Tag Archives: romance

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#PublicationDayPush A Bachelor’s Pledge by Penny Hampson

Today it’s the Publication Day Push for A Bachelor’s Pledge by Penny Hampson.

About the Author

Some time ago Penny Hampson decided to follow her passion for history by studying with the Open University. She graduated with honours and went on to complete a post-graduate degree.

Penny then landed her dream role, working in an environment where she was surrounded by rare books and historical manuscripts. Flash forward nineteen years, and the opportunity came along to indulge her other main passion – writing. Penny joined the New Writers’ Scheme of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and  three years later published her debut novel, A Gentleman’s Promise, a historical mystery/romance and the first in The Gentlemen Series. An Officer’s Vow soon followed and the latest in the series is A Bachelor’s Pledge.

But never happy in a rut, Penny also writes contemporary suspense with paranormal and romantic elements. Her first book in this genre is The Unquiet Spirit, published by Darkstroke.

Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).

For more on Penny’s writing, visit her blog: https://pennyhampson.co.uk/blog/

Follow @penny_hampson on Twitter, on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit pennyhampson.co.uk, Buy A Bachelor’s Pledge

About the book

The woman who haunts his dreams – Secret agent Phil Cullen is upset when he discovers that the young woman he rescued from Mrs Newbody’s establishment has absconded from his housekeeper’s care without a word. Thinking he has been deceived, he resolves to forget about her… something easier said than done. The man she wants to forget

Sophia Turner is horrified when she is duped into entering a notorious house of ill-repute. Then a handsome stranger comes to her aid. Desperate that no one learns of this scandalous episode, Sophia flees to the one friend she knows she can trust. With luck, she will never see her mysterious rescuer again.

But fate has other plans…

Months later, Phil is on the trail of an elusive French agent and Sophia is a respectable lady’s companion when fate again intervenes, taking their lives on a collision course.

Traitors, spies, and shameful family secrets – will these bring Sophia and Phil together… or drive them apart?

Review

There seems to be much too much interest in a simple orphan, who was more or less sold off to a disreputable house, but her enemies want her back now. Seems like a bizarre reaction to a young woman with no prospects and little more than her clothing to her name, and there is also the case of her reputation being in tatters due to landing in a brothel.

Phil, a gentleman and a spy, happens upon her by chance and decides to rescue her, which leads to an intertwining of their lives in a way they never expected. Sophia is determined to be the driver of her own decisions and future, instead of being dictated to by a man, because that is the way the society is structured.

Hampson writes a delightful historical romance, a combination of suspense and relationship that builds slowly. Shame, confusion and the determination of a woman with a fierce sense of independence and a man who wants to protect the vulnerable woman. Two strong personalities clash, which could potentially be dangerous for both of them if they are unable to connect as a team against the forces against them.

It’s an enjoyable read, escapism for those who like their potential couples to squabble before they realise the attraction they have for each, with the added element of the poor maiden in danger and in distress.

Buy A Bachelor’s Pledge (Gentlemen Book ) at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: PP&M Publishing; pub date 23 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

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#BlogTour A Good Match for the Major by Josie Bonham

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour A Good Match for the Major by Josie Bonham.

About the Author

Josie lives in the English midlands, surrounded by towns full of history such as Evesham, Stratford-Upon- Avon, Warwick and Worcester. Which is perhaps why her favourite reads are historical. Out of all the periods to choose from the Regency Era stirs her imagination the most. The true Regency lasted from 1811 until 1820 but dates as wide as 1789 to 1837 have been included in the extended Regency period. For Josie the true flavour of this period emerges after the iniquitous hair powder tax of 1795, unsurprisingly, scuppered the fashion for hair powder almost overnight.

Josie has always dabbled in stories but it took the combined efforts of her sister and eldest niece to set her on the path to writing novels. Her Regency romances, with a dash of adventure and intrigue, are the result.

About the book

Pride meets prejudice – can love blossom?

Beautiful young widow, Lady Eliza Wyndham, is determined never to remarry after a disastrous first marriage. The undeniable attraction that fizzes between her and Major Nathaniel Overton terrifies her. She rejects his advances.

With his pride badly dented, Nat vows to forget Eliza until he finds her in danger from an old adversary of his army days. His protective instincts are stirred and he steps back into her life, but will Eliza be prepared to accept his help.

