A Sister’s Destiny - Rosie Clarke

 

As war looms in Europe, 18-year-old Jane Shaw, runs the household as an unpaid servant on a meagre budget.

When tragedy strikes and she loses her beloved younger brother in suspicious circumstances, Jane takes a position in service looking after Ned, a troubled young boy. Here she meets dashing David Heron, Neds Uncle and they form an immediate attachment until she is dismissed after being accused of stealing a piece of jewellery.

Returning home, Jane and her sister, Melia are soon orphaned and left at the mercy of their Aunt Alice. When War breaks out Jane decides to strike out on her own and do her bit for King and Country in the Nursing Corp. Here, despite the terrible conditions she finds her true vocation and her one true love. But Jane’s destiny has many more twists and turns to come.

Will Jane ever find her peace and get her happy-ever-after? and where does her destiny lie and with whom?

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

My Review:

As huge fan of this author, I was very excited to read A Sisters Destiny – it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the start and what an emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

Jane Shaw, a young woman who shows compassion, is determined, hard working, willing to do anything she can for those that need her and a girl that is more than happy to make sacrifices for the good of her family.

My heart broke for Jane time and time again in this book, her mother depends on her yet treats her badly, her father gets himself into a state and cannot figure out how to rectify things, she’s treated atrociously by so many people, I despaired on her behalf. I couldn’t believe how much poor luck and sheer grief one young woman could endure, yet Jane seems to do so. She is determined her sister completes her education and goes further than she did.

Janes story is indicative of the time period in many ways, sometimes it is hard to put yourself in that situation as I kept thinking she should stand up for herself more etc.

As the story moved on, Jane found times of joy, found a profession and also found love. Jane found herself cared for by many people, and it showed that sometimes family is who you chose it to be.

A saga full of angst and drama. Rosie's writing, as always, was brilliant and engaged me from start to finish. Brilliant! 

Author Bio:

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rosie-clarke-119457351778432/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnneHerries

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosie-clarke

The Lottery Win, Little Duck Pond Café - Rosie Green

 

Krystle has always yearned to live a different kind of life, so when she hits the jackpot, quite literally, she's over the moon. At last she'll get the chance to live in a gorgeous house, drive the car of her dreams and maybe even track down that elusive soulmate at last! It all sounds perfect – but can reality ever live up to your dreams?

My Review:

A series I love,  I always look forward to the next book. Whilst there was little Duck Pond Café in this book, we still have that sense of community and we still come across familiar characters.

Krystle has got herself in a little bit of trouble and really doesn’t want to have to seek the help of her twin, who always has her life together. Krystle really surprised me at the start, I hadn’t imagined the character getting herself into such a pickle, she seemed a bit immature and I think this only served to emphasise how much she developed and matured as the story progressed.

Who hasn’t dreamt of winning the lottery at some point? When Carries numbers come up she automatically shares with her twin, and it happened just in the nick of time.

Krystle does get a little carried away at first and becomes wary of people getting in touch just because of the win. Her ex suddenly wants to see her, and other men suddenly seem quite keen; she isn’t sure who she can actually trust, especially when things don’t seem to really add up. She keeps being told things but finding evidence to prove they are lies, can she actually trust the people around her anymore? Adam is her best friend, he keeps her grounded and since one snog, Krystle has wondered if there could be any more between them.

We certainly had some twists and turns with this one, at the start I wasn’t fully keen on Krystle but she grew on me as we read on. I think this is a wonderful addition to the series, it can be read as a standalone though so don’t worry if you haven’t had chance to catch up yet.

A fun, light-hearted novella with loveable characters and of course, Rosie's wonderful writing style that keeps you entertained throughout.  

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/42S4f5s

Author Bio:

Rosie’s series of Little Duck Pond Café novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. ‘The Cheesecake Challenge’ is out now. Look out for ‘A Kiss under the Stars’, out in August 2023.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

The French Chateau Dream - Julie Caplin

 

The French Chateau Dream

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while.

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau. 

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau.

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead?

My Review:

If I need a book that will lift my spirits, fill me with dreams of beautiful settings, give me mouthwatering descriptions of foods and drinks and of course, fill my heart with romance, I know I can do no better than pick up one of Julie Caplins romantic escape books. The French Chateau Dream is the 10^th in this series and if full of sunshine, dreams and of course, romance.

Hattie, oh Hattie, is a great character. We briefly met her in ‘The Christmas Castle in Scotland’ and now she’s heading to France to a Chateau as a wedding planner for her cousins upcoming nuptials. Fresh from a relationship break up, Hattie really wants to prove she is capable of planning this wedding, keen to establish her business she is determined to make this a success.

Arriving in France, Hattie meets Luc who lives at the Chateau and is keen to start making champagne again. He isn’t altogether on board with the wedding but knows they need the money if he is to make a go of things at all. Hattie is a force to be reckoned with in her own way and I admired her tenacity, especially when she comes up against sabotage. It is evident who is to blame but Hattie can more than handle herself.

