August wasn’t a happy or productive month for me. Winter often affects my mood and August is winter in Australia.This was our wettest winter in over thirty years. Additionally, there was a family bereavement , numerous and expensive vet visits for my diabetic cat and if that wasn’t, enough there were low temperatures as well as almost continuous rain.
Do you find that the weather influences your mood? I believe Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD syndrome is real. The TV shows, mostly repeats held little appeal, so once again, I turned to books.
Would you disturb him to get a book?
Just One Taste by Lizzie Dent.
“I love, love, love Lizzy Dent.”—Emily Henry, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Olive Stone is about to spend four weeks in Italy with the most beautiful man she’s ever hated.
When Olive Stone and her Italian pseudo-celebrity chef father fell out fourteen years ago, annoyingly handsome Leo Ricci slipped right in as his surrogate son and sous-chef. No one is more surprised than Olive when her father wills her his beloved (and now failing) restaurant. Or that his dying wish was for Olive and Leo to complete his cookbook…together.
She’s determined to sell the restaurant. Leo is determined to convince her not to. As they embark on four weeks in Italy, traveling from Sicily to Tuscany to Liguria, they’ll test each other as often as they test recipes. But the more time Olive and Leo spend together the more undeniable their attraction grows. Olive finds herself wondering whether selling the restaurant might be running away, and what it might be like to try Just One Taste of Leo Ricci. Because he isn’t who she expected, and this trip might reveal more about who Olive is than she’s ready for.
My Review.
If you enjoy a good “enemies to lovers’ “ story, then this will appeal. Add to that those stunning descriptions of regional Italy and the mouthwatering food. For Olive the trip is a necessity to fulfill her father’s wishes, it doesn’t mean she has to enjoy it, or to like Leo. However unwillingly she does start to appreciate Leo’s good qualities and feel a growing attraction between them.Maybe just one taste of Leo’s lovemaking will satisfy her curiosity?
The Stranger Times by C.K Mc Donnell, Caimh Mc Donnell
Stranger Times 1
There are dark forces at work in our world (and in Manchester in particular), so thank God The Stranger Times is on hand to report them…
A weekly newspaper dedicated to the weird and the wonderful (but mostly the weird), it is the go-to publication for the unexplained and inexplicable. At least that’s their pitch. The reality is less auspicious. Their editor is a drunken, foul-tempered, and foul-mouthed husk of a man who thinks little of the publication he edits. His staff are a ragtag group of misfits. And as for the assistant editor… well, that job is a revolving door–and it has just revolved to reveal Hannah Willis, who’s got problems of her own.
When tragedy strikes in Hannah’s first week on the job, The Stranger Times is forced to do some serious investigating. What they discover leads to a shocking realisation: some of the stories they’d previously dismissed as nonsense are in fact terrifyingly real. Soon they come face-to-face with darker forces than they could ever have imagined.
432 pages, Paperback
My Review.
I have mixed feelings about this one. It is cleverly written and the premise that all those odd things reported in the wackier press are true, plays into our love of conspiracy theories. But it’s cold , all at one emotional pitch-which feels very much like newspaper reporting. Of course, this may have been a deliberate stylistic choice, but it doesn’t tempt me to continue with the series,
Foul Play at Seal Bay by Judy Leigh.
Morwenna Mutton Mystery 1
A brand-new series perfect for Richard Osman readers and all fans of a page-turning whodunnit.
It was meant to be the start of quiet season in the sleepy Cornish village of Seal Bay, but not for sexagenarian librarian and wild swimming enthusiast Morwenna Mutton. Because when a local businessman is found on the beach with a bread knife is his back, bungling police officer DI Rick Tremayne is soon out of his depth. Morwenna knows it’s going to be down to her to crack the case. The list of people the victim upset is long, the evidence is slight, and an arrest illusive. Morwenna has plenty to occupy her time what with ghostly goings-on at the library and skulduggery at her granddaughter’s school, but she could never resist a challenge. And even the most ruthless of murderers should quake at the sight of this amateur sleuth getting on her bike to track them down. If you love Miss Marple and The Thursday Murder Club, then you’ll love The Morwenna Mutton mysteries.
My Review,
The start of a new series by popular author Judy Leigh, so of course, there is quite a lot of “set up” involved. It’s easy reading, although at times it feels a bit repetitive. Heavy footed detective DI Rick Tremayne is almost a cartoon cop. I guessed the solution and was proved right.
Second Act at Appleton Green: An absolutely heartwarming and uplifting romance about family, love and starting over by Kate Forster.
When the curtains close, a new beginning waits in the wings
After losing her voice before the audition of a lifetime, West End hopeful Lily Baxter flees to the one place that’s always felt like her grandmother Violet’s cosy cottage in the heart of Appleton Green.
Violet is overjoyed to have Lily back under her roof, even if it’s not under the happiest of circumstances. As Lily muddles through lost dreams and what-ifs, Violet is quietly nursing her own worries-and hoping this unexpected visit might help them both them heal.
When charming local nurse Nick encourages Lily to join the village’s amateur dramatics group, she reluctantly agrees – and soon finds herself swept up in script readings, prop-painting parties, and something that feels a lot like falling in love.
As opening night draws near, Lily must decide where her heart truly back in the bright lights of London, or centre stage in Appleton Green.
My Review,
Lily seems to be living her dream, getting call backs to audition for roles she wants. When her voice deserts her ,so does her confidence. She needs comfort and sanctuary and finds it with her perceptive grandmother Violet in Appleton Green. The two have always shared a deep bond of understanding. It’s time for Lily to decide what her future holds, what she wants. The village has ( mostly) taken her to their heart. And there is local nurse Nick, who supports and encourages her. Yet, even in the village there is rivalry and jealousy. Does Lily want a lead role on stage, or something different in her life? Time to choose. I enjoyed this book for the lovely relationship between Lily and her grandmother, Violet. Her relationship with her mother struck a chord and of course, I felt just a little bit in love with Nick!
Thanks to Net galley for an advance copy.I read this earlier in the year. I couldn’t release my review until now.
The Duke’s Runaway Bride by Jenni Fletcher.
Regency Belles of Bath 3
When Beatrix, Duchess of Howden, writes to her estranged husband offering a divorce, she’s stunned when he arrives on her doorstep with a different proposition: a six-week marriage trial! Quinton Roxbury seems cold and inscrutable, but Beatrix gradually realizes his rough exterior hides a heavy burden. As their connection deepens, dare she trust him with her own scandalous past and risk the marriage she never knew she wanted?
My Review.
An easy-to-read enemies to lovers with enough hesitancy make it interesting.
The Return of Her Long-Lost Husband by Joanna Johnson
A husband’s redemption… A second chance at love?
