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 –

FB Jenni Keer Writer

Twitter @JenniKeer

Instagram jennikeer

Website - https://jennikeer.co.uk/

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.

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Publication Day Review - My Lemon Grove Summer - Jo Thomas

About:

Could the lemon groves of Sicily be the perfect place to start over? The irresistible new novel from Jo Thomas, the author of Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard, will transport you to the island of mountains and sparkling blue seas.

When life hands you lemons ... is it ever too late for a second chance?

Zelda's impulsive nature has got her precisely nowhere up until now. A fresh start in a beautiful hilltop town in Sicily looking for new residents, together with her best friend Lennie, could be just what she needs. And who better to settle down with than the person who knows her best?

But the sun-filled skies and sparkling seas can't hide the shadow hanging over Citta d'Ora, which means not everyone is pleased to see their arrival. The dreams Zelda and her fellow new residents had of setting up a new life might be slipping away. But a friendship with restauranteur Luca could be about to unlock the possibilities that lie in the local lemon groves. And there's a wedding on the horizon that might be just what the town needs to turn it around...

Could a summer in Sicily help Zelda learn to trust her instinct and follow her heart? 

My Review:

It’s only fairly recently I’ve discovered the wonder that is Jo Thomas and her fabulous books. I’ve quickly devoured them all so imagine my absolute excitement to receive an advanced copy of ‘My Lemon Grove Summer’ – Thank you Headline!

This is a glorious summer read, full of idyllic sounding scenery, gorgeous characters and an emotional, heart-warming story that will have you hooked from the start. Jo’s writing always has the knack of taking us away somewhere – leaving behind our real lives and allowing us to be fully immersed in the story. My Lemon Grove Summer took us to Sicily alongside the lovely Zelda and Lennie who are trying to start a brand-new chapter of their lives.

With a fantastic cast of characters, I really enjoyed getting to know them all. I loved the friendship between Lennie and Zelda but I could see that although they did love each other, they weren’t IN love. I liked to see how supportive they were of each other and their ability to make friends and create their own little community when the one they’ve all found themselves in seems intent to turn them away.

When Sicily doesn’t live up to all that was promised, we see that you must fight for what you want in more ways than one. Can Zelda and Lennie have what they really want or are they facing too much opposition? You can bet there are ups, downs, twists and turns along the way that will keep you entertained. As always, the path of true love never runs smooth, but I’d expect nothing less.

Jo Thomas has firmly become one of my ‘always buy’ authors. I know any of her books will put a smile on my face, take me away and give me characters I will adore.

I cannot recommend this book enough - wonderful summer filled treat. 

Thank you to Jo Thomas and Headline for the opportunity to read/review. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Sicily-Jo-Thomas/dp/1472246012/

BLOGTOUR: Foxglove Farm - Christie Barlow

Return to Love Heart Lane for friendship, romance and a community who will be be there for you no matter what…

Isla and Drew Allaway appear to have the perfect life – a strong marriage, two beautiful children and their picture-perfect home, Foxglove Farm.

But, new mum Isla is struggling.  She loves her little family but with Drew working all hours on the farm, Isla’s lonely.

When she discovers that Drew has been keeping secrets from her, Isla has to face losing the home they all love.
Can the Love Heart Lane community pull together once more to help save Foxglove Farm?  And can Isla save her home…and her marriage?

My Review:

I’ll happily tell you I adored ‘Love Heart Lane’ – this first book in this series so I could not wait to read this. Saying that, if you haven’t had chance to read that brilliant book rest assured you can read this as a standalone too.

Foxglove Farm focuses on Isla and Drew, married with a family and their farm; I was a big fan of these characters in Love Heart Lane so was really pleased that they were the focus of this book. What seems to be a perfect relationship and a perfect life slowly starts to unravel around Isla and she must rely on the support and guidance of the community, her friends and family to make sure she doesn’t lose everything.

This is a wonderful story based around a gorgeous sounding, close knit community. It’s so endearing to read this and feel part of a community that rallies around each other, Christie Barlow has created such warm, funny and caring characters that I genuinely cannot wait to read more about them all. (I’m so pleased to hear there will be a return visit!)

I feel like Isla and Drew had a mountain of hurdles to overcome in this one; just when I thought everything was ok there was another sucker punch that threatened everything. Honestly, how much could two people go through in one book. It held my interest and had be gasping, talking out loud at parts. As if my ‘telling off’ Drew would do something. What impressed me was how such serious topics were introduced and handled – encouraging people to talk about problems, reach out for help and trust in the ones who love us.

