It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

What I Read Last Week:

What I'm Reading Now:

What I'm Going To Read Next:

These books seem to have been on my list to read next for sooo long!

Blog Tour for Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane.

Thea Thomas needs to get away from her old life... and the interfering ex who won't leave her alone. When she lands a job heading up the restoration of Mill Grange, a stunning Victorian manor, it feels like the perfect opportunity to start afresh.

What Thea didn't anticipate was how hostile the volunteer team, led by the formidable Mable Hastings, would be about accepting new leadership. And with the deadline looming before the grand opening, Thea is in desperate need of more volunteers.

A broadcast appeal on the local news attracts the interest of arrogant but undeniably attractive celebrity historian Shaun Cowlson, who wants to make a TV programme about the restoration. It's hard enough adding one more big personality to the mix – but then her ex turns up as one of the volunteers! What seemed like a dream come true is fast becoming a total disaster! Can Thea find a way to save the manor?

What did I think: 

I always look forward to one of Jennys books - they always keep me entertained with the delightfully drawn characters. This book has an idyllic location in the West Country - I don't think I have read another book which involves the restoration of a historic building. Mill Grange sounds like such a beautiful place and combined with the engaging cast of characters makes for an entertaining and quintessentially British read. I am so glad this is aprt of a series and that there will be more to come from Mill Grange. 

About the author

Jenny Kane is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction series. Her first novel, Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press), was a Kindle bestseller. The final novel in this series, Another Glass of Champagne, was released in June 2016. Jenny Kane’s Cornish romance, A Cornish Escape, hit No.1 in the Amazon Romance, Contemporary Fiction, and Women’s Fiction charts, and was followed by a sequel, Abi’s Neighbour, Jenny’s seventh novel.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Z1DooZ

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3fRwCIC

Kobo:  https://bit.ly/2y4Bb12

Follow Jenny:

Twitter: @JennyKaneAuthor

Facebook: @JennyKaneRomance

Follow Aria

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Blog Tour for Hush Little Baby by Jane Isaac

I was delighted to be invited to take part in the blog tour for Janes new book Hush Little Baby.

About the book:

Someone stole a baby...

One sunny day in July, someone took three-month-old Alicia Owen from her pram outside a supermarket. Her mother, Marie, was inside. No one saw who took Alicia. And no one could find her.

They silenced her cry...

Fifteen years later, a teenager on a construction site sees a tiny hand in the ground. When the police investigate, they find a baby buried and preserved in concrete. Could it be Alicia?

But the truth will always out.

When Alicia disappeared, the papers accused Marie of detachment and neglect. The Owens never got over the grief of their child's disappearance and divorced not long after. By reopening the case, DC Beth Chamberlain must reopen old wounds. But the killer may be closer than anyone ever suspected...

What did I think:

This is the 3rd book featuring DC Beth Chamberlain. I really enjoyed the first two and this one didn't disappoint. You don't have to read them in order I don't think as they work well as standalone titles. Several of the characters do pop up in all the books.

A harrowing story of child abduction that isn't quite what it seems. I don't want to give anything away but there are plenty of twists in the plot right up until the final few pages.  I like the authors writing style and the story fairly races along making you want to keep reading.

I wonder if there will be a 4th book (fingers crossed!)


About the author:

Jane Isaac is married to a serving detective and they live in rural Northamptonshire, UK with their daughter and dogs. Jane's debut novel, An Unfamiliar Murder, introduces DCI Helen Lavery and was nominated as best mystery in the 'eFestival of Words Best of the Independent eBook awards 2013.'

You can get your copy here.

Blog Tour for The Dublin Girls by Cathy Mansell

I was delighted to be invited to join in on the blog tour for this new release.

About the book:

In 1950s Dublin, life is hard and jobs are like gold dust.

Nineteen-year-old Nell Flynn is training to be a nurse and planning to marry her boyfriend, Liam Connor, when her mother dies, leaving her younger sisters destitute. To save them from the workhouse, Nell returns to the family home - a mere two rooms at the top of a condemned tenement.

Nell finds work at a biscuit factory and, at first, they scrape through each week. But then eight-year-old Róisín, delicate from birth, is admitted to hospital with rheumatic fever and fifteen-year-old Kate, rebellious, headstrong and resentful of Nell taking her mother's place, runs away.

When Liam finds work in London, Nell stays to struggle on alone - her unwavering devotion to her sisters stronger even than her love for him. She's determined that one day the Dublin girls will be reunited and only then will she be free to follow her heart.

What did I think:

The first thing that jumped out at me was the cover - it was so nice and bright (look at the colour of the sky) and it made me want to know more about the two women featured.

I have to admit I do have a soft spot for books set in Ireland - I'm not sure why and it is somewhere I would love to visit.

This book is set in the 1950s and times were hard and the story follows Nell as she has to give up her dreams and return home to do what she feels is her duty. 

I don't want to give anything away but it is really quite heartbreaking in places. I was rooting for Nell right from the tart - she is a wonderfully written character.

This is my first book by this author but I don't think it will be my last. A lovely engaging read that takes you to another era.

About the Author

Cathy Mansell was born in Ireland and, although she now lives in Leicester, her Irish heritage plays a significant role in her fiction. Hailing from a family of writers, she says it was inevitable that she too would become one. She has had five novels published by Tirgearr Publishing before publishing A Place to Belong with Headline.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

My reading has slowed down due to an impending house move and returning to work (all be it from home) Organised chaos!!

What I Read Last Week:

What I'm Reading Now:

What I'm Going To Read Next:

Blog Tour for The Ops Room Girls by Vicki Beeby

I was pleased to be asked to take part in the above blog tour. Vicki is a new author to me so was looking forward to reading the book.

About the book:

When Evie’s dreams come crashing down, she’s determined to still make something of herself in these trying times…

It is 1939 and working-class Evie Bishop has received a scholarship to study mathematics at Oxford when tragedy turns her life upside down. Evie must seek a new future for herself and, inspired to contribute to the war effort, joins the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force as an Ops Room plotter.

Posted to a fighter station on the Sussex Coast, Evie befriends two other WAAFs – shy, awkward May and flirty, glamorous Jess. Faced with earning the approval of strict officers and finding their way in a male-dominated world, the three girls band together to overcome challenges, keep their pilots safe in the skies and navigate new romances.

But the German bombers seem to know more than they should about the base’s operations, and soon Evie, May and Jess are caught up in a world more dangerous than they ever imagined...

What Did I Think:

This was a very readable book and the story and the characters drew me in from the very start. I will admit to this not being my usual genre of book but I did really enjoy it. The characters were really well written and the author certainly seems to know her stuff about this era. Before I read this book I knew very little about this side of the war and the roles that these girl played. A fantastic history lesson as well as a cracking good read. I will definitely be recommending this book to my mother in law who I know will absolutely love it.

About The Author:

Vicki Beeby writes historical fiction about the friendships and loves of service women brought together by the Second World War.

Her first job was as a civil engineer on a sewage treatment project, so things could only improve from there. Since then, she has worked as a maths teacher and education consultant before turning freelance to give herself more time to write.

In her free time, when she can drag herself away from reading, she enjoys walking and travelling to far-off places by train. She lives in Shropshire in a house that doesn’t contain nearly enough bookshelves.

You can buy yourself a copy of the book here - https://amzn.to/2Nxo5gN

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It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

What I Read Last Week:

What I'm Reading Now:

What I'm Going To Read Next: 

Blog Blitz for Billy Tapper Zillionaire

This colourful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles. Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers an amazing secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, pain, and elation follow his path up and out of England's rigid class system. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit and sense of what is right. Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.

Author Bio

Born in Scotland and raised in Zimbabwe and South Africa, Gary Finnan splits his time between Sonoma Wine country in California and his farm in Aiken South Carolina, along with his wife Eva and two daughters. Gary is an award-winning inspirational author. 

Buy Link 

https://amzn.to/384KhZj

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

What I Read Last Week:

What I'm Reading Now:

What I'm Going To Read Next:

Blog Tour for The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse.

I love Amanda's books so when I was offered the chance to be on her latest blog tour I jumped at the chance. If you haven't read any of her books then you are missing a real treat.

About the book:

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had?

When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.
As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.
To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

What Did I Think:

As I said earlier I love Amanda's books an this one did not disappoint. Poor Victoria's life is rocked following the death of her beloved grandmother - her only family and she is only 19. This in itself would be hard enough to deal with but then she discovers that her mother who she has been told died when she was small is in fact alive. How would you cope with knowing that those who love you the most have lied to you your whole life? The story follows Victoria and her mother trying to find a way forward with their relationship and deals with loss, love and trust - things we all crave and need.

Amanda writes such believable characters and I find myself being drawn into the story and living it with them. I am amazed that she can write what seems to be a great number of books (25 and counting I think) but each book is well thought out and well written. Long may she continue.

Author Bio:

Amanda Prowse is one of the UK’s most prolific and loved storytellers with global sales of 8 million copies and legions of loyal readers.  Based in the West Country, Amanda is the author of 25 novels and 7 novellas with books sold in 22 countries and translated into 12 languages– no mean feat when you consider her first novel was only published in 2012!

A passionate reader since her first visit to the local library aged 6, Amanda would read everything and anything and – armed with her precious library ticket – would spend hours reading loved Enid Blyton, Anna Sewell, Judi Blume, Nina Bawden while scribbling short stories of her own. As time passed, she moved onto the more risqué delights of Lace, The Thorn Birds and A Woman of Substance; gritty, emotional stories that would inform her writing. 

A powerful storyteller and a master of the addictive plot, Amanda’s rich imagination and prolific writing talent has seen her write over 20 bestsellers with millions of copies sold across the world. She often writes for 15 hours a day and sees her plots like movies in her mind that she’s compelled to get down on paper. These heartfelt human stories have made her one of the most successful female writers of contemporary fiction today and she has become a regular interviewee on TV and radio as well as a successful journalistic writer. 

Amanda’s ambition has always been to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night; great characters that stay with you and stories that inhabit your mind so you can’t possibly read another book until the memory fades. She is also a passionate supporter of military charities and those that support women’s causes and holds regular ‘Evenings with Amanda’ events as fundraisers for her chosen charities.

Twitter – @MrsAmandaProwse

https://www.facebook.com/amandaprowsepage/