Review

When Nat and Eliza crash into each other neither of them expects to find someone who can help to heal wounds and give each other what they want the most. Instead it’s a case of Eliza being irritated and strangely aroused in equal measures and for Nat it’s being attracted to the most annoying young woman.

But there is no such thing as plain sailing in the world of love, especially not when that world is structured by strict societal rules that prohibit a blossoming relationship. A relationship Eliza is reluctant to entertain. Personally I wouldn’t spend that much time trying to convince someone who is so opposed to being loved by me. Nat gets a rough deal.

It’s a sweet and tender story of love and helping Eliza to trust in her own emotions and in a man again. Nat gives her time, space and understanding. There is plenty of tension and build-up, a sensual game of lovers to be.

Bonham gives her readers a regency read that reminded me of the bodice rippers of the 80s, but with more of a gentle touch when it comes to the culmination of desires. It’s an age old tale of love, apparent opposites who find each other irresistible and have no intention of admitting it to each other.

I think it’s a perfect read for readers who love romance and even more when it falls under the category of Regency Romance.

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#BlogTour Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke

Today it’s Publication Day for Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls by Rosie Clarke and also my turn on the BlogTour.About the Author

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 ( Linda Sole also writes as Cathy Sharp, Anne Herries and Rosie Clarke) and is a RNA Award winner.  She lives in Cambridgeshire. Click here to sign up to Rosie Clarke’s newsletter

Follow @AnneHerries on Twitter, on Bookbub, on Amazon, on Goodreads,Visit rosieclarke.co.uk, Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls

About the book

Hard times ahead for the Harpers girls…

It is two years since Harpers opened in Oxford Street and Ben is planning to expand the premises. Life is good for Sally and Ben as they look forward to their first child and hope for a prosperous future. Beth is settling into married life with Jack, gradually recovering from her aunt’s tragic death, though still unable to conceive a child.

New girls have joined Harpers and Marion, Janice and Becky all become a part of the daily life at the busy store. Rachel is undecided whether to marry a man she isn’t sure she can trust, while Minnie meets an old love.

The sun is shining in English streets but on the horizon dark clouds gather over Europe and war looms threatening to bring rainy days for the Harpers girls…

Review

This is the third book in the Welcome to Harpers Emporium series. All of these can be read as standalone books, although I would suggest reading the others so you can get to know the characters and their stories.

Sally and Ben are looking forward to the next step in their lives – welcoming their first child. Sally struggles with her body restricting the way she goes about her usual duties. Not being in charge all the time and hands-on is something she finds hard to come to terms with, perhaps also with the fact she is unable to keep up with the trouble others may be having.

Both the new women and the characters already known to us will soon be facing incredible changes as certain events have repercussions that will inevitably change life for everyone. Women will step into roles hitherto forbidden to them as families and couples are ripped apart in the name of honour and country.

It’s historical fiction – a saga of courageous women trying to overcome their own challenges – sometimes alone, but more often with the help of their friends.

There are plenty of characters, perhaps too many with their own storylines, because it sometimes felt a little disjointed. The main characters are swallowed up a little by all the directions the reader is pulled in.

Aside from that it is a read that combines realism with escapism and relatable characters. It is also very much a story of sisterhood and women supporting each other, which is always a great message – in fiction and real life.

Buy Rainy Days for the Harpers Girls at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Boldwood Books; pub date 2 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Boldwood Books.

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#BlogTour The Second Chance Hotel by Rachel Dove

It’s my turn on the BlogTour The Second Chance Hotel by Rachel Dove.

About the Author

Rachel Dove – ‘I am a writer and teacher, living in West Yorkshire with my husband, our two sons, and our furry pets.

In July 2015, I won the Prima magazine and Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction Competition, with my entry, The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, out now in ebook and paperback. The Flower Shop on Foxley Street followed this in 2017 and both books hit the Amazon top 200. Chic Boutique got to #2 in the rural life humour chart and is regularly in the top 100 of that chart. The Wedding Shop on Wexley Street came out in ebook on 10th August and the paperback 1st November 2018.

I am the winner of the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award in 2016 and I have had work published in the UK and overseas in various magazines.

