#BlogTour Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

It’s truly a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens. 

‘New York Times bestselling author Sophie Cousens is back with her second quirky, romantic tale of love, fate and why a simple mistake could be the secret to finding true love.’

About the Author

Sophie Cousens is a writer of romantic fiction based in Jersey, where Just Haven’t Met You Yet is set. Her previous novel published by Arrow, This Time Next Year, has reached huge success in the UK, having sold 150,000 copies across all formats in just six months. This Time Next Year has also achieved huge success in the US as a New York Times bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club pick.

Sophie previously worked in TV in London for over twelve years, producing The Graham Norton Show, Big Brother and Ant and Dec. Sophie has also previously published an eBook only romantic comedy novel How To Get Ahead In Television which was shortlisted for the 2015 Romantic Novelist Association Awards. She relocated from London to Jersey and balances her writing career with working for an arts charity, taking care of her two small children and enjoying small island life. Follow @SophieCous on Twitter or on Instagram

About the book

Tell me story of how you two met… Hopeless romantic Laura has spent her career as a journalist telling other people’s unbelievable love stories. But when it comes to her own love life, it seems she keeps looking for ‘the one’ in all the wrong places.

That is until she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport by mistake and finds inside contents that just might belong to the man of her dreams. From romantic piano sheet-music to a battered copy of her favourite book, Laura knows this is the sign she’s been waiting for.

And if her job has taught her anything, it’s that when it comes to love, you can’t let opportunity pass you by. And so Laura is determined to track down the mysterious suitcase owner and her own happy ending. But fate, as always, might just have other ideas…

Review

Laura is convinced there is a perfect connection with a potential soulmate just waiting to happen to her. When she picks up the wrong suitcase at the airport and all signs point to the perfect man, then she gets slightly obsessed with finding him. 

Whilst retracing the path of her parents love story, and more or less stalking a stranger she has never even seen before, she encounters some hard truths and eye-opening revelations about herself and others.

I must admit it made me laugh, a lot. Laura’s energy, social awkwardness, bumbling mistakes, and quite frankly her naïve optimism – it all makes her a lovable character. You can’t help but go along for the ride. It’s as if she lives in this alternate universe where everything just falls into place eventually, no matter what kind of obstacle she encounters.

Cousens clearly has knack for storytelling and in equal measures for creating characters readers find relatable, and yet simultaneously they have an element of fantastical fictional characters. It’s exactly the right combination for a feel good and often funny read.

I think this is going to be a popular read. It hits all the right spots. A bit of nostalgia, a budding romance, friendship, a dab of comedy, and the hunt for Mr Right – also known as the elusive Mr Wrong Suitcase.

Buy Just Haven’t Met You Yet at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Arrow; pub date 11th November 2021 – Paperback Original £7.99. Buy at Amazon com. At Waterstones.

#BlogTour Pug Actually by Matt Dunn

It’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Pug Actually by Matt Dunn. 

‘With over 400,000 copies sold in e-book, Matt Dunn’s Pug Actually, is the heartwarming, hilarious, and strikingly perceptive story of the high and lows of modern relationships as seen through the eyes of a wise pug named Doug.’

About the Author

Matt Dunn is the author of numerous romantic comedy novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook and A Day at the Office. he’s also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Follow @mattdunnwrites on Twitter

About the book

Loyal rescue pug Doug wants his adoring owner Julie to find unconditional love and happiness – and he knows she won’t find either in the arms of Luke, her married boss and lover. Julie, reluctant to end things with Luke, fears that if she chooses to be alone, she will end up like her eccentric cat-owning neighbour. It’s a prospect that horrifies Doug too.

Hopeful to help Julie move on – Doug looks to match-make Julie and Tom, a newly divorced V-E-T, who is perfect for her (despite his questionable occupation). There’s just one problem: Julie and Tom can’t stand each other.

Doug doesn’t quite understand the quirks and complexities of human relationships, but he won’t let that get in the way of his mission to bring Tom and Julie together. After all, being a ‘rescue’ works both ways…

Review 

Doug doesn’t see himself as a rescue dog – in his mind he is the one in charge of his owner’s happiness. If something is making her sad then it has to go, hence his dislike of her boyfriend. Doug wants him gone, and he is willing to stalk, threaten and intimidate if necessary.

It suits Doug just fine when the humans around him, get on board with his ( it’s always his brilliant idea of course) suggestion to introduce Julie to the perfect man – the person she doesn’t knows she is missing yet.