Nathaniel Honeywell returns from being presumed dead expecting to be welcomed home with open arms. He’s shocked when his wife, Hester, isn’t pleased to see him! But Nathaniel can’t blame Hester for believing he abandoned her when she needed him most… During their marriage, he foolishly valued money over his wife. Now his experiences have left him a changed man, and as the simmering attraction between them grows, Nathaniel is determined to prove it!
My Review.
Couldn’t help but feel for Hester over the return of her thick-headed husband. Then, her happiness in discovering him a changed man. Hints of his past suffering…and why his character changed. All good .Then, I lost patience with Nathaniel ..
Starting September with a more optimistic frame of mind , a cat to cuddle and of course, a heap of new books to enjoy. Do you read more in winter?
February was a hot month here in Australia providing plenty of reading time in air-conditioned comfort. After a skin cancer scare and couple of skin cancer removals, I was not keen to be out in the sun. Even if I was slathered in Factor 50 sunblock. Reading was escapism at its best! I’d also signed up for an online writing course and had weekly writing related Zoom meetings. I also got enthralled in reality TV’s Married at First Sight. It all meant that I read far less than usual this past month.
The Runaway Heiress by Emma Orchard.
The Second Lady Silverwood
London, 1815. Cassandra Hazeldon is on the run.
Under duress to marry a repellent friend of her uncle, Cassandra has made her escape, but now she is very much alone. With luck and quick thinking, she finds a refuge in a grand mansion in Mayfair, and a protector in Lord Irlam, or Hal to his friends.
Posing as a friend of Hal’s sister, Cassandra is swept up into the social whirl of a Brighton summer. But the attraction between her and Hal is starting to scorch, and when jealousy is added to the mix, things are set to reach boiling point.
Dear Reader, this wonderfully romantic story has passionate and steamy scenes, enjoy …
My Review.
This is an entertaining and lighthearted romance, although it does tackle serious issues such as the forced marriages many young women endured. Cassandra shows her spirit by escaping and hiding from her uncle and the proposed repellent match.
Luck is with her, and Lord Irlam not only believes in her, but he also assists in her entry into society. No longer friendless Cass learns about friendship, love and duty
The Bookshop Ladies by Faith Hogan
Joy Blackwood has no idea why her French art dealer husband has left a valuable painting to a woman called Robyn Tessier in Ballycove, a small town on the west coast of Ireland, but she is determined to find out.
She arrives in Ballycove to find that Robyn runs a rather chaotic and unprofitable bookshop. She is shy, suffering from unrequited love for dashing Kian, and badly in need of advice on how to make the bookshop successful.
As Joy becomes entangled in the daily dramas of Ballycove, uncovering the secrets behind her husband’s painting grows increasingly challenging. When she finally musters the courage to confront the truth, her revelation sends shockwaves through the tight-knit community she’s grown to love.
My Review.
A delight of a book, reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s warmth and characterization. You will cheer with shy Robyn as she struggles with the bookshop. Loving books isn’t enough, she has to make a living. The village wonders why American Joy is staying in a quiet Irish village. Joy begins to forge friendships and relationships, but the secrets she’s keeping gnaw at her conscience. I loved it!
From New York Times bestselling author Jenna McKinlay comes the Museum of Literature RomCom Omnibus. For the first time all three novellas are in one volume.
Royal Valentine
The Attraction Distraction
It Happened One Christmas Eve
Come join the fun with a secret identity and a trip to England, a second chance romance while in search of an ancient literary artifact in Greece, and a holiday caper starting with a hijacked sleigh! As the intrepid librarians and archivists of the Museum of Literature travel the world for the love of books, curating their own happily ever afters along the way. What more could any romcom adoring book lover want?
My Review.
Each story is complete and satisfying and it’s hard to pick a favourite. All convey a special attraction that deepens into love. Great banter, and fun filled stories. Royal Valentine,they so obviously were meant to be together.TheAttraction Distraction, attraction, a quest and rivalry. It Happened One Christmas Eve, don’t we all just love a feisty heroine, especially when she is escaping from a predictably boring marriage ?
Sunshine hot enough to sizzle eggs on the pavement.
Yes it’s still warm,a mild 27C (80F) today but a 37C (96F) forecast for later this week. We are slowly easing into Autumn, but there are many hot days ahead of us yet. I’ve few books downloaded that I’m excited about, as well as some physical books. What about you? Do you have a reading preference?
So here in the Southern hemisphere its winter and that is the perfect time for snuggling up with a good book. One question remains for me. Why haven’t I read more? I’m way behind on my reading target of 100 books for the year, as so far I have only read 34.
Home and comfort
Part of the reason is I’ve been writing- a non fiction book which is very close to my heart, a memoir. You will hear more about that in the coming months.
The Regent’s Menagerie anthologies had a successful launch and hit number one in their categories. Congratulations to all my fellow authors I’ve a lot of reading to do to catch up on all these fabulous stories.
Surprisingly too, I’ve found things to watch on tv although I haven’t been watching Bridgerton series 3. As with my reading, I was preferring darker themes. I’ve spent time playing with the app and generated a series of portraits of me. Interestingly, all of them were brunette although I’m a blonde.
Possibly my reading has influenced my tv viewing.
A Big Boy Did It and Ran Away by Christopher Brookmyre.
Back when they were students, just like everybody else, Ray Ash and Simon Darcourt had dreams about what they’d do when they grew up. In both their cases, it was to be rock stars. Fifteen years later, their mid-thirties are bearing down fast, and just like everybody else, they’re having to accept the less glamorous hands reality has dealt them. Nervous new father Ray takes refuge from his responsibilities by living a virtual existence in online games. People say he needs to grow up, but everybody has to find their own way of coping. For some it’s affairs, for others it’s the bottle, and for Simon it’s serial murder, mass slaughter and professional assassination.
My Review.
I’m on a bit of a Brookmyre kick at the moment. This is the third one I have read and I found it mostly enjoyable. As some other reviewers have said it lost impetus around the halfway mark and it could easily have been cut without losing anything. The thirties are a time for reflection and for both Ray and Simon life has deviated from their plan. Once members of an unsuccessful rock band, that glittering existence is still out of reach. Ray has accepted he has to grow up and has become a teacher. Simon has other darker plans, all the more easily accomplished now that he’s officially dead. At times serious, at times funny, I snorted with laughter when reading it.
Berry Grove Bed And Breakfast by Sarah Hope
When Kim Reynolds learns how unhappy her daughter is, she realises the perfect remedy is a completely fresh start.
Giving up the corporate job she’s worked towards for her entire life, Kim is determined to make Berry Grove Bed & Breakfast a success, but more importantly, she’s determined to support her daughter Mia as she settles into her new life.
But when Danny, Kim’s childhood sweetheart, turns up, buried feelings and a complicated secret threatens to jeopardise their newly discovered peaceful lifestyle.
Can the two people Kim loves most in the world understand and forgive her for keeping them apart?
A story of family, love and friendship, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Jessica Redland and Polly Babbington.
288 pages, Kindle Edition Published February 25, 2024
The cover signifies a ‘feel good’ book
My Review.
While initially enjoying the book and Kim’s ” take no prisoners” attitude in her corporate job in part one. By part two, she appeared to have undergone a character change and kept second-guessing herself, postponing decisions and setting herself up to fail. It didn’t work for me.
The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette.
When the odds are against you, it’s time to get even. Matilda, Jo, Penny and Cressy are all women at the top of their game; so imagine their surprise when they start to be personally overlooked and professionally pushed aside by less-qualified men. Only they’re not going down without a fight .Society might think the women have passed their amuse-by dates but the Revenge Club have other plans. After all, why go to bed angry when you could stay up and plot diabolical retribution? Let the games begin…
PRAISE FOR KATHY ‘Deliciously rude and darkly funny’ Nicole Kidman ‘Unputdownable’ Stephen Fry‘ The thinking lady’s hornbag.’ Kath and Kim.
My Review.
I had high hopes for an enjoyable read and it does contain some witty one-liners and examples of horrible misogyny. Successful women are suddenly ‘just not up to it’ because they have dared to age. Unfortunately, the central premise required too much suspension of disbelief for me. While the finale accelerated it even further,
Return to Half Moon Farm-prt4 Winter Magic by Holly Hepburn
*PART FOUR 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 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, Kindle Edition
My Review.
No real surprises, and all loose ends are tied up. It’s an enjoyable read that rounds out the story. Personally, I don’t enjoy this format and would prefer to wait until the whole story is available.
The Venice Hotel by Tess Woods
When the lives of four very different women become entangled in a boutique Venice hotel, dark secrets unravel and not everyone who checked into the hotel will check out again.
Signora Loretta Bianchi, the world famous cook at Venice’s Hotel Il Cuore, is forced to choose between once-in-a-lifetime passion and her devoted husband.
Sophie, on assignment in Venice as a food writer, finds a lot more than Signora Bianchi’s secret recipes to love, but what is the charming Rocco hiding?
Law graduate Elena is sinking just like the endangered city she’s returned home to, and she’ll stop at nothing to be free from her marriage.
Grandmother Gayle’s dream Venetian holiday turns sinister as she finds herself embroiled in a life or death escape.
Set against a backdrop of the romance and tragedy of magical Venice, The Venice Hotel explores the powerful bonds that develop between women in times of crisis, and the healing power of female connection.
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 3, 2024
Book details & editions
Tess Woods has done it again with The Venice Hotel. It features four fabulous characters who I cared about and I often recognised aspects of myself in their behaviour. The fifth major character is the city of Venice itself, beautifully beguiling and under siege from its visitors. I was totally caught up with the story and stayed up way too late to finish it. My Advance Reader Copy was an absolute pleasure to read, 5 stars!
One Fine Day in The Middle of the Night by Christopher Brookmyre.
The occasion: high school reunion. The place: an oil rig converted into a tourist resort. The outcome: carnage. Gavin is creating a unique ‘holiday experience’; every facility any tourist who hates abroad will ever want will all be available on a converted North Sea oil rig. To test the facilities he’s hosting a reunion for his old school (none of his ex-classmates can remember him, but what the heck, it’s free). He is so busy showing off that he doesn’t notice that another group have invited themselves along – a collection of terrorist mercenaries who are occasionally of more danger to themselves than to the public. And they in turn are unaware that Inspector MacGregor has got wind of their activities. Within twenty-four hours Gavin’s dream has blown to the four winds, along with a lot of other things. Dress Casual. Bring your own bullets.
373 pages, Paperback First published January 1, 1999
My Review.
I’ve mixed feelings about this book as initially I found it confusing. Gradually it became clearer, and I found the school reunion intriguing, contrasting the then and now. The last third fairly paced along I could not put the book down as I raced through the last hundred pages. Even then there was an additional surprise. Not for the squeamish, but otherwise good fun.
Jane Austen “There is Nothing Like Staying Home for Real Comfort.”
Winter encourages us to semi hibernate.
And for the most part I have been doing that, snuggling down with my cat and keeping warm.
Winter is the time for snuggling.
But rules are made to be broken!
I had a leftover birthday treat in store. A friend had bought tickets for an Abba tribute show- with Bjorn Again and what a fabulous evening it was. Two thousand people all intent on having fun, singing ,swaying , applauding. Oh what a night it was! Foot tapping, arm waving, smiling and singing.
Next month I intend to be hard at work on the memoir ,as well as attending two art classes, my writing group and catching up with friends. Wonder how much reading I will manage next month? What are you reading? Do you read more in winter?
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 Feverby 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.
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.
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 RebeccaRaisin.
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?
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.
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 ParisBookshop 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!
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
August 2023 I’ve been reading Regency romance , contemporary womens’ fiction and memoirs.
My reading was a bit different this month as I’ve been reading memoirs as well as novels. I’m interested in memoirs because I’m currently attempting to write one. Of course, I am still also writing Regency romances. This month I have veered between reading physical books and books on my Kindle. It may be a quirk peculiar to me, but I find I have less recall of books I’ve read digitally. Is that something you have found too?
What better way to relax?
Constant Traveller R801168: At Age 16 I Went to Sea by Rod Baker.
Unhappy with the dullness of small-town England in the 1960s, Rod escapes by going to sea. Aboard ship, he finds his place—at the bottom of the stratified navel hierarchy. At sea he experiences storms that toss large ships around like twigs. Venturing ashore in unfamiliar lands, he runs for his life through a Senegalese village, kisses a man in Australia, is mugged in Tahiti, almost kills the third mate in Sweden and is captured by a woman in Vancouver.266 pages, Kindle Edition.
My Review.
So well written you can almost believe that you’re travelling with Rod on his adventures. How can one guy get into so much trouble? Curiosity, drinking and searching for fun are what led him on. It’s the coming-of-age story of a guy who blagged his way out of trouble, charmed his way with girls and stayed true to his mates. A scallywag with a heart and an amusing story to tell.
Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard.
The bestselling author of Lunch in Paris takes us on another delicious journey, this time to the heart of Provence.
Ten years ago, New Yorker Elizabeth Bard followed a handsome Frenchman up a spiral staircase to a love nest in the heart of Paris. Now, with a baby on the way and the world’s flakiest croissant around the corner, Elizabeth is sure she’s found her “forever place.” But life has other plans.
On a last romantic jaunt before the baby arrives, the couple take a trip to the tiny Provencal village of Céreste. A chance encounter leads them to the wartime home of a famous poet, a tale of a buried manuscript and a garden full of heirloom roses. Under the spell of the house and its unique history, in less time than it takes to flip a crepe, Elizabeth and Gwendal decide to move-lock, stock and Le Creuset-to the French countryside.
When the couple and their newborn son arrive in Provence, they discover a land of blue skies, lavender fields and peaches that taste like sunshine. Seduced by the local ingredients, they begin a new adventure as culinary entrepreneurs, starting their own artisanal ice cream shop and experimenting with flavors like saffron, sheep’s milk yogurt and fruity olive oil.
Filled with enticing recipes for stuffed zucchini flowers, fig tart and honey and thyme ice cream, Picnic in Provence is the story of everything that happens after the happily ever an American learning the tricks of French motherhood, a family finding a new professional passion, and a cook’s initiation into classic Provencal cuisine. With wit, humor and scoop of wild strawberry sorbet, Bard reminds us that life-in and out of the kitchen-is a rendez-vous with the unexpected.
My Review.
Bard’s evocative prose will have you wishing you too could meet a Frenchman and move to Provence. Here is a reality-based tale, of struggles with identity and acceptance. Of fitting in and standing out. How much of her Americanness can Elizabeth hold onto? And does she want to? Her husband is French, her son is half French and she is gradually acclimatising to a more laidback lifestyle herself. Circumventing cultural differences, she finds meaning and value in the old ways. The recipes sound both delectable and do-able
Project Duchess by Sabrina Jefferies.
From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .
A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling-spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .
My Review.
Initially, I found the story confusing with so many characters, but when I got into it, I enjoyed it. Grey’s childhood experiences have coloured much of his views on family and life. Beatrice has secrets and worries of her own, but keeping Grey at arm’s length is more difficult than she imagined.
The Moongate by Amanda Geard.
From the author of the Richard & Judy pick The Midnight House. A wartime secret. An abandoned house. How long can they run from the past?
A mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, moving between Tasmania, London, and Kerry in 1939, 1975 and 2004. Perfect for fans of Natasha Lester, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley. 1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey and her companion, the strikingly beautiful – yet impossibly distant – Rose Munro, must travel to the far side of the world to stay with Grace’s eccentric uncle. Coaxed out of her shell by the extreme wilderness of Tasmania – and helped by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel McGillycuddy – Grace finally learns to live. But when Daniel is called to the war in the Pacific, he unwittingly leaves behind a terrible secret which will forever bind them together. 1975: When an anonymous benefactor leaves artist Willow Hawkins a house on Tasmania’s remote and treacherous west coast, she and her new husband, Ben, can’t believe their luck. Confused and delighted, they set out to unravel the identity of Towerhurst’s previous owner and in doing so uncover a mystery that will alter the course of their lives.
2004: Libby Andrews is living in the shadow of her mother’s grief. Willow has sheltered Libby from the truth behind her father’s death for her whole life. But, when she discovers a faded photograph of a house emblazoned with the name
‘Towerhurst’, it unlocks a long-buried memory. As Libby follows in the footsteps of the investigation her father could never complete, she realises that some secrets are best left buried . . .
My Review.
This well-told tale will have you reading just one more chapter, as the mystery and intrigue deepen. Grace is awkward and shy contrasting with her companion the self-possessed Rose. Gradually the wildness and beauty of Tasmania work their magic as does Daniel McGillycuddy and Grace begin to bloom.
In 1975 Willow and Ben are bemused yet delighted to inherit Towerhurst. As an artist it inspires Willow while Libby grows up knowing not to ask about her father and what happened to him.
2004, Travelling to London adult Libby determines to find out more about her father and the family’s past. Unravelling the mystery will deepen her feelings of connection to the past and her father. There is poignancy and satisfaction in how the story concludes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Rogue For The Taking by Amanda Mareil.
Seductive Regency Romance-Wicked Widows
A lady bent on seduction… Lady Othelia Grantham, married the earl of Brighton, a man many years her senior, to save her family from financial ruin. The earl was pleasant, but no sparks existed between them. Now that Othelia is a widow, she vows to live life on her terms. Priority one—Never marry again. Priority number two—experience passion. She sets her sights on the 9th Duke of Ashbrook. He is the perfect scoundrel to indulge her desire and carries no risk of marriage. A rogue bent on reform… Alister Brinsley-Radclyffe, Duke of Ashbrook, needs a duchess. A feat that should be easily accomplished by a duke, but even his title is not enough to redeem him from the reputation he’s built for indulging in sin. When a respectable young widow approaches him with a scandalous request, he cannot refuse. She may be his last chance to save his estates. He will teach lady Brighton about passion, and in doing so, he will capture her heart and fortune. Only one can win… If Othelia falls for the duke, she will lose control of her fortune and her freedom.
My Review.
I enjoyed reading this although I had difficulty with the name Othelia continually thinking it was Ophelia. After an unexciting marriage to a much older man who could blame her for wanting to have a little fun?
I Need My Yacht by Friday: True Tales from the Boat Repair Yard by Rod Baker.
A recent immigrant to Canada, I had completed an apprenticeship as a shipwright and found a good-paying job in the shipyard, which allowed me to buy a three-bedroom house for my growing family. Three weeks before Christmas, the foreman at the shipyard gave me one hour’s notice before laying me off. Doing odd jobs helped pay the mortgage — then I decided to go into business repairing I rented a large warehouse, brought a chair from home, made a desk from a door and bought a brown manila envelope to put receipts in. I Need My Yacht by Friday, is the story of what happened next.
259 pages, Kindle Edition Published April 4, 2017
My Review.
The trials and tribulations of running a small business. No one to rely on but yourself- and learning lessons that you didn’t know you needed until they happened. Not just the technical stuff of boat building, but equally challenging things, finding new customers, employing and retaining staff, and remaining optimistic in downturns. Rod displays an entrepreneurial spirit meeting challenges with grit and determination. After reading this it’s hardly surprising that after twenty years of hard work and facing parental challenges, Rod felt burnt out.
I’m sure there could be another book about the time he and his family spent in Europe and later on when he travelled alone. It’s a highly readable and enjoyable book.
Seduction on a Snowy Night by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries and Mary Jo Putney.
Duke Dynasties 1.5
This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance… plus one or two dukes, one heiress, and one headstrong beauty—to a surprise snow storm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover’s kisses…
A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to ensure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection.
A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries Whisked away from a wintry ball by a commanding colonel, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for Lord Heywood. For he is a man sworn to marry only for money—and Cass is an heiress who will accept nothing less than love.
ONE WICKED WINTER’S NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now ensconced with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?
My Review.
I enjoyed this selection of Regency Romances, each author takes their heroine and hero on a journey of discovery to find their true feelings.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite.
A Secret Garden Affair by Erica James.
July 1981. As the country prepares to celebrate Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana, Libby wants to be as far away from royal wedding fever as possible.
Having caught her own fiancé in bed with her best friend just weeks before they were due to marry, she’s fled London for the comfort of the Suffolk countryside.
At Larkspur House, with its magical garden created by renowned garden designer and one-time socialite Elfrida Ambrose, and its comfortingly familiar kitchen presided over by Libby’s great-aunt Bess, she hopes to find a way to put her life back together.
But for lifelong friends Bess and Elfrida, Libby’s arrival has stirred up the ghosts of the past. And before they can help her rebuild her shattered future, they must confront their own unspoken secrets, lost loves, and tragedies…
My Review.
The title evoked fond memories of my childhood favourite The Secret Garden. I was bound to pick this book up. Told through three different timelines, the story follows Libby who escapes her cheating fiancé just before her wedding. She retreats back to the place where she was happiest in her childhood. Elfrida a famous garden designer and Bess have always been much-loved people and spending time with them helps Libby. Her presence recalls memories of their youthful past with its own buried secrets.
What do you do in your free time?
I have also been taking some courses- related to writing. It’s good to keep learning and I also attended some workshops in person. As well as attending both my writing group and my art class.
Tell me about you. Do you read memoirs? Do you read crime? Do you read just one genre? Do you read mostly digitally or mostly print books?
Here in Perth Australia, June turned out to be a cold and rainy month, perfect for staying indoors reading and writing. In one respect, that was quite lucky for me, as I had a Regency novella to finish writing. When I am writing, I still like to continue reading. This month’s book choices contain both Regency Romance and more general reading, including non-fiction.
I had to find my passion to write the novella.
His Study in Scandal by Megan Frampton.
Megan Frampton’s deliciously witty A School for Scoundrels series follows the adventures of five gentlemen who navigate life–and love–in London. Here, a dashing young businessman enters into a liaison with a widowed Duchess. Perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and anyone who loves Bridgerton!
Alexandra, Duchess of Chelmsworth, is tired of pretending to mourn a husband who squandered a fortune and never bothered to give her the time of day, much less any attentions at night. So, the still-beautiful duchess cuts up her mourning gowns, deciding to experience the pleasures long denied her by daringly visiting the Garden of Hedon. It is there the ton anonymously gives in to their deepest desires, and where Alexandra finds herself in the arms of a mysterious man. She willingly gives in to the passion he offers her, fully believing she would never see him again.
But she is shocked to soon discover he is none other than Theo Osborne, who is continually being pushed forward as a husband–for Alexandra’s own stepdaughter! While his wealth would save the family from financial ruin, his intentions are clear: he has no interest in anyone but Alexandra. And though he tempts and teases her, she is determined not to give her heart to any man. But what started as a sensuous game turns into something much more…
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback First published May 23, 2023
My Review. I enjoyed this story of an older woman finding passion and attention after her dutiful and loveless marriage. Her doubts initially seem understandable because of the age gap between her and Theo. What started as a game, turns into genuine affection, maybe even love? Alexandra has been so scarred by her marriage that she doubts her own feelings and his. I was a bit exasperated with her at this point!
The Duke Is Mightier Than the Sword by Emily. E.K. Murdoch. Dukes in Danger 3
Montague Lancaster, Duke of Caefall, is in hiding in Oxford after a wartime injury, trying to ignore his doctor’s advice.
Because he’ll definitely be going back to France to fight, right? He’s determined not to leave his honor on the battlefield—but Montague has financial concerns to keep him occupied. The Duchy is bankrupt. He’s got to keep it a secret and keep his presence in England quiet.
Fencing is his only refuge, his passion, and Montague agrees to teach students to pass the time. Easier said than done when a poetess storms into his bedchamber and demands he help her finish her poem…
Sarah Lockwood is tired of having her poetry diminished merely because she’s a woman. Society holds no interest, and she’s in search of a poetry professor in one of the prestigious Oxford colleges to help her finish it. She ends up discovering a hidden duke who fences like a soldier and kisses like the devil.
Words cross blades with actions as both Sarah and Montague fight their growing feelings for each other, and the expectations of the world.
She cannot be a poet. He must return to France to fight. So, which is the duke or the sword?
This full-length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.
My Review.
The duke is a hoot and has met his match in the lovely and single-minded Sarah. They spark off each other and it is obvious that the attraction is there. Can this grumpy Duke find redemption with a bluestocking? Does Sarah want to take on this cranky duke, who surprisingly isn’t so irritable with her? I enjoyed this book and chuckled out loud in some parts. A fun read.
The Golden Oldies Book Club by Judy Leigh.
Ruth the librarian fears she’s too old to find love, but a discussion about Lady Chatterley’s Lover makes her think again.
Aurora doesn’t feel seventy-two and longs to relive the excitement of her youth, while Verity is getting increasingly tired of her husband Mark’s grumpiness and wonders if their son’s imminent flight from the nest might be just the moment for her to fly too. And Danielle is fed up with her cheating husband. Surely life has more in store for her than to settle for second best?
The glue that holds Combe Pomeroy together is Jeannie. Doyenne of the local cider farm and heartbeat of her family and community, no one has noticed that Jeannie needs some looking after too. Has the moment for her to retire finally arrived, and if so, what does her future hold?
From a book club French exchange trip, to many celebrations at the farm, this is the year that everything changes, that lifelong friendships are tested, and for some of the women, they finally get the love they deserve.
My Review, Easy, pleasant, and entertaining reading with enough twists and turns to keep me interested. It’s good to read about women who are not just the stereotypical twenty or thirty-somethings. Hard-working Jeannie puts everyone’s needs above her own, I’m sure many women will relate to her. A grumpy husband doesn’t seem like too much of a burden unless you live with him as Verity does. Free-spirited Aurora has a secret she doesn’t want to share. The exchange visit to France bonded the women’s friendships and had some hilarious moments. Some of the endings were predictable, but one pairing was so far out of left field that my eyebrows raised. It didn’t seem feasible to me as both characters completely changed their personalities. That quibble aside I enjoyed the book.
Echoes on a Cornish River: A Captivating Romantic Cornish Timeslip novel by Kate Ryder.
‘A real find of a book. I stayed up half the night to finish it . . . A gorgeous read, highly recommended’ Judy Leigh, bestselling author of The Old Girls’ Network Ellinor lived for adventure, always travelling from one place to the next – until tragedy struck and turned her world upside down. Needing to escape, she accepts an invitation to stay with relatives at their remote Cornish farmhouse. As Ellinor settles on the outskirts of Calstock, it’s not long before the land and its history have her itching to explore once more. Her search takes her far and wide when an unexpected encounter with an enigmatic, handsome stranger stops her in her tracks. From the moment they meet, Ellinor knows deep in her soul they share a connection like no other. It’s as if they’ve known each other forever. But no one else has heard of William… Is he all that he claims to be? Could their love story be written in the stars? Or will past secrets threaten to alter the very future Ellinor has begun to let herself hope for? A gorgeously heart-warming and romantic timeslip novel that will sweep you off your feet from bestselling author of Into a Cornish Wind. A love story that stands the test of time, perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley and Nicola Cornick.
My Review.
The beginning of the book left me slightly confused, as it read as if it was going to be a thriller or suspense story. Once Ellinor moved to Cornwall, the story settled down into something akin to the cover’s promise. It’s a good premise, and some of the scenes of the past and attraction are done well. It felt as if I was plodding through history to get to the story. I received a copy of the book through Net Galley.
Unexpected Treasures: Running a Mental Health Nonprofit by Rod Baker
Deciding on a career change, Rod sold his marine repair company, earned a Master’s degree in Integrative Counselling and started his own counselling practice. As this failed to provide full-time work, he was happy to secure a position as the executive director of a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Dealing with an inherited staff of ten, a volunteer board of directors, union requirements, an unsuitable location, and providing housing services for 100 clients with serious mental illness proved formidable challenges. Two weeks into the job, he found the organization was on the brink of insolvency. He created funding by starting a thrift store largely run by clients with mental health challenges, started a homeless outreach service funded by BC Housing, trained clients to be stand-up comics for a large fundraiser in a downtown Vancouver hotel and started two annual fundraising events. Encouraging clients to help in resolving the financial crisis proved key to balancing the books. In 2012, eight years after starting the thrift store, it netted $100,000 in profit and was still running at the time of writing this book.
Kindle Edition Published July 16, 2020.
My Review.
When is a thrift shop not a thrift shop? Answer: when it’s an agent for social change and personal empowerment.
If you have ever believed that one person can’t make a difference, you should read this book!
Of course, Rod didn’t do it alone, but he was the catalyst for change by believing that it could be done. Leadership isn’t about issuing pronouncements, leadership is taking the time to explain your vision and bringing people with you. Instead of an automatic ‘No’ or ‘We’ve never done that before’ new ideas were examined and implemented. Rod didn’t sit in his office and ask others to do the hard yards, he did building work, furniture removal, property negotiations, rebuilt finances and even helped cook Christmas dinner for one hundred people.
A family emergency meant he had to take a sabbatical, although he was promised his job would be there on his return, it wasn’t. The new ED reversed all of the ideas he’d implemented and left the situation much as it was before he’d started.
As challenging as that was, he found a way through and returned the branch to functioning. Told with humour and compassion Unexpected Treasures helps take the stigma out of mental health with understanding.
Emboldened by Belinda Alexandra.
How do you begin your life again when you’ve lost everything you’ve worked for and your dreams have been shattered?
That was the question beloved Australian author Belinda Alexandra faced one freezing winter night when she ran from her home in terror, clutching only her wallet, her phone and her latest manuscript on a USB stick.
To pull herself up from rock bottom, Belinda drew strength from the real life women who had inspired her bestselling historical fiction: her mother, Tatiana Morosoff, a White Russian who had fled a home more than once due to wars and revolutions; Virginia Hall, an American who lost her leg in an accident but went on to become one of the most revered Allied agents in World War II France; Carmen Amaya, who despite being born into abject poverty in Barcelona rose to become the greatest Flamenco dancer of all time; Edna Walling, who lost her own dream home in a freak fire but created garden designs that made her one of Australia’s most celebrated landscape designers.
They were women who had faced seemingly insurmountable challenges and found ways to forge ahead on their own terms.
In a compelling and exquisite blend of memoir and history, Belinda shows readers that, no matter what challenges they might be facing, there is always the possibility of building a bold life full of meaning again from the ashes.
My Review.
To rebuild her life Belinda focused initially on the stories of her own family and then on areas that were of interest to her. World War Two spies, flamenco dancing and gardening. She drew strength from each of the stories and shares her insights with us. Together they build a portrait of the author as well as her subjects.
Sunrise Over Mercy Court by Fiona McCallum
There’s life in these old dogs yet … and they’re about to discover it. A heartwarming and humorous story about rediscovering the small pleasures that make life worthwhile, from Australia’s master storyteller.
Howard and Elsie Manning were born on the same day, met at kindergarten, and have been married for 59 years. They have lived sensible, productive lives, and raised two self-sufficient daughters. Now, at 78, they are bored with the predictability of life, fed up with contemporary society, have aching joints and dwindling finances, and – funeral by funeral – their circle of friends is shrinking. Worst of all, they are grieving for their beloved, recently deceased dog Maisie.
Together Howard and Elsie consider bringing their lives to a peaceful end, but it turns out leaving this world is not easy, especially if they want to avoid pain or mess. Even the apparently simple methods have much room for error, as they discover.
Then a knock at the door changes everything … 454 pages, Kindle Edition Published April 1, 2023
My Review.
I’d say to anyone in their sixties or beyond perhaps this isn’t the book for you. If you are in that age group, the first half of the book will likely depress you even more than you probably already are. I was tempted to give up myself. I didn’t and persevered on to an almost fairytale ending when all their gripes and problems appear to have been resolved apart from the last one- no one can yet cure old age. So definitely not my book.
The Money Club by Fiona Lowe.
A gripping exploration of modern greed as bestselling Australian author Fiona Lowe unpicks the moral quagmire of those who trade on the bonds of their closest friendships and family for money.
Izzy Harrington’s fiance is a successful entrepreneur and everyone’s friend, but today she’s waiting for him to get home so she can tell him they’re over. Except Brad never arrives.
Instead, three angry men knock on the door and insist on talking to Brad. When the police arrive asking difficult questions and demanding to see his passport, Izzy’s packed suitcases suddenly take on a whole new meaning.
Brad’s disappearance sends ripples through their small town and a furious mob camps on Izzy’s lawn desperate to recover their losses. They have Izzy in their crosshairs, determined to make her pay for Brad’s audacious con.
As the search intensifies, conflicting clues emerge. Clues that suggest no one really knew Brad – least of all Izzy …
My Review.
This is quite a cautionary tale of how easy it is to lose perspective and want the biggest, the best, the newest things. Once bought, of course, they are no longer satisfied and more must be bought instead. How easy it is to be lured into spending more than you intended, even more than you can afford. Then, when you hear about a sure-fire scheme to double your money, then you want in. When it all goes wrong, people turn on each other, were they too greedy or just gullible? While I really enjoyed the book, I felt it reached a conclusion far faster than I would have liked. Ideally, the explanation for how the scheme evolved could have been lessened and in my opinion that would have made it a more balanced book.
Who Wants to Marry a Duke by Sabrina Jeffries.
A sexy and distracting rake is tamed by a scholarly heroine with a penchant for the sciences in this dazzling and witty tale of Regency London.
A past kiss with adorably bookish Miss Olivia Norley should be barely a memory for Marlowe Drake, the Duke of Thornstock. After all, there are countless debutantes for a handsome rakehell to charm beyond a young lady whose singular passion is chemistry—of the laboratory type. But Thorn has not forgotten—or forgiventhe shocking blackmail scheme sparked by that single kiss, or the damage caused to both their names. Now Thorn’s half-brother, Grey, has hired the brilliant Miss Norley for her scientific expertise in solving a troubling family mystery. And the once-burned Thorn, suspicious of her true motives, vows to follow her every move . . .
For Olivia, determining whether arsenic poisoning killed Grey’s father is the pioneering experiment that could make her career—and Thorn’s constant presence is merely a distraction. But someone has explosive plans to derail her search. Soon the most unexpected discovery is the caring nature of the reputed scoundrel beside her—and the electricity it ignites between them . . .
211 pages, Kindle EditionFirst published August 25, 2020
My Review.
This is the first Sabrian Jeffries book I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. Unfortunately, my understanding was hampered by not having read the previous books in the series. I enjoyed both characters and the initial misunderstanding which kept them apart. It was refreshing to read of a competent woman scientist and of a man who believed in her expertise. They also experienced a little chemistry of their own. A fun read.
The Divine Feline a Chic Cat Lady’s Guide to Woman’s Best Friend by Belinda Alexandra.
Cats and women share many beauty, elegance, sensitivity, affectionate natures, a knack for nurturing, and a love of the luxurious. Cats also embody the feminine dark side, with a tendency towards neurosis and fear of change. Then there are the qualities that a cat possesses which women long to fighting fiercely to protect herself, never saying yes when she means no, and being unafraid to claim the best seat in the house for herself.
Cats are loyal to those who love them but couldn’t give a toss about what others think. They don’t suffer self-esteem issues or worry if they’re overweight. And then, there is that enviable air of mystery, that slinky walk… oh to be a cat! They’re the ultimate totem of female strength.
Belinda Alexandra, writer and ardent cat fancier, makes no apology for celebrating the special bond between women and their cats. In The Divine Feline, she details her own experiences with cats, describing the relationship between women and cats throughout history and solving some behavioural and philosophical issues in a whimsical and practical way. Viva la cat lady!
288 pages, Hardcover Published February 2, 2021.
My Review.
A perfect gift for any cat-loving lady, it even has a tactile velvet book spine. Cameos of famous cats, anecdotes about cat behaviours and practical information too. Enlivened with feline “pawtraits.” The section on animal rescue and Colony cats pays tribute to those individuals who take their love of animals beyond their own circle into a wider field of compassion.
This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
When seventeen-year-old Eliza Lin’s essay about meeting the love of her life unexpectedly goes viral, her entire life changes overnight. Now she has the approval of her classmates at her new international school in Beijing, a career-launching internship opportunity at her favorite magazine…and a massive secret to keep.
Eliza made her essay up. She’s never been in a relationship before, let alone in love. All good writing is lying, right?
Desperate to hide the truth, Eliza strikes a deal with the famous actor in her class, the charming but aloof Caz Song. She’ll help him write his college applications if he poses as her boyfriend. Caz is a dream boyfriend — he passes handwritten notes to her in class, makes her little sister laugh, and takes her out on motorcycle rides to the best snack stalls around the city.
But when her relationship with Caz starts feeling a little too convincing, all of Eliza’s carefully laid plans are threatened. Can she still follow her dreams if it means breaking her own heart?
Get ready to fall in love in this hilarious romcom about a girl who begins a fake relationship with the famousactor in her class, perfect for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.
My Review.
I’m way beyond YA but I enjoyed this story anyway. It reconnected me with the awkwardness of my teenage years. Feeling like an outsider both literally and figuratively. Who wouldn’t want a perfect fantasy boyfriend? It’s the stuff of teenage dreams, and what if you did have to make him up? When the unexpected happens, of course, Eliza goes along with it. Now she has to produce a convincing boyfriend. I thought the interaction between Eliza and Caz, was brilliantly done and totally believable.
In my opinion, it’s always the perfect time to pick up a book.
I’ve always believed that reading a wide range of books improves our knowledge and vocabulary, it’s also fun! Why shouldn’t I read a YA book if the notion takes me? Why not read non-fiction and increase your knowledge? I’m happy to say the novella is completed, edited and ready to go into the next Regency anthology. Now I am writing something completely different, which I can tell you more about next time. Until then, may your bookshelves be full and your life exciting.
April was a busy month, with lots of writing and reading. I read two Royal books, which are not my usual fare, in preparation for the coronation. I was more social than usual too.
I have the best friends- I got taken out to lunch on three separate occasions. The highlight though was lunch at Perth’s revolving restaurant, Restaurant C . Both the food and the views were exceptional.
My So-Called Scoundrel by Fenna Edgewood,Blakeley Manor 3.
When one finds a bleeding, half-naked, indescribably handsome man in one’s bed, does one… • Scream • Faint • Hit him with a large book • Push him back out the window he climbed in • Bandage his wounds like a sensible bluestocking-in-the-making
The most perfectly imperfect debutante… Marigold Spencer was never supposed to have a London Season. For heaven’s sake, she was never even supposed to become a lady! The former housemaid of a duke, Marigold is thrust into the limelight when her siblings marry far above their stations. Suddenly faced with the marriage mart, her escort and chaperone is not only one of ton’s most notorious scoundrels**,** but the utterly infuriating man still won’t tell her where he got the knife wound that led him to her bed that night.
…can still tempt the deadliest of rogues… Lord Leigh Blakeley’s path took a sharp turn from seductive rake to vengeful assassin long ago. Yet when he finally returns home for a visit, he nearly ruins his new sister-in-law’s reputation for good by falling into her bed after a misadventure. Now Leigh finds himself forced to play chaperone to a debutante… one who unexpectedly enchants his cynical heart. And when Leigh foolishly proposes to teach the innocent young Miss Spencer something of the ways of pleasure, he ignites an inferno of passion that quickly turns unquenchable. When another man presents Miss Spencer with an irresistible proposition, Leigh realizes the desire of his heart is quickly slipping away. Though he’s never intended to wed, Leigh finds himself making an offer Miss Spencer can’t possibly refuse… or can she?
In this tantalizing Regency romance by USA Today bestselling author Fenna Edgewood, desire knows no bounds as the most unlikely of lovers succumb to the flames of their passion and defy society’s expectations.
Published March 30, 2023
My Review. Although this can be read as a stand-alone (as I did) you would probably have more understanding of the characters if you had read the previous books. Having said that, I still enjoyed this book.
Marigold isn’t easily swayed, even by the persuasions of Leigh, Lord Blakely. She may have been forced to have a season, but that doesn’t mean she will meekly submit to a loveless marriage. Untutored in the ways of love she may consider a marriage of convenience if it gives her what she wants. Leigh wants to dissuade her from this and attempts to show her how passion can affect her. The trouble is, he didn’t realise that he would also be affected. How can he let her marry anyone else? And does Marigold have any say in this? Great repartee, with an ongoing attraction plus some steamy scenes.
Battle of Brothers by Robert Lacey
The world has watched Prince William and Prince Harry since they were born. Raised by Princess Diana to be the closest of brothers, how have the boy princes grown into very different, now distanced men? From Royal insider, biographer and historian Robert Lacey, this book reveals the untold details of William and Harry’s closeness and estrangement, asking what happens when two sons are raised for vastly different futures – one burdened with the responsibility of one day becoming king, the other with the knowledge that he will always remain spare.
