Author: soniabellhouse

Sonia Bellhouse loves writing and reading stories with a ‘happily ever after ’ending. She believes we all need love in our lives.Contributor to The Regent's Menagerie, The Regency Abduction Club, Sexy Scandals at Swain Cove and Writing the Dream.Author of the contemporary and Viking romance Fire& Ice. Speaker, reader, dreamer. Visit Sonia Bellhouse's Chatting with Authors. https://www.facebook.com/soniabellhouse.author/ Or her Chatting with Authors page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1031642857187598

May 2024 I Was Reading and Writing.

Our almost endless summer continued, with day after day of warmer than average temperatures and endless speculations as to when and if the rains would come. In a dry land like Australia, those rains are important to fill the dams.

TV provided few distractions to my reading. In the lead-up to the launch of The Regent’s Menagerie I had some proof reading to do. Lucky I did, as I found a mistake and I hate seeming those in a finalised book. It happens , even in books by well known publishers.

Looking on the bright side!

The Booklovers Retreat by Heidi Swain

One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?
Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex.
But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever. First published April 13, 2023

My Review

The book didn’t surprise me there were a couple of scenarios which I saw coming up, but I found it an enjoyable read. The book that inspired them all Hope Falls was made into a film and has achieved cult status. The Holiday Cottage has a waiting list of devoted fans all wanting the Hope Falls experience. Can anything live up to the hype?

Return to Half Moon Farm – Spring Fever by Holly Hepburn.

**PART ONE in the brand new series from Holly Hepburn, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Katie Fforde**

When Daisy’s mother falls ill she is forced to return home. With her twin sons in tow, she moves back to Half Moon Farm, her family’s ancient hop farm.  
But a new life in the Kent countryside isn’t necessarily as idyllic as it might seem. Daisy’s relationship with her mother is complicated and the tumbledown farm isn’t the only thing that needs rebuilding. Daisy and her sons must adjust to life with estranged family, a leaking roof, and no Wi-Fi.
Luckily for Daisy, she might yet find some distraction in silver fox farmer, Drew, or in the haughty heir to the nearby estate, Kit, who she can’t seem to avoid.
Daisy must learn to juggle her new life, the boys, and the daunting task of updating the farm. But there are secrets lurking in her family’s past that might throw everything into further disarray…

 81 pages, Kindle Edition Published May 11, 2023

My Review.

I really should look before I leap!  I got this from my library’s online book collection without realising it was only part one. To me, this is an annoyingly ridiculous concept. Why would I only want to read part of a book? Having said that it’s a good beginning and I will access the other sections.

Percy’s Bus by Susan Briars

“If you are smiling, you can’t be crying”. That was the motto of Percy Taylor, the father of Susan Briars.

Using a century of journals written by Susan Briars’ father, Percy, and grandfather, Ernest Taylor, this book chronicles the everyday lives of her extraordinary, extended family, as told from her father’s viewpoint, covering the war years and observing the changing society.
The narrative begins his life in the austere Edwardian period, going through his time in service and then onto his many years driving buses and coaches. Here we meet a myriad of interesting characters and find out just what real life is like “on the buses”.

My Review.

This was another e-book from the library collection. Anyone who expects to learn a lot about buses may well be disappointed. There are some anecdotes from Percy’s driving career, but much of the book is from a family perspective. A portrait of a bygone era.

The Novel Project by Graeme Simison.

‘Writing is easy: all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.’ Variously attributed to Thomas Wolfe, Paul Gallico and Ernest Hemingway, the quote portrays writing as mysterious, romantic and, implicitly, unteachable. This book is about another approach, based on established theories of creativity and design—and on the experience of authors who have adopted a more structured and reliable process.

It’s aimed at those who want to write a book for publication, or at least one that others will want to read. It could have been called What They Don’t Teach You in Writing School, because its focus is on the writing process as a whole: it treats writing a book as a step-by-step project.

Easy to follow, practical and highly entertaining, The Novel Project is the inside scoop from an author who started his writing career at fifty and whose novels have sold millions of copies around the world. It will help you craft the best book you’re capable of—no blood on forehead required.

208 pages, Paperback Published March 1, 2022.

My Review,

A highly logical and practical approach to writing a novel or even a memoir. It will suit those who appreciate such a structured method. Intellectually I  know that it makes sense , but it didn’t resonate with me.

The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden.

A gripping and atmospheric debut that is at once a chilling gothic mystery and a love letter to Victorian fiction.

Nobody ever goes to Hartwood Hall. Folks say it’s cursed…

It’s 1852 and Margaret Lennox, a young widow, attempts to escape the shadows of her past by taking a position as governess to an only child, Louis, at an isolated country house in the west of England.

But Margaret soon starts to feel that something isn’t quite right. There are strange figures in the dark, tensions between servants, and an abandoned east wing. Even stranger is the local gossip surrounding Mrs. Eversham, Louis’s widowed mother, who is deeply distrusted in the village.

Lonely and unsure whom to trust, Margaret finds distraction in a forbidden relationship with the gardener, Paul. But as Margaret’s history threatens to catch up with her, it isn’t long before she learns the truth behind the secrets of Hartwood Hall.

My Review.

I found the first half of the book more engaging than the second. It certainly hit all the tropes for Victorian melodrama. Margaret is a puzzling character at once strong-willed and determined but then put in an invidious position by a servant.

Interesting story line with an unexpected twist.

Love From Scratch by Amy Hutton.

Opposites attract in this laugh-out-loud rom-com about a heart-throb actor, the grumpy woman who minds his beloved dog, and the cat that steals his heart.

Ethan James has a problem: he’s about to start shooting a movie and he needs someone to mind his anxious dog, Harry. This film could make or break Ethan’s career, and he knows he has to give it all his attention, but Harry’s new minder turns out to be more of a hindrance than a help. She’s gorgeous and funny and throws so much shade in his direction that Ethan can’t think straight.

Hazel Conor has a problem: she’s just lost her job as a sous chefat the fancy beachside restaurant she uphauled her life for. And if she doesn’t get another job soon, she won’t be able to afford food—or worse, cat food, and then her grouchy cat Kevin will finally murder her in her sleep. So, when she sees an ad for an easy dog minder job, she goes for it.

Hazel finds everything about Ethan annoying; he’s flashy, flirty, and a total charmer. She probably wouldn’t look at him twice if it wasn’t for her cat. Because Kevin, the cat who hates everyone, is totally smitten with Ethan James.

And with each purr, cheek rub and head bump that Kevin bestows on Ethan, Hazel begins to wonder if there’s something her cat can see that she can’t.

288 pages, Kindle Edition   Expected publication June 5, 2024

My Review.

If you are a fan of Grumpy/sunshine, you will adore this book. It’s amusing and heartwarming and you will probably fall just a little in love with Ethan yourself.

Kevin the cat is the archetypal aloof cat, yet he’s kittenish with Ethan. Is Hazel the only one who doesn’t fall for Ethan’s charm?  What if two ambitious people want their careers and love? I enjoyed it.

 Angelique De Xavier 2

The Sacred Art of Stealing by Christopher Brookmyre

 

Let us prey …
The press tend to talk about bank robberies as being daring, ingenious and audacious. They don’t describe many as Dadaist, even the ones who know what ‘Dadaist’ means. But how else does one explain choreographed dancing gunmen in Buchanan Street, or the surreal methods they use to stay one step ahead of the cops?
Angelique de Xavia is no art critic, but she is a connoisseur of crooks, and she’s sure that the heist she got caught up in wasn’t the work of the usual sawn-offs-and-black-tights practitioners indigenous to the parish. She knows she’s dealing with a unique species of thief, and it’s her job to hunt him to extinction – though the fact that it’s not just his m.o. that’s cute might prove a distraction.

This thief, however, has greater concerns than his own safety, and a secret agenda more valuable than anything he might steal. He can afford to play cat and mouse with the female cop who’s on his tail; it might even arguably be necessary. What he can’t afford to do is to let her get too close; he could end up in jail, which holds terrors enough; but even more scary, he could end up in love.
Honesty is a virtue. Deceit is a talent. Theft is an art form.
The Sacred Art Of Stealing: prepare to be misled. 410 pages, Paperback First published January 1, 2002

My Review.

A friend recommended this book It is the second in a series, the first book is called A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away. You don’t have to have read that, but it would add more context. I hadn’t read book one, but I intend to.

Unlike anything I’ve ever read, clever, cynical, dark and brutally funny. It will either grab you or you will wonder what the hell it’s all about.

Summer Love by Holly Hepburn

**PART TWO in the brand-new series from Holly Hepburn, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Katie Fforde**
When Daisy’s mother falls ill she is forced to return home. With her twin sons in tow, she moves back to Half Moon Farm, her family’s ancient hop farm.  

But a new life in the Kent countryside isn’t necessarily as idyllic as it might seem. Daisy’s relationship with her mother is complicated and the tumbledown farm isn’t the only thing that needs rebuilding. Daisy and her sons must adjust to life with estranged family, a leaking roof, and no Wi-Fi.
Luckily for Daisy, she might yet find some distraction in silver fox farmer, Drew, or in the haughty heir to the nearby estate, Kit, who she can’t seem to avoid.

Daisy must learn to juggle her new life, the boys, and the daunting task of updating the farm. But there are secrets lurking in her family’s past that might throw everything into further disarray…

86 pages, Kindle Edition Published July 6, 2023

My Review.

Continues the story and adds more complications, an old mystery surfaces and now two men are on Daisy’s radar. Of course, I will get part 3.

A Devil of a Duke by Madeline Hunter

 Decadent Dukes Society 2

 New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter comes the latest sexy tale of three untamable dukes and the women who ignite their decadent desires . . .

HE MAY BE A DEVIL

He’s infamous, debaucherous, and known all over town for his complete disregard for scandal, and positively irresistible seductions. Gabriel St. James, Duke of Langford, is obscenely wealthy, jaw-droppingly handsome, and used to getting exactly what he wants. Until his attention is utterly captured by a woman who refuses to tell him her name, but can’t help surrendering to his touch . . .

BUT SHE’S NO ANGEL EITHER . . .

Amanda Waverly is living two lives—one respectable existence as secretary to an upstanding lady, and one far more dangerous battle of wits—and willpower—with the devilish Duke. Langford may be the most tempting man she’s ever met, but Amanda’s got her hands full trying to escape the world of high-society crime into which she was born. And if he figures out who she really is, their sizzling passion will suddenly boil over into a much higher stakes affair . . .

249 pages, Kindle Edition First published April 24, 2018

My Review.

Initially a bit of a slow start to this one.  It has all the elements, but somehow for me ,it dragged in places. Gabriel is an appealing hero and is well-matched with Amanda and the sexual tension sizzles.

Fallen Angel by Christopher Brookmyre. 