In this book we meet the crazy but kind, Martha. What a whirlwind she seems and it’s a breath of fresh air that balances some of the tougher parts of the book. I’m glad she came back to the village when she did, Isla needed her and what a rock she turned out to be.

I was totally absorbed by Christie’s wonderful writing, a beautiful style that will fully engage you in this story. I adored Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm is probably even better – I think the more we discover about this place and its characters there more we will enjoy.

I highly recommend this romantic, funny yet sensitive book. Thank you to all involved for the chance to read and review. 

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

US - https://www.amazon.com/Foxglove-Farm-romantic-comedy-again-ebook/dp/B07L21WV71

 

Author Bio:

Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The

Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being.

Website www.christiebarlow.com 

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

BLOGTOUR: The Little Village of Happiness - Holly Martin

AVAILABLE HERE 

About:

Willow McKay needs a fresh start. Her recent break-up may not have left her heartbroken but it’s certainly wounded her pride. Desperate to escape the whispers and stares of her town’s gossips, an advert offering homes in a picturesque village in the grounds of a majestic castle on the Cornish coast sounds like just what she needs. Without thinking twice Willow applies for a cottage and packs up her life for the village of Happiness.

But when Willow arrives she finds a crumbling ruin and ramshackle cottages, nothing like the pretty picture the advert had boasted. It seems Happiness was too good to be true. That is until she meets the incredibly handsome estate manager Andrew Harrington…

His passion for restoring the village to its former glory is contagious and soon they are working together to bring happiness back to Happiness. And as sparks fly between them Willow can feel herself falling. But Andrew is holding something back.

Can Willow risk her heart again? And will they succeed in transforming the old village to its original beauty before it’s too late?

My Review:

Holly Martin has given us such a wonderful treat with this book – a lovely, summer read that will leave you wanting more. I smiled all the way through, it is SUCH  an aptly name book. Isn’t Happiness the most perfect village name – all you can imagine is everyone being lovely, kind and full of smiles.

I love the characters that Holly writes. Willow is my kind of girl, following her instincts and relocating on a whim. She finds that all may not be as it seems in the village she’d seen advertised. She soon settles in and makes her mark on the community – it more ways than one. She’s confident, lively and not afraid to get stuck in, I really like that.

When she meets hottest village handyman, you’ll come across then you just now it won’t be long until she lets love into her heart – their chemistry is instant, and they make a great pair.
There is so much more to Andrew than you first realise, and I think Holly has written about this fantastically. It added that little bit more to an already great story.

I enjoyed how they worked to get the village ready for the open day, the way the community joined together to make it as great as it sounds on paper. I LOVED the Secret Gifting Society as it was such fun to see who would get what gift next.

This book has an overriding feeling of wonderful community spirit, welcoming new additions and making them feel like they belong. It’s more than just your typical summer rom com read. Full of humour, romance and characters you will be keen to learn more about too. I was hooked from the moment I started and just couldn’t put it down.

This book will leave you wanting more – the village is an untapped source of many, many stories. I am so excited that there will be another, ‘The Gift of Happiness’ later in the year.

I highly recommend this book; it will leave you smiling for sure.

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

Follow Head of Zeus:

Twitter: @HoZ_Books

Facebook: @headofzeus

BLOG TOUR: The Road to Cromer - Martin Gore

About the book:

Janet’s first love arrives out of the blue after forty years. Those were simpler times for them both. Sunny childhood beach holidays, fish and chips and big copper pennies clunking into one armed bandits.

The Wells family has run the Cromer Pier Summertime Special Show for generations. But it’s now 2009 and the recession is biting hard. Owner Janet Wells and daughter Karen are facing an uncertain future. The show must go on, and Janet gambles on a fading talent show star. But both the star and the other cast members have their demons. This is a story of love, loyalty and luvvies. The road to Cromer Pier might be the end of their careers, or it might just be a new beginning.

Pre-order Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07R9XP3QM/

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9XP3QM/

My Review:

A lovely story of a family run, struggling theatre on the Norfolk coast. The Wells family has owned this place for generations, and we meet Janet who is the current owner.  Every year they put on a variety show called the Cromer Pier Summertime Special, but now they are financially not able to call in the big stars they once could, will they still pull of the same show they used to do? Is it a case of end of the road or just the start of a whole new beginning?