My Review. I expected more from an ‘insider’ and found it surprising that it was less authoritative and read more like a gossip magazine. Of course, it suffers from missing these last crucial couple of years. The narrative that Harry is ‘spare’ has recently been bandied about. Diana always knew this and raised him to love and support his brother. I imagine her telling him he was lucky not to have all that responsibility. It is sad to see the brothers estranged now
Camilla from Outcast to Queen Consort by Angela Levin
A compelling new biography of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, that reveals how she transformed her role and established herself as one of the key members of the royal family.
For many years, Camilla was portrayed in a poor light, blamed by the public for the break-up of the marriage between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Initially, the Queen refused to see or speak to her, but, since the death of Prince Philip, the Duchess has become one of the Queen’s closest companions. Her confidence in Camilla and the transformation she has seen in Prince Charles since their wedding resulted in her choosing the first day of her Platinum Jubilee year to tell the world that she wants Camilla to be Queen Consort not the demeaning Princess Consort suggested in 2005
Angela Levin uncovers Camilla’s rocky journey to be accepted by the royal family and how she coped with the brutal portrayal of her in Netflix’s The Crown. The public have witnessed her tremendous contribution to help those in need, especially during Covid. Levin has talked to many of the Duchess’s long-term friends, her staff and executives from the numerous charities of which Camilla is patron. She reveals why the Duchess concentrates on previously taboo subjects, such as domestic violence and rape. Most of all, Levin tells the story of how the Duchess has changed from a fun-loving young woman to one of the senior royals’ hardest workers. She has retained her mischievous sense of humour, becoming a role model for older women and an inspiration for younger ones
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall is both an extraordinary love story and a fascinating portrait of an increasingly confident Queen Consort in waiting. It is an essential read for anyone wanting a greater insight into the royal family.
My Review. This a very positive portrayal of Camilla, a woman who has been much reviled for being loved by and loving the wrong man. As Diana famously said, “There were three of us in this marriage.” Those were different more conservative times when Prince Charles was expected to marry a virgin and even then, they were thin on the ground. So, he married for duty although his heart lay elsewhere.
I was always in Diana’s camp, but like many people have come to an acceptance of Camilla. I have admired her steadfastness and her dedication to unpopular causes. King Charles has blossomed with his marriage to her and seems so much happier.
Angela Levin has written a very admiring biography detailing the causes that Camilla supports, battered women, terminally ill children, rape victims and literacy causes. I applaud all these choices but a few lines on page 81 made my blood run cold.
“Camilla was out of step with most of the country over fox hunting. Cubbing, which involves training young foxhounds to chase and kill fox cubs was particularly loathed. She and Charles wanted to carry on in defiance of the Commons vote but gave it up when given a warning by the police.’
Elsewhere in the book, we are told that Camilla loves animals, particularly horses and dogs. This to me seems incompatible with happily watching young fox cubs being ripped to pieces by dogs. An interesting biography, but not I feel the whole story.
Don’t Let’s Go to The Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller.
In Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, Alexandra Fuller remembers her African childhood with candor and sensitivity. Though it is a diary of an unruly life in an often inhospitable place, it is suffused with Fuller’s endearing ability to find laughter, even when there is little to celebrate. Fuller’s debut is unsentimental and unflinching but always captivating. In wry and sometimes hilarious prose, she stares down disaster and looks back with rage and love at the life of an extraordinary family in an extraordinary time.
My Review. This book was recommended to me as a good example of a memoir. It’s bleak, stoic, presumably honest and unbearably sad. The cruelties of life in Africa, the tragedies, and the treatment of animals all are explored.
Welcome to Ferry Lane Market by Nicola May
Although thirty-three year old Kara Moon loves her hometown of Hartmouth in Cornwall, she has always wondered if she should have followed her dream of leaving to study floristry. But she couldn’t bring herself to leave her emotionally delicate single father, and has worked on Ferry Lane Market’s flower stall ever since leaving school.
When her good-for-nothing boyfriend cheats on her and steals her life savings, she finally dumps him and rents out her spare room as an Airbnb. Gossip flies around the town as Kara welcomes a series of foreign guests to her flat overlooking the estuary.
Then an anonymous postcard arrives, along with a plane ticket to New York. And there begins the first of three trips of a lifetime, during which she will learn important lessons about herself, her life and what she wants from it – and perhaps find love along the way.
My Review.
I wanted to read something lighter after a previous book, and this fitted the bill perfectly. Kara is an engaging character, whose main flaw seems to be her empathy and good heart. This has led her to be taken advantage of for too long, by her boyfriend and her boss. The fun really starts when she opens her spare room as an air b and b. This gives her an insight into how other men behave. Then the mysterious postcard arrives, and Kara is finally off on an adventure. It was good to see Kara’s world opening up, but for me, it did feel that the book was a little disjointed as if the two parts came from totally different books. I enjoyed it, it’s nice escapism.
Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham
Cyrus Haven and Evie Cormac return in Robotham’s latest page-turning, psychological thriller in this series.
If I could tell you one thing about my brother, it would be this. Two days after his nineteenth birthday, he killed our parents and twin sisters because he heard voices in his head. As defining events go, nothing else comes close for Elias, or for me.
As a boy, Cyrus Haven survived a family massacre and slowly pieced his life back together. Now, after almost twenty years, his brother is applying to be released from a secure psychiatric hospital—and Cyrus is expected to forgive Elias and welcome him home.
Elias is returning to a very different world. Cyrus is now a successful psychologist, working with the police, sharing his house with Evie Cormac, a damaged and gifted teenager who can tell when someone is lying. Evie has gone back to school and is working part-time at an inner-city bar, but she continues to struggle with authority and following rules.
When a man is murdered and his daughter disappears, Cyrus is called in to profile the killer and help piece together Maya Kirk’s last hours. Police believe she was drugged and driven away from the same bar where Evie is working. Soon, a second victim is taken, and Evie is the only person who glimpsed the man behind the wheel.
But there’s a problem. Only two people believe her. One is Cyrus. The other is the killer.
My Review. Taut, tense, engrossing. Cyrus is torn between his high expectations of himself, as of course, he should forgive his brother and his feelings. While intriguing Evie reminds me of Lisbeth Salander from Girl with a Dragon Tattoo. As the book progressed, I got to a point where I could not put it down, I had to finish it.
News
As well as reading I’ve been writing and have just finished my story for The Regency Abduction Club. It’s been a blast and I fell in love with a spontaneous heroine, Sophia and her counterpart Christopher or Kit. This one is a bit steamy and hopefully fun. It’s with the editor now and available for pre-order on Amazon. Due out early July.
Next, I am embarking on a heart project, one which has been simmering away in my imagination for quite some time. It’s different, and will possibly be a challenge to write a memoir about a difficult time in my life.
More about that next month, meanwhile Happy Reading
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 