Why She Ran - Geraldine Hogan

About the book:
‘Rachel. They must have made a mistake. A mother would know?’ She let her words pour into the emptiness of the kitchen. She began to shiver. ‘I can’t feel anything,’ she said softly and rocked back and forth, as if she was a huge child, seeking solace in the simple gesture.

When young, pretty nurse Rachel McDermott is found murdered in the harsh lights of the hospital kitchen where she works, her mother can’t accept the news, and the small Irish town of Corbally reels in disbelief. Rushing to the scene, Detective Iris Locke vows to find the sick killer, whatever it takes.

The last person to see Rachel alive was her close friend, sixteen-year-old Eleanor Marshall, a troubled teenager, estranged from her family. Eleanor was spotted fleeing the kitchen where Rachel’s body was found and becomes the main suspect. Iris has a search party combing the endless woods near the Comeragh mountains where they believe she is hiding. But Iris is consumed with worry for the vulnerable girl and can’t shake a prickly disquiet that Eleanor shouldn’t be a suspect.

Eleanor’s sister agrees but a day later, when she is found dead in the area Eleanor is hiding, things don’t look good for the runaway teen. Iris can’t see Eleanor, who still sleeps with her childhood teddy bear, as someone who would kill her little sister and her best friend, but all the evidence seems to point that way.

Sleep-deprived and desperate to find the truth, Iris takes a closer look into Rachel’s background and discovers that she was keeping strange, shadowy company the night before she died. Convinced that Eleanor is in terrible danger, Iris sets out to find her, in the icy-cold woods, alone. But what if somebody else makes their way through the darkness and reaches Iris and Eleanor first?

This gripping mystery thriller is perfect for fans of Carol Wyer, Robert Dugoni and LJ Ross.  

My Review:

Why She Ran is the second book in a series following Detective Iris Locke series. I hadn’t read the first book and I think it would have been beneficial as while I enjoyed the story, I did at times wish I knew what had happened previously – just to add a bit more as to why Iris was the way she was. There were small references to what had occurred in book 1 but not enough for me to really get a good grip on it. With this wonderful writing style, it’s not a bad thing to make sure you read that one I’m sure you’d be in for a treat.
This is an exciting and dramatic crime thriller, that will keep you guessing until the end. I was really drawn into the story, which was well paced; not too rushed but not drawn out for the sake of it. It had some unexpected twists but nothing too out there and the whole book gave a very interesting perspective of crime procedures.

I liked the Iris character – not appreciating what she had been through previously, her angst and suffering were apparent, yet she was the true professional. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between her and her partner DS Slattery, true respect, banter and care for one another.
The synopsis is what drew me in but I enjoy the authors writing style. I found myself quickly engrossed in the storyline, caring about characters and trying to piece together the puzzle as if I were suddenly a detective too.
I would recommend for crime fans, although I would suggest starting at the first book in the series. 

About the Author: Geraldine Hogan was born in Ireland. She gained an Honors Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree in Training and Management from University College, Galway. She is an Irish award-winning and bestselling author of four contemporary fiction novels under the pen name Faith Hogan.
HER SISTER'S BONES is her first crime novel, her second WHY SHE RAN is due out in December 2019.
She is currently working on her next novel. She lives in the west of Ireland with her husband, four children and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She's a writer, reader, enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger - except of course when it is raining!

You can find out more about Geraldine here:
www.Facebook/GeraldineHoganAuthor.com
Twitter @gerhogan
https://www.instagram.com/faithhoganauthor/?hl=en 

Buy Links: 

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2YFZYBm
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2PfIskk
Google Play: https://bit.ly/38wcw2B
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2t7kC1r

BLOGTOUR: Unexpected Lessons in Love - Lucy Dillon

From the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author of Where the Light Gets in and All I Ever Wanted.

What happens when 'I do' turns into 'I don't know'?

Jeannie always wanted to fall in love, and now she’s finally got the whirlwind romance she dreamed of. Dan’s gorgeous, he’s a successful young vet, and he flew her to New York and proposed on Brooklyn Bridge. Jeannie has to remind herself this is actually her life. It seems too perfect, too magical, to be real. Yet it is.