I enjoyed the ‘behind the scenes’ viewpoint of a theatre, especially being a fan of going to see a show. The compromise of taking salary cuts and having new hires is interesting and I was keen to see how it would all pan out. There is a more to the story than “putting on a show” its full of love, lost love, chances and opportunity. Its about family and isn’t just a “fluffy” sweet, little book. It’s full of drama and gives us a solid family saga.

There is an eclectic bunch of characters and quite a lot of them to keep track of, but they work well and are very well written. I enjoyed getting to know and learning more about their lives and it was interesting to see the professional, showbiz personas facing up to real life problems. It took me a while to get going with the book, but I was kept interested and enjoyed it. This is my first experience of Martin Gore’s writing and I enjoyed it. I will read more. 

Author Bio from Martin Gore:

I am a 61 year old Accountant who semi-retired to explore my love of creative writing. In my career I held Board level jobs for over twenty five years, in private, public and third sector organisations. I was born in Coventry, a city then dominated by the car industry and high volume manufacturing. Jaguar, Triumph, Talbot, Rolls Royce, Courtaulds, Massey Ferguson were the major employers, to name but a few.

When I was nine year’s old I told my long suffering mother that as I liked English composition and drama I was going to be a Playwright. She told me that I should work hard at school and get a proper job. She was right of course.

I started as an Office Junior at Jaguar in 1973 at eleven pounds sixty four a week. I thus grew up in the strike torn, class divided seventies. My first career ended in 2015, when I semi retired as Director of Corporate services at Humberside Probation. My second career, as a Non Executive Director, is great as it has allowed me free time to travel and indulge my passion for writing, both in novels and for theatre.

The opportunity to rekindle my interest in writing came in 2009, when I wrote my first pantomime, Cinderella, for my home group, the Walkington Pantomime Players. I have now written eight. I love theatre, particularly musical theatre, and completed the Hull Truck Theatre Playwrite course in 2010. My first play, a comedy called He's Behind You, had its first highly successful showing in January 2016, so I intend to move forward in all three creative areas.

Pen Pals was my first novel, but a second, The Road to Cromer Pier, will be released in the Summer of 2019. 

I’m an old fashioned writer I guess. I want you to laugh and to cry. I want you to believe in my characters, and feel that my stories have a beginning, a middle, and a satisfactory ending.

Social Media Links

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorGore

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Martin-Gore-Author-1237780169706466/

BLOGTOUR - One Last Greek Summer - Mandy Baggot

About the book

Beth Martin is 31, newly divorced and wondering just what life holds for her…

Best-friend, Heidi, is adamant that all the answers lie in Corfu – the island where the girls’ partied away their youth.

So cue a trip to a sun-drenched Greek island, ouzo cocktails, a trip down memory lane…and Alex Hallas, the man Beth has never quite forgotten.

As they dance under the stars, the sand beneath their toes, old feelings begin to resurface and Beth might just have a chance to take back her life. If they can learn to love the people they’ve become…

My Review:

As a fully-fledged Mandy Baggot fan, I was so excited to read this latest sun filled book. What a scorcher it is! Mandy always makes me want to book a holiday immediately and One Last Greek Summer has me longing for the sunny Corfu.  

You know what you are going to get with Mandy – wonderful locations that make you feel like you are right there; amazing foods that practically have you drooling and characters that keep you entertained.

Beth is very easy to like; she has been a bit ‘stuck’ but I enjoyed seeing how she evolved throughout the book and how she was resolute in sticking to her guns and doing the best thing for her. I think many people have wished they could do go back and have another go with a former flame so imagine rediscovering that lost love a decade later, and realising the feelings you had never went away, how romantic!

Heidi is a wonderful best friend, funny, caring and in need of a great love story too. She’s the type of girl you want by your side, helping you, supporting you and encouraging you every step of the way. She’s the one who organises this trip for Beth.

Leading me on very nicely to the handsome Alex, who sounds gorgeous, well... what more do we expect from a Mandy Baggott leading man! The more I read the more I realised why Beth would have held on to her feelings towards him for so long. The difficult relationship with his Mum only emphasised how wonderfully kind and loyal he is.

I adored every sun-soaked moment. The idea of second chances and on how we can rewrite parts of history; the notion that we should follow our heart and take that chance.

I cannot recommend it enough. I enjoyed it in one sitting, where, for a good couple of hours, I was whisked away to Corfu. Mandy Baggot always gives us a perfect summer scorcher! 

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

About the author

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner

of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:   

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor

Twitter: @mandybaggot

Pre-order links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2TXD0Tg

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

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2GRfq6O

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

Follow Aria

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter:@aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction