’ve overlooked?

But Elodie isn’t quite sharing her whole story either. As the story of the library’s new success grows, will her own secret be revealed?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

Amazon Aust: https://www.amazon.com.au/Elodies-Library-Second-Chances-heart-warming-ebook/dp/B09YH6YXR9

My Review:

Another smashing read from Rebecca Raisin, another book that is well written, has a comfortable and cosy feel and contains warm, interesting characters the reader will grow to love.I have enjoyed the authors previous books but this one is my favourite I think.

 

Ellie Astor has everything, face of a massive company where she is in line to take over from her parents and although she loves her family she knows she wants more from her life. A chance advert shows the way – becoming the librarian in a small town where someone is needed to turn things around and quickly. Applying under her full given name and actual surname, she becomes Elodie Halifax.

 

Elodie has a huge task in recruiting new members but sets on a massive idea, she just needs the help of some key locals and persuading them is no easy task, especially when it seems someone is out to sabotage her and reveal her “true identity.”

 

I love Elodie, she is an amazing character and sees the good in everyone, she’s a million miles from the conceited, rich, stuck up type she could be. She cares about people, the library and she loves her family no matter what. Her relationship with her brother is great, she is so supportive and encouraging. I love her and she instantly makes those around her feel special. 

 

Her genius idea is impressive to say the least and could be the only chance to save the library and help some of her friends. There are four characters in particular who are an integral part of the story and Elodies plan, as soon as I came across each one I loved them, what brilliant characters that each have their own tale to tell.

 

I was engrossed from start to finish, I didn’t want it to end! A book full of heart, kindness and compassion; a great setting and well written characters. Highly recommended read. 

Author Bio:

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

Social Media Links:

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites/

The Other Girlfriend - Alex Stone

 

She loves him…

Lizzie Green once loved Tom Murphy with a passion that bordered on obsession. All she wanted was his love to be returned. Then one night something terrible happened and Tom left Lizzie broken hearted. She swore she would never let him hurt her again….

She loves him not.

Now, ten years later, Tom turns up on Lizzie’s doorstep still as charming as ever. Lizzie knows he still has the power to break her heart and destroy her life again. But Lizzie can’t say no to him….

Can she?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3vNxKa9

My Review:

An intense yet slow burn, psychological thriller that kept my attention throughout. Although I will admit I wasn’t surprised by anything it was still a fantastic read, I was intrigued to see how everything would play out.

I enjoyed learning more about the characters, especially Lizzie. Written in such a way we fully support her, sympathise with her but feel frustrated that she cannot see the blatantly obvious. She seems set to be taken in by the same person that was happy to destroy her (not that she could see that).

We are given alternating chapters between the present day and the past, which I loved as it fully explained how Lizzie had got to where she had and why, but also how the other people in her life had played a part.

Story involved some serious themes around mental health, that were touched on a lot. I think its important such issues are included in stories and I found it to tie in well with the story and why these characters would struggle, not just added for effect.

Good writing, interesting characters (your gut instinct on one will be spot on!) and a gripping story. I highly recommend.

Author Bio:

Alex Stone, originally an accountant from the West Midlands, is now a psychological suspense writer based in Dorset. This beautiful and dramatic coastline is the inspiration and setting for her novels. She was awarded the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2019 and her debut thriller The Perfect Daughter was published by  Boldwood in October 2021.

Social Media Links:  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/AlexStoneAuthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AlexStoneNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-stone-69a67039-4aed-4e8c-9319-9e93eba46d5b

Ginger and Me - Elissa Soave

Wendy is lonely but coping.
All nineteen-year-old Wendy wants is to drive the 255 bus around Uddingston with her regulars on board, remember to buy milk when it runs out and just to be okay. After her mum died, there’s nobody to remind her to eat and what to do each day.

And Wendy is ready to step out of her comfort zone.
Each week she shows her social worker the progress she’s made, like the coasters she bought to spruce up the place, even if she forgets to make tea. And she even joins a writers’ group to share the stories she writes, like the one about a bullied boy who goes to Mars.

But everything changes when Wendy meets Ginger.
A teenager with flaming orange hair, Ginger’s so brave she’s wearing a coat that isn’t even waterproof. For the first time, Wendy has a real best friend. But as they begin the summer of their lives, Wendy wonders if things were simpler before. And that’s before she realizes just how much trouble Ginger is about to get them in…

An unforgettable debut novel from the winner of the Primadonna Prize 2019 which will stay with you long after the last page.

My review:

A fantastic debut from Elissa Soave, telling us the story of two extremely vulnerable people in society and how in differing ways both have been let down by the people supposed to be taking care of them. A warning to all about how easy it can be to neglect those that appear to be doing ok but really are just very good at covering up the truth.

A heart breaking, and at times difficult read – the friendship between Ginger and Wendy is that of two lost souls needing someone, both taking what they need from the relationship at different times. Wendy is a bus driver, happy with the route and regulars she sees doing this. Underneath she is lonely, her Mum was a big part of her life and is no longer there to pointing her in the right direction. Wendy manages to convince people she is ok, when really she needs help. Fixating on things and people, Wendy doesn’t see where things could go wrong.

Ginger is young, and surrounded by people wanting to use her for their own benefit. She is streetwise, experienced far too much far too young. She has nothing really in common with Wendy so it is a strange friendship at first.

At the beginning we find Wendy being taken away by the police with concerns for her friends; the story is then the events leading up to this. Its done in a very clever way, we understand Wendy and her reasons for doing the things she does, we see that she doesn’t have as much support as she needs really, despite having her own social worker.

It’s a brilliantly written story that is sad at time, upsetting, dramatic but is offset with moments of humour that will make you smile.

Highly recommended!

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE 

New Family Required - Carmen Reid

 

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Family secrets, warring siblings and a disastrous reunion… what could possibly go right?!

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3sg7suR

My review:

An interesting, dramatic read at times. Families aren’t always the most fun to be around, especially for Sasha, who has always felt like the odd one out. Younger brother beau is adored by their mum and older sister has a special relationship with their father, so Sasha is used to feeling overlooked. 

Luckily she has her adoring husband Ben and their wonderful daughter, Loulou who mean the world to her. When their business hits a rough patch Sasha knows it’s not worth asking her parents for help. 

Anniversary celebrations throw the family together and it true fashion, there are dramas, secrets and fights ahead. Sasha uncovers various family secrets and to her it yet again reiterates she isn’t considered, but when an unexpected event means there is no chance of an escape, they all must learn to get along and communicate. Someone gets in serious danger, and when it counts the family work together.

Funny and dramatic, I felt for Sasha but was frustrated she doesn’t learn to speak up earlier. Ben makes his mistakes but he’s supportive. An interesting story of family and how keeping things secret will always come back to cause trouble. 

GREAT SUMMER READ.

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. 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/ 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/CarmenReidNews 

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

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