To new nanny Amanda, the Temple family seem to have it all: the former actress; the famous professor; their three successful grown-up children. But like any family, beneath the smiles and hugs there lurks far darker emotions.

Sixteen years earlier, little Niamh Temple died while they were on holiday in Portugal. Now, as Amanda joins the family for a reunion at their seaside villa, she begins to suspect one of them might be hiding something terrible…

And suspicion is a dangerous thing.

My Review.

A domestic noir with a dual mystery at its heart. Has the past influenced the present?  Can an outsider (Amanda) see more than the others?  Kept me guessing , while  admiring the writer’s versatility.

My Review.

A domestic noir with a dual mystery at its heart. Has the past influenced the present?  Can an outsider (Amanda) see more than the others?  Kept me guessing , while  admiring the writer’s versatility.

 Autumn Dreams Return to Half Moon Farm 3

When Daisy’s mother falls ill she is forced to return home. With her twin sons in tow, she moves back to Half Moon Farm, her family’s ancient hop farm.

But a new life in the Kent countryside isn’t necessarily as idyllic as it might seem. Daisy’s relationship with her mother is complicated and the tumbledown farm isn’t the only thing that needs rebuilding. Daisy and her sons must adjust to life with estranged family, a leaking roof, and no WIFI.

Luckily for Daisy, she might yet find some distraction in silver fox farmer, Drew, or in the haughty heir to the nearby estate, Kit, who she can’t seem to avoid.

Daisy must learn to juggle her new life, the boys, and the daunting task of updating the farm. But there are secrets lurking in her family’s past that might throw everything into further disarray…

112 pages, e book Published September 14, 2023

My Review.

As the story continues, we learn more about a past romance that may still affect the present .Daisy chooses one of the men, but has she made the right choice?

News

Excitement is mounting for the June 21st release of the dual set of The Regent’s Menagerie. There are both sweet and spicy versions depending on your preference. Or why not indulge yourself and treat yourself( or a pal) to both?

After June 21st the price rises to $4.99 so grab your copy now. Slightly later paperbacks will be available. Based on the page count they will be the size of standard brick!

And now I’m onto my next project, which I will tell you more about next time. Until then Happy reading.

What did I Read in April 2024 and My Birthday Extravaganza.

April is always one of my favourite months. When I lived in the UK it held the promise of Spring and Spring flowers and bluebell woods. Now, I’m living in Australia it’s the middle of autumn, with thankfully cooler days after a record-breaking summer. It’s also the birth month I shared with my Dad.

Is there any space more magical than a bluebell wood?

This year April has been incredibly busy, as I was racing to finish my elephant story for The Regent’s Menagerie. Mine is in the Sexy set, but both books promise to be so much fun. Currently, both books are available for Pre-order at a special 99c/ 99p price.

Release date is June 21st

Volume 1, Sweet:

https://books2read.com/SweetMenagerie?store=amazon

or shorter url https://tinyurl.com/4nkff89a

Volume 2, Sexy:

https://books2read.com/SexyMenagerie?store=amazon

shorter url: https://tinyurl.com/58pvnzs5

Additionally, I had my flu jab and sore arm for few days. My writing group was producing an anthology .They graciously held space for my contribution. There were birthday celebrations-more about that later, and I still found time to read!

Beautiful primroses.

Summer at The Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin.

A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?
After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.
But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.
As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?

352 pages, Paperback Expected publication May 7, 2024

My Review.

An enjoyable escape from humdrum reality. Evie’s family has a problem with Grandma. She has never behaved as a grandma should. Now she has bought a bookshop in Santorini. As Evie is currently unemployed it’s obvious, she’s the one to sort it out. For book nerd Evie, a bookshop is a paradise, but she’s not as well equipped to handle all grandma’s problems. These include an irate landlord who is threatening to sell the shop, his gorgeous nephew Georgios, as well as Grandma’s disappeared husband (no 9) and a pack of rescue dogs.

Despite knowing it would all end happily, I enjoyed the twists and turns of this journey. A great holiday read!

The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan.

It’s a dream assignment. Former Senator Dorothy Gibson, aka that woman, is the most talked-about person in the country right now, though largely for the wrong reasons. As an independent candidate for President of the United States, Dorothy split the vote and is being blamed for the shocking result. After her very public defeat, she’s retreated to her home in rural Maine, inviting her ghostwriter to join her.

Her collaborator is impressed by Dorothy’s work ethic and steel-trap mind, not to mention the stunning surroundings (and one particularly gorgeous bodyguard). But when a neighbor dies under suspicious circumstances, Dorothy is determined to find the killer in their midst. And when Dorothy Gibson asks if you want to team up for a top secret, possibly dangerous murder investigation, the only answer “Of course!”

The best ghostwriters are adept at asking questions and spinning stories . . . two talents, it turns out, that also comes in handy for sleuths. Dorothy’s political career, meanwhile, has made her an expert at recognizing lies and double-dealing. Working together, the two women are soon untangling motives and whittling down suspects, to the exasperation of local police. But this investigation-much like the election-may not unfold the way anyone expects.

336 pages, Hardcover First published January 23, 2024

My Review.

This book has created a lot of buzz and it certainly sounded intriguing. Of course, I was drawing comparisons between the fictional Dorothy Gibson and Hilary Clinton. It’s interesting to reflect on the difficulties for a ghostwriter to accurately convey someone else’s thoughts and feelings. Especially someone as guarded as a practised politician. The break with routine should provide them with time to do that, but then there is a murder. All the ingredients are there, but sadly the book didn’t gel for me.

The Wake -Up Call by Beth O’Leary

Two hotel receptionists–and arch-rivals–find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So, when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won’t stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel–and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there’s more at stake here than the hotel’s future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

356 pages, Paperback. First published September 26, 2023

My Review.

A fun, easy-to-read and engaging story. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, competitiveness and rivalries are all compounded by the ticking clock of a post-Christmas closure.

 I Remember Paris by Lucy Diamond.

‘I enjoyed it SO much!’ MARIAN KEYES’As multi-layered, rich and enjoyable as a giant mille-feuille. You will adore it’ MILLY JOHNSON.

Jess Bright, single mum and journalist, feels her life has stalled. So, when she’s offered a writing job in Paris for the summer, she leaps at the chance to go. Hasn’t she always felt that she left a piece of her heart in the city years before. Her subject is the iconic artist Adelaide Fox, whose personal life has been steeped in scandal and intrigue. Now approaching eighty, she’s ready to tell her side of the story – and serve up some scalding-hot revenge in the process. Amidst a stormy working relationship, Jess and Adelaide must face up to their pasts. As passionate affairs, terrible betrayals and life-changing secrets surface, there may be more surprises in store than either of them dared imagine . . .Set in the city of love, with two unforgettable protagonists, I REMEMBER PARIS is a glorious, life-affirming novel about second chances, unlikely friendships and finding your way back to yourself

‘Escapist, romantic and a little bit scandalous, this is Lucy Diamond at her page-turning best’ VERONICA HENRY.

My Review.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. A writer is invited to ghostwrite an autobiography of an intriguing female artist.  Mistakes both past and present affect the future. Add in Jess’s family dynamic. Adelaide’s stubborn nature, old flames and secrets combined with Paris itself. There is so much to savour and enjoy

The Happiest Ever After by Milly Johnson

What if you could write your own perfect storyline…?
The heartwarming, feelgood novel from the much-loved Sunday Times bestselling author, Milly Johnson

Polly Potter is surviving, not thriving. She used to love her job – until her mentor died and her new boss decided to make her life hell. She used to love her partner Chris – until he cheated on her, and now she can’t forget. The only place where her life is working is on the pages of the novel she is writing – there she can create a feistier, bolder, more successful version of herself – as the ­fictional Sabrina Anderson.

But what if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you’d always dreamed of?

After a set of unforeseen circumstances, Polly ends up believing she really IS Sabrina, living at the heart of a noisy Italian family restaurant by the sea. Run by Teddy, the son of her new landlady Marielle, it’s a much-loved place, facing threat of closure as a rival restaurant moves in next door. Sabrina can’t remember her life as Polly, but she knows she is living a different life from the one she used to have.
But what if this new life could belong to her after all?

My Review,

Many of us will identify with how Polly’s life was before she lost her memory.  What does it say about that life that no one was actively looking for her?  I was cheering Polly on as her new life unfolded, willing her to succeed. In my opinion, Milly Johnson has created a character many of us can relate to and care about. I think Milly has taken over Maeve Binchy’s mantle

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought-after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?

First published January 11, 2022

My Review.

Great title and an interesting read, parts of which would be of interest to those who know more about riding than I do. For me, the most appealing parts were the discussions on how to dress and also how the romance progressed.

The Cat Who Caught a Killer. by L.T Shearer.

Conrad the Cat Detective 1

Meet Conrad the cat. You’ve never met a detective like him before.
Neither has Lulu Lewis when he walks into her life one summer’s day. Mourning the recent death of her husband, the former police detective had expected a gentle retirement, quietly enjoying life on her new canal boat, The Lark, and visiting her mother-in-law Emily in a nearby care home.

But when Emily dies suddenly in suspicious circumstances, Lulu senses foul play and resolves to find out what really happened. And a remarkable cat named Conrad will be with her every step of the way . . .

318 pages, Kindle Edition First published October 27, 2022

My Review.

It seemed as if this book would be like catnip to me, a cat detective who is a talking cat. I wanted to like the book, but unfortunately, I didn’t.

 It was heavy-handed in the extreme with info dumps and non-sequiturs. It felt as if I was reading information straight from Google or Wikipedia. And then incidentally in the middle of the book was a recipe for how to cook fish.

As there are currently three in the series, I must assume that some people have found these books enjoyable.

The Most Dangerous Duke in London by Madeline Hunter.

Decadent Dukes Society 1.

Three sinfully handsome dukes, three scores to settle, three hearts about to meet their matches. All in one thrilling new trilogy from New York Times best selling author Madeline Hunter…


NOTORIOUS NOBLEMAN SEEKS REVENGE.

Name and Title :Adam Penrose, Duke of Stratton. Affiliation: London’s elite Society of Decadent Dukes. Family history: Scandalous. Personality traits: Dark and brooding, with a thirst for revenge. Ideal romantic partner: A woman of means, with beauty and brains, willing to live with reckless abandon. Desire: Clara Cheswick, gorgeous daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

FAINT OF HEART NEED NOT APPLY.

Clara may be the woman Adam wants, but there’s one problem: she’s far more interested in publishing her women’s journal than getting married -especially to a man said to be dead set on vengeance. Though, with her nose for a story Clara wonders if his desire for justice is sincere- along with his incredibly innerving intention to be her husband. If her weak- kneed response to his kiss i any indication, falling for Adam clearly comes with a cost. But who knew courting danger could be such exhilarating fun?

My Review

It’s a pleasant change to read a book with an older heroine and one who has a purpose beyond matrimony. Clara’s thirst for independence runs counter to Adam’s desire to marry her. Having recently tasted freedom why would she choose to give it up?  Yet, she cannot deny in spite of the suspicions and doubts there is an attraction between them. Family secrets have to be probed and past events re-examined before they can hope to have a “happily ever after.”

Birthday! Actually Birthday months…

The stars aligned, I don’t know how it happened but I will be celebrating until June. All I can say is I have some wonderful friends. So far I have had a casual lunch, a luxurious and expensive lunch, a coffee catch up, where I was gifted with a manicure /pedicure voucher .There is another lunch next week taking my birthday well into May. But wait! There’s more… a dear friend bought tickets to a show I have been longing to see and that happens in June!

What else have I been up to?

Next week I’m writing a passion project close to my heart, a memoir of my late teens and early twenties. My life was far more complicated and challenging then and its something I’ve avoided talking about for a long time. Somehow now, it feels as if the time is right.

Why Was I Reading Murder in March 2024 and Not Romance ?

Simple! I was reading Murder because I was writing Romance and there was no way I wanted to inadvertently plagiarise or copy someone else.

 The only exception was a Regency romance I had read in December but was unable to comment on until its March release. I figured that by this time those words were out of my system as I had read and written the review back then.

Didn’t want to freak anyone out to much!

Once Upon A Murder by Samantha Larsen.

A Lady Librarian Mystery

Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.

As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.

With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.

My Review.

This is the second in a series and unfortunately, I had not read the first book. This left me at a bit of a disadvantage, but I assumed I’d pick the nuances of the story up. Sadly, it didn’t hold my attention which could be that I hadn’t a connection to the characters. If you are planning to read this series, I suggest you read it in order.

A Death in Diamonds by S.J Bennett.

The royally brilliant fourth book in the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates mystery series!

1957 – A young woman is found dead in a mews house a mile from Buckingham Palace, wearing only silk underwear and a a diamond tiara. An older man is discovered nearby, garrotted and pierced through the eye with a long, sharp implement.

According to the police, a high society card game was going on downstairs that night. One of the players surely committed the murders, but each of them can give the others an alibi.

When someone very close to her is implicated, the young Queen is drawn in to the investigation…

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2024.

My Review,

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the journey back in time to 1957 is well-researched and conveyed. High society London had its own rules and caveats. The police are investigating , hampered at every turn by M16, HM the Queen for reasons of her own wants to know about the investigation too. A fun bit of nostalgia and a puzzling mystery.

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, Alison Watts (Translator)

For fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this charming Japanese novel shows how the perfect book recommendation can change a reader’s life.

What are you looking for?

This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. Like most librarians, Komachi has read every book lining her shelves—but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of her library guests. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they’re looking for in life and provide just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it.

Each visitor comes to her library from a different juncture in their careers and dreams, from the restless sales attendant who feels stuck at her job to the struggling working mother who longs to be a magazine editor. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi—and the surprise book she lends each of them—will have life-altering consequences.

With heartwarming charm and wisdom, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a paean to the magic of libraries, friendship and community, perfect for anyone who has ever found themselves at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published November 9, 2020

My Review.

I loved this book! Everything about it appealed to me from the delightful cover design to the way the story evolved. Kudos to Alison Watts for such a great translation. A gentle story, which had an almost dreamlike effect. Thoroughly recommended.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo- Reum,Shanna Tan (Translator.)

The Korean smash hit available for the first time in English, a slice-of-life novel for readers of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library and Gabrielle Zevin’s The Storied Life of AJ Fikry.

Yeongju is burned out. With her high-flying career, demanding marriage, and busy life in Seoul, she knows she should feel successful, but all she feels is drained. Yet an abandoned dream nags at her, and in a leap of faith, she leaves her old life behind. Quitting her job and divorcing her husband, Yeongju moves to a small residential neighborhood outside the city, where she opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop.

For the first few months, all Yeongju does is cry, deterring visitors. But the long hours in the shop give her time to mull over what makes a good bookseller and store, and as she starts to read hungrily, host author events, and develop her own bookselling philosophy, she begins to ease into her new setting. Surrounded by friends, writers, and the books that connect them all, she finds her new story as the Hyunam-dong Bookshop transforms into an inviting space for lost souls to rest, heal, and remember that it’s never too late to scrap the plot and start again.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 17, 2022.

My Review.

By some weird coincidence, I read this just after What You Are Looking For is In the Library. It might have been better if I had read another book in between these two.The tone of this book is far more serious as it interrogates topics such as work-life balance, and whether your career always takes precedence. What if you fall out of love?  Do you need to be married to be happy?

Charlotte’s Control by Maggie Sims 

A young rake soon to inherit an impoverished estate…a lonely widow unable to produce an heir…a love they must renounce.

Widowed at thirty, Charlotte, Dowager Countess of Peterborough, finds herself on the lonely edge of Society, caught between the young chits vying for a husband and older matrons. In a moment of vulnerability, she meets a young rake who tempts her to forget propriety and reclaim her feminine powers of seduction…for a while. Their affair can only last until he marries a wealthy debutante who can give him what Charlotte cannot. An heir.

In his final year at Oxford, William Stanton, heir to the Earl of Harrington, is forced to manage the earldom for his drunken father and provide for his family. With the prospect of an advantageous marriage looming in his future, he yearns for the frivolity of his peers. But when he encounters a lovely widow, he’s drawn to her keen mind as much as he is to her beauty. She believes they are destined to part. To keep her, he must battle Fate, time, and the rules of Society that conspire against them.

311 pages, Kindle Edition Published March 19, 2024

My Review.

He falls first and hard, and Charlotte enjoys educating him.
Fans of the genre won’t be disappointed by this spirited tale of femdom.
This is an age-gap romance between an older woman younger man.
Charlotte is a young widow who doesn’t want to give up on life or love.
William, her younger lover grows and matures throughout the book.
There is lots of sexual tension, sexual chemistry, and some bondage and orgasm control. I received a special copy from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

                     

It’s been a busy month for me as I have been writing the latest novella for The Regent’s Menagerie Anthology, which releases in June but is up for pre-order now at a special introductory price. My story features Badala a baby elephant, what could be cuter than that?

There are two volumes. One is sweeter and the other is spicier to suit all tastes.

You can pre-order your copy now!

I’m back to reading romance this month, but I have another exciting project on the horizon.Until next time , happy reading!

February 2024- What Did I Read?

Depending where you are in the world, February can be a challenging month. For me here in Perth, Australia, it was very hot and humid month and I was glad to be able to spend time indoors under the air conditioning Meanwhile, in my old Uk hometown of Southport they were experiencing record low temperatures and the potential for snow.

For some, there is a spark of romance and maybe a valentine card or two and flowers. The rest of us have to make do by reading romance.

Romance in February?

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

My Review.

A glimpse into the not-too-distant past which will engage and potentially enrage. Elizabeth is one of those rare women who knows who she is and what she wants. Unfortunately for her, what she wants, which is to be treated as an equal, is practically unattainable. She may be a brilliant chemist BUT she’s also a woman. A combination that is problematic for most of the men she deals with. Sharply observed.

My Lady’s Secrets by Katy Moran

Regency England

When rebellious aristocrat Cressida and Lord Greville parted ways, they swore never to meet again. Their short marriage had already descended into bitter estrangement, destroyed by scandal and betrayal.
            Years later, Greville is a soldier in the Peninsular War and Cressida is following the drum as another man’s lover. Scorned by society, she has learned to survive as a spy – until the day she is caught behind enemy lines, by none other than Greville himself.
           Threatened with paying the ultimate price, Cressida is offered a deal: she must entrap and betray the most famous man in England. And Greville, unforgiving, angry and still shockingly attractive, must ensure she complies.
                  Catapulted to the heights of fame, Lord Byron is just as chaotic, charming and ruthless as he was when he, Greville and Cressida were teenagers. As the three old friends gather for a summer house party in the Scottish Highlands, Cressida is forced to confront her past and ask herself a terrifying question: is it too late for she and Greville to fight for one another at last?

352 pages, Hardcover Expected publication July 4, 2024

My Review.

I started to read and felt as if I needed to catch up. Events were on the page that I had no context for. I checked to see if my copy was missing a vital first chapter, but it wasn’t. Action burst onto the page, but it failed to engage me, as I needed to situate the characters first. For me, this complicated story could have worked if more of the setup had preceded the action.

Heart Strings by Judy Leslie.

Can broken hearts be mended after 14 years—or will they forever sing the blues?

Dive into this second chance, music star, small-town romance set in the mountains of Leavenworth, Washington.

Kim Holloway, a local singer and music teacher, has her hands full with a rebellious teenager. Just when she needs a break, Ethan Williams, her long-lost love and a country music sensation, walks back into her life after 14 years. She is not happy about it and wants Ethan to pack up and leave. If that isn’t enough to deal with, Kim’s ex—a local cop—will stop at nothing to win her back.

Seeking forgiveness for his part in their breakup, Ethan offers to help out with Bobby by suggesting a fake romance. This a charade Kim cautiously accepts hoping it will deter the cop that won’t take no for an answer.

However, Bobby’s presence brings up Ethan’s painful memories of his childhood and now he is curious about Bobby’s missing father and why Kim never told Bobby who his father was. Meanwhile, Kim’s ex-boyfriend is upping the stakes by threatening her.

This story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, of love, forgiveness, and the unbreakable bond between a parent and child. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming tale of love and redemption!

My Review.

I enjoyed this small-town, second-chance romance. It’s easy reading but with characters that you come to care about. Single mum Kim has put her musical dreams aside to care for her son Bobby. Now a rebellious teenager. Ethan has a colourful past and is seeking redemption part of which is seeing Kim again. They had a connection once, but can you ever go back?

Driven to Murder by Debbie Young

A perfect cosy crime for fans of M C Beaton’s Agatha Raisin and Hamish Macbeth series.

Change is coming to Wendlebury Barrow – and not everyone is happy about it…

When the local bus company announces it will be stopping its route through their quaint Cotswold village, the people of Wendlebury Barrow are up in arms. Not least Sophie Sayers, whose driving lessons with her boyfriend Hector get off to a bumpy start.

But the locals’ peaceful protests against the decision turn deadly when a body is discovered on the Number 27. No one can work out how Janice Boggins met her demise, let alone how the driver didn’t notice. While the police wait for the post mortem results, Sophie immediately suspects foul play, and launches her own investigation.
Can she solve the murder before another passenger is hurt?

My Review.

Easy, pleasant and relaxing reading. Although part of a series, there was enough information to catch up without feeling you had missed anything. The village community was well portrayed, and Sophie comes across as an engaging character.

What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama, Alison Watts( Translator).

For fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this charming Japanese novel shows how the perfect book recommendation can change a reader’s life.

What are you looking for?
This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. Like most librarians, Komachi has read every book lining her shelves—but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of her library guests. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they’re looking for in life and provide just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it.

With heartwarming charm and wisdom, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a paean to the magic of libraries, friendship and community, perfect for anyone who has ever found themselves at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration.

304 pages, Hardcover First published November 9, 2020.

My Review.

This lovely gentle book is deceptively simple yet profound. The charming cover simply adds to its appeal. This is a book that stays with you once you have closed the final page. It felt as if I knew these people well, that they were old friends and I imagined them going on with their lives. Credit to the translator Alison Watts for such a seamless translation.

February went by very quickly even though we got an extra day this year.Hoping for a mellower March.UK visitors were surprised to know that hot sand could burn bare feet! Hopefully we wont get too many more of those 40C days.

Photo by Gui Basto on Pexels.com



What Did I Read in January 2024 and Why Wasn’t It More?

This time of the year is always more social than I expect and sometimes I’m just too tired to read. Time to turn on the TV instead!

I had an 81,000+ manuscript to read over Christmas, as well as a couple of smaller pieces to comment on. As the manuscript isn’t published I can’t add it to my reading list

Writers often ask other writers they trust to comment on their work.

This year I’m also supposed to be writing a story for the latest Regency anthology.

The Regent’s Menagerie is based on a true event. The Prince Regent (later George 4th) was extravagant and was always short of money. While acting for his father King George 3rd he discovered that they paid an enormous amount of money for the upkeep of the various exotic animals kept in the Tower of London.

George had a brainwave, a master- stroke. He would gift animals to people as a mark of esteem. In doing so getting rid of the expense while showing favour.

Can a saucy heroine tempt my hero? I hope so!

Our stories are in two collections either Sweet or Spicy and will focus on the animals,the adventures and of course, love and romance. My animal is a baby Asian elephant.  So I’ve been reading up about them. At the moment I’m trying to work out an entertaining plot, which doesn’t always come naturally to me. I usually just prefer to write and see what happens, but there is a looming April deadline to think about.

Elephants are social animals.

There were also a couple of Books I Did Not Finish. They weren’t bad books, just the wrong books for me at this time. So I won’t comment on them.

The Little Village of Booklovers by Nina George.

A young woman with the extraordinary power to bring soulmates together searches for her own true love in this tender, lyrical standalone novel inspired by the “bona fide international hit” ( The New York Times Book Review ) The Little Paris Bookshop

In Nina George’s New York Times bestseller The Little Paris Bookshop, beloved literary apothecary Jean Perdu is inspired to create a floating bookstore after reading a seminal pseudonymous novel about a young woman with a remarkable gift. The Little Village of Book Lovers is that novel.

“Everyone knows me, but none can see me. I’m that thing you call love.”

In a little town in the south of France in the 1960s, a dazzling encounter with Love itself changes the life of infant orphan Marie-Jeanne forever.

As a girl, Marie-Jeanne realizes that she can see the marks Love has left on the people around her—tiny glowing lights on the faces and hands that shimmer more brightly when the one meant for them is near. Before long, Marie-Jeanne is playing matchmaker, bringing true loves together in her village.

As she grows up, Marie-Jeanne helps her foster father, Francis, begin a mobile library that travels throughout the many small mountain towns in the region of Nyons. She finds herself bringing soulmates together every place they go—and there are always books that play a pivotal role in that quest. However, the only person that Marie-Jeanne can’t seem to find a soulmate for is herself. She has no glow of her own, though she waits and waits for it to appear. Everyone must have a soulmate, surely—but will Marie-Jeanne be able to recognize hers when Love finally comes her way?

272 pages, Hardcover

First published July 25, 2023.

My Review.

I enjoyed this lyrical novel-and you don’t need to have read The Little Paris Bookshop to enjoy it yourself. Marie-Jeanne knows which soulmates belong together, but getting them to connect can be a struggle. However, she can always help romance to flourish by recommending a book. One for the romantics amongst us

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

It’s not just secrets buried at Wild Meadows. For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. Rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother on an idyllic farming estate, they were given an elusive second chance of a happy family life. But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. And when a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects? A thrilling page-turner by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth of sisterhood, secrets, love and murder.

My Review.

Secrets and betrayal, who was trusted and who to trust? Jessica, Norah, and Alison have bonded like sisters, but each knows only a little about the others’ current lives.  Now grown up, they are facing their own troubled pasts at the home known as Wild Meadow. My opinions shifted while reading this book as I was entertained and appalled in turn. A page-turner.

February already!

We could all use a little romance in our lives.

I’m getting down to work, I’ve cancelled Netflix and made a promise to myself to get this story done. My hero and heroine wait off stage for me to give them words and a memorable story. So watch this space!

December 2023 -The Books I Read.

Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

I hope that you all enjoyed Christmas and the New Year. December seemed to go by so quickly and now it’s almost mid-January.

For me, December was a month that flew by between a mixture of social obligations and chores. Now, a confession- I didn’t make my reading goal to read 100 books in 2023. If I’d chosen to add books that I hadn’t enjoyed, I could easily have reached the target. I prefer not to do that, and simply because I don’t enjoy a book, it doesn’t mean that someone else won’t enjoy it.

Sadly, I only managed to read 95 of my self-prescribed 100 books.

She -Merchants, Buccaneers and Gentle Women: British Women in India by Katie Hickman.

The first British women to set foot in India did so in the very early seventeenth century, two and a half centuries before the Raj.

Women made their way to India for exactly the same reasons men did – to carve out a better life for themselves. In the early days, India was a place where the slates of ‘blotted pedigrees’ were wiped clean; bankrupts given a chance to make good; a taste for adventure satisfied – for women. They went and worked as milliners, bakers, dress-makers, actresses, portrait painters, maids, shop-keepers, governesses, teachers, boarding house proprietors, midwives, nurses, missionaries, doctors, geologists, plant-collectors, writers, travellers, and – most surprising of all – traders.

As wives, courtesans and she-merchants, these tough adventuring women were every bit as intrepid as their men, the buccaneering sea captains and traders in whose wake they followed; their voyages to India were extraordinarily daring leaps into the unknown.

The history of the British in India has cast a long shadow over these women; Memsahibs, once a word of respect, is now more likely to be a byword for snobbery and even racism. And it is true: prejudice of every kind – racial, social, imperial, religious – did cloud many aspects of British involvement in India. But was not invariably the case.

In this landmark book, celebrated chronicler, Katie Hickman, uncovers stories, until now hidden from history: here is Charlotte Barry, who in 1783 left London a high-class courtesan and arrived in India as Mrs William Hickey, a married ‘lady’; Poll Puff who sold her apple puffs for ‘upwards of thirty years, growing grey in the service’; Mrs Hudson who in 1617 was refused as a trader in indigo by the East Indian Company, and instead turned a fine penny in cloth; Julia Inglis, a survivor of the siege of Lucknow; Amelia Horne, who witnessed the death of her entire family during the Cawnpore massacres of 1857; and Flora Annie Steel, novelist and a pioneer in the struggle to bring education to purdah women.

For some, it was painful exile, but for many it was exhilarating. Through diaries, letters and memoirs (many still in manuscript form), this exciting book reveals the extraordinary life and times of hundreds of women who made their way across the sea and changed history.

400 pages, Paperback.

My Review

A fascinating and well-researched book on a topic that has until now attracted little scholarly interest. The women endured a lengthy sea voyage only to be thrust into both an unfamiliar and hostile environment. That so many thrived and survived seems almost miraculous. For some, it provided them with opportunities they could never have imagined. While for others it took their health and families.

The Paris Cooking School by Sophie Beaumont.

The Australian Women’s Weekly Great Read ‘there is a freshness and vivacity to this cooking school novel that is utterly beguiling.’ –The Australian Women’s Weekly Life rarely serves up the perfect dish, but second chances are always on the menu . . . There’s nothing quite so beautiful as Paris in the spring; and when you add in the chance to learn the French way of food, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, who can resist? Not Gabi Picabea or Kate Evans who have come from Australia to Sylvie Morel’s Paris Cooking School. Both are at a crossroads, and learning to cook the French way in Paris, far away from all their troubles, seems like the perfect escape.  Still bruised from a shocking betrayal by her ex-husband, Kate is trying to find a new place for herself in life, and emotional peace, while French–Australian artist Gabi is struggling with a crippling creative block. Meanwhile, Sylvie is facing challenges of her own – a mysterious harassment campaign against the school and a reassessment of her relationship with her commitment-shy lover, Claude.  For each of the women, that extraordinary April in Paris will bring unexpected twists and transformations that will change the course of their lives.

A delectable novel about love, hope and the consolations of the perfect strawberry tart, The Paris Cooking School is a treat for the soul.

My Review.

The book is a love letter to Paris, you will feel that you are there, walking beside the Seine. My mouth was watering while I was reading as each week both delectable recipes and food ideas were discussed. It was easy to identify with all three women as they faced their personal challenges. Not forgetting about Nina, a most adorable fictional dog!

Crossing the Bridge by Nancy Cunningham.

Can two wounded hearts find peace in a time of war?
1944. Widow Poppy Guilford is fighting to save her farm, the one thing tethering her to her husband – and the legacy promised for their young son. But a devastating secret from her husband’s past threatens to derail her struggle to save the property and keep her son by her side. Former soldier JB Beaton’s wartime injuries and personal losses have left him with scars, both inside and out. Believing he’s too damaged to be the father his son deserves, he leaves him with his sister and takes on a job as a farmhand, far away from the city and his failures. Poppy, battling the elements and the heartache of her husband’s secret, finds the new farmhand is never far from her thoughts, and JB’s world is thrown into disarray by one of the most beautiful and capable women he has ever met. Neither can battle the surge of attraction they both feel. In a small town where gossip reigns, will they surrender to duty or follow their hearts?

367 pages, Kindle Edition Expected publication January 1, 2024

My Review.

Such a poignant and atmospheric book, which takes us back to wartime Australia. It reminded me of the Australian TV show The Sullivans. Set in the era of austerity, of make do and mend, and far more conservative behaviour than we see today.

In a small town where everyone knows everyone Poppy Guilford is a topic of speculation. Surely, she can’t keep managing the farm on her own. The town has decided on a suitable candidate for Poppy.

Then, JB arrives to help on the farm. He admires Poppy’s handling of the responsibility and workload of the farm. He’s far from perfect and has his own demons.  Yet he’s drawn to Poppy and she to him. Their relationship could be a small-town scandal.

I received an Advance Reader Copy through Net Galley

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets.

‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

My Review.