But now she’s on her way to the wedding she can’t shake off the tight sensation crushing her chest. Is it just nerves . . . or is this all happening a bit too fast?

Jeannie has one last chance to shout, ‘Stop!’ But just as she grabs it, a twist of fate throws everything she knows into the air like confetti. What Jeannie learns about Dan, about her own heart, and about the power of love itself, will change her world for ever . . .

My Review:


I want to be extra careful; I don’t want to give anything away at all, this is one book that deserves to be unspoiled. This is beautiful, a wonderful read that tugged on my heart strings. In fact, I was so absorbed by Lucy’s brilliant storytelling I read it in one sitting.

The characters (well Jeannie really) had me frustrated at times, but they all took me on an emotional rollercoaster too. It was a good look at the different types of relationships we can have, and lose, in life. Romantic relationships, friends old and new, lost love, and families.


Jeannie has had a whirlwind year, I understand being swept away by the romance, the love story and the desire for the happy ever after but I didn’t see why a woman, who displays great independent spirit later in the book, wouldn’t have applied the brakes a bit earlier. I did grow to adore her, I felt for her and she did grow throughout the book.  I wanted her to be happy, find the love she so clearly sought and deserved.


This book was so much more than I first expected, I loved the women Jeannie grew close too in the village and thought their fundraising idea was inspired!

I would encourage you to have a read, it won’t disappoint. I’d recommend books by this author, never disappoints and gives you something to warm your heart.


Thank you to Hannah (and now Hayley) at Transworld Books – Penguin Random House for the advanced copy in exchange for review.

👍👍👍👍👍

A Mistletoe Miracle - Emma Jackson

Cover Blurb:



At the Everdene Hotel, snowflakes, romance and mayhem are in the air...

A cosy hotel in a sleepy, snow-covered village should be the perfect setting for a Christmas to remember... But for Beth, returning to her childhood home after a disastrous break-up looks more like a festive fiasco.

With her mum stranded in a blizzard and most of the hotel staff off sick, Beth is forced to take the reins, impress a mystery hotel reviewer, and somehow find a way to work with Nick, the very grumpy - and very gorgeous - pilot who is staying for the holidays.

Between mince pie emergencies, deadly decorations, and two dozen disgruntled guests, Beth might just find a miracle under the mistletoe this Christmas...

Heartwarming and hilarious, this is the perfect festive romance to curl up with this winter. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain and Sue Moorcroft.

 Buy on Amazon: https://t.co/lBsfePukyw?amp=1

My Review:

An engaging, easy to read, Christmas themed romance. I was highly entertained throughout this festive read, with a well written, flowing style and a nice pace – I didn’t feel like the story plodded along or sped through details to get to the end. I loved how a sense of community was developed through the guests at the hotel and the main characters local friends too, what a darling place to spend the Christmas period I’d say.

Beth is a great leading lady, obviously been through some knocks in life that meant her self confidence was in need of a major boost but she is completely likeable and I did want things to go well for her. I have to say her spirit and dedication as impressive, I don’t think many people would handle things in the same way!

Always nice to have a yummy sounding romantic interest and Nick did not disappoint at all. I was a bit annoyed when I thought his brother might get there first though.

I would’ve loved to get to know a little more of the other guests, some were set up nicely and nothing much followed – maybe we are having to wait for a return visit? That’s be brilliant and I would read more.

Many Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I would recommend this read for those romance fans looking for a nice cosy book.

About the Author: 

A devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old, Emma Jackson joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association on their New Writers’ Scheme at the beginning of 2019, determined to focus on her writing. She has been overwhelmed by the encouragement given by the published authors and fellow NWS members who are part of the RNA and highly recommends joining to any romance writers looking for support and friendly guidance (there are some bursaries available). When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. A MISTLETOE MIRACLE is her debut novel, published by Orion Dash.
You can follow Emma on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESJackson1
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EmmaJacksonAuthor/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/emma_s_jackson/

www.esjackson.co.uk

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

Beautiful, Complicated Family Volumes 1 & 2 - Rosey Lee

Beautiful, Complicated Family: Volume 1 is a collection of five flash fiction stories exploring the connections that can hold people together or tear them apart. Like most families, the relationships in this uplifting collection consist of intricate elements. Sometimes things get messy, but it’s always beautiful. Each story is 1000 words or less each.