My standalone soldier book, The Long Walk Back, came out in January 2018 and I am currently writing the next book in the Westfield series. My first book with Manatee Books, Nice Guys Finish Lonely, came out in April 2018 in ebook and paperback. I love to write romantic fiction, both rom-com and harder hitting women’s fiction.

I am also a post 16 teacher and am undertaking an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University.’

Follow @writerdove on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit racheldoveauthor.wordpress.com, Buy The Second Chance Hotel

About the book

Welcome to Shady Pines, where the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling, and there’s a cosy chalet waiting to be your home away from home. But will April find the new start she’s looking for?

April Statham had it all – until her husband left her for a blonde ten years her junior. Now she’s thirty-five, single, and starting again. So she does what anyone in her position would do: she impulsively invests her life savings in the chalet park she used to visit as a child, on the beautiful Cornish Coast.

The Shady Pines Chalet Park is… ramshackle. But it has one big advantage – it is as far as physically possible from April’s ex, his new fiancée, and her old life. With gorgeous handyman Cillian O’Leary, April is looking forward to the challenge.

As visitors arrive, April realises that Shady Pines isn’t just a second chance for her, it gives Cillian another shot at happiness too.  But when he moves into the chalet next door, April’s painful past starts to catch up with her, and she struggles to reconcile her feelings for Cillian.

Is April’s new beginning destined to end in failure – or will she find new friends, a new life and new love at her second chance hotel?

Review

April is the new owner of Shady Pines – perfect holiday retreat. New business, new her, what could possibly go wrong an what are the odds of her old problems catching up with her.

If you haven’t been in the position of being a woman who can’t conceive and are unable to have the child you want, I think it may be difficult to comprehend just how much it influences their emotional well-being and responses to certain situations. It’s easy to put April aside and label her as dramatic, highly-strung and too invested. Unfortunately it also means, especially in this case, that the people around her are unable to feel empathy, thereby making her feel as if she has failed in some way.

Running away and starting a completely new life is a scary thing to do, but it also saves her from the constant criticism she is experiencing. The worn down chalet park she decided to buy was an attempt to grab a piece of nostalgia. Apparently it comes with a grumpy old woman and an odd-jobs man with more baggage than the lost and found department at an airport.

It’s a romance, which has amusing moments at times, but is overall a story about realising when one door closes another one will always open somewhere for you.

Dove very much combines the serious with the fun in this read. Her characters are dealing with the kinds of issues that can break hearts, break up relationships and sometimes bring people to the brink. It’s that element of realism that gives this story something readers they can relate to, whilst simultaneously giving them some escapism.

Buy The Second Chance Hotel at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 29 May 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

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#BlogTour Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Escape to the French Farmhouse by Jo Thomas.

About the Author

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, first for BBC Radio 5, before moving on to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show. In 2013 Jo won the RNA Katie Fforde Bursary. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessay on Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.

Follow @jo_thomas01 on Twitter, JoThomasAuthor on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit jothomasauthor.com, Buy Escape to the French Farmhouse

About the book

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier… a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence.

Review

Unless you have experienced it first-hand it’s really hard to fathom how some people can move to a foreign country and build their own home country bubble inside said foreign country. The British are particularly talented at it. It’s like a throwback to times of colonialism. One might be abroad, but one has to live as if one were at home darling.

It’s probably also the very reason Brit ex-pats tend to stick together and move into the same areas. You have to be willing to adjust to your new surroundings by learning the language, the culture and becoming part of your new country. Although to be completely frank you will also possibly always be the foreigner who moved in ten years ago.

The difference between Del and Ollie is that Del has recognised the bubble her fellow ex-pats live in and that she wants to be part of the community instead. Ollie is done with being an ex-pat in the French countryside, and Del is done with him and their marriage. She embarks upon a new life, which brings various highs and lows, but ultimately she knows it is worth all the emotional turmoil that comes with it.

It’s a story about discovery of self and being brave enough to acknowledge you want something more or different for yourself in life.

Immersed in this story is a point that is quite poignant, especially during the uncertainty of our current situation, which is trying to connect with and help others. Society teaches us not to trust, to look away, to judge and to discard. The difference just one person can make to the lives of others is the best part of this story.

