The Many Futures of Maddy Hart - Laura Pearson

 

The Many Futures of Maddy Hart

Suddenly Maddy is right there… in her very own future. And it’s all wrong, yet again.

It happens to her every time. When the kisses lead to the bedroom, just when she thinks she might have found the one… Just for a split second, Maddy disappears, and she finds that she’s living her own life. But ten years into the future.

She’s only there for a little while. But each time, it’s long enough to know that she doesn’t want to be any of those future versions of Maddy. Because every man she falls for seems to lead her to a future that is just… wrong.

Until she meets Oliver. And the vision of their future is happy. Beautiful even. A little girl runs around, her braids flying behind her, giggling about how she wants sausages for dinner. She has eyes just like Oliver’s.

There’s just one catch. If Maddy wants the family she’s seeing in her future with Oliver, she realizes she has to break his heart now…

Would you destroy your present if there’s a chance that it could give you the perfect future?

Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Matt Haig, and The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. The most unmissable ‘what if?’ love story of the year!

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

My Review:

Laura Pearson’s The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is a beautifully written, thought-provoking read. The novel follows Maddy Hart, a woman whose life has been shaped by an unusual happening which leads to a series of pivotal moments and decisions, each of which has the potential to change her future in unexpected ways.

This book is different, but typical in what I expect from this author – I always know I will get a great, interesting take on things. The story delves into various possible futures for Maddy, each reflecting different paths she could take based on the choices she alone can make. This keeps the reader intrigued as they follow Maddy through alternate scenarios, each one offering a new perspective on her life and the consequences of her actions. It made me consider how I would respond in a similar situation and how it must weigh heavy on you all the time.

Maddy is a great character, she’s relatable and completely likeable. Maddy’s struggles, desires, and personal growth resonate with how everyone struggles and must learn as they work their way through life. The book also does an excellent job of exploring themes like regret, ambition, and the search for meaning in life, without ever feeling preachy or contrived.

Ultimately, The Many Futures of Maddy Hart is an insightful and poignant novel about the power of choices and the roadmaps of our lives. Pearson has created a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, making it a brilliant read. Perfect for fans of character-driven stories. 

Author Bio:

Laura Pearson is the author of issues-based women’s fiction. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @LauraPearson22

Twitter: @LauraPAuthor

Instagram: @LauraPAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: @laurapearson22

Stormy Waters at Harbour House - Fenella J. Miller

 

Stormy Waters at Harbour House

Wivenhoe February 1940

As the war clouds gather over Europe, the Roby family are thankful to have started their new life in Wivenhoe safe from German bombs…for the moment at least. And with the safe arrival of baby Grace, family life at Harbour House seems to be settling down.

But Emily Roby finds life stifling. She’s not keen on her new baby sister, doesn’t like her new school and feels as though sometimes her parents still treat her as a baby, but also a grown up when it suits them! Emily’s only friend is Nancy, the new girl working at Harbour House.

Nancy loves working at Harbour House, but war has brought many changes and she begins to wonder if there’s another life for her away from Wivenhoe. Her young man, Dan Brooks, is keen for them to get married and start a family, but at only eighteen, Nancy feels too young to settle down.

As a bargeman working on the river, Dan is often away for days and weeks on end, but Nancy knows he will always come home to her. But with the Germans U-boats turning their eyes to Britain’s waters, Dan’s job suddenly become more dangerous than ever before.

Suddenly there are troubled waters ahead for everyone at Harbour House and the future looks unsettling for everyone.

 A gripping and authentic tale of courage, duty and bravery, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Patricia McBride and Rosie Clarke.

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

My Review:

Fenella J. Miller’s Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an engaging, heartfelt tale that keeps you hooked from start to finish. This is the second book of this series and it follows the lives of the residents of Harbour House, weaving together love, secrets, and the trials of living through WWII.

I am a huge fan of Miller’s books, the characters are well-written and relatable, with emotional journeys. I really felt we got to know more about the characters this time compared to the first book, it had a different feel to it and I hope that we learn more with the next.