Read each story in about 5 minutes and get Volume 2 of the collection for free using a link within Volume 1. The stories are perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels as well as those who only have time for a quick read. This collection is filled with relatable characters and endings that pull at your heartstrings, so don’t be surprised if you laugh or cry along the way. The stories in this book include “The Reverse Escape”, “Gran’s Return”, “Wind Chill” (2019 Best of the Net anthology nominee), “To Establish Care”, and “Vocal Rest”.

Beautiful, Complicated Family: Volume 2 

This is the second book in the Beautiful, Complicated Family series. This collection contains five additional flash fiction stories exploring the connections that can hold people together or tear them apart. Like most families, the relationships in this uplifting collection consist of intricate elements. Sometimes things get messy, but it’s always beautiful. Each story is 1000 words or less each.
Read each story in about 5 minutes. The stories are perfect for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction novels as well as those who only have time for a quick read. This collection is filled with relatable characters and endings that pull at your heartstrings, so don’t be surprised if you laugh or cry along the way. The stories in this book include “Hiding Spots”, “Blossom in the Snow”, “The Friendship PIP”, “Christmas Eve Dinner”, and “A Dress Rehearsal”.

My Review:

Beautiful, Complicated Family is a splendid collection of flash fiction; five short stories that really pack a lot of punch and will really giver readers cause to think. The stories take you through a range of circumstances and emotions – some will make you laugh, and some will make you well up with tears. Stories covering love, loss and heartbreak; they are all wonderfully written, so good you will wish they were longer reads.

I’m not used to quick, short reads but this was an ideal introduction and will now be something I will seek more of, especially at Rosey’s hand.

Thank you for this opportunity. I recommend both volumes to all.  

Purchase Links:

The books are free on the US sites below. Prices may vary in other countries:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Apple Books

Kobo

Volume 1 contains a link to get Volume 2 free by subscribing to the author’s website. Alternatively, readers can purchase Volume 2 from their preferred ebook vendor.

About the Author: 

Rosey Lee writes uplifting fiction stories about family and friendship. A native of the Westbank of New Orleans, Louisiana, Rosey is a fan of good food and a good time. As a child, she dreamed of a career in writing, fashion design, and acting. She uses the pen name Rosey Lee as she pursues her passion for writing. Her alter ego is a physician who has dedicated her career to individual and community-based approaches to health equity. She enjoys cooking, flower arranging, listening to live music, and occasional bursts of fanatical bargain shopping.

Rosey’s flash fiction has appeared in Necessary Fiction, Bending Genres, Barren Magazine, Turnpike Magazine, The Wellington Street Review, and elsewhere. Her work has also been nominated for the 2019 Best of the Net anthology. Connect with her at roseyleebooks.com and @roseyleebooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

One Week 'til Christmas - Belinda Missen

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.

Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?

My Review:

I really enjoyed this Christmas rom-com, with lovely festive flourishes – you must enjoy some ice-skating shenanigans and gorgeous drool worthy foods.

Our two loved up characters are likeable and well written; it seems an unlikely pairing at first, but I loved getting to know them both. I was expecting Tom to be a big egomaniac and not that great, but I was pleasantly surprised. Isobel was a gorgeous character, I was rooting for her and wanted her to find a happy ending, to stop feeling obligated and do the things that were right for her.

This book is very well written, some lovely descriptions that set the scene very nicely. I enjoyed the atmosphere created by the author. It is full of romance but also some really laugh out loud moments and it kept me thoroughly entertained.

Fab read that I definitely recommend. 

Author Bio:

Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.