Thomas infuses the story with love, food and lavender, but more importantly with an atmosphere of hope.

Buy Escape to the French Farmhouse at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Transworld Digital: pub date 7 May 2020 – Paperback 9th July 2020 | £7.99. Buy at Amazon com.

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#BlogTour Trust in You by Julia Firlotte

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Trust in You by Julia Firlotte.

About the Author

Julia is an avid reader of all things romance, and she has read hundreds of books across a variety of sub-genres and began writing her own novels in 2018. Four books are currently in various stages of editing and completion, the first of which is finished and will be on sale in spring 2020.

Julia has always been passionate about languages and fiction and has a degree in Languages And Trade and an A-Level in English Literature. When Julia is not writing or editing her own novels, she usually has her nose in books by other authors and is otherwise kept busy caring for her family, going to the gym and carrying out her day job. Julia lives on the South Coast of England with her two children, husband and cats.

Follow @juliafirlotte on Twitter, on Amazon, on Facebook, on Goodreads, on Instagram, Visit Romance Chit Chat on Facebook, Visit juliafirlotteauthor.com, Buy Trust in You

About the book

From the moment she met him, Ella Peterson had questions. As always, though, she’s too shy to ask.

Older and sexy as hell, mysterious Adam Brook soon sweeps sheltered Ella off her feet; but is he as perfect as he appears to be, or is there more to him than he’s telling her?

Ella’s world has already turned upside down after moving from England to rural Kansas. She and her sisters were hoping for a more secure future, but instead find that life can be tough when jobs are scarce and the stakes often higher than anticipated.

When events spiral out of Ella’s control, she learns the person she needs to rely on most is herself and her instincts on who to trust in the future. It’s just that her instincts are screaming at her to trust Adam; it’s what he tells her that makes that a problem.

Review

Ella and her family have relocated to the US and are trying to gain a financial foothold to secure their new lives. Unfortunately they have had to borrow to do so and finding jobs is proving more difficult that they thought it would be.

When she is left alone to sell produce at a local market she not only becomes the target of a bunch of leering creeps, she also attracts the attention of a handsome stranger. Someone older who wants to help and protect her, but what is he hiding beneath the respectable exterior?

Ella is young, naive and inexperienced when it comes to sexual activity. Something Adam finds endearing, he is up for being the one to teach her a trick or two.

It’s urban border crime and romance. A story of the difference between lust and love.

Although the more amorous scenes aren’t too explicit this isn’t a book I would necessarily recommend to a young adult. Mainly because the abuse, control and misogynistic tropes are romanticised at times. The handsome man can be forgiven for any misstep, wrong word or action, because hey he is just super handsome with a delicious body, right?

But perhaps that was the point of Ella’s story – to point out what girls and women have to go through on a daily basis. From the catcalls, the sexual innuendo, the inappropriate staring and touching, and that is without counting the molestation and rape. Teaching all women that it isn’t cute or acceptable no matter how charming the man.

Buy Trust in You at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Julia Firlotte Author pub date 6 April 2020.  Buy at Amazon com.

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#PublicationDayPush Redeeming the Reclusive Earl by Virginia Heath

It’s the Publication Push Day for Redeeming the Reclusive Earl by Virginia Heath.

Enter the Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Redeeming the Reclusive Earl (Open INT)

About the Author

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

About the book

His heart is a fortress… And she’s trespassing!

After losing all he holds dear in a horrific fire, Max Aldersley, Earl of Rivenhall, shuns the world—until he catches Effie Nithercott digging holes on his estate! He banishes the intrepid archaeologist and the unsettled feelings she rouses within him. But she returns even more determined and infuriatingly desirable than before! He wonders just how deep she’s prepared to dig—so far she’ll reach the man beneath his scars?

Review

I’m not sure whether Max is more annoyed by the fact Effie is a woman stomping round in trousers or by the fact she is oblivious to his annoyance. When he finds her digging holes on his land like a rabbit building a multiplex warren, he is quick to demand she leave and never return. Effie however doesn’t let anything get between her and her research.

She demands to be not only heard, but also that her commands be listened to and met. Not much of a shy, obedient woman of society, much to the dismay of Max. The woman is quite frustrating, exasperating even.