Hattie falls for the chateau, is quite keen on the gorgeous Luc and starts believing that she could achieve what she has always wanted but knows her time there is limited especially when a face from the past pulls on her heart strings once again.

I absolutely adored reading this one, location, characters, storyline – all fantastic. I didn’t want to put it down but didn’t want it to end. I love this series as you can read any one at any time, but for those, like me, that love to read things in order you will spot the cameos from previous stories and it is great to catch up them even for a moment.

There would never be a time I didn’t champion any book by Julie/Jules – an author that enables the reader to have a true connection to the characters, where we feel like they are just like any of us and that we want the best for them – like a friend.

Julie/Jules’ books are familiar, like a comfort blanket or a ray of sunshine on a grey day. The French Chateau Dream is a gorgeous read, perfect for this summer by the pool, in the garden; highly recommended.

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 a 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/

Summer at Forget-Me-Not Cottage - Helen Rolfe

 

Welcome back to Little Woodville.

Visit old friends and new in this super, summer escapist read.

Morgan Rosewood finds herself at a crossroads in her life after returning home to Forget-Me-Not Cottage to care for her ailing mother. She and boyfriend Ronan, had plans, big plans, but all these hopes and dreams are put on hold when Morgan's mum suddenly dies.

Morgan’s emotions are in turmoil but she sets about the task of clearing the house and running her late mother’s vintage market stall.

Nate Greene has his own reasons for staying away from Little Woodville. Nate needs to reconcile his past and tackle the long overdue task of decluttering the place he once loved - his abandoned wood workshop, filled to the brim with his creations.

He secures a stall at the local market to showcase his wares and it isn't long before the workshop reignites the passion he once shared with a special person.

Thrown together Morgan and Nate have their own personal battles to overcome.

Can the beautiful little Cotswold village teach two lost souls what matters,

and more importantly, will it give them each something they didn't come here for? Love...

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

My Review:

Helen Rolfe is one of my absolutely, must-read authors; every book is a joy to read. I loved the first book in this series so getting the chance to read and review Summer at Forget Me Not cottage, well I obviously jumped for joy!

Locations can really make me fall in love with a book/series and this idyllic setting (and its locals) just make me want to bag my bags. Helen describes the homes and surroundings so beautifully; you really do feel like you are right there.

Morgan moves back home to support her ailing Mother, leaving her partner to move to Scotland without her - for now. She fully intends on joining him as soon as possible, but months after her Mum’s death she is still there and doesn’t seem to be making any plans on joining Ronan. Morgans sister joins her, to sort through the cottage and suggests Morgan may actually like to stay there for a while longer, live there and figure out what it is that she wants to do.

Nate is back to visit his Dad, Trevor. Having lived in Wales for some time he is concerned that his Dad is struggling and would like to convince him to move to Wales too. Nate struggles being back, he feels guilty and is still coping with the loss of his Mother.

Thrown together at the local market by having to share a stall, Nate and Morgan are both working through struggles, both hurting and not quite sure of what to do for the best.

The prefect cosy read and a wonderful escape, a story about letting go; of hurt, of the past and allowing yourself to be happy again. Finding new beginnings in old haunts.

A great summer read, I can never recommend Helens books enough!

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. Most recently published by Orion, she is bringing sixteen titles to Boldwood – a mixture of new series and well-established backlist. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and children.

Social Media Links: 

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HJRolfe

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-rolfe

The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane - Laura Biggs

 

Young and quiet, Lucy Granger leads an introverted life in Reading, living in a flat and working in design at a graphics company—until it is upended when she both sells her idea for a mobile game and suffers an unexpected medical diagnosis shortly afterwards.

Facing a mandated medical rest period, she decides to use her windfall earnings to take a year's holiday, renting a farm on New Moon Lane in a country village in Yorkshire. As Lucy settles into her holiday home for some tranquility, she soon learns that she is not the only tenant, when a llama named Llarry strolls out of the farm's supposedly-derelict barn. He is shortly followed by others in a menagerie of abandoned animals left behind—from a sickly donkey who likes eating crisps to a flirtatious cockerel sleeping in the back garden.

To Lucy's consternation, no one is willing or able to take them on, leaving her with a strange mix of furry and feathered friends to find homes for. Reluctantly adapting to her circumstances in order to deal with this problem, Lucy will discover other surprises about the animals in her care, and the place she is temporarily calling home. About herself, as well.

Will her ordinary life ever be the same after her experience on New Moon Lane? More importantly, should she really want it to be?

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

My Review:

I was expecting something quirky and different, that’s what I read. Introverted Lucy, who I initially didn’t think I’d gel with, needs a change following the successful sale of an app and a serious medical diagnosis.

Settling into her new countryside, temporary, abode she is met with creatures – great and small. A poorly donkey, a noisy cockerel, some llama to the mice in the kitchen, she seems to be stuck with them and to give her credit she does what she can for them. Local postie is always around to provide advice or spread information, soon the vet is popping in to check on the donkey as well as the mother and son who seem to stop by and enjoy the animals whenever they get chance.