The title was what initially drew me to this book, and it was such a delightful read. The characterisation and the dilemmas each faced made me speed through the book, eager to learn what was next. Then I would go back to read a passage again as it contained so much information. The story always came first, but there are many references to things literary. A top pick for me and I was sorry to leave Martha and Henry behind without a completely resolved happily ever after.

The Truth About Elephants: Seriously Funny Facts About Your Favorite Animals by Maxwell Eaton 111.

Did you know that an elephant’s tusks never stop growing?

Did you know that elephants can sometimes purr like giant cats?

And that they use six sets of teeth throughout their lives?

Impress your friends and teachers with these facts and more in The Truth About

Elephants, a wildly entertaining (not to mention hilarious) nonfiction picture

book offering everything you want to know about this majestic animal.

My Review.

I’m reading to learn more about elephants and this book is full of useful and surprising facts. That’s my top research tip when studying an unfamiliar topic- it’s to start with children’s books. There are all the basic facts in an easy-to-understand format.

Elephant Dawn: The Inspirational Story of Thirteen Years Living with Elephants in the African Wilderness by Sharon Pincott.

In 2001, Sharon Pincott traded her privileged life as a high-flying corporate executive to start a new one with the Presidential Elephants of Zimbabwe. She was unpaid, untrained, self-funded and arrived with the starry-eyed idealism of most foreigners during early encounters with Africa. For thirteen years – the worst in Zimbabwe’s volatile history – this intrepid Australian woman lived in the Hwange bush fighting for the lives of these elephants, forming an extraordinary and life-changing bond with them. Now remote from Robert Mugabe’s rule, Sharon writes without restraint sequentially through the years, taking us on a truly unforgettable ride of hope and heartbreak, profound love and loss, adversity and new beginnings. This is the haunting, all-encompassing story we’ve been waiting for. Powerfully moving, sometimes disturbing and often very funny, Elephant Dawn is a celebration of love, courage and honour amongst our greatest land mammals. With resilience beyond measure, Sharon earns the supreme right to call them family.[The book includes 32 pages of colour photographs.]

392 pages, Kindle Edition Published May 25, 2016.

My Review.

Like Africa itself, this book is beautiful and yet ultimately heart-breaking. Immerse yourself in what it is like to live in Africa and to be passionate about their wildlife when it appears that few others care. To fight the same battles again and again, over access to land, and to water. Feel helpless as shooters can pick off protected species. Face constant threats and intimidation, all in one of the most tumultuous periods of Zimbabwe’s’ history. A brave book and an enlightening one.

Royal Animals: A gorgeously illustrated history with a foreword by Sir Michael Morpurgo by Julia Golding, Emily Sutton ( Illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated history of royal animals in Britain from 1066 to the present day, with a foreword by Sir Michael Morpurgo.

Why do the three lions on the British crest look so much like leopards? When did the first elephant set foot on British soil? Was there really a polar bear who fished in the River Thames? Full of astounding facts and amazing true animal stories, delve in to discover royal giraffes, elephants, spaniels, parrots, ravens, pelicans and, of course, Queen Elizabeth II’s corgis. Royal Animals is engagingly written, with artwork from Emily Sutton, the illustrator of Everyone Sang, William Sieghart’s poetry collection. Emily is also the illustrator of Paddington creator Michael Bond’s Castle Mice series. This fascinating exploration of 1000 years of royal animals is written by Julia Golding, the author of The Queen’s Wardrobe, illustrated by Kate Hindley.

My Review.

A total delight to look at and to read. Any animal-loving child should enjoy it. For the purposes of my research, there was only a two-page spread, but that was informative.

Photo by Del Adams on Pexels.com

And now in January, it’s hot, far too hot. So what better excuse to curl up with a good book? So wherever you are and whatever you are and whatever your climate- Happy reading.

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

Chatting with Nancy Cunningham, About her January 2024 New Release Crossing the Bridge.

Are you in the cooler Northern Hemisphere or basking in the sun in the Southern Hemisphere? Either way, why not pause and give yourself the gift of time to rest and relax, maybe read a new book.

The pleasure of coffee and a new book.

It’s a pleasure to welcome author Nancy Cunningham to talk about her new book Crossing the Bridge.

Thank you for joining us- tell us about your book Crossing the Bridge which will be released 1st January 2024. You can pre-order it NOW

1944. Widow Poppy Guilford is fighting to save her farm, the one thing tethering her to her husband—and the legacy promised for their young son. But a devastating secret from her husband’s past threatens to derail her struggle to save the property and keep her son by her side.

Former soldier JB Beaton’s wartime injuries and personal losses have left him with scars, both inside and out. Believing he’s too damaged to be the father his son deserves, he leaves him with his sister and takes on a job as a farmhand, far away from the city and his failures.

Poppy, battling the elements and the heartache caused by her husband’s secret, finds the new farmhand is never far from her thoughts, and JB’s world is thrown into disarray by one of the most beautiful and capable women he has ever met. Neither can fight the surge of attraction they both feel.

In a small town where gossip reigns, will they surrender to duty or follow their hearts?

‘You’ll be cheering for this wartime Australian heroine well before the last page as she fights to find her voice, her feet and love after heartbreak. Nancy Cunningham’s emotional debut novel is a cracker.’ —Bestselling Australian author Victoria Purman.

‘Crossing the Bridge’ is available as an eBook through the Harper Collins/Escape website and all good online stores:  https://www.amazon.com.au/s?k=9781867299738&camp=247…

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781867299738…

https://books.apple.com/…/crossing-the-bridge/id6458265282

https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/crossing-the-bridge-9

An early Christmas present for yourself or someone you know perhaps?

I was fortunate enough to receive an Advance Reader Copy through Net Galley ( you can see my review on Good Reads) and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Nancy will be in conversation with Victoria Purman on Sunday the 21st of January at Payneham Library and celebrating Crossing the Bridge with a CWA-style afternoon tea. You will need to book your place

What drew you to this topic, why did you want to tell this story?

When I wrote the first draft of Crossing the Bridge, I happened to be reading a lot of historical fiction stories but was surprised to find that there weren’t a lot of 20th Century historical Australian stories on the shelf, and I wanted to write that story – basically, I wrote the story for me!

Are you writing anything else?

I have lots and lots of story ideas and currently have around 5 unpublished manuscripts, one I have out on submission, and the other I am polishing as just last week I had a request for a full manuscript and will also send it to my current publisher (Harper Collins) the other 3 are sitting waiting in a bottom drawer somewhere! I have too many ideas and too little time.

About Nancy

I am in awe of Nancy who works as a scientist- (please tell me your proper scientific title!) and also writes romance. That is quite a leap from the logical analytical part of the brain to the emotional, feeling part of the brain. Does it ever cause problems or confusion?

A Praying Mantis.

For me anyway. I find I can compartmentalise the different aspects of both being a research scientist and a romance writer and I rarely get confused between the two. I work as a senior (insect researcher) and am involved in entomological-related projects. As part of my role, I also curate the Waite Insect and Nematode Collection – a large collection of insects and arthropods – many specimens date back over one hundred years! Being the collection manager, it appeals both to my scientific curiosity but also the historical aspect of the collection is fascinating!

Nancy also contributes insightful and supportive comments to the Romance Writers of Australia Aspiring Writers Group.

Some quick-fire questions.

Late nights or early mornings?

Early mornings/mornings I find are when I am at my brightest. Night times are usually a little fraught as I am usually pretty tired and sometimes exhausted. It’s often the time I spend relaxing with my family.

What’s for breakfast?

I like to vary it, Weet-bix/muesli/porridge sometimes toast or a poached egg, I occasionally have fruit smoothies!

Night out or Netflix?

I’m definitely a homebody but not opposed to the occasional evening out.

G &T or Tea/Coffee?

Tea and coffee every day, G and T for those days you come home and its hot and you want to chill.

Perfect weekend?

Saturday – A little sleep-in followed by brunch out, come home, relax in the garden, or read. Yummy dinner, either home-cooked or takeaway, Sunday – rinse and repeat!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a zoologist, but also a scriptwriter (for the movies!)

What is for dinner tonight? Can you cook? What would you rather be eating?  

Tonight, it’s an easy stir fry with beef, veggies, and noodles (probably teriyaki). I can cook but find during the week especially I prefer really easy to prepare dishes. I think I feel like pasta tonight!

What brings you joy? Lifts your spirits, and chases away a down mood.

Going for a run

I have a relatively sedentary role both at work and as a writer, so I like going for a walk every day – usually with my dog and sometimes my daughter comes too. I love time just to relax and unwind either with family or friends but also, I love time alone just reading a book or occasionally going out and having a massage (there’s a place in every shopping centre these days!)

Your hero?

My partner – he really grounds me and makes me laugh! I am definitely richer for having him in my life.

If you could choose three people (living or dead) to invite to a dinner party, who would they be and why?

Marie Curie – a ground-breaking female scientist – I’d like to know what motivated her to continue when she had so many setbacks. Agatha Christie – because she writes the most wonderful murder mysteries where she hides everything you need to know in plain sight! David Attenborough – because he is utterly awesome and I’m sure we could discuss anything and everything!

Do you have any non-writing-related interests?

I like to draw, have made wooden furniture and like doing graphic design stuff (including making book covers!)

What would surprise people to know about you?

I love playing video games (usually with female protagonists in story-rich games) and have written many words of fanfiction (before I decided maybe to give this original fiction author business a go!)

Life lessons-what do you wish you’d known earlier?

That it’s okay to fail because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!

Questions about Writing.

What is your writing process like? 

I like to plan my first draft – I often spend a lot of time thinking about it before I’ve written a single word. Then I plan roughly each scene/chapter indicating beats – I like to use beat sheets and I write a rough GMC for each chapter. Then with my first draft, I read my GMC for that chapter and go for it. The first draft is very ugly – lots of grammar and spelling errors and I often have to do more research. 2nd draft is a tidy-up and to check structure, 3rd and 4th drafts are polishing and prepping for submission.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

I am currently working on another 1st draft which is a follow-up/sequel to Crossing the Bridge and will feature characters Ronnie (Veronica) and Charlie, set post WW2- fashion, wine, a little bit of espionage and a whole lot of love! I am also tinkering on a novella.

Have you ever resuscitated a project you’d shelved? What helped it work better the second time around?

I wrote a short story that failed miserably in a competition – some of the judge’s comments were odd and not really helpful (they didn’t like WW1 stories so marked me down) I shelved it and then about a year later Clare Griffin asked if I’d like to contribute with her and two other writers, Ava January and Sarah Fiddelaers, to a self-published anthology – 20th Century Historical Romance with an Easter theme.

I resuscitated/rewrote it into a longer story and I am very proud of that contribution! Clare, Ava, Sarah and I went on to do another anthology, this one based around a store in Paris, through the seasons and through four different time periods. We’ve been trying to organise a fourth but we’ve all been so busy!