As the story evolves Effie not only has to come to terms with the fact she is attracted to the annoying Earl of Rivenhall, she also has to deal with the lack of professional acknowledgment in her area of expertise, because of her gender.

I have probably said this before about Heath, but it’s always worth mentioning.She has a knack of combining the breathless fun of a bodice-ripper, without the ripping, with a jolly good sense of humour. You get cheeky fun, a slow-burning romance with escalating tension and characters that whip themselves into a frenzy with sharp retorts. Duels with tongues at sunrise. Okay, that sounds a bit naughty.

Heath also weaves elements of women’s empowerment into the story, which are often only small concessions, but given the era they are a step in the right direction.

Buy Redeeming the Reclusive Earl at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Mills & Boon Historical; pub date 19 Mar. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my reviews of The Determined Lord Hadleigh and The Disgraceful Lord Gray by Virginia Heath.

Enter the Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of Redeeming the Reclusive Earl (Open INT)

Click here to Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway

*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 be 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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#BlogTour Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan

Today it’s also a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Family for Beginners by Sarah Morgan.

About the Author

Sarah Morgan lives near London, England with her family. When sheisn’t writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking or riding her mountain bike.

Follow @SarahMorgan_ @HQStories @HarperCollinsUK on Twitter, on Amazon, on Goodreads, on Facebook www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahMorgan, Visit sarahmorgan.com, Buy Family for Beginners

About the book

Who says you can’t choose your family?

When Flora falls in love with Jack, suddenly she’s not only handling a very cranky teenager, but she’s also living in the shadow of Jack’s perfect, immortalised wife, Becca. Every summer, Becca and Jack would holiday with Becca’s oldest friends and Jack wants to continue the tradition, so now Flora must face a summer trying to live up to Becca’s memory, with not only Jack’s daughter looking on, but with Becca’s best friends judging her every move…

The more Flora tries to impress everyone, the more things go horribly wrong…but as the summer unfolds, Flora begins pushing her own boundaries, and finding herself in a way that she never thought she needed to.

And she soon learns that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Review

The author doesn’t paint Flora as the nasty interloper, which is what often happens when a new partner is introduced to the family. Instead she presents both sides of the difficult situation. On one side there is Flora, who has never experienced being part of a family, which is probably why she overcompensates in certain situations. Then the family unit who are reluctant to accept someone new stepping into the role the mother used to inhabit.

It’s very much an intense emotional minefield, as Flora tries to navigate the pain and distress of the two young girls that are the entire world to her boyfriend. Molly thaws with each genuine moment of love and attention, but Izzy is determined to get rid of Flora.

To make things even more difficult the awkward foursome reluctantly spend a holiday with the best friend of a dead and very perfect mother and wife. It brings feelings both old and new to the surface, which means there is no choice but to face the truth.

It’s women’s fiction – a story of upheaval, grief and broken families.

In the last few years Morgan has successfully moved from romance to more complex contemporary fiction for women. She takes her characters to greater depth and her stories cross into more complex topics.

It’s a beautiful read, uplifting and incredibly sad at times. Full of genuine emotions and vulnerable people. Morgan hits the mark once again.

Buy Family for Beginners at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ; pub date 2 April 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

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#BlogTour The Chapel by Jess B. Moore

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour The Chapel by Jess B. Moore.

About the Author

Jess B. Moore is a writer of love stories. When she’s not writing, she’s busy mothering her accomplished and headstrong children, reading obscene numbers of books, and knitting scarves she’ll likely never finish.

Jess lives in small town North Carolina with her bluegrass obsessed family. She takes too many pictures of her cats, thinking the Internet loves them as much as she does. She is a firm believer of swapping stories over coffee or wine, and that there should always be dark chocolate involved.

The Fox River Romance novels combine her interests in family, music, and small towns into a thoughtful tales of growing up and falling in love. These books can be read as stand-alone, or as a series starting with The Guilt of a Sparrow.

Please consider leaving a review to let other readers know what you think! Follow Jess on social media.

About the book

Mallory Johansen has nearly given up on thinking she’ll get her act together – the one where she plays the part of an adult – by the time she hits thirty. As it is she’s desperate and depressed. Her only friend is leaving town, she’s paired to work with a man who can’t stand her, and she finds herself homeless. Definitely hasn’t mastered being a grown-up yet.

