The Irish Nanny by Sandy Taylor

 

About the Book: 

‘We have to go, Miss. We can’t wait any longer.’ I hold the baby tighter as the lifeboat is lowered slowly into the water, hitting the rough sea with a splash. My eyes never leave the ship, searching, hoping to see the others and know they are saf2. 

London 1940. As the war rages in Europe, Rose Brown steps on board a ship bound for America, hoping to escape the danger. She’s frightened, but her widowed mammy and three sisters in Ireland need the money she earns as nanny to the rich Townsend family. But while Rose plays with baby Sarah in the salty spray on deck, disaster strikes, and the ocean liner begins to sink. In the chaos, Rose and the baby are separated from the family.

 Pulled from the sea with the child still in her arms, Rose is afraid as never before. And when she arrives in Brooklyn to search for Sarah’s family she feels completely adrift in this unfamiliar land where looming Brownstones line the streets, and workmen in flat caps jostle her on the sidewalks. But just when Sarah’s father is within reach, the howling air-raid sirens and deafening bombs she thought she’d left behind shatter her plans once again as tragic news arrives from Pearl Harbor. As fear and panic grips America, what heartbreaking sacrifices will Rose have to make to protect her precious charge? And can she reunite the family before it is too late? An emotional, heart-wrenching story of love and family set across Ireland and America during the Second World War. Perfect for fans of Jean Grainger, Lisa Wingate and Diney Costeloe.

What did I think?

I had seen a friend highly recommend this author previously so when a space opened up on the blog tour I jumped at it.

I am loving books set in this time (WW2 and just after) but this book was more than historical - there was suspense, romance, love and of course loss. It also showed how decisions that have been made can have ramifications for years to come. This book definitely tugs at your heartstrings as you are reading it.

This story transports you from the West Coast of Ireland, to London and then on to New York on an incredible journey.

I would highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Author Bio

Sandy Taylor grew up on a council estate near Brighton. There were no books in the house, so Sandy’s love of the written word was nurtured in the little local library. Leaving school at fifteen, Sandy worked in a series of factories before landing a job at Butlins in Minehead. This career change led her to becoming a singer, a stand up comic and eventually a playwright and novelist.

 

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyTaylorAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyTaylorAuth 

 

The Bookshop Murder by Merryn Allingham

 

Join Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, day dreamer and amateur detective as she tackles her first case!

Sussex, 1955: When Flora Steele opens up her bookshop one morning she’s in for the surprise of her life! Because there, amongst her bookcases, is the body of a young man, with a shock of white-blond hair. But who was he? And how did he come to be there?

Determined to save her beloved bookshop’s reputation and solve the baffling mystery, Flora enlists the help of handsome and brooding Jack Carrington: crime writer, recluse and her most reliable customer.

The unlikely duo set about investigating the extraordinary case, following a lead across the sleepy village of Abbeymead to The Priory Hotel. When the hotel’s gardener dies suddenly, and they find out their victim was staying there, Flora’s suspicions are raised.

Are the two deaths connected? Is someone at the hotel responsible – the nervous cook, the money-obsessed receptionist, or the formidable manageress?

As the trail of clues takes Flora and Jack all over the village it becomes clear there’s more than one person hiding secrets in Abbeymead…

But does Flora have what it takes to uncover the truth – or will her amateur sleuthing put her in harm’s way?

Love Agatha Christie, Midsomer Murders and T E Kinsey? Then this brand-new cozy crime series featuring bookshop owner Flora Steele is just what you need!

 

What did I think?

I am absolutely loving cozy mysteries at the moment. A spot of mystery. A touch of humour. A perfect piece of escapism.

A fabulous 1950's setting in a peaceful village setting - I could just picture it in my mind when I started reading. Nothing much happens.....

I don't want to give anything away about the plot but the story rolls along quite nicely with a great cast of characters - think Midsommer Murders in book form - perfect for curling up with.

This is my first book by this author and this is the first book in a new series. I can see that she has written many more books.