What writing resources have been most helpful to you?

Scrivener is a fantastic tool and I love ‘One Stop for Writers’ which is the online version for all the thesaurus that Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi have produced (‘The Emotion Thesaurus’) I’ve also found the many writing groups on Facebook a font of knowledge for writing-related questions.

What do you know now that you wish you’d known at the beginning of your writing/publishing journey?

Do not ever compare your journey to others – you will only find discontentment! 

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I like to write my first drafts in a very short amount of time (National Novel Writing Month is good for that!) then I edit and edit and edit and edit.

What inspired your new book?

I knew when I wrote Crossing the Bridge that my side character of Veronica Guilford was a fab character, in fact, she was one of 3 POVs (Point of View)in the original story! She had to have her moment in the sun – and now it’s time!

What is the most difficult part about writing for you?

I think getting the structure and beats right. If you miss those there is often something off about the story. Also, your main character’s goal motivation and conflict has to be rock solid. Sometimes that needs work!

Did you do any research for your current book?

I write historical so there is always the need for research! Today I was looking up Australian female jazz musicians who worked in bands in the 1940s and 50s!

Do you have a favourite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?

That’s like asking me who my favourite child is (I only have one child so that’s kind of given she’s my favourite) but I love all my characters in different ways. Poppy and Ronnie from Crossing the Bridge I have a great fondness for. I love Poppy because the way I initially wrote her she didn’t have a great character arc (it was pretty flat, and she didn’t have a lot of agency) – I worked hard on her to make her all the things a reader would like without compromising what I loved about her. Ronnie is my sassy character and I have to say I love writing how rude and loud she is! I really loved writing from a male perspective too– and JB was a lot of fun to explore!

Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions?

Not necessarily – I did Becca Symes’s Strength for Writers’ workshops and discovered that my top five strengths are empathy, harmony, positivity, adaptability and woo (working others out). Most of these are in the relationship-building area not the areas that are supposedly related to writers – but the empathy one I had a real revelation as Becca said in the workshop that people with high empathy often have difficulty getting emotion onto the page. Which seems at odds with the very thing being experienced. The reality is that people with high empathy are so caught up in feeling the emotion they are writing – they think it’s been translated to the page when it’s not– learning to translate that to the page is a technical skill that must be learned. How many times has an editor or beta reader said to me when reading my work ‘Nancy, tell me how she feels!!!’

Best writing advice/ Worst writing advice you ever received?

Best – At my very first Romance Writers of Australia conference I was walking to the venue and I met this lovely lady on the street going to the conference. We talked about writing and romance, but it wasn’t until we got to the venue that I realised that it was the late great Valerie Parv, I was gobsmacked, and she wrote about our meeting in her memoir how for a moment we were just two writers talking – Valerie always said that perseverance for a writer is key. Finish that manuscript. Get a rejection? Submit again. Not getting traction? Keep writing, write another manuscript, then another and another. Keep learning, keep writing, keep submitting, it’s a long game and you must have the stamina to keep going if you are to be a success. For me, I like to think it’s a ‘when’ not an ‘if’.

Worst – you have to write every day. Working full time and having a family and other commitments makes it physically, intellectually, and emotionally impossible to write some days. To write you don’t need to flog yourself! A little bit each day goes a long way.

Best money you have spent as a writer?

Joining the Romance Writers of Australia.

Do you have a favourite author and why?

I absolutely love Beatriz Williams novels – honestly, every book she writes is like a dagger through your heart – the story, the characters, the settings, the beautiful writing. I read her work and think I will never ever be that good. She’s amazing!

What are you reading now?

I’m a multitasker – I usually have a few on the go – an audiobook for my commute to work- After the Forest by Kell Woods and I have just received ‘A Country Vet Christmas’ by Lily Malone, Alissa Callen, Penelope Janu, Stella Quinn and Pamela Cook

What books or authors have most influenced your writing?

Beatriz Williams, Amy Harmon, Victoria Purman, Penelope Janu, Soraya Lane

Favourite quote (does not matter the source)

“We’ve got to live, no matter how many skies have fallen.” D.H. Lawrence.

Favourite book/story you have read as an adult?

It’s gritty but I cannot go past Richard Flanagan’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North. I read it several years ago but there are still bits I think about that move me to tears. It was a book that touched my soul.

Favourite book/story you have read as a child?

Enid Blyton’s Magic Faraway Tree books were favourites of mine growing up!

Nancy Cunningham is a historical romance writer from Adelaide, with several award-winning short fiction and unpublished manuscript excerpts under her belt. When not working in her role as an entomologist, looking after family, reading, watching too many historical dramas and spider wrangling, Nancy writes about spirited and stoic heroines of the past overcoming adversity.

You can find Nancy at:

Where History and Science meets Heart

https://www.instagram.com/nan_writes

https://www.facebook.com/NancyMCunningham197

Thank you so much for spending time with us Nancy and best wishes for your book’s success.

What Was I Reading in November 2023?

November seems to have come around very quickly, and so has the heat in Western Australia. We’ve just survived a record ten days with daytime temperatures of over 30C. The last time that happened was in 1915 and it must have been unbearably hot given their clothing and housing then. These days, it’s no hardship to sit in air-conditioning and read.

Sizzling summer temperatures.
And There Was More

Additionally, we were having some house renovations done, which was neither quick nor quiet. Thumping and banging and radios on constantly. My reading choices were very much dictated by that- books were selected to be happy and accessible ‘comfort reads.’

Not my bathroom.

An Island Wedding by Jenny Colgan.

New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan brings us a delightful summer novel that will sweep you away to the remote Scottish island of Mure, where two very different weddings are about to take place…

On the little Scottish island of Mure–halfway between Scotland and Norway–Flora MacKenzie and her fiancé Joel are planning the smallest of “sweetheart weddings,” a high summer celebration surrounded only by those very dearest to them.

Not everyone on the island is happy about being excluded, though. The temperature rises even further when beautiful Olivia MacDonald–who left Mure ten years ago for bigger and brighter things–returns with a wedding planner in tow. Her fiancé has oodles of family money, and Olivia is determined to throw the biggest, most extravagant, most Instagrammable wedding possible. And she wants to do it at Flora’s hotel, the same weekend as Flora’s carefully planned micro-wedding.

As the summer solstice approaches, can Flora handle everyone else’s Happy Every Afters–and still get her own?

388 pages, Paperback.

My Review.

Jenny Colgan’s books are incredibly popular, and I’ve enjoyed reading many of them, including some of the Mure series. I’d have been confused with the story if I hadn’t read about Mure previously. It’s an enjoyable story with familiar characters and a feeling of warmth and acceptance. There are conflicts, jealousy and heartaches, but we know we and the characters will reach a happy ending. I enjoyed it.

The Wartime Bookshop by Lesley Eames.

The first in a brand-new nostalgic and heart-warming WWII series, perfect for fans of Donna Douglas and Elaine Everest.
Alice is nursing an injured hand and a broken heart when she moves to the village of Churchwood at the start of WWII. She is desperate to be independent but worries that her injuries will make that impossible.
Kate lives with her family on Brimbles Farm, where her father and brothers treat her no better than a servant. With no mother or sisters, and shunned by the locals, Kate longs for a friend of her own.
Naomi is looked up to for owning the best house in the village. But privately, she carries the hurts of childlessness, a husband who has little time for her and some deep-rooted insecurities.
With war raging overseas, and difficulties to overcome at home, friendship is needed now more than ever. Can the war effort and a shared love of books bring these women – and the community of Churchwood – together?

My Review,

Reminiscent of a Maeve Bincy for its warmth and characterisation. Each woman has her own challenges and problems to deal with. My heart went out to all of them but especially to Kate and I’m looking forward to further books in this series.

A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin.

Internationally bestselling author Sophie Irwin brings us another fresh, witty take on a romantic escape led by a deeply lovable heroine determined to start living on her own terms

When shy Miss Eliza Balfour married the austere Earl of Somerset, twenty years her senior, it was the match of the season–no matter that he was not the husband Eliza would have chosen.

But ten years later, Eliza is widowed. And at eight and twenty years, she is suddenly left titled, rich, and, for the first time in her life, utterly in control of her own future. Instead of living out her mourning quietly, Eliza heads to Bath with her cousin Margaret. After years of living according to everyone else’s rules, Eliza has resolved, at last, to do as she wants.

But when the ripples of the dowager Lady Somerset’s behaviour reach the new Lord Somerset–whom Eliza knew, once, as a younger woman–Eliza is forced to confront the fact that freedom does not come without consequences, though it also brings unexpected opportunities 359 pages, Paperback First published July 6, 2023.

My Review. The title alone beguiled me and of course, I was mentally cheering Eliza on. Breaking free of the shackles of conformity takes courage and at first, she doesn’t feel as if she has that. Each test provides another chance to remake her life and potentially scandalise society.

The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall.

For fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is a debut novel that explores the shields we build around our hearts to retain our own magic.

Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.

With the news of their grandmother’s impending death, Sadie’s estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie’s world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn’t sure she’ll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.

As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?

Readers who love the magic of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and the sense of community found in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will enjoy this warm, witchy novel.

322 pages, Paperback First published September 19, 2023

My Review.

Another book whose title drew me in, it kept me entertained and almost believing in magic. Sadie is a relatable character and her past with Jake has relevance throughout the book. The book has a gentle charm and I’m hoping for more from this author.

Villa of Sun and Secrets by Jennifer Bohnet.

Carla Sullivan’s 50th birthday is fast approaching when her whole world is turned upside down. Discovering her feckless husband is having yet another affair and following her mother’s death, she is in need of an escape. Finding an envelope addressed to her mother’s estranged sister Josette in the South of France gives Carla the perfect plan.

Seizing the moment, she packs her bags and heads to Antibes to seek out the enigma known as Tante Josette. But as the two women begin to forge a tentative relationship, family secrets start to unravel, forcing Carla to question her life as she has always known it.

A heart-warming tale on the beautiful French Riviera, which will keep you guessing.Perfect for the fans of Jill Mansell and Fern Britton.

Published August 8, 2019

My Review.

Finding yet another betrayal one too many, Carla defies expectations and flies to France on a whim. Meeting an aunt, she has never really known and feeling some form of connection. Despite her daughter’s suggestion that she return home and forgive her husband. Carla knows that this time it’s too late. A new life beckons if only she has the courage to face it.

Christmas Everyday by Beth Moran.

When Jenny inherits her estranged grandmother’s cottage in Sherwood Forest, she has nothing to lose – no money, no job, no friends, no family to speak of, and zero self-respect. Things can only get better…

Her grumpy, but decidedly handsome new neighbour, Mack, has a habit of bestowing unsolicited good deeds on her. And when Jenny is welcomed into a rather unusual book club, life seems to finally be getting more interesting.