I have to admit this had me chuckling within the first few pages. The stand-off chapter is absolutely hilarious and so is Doug. He’s like a little old man combined with an agony aunt, and all the dog traits to boot. The narration is so human-like and on point that it’s easy to forget there is a four legged canine at the end of the voice.

I’m guessing I won’t be the only one that hopes this isn’t the last time we hear from Doug, and would love to see him on screen. Dunn writes and creates with a certain ease, that it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of a fictional scenario.

Buy Pug Actually at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎HQ Digital; pub date 14 Oct. 2021. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogBlitz I Don’t Do Mondays by Colette Kebell

Today it’s my turn on the BlogBlitz I Don’t Do Mondays by Colette Kebell.

About the Author

Colette Kebell is an author of Chick-lit/Romcom, though a relatively new one and thus far has self-published her books. Her books are light-hearted, fun and quirky and even considered by some to be inspirational.  She has also found avenues to translate both into Italian (thanks to her husband), and into French, Spanish and Portuguese via Babelcube. 

As a career, Colette spent her later years as a legal secretary. After a first attempt at writing many years ago (a book that still remains in her drawer) she resumed this passion a few years back, after being made redundant. After a few book signing events and a book talk, which almost caused her to collapse with nerves, Colette now spends her time between her home in the UK and her home in France.

Colette has two adorable dogs and spends some time, when not writing and marketing her books, cooking for herself and her husband, gardening or designing various items for their home.  Amongst her other hobbies, she has also experimented with furniture upholstery, and she might, from time to time, have a paintbrush in her hand.

She can be found on twitter @ColetteKebell though doesn’t tweet a vast amount. Follow her on Facebook, on Instagram, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit colettekebell.com, Buy I Don’t do Mondays

About the book

How can Mia find happiness?
Lawyer Mia’s picture-perfect dream life in New York is imploding. Her job has become too stressful, she’s exhausted from carrying her friends and what’s up with her striking, wealthy fiancé?

But when life-changing decisions force her to move to Maine, where she’ll face her often critical father and hard truths about what truly matters in life, she re-discovers a passion of her youth.

What begins as a low moment in her life quickly pushes her to consider what she genuinely wants and leads her down a new path where she must embrace the future and let go of the past. Will this move help Mia to fix her life, once and for all, and will she finally find true love?

Review 

There are quite a lot of people in this book who do not like Mondays or don’t do them at all, and we’re not even talking Boomtown Rats here. Sorry couldn’t resist the old pop culture reference there. The majority of them are affluent people who don’t even care what day it actually is. When you have plenty of money – that’s the way the cookie crumbles.

Mia is dating one of them, which often seems like the odd couple are being forced to spend time together. Unbeknownst to her he isn’t the man of her dreams, although it is clear to everyone else. He doesn’t like her friends and the question is does he really like or love her at all?

Mia might be the main character, but the other characters seem to have equal time in the story. Possibly developing others for future stories? Either way it sometimes felt like too many cooks in the kitchen and not enough food for Mia. Kebell writes a diverse, fast-paced and honest read. A bit like a combination between a Hallmark movie and racy romcom.

At times it felt as if the story was torn between these two entities, however it was still a pleasant read. The kind of read you pick up when you need a bit of escapism, a little laughter and also a wee bit of shaking the head when certain characters act like complete tosspots.

Buy I Don’t Do Mondays at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Skittish Endeavours pub date 19 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

#BlogTour My Christmas Number One by Leonie Mack

Today it’s the last day on the BlogTour My Christmas Number One by Leonie Mack.

About the Author

Leonie Mack is a debut romantic novelist. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings! Sign up for her newsletter here

Follow @LeonieMAuthor on Twitter, on Instagram, on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads,Visit leoniemack.com, Buy My Christmas Number One

About the book

There’s nothing quite like a Christmas love story, to get you in the mood for celebrating…

Cara doesn’t do sexy and she only does ‘Happy Christmas’ under duress. She is, after all, a serious musician, and her stubborn streak is born from her struggle to recover from a serious injury.

Javi lives for escapist fun – in his music, and in his life – especially since he’s always failed at life’s more serious challenges, including marriage and fatherhood.