Social Media Links: 

www.belindamissen.com

facebook.com/BelindaMissen

twitter.com/belinda_missen

Instagram @belinda_missen

Purchase Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07VXLVLJW/

https://www.amazon.com.au/One-Week-Christmas-Belinda-Missen-ebook/dp/B07VXLVLJW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VXLVLJW

https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-week-til-christmas/id1475077464?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Belinda_Missen_One_Week_Til_Christmas?id=W4CmDwAAQBAJ

https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/one-week-til-christmas

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-week-til-christmas-belinda-missen/1132755266?ean=9780008296933

A Christmas Kiss by Eliza J Scott

A sparkling festive romance that will warm your heart this Christmas.

The week before Christmas, GP Zander Gillespie finds his festive plans in tatters. He's supposed to be flying out to his parents' chateau in Carcassonne with his high-maintenance girlfriend, Melissa. But she has other ideas. She wants to spend Christmas in London with her party friends - and he's not invited. The prospect of facing his family, with their questions and their sympathy - not to mention the 'I told you so-s' - just isn't an option. Instead, Zander decides to head to his holiday cottage in the quaint moorland village of Lytell Stangdale, where he intends to hide away with his faithful rescue Labrador Alf.

Eighty miles away, Livvie's world has come crashing down. With plans to cook a romantic meal for her boyfriend, she heads home early and walks in on him in a compromising position with their neighbour. Fed-up of his lies and philandering ways, this is the final straw. With her Christmas plans up in smoke, the thought of spending it with her parents and her smug, married sister with her pompous husband in tow, is enough to bring Livvie out in hives. So, when she fires up her laptop and finds the perfect little holiday cottage in Lytell Stangdale available to rent over the festive period, it seems the perfect solution. Or is it...?

Zander didn't believe in love at first sight until he set eyes on Livvie. Livvie had sworn off men until she met Zander. The pair may be reluctant to give in to temptation, but fate seems to have other ideas...

Join Livvie and Zander - and all the usual characters - for a magical Christmas in Lytell Stangdale.

Purchase Links:

UK- https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Kiss-Life-Moors-Book-ebook/dp/B07XBSZMQ5/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Kiss-Life-Moors-Book-ebook/dp/B07XBSZMQ5/

My Review:

It’s always a delight to get tucked up inside one of Eliza’s Life on the Moors series. This is book 4 and a fantastic festive delight to keep us entertained. If you haven’t read any of the previous books don’t worry, this can be read as a standalone, although I know you’ll want to catch up with the rest! If you have been following this series, then you will love catching up with some much-loved favourites.

A Christmas Kiss is a cosy, feel good romance that will have you yearning for log fires, snowy days and a special someone to snuggle up with. It has a beautiful storyline that will warm the cockles of your heart this festive time.

Livvie and Zander our are main characters this time and what a gorgeous coupling this could possibly be. I think they were just destined to be; fate, snow and a wonderfully amusing dog called Alf were all able to play a part. Both had complicated personal lives when they meet by random chance but as soon as they meet, sparks fly and who can stop destiny.

Loved catching up with old favourites, that’s always a bonus about a series, or books set within the same locale. They didn’t take centre stage but played enough of a role to remind us of the wonderful community Eliza has created. Yet again, a place I could see myself really becoming part of – what a fantastic bunch of people.

A very special read, perfect for the changing weather. I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t read it quick enough. Thank you, Eliza, for giving us another story to capture our imaginations and leave us with a warm, fuzzy heart. 

Author Bio:Eliza lives in a 17th-century cottage on the edge of a village in the North Yorkshire Moors with her husband, their two daughters and two mischievous black Labradors. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found with her nose in a book/glued to her Kindle or working in her garden. Eliza also enjoys bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop where she can indulge in another two of her favourite things: tea and cake.

Eliza is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heart-warming stories with happy endings.

Social Media Links: 

Twitter: Eliza J Scott – @ElizaJScott1

Instagram: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscott

Facebook: Eliza J Scott - @elizajscottauthor

Blog: www.elizajscott.com

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ElizaJScott

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/eliza-j-scott

Amazon Author Page: UK:  www.amazon.co.uk/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH

                                          US: www.amazon.com/Eliza-J-Scott/e/B07DMQWPMH