Maisie Norris worked for a detective agency, her boss Jake and his wife Cassie, easy to work for. She often went undercover, and the latest was in TorMaisie Norris worked for a detective agency, her boss Jake and his wife Cassie, easy to work for. She often went undercover, and the latest was in Torquay as interested people viewed the Pentecost collection, among it the famed Cleopatra Necklace. She would be on high alert, working as a bidder for her millionaire boss.
Egyptologist Dr Elliott Elwood was also expected at the Torquay event, in his exulted position of being able to authenticate pieces. The Cleopatra Necklace was a particular piece he was interested in. When he noticed the young woman viewing the collection, he was sure he knew her from somewhere. And Maisie wasn't impressed with the snooty Dr Elwood at all. But things went downhill fast when thieves attempted to steal the Pentecost collection - succeeding only in the necklace. As the weekend came to an abrupt close, Jake and his detective agency became more involved.
As the following weeks culminated in an invitation to the Riviera where a masked ball would take place and the Cleopatra Necklace would be bid for, Maisie and her colleagues wondered what would be the outcome. The ball on the Côte d'Azur would give answers, one way or another...
Masquerade on the Riviera is the 4th in the Riviera series by Evonne Wareham, and I quite enjoyed it. Ms Wareham's romantic suspense is well written and although I'd worked out the "who" before the reveal, the journey was enticing. This one can also easily be read as a standalone. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Phoning his cousin Lucas in Little Bluewater Bay, Harry Taylor can't believe how bad his day had been. As he told Lucas about his girlfriend dumping hPhoning his cousin Lucas in Little Bluewater Bay, Harry Taylor can't believe how bad his day had been. As he told Lucas about his girlfriend dumping him, his boss sacking him, and his landlord telling him to be out by the end of the week, Lucas invited Harry to the Bay to have a break and work out what his future would be.
Meanwhile Beth Smith was wondering how she would survive on her small income at the diner - admittedly she liked her job, and her boss, Dan. But now homeless and sleeping on her best friend Lucy's sofa, Beth knew she couldn't continue that. The mention of Little Bluewater Bay by customers brought back her childhood when she used to visit the Bay with her dad and on a whim asked Dan for some time off. He agreed immediately - would Little Bluewater Bay be Beth's saving grace?
When Lucas had a proposition for Harry, one that would suit him down to the ground, he wasn't sure if he could do it. The old, rundown bookstore in Little Bluewater Bay had not been used for years - it would be a lot of work...
I thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the little island of Little Bluewater Bay, where the ocean mesmerised tourists and the ferry travelled to and from the mainland twice a day. The Old Bookshop of New Beginnings by Joanne Boden is set in a picturesque location, with Pamela and Melissa's café a central focus in the story. The Old Bookshop of New Beginnings is a contemporary romance which I recommend.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
It was 1941 as Joe Mallory joined his friend Frank on the cruise ship which had been converted to carry soldiers, and the journey from New York to EngIt was 1941 as Joe Mallory joined his friend Frank on the cruise ship which had been converted to carry soldiers, and the journey from New York to England seemed like a bit of a lark. Both Joe and Frank had their reasons for leaving home and joining the war effort, but they had no idea what was ahead; what their future might be.
Anne cycled everywhere as rationing meant they had no fuel. Her secretarial job soon morphed into repairing spitfire wings in a factory, with her good friend Betty by her side. As the American GIs began to trickle into their little village in Cornwall, Betty was keen to go out with all of them. But Anne wasn't so sure. She wasn't prepared to give her heart away to one of these strangers who would leave after their training, and perhaps be killed in the war. Meeting Joe was a new experience for Anne, while her young brother Billy thought Joe was great. But Anne's mother and stepfather were more cautious. After months of training, Joe, Frank and the other GIs sailed for the front. Would Anne ever see or hear from him again?
Waiting for our Rainbow by Victoria Cornwall looked at WWII in a completely different way. Very little war action is seen, but the training in Cornwall and other places across the UK shows how it was all done to prepare young people for war, some of them never having picked up a gun before. Anne was a sweet, young family girl, and Joe was a young man disillusioned by life at home. I enjoyed the story as I have enjoyed other books by this author in the past. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Professor Maxie Reddick's career in criminology saw her often helping the police out with their cases, so when her good friend and colleague, DetectivProfessor Maxie Reddick's career in criminology saw her often helping the police out with their cases, so when her good friend and colleague, Detective Andrew Dawson, contacted Maxie about a fingerprint in the case he was working on, which connected to the death of Maxie's sister Susan almost thirty years ago, Maxie knew she needed to bring Susan's cold case out into the open again.
With three of Maxie's students taking on the cold case for their studies, Maxie was determined to uncover the secrets which had been hidden for so long. Someone out there would know the answer - they just had to find that person or persons. But could they? Maxie was letting her classes slip and it was noticed by the Dean. Could Maxie continue to give her job her all, as well as work her sister's murder? Or would whoever held the secrets close, refuse to let them go?
My Sister's Killer is the 3rd in the Professor Maxie Reddick Files by Helen Bridgett, and I enjoyed it very much. Maxie was passionate about her career, and her paranoia about finding Susan's killer saw her get into trouble on more than one occasion. I'm looking forward to seeing what Maxie gets up to next! Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Pip Smith was on her way to Hong Kong for a two week vacation after she and her boyfriend of seven years parted ways. She knew she'd be back in EnglanPip Smith was on her way to Hong Kong for a two week vacation after she and her boyfriend of seven years parted ways. She knew she'd be back in England for Christmas as she couldn't let her mother down, but she desperately needed the down time that Hong Kong and her good friend Tara would give her. But Pip immediately knew something was up with Tara when she and her six year old charge met her at the airport. Subdued, quiet - definitely not herself, even Shelby was not saying anything. When Pip met Shelby's Uncle Lion, it turned out he was the arrogant American she'd seen at the airport - Ryan Hawke - and he was also Tara's boss. What was going on?
As Pip enjoyed days by herself, sightseeing and catching her breath, she rarely saw Tara. But things changed and suddenly Tara was putting pressure on Pip, asking her to do something she really couldn't. What was she going to do? What decision could Pip make which wouldn't upset Shelby?
Hope, Mistletoe and a Christmas Promise is my first by Juliet Archer and I enjoyed it. Shelby was adorable, precocious and more mature than a six year old should be, while Uncle Lion was the perfect "bad" character, at least from the beginning. An entertaining Christmas novel, I'm happy to recommend Hope, Mistletoe and a Christmas Promise for fans of the genre.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Beatrice Wodehouse and Charlie Simmonds - baking rivals and social media enemies - were set to join several others in a baking competition leading up Beatrice Wodehouse and Charlie Simmonds - baking rivals and social media enemies - were set to join several others in a baking competition leading up to Christmas, with it all filmed then shown to the general public on their television screens just before Christmas. But almost from the word go, things began to go wrong, and it was after the third contestant had been let go, for another unfortunate "accident" that the group suspected there was a saboteur in their midst.
Meanwhile friends were being made, but secrets were also being aired. Who was spreading the gossip across the media sites? Heartbreaking secrets and devastating releases of private information that affected the contestants - who was the culprit? What would be the outcome to this special event which was supposed to be light-hearted and friendly?
The Great Christmas Cook Off by Helen Buckley was fun and entertaining, light-hearted and enjoyable. I definitely had the wrong person as the saboteur! Some delicious food was baked, and some great friendships made. A great read which I recommend.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Caroline loved her job at Holly Walk Mall where she was in charge of all the little shops in the mall, of keeping the shop owners happy, and keeping tCaroline loved her job at Holly Walk Mall where she was in charge of all the little shops in the mall, of keeping the shop owners happy, and keeping the money coming in. She was even trying to do her manager's job - Ian was a grump and seemed to have no idea how to keep things flowing smoothly. Caro had friends in all the stores, and she called them her family. When a new jewellery store opened, Caro was put out. Ian hadn't done the correct paperwork and the owner was rude to everyone he encountered. Plus the added security put a strain on the budget.
When Caro spotted another stranger in the mall, seemingly casing the jewellery store, she didn't expect the chain of events which followed. Something was up with Ian - but he wouldn't fill her in. And now Caro had to keep an eye on the jewellery store owner - was he a crook? It seemed something nefarious was happening right under her nose. She was determined to find the answer before Christmas...
Mistletoe & Mayhem at the Little Shopping Mall is another delightful and entertaining novel by Hannah Pearl which I thoroughly enjoyed. The Christmas spirit, late night shopping fun, Caro's brother Dylan who was an excellent chef, and Damien, the reluctant cowboy! Plus Nina and Marco, Italian cafe owners and Caro's adopted grandparents. Many wonderful characters sprinkle this novel, and I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Arriving in Cornwall after her long flight from the US, Thea Armitage was looking forward to a shower and bed. Certainly bumping into her old friend KArriving in Cornwall after her long flight from the US, Thea Armitage was looking forward to a shower and bed. Certainly bumping into her old friend Kelsey wasn't part of the plan. Thea had inherited Aunt Millie's cottage - which was a shock - but she was prepared to spend the summer readying the cottage for sale before heading back to Tennessee and her job in her father's bank. She felt she was at a crossroad in her life - she hadn't returned to Cornwall in twenty years but some things never changed.
As Thea worked her way through Millie's cottage, she reminisced when memories struck, and was astounded at how much Millie had accumulated over the years. But she also remembered her aunt with great fondness.
When Thea bumped into Harry Venton, her boyfriend at sixteen and one of the reasons she'd left the village and never returned, she couldn't believe he was living in the cottage next to hers. As Thea got to know Harry - the adult version - she could see he had made his way, even with the childhood he'd endured. Harry had changed for the better, but there were still some of his old hang-ups visible occasionally. Could they be friends again? She was heading back to the US when her three months was up anyway...
Summer at Seaspray Cottage is another delightful story by Angela Britnell which I thoroughly enjoyed. With a mix of friendships, angst, misunderstandings and love, and a worthy set of characters, I have no trouble recommending Summer at Seaspray Cottage highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
We readers came to know Edie Brinkley in the previous book – Christmas of New Beginnings – as a minor character. Now Edie and her friend Cerys, still We readers came to know Edie Brinkley in the previous book – Christmas of New Beginnings – as a minor character. Now Edie and her friend Cerys, still running the craft shop and tea rooms in the small town of Padcock, were preparing for an art competition. Edie herself was a lapsed artist after she left London and her studio to go to Padcock and care for her grandmother.
But Edie’s friends had quietly entered her into the competition – without her knowledge – and to her dismay, the judge was a person she’d had harsh words with. They were definitely not friends. What would be the outcome for Edie? Would her career be resurrected? And would she find out more about her family and the past?
Edie’s Summer of New Beginnings is the 2nd in the Padcock Village series by Kirsty Ferry and could easily be read as a standalone. With plenty of crazy scenes throughout the book, a splashing of wry humour and lots of fun, Edie’s Summer of New Beginnings is one to recommend.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Carbon, the large music venue in Nottingham, resounded with the sounds of explosions while a band was on stage, DI Chris Jackson and Detective JeWhen Carbon, the large music venue in Nottingham, resounded with the sounds of explosions while a band was on stage, DI Chris Jackson and Detective Jen Garner, along with the fire department, ambulance, police, all converged on the scene. Chaos reigned while trying to rescue survivors, put the fire out and make sure the venue was safe – the outcome was twenty two dead and many more injured. Chris, Jen and the team needed to find out who had planted bombs in Carbon, how they got in with the amount of security on the doors, and a motive…
Karl Jenkins, owner of Carbon, seemed more concerned about his insurance payout, and getting the club up and running again, than the people who'd died, even his staff who were injured. And the secrets he was hiding had Karl high on the suspect list. When another club experienced a disturbance, and another big venue had bombs discovered inside not long before an event, Chris, Jen and the team knew the clock was ticking and they still had a maniac on the loose. Would they find the solution and locate the bomber?
A Burning Lie is the 3rd in the Lisa Carter Files by Claire Sheldon and I enjoyed it very much. With Jen trying to shake her old life as Lisa Carter, and not even sure she wanted to, Chris’ illness and keeping it from his team and bosses, and the camaraderie of the team which saw them work well together, I’m looking forward to the next in the series. Easily read as a standalone, the thrills and chills, twists and turns, made A Burning Lie easy to recommend.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Ava Lam fell at school, striking her head and ending up in hospital, she was diagnosed with labyrinthitis but it took some months for her to be dWhen Ava Lam fell at school, striking her head and ending up in hospital, she was diagnosed with labyrinthitis but it took some months for her to be diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis, better known as chronic fatigue syndrome. Ava’s attacks of dizziness, intense tiredness, nausea and general feeling of being unwell meant her teaching career was put on hold indefinitely. The day she was sitting on the bench, crying while getting some fresh air, and a young man arrived at the bench and sat down as well, was when Ava met Sam Stone, surgeon at the nearby hospital and deeply in grief after his wife’s death two years prior.
As Ava and Sam slowly got to know one another, with Sam’s kind and caring nature helping Ava and her art of listening helping him, Ava gradually learned how to manage her fatigue and identifying different things which set the spinning of her head going. She learned to pace herself and it helped. The marathon that Sam was training for as a fundraiser with the aim of keeping Sarah in her job of helping others, was nearing – Ava was determined to do all she could to help Sam reach his goal…
Meet Me at the Buddy Bench by Hannah Pearl was a delightful novel, one that points out the way life can change in a heartbeat, from ongoing illness and the grief of losing a loved one to the caring, nurturing ways of friends who are always there to help – Alex and Ellen – to the understanding of the diagnosis and whether the person is strong enough to work their way through it. Sam and Ava were well written characters, and I enjoyed the roles of the side characters as well. I’ve enjoyed previous novels by this author, and this was no exception. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Raegan Kent-Walters received the notification that her husband Matthew was dead – by his own hand – she didn’t believe it. But once the level of When Raegan Kent-Walters received the notification that her husband Matthew was dead – by his own hand – she didn’t believe it. But once the level of debt he’d left became obvious, plus many other unsavory things, Raegan’s crash to earth from a wealthy housewife doing what she wanted on a daily basis, to a woman with little to no money to her name, was swift. Eighteen-year-old Sabrine, her daughter, was shattered to lose her father, but to find the only home she’d ever known being sold, the car sold, and most of the furniture, then heading with her mother to the home Raegan had grown up in, the old home her father had left her when he died – she couldn’t get her head around it.
As Raegan – now back to her old name of Ronni – gradually picked up the pieces of her life, she reconnected with her old friends, started a small, fledgling business and helped Sabrine find her feet. Her strength of character – something she had thought she’d lost – was admired by her friends, and eventually her daughter. And Ronni was exceedingly proud of her daughter as well. But would they be able to make a go of life in the place where Ronni had been desperate to leave years before?
The Fall and Rise of Ronni Fairweather by Gina Hollands was a fun and entertaining read which I enjoyed. Great characters from Spud, Charlotte, Chopper and more, it was good to see Ronni gain her self-respect again; to use the strength she’d always had but which had been hidden for some time. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Willow Jenkins had arrived on the island of Little Bluewater Bay to attend her grandfather’s funeral and support her grandmother, Annie. She was devasWillow Jenkins had arrived on the island of Little Bluewater Bay to attend her grandfather’s funeral and support her grandmother, Annie. She was devastated at not having seen him before he died and wanted to be there for Annie. When her Gran asked Willow if she could take time off from her PR job in Liverpool to help her clear out her granddad’s things, Willow took six weeks leave and arrived, happy to spend some time with Gran. Willow had just broken with her long-term boyfriend and was a little fragile, so the time at the Bay would help her too.
Noah Atkinson had arrived at the Bay five years prior and was an artist and a recluse. His past had been a sad and traumatic one; the Bay was helping him heal. The shack he lived in with the shed out the back filled with his artwork, easels and paint brushes, was his place to go, to get the peace he craved. When Noah first saw Willow it was at the funeral and his impression of the city girl was immediate. So when she arrived on the island to stay with Annie, he was shocked. As Willow slowly found peace, as well as helped her Gran to heal, Noah was doing the same. Could these two damaged young people help one another?
Escape to Little Bluewater Bay by Joanne Boden is a lovely book. The scenery around the Bay is beautiful, the friendly locals who always made newcomers welcome and the unexpected discovery of something special about Willow’s grandfather was wonderful. A thoroughly enjoyable read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
After Harriet Montague’s father was kidnapped in the Sahara Desert while on an expedition to the tomb of Queen Tin Hinan, Harriet and Archie Drake, heAfter Harriet Montague’s father was kidnapped in the Sahara Desert while on an expedition to the tomb of Queen Tin Hinan, Harriet and Archie Drake, her father’s good friend, decided to rescue him, hiring Lucas Saintclair, the most knowledgeable person to undertake the dangerous rescue. It was Algeria 1845 and the French military, led by a cruel and ruthless man, directed his men to rid the country of the innocent and peaceful villagers who made their homes across the desert. Anyone who stood in his way was murdered. Saintclair, accompanied by his own men whom he trusted with his life, took Harriet (much against his wishes) and Archie, on a long, arduous journey on horseback, across the desert toward Tamanrasset where they believed her father was being held.
As the days turned into weeks, the journey was filled with heat, sandstorms, danger, and much more. Harriet didn’t complain – she surprised Saintclair actually – but she was exhausted all the same. Keeping her wits about her wasn’t easy, but her determination to reach her father was foremost in her mind. But was her father even alive? Most believed he wouldn’t be, but Harriet refused to give up hope. Would they make it safely or would their destination prove to be too elusive?
Queen of the Desert (originally published as "The Lion’s Embrace" in 2015) is an exceptional read by Marie Laval. I was keen to read it, and I wasn’t let down in any way. The time this was set, and the places, meant there were ruffians everywhere, men who killed without compunction, and greed ruled the majority. A thoroughly enjoyable read, Queen of the Desert is one I highly recommend.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Crispin Davies was an ex-soldier who’d found a home on Pear Tree Farm in Cornwall, and his close friendship with owners, Nessa and Ward Vivian, warmedCrispin Davies was an ex-soldier who’d found a home on Pear Tree Farm in Cornwall, and his close friendship with owners, Nessa and Ward Vivian, warmed his heart. Ward’s sister Ashley Spencer worked at the nearby Tregereth House with Lowena, Nessa’s sister. With the Christmas season fast approaching, the unexpected idea of a festival was daunting, but exciting. They all worked hard to bring it together and the joy and delight for the tourists and visitors was good to see.
Ward and Ashley were Americans and although Ward had been in Cornwall for longer, Ashley was gradually coming out of her shell and making friends after the trauma which had affected her. Would this Christmas be the one to lead to a brighter future, a happier future? The many family and friends, both new and old, who were arriving at the Farm, saw the locals filled with delight.
A Cornish Christmas at Pear Tree Farm is the 2nd in the Pear Tree Farm series by Angela Britnell and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Light, entertaining, cheerfully festive and heartwarmingly fun, I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
When Dylan received the fancy embossed invitation, which included Muttley his dog, he wasn’t sure what it was all about. Leo and Suzy received one eacWhen Dylan received the fancy embossed invitation, which included Muttley his dog, he wasn’t sure what it was all about. Leo and Suzy received one each, Rachel and Maggie each received one – what was it all about? It was The Jingle Bells Express, a train leaving on the Saturday morning before Christmas, and all were invited on the journey. Free trip, free food and drink, free entertainment. Would they all go? Should they all go?
As the group converged on the train early on the Saturday morning, few knew one another. But before the end of the day, friends were made, and couples had gravitated to one another. The snow outside the train windows was magical, the food, the decorations and the singing (slightly off key) made the group happy. Much laughter, talk and getting to know one another filled the air. But where were they? Were they in a magical snow globe?
Laughing all the Way on the Jingle Bells Express by Berni Stevens was fabulous! One of the best Christmas stories I think I’ve ever read! Light, entertaining, fun – a happy, feel-good novella which gave me a feeling of satisfaction and contentment when I'd finished. And a great read to start the festive season which I highly recommend. (PS: Love the cover too!!)
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review....more
Chloe Walsh loved living in the small town of Serenity Bay, and with a film crew descending on the town in the weeks leading up to Christmas, she hopeChloe Walsh loved living in the small town of Serenity Bay, and with a film crew descending on the town in the weeks leading up to Christmas, she hoped it would all be over before the days leading to the holiday. All the accommodation was booked in the town, and Chloe’s position as location manager for the cosy mystery being filmed had her stressed. Dominic Montgomery was the star of the show, alongside Agatha, his dog who solved crimes.
As filming continued, there were hiccups as a saboteur did his best to wreck the scenes. Chloe was able to sort many of the problems, but they all wondered who was doing the deeds. Andy, Chloe’s boyfriend and surfer of Serenity Bay, was on the sidelines, quietly sorting out Christmas for after the film crew had left. Would everything fall into place in the end? Would their Christmas Festival go ahead and the tourists flood the Bay? And what would happen to Agatha?