Javi and Cara are forced to record a Christmas single together, but neither of them have plans to spend any more time with each other than they absolutely have to. With Christmas traditions that couldn’t be more different, and outlooks on life that are worlds apart, the chemistry just shouldn’t work. But the magic of Christmas can bring even opposites together…

From the snowy beauty of London at Christmas, to the candle-lit magic of Javi’s traditional family celebrations, let Leonie Mack whisk you away on a memorable festive adventure. Perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin.

Review

Although this is ultimately a story about Christmas and being able to enjoy it or not, it’s more about people connecting on a deeper level. People who under different circumstances would never even entertain the idea of being together. Ships that notice each other as they pass in the night, and only notice the presence of the other briefly.

Cara and Javi are thrown together by forces not under their control. Music contracts determine a collaboration that makes both of them doubt whether they can work together at all. A Christmas single by two people who have completely different Christmas traditions and music styles, and where Cara is concerned it’s a case of – Christmas is a no no.

And yet they still have to find away to connect their music styles, their thoughts on life and the whole concept of Christmas. What happens instead is this beautiful bond that happens with people who have a visceral reaction and connection to the sound and creation of beautiful music, and that is the unexpected beginning of a foundation they are both unaware of.

Despite the fact this is a Christmas read, it isn’t necessarily a jingle bell jolly one. I found it very much one of hope, of experiencing a person who is your opposite, and in doing so being able to discover new elements of life and rediscover the emotions you have been keeping buried for so long.

Mack manages to create a fun and often witty read, which is actual quite deep at times. I think this author is particularly good at being able to make readers feel the passion, which in this case isn’t the one you might think of per se, but very much being able to experience the Joie de vivre certain characters absolutely bring to the pages.

Buy My Christmas Number One at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher : Boldwood Books; pub date 10 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy via Boldwood Books.

#BlogTour Accidentally in Love by Belinda Missen

Today it’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Accidentally in Love by Belinda Missen.

About the Author

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.

Follow @belinda_missen on Twitter, on Instagram, on Facebook, on Amazon, on Goodreads, Visit belindamissen.com, Buy Accidentally in Love 

About the book

In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one. No big deal. Because Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always wanted. What she’s not going to do is worry about boyfriends.

Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before. And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love…

Review

Claps and waves a flag in support of Katharine in the office scene

There is nothing more condescending than being stuck in a position without the possibility of advancement, because your gender negates all of your qualifications, experience and clear ability to do a better job than your male counterparts.

The last thing she needs when her entire future has just gone up in smoke is her family trying to play matchmaker, which wouldn’t be such a bad thing if their choice wasn’t an arrogant, self-involved artist. The type that thinks that her own art and aspirations are pathetically immature, and he smirks at her lack of knowledge of mainstream art, especially as an supposed art expert.

I found this point quite interesting – that mainstream artists don’t get a platform or an opportunity to show their art to a larger audience, because the gatekeepers of the art world keep them locked outside. The focus always seems to be on the old classics, the dead, and the over-hyped and funded artists.

Although in essence a romcom, the author has grounded the story in realism, well as much as you can when you are writing an uplifting feel good read. I think this will resonate with many readers because it’s relatable. Families can be funny, they interfere, they can be eccentric and they can be annoying.

Missen captures all of that, but more importantly she captures the intent, which is predominantly a genuine love and concern.

Love isn’t a television film or episode. It’s complicated, messy and it isn’t always a fun filled breathless experience. It hurts. It can also be an exhilarating and freeing experience when you find someone who understands you, the things you like and what makes you laugh.

Sometimes love and relationships are just around the corner waiting to be discovered, accidentally in love is exactly the right title.

Buy Accidentally in Love at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 11 Sept. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.  Buy from Nook, Apple, Kindle, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Google, !ndigo or Kobo at books2read.

#BlogTour You May Kiss the Bridesmaid by Camilla Isley

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour You May Kiss the Bridesmaid by Camilla Isley.

About the Author

Camilla is an engineer turned writer after she quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad.

She’s a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She’s a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn’t want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.

Follow @camillaisley on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on BookBub, on Instagram, on Pinterest, Visit camillaisley.org Buy You May Kiss the Bridesmaid

About the book

Archibald Hill is handsome, single, and he’s going to his best friend’s wedding ready to make a conquest or two. After all, everyone knows weddings are the perfect setting to get lucky.

Summer Knowles used to have a life—friends, family, a sister who’d do anything for her—until she blew it all away with a terrible mistake. Now, attending her twin’s wedding as the party’s undesirable number one seems like more than she can handle. So, when a tall stranger with smoldering ice-blue eyes offers her a therapy of seven nights of no-strings-attached fun, she might even ignore that he has a beard and accept.