Instead of reading, the members pledge to complete individual challenges before Christmas: from finding new love, learning to bake, to completing a daredevil bucket list. Jenny can’t resist joining in, and soon a year of friendship and laughter, tears and regrets unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

Warm, wise, funny, and utterly uplifting, what one thing would you change in your life before Christmas comes around?

My Review.

Just the right book for this time of year. Jenny escapes to her deceased grandmother’s cottage. She wants to hide but must engage with the community to survive. Little by little and one interaction at a time, she starts building a new life for herself.

Renovations Are Hell!

Because I knew the cats would be scared, I decided to stay home with them while the workmen were in the house. I was concerned about the cats escaping from the secure room they were confined in.

The front door was wide open, the front gates were open, there was knocking and constant banging, radios blasting out. Quite different from our normal quiet home environment.

Not a care in the world.

It was lucky I was home as one cat escaped, twice, moving a sheet of marine plywood, a 5 kilo bag of cat litter and 2x 2.5 kilo dumbells.I managed to get him back in the safe room.

In addition, with the renovation madness all around me, I attempted NaNoWriMo but didn’t manage to reach the targe fifty thousand words as I have in other years. That’s okay ,as I’ve got about 27,000 words down.

Just In Time for Christmas

And just in time for Christmas, these swoon- worthy romances are on sale at this special price for one week from December 6th. Dont order them earlier or you wont get it

www.books2read.com/Abdu or

www.books2read.com/knapp

That wraps up November for me, I will be back in about a week with an interview with Nancy Cunningham about her new book Crossing The Bridge.

Its set in WW2 and is a romance.I’m currently reading and enjoying it.

October 2023- What Did I Read and What Do I Recommend?

Finally, here in the Southern Hemisphere, Spring was in the air. Flowers bloomed early and we basked in warmer-than-average temperatures with little rain. Television was wall-to-wall sport, so it was a great time for a non-sports lover like me to be reading.

As usual, it’s a mixed bag of books I knew I wanted to read and those that caught my eye.

The joy of Spring flowers.

The Frosty Duke by Lila Di Pasqua.

Love and Order 1

When a mathematician seeks the aid of a rake, things may not go to plan… A fun, extra-steamy, utterly scandalous, romantic holiday novella.

Spinster Lady Luella (Ella) knows a lot about mathematics but is completely out of her element when it comes to men. To right a terrible wrong, she has until the Christmas ball to learn as much as she can about the art of seduction. Determined to enlist the help of an expert, she has set her sights on a handsome stranger who frequents the notorious pleasure club, L’Anonyme.

Lewis, Duke of Ansford, wants nothing to do with Christmas, the woman who stole her way into his cab, or her mad plan. A winter storm has stranded her in his home. All he wants is peace and solitude during the holiday. Not a woman who disrupts his tranquillity—and a mutual attraction that burns white-hot.

Keep the smelling salts nearby.

Previously published in Duke in a Box.

82 pages, Kindle Edition. Published November 1, 2023

My Review.

I enjoyed this steamy short romance. Ella is naïve about men, but not stupid and her plan shows daring and courage. How can she know what passion she has unwittingly inspiring?  A fun read!

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman.

Thursday Murder Club 4.

Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?

My Review.

Shocked by the death of his old friend, Ibraham enlists the others to help make sense of this disappearance. Elizabeth isn’t her usual self, as she comes to terms with Stephen’s dementia diagnosis. Surprisingly, Joyce steps up and by dint of asking herself, “ What would Elizabeth do?” She proves quite effective. They are dealing with dangerous people, who are prepared to stop at nothing and to double-cross each other.

Warning For anyone who has or had, a loved one with dementia this book may be difficult to read, although the topic is handled sensitively.

The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman.

A high society amateur detective at the heart of Regency London uses her wits and invisibility as an ‘old maid’ to protect other women in a new and fiercely feminist historical mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.

Lady Augusta Colebrook, “Gus,” is determinedly unmarried, bored by society life, and tired of being dismissed at the age of forty-two. She and her twin sister, Julia, who is grieving her dead betrothed, need a distraction. One soon presents to rescue their friend’s goddaughter, Caroline, from her violent husband.
 
The sisters set out to Caroline’s country estate with a plan, but their carriage is accosted by a highwayman. In the scuffle, Gus accidentally shoots and injures the ruffian, only to discover he is Lord Evan Belford, an acquaintance from their past who was charged with murder and exiled to Australia twenty years ago. What follows is a high adventure full of danger, clever improvisation, heart-racing near misses, and a little help from a revived and rather charming Lord Evan.

Back in London, Gus can’t stop thinking about her unlikely (not to mention handsome) comrade-in-arms. She is convinced Lord Evan was falsely accused of murder, and she is going to prove it. She persuades Julia to join her in a quest to help Lord Evan, and others in need—society be damned! And so begins the beguiling secret life and adventures of the Colebrook twins.

464 pages, Paperback

My Review.

Well, I’m just basking in the glow of having finished Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman. It pleased me on so many levels- mature-aged heroines (42) ill-advised adventures, a dashing hero/anti-hero. An ‘obstinate headstrong girl,’ in this case one of the heroines. Exploration of social conditions that are genuinely shocking and the potential for more books. Oh yes, please! In good news, it has been confirmed that a further book is underway.

Talk To The Heart By Rachael Johns.

How hard can it be to resist temptation?
Adeline Walsh never thought she would give up her worldly possessions – her iPhone, her make-up and even her successful life as a dog breeder – to join a convent on the other side of the country. But after the discovery of a shocking family secret she feels called to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. Life at the Smallton convent is nothing like Adeline expected. The other sisters quickly become like family and Adeline feels like she’s found her place in the world. Until she meets Holden Campbell, a man as tempting as the devil himself. Due to a devastating accident in his past, Holden is not interested in any relationship or even a friendship with Adeline, but when their dogs keep bringing them together, he reluctantly accepts her help to organise a charity event. An accidental kiss tests both their resolves, but they are determined to fight the attraction raging between them. Holden doesn’t believe in love and Adeline isn’t going to risk everything she’s just found. Can they resist each other while continuing to work on a cause they both passionately believe in? An emotional and uplifting story about overcoming your past from bestselling author Rachael Johns.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

My Review.

There is a lot to enjoy in this book. It has a genuine feel-good vibe. I enjoyed the relationship between Holden and Ford his brother. The story of how they were named. The foster family of boys and the dogs, and even the small-town community, all were heartwarming. What I couldn’t get past was Adeline joining the convent- it felt hopelessly unrealistic to me. I am not a religious person. I felt the potential of a relationship between Adeline and Holden was well explored and believable. I received an Advance Copy through Net Galley.

The Writer Laid Bare: Emotional Honesty In A Writer’s Art, Craft and Life by Lee Kofman

The Writer Laid Bare is a book for everyone who loves the craft of good writing. Be they a voracious reader wanting to know more or an emerging writer themselves, best-selling author and writing coach Lee Kofman has distilled her wisdom, insight and passion into this guide to writing and emotional honesty. 

A combination of raw memoir and a professional writing toolkit, Lee examines her own life, rich in story and emotion to reveal how committing to a truthful writing practice helped her conquer writer’s block and develop her own authentic voice. 

‘Show don’t tell’ has never been so compelling. 

Inspired by her popular writing courses, Lee also offers practical advice on drafts, edits and how to achieve a life/writing balance.   How combining her writing with motherhood led her to recognise that ‘the pram in the hall’ issue is real. 
Plus the ultimate reading list of books you really should read, from Chekhov to Elena Ferrante and Helen Garner. 
‘The Writer Laid Bare takes us on an intimate journey into the magical, and often challenging, terrain an author inhabits. Kofman courageously shares with the reader her own probing writerly journey of self-discovery.’ –  Leah Kaminsky 

374 pages, Kindle Edition

My Review.

A fellow writer recommended this to me, as I was stuck with what I was writing. I read it from cover to cover. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel a spark of recognition or inspiration. It’s not my book. It may be yours

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London by Garth Nix.

A girl’s quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. From the bestselling master of teen fantasy, Garth Nix.

In a slightly alternate London in 1983, Susan Arkshaw is looking for her father, a man she has never met. Crime boss Frank Thringley might be able to help her, but Susan doesn’t get time to ask Frank any questions before he is turned to dust by the prick of a silver hatpin in the hands of the outrageously attractive Merlin.

Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.

Susan’s search for her father begins with her mother’s possibly misremembered or misspelt surnames, a reading room ticket, and a silver cigarette case engraved with something that might be a coat of arms.

Merlin has a quest of his own, to find the Old World entity who used ordinary criminals to kill his mother. As he and his sister, the right-handed bookseller Vivien, tread in the path of a botched or covered-up police investigation from years past, they find this quest strangely overlaps with Susan’s. Who or what was her father? Susan, Merlin, and Vivien must find out, as the Old World erupts dangerously into the New.

My Review

I saw this in a library display and both the title and the concept appealed to me. How could I resist a tagline like that?

I’m pretty much guaranteed to read any book with library, bookshop or book-seller in its title. This went along at a fast pace; with the sort of mythic structure you’d expect in this kind of book. The setting and action were both well conveyed and Susan is a character who is set for more adventures. Most probably with Merlin and Vivian. I’d happily read book two.

Maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a little spice?

The Regency Abduction Club anthology and its sister publication The Regency K’dnappers Club were released on October 5th. You can read them for free with Kindle Unlimited, or they are $4.99 to buy and will only be available for a strictly limited time. Best grab them now

https://books2read.com/knapp – Sweet one

https://books2read.com/Abdu – Sexy one

In more exciting news over fifty authors have donated stories to appear in the anthology Love For Maui. It’s priced at $5.99 US or $5.99 Australian and all proceeds will help the rebuilding effort after those tragic fires in August. Available from your favourite book retailer.

November has begun and thousands of people worldwide are attempting
NaNoWriMo-National Novel in a Month. The aim is to kickstart a writing project and complete at least 50,000 words in the month.
I’m using it to kick start a secret project and also to brainstorm ideas for my next Regency novella which is due early next year.

Exciting News! What Did I Read in September 2023?

Let me share some exciting news. Love is definitely in the air!

My new story Operation Scoundrel is out! It was published on October 5th in the anthology The Regency Abduction Club. There are passionate stories by eight other authors.  If you prefer a sweeter story then The Regency K’nappers Club features seven charming stories.

So of course, I’ve been thinking and reading about love, but to keep things interesting I’ve read some cosy crime and a memoir.

My cats have been most offended as workmen have been in the house, and the cats had to be confined in the sunroom. TV didn’t have a lot of appeal, it was still chilly, so curling up with a good book and a cat on my lap was often how I spent my evenings.

The Perfect Match by Katie Fforde.

The wonderfully romantic new novel from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of Recipe for Love.

Three years ago Bella Castle left her home town nursing a broken heart over Dominic Thane, the man she fell in love with but couldn’t have …

Now she’s made a new life for herself in the country, working as an estate agent.

Bella loves her job and she loves her boyfriend Nevil. But recently he’s been preoccupied, and she’s starting to question if his future hopes and dreams are a perfect match for hers.

And when Dominic turns up unexpectedly in search of his dream house, she begins to wonder if home is really where the heart is. But she’s over him, isn’t she?

My Review.

This was on my bookshelves for ages and as I wanted to read something light but readable, I chose it. Likeable characters with problems you can relate to. Bella, an estate agent whose talent is to matchmake houses to house hunters. Engaged to her boss Nevil, who doesn’t seem to appreciate her or her talents. Jane, whose lovely home is too big for her, but who can’t bear to leave her garden. Alice, whose life has got a bit stale, until she meets a man on a train. Characters I cared about with relatable problems and of course a happily ever after.

Um, Where is Belize? By Rod Baker.

“Cars are the sculptures of our everyday lives.” – Chris Bangle

This very sentiment inspired me to sculpt my life differently — at least once — to use my car for something other than going back and forth to the grocery store, work, or favoured restaurant. We live in the era of the motorised carriage; we all have them. Ever fantasize about hopping into your car with a few sandwiches and a map, driving past your work, the grocery store, and beyond everything you know? Driving as fast and far as you can every day for a week and see where you end up? Leaving the safe parameters of your life to find the shape of your life? “Um, where is Belize” is that story.

As days of non-stop driving are unsafe, I talked my cousin, whom I had never met, into joining me. After I had sold him on the virtues of a trip to Belize, he gave me the title of the book. “Um, where is Belize?”



.My Review.

Bored with the Canadian winter and the sluggish workload at his boat repair yard, Rod decides to check out Belize. A small English-speaking country in South America. He’s heard that the climate is great and considers relocating his work and family there. After somehow convincing his wife it’s a good idea, Rod meets up with a long-lost cousin Nick to share the driving and expenses.

From then on, it’s a boy’s own trip accompanied by a George Michael and Abba soundtrack. The guys take the driving in shifts and are open to new experiences. They cross the USA and drive through Mexico, practising their almost non-existent Spanish. Huevos Rancheros is their standby meal. It’s the only one they know and can pronounce. El Presidente Brandy for breakfast? Sure! Why not? When Rod finds out that Nick doesn’t have any money, that carefree vibe becomes somewhat strained.

 Finally, they reach Belize, and its laid-back charm and friendly people appeal. Rod’s visit to the boatyard dampens his enthusiasm, as does his limited cash and inability to make his phone card work to phone home. It’s not been the trip Rod expected.  They take a detour through the jungle, explore the barrier reef, enjoy the hospitality of Hank and Jane try a Tarzan swing over a river and horse riding. Both of which are more dangerous than they imagined,

After three weeks, with money and interest running out they make the trip back home. An encounter with a portion of the Mexican army gifts them a hitchhiker armed with rifle. He leaves them, and then Nick leaves. Rod is determined to push on to home and family. An unforgettable trip, but one that reinforced his wish for home and stability.

The Real Katie Lavender by Erica James.

At 30, Katie Lavender thinks she is better than most when it comes to dealing with life’s surprises. But when she gets a request to visit a solicitor, she’s not expecting the dramatic turn her life is about to take. There, she receives a letter from her deceased mother that literally changes everything she ever knew about herself… The Real Katie Lavender is the delightful, sparkling new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Erica James.

My Review.

Katie Lavender receives a mysterious letter, which turns everything she knows on its head. At 30 she’s set to make life-changing decisions. The complexities of families are investigated. How a family dynamic is altered by the choices of family members. Although the tone is light-hearted, serious topics are explored sensitively, including suicide and infidelity. I enjoyed it.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holten

Book 1 Dangerous Damsels

A prim and proper lady thief must save her aunt from a crazed pirate and his dangerously charming henchman in this fantastical historical romance.
Cecilia Bassingwaite is the ideal Victorian lady. She’s also a thief. Like the other members of the Wisteria Society crime sorority, she flies around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Sure, she has a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it’s a pleasant existence. Until the men show up.
Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, that happens to be while he’s under direct orders to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possesses a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. But both men have made one grave mistake. Never underestimate a woman.
When Morvath imperils the Wisteria Society, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her–hopefully proving, once and for all, that she’s as much of a scoundrel as the rest of them.

My Review.
The title held great appeal and I really wanted to like this book. It’s a steampunk madcap adventure, some of which made me chuckle. Ned is a likeable rogue of a hero and Ceceila is taken with his charms if only he wasn’t trying to kill her. Somehow, I couldn’t suspend my disbelief, so the book didn’t work for me, but it could for you.

Murder Most Royal By S.J Bennett.

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2021

December 2016 – A severed hand is found washed up on a beach next to the Queen’s estate at Sandringham. Elizabeth has become quite accustomed to solving even the most complex of murders. And though she quickly identifies the 70-year-old victim, Edward St Cyr, from his signet ring, the search for his killer is not so straightforward. St Cyr led an unconventional, often controversial life, making many enemies along the way in the quiet, rural world of North Norfolk, where everyone knows each other’s business.
But when a second man is found dead, and a prominent local woman is nearly killed in a hit-and-run, the mystery takes an even darker turn. With the Christmas break coming to an end, the Queen and her trusted assistant Rozie must race to discover how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. Or the next victim may be found even closer to home.


My Review.

It’s just too unsettling, while HM the Queen is at home in Norfolk for the Christmas break. All should be calm and ordered, just the way she likes it, until the unpleasantness of a severed hand turned up. Worse, it belongs to someone she knows. It calls for a little investigating and between them The Queen and Rozie manage to pre-empt the police to a solution.

Lady Amelia’s Scandalous Secret by Eva Shepherd.

Her rival in business…her suitor in Society!

When debutante Lady Amelia Lambourne is presented to self-made entrepreneur Leo Devenish at a Society dinner, he has no idea she has a scandalous secret: that she runs a magazine for women! He may be charismatic and handsome, but she knows he’s keen to take over her magazine. So, she permits him to court her, but only to keep her enemy as close as possible…

My Review.

The idea that a woman can have opinions is deemed ridiculous, while a woman owning a magazine is simply unheard of. Lady Amelia is keen to keep it that way, but when Leo accidentally gives her an idea to increase her magazine’s circulation, she simply cannot resist trying it. Sparks fly as these well-matched antagonists do battle for love and money. I wasn’t keen on this cover. What do you think?

A Week with the Best Man by Ally Blake.

One week……with the guy she’s desperate to resist! Returning home isn’t something buttoned-up businesswoman Harper Addison does often. She’s too focused on earning money to support her family. Now she’s back to be her sister’s maid of honour – which means spending a lot of time with the best man, her teenage crush Cormac Wharton. The laid-back billionaire sees far too much of the real her – but surely, she can resist his charms for just one week…

My Review.

Harper Addison has made it big; she’s determined and focused and wouldn’t take time out of her schedule for anyone but her younger sister. Unfortunately, this puts her closer to Cormac Wharton than she would like. But what could happen in a week, anyway? Had she got him wrong all those years ago?

Rescuing You for Christmas by Judy Leslie.

Paige dreams of a white Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington, with her five-year-old daughter, but those dreams are dashed when a treacherous spin on the icy road lands her car in a snowbank.

Fortunately, a handsome stranger stops to give her a lift to the cabin she rented. But the place turns out to be a dilapidated building with no electricity.

Matt Holloway is a bachelor who enjoys his space and freedom. But not wanting to abandon Paige in the snow, he reluctantly offers to let her, and her daughter stay with him until Paige’s car is repaired. However, their presence turns his life upside down.

As the snow falls, the fire crackles, and the smell of freshly baked cookies fills the air, a connection forms that neither Paige nor Matt can ignore. But a holiday fling is not what they want, and Paige has a daughter to consider. Besides, there’s no way Matt is getting involved with a city gal. He understands the risks of giving in to his growing desires.

Paige is leaving on Christmas day, and then they will return to their old lives. That’s what they both want—or at least that’s what they keep telling themselves.

Set against the backdrop of the magical winter wonderland of the mountains of Leavenworth, Washington, this charming Christmas story will have you curling up with a cup of cider by the fireplace, dreaming of being snowed in with someone you find irresistible.

Published September 2, 2023

My Review.

I loved this book; it gave me all the Christmas feels and it isn’t even Christmas! Devoted single mum Paige has promised her daughter a magical Christmas. Crashing her car isn’t in their plans, and when rescuer Matt drives her to the cabin she rented, it’s a wreck.

          Forced together by circumstances, Matt offers Paige a place to stay. They get along surprisingly well. But this isn’t what either of them wants, is it? Both have their own reasons why it shouldn’t work. Even if their hearts are telling them that it does. I received an ARC of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Kitten cuteness.

What else is happening? I’m doing a couple of courses, and have plans to read and write a lot more. In the mostly unexpected department,-I’m also writing a memoir as well as planning my next Regency story.

I submitted a story to the anthology Love for Maui that’s due out in November. All writers will donate their royalties to a charity in Maui.

Maybe it’s time to treat yourself or a friend to a little romance?

https://books2read.com/Abdu – Sexy one

https://books2read.com/knapp – Sweet one

“Two-much” Regency romance is barely enough….

May your hearts be full, your home full of love and may you always have time to read and enjoy a good book. Until next time.

JAFF Bonanza

Regency Romance Books Sale for Austen Aficionados

Kent Wayne

Epic fantasy & military sci-fi author.

BRYN DONOVAN

TELL YOUR STORIES, LOVE YOUR LIFE

The Human Writers

shannonmeyerkort.com

Multi-genre author

suzilove.wordpress.com/

SUZI LOVE ~ Writing about romance, history, crazy characters, the Aussie outback and extraordinary places.

Writers In The Storm

Welcome to My World

Land of my Fathers. The Land of Song, Mountains, Myths and Legends, Stunning Scenery and so much more.

valerieparv

Come play inside a writer's brain, scary!

Nancy Cunningham

Where History and Science meets Heart

Sophril Reads

Books and Tea!

Peter Wyn Mosey

Writer - Arts & Wellbeing - Job Aide

Josh Langley

- inspiring kids-

Maureen Helen

Romance Writers of Australia

The Never Ending Bookshelf

Where dreams are just a bookshelf away ...

Nadia L King

A writer from Perth, Australia

The First Time podcast

Part reality show, part writers' master class. A podcast about the first time you...publish a book.

Mrs B's Book Reviews

Book reviews and recommendations from a self confessed book geek

rêveuse