Wednesday 8 May 2024

Death in Bacton Wood - Ross Greenwood

 

A family’s secrets lie buried. The time has come to uncover the truth…

When a mud-splattered man staggers from Bacton Wood with a terrifying tale about being buried alive, DS Ashley Knight and her team are called in to investigate. Soon, another victim is found, and more men are missing – all with connections to the well-known Vialli family.

The Major Investigation Team find themselves attempting to untangle a case that stretches from Eastern Europe through to North Norfolk. Along with rookie detective, the whip-smart Hector Fade, Ashley is in a race against time trying to help a family who seem determined to take matters into their own hands. And when Ashley suspects there is a department rat, the stakes get even higher.

As the evidence continues to point in different directions, and as new victims are uncovered thick and fast, Ashley and Hector begin to fear they have finally met their match in a killer too ruthless and clever to be caught.

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

My Review:

The third book in the Norfolk Murders series, another drama filled and complex police procedural book with the interesting DS Ashley Night and the rest of the team.

Action packed from start to finish – you know when a book starts with someone almost being buried alive that you will be kept on the edge of your seat all the way through.

Death in Bacton Wood takes a deep dive into the dark, violent world of drugs and people trafficking and the long-held grudges that come back to haunt each monster involved.

With detailed and explicit descriptions of torture, they added a harsh and violent realism to the story – and whilst each crime was truly horrific; its hard to muster any sympathy when you’ve read about the heinous crimes, they have been involved with themselves.

DS Knight is a fantastic character and the team have really grown on me since book one. They work together well and can occasionally add some light relief amongst the gruesome crime action.

With fantastic twists along the way, I was trying to piece everything together as the story progressed rather than already knowing what was happening and who was to blame. I couldn’t put this one down!

This is a brilliant crime series and I look forward to the next. 

Author Bio:

I was born in 1973 in Peterborough and lived there until I was 20, attending The King's School in the city. I then began a rather nomadic existence, living and working all over the country and various parts of the world.

I found myself returning to Peterborough many times over the years, usually when things had gone wrong. It was on one of these occasions that I met my partner about 100 metres from my back door whilst walking a dog. Two children swiftly followed. I'm still a little stunned by the pace of it now.

Fifty Years of Fear book was started a long time ago but parenthood and then after working in sales management all my life, i randomly spent four years as a prison officer. Ironically it was the four a.m. feed which gave me the opportunity to finish the book as unable to get back to sleep I completed it in the early morning hours.

It's surprising for me to realise I've written ten books now. There are two strands, one where the books concern lives affected by prison, and then my detective series starring DI John Barton. The first Barton book, The Snow Killer hit the coveted number one spot on KOBO, with the second and third in the series not far behind.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenwoodross

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood


Summer Days at Cliff Top Cottage - Eliza J Scott

 

Welcome to your happy place…

As summer comes to the tranquil shores of Micklewick Bay, Maggie Marsay is on cloud nine. She can barely keep up with orders for her handmade teddy bears, turning her crafting hobby into a thriving business. And after trying for a baby for some time, she has joyful news to share with her devoted husband Bear who she lives with in an idyllic clifftop cottage alongside their cheeky labrador.

But an unexpected visitor casts a shadow over Maggie’s sun-drenched bliss. Robyn, a ghost from the past Maggie hasn't seen in twelve long years, arrives on their doorstep. What could have brought Robyn back into Maggie’s life after so long? Is she truly sorry for her past mistakes, or is she up to her old tricks?

Maggie welcomes Robyn into their home, trying her best to forgive and forget. But when Robyn starts to drive a wedge between her and Bear, Maggie’s close-knit group of friends and neighbours rally around. Can they help Maggie weather this storm and find her way back to happily ever after? Or is trouble here to stay?

Escape to Micklewick Bay in an uplifting, feel-good page-turner for fans of Heidi Swain, Jenny Colgan and Phillipa Ashley.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Days-Clifftop-Cottage-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CW19QPM4

https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Days-Clifftop-Cottage-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CW19QPM4

My Review:

I’ve been a big fan of Eliza J Scott for a long time, her books are always centred around great characters and are heartfelt, engaging stories. This is the second book in the Micklewick Bay series, and whilst this can be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the previous book – just as a wonderful read in itself. I love that these books build a community where we revisit characters on occasion and catch up on their lives.