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

 

https://merrynallingham.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

 

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3rhXaJ4

The Woman in the Water by Kelly Heard

 

I know my sister didn’t die by accident. Does someone know our secret?

I swore I’d never go home to Brightwater. It would be safer for everyone if I stayed away.

But now my sister is dead, and I am driving down the familiar highway, watching the sunlight glimmer off the lake, with the memory of her green eyes like a knife in my heart.

I know Holly didn’t slip and drown out by the old boardwalk, surrounded by trees and dark water. She would never have gone there, if she had a choice.

Her little girls need me now. I couldn’t save Holly, but I must protect them.

Because if whoever killed Holly knows what we did all those years ago, out on the water, then I need to find them before they come after me.

But how can I, when there are still so many things I don’t know about what really happened that night?

An absolutely gripping, twisty psychological thriller about secrets between sisters that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, The Woman in the Window and The Silent Patient.

What did I think?

A new author for me to read - exciting.

Quite a dark psychological thriller - the actual setting is really quite creepy - a swamp, a boardwalk and an old fairground - enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

I don't want to give the plot away but this really is quite a sinister read - and quite different from anything I have read before. A dark thriller - but with some romance thrown in for good measure. Full of secrets and very atmospheric.

Kelly Heard is a novelist from Afton, Virginia. She published poetry in literary magazines before signing her debut novel, Before You Go, with Bookouture.

Kelly prefers writing to most other pastimes, but you'll occasionally find her in the garden, hiking, or exploring antique shops.

For more updates, follow Kelly on Twitter: @kheardbooks

Website: www.kellyheardbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyheardbooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KHeardBooks

Website: www.kellyheardbooks.com

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.

(I'm making this one last!)

What I'm going to read next.

Book Club - Rhys Bowen

Readalong - Richard Roper

For review - Bradd Chambers and Claire Huston

Truth Games by Caroline England

 

Family is everything to Ellie Wilson. She tries hard to be the perfect mother, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter - but she can't always seem to get it right.

When an old friend from university re-enters their lives, dark memories from Ellie's past begin to resurface. Memories that have been buried for a long time.

As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises that she must choose between keeping the family she loves - and facing the truth. 

What did I think?

I would class this book as a dark domestic psychological thriller - a bit of a slow burn but the reader is well rewarded for sticking with it. As a mum to 2 boys I could relate to the main character. She is a normal mum but has had some traumatic events in her earlier life which she tries her best to block out. On the outside she seems fine but on the inside.....

Once I started reading this book I really didn't want to put it down - well written with some interesting characters.

About the author.

Born in Sheffield, Caroline studied Law at the University of Manchester and became a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer.

Caroline writes domestic psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, BENEATH THE SKIN, aka THE WIFE'S SECRET, was published in October 2017. Her second novel, MY HUSBAND'S LIES, followed in May 2018 and became a Kindle top ten bestseller. BETRAY HER was published in July 2020. TRUTH GAMES ebook followed in November 2020. The paperback will be published on 10th June 2021.

The Mothers of Victory Street by Pam Howes

 

From Amazon charts bestseller Pam Howes comes a heartbreaking and uplifting historical novel about a young woman trying to snatch her chance at happiness amongst the ruins of World War Two.

1946, Liverpool. Bella Harrison cannot believe the devastating war that stole the lives of her father and sister is truly over at last. She wonders how they will ever rebuild Victory Street with the city in ruins, and half their neighbours gone. But for now, she and her childhood sweetheart Bobby are happy newlyweds, doting on Bella’s little son, her child with black American pilot, Earl Franklin Junior.

With the other members of Bella’s wartime singing trio, The Bryant Sisters, busy starting families of their own, Bella focuses on recording and writing songs with her husband. Everything seems to be falling into place until they get a surprising letter: Earl is moving to England and wants to see them.

Earl arrives and is delighted to see that his son is well and happy. He joins them as a singer and together, they start recording songs. But one night as Earl leaves the recording studio, a racist gang brutally attacks him and sets the place alight, leaving Bobby trapped inside. Meanwhile, Bella is at home, waiting to tell Bobby a devastating secret…

With peace in Liverpool at last, Bella had hoped for a brighter future. But as she faces her life being ripped apart once again, can she rediscover the strength that carried her through the war?

A totally unputdownable, heart-wrenching historical novel, packed with family secrets, perfect for fans of Dilly Court, Diney Costeloe and Nancy Revell.

What did I think?

Before signing up for this blog tour I probably should have checked if this was a standalone title or part of a series - as it turns out it is the 3rd book in the The Bryant sister series. Never the less I think it works well as a standalone title - obviously if I had read the 2 earlier books I would have been familiar with all the main characters.

This book is a lovely gentle wartime saga set in 1946 - it is full of romance even though it is set in quite a difficult time in history. I really want to go back now and catch up with the other members of the family in the earlier books.

I did feel a little on the back foot reading this book - but I am going to be recommending the whole series to my mother in law as I just know she would love it.

Author Bio: 

Pam Howes is a retired interior designer, mum to three daughters, grandma to seven assorted grandchildren and roadie to her musician partner.The inspiration for Pam’s first novel came from her teenage years, working in a record store, and hanging around with musicians who frequented the business. The first novel evolved into a series about a fictional band, The Raiders. She is a fan of sixties music and it’s this love that compelled her to begin writing.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041354393134

https://twitter.com/PamHowes1

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wAzvED

The Little Island Secret by Emma Davies

 

At the bottom of the meadow is a tiny crescent of beach, and beyond it the wild grey sea. I’ve pictured this view in my head so many times, and now I’m here, I know it will change everything. The whitewashed cottage with a peeling green painted door to my right must be his house… 

When Abby steps off the ferry and onto the tiny island of Kinlossay, she squeezes her daughter’s hand and prays this trip will be the escape they both so desperately need. For now, at least, Beth is safe from the bullies making her life a misery, and perhaps Abby might find out more about the mysterious man behind the letters she’s been receiving… 

Cameron first got in touch to see if Abby’s shop stocked his favourite book. And has written every day since to tell her of his life on his rugged little island, where buttercups dance on rolling fields and the sky never stops moving. The weekend he once came to visit her - singing with Beth in the kitchen, kissing Abby’s lips so tenderly - is a memory she will treasure forever. But then, one day, the messages stopped. Abby received the heartbreaking news that Cameron had passed away. 

As she watches her daughter run laughing along the windswept beaches he described so perfectly, Abby wonders if this goodbye trip could also be a new beginning. But then she sees a face across the street that she recognises instantly, and her heart shatters. If Cameron is dead, who is this man? What devastating secrets has this little island been keeping? The truth will change Abby and her daughter’s life forever – but only if they let it…

 Lose yourself on the wild shores of a remote island in this absolutely gripping and heart-wrenching story about holding on to hope and the incredible things we do for love. Filled with secrets and surprises, fans of Debbie Macomber, Rosanna Ley and Sheila O’Flanagan will adore this stunning and totally uplifting page-turner.

What did I think?

Emma is one of those authors whose books I will pick up without reading the blurb as I just know I am going to enjoy them. And this one was no different.

Firstly - that cover. Looks idyllic.

This is a romance - but one a little bit different. Abby had fallen in love with Cameron - but not in the normal way. She had fallen in love via email. But then sadly Cameron passes away and Abby and her daughter decide to visit his home on a Scottish island for some sort of closure. But then she has the shock of seeing someone who looks exactly like Cameron. What is going on?

I don't want so spoil this book for anyone so I won't elaborate but all I have to say is that this is wonderful romantic book set in a beautiful location. You will love it.

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: 'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well the job in the design studio didn't work out but she's now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It's a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea.

Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car. You can also wave to her on twitter @EmDaviesAuthor or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her).

 

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoremmadavies/

Website: www.emmadaviesauthor.com

 

The Art of Loving by Amelia Henley

 

I was delighted to join in with the blog tour for this fantastic book.

They were so in love . . .
And then life changed forever . . .
Will they find happiness again?
 
Libby and Jack are the happiest they’ve ever been. Thanks to their dear friend, eighty-year-old Sid, they’ve just bought their first house together, and it's the beginning of the life they've always dreamed of.


But the universe has other plans for Libby and Jack and a devastating twist of fate shatters their world.
 
All of a sudden life is looking very different, and unlikely though it seems, might Sid be the one person who can help Libby and Jack move forward when what they loved the most has been lost?
 
The Art of Loving You is a beautiful love story for our times. Romantic and uplifting, it will break your heart and then put it back together again. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle,Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens.

What did I think?

I know you hear the words this book will stay with me - and I have to say I think this is true of this story. It felt like it had been written from the heart - it has been a while since a book has got to me in this way.

I don't want to give anything away but it is a story of loss but also of hope. An emotional read (you WILL need tissues) and wonderfully written.

If I could just make a suggestion - you really really do need to read this book.

Amelia Henley is a hopeless romantic who has a penchant for exploring the intricacies of relationships through writing heart-breaking, high-concept love stories.

Amelia also writes psychological thrillers under her real name, Louise Jensen. As Louise Jensen she has sold over a million copies of her global number one bestsellers. Her stories have been translated into twenty-five languages and optioned for TV as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. Louise’s books have been nominated for multiple awards.

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.

Readalong - Richard Roper

For review - Claire Huston

Book Club - RhysBowen

log Tour - Amelia Henley

Other Peoples' Marriages by Kerry Fisher

 

As I stood at my own birthday party, listening to my husband’s speech about me, I could no longer silence the thought that had started as a low-level hum five years ago and built until I could no longer ignore it… did I want to leave him?

Steph has spent decades building a family with her husband Mal, and putting that family first. She is the glue that holds them all together and she has convinced herself that she’s been happy… most of the time. But as she stands at her birthday party watching her husband talking about a wonderful marriage she doesn’t fully recognise, the doubts that she has been pushing down for so long begin to grow…

After the party, as Steph tries to gather her courage to leave Mal, she receives a letter from her old friend Evie. Steph hasn’t spoken to Evie since a sunny weekend on a holiday beach twenty years earlier, when the two friends said things to each other that could never be unsaid. And now, Evie is seeking a reunion and a way to repair the friendship. But this reunion threatens to reveal a secret that could destroy two families.

Other People’s Marriages is an absolutely unputdownable and heartbreaking read about the lies we tell to keep our loved ones close. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Liane Moriarty and Diane Chamberlain.

What did I think?

This is another author I have heard so much about but had never actually read one of her books - so glad that I have now put that right.

The story focuses on the 3 friends who have been in each others lives since their children were small. As the story develops we find out more and more about their marriages and friendships - and it goes to show that you never know what is really going on behind closed doors. The characters are so well written - I had to keep on reading as I became more and more invested in them and had to find out which path they were going to travel.

I have to say it was a breath of fresh air to read about older women and their relationships as it seems many of the books I read have main characters in their 20s and are at the start of relationships etc.

This book was a joy to read - you could feel the warmth and humour. I think this is a book that many women will relate to.

I am so happy to see that I have lots of books written by this author to now catch up on.

Author Bio:

 

Kerry Fisher is a million-copy bestselling author. She writes women's contemporary fiction, is a USA Today bestseller and her books have been translated into twelve languages. She was born in Peterborough, studied French and Italian at the University of Bath and spent several years living in Spain, Italy and Corsica. After returning to England to work as a journalist, she eventually abandoned real life stories for the secrets of fictional families. She lives in Surrey with her husband, and a naughty Lab/Schnauzer called Poppy, who joins in the huge dances of joy when her young adult children come home.

http://www.kerryfisherauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kerryfisherauthor

https://www.instagram.com/kerryfisherwrites/

https://twitter.com/KerryFSwayne

 

Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2TMD0dN

Apple: https://apple.co/3szP0LV

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2PmzcO5

Google: https://bit.ly/39raEu2