Otis Bell wants nothing more than to play his guitar, book acoustic bands to perform at his upcoming music venue, and be in charge of his own life. Instead, he’s working full time in his family’s auto shop. He only owns half the supposed music venue, which stands as an abandoned church and needs more than a little work. When his best friend moves away, he’s paired with an aloof girl he’s never liked as partner, and stretches himself thin working too many hours.

The Chapel is the little music venue that could. Full of potential. Full of ugly carpet, peeling paint, and exhausting work. Mallie and Otis navigate their way through a fledgling partnership, trying their darnedest to get the place up and running, while trying pretty hard not to fall in love in the process.

Review

Mallie and Otis don’t like each other or rather they tend to avoid each other. So it comes as a huge surprise when Mallie’s cousin asks her to take over his position in a partnership with Otis. She is hesitant, because of their past friction, but she is willing to do anything for family.

What emerges quite quickly is that the negative emotions are actually attraction and the residue of an old crush. Otis finds himself feeling protective towards her and also jealous when she spreads her wings with other men.

Mallie is cautious, in general she seems to be afraid to start a relationship. She is naive when it comes to the way men react to her and perhaps doesn’t take care of herself the way she should. It’s very much a damsel in distress being held up by the strong shoulders of grumpy Otis.

This is the fifth story in the Fox River series and can be read as a standalone novel, and the other books in the series can too. They do intersect with each other when it comes to characters.

Moore writes a cosy romance with an emphasis on family. Although this is clearly a popular series I would watch the repetitive angle, despite it being a recipe that draws readers in. Aside from that the author hits the right notes when it comes to emotional turmoil and romance.

Buy The Chapel at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Saving Grace and The Worth of a Penny by Jess B. Moore.

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#BlogTour Lady Edith’s Lonely Heart by Audrey Harrison

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Lady Edith’s Lonely Heart.

About the Author

Amazon Uk Kindle Storyteller Competition Finalist 2018!

Audrey was born about two hundred years too late. She wants to belong to a time when men were men and women were dressed in gowns and could float, simper and sigh.

In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.

So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and meals are still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?

About the book

A dashing tale of romance from a bestselling author of Regency Romance.

She is under pressure to find a husband she doesn’t want. He keeps to the fringes of society because of family constraints. Will the written word be enough to bring two lost souls together?

Lady Edith Longdon is an heiress, in danger of being classed a spinster, and disillusioned with the fops, dandies, and fortune hunters surrounding her in society. Deciding it’s time to take her future into her own hands, she devises a foolproof way of finding someone she can love. She’s convinced nothing could go wrong…

Lord Ralph Pensby, overwhelmed by a sense of obligation, and with no one he can turn to, is adrift from those around him…

Two people drawn together, both on a journey which will affect them in ways they could never have foreseen. Secret correspondence, mistrust and confusion, not to mention cads of the highest order, make this novel a fast-paced, heart-warming story, with appealing characters and a strong sense of time and place.

Perfect for lovers of all things Regency.

Review

Edith counts as a spinster, even at her young age, time is running out for her when it comes to finding a suitable match. The only thing she has in her favour, according to society, is the fact she comes with her own fortune, which in the case of a marriage would belong to her husband.

So she decides to help her own cause by writing an ad – a bit like an old-fashioned dating profile. The result is a range of unsuitable, inappropriate and irrational answers to her letter. There is one however who appears to shine through, someone who opens up his heart completely in his letters to her.

Perhaps the solution to her problem is closer than she thinks, although it’s hard to find someone who will love her when her own family hasn’t got her best interests at heart.

I’m glad the author references it herself, because this definitely has the feel of an old-fashioned You’ve got Mail. Instead of electronic messages Edith and her paramour use the medium of a newspaper. It gives them the chance to say things they wouldn’t say face to face. To reveal their inner feelings and fears, emotions society wouldn’t allow them to voice.

It’s a story for readers who love a bit of Regency romance – all flushed cheeks, swishing fans and fluttering eyelashes. Harrison gives her readers the right amount of indignant outrage and heartache without wading into the genre of bodice-rippers or breathless rompy-pompy. It has the same comfortable feel of a contemporary romance read.

Buy Lady Edith’s Lonely Heart at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Buy at Amazon com.