Maggie is the central character in this book, she lives with husband Bear and she runs a successful business from home where she creates handmade teddy bears. Everything is going well; business is booming and she has very special news to share with Bea but suddenly an old, familiar face appears and old feelings start to resurface.

Maggie’s cousin, Robyn, suddenly turns up and despite not being especially welcome, soon settles into Maggie and Bears cottage. Seeming to have a strange hold over Bear, relationships start to break down; Maggie’s happy life is under threat.

Gosh this one was a rollercoaster! Whilst Maggie perhaps isn’t the most endearing character at times, what she goes through is enough to drive anyone to the brink. Her husband Bear seems like the ideal man at the start, but I have to admit how he seemed to take her cousins side on things almost immediately was annoying – his loyalty to Maggie seemed to waver so fast. He should have been stronger and on Maggie’s side no matter what. Its one thing wanting a quiet life, but I was surprised by him throughout.

A good group of girlfriends is everything though and I love how Maggie has friends with their own different quirks but that come together as a strong group to support each other no matter what.

A story full of drama, heartache, and tension as well as warmth, love and kindness.

Highly recommend this heart warming read. Take a visit to Micklewick Bay! 

Author Bio:

Eliza J Scott lives in North Yorkshire with her family and has wanted to be a writer as far back as she can remember. She is inspired by her beautiful surroundings and loves to write heartwarming stories based on romance and friendship with a generous dollop of community spirit and a hint of humour. She has written and self-published ten novels and has been an Amazon UK Kindle bestseller.

When she’s not writing, Eliza can usually be found with her nose in a book or working in her garden doing a spot of plot wrangling (of the writing variety), and battling against the weeds. The weeds, unfortunately, are currently winning but Eliza is undeterred. Roses are amongst her favourite flowers and she doesn’t need much of an excuse to visit a plant centre where a new rose always seems to mysteriously find its way onto her trolley much to her husband’s astonishment.

Eliza also enjoys having a catch-up with friends over tea and cake, as well as bracing walks in the countryside, rounded off by a visit to a teashop – for yet more tea and cake!

Social Media Links:

Amazon author page: Eliza J Scott - UK or  Eliza J Scott - US

Website: Eliza J Scott

Twitter/X: @ElizaJScott1

Facebook: @elizajscottauthor

Instagram: @elizajscott

Bluesky: @elizajscott.bsky.social

Bookbub: @elizajscott



Sunday 21 April 2024

Hard Times For The East End Library Girls - Patricia McBride

 

As the war hits London, they’ll band together…

War strikes close to home for chief librarian Cordelia when her flat is bombed, and her beloved Robert is called up and sent abroad. Fortunately, her colleagues Mavis and Jane can help see her through hard times.

The three friends find purpose in making the Silvertown library a friendly sanctuary for their deprived and devastated community. But sinister forces, from callous bureaucrats to crafty criminals, still lurk among the stacks. Worse, Jane’s soldier husband is injured and suffers both physically and mentally.

With so many struggles Cordelia and her friends might need more than books to survive war's shadow. Can they find light in the darkness?

A captivating tale of resilience and determination, perfect for fans of Lizzie Lane, Elaine Roberts and Lesley Eames

 

My Review:

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the series, I had been looking forward to this next instalment.

Whilst I love the characters, their spirit and the storylines; I enjoy how we learn more about life in the East end at the worst of times, enjoy is possibly the wrong word but this period fascinates me and no matter how much you read of the atrocities and how awful things were, you cannot helped but be moved by reading stories depicting how peoples lives were affected.

The book takes us through a year; and we see just how important the library was within the community. The characters are all brilliant, I love how they are so different but compliment each other. Each has their story to tell but are so dedicated their jobs. We have a fourth member of staff this time around, Tom, who is a welcome addition to the team. Whilst the concerns about his beliefs worry some, he is a great asset to the library and proves this time and time again.

Patricia McBride has created characters we truly care about and has delicately balanced the devastation and difficulties, written with great care, with heartfelt moments.

A brilliant read, and the fact it only spans one year gives me hope for further books in the series. I shall look forward to seeing the characters again and learning more about East End spirit. 