The relationships in the novel are particularly well-explored—both romantic and platonic—adding depth to the story and making the reader care deeply about the characters’ fates. Nancy is a girl with gumption and I really liked her character, she showed determination, consideration for others and I was keen to see all work out well for her.

Overall, Stormy Waters at Harbour House is an extremely enjoyable and satisfying read. It’s perfect for those who love this genre – war time/ family saga; a book with a mixture of romance, personal growth, and family bonds not always being blood relatives. A great addition to Miller’s collection of heartwarming novels.

Author Bio:

Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of over eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim.

Social Media Links:

Facebook: @FenellaJMiller

Twitter: @fenellawriter

Instagram: @fenellajmiller

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

Bookbub profile: @FenellaJMiller

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft - Jessica Redland

 

A Forever Home at Honey Bee Croft

New friends, new life, new love…

Single dad, Joel Grainger, is devoted to his little girl, Imogen, doing all he can to be a key part of her life. But with Imogen’s mum being ever more difficult and Joel’s job suddenly in doubt, he’s worried that everything is about to change. Joel has given everything to Imogen, and he doesn’t regret it, but maybe he’s lost himself along the way…

Since her dad’s heart-breaking dementia diagnosis, Poppy Wells has been struggling and desperately needs a break. An opportunity to stay in gorgeous Whisperwood Farmhouse nestled in the Yorkshire Wolds and a stone’s throw away from Bumblebee Farm couldn’t be more perfect. Finally able to breathe, Poppy begins to see a new life ahead, a place where she can heal her broken heart and be part of something special. But can she ever leave her beloved dad to get the happiness she craves?

When Poppy and Joel meet there’s an instant connection. But with both of them at a crossroads, a future together seems impossible. Can they find the strength to overcome their challenges to secure their forever home together?

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

My Review:

The third book in a wonderful series by Jessica Redland, this is a poignant, heartwarming story about following your heart, saying goodbye and embracing new beginnings. I adored Joel and Poppy’s story, both are wonderful characters  which is a common trait of Jessica’s - creating characters we feel connected to and want the best for!

We’ve previously met Joel in previous stories but now he is front and centre, deservedly so, I’ve been looking forward to know more about him. He’s so used to being seen as second best, a great guy but not THE guy. His daughter is his world and his ex seems to do all she can to limit their time together.

Poppy, what a character – I felt so emotional for her, having had so much to deal with losing her Mum but then having to be strong as her Dads health declined. Life hasn’t gone the way she thought it would and at best, she’s struggling to move forward in any way. It soon becomes clear she needs a break, and ends up discovering the perfect place, the perfect person and the perfect time away to see what she needs to do next.

I love when characters have chemistry that sparks from the page, Joel and Poppy do instantly. Not only was romance inevitable but it seemed each person found their best friend; a person who was completely on their side and willing to do whatever it took to make the other happy. A fast moving relationship but a clearly strong connection.

As always, there are ups and downs, misunderstandings and other people throwing spanners in the works; both have so much going on in their lives do they have the time for each other.

Jessica handles sensitive topics so sensitively, yet again highlighting issues and topics amongst the romantic, cosy element we all love. I highly recommend this one (and every one by the author!)

Always sad when a series comes to an end, but a gorgeous book to end on. I always look forward to the next book from Jessica.

 Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

 Social Media Links:  

Facebook: @jessicaredlandauthor

Twitter: @JessicaRedland

Instagram: @jessicaredlandauthor

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

Bookbub profile: ​​@jessicaredlandwriter

 

A Little Place in Prague - Julie Caplin

 

A Little Place in Prague

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

My Review:

Honestly, I could rave about Julie Caplin all day long, an absolute “ go to” author for me (as both Julie Caplin and Jules Wake) – I look forward to the next book from the moment I finish one. No pressure to write any faster at all 😊

A little place in Prague whisked us off to yet another brilliant location; these ‘Romantic Escapes’ books have allowed to travel all over the world from the comfort of your own armchair, I adore each of them. This isn’t a series where you need to have read previous books at all, each work as standalones but I cannot stress enough how great they all are and that you should read them. If you have read previous books you will spot little cameos from characters we’ve met before.