Problem is, Summer has never been good at keeping sex and feelings separated…

Review

Summer isn’t exactly looking forward to her sister’s wedding. Her past has made her a social pariah and to be fair she has a lot going on in her private life anyway. She has sworn off men for good, maybe for a while at least. Until she meets the best man that is, then all bets are off when it comes to having a good time.

Archie thinks the groom is the luckiest guy in the world to be marrying the girl of his dreams. He is even a tad jealous, so a little distraction during the wedding week is exactly the right thing to keep him occupied.

The casual hook-up between Archie and Summer turns into something a little more when their secret trysts are discovered. Then fun becomes more serious and the thought of an adult relationship with the responsibilities that come with it drives a wedge between the two of them.

I kind of felt sorry for Summer. Everyone makes mistakes – should they be able to redeem themselves or get a second chance. Does it depend on the crime or the mistake? Does Summer deserve to be treated like a pariah, despite the fact the person she hurt the most has moved on and also forgiven her.

It’s a delightful romcom, an amusing and yet sweet story at times. This series reminds me of work by Sarah Morgan. Fun-filled romance with moments of breathless passion, complicated emotions and people who are made for each other.

Buy You May Kiss the Bridesmaid at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Pink Bloom Press; pub date 23 July 2020. Buy at Amazon com. At Apple books. Barnes&Noble. At Kobo. Google Play.

Read my review of To the Stars and Back by Camilla Isley.

#BlogTour Katie’s Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers

Today it’s a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour Katie’s Cornish Kitchen by Rosie Chambers.

About the Author

Rosie Chambers loves writing uplifting, feel-good stories set in sun-filled locations around the world. Her stories are filled with fun, friendship and foodie treats, which Rosie hopes will bring a smile to her readers’ faces. She’s always on the market for quirky stationery and is never happier than with a pen in one hand and a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit in the other.

Follow @RosieCbooks on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Buy Katie’s Cornish Kitchen

About the book

Kindness, community and cake are all on the menu at Katie’s Cornish Kitchen.

After the heartbreak of being jilted by her fiancé, Katie Campbell has been mending her broken heart in Bali. She has local restaurant owner and new friend Agatha to thank for providing a listening ear in her moment of need. When Katie confides she’s worried about going back to what’s left of her life in London, Agatha has just the opportunity for Katie – to manage her old café in the beautiful, picturesque village of Perrinby in Cornwall.

Although reopening the café and making it profitable won’t be easy, Katie is determined to make the most of her fresh start. She quickly makes new friends in florist Jay, waitress Talia and handsome neighbour Oscar, and focuses on making the café a welcoming place for the community – from hosting floristry workshops to pizza-making nights and even the local knit-and-natter group. But, with the café under threat from the local property developers circulating just as she’s starting to grow closer to Oscar and finally feeling at home, can Katie find the recipe to make her Cornish Kitchen a success?

Review

Katie is still recovering from being dropped by her husband-to-be. She was lucky to meet someone who gave her enough distractions to not go off the deep end and now that person has handed her the keys to a new chance in life. The opportunity to reinvent herself without the burden of a catastrophic career and an ex-partner who has different priorities – the kind that have nothing to do with her.

So it’s off to Cornwall to try and run a cafe. A dusty neglected one that happens to be considered prime real estate by the local property developer, a smarmy tosser with a lot of determination.

The only thing about books that connect emotions with food, especially warm and fluffy ones, is that a read like this will probably have you either snacking throughout or hungry for something just as delectable. Chambers uses the food and recipes as a medium between the characters, their pain and ultimately their path to healing.

It’s a lovely feel good story with romance at the core, but more importantly it is about being able to trust again and to feel as if you belong to someone, something and somewhere. At the same time it is also about comprehending that it is fine to be alone in the midst of many, because there will be someone to be pick you up when you fall down. Chambers gives her readers humour, hope and a heartwarming read.

Buy Katie’s Cornish Kitchen at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 6 July 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of A Year of Chasing Love by Rosie Chambers.

#BlogTour The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour The Summer We Ran Away by Jenny Oliver.

About the Author

Jenny Oliver is a bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She has been an elf in the Disney Store, a personal trainer, journalist, editor and, by far the best, a writer. Twice nominated for the RNA Best Contemporary Novel award, Jenny’s books explore the ups and downs of relationships and an unwavering belief in happily ever after. In her spare time, she can be found cajoling her family out to car boot sales, trying to reign in her competitiveness on the netball court and subtly eavesdropping on strangers’ conversations as inspiration for her next book.

Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks, Instagram @JenOliverBooks, and Facebook @JennyOliverBooks, on Goodreads, on Amazon, Visit jennyoliverbooks.com, Buy The Summer We Ran Away

About the book

It was meant to be the party of the summer…

In Cedar Road, everyone is preparing for Lexi’s ‘White Hot’ summer party. For one night, parking squabbles and petitions are put aside as neighbours sip Prosecco under the fairy lights and gather by the hot tub to marvel at Lexi’s effortlessly glamorous life with Hot Hamish.

For Julia, it’s a chance to coax husband Charlie out of his potting shed and into a shirt so they can have a welcome break from the hellish house renovation they’ve been wrestling with. And it’s a chance for Julia to pretend – just for a night – that her life is as perfect as Lexi’s.

But when, during the party, one of Julia’s WhatsApp messages falls into the wrong hands and reveals her most intimate thoughts, things reach boiling point… And when all the neighbours know exactly what you’re thinking, there’s only one thing to do. Run away.

Review

Julia spends the majority of the time trying to be like someone else. Buying the same clothes, shoes and doing the same activities. When her neighbour Lexi says jump she asks how high. Julia also has an unhealthy obsession about her neighbour’s husband. The kind that gets her pulse rising.

At a summer garden party everything goes pear-shaped when one of her racy Whatsapp messages gets sent to the wrong people. Suddenly everything she thought was important becomes nothing more than white noise. Her husband is devastated and her friends aren’t so friendly anymore.

She ends up on a spontaneous trip that not only opens up her eyes, it also gives her an entirely new perspective on her marriage and life in general.

It’s women’s fiction, a story of finding yourself and friendship where you least expect it.

Oliver creates an interesting like-for-like picture when it comes to women and the way they often take their high school personas out into the big world with them. Mean girls become even meaner women and their victims often need a rude awakening to comprehend that they no longer have to live with the imbalance of power.

Learning to appreciate what you have and experience life the way you want it, as opposed to the way others may want you to experience life is just one of the messages in this book.

Buy The Summer We Ran Away at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ; pub date 11 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Waterstones.

#BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke.

About the Author

Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of her career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters. When she’s not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria has always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers’ courses before completing her first novel in 2016.

Follow @VictoriaCooke10 on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Facebook, on Instagram, Visit victoria-cooke.com, Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria

About the book

Escape to the palm-fringed beaches of the Canary Islands and wash your worries away.

Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing all-male dance troupe – the Heavenly Hunks.

With golden beaches, sparkling blue water and relaxing after work with a glass of sangria – or three – for Kat, it’s summer all year round. But despite life being postcard perfect, Kat can’t help but wonder if she is missing out on the most important thing of all… love.

The dancers are all well-known for their flirtatious antics and aren’t looking for anything serious… except Jay. Sitting by the pool, watching the sun reflecting in the water, Kat feels like she can tell him anything.

Handsome, caring and a good listener, he ignites a fire in Kat’s heart that scares her witless. But her relationship with Jay should stay strictly professional… right? There is absolutely no way that she can be his boss and his date. As the temperature rises, will Kat be able to take the plunge, let go of her past and find romance in paradise?

Review

Kat is the manager of a top-class sweaty, groin thrusting male stripper act. They know how to whip up the crowds of screaming women, and a few men who are there to enjoy the view. The Heavenly Hunks are building a reputation of the kind of act that is tough to follow and a surefire way to keep your audience entertained.

Kat doesn’t partake in the pleasures on offer. Instead her team members are also her friends – people she cares about. Until Jay turns up she doesn’t even consider crossing the line of professionalism. Simultaneously her friends think it is time she put her past and mistrust behind her and started dating again.

It’s a feel good romcom and the kind of escapism that will have readers wanting their own portion of sun, sea and plenty of sangria. Oh and perhaps a wee bit of grinding and knicker-tossing male stripper escapades.

Cooke keeps it fun and light, despite the seriousness of Kat’s past. It’s very much a story of friendship, women in business and the way love often seeps in to your life when you least expect it, but perhaps when you need it the most.

Buy Sun, Sea and Sangria at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: HQ Digital; pub date 10 Jun. 2020. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of It Started With a Note by Victoria Cooke.

#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.