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

Author Bio:

Patricia McBride is an author of heartwarming World War II sagas featuring fierce female friendships. She resides in Cambridge, England with her husband. When not writing, Patricia enjoys curling up with a cup of tea and books about strong woman in war time. Patricia's latest series follows the adventures of three librarians living and working in London's impoverished East End during the Blitz. The first book, The Library Girls of the East End, introduces posh Lady Cordelia Carmichael, bold Mavis and more timid Jane. Despite their differences, the three band together to keep their beloved library running amidst food rationing, air raids, and family troubles. And of course, romance.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patricia.mcbride.106

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tricia.mcbride.writer/

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

Bookbub profile: Patricia McBride Books - BookBub



Saturday 20 April 2024

Making Memories at the Cornish Cove - Kim Nash

 

Making Memories at the Cornish Cove

It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever. 

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor. 

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too...

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


My Review: 

The third book in the Cornish Cove series, and what a great return to Driftwood Bay. Whilst each can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading all in this series, you will enjoy getting to learn about this wonderful community and the variety of interesting, interconnected characters that provide such interesting stories.

Kim Nash has created one of those wonderful, fictional places where I would love to visit (and lets face it, I’d want some rom-com style romance that would mean I stay forever!)

This book focuses on Lydia, a five times married woman in advancing years, who is keen to build a better relationship with her daughter, Meredith. She is looking to find herself, a version of herself that doesn’t need a man or the complication of romance.

Opportunities arise that help her reconnect with passions from her past, dancing. She could have made something of her talent, but life got in the way. Being in Driftwood Bay and the memories being unearthed whilst reconnecting with Meredith provides a chance to relive her youth and enter a dancing competition with Clems Dad and local repairer, and friend, Martin. With a new friend next door, Dianne, providing some light relief and support, Lydia’s time in Driftwood Bay is going well until an accident threatens to ruin everything.

Serious issues are threaded throughout the story but it’s feel-good, heartfelt and a wonderful read. I love Lydia’s character now – at one time I wasn’t that fond of the impression we got of her if I’m honest, so I’m pleased this book changed that.

A book that made me laugh, made me feel emotional and hopeful for all characters; it’s lovely to see how characters are getting on despite it being Lydias story.

Highly recommended! 

Author Bio:

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. The Cornish Cove series is set in the fictional seaside village of Driftwood Bay in Cornwall and is published by Boldwood Books. She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger.


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



Tuesday 16 April 2024

Summer at the Santorini Bookshop - Rebecca Raisin

 

A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?

After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.

But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.

As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?

Purchase Links

US: amzn.to/40rvToW

UK: amzn.to/3u4QJOY

Aust: amzn.to/3QOc6x1

My Review:

Sunshine, books, a dreamy love interest? What more could any book lover need – Summer at the Santorini Bookshop is a brilliant way of escaping the not-so-great weather here.

Rebecca Raisin always gives us a great read, brilliant characters and excellent settings and this one couldn’t sound more idyllic. I loved the descriptions of the bookshop, the characters are funny but also relatable in many ways. The bookshop sounds like my perfect holiday destination!

Evie suddenly finds herself at a loose end when she loses her job and so is sent to keep an eye on her Gran, who is on husband number nine and a cause for concern (to Evie’s Mum and sister). Evie finds herself in quite the situation as soon as she arrives and is determined to do all it takes to support her Gran – even if that means getting close to Georgios (the landlords grandson).

With some ups and downs, can Evie keep her Grans antics from her Mum as well as make the bookshop a success and keep Georgios onside whilst also figuring out what she actually wants to do next.

There are some really funny moments, the man with the donkey, the rescue dogs, the subtle hints about what happens to each husband.

Funny, heartwarming and entertaining. Perfect read for this summer, whether on a glorious beach or from a comfy chair!

 Author Bio:

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


Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaRaisinAuthor

www.twitter.com/jaxandwillsmum

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaraisinwrites2/

https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/join/signup-hq-rebeccaraisin



Saturday 30 March 2024

Finding Friends at the Cornish Country Hospital - Jo Bartlett

 

A fresh beginning…

Esther Hamilton, is finally finding her feet after her split with her horrible ex, and is looking forward to her new single life. She has a job she loves in the busy Accident and Emergency department, a new home and for the first time ever, a chance to just have fun with her good friends. Love is very much off the cards…

An old friend…

Until the arrival of Joe Carter – the brother of Esther’s best friend, Danni. Joe is also newly single and still as gorgeous as ever, but Esther can’t lose her heart to Joe. If it all went wrong, she’d lose two of her best friends.