Christmas at Serenity Bay is the 2nd in the Serenity Bay series, sequel to Summer at Serenity Bay which I enjoyed, and this one was no different. Written by Helen Bridgett, she paints vivid pictures of the town, the beaches and the people. Maggie is a great character, as is Roisin, and of course Agatha. Recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
A week before Christmas and Kelly Ingles was having the time of her life. The work party had moved on to a nightclub, and her friend Rowan had gone wiA week before Christmas and Kelly Ingles was having the time of her life. The work party had moved on to a nightclub, and her friend Rowan had gone with her. It was 2am when Rowan went to the bathroom in preparation of leaving, but Kelly was gone when she returned to the bar. Frustrated and exhausted, she returned home, preparing for work the next day. An elderly couple who lived not far from Rowan reported Kelly missing later the following day – Kelly always visited them at 3pm; she treated them as grandparents and never missed. With the police was Maxie Reddick, criminology professor – talking to Rowan and the elderly couple, Maxie felt uneasy. They interviewed Luis, Kelly’s Spanish boyfriend and although they discovered he had a volatile temper, Maxie wasn’t sure what to think.
As the hours and days moved forward and there was nothing to point to what had happened to Kelly, Maxie and Andrew, the police officer, followed every lead they could, no matter how small. The DI was pushing for Andrew to close the case by Christmas Eve whether Kelly was found or not. But Maxie wouldn’t let it go. Would she discover where Kelly was and what had happened to her?
Wrong Sort of Girl is the 2nd in the Professor Maxie Reddick Files by Helen Bridgett, and it was intense, gritty and pretty full on. I pinpointed the culprit early in the piece but enjoyed the journey to the end. Wrong Sort of Girl has a different and unusual plot which worked, and the characters were well crafted. Highly recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Mary-Ann Beynon had persuaded her father to let her become a stable hand on the Pryce estate, to replace her brother Reggie who’d just gone off to warMary-Ann Beynon had persuaded her father to let her become a stable hand on the Pryce estate, to replace her brother Reggie who’d just gone off to war. It was 1941 and the young master of the estate, Edmund Pryce, and Reggie were best friends, have known each other since school days. Annie had followed them around then, and idolized Edmund now as she had when they were youngsters. The joy she felt at caring for Kenna, Edmund’s horse, was only dimmed by the stable boys who tormented her, as they thought the job shouldn’t have been given to a girl. But when Edmund joined the RAF and the war, Annie thought her heart would break. Would she ever see him again?
When, in 1963, Clara Pryce’s mother Delia died, Clara was devastated. Then, when Delia’s brother declared he was the legal heir to the vast Pryce fortune, Clara left the estate, speaking with their solicitor who would do his utmost to right the wrongs that Delia’s death had brought. But Clara was to discover more secrets which would shock her to her core. When Annie accompanied Clara to Normandy in France, it was for a holiday. But some investigation was to take place as well. What would they find?
Her Nanny’s Secret is an intriguing, fascinating historical fiction novel by Jan Baynham which I enjoyed very much. The early story of the 1940s, with the following timeline around twenty years later blended present and past perfectly. I loved both time frames, finding how the two came together nicely at the end. Highly recommended.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
With Evelyn’s eight-year-old daughter Summer in remission, they left their home and the dreadful memories behind and moved to the small village of BroWith Evelyn’s eight-year-old daughter Summer in remission, they left their home and the dreadful memories behind and moved to the small village of Broclington to live with Evelyn’s mother Linda. Summer was a happy child, bubbly and mature for her age – what she had been through was indelibly printed on everyone’s minds. Summer’s best friend Tilly, a Shiba Inu dog – that people thought was a fox – was a constant by her side. When Tilly needed urgent medical attention, Evelyn rushed her to vet Jake Macpearson, who was another kind and empathetic person. Soon, Summer and Evelyn were good friends with Jake, Summer had begun school again, and she’d made some new friends.
But when Evelyn’s worst fears came true, Evelyn didn’t know how to go on. Jake, his long time friend Nick and the whole village immediately got behind Summer and her family to hold Christmas in August. Summer’s Christmas was an enormous event – but would it help? Could the magic of that special event be their answer?
Summer’s Christmas by Ella Cook was a feel-good, heartbreaking, emotional, heartwarming roller-coaster ride and I loved it! Summer is an adorable child, funny, mature and childish all at the same time, while Tilly was totally cute. The folk of Broclington were generous, hard working and happy to help in any way they could, and they did. I’ve read one other by Ms Cook, Beyond Grey, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no hesitation in recommending Summer’s Christmas highly.
With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. ...more
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