Supposed strangers, Anna and Leo, are thrown together in a flat share whilst competing in a beer brewing competition, each keen to learn and develop techniques for producing their own beer. This may be a strange set up for some but not for people that already know each other and have a significant history.

I adore their story; it’s testament to people wanting to change and better themselves, learning from past mistakes and showing that time can allow people to really change. Of course this story has ups and downs, neither character is perfect but they work well together; the chemistry is incredible.

It’s a gorgeously cosy read, perfect for the cooler days and dark evenings. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that are entertaining and some that are infuriating as well as mouthwatering descriptions of delicious local food dishes and drinks. A thoroughly gorgeous read.

Having visited Prague very briefly many years ago, this book was a lovely way to reminisce about that trip although I now realise I barely touched the surface of what Prague has to offer! What is very clear from reading A Little Place in Prague is Julie Caplin’s love for the city, she is shining such a spotlight on to the culture, architecture, foods etc that I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers would love to have their very own escape to Prague.

Another fantastic read – already looking forward to the next! 

Author Bio

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

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

The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove - Kim Nash

 

The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove

Escape to the beautiful coast in this heartwarming romance

Dare to dream big…

When Nancy opened her dream bookshop overlooking the golden sands and shimmering waters of Driftwood Bay, she may have taken on a little too much. She might know all about books, but doesn’t know the first thing about business! She did however, want to do something meaningful with the inheritance money she got from her beloved Aunty Theresa.

When Dennis, visiting grandson of one of her dearest friends, offers to help, Nancy knows she can’t say no. Dennis is a high-flying businessman, with a fancy London job and a successful banking portfolio to prove it.

Trouble is, he makes the worst first impression. Nothing short of an insufferable know-it-all, Dennis takes every opportunity to remind her how out of her depth she is.

But Nancy knows her strengths, and just as much as she needs Dennis, he needs her too. There’s plenty she can teach him, and the more she shows off her world of Driftwood Bay, where the pace of life is slower and the morning sunrises are the most beautiful thing you can witness, perhaps they could become more than just business partners?

An utterly gorgeous romantic read set by the beautiful Cornish coast, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Heidi Swain

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

My Review:

Delighted to be back in Driftwood Bay for this brilliant, Cornish Cove series created by Kim Nash.

This time we meet Nancy, a bibliophile who has managed the ultimate dream – to open her own bookshop. Whilst she had great ideas and a lot of passion, she isn’t great on the actual running a business element of things. Dennis is a well established and successful businessman, visiting family in the area, he soon comes to realise that Nancy could do with a helping hand although getting her to listen is a challenge.

There is real chemistry between the two characters, but obviously at first, they butt heads and clash. Given some time things change and things look up for the bookshop but miscommunication and misunderstandings between the two-cause drama and upset.

Kim Nash creates gorgeous characters; they are relatable, likeable and you will be rooting for them no matter how daft some of their choices are! Being a series, you do get to catch up with previous characters and I enjoy that this gives a real sense of community. You don’t have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this one, but I would wholeheartedly recommend them anyway.

Whilst Nancy and Dennis do find their way eventually, the story is heartwarming and uplifting but with a rollercoaster of events and emotions.

Another wonderful visit to this wonderful Cornish village, a great community of characters that are well- written and a setting that I wish I could visit.

A great cosy read, highly recommended!  

Author Bio:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, romantic, feel-good fiction, having wanted to write books since she was a little girl. She works as both Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni. When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog and reading, as well as running a book club in Staffordshire and organising local and national reader/author events.

Social Media Links:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kim.nash.10

Twitter https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm

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

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

Bookbub profile: Kim Nash Books - BookBub

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

Lessons in Love at the Cornish Country Hospital

A broken bond…

Wendy Tyler’s marriage ended when she discovered her ex-husband, Mike, had got his much younger new partner, Chloe, pregnant. Wendy’s over Mike, but suddenly she fears her own daughters will find a new baby much more exciting that their old mum…

A chance encounter…

But when Wendy bumps into Chloe at St Piran’s, it’s clear something is troubling the fragile young woman. Wendy doesn’t want to be sucked into Chloe and Mike’s relationship, but she can’t help worrying that Chloe needs someone to turn to.

A lesson in love.

And when Wendy realizes that Chloe is more fragile than any of them realised, she knows she has to step up. She might not love Mike anymore, but Chloe is about to join their family and Wendy can’t just stand by. Sometimes life is hard, but the easiest lessons are built on a solid foundation of love.

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

My Review:

This is another fantastic series from Jo Bartlett so I was keen to see what everyone is doing in the fourth book set at St Pirans Hospital.

This time we focus on Wendy and her family; rekindling love with a childhood sweetheart following a difficult divorce leaves her feeling both very lucky and extremely happy,  but she cannot help but feel pangs of hurt when her ex-husbands new girlfriend becomes close to her two daughters.

After initially feeling jealous of his young girlfriend Chloe’s bond with, she starts to see that actually Chloe isn’t the issue. Wendy’s family issues actually all go back to their Dad and his inability to commit to anything or anyone. When Chloe finds herself at her lowest and in need of support, Wendy finds herself stepping up to be the one Chloe can lean on. As the life they all know starts to unravel, can Wendy figure out a way to help everyone who needs it.

We also catch up with favourites from previous books. Danni’s pregnancy is nearing the end, she is excited about creating their own little family but also worry sets in that she will be like her own mother and not feel much of a maternal bond. She knows she can love, as she adores her Charlie but she is afraid that motherly love she craved as a child will pass her by as well.

When a situation escalates, Danni’s love is tested more than ever. Her dream has turned into a nightmare and she relies on the help of her friends and colleagues to make it end. Wendy has tried to do the best by everyone but has she missed signs of things being so dreadfully wrong, has she let everyone down?

A rollercoaster of emotions throughout, this tear-jerker will break your heart but also repair it. The community within the book is it’s heart, the friendships and relationships between characters are special. Some serious, upsetting themes used throughout but done so sensitively.

Another wonderful visit to this special, Cornish hospital/community. 

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @JoBartlettAuthor

Twitter: @J_B_Writer

Instagram: @jo_bartlett123

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

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jo-bartlett

Written in the Stars - Helen Rolfe

 

A hidden secret

Live every day as if it were your last – that’s the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess’s debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences…

An unexpected arrival

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio’s world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely.

A new beginning?

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other’s problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River?

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

My Review:

I’ve been a fan of Helen Rolfe’s for a long time now, enjoying many great books, wonderful characters and settings. Written in the Stars is the second book in the Skylarks series – stories based around an air ambulance team in Dorset.

I loved the first book, Come Fly With Me, so was eagerly awaiting this one and it didn’t disappoint. Whilst it was nice to catch up with the characters of the first book, this time the focus was on Bess – critical care paramedic on the  team.

Bess lost her Dad a few years ago, since then she has been living (and spending money) like each day is her last. She has got herself in quite a mess but doesn’t know what to do. Shes proud and when reality hits, she needs to find support from somewhere but isn’t quite sure where.

Gio is a friend of Bess’. He is a firefighter and is also keeping parts of his life from others; having an alcoholic mother means his childhood wasn’t great, he cannot trust her even though he does still want to. When she turns up to stay with him, he gives her one chance but is convinced she will revert to type.

Gio has a great friendship with Bess, but as both their lives start unravelling in different ways, can they help each other, and will they both acknowledge their feelings for one another after all this time Both Gio and Bess learn that they must move forwards and not let the past dictate their present, put trust in people and be willing to follow their hearts.

 A cosy, seasonal romance that has drama and heart, highly recommended. 

Author Bio:

 Helen Rolfe is the author of many bestselling contemporary women's fiction titles, set in different locations from the Cotswolds to New York. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @HelenRolfeAuthor

Twitter: @HJRolfe

Instagram: @helen_j_rolfe

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

Bookbub profile: @helenrolfe