A second chance at love?

But working together over a troubled patient, the connection between them is undeniable. And when Esther's parents' marriage hits trouble, Joe is there for her, offering her support, and Esther knows she's fallen hard.

Are they brave enough to take a risk on love, or are they destined to remain friends forever?

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

My Review:

As a fully fledged fan of Jo Bartlett books, I couldn’t wait to return to The Cornish Country Hospital for the second book in her latest series. Whist I am a lover of reading a series in order where possible, you could happily read this as a standalone ( I do recommend all books by Jo anyway though!)

This time we focus on Esther and how she is coping following her recent break up from (the awful) cheating Lucas. As she is Danni’s best friend we also get to see how her romance with Charlie is progressing from the first book in the series.

I love Esther’s characters, I did in book one and even more so now. She’s lucky to be near family, but doesn’t necessarily see that things are not exactly rosy there either. Caroline, Esther’s Mum, was looking forward to having a fun filled retirement with her husband, but he no longer seems bothered by her or anything she tries to do.

We also meet Joe, Danni’s brother, who sounds swoon worthy in every way. He and Esther have always got along but Esther has always fancied him, could a close friendship be in jeopardy if romance takes hold?

Fantastic, as always. I loved finding out more about each character, they have ups and downs, things aren’t smooth sailing for anyone. A traumatic event brings Esther and Joe closer together, but in her eagerness to help others Esther also puts herself at risk.

A engaging story about friendship, kindness and being there for those you love. Things are not always going to be simple but with some support you can make your way through any difficulty. It has brilliant storylines, drama, tension, romance as well as humour at times (Good old Gwen!)

I really like this new hospital setting and look forward to reading what’s next. 

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett was born a stone’s throw from the English Channel and still lives near the sea in Kent. Jo has had numerous bestsellers in the UK, Australia and Canada, including a UK Top 10. Since joining Boldwood Books in 2021, Jo has had a further eight bestselling novels in The Cornish Midwife series.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/J_B_Writer 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jo_bartlett123/

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

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



Thursday 14 March 2024

The Clarks Factory Girls at War - May Ellis

 

Can love blossom in times of trouble?

Life-long friends Louisa, Jeannie and Kate are following in the footsteps of their families, working at the Clarks shoe factory.

But when Britain declares war on Germany, the Somerset village of Street is shaken to its core. The Clarks factory is at the heart of life in the village, but the Clark family are Quakers and pacifists. Before long, there are fierce debates amongst the workers and tensions between those who oppose the war and those who believe the village men should go to fight.

Each of the girls must decide her own position but as brothers and sweethearts leave for France, Louisa is relieved that her sweetheart Mattie, a Quaker, who won’t be signing up. But she’ll soon find that they face fierce opposition at home as well as across the Channel.

Will the girls’ friendship be enough to keep them together, as everything around them falls apart?

A heartwarming and gripping new saga series perfect for fans of Elaine Everest and Rosie Clarke.

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


My Review:

As a fan of a good historical saga, especially set around war times, I was intrigued by this especially as I haven’t read anything from this author before.

I have to admit, even with as much reading as I do, and being a history fan, I had limited knowledge of the Quakers (Friends) and their ideas around war (life). I love reading a story that gives me something to learn as well as entertaining.

Clarks is such a well known name, this was also something that had grabbed my attention initially. Reading about the community it created within the workplace, and the wider area was also interesting even though the characters are fictional.

At first, I struggled with the book, I found it a little slow going but it did pick up pace as it progressed. The characters are nice and likeable. Louisa, Jeannie, and Kate become firm friends through their work despite coming from different backgrounds.

There are many strands to the storyline, and as this is the first in a series, I presume we will see how each develop over the coming books.

A historical glimpse into factory and community life at this time, it references believes and ideas at the time which may surprise readers to learn, highlighting the issues with inequalities in gender, age, religious beliefs etc.

An interesting start to this series!

Author Bio:

Alison lives in Somerset, within sight of Glastonbury Tor, volunteering at her local library and for the Alfred Gillett Trust (custodians of the Clark’s archives). Her first book, a contemporary romance, was published in 2014. Since then she has had five more novels published, including another romance and a YA time travel adventure. Her current series, based on the factory workers at Clark’s Shoes was inspired by her move to the area and her love of social history (and the treasure trove in the archives!).

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alison.knight.942

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alison_Knight59