Lucys world seems to be busier then ever, but in all the best ways. As the donkeys gets better, we notice Lucy has a brand new lease of life. It looks like the move was possibly the best thing for her.

Her stay is only supposed to be temporary but as each day passes it looks unlikely Lucy could return to life as it was.

A very sweet read, I enjoyed Lucy discovering parts of herself she’d hidden and was blossoming thanks to this “new life.” I wanted to know more about her, see how her fledgling friendships develop and how life with the animals continues.

A short, but well written read. 

Author Bio:

Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

Author Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway – Win an e-copy of The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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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We Are Family - Beth Moran

 

Thirty-three-year-old Ruth Henderson and her daughter Maggie have some hard choices to make. Following the tragic death of Maggie’s father, they are left with a mountain of debt and broken hearts. So, despite her vow never to return home after the fall-out from her teenage pregnancy, Ruth can’t see any option other than for the two of them to move back in with her parents.

Going home means many things – finally confronting her estranged father, navigating her mother’s desperate need to make everything ok despite the wobbles in her own marriage, not to mention helping a still-grieving Maggie to settle into a new school, find new friends, and stop expressing her emotions through her ever-changing hair colour.

What Ruth needs are friends, but she abandoned her childhood ones when she left all those years ago. Luckily for Ruth, they haven’t abandoned her. Slowly she lets herself be embraced by a group of women who have always had her back – even when she didn’t know it. And as the grief and shock recede, Ruth can even begin to imagine sharing her life with someone other than just Maggie – if Maggie will let her.

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

My Review:

Reading Beth Moran books is a treat, always enjoyable and as they are set around where I live, I feel a special connection to them.. almost as if I am within them all.

Widow Ruth must move back in with her parents with her teenage daughter Maggie due to her late husband amassing debts she was unaware of. It is not what anyone was expecting and it’s difficult as the relationship with her parents is difficult, at best.

Also, moving back to the place where her first love and heartbreak took place is overwhelming, (especially given his new celebrity status) her lack of skills or qualifications leads to a struggle with work and her teenage daughter needs her.

Slowly but surely, we see Ruth’s life start to change, her outlook become more positive and she allows herself to become part of the community she once left behind. She meets a group of friends and sees that nobody has the perfect life, everyone is struggling and it’s fine to need the help and support of others.

Shocks, revelations, ups and downs along the way; I thoroughly enjoyed We Are Family and how Beth wrote a story full of heart, laughs and lows, where we see importance of friendships but also rediscovering yourself.

I always look forward to another Beth Moran book, but I highly recommend every book so far!

Author Bio:

Beth Moran is the award winning author of ten contemporary fiction novels, including the top ten bestseller Just the Way You Are and #1 bestseller Let It Snow. Her books are set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she can be found most mornings walking with her spaniel Murphy. She has the privilege of also being a foster carer to teenagers, and enjoys nothing better than curling up with a pot of tea and a good story.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/bethcmoran

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-moran

New Beginnings on Railway Lane - Alison Sherlock

 

When high flying, workaholic Katy Smith is suddenly made redundant, she needs to find a job fast!

After mistakenly answering an advert online, she quickly realises that the rundown railway station in sleepy Cranfield isn’t the 5-star London hotels she’s used to working in!

But a job’s a job. Right?

Chef Ryan Connelly is having a crisis of confidence after his Italian dream turns sour.

Returning home to try to pick up the pieces of his parents broken marriage, he soon discovers that his family home, the railway station, is close to financial ruin

Can Katy use all of her skills and find a way to save the railway station?

And can Ryan rediscover his passion of cooking once more?

As winter in Cranfield begins to sprinkle its magic, perhaps Katy and Ryan can find their very own new beginning on Railway Lane.

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

 

My Review:

Having enjoyed Alisons previous books, I couldn’t wait to read New Beginnings on Railway Lane. Whilst you can read as a standalone, there are crossovers with previous books in terms of village and some of the characters. I am a huge fan of books that have strong friendships, welcoming communities and books where you can feel like you are part of things. If you have read previous books you will revisit old friends and catch up with their lives, but this time we focus on newcomer, Katy, who drunkenly takes on a position without actually realising what it entails.

A typical city girl, she is so far removed from her comfort zone, I admire her tenacity at agreeing to stick things out. As the story progresses and she gets involved with the railway station, makes friends and builds on connections, Katy soon finds the countryside might be more worthwhile than she ever imagines.

 A story about family, or creating your own family, supporting those who are in need and accepting support right back. I enjoyed the transformation in Katy, how much she changed but how much it was really what she needed. I thought it was clever that she didn’t quite lose sight of herself so much and that she brought her passion to the projects she aimed to create.

 It is warm, cosy and uplifting. A real feel good romance, that draws us in from the start and has us engrossed right until the very end. Characters who feel like friends, a village setting that I wish I could visit.

As always, I will keenly await another book, and another catch up with wonderful book friends. 

Author Bio:

Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold village.

Social Media Links: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock