Toni's Blind Date by Rosie Dean

 

Toni Spielman and Will Thomas have no plans to date -- anyone -- but when fate throws them together on a TV dating show, they have to smile, pretend, and rethink their plans.

What did I think?

Firstly I loved the bright eye catching cover - thought it looked a bit retro - but it fits in with the covers of her earlier books.

This was a fun read - thought it was really en point with the current plethora of dating shows that seem to be around just now.

It was a light read - plenty of romance to keep me entertained.

After I finished this book I had a quick look on Goodreads and marked a few more of her books as to be read. 

Rosie writes romantic fiction with a sense of humour and, sometimes, a sense of the ridiculous; because we all know life and love aren't exactly how we'd like them to be.

She has won a Readers' Choice Award from Ancient City Romance Authors (part of Romance Writers of America) and been a finalist in the 2017 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Before writing novels, Rosie wrote training courses and marketing copy for the corporate world - a far cry from teaching Art and Pottery, where her career began.

She lives on the Isle of Wight, within sight and sound of the sea, with her partner and her dog.

Social Media Links –

Website/blog                                      www.rosie-dean.com

Facebook                                              www.facebook.com/RosieDeanWriter

Twitter                                                   http://twitter.com/RosieDeanAuthor                                      

Goodreads                                           www.goodreads.com/RosieDean

Amazon (Author Page)                   http://www.amazon.com/Rosie-Dean/e/B00GML9CU0           

BookBub                                              http://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosie-dean

Pinterest                                             https://www.pinterest.co.uk/RosieDeanAuthor/isle-of-wight/

 

 

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.

Bookclub - Rachel Joyce

The Pigeonhoel - Nikki May and Jodi Picoult

Readalong - Paige Toon and Carole Matthews

The New Wife by Sue Watson

 

You can never truly know what goes on behind closed doors…

My darling son, Sam, is marrying his childhood sweetheart and I couldn’t be prouder of the man he’s grown into. Walking out on his abusive father all those years ago was the best thing I ever did. And today he stands, tall and handsome, saying ‘I do’ to my dream daughter-in-law. If I hadn’t pushed them together all those years ago, he might never have found a girl as perfect as Lauren. It’s true what they say, mother always knows best.

But weeks later, Lauren is dead and police cars fill the driveway of their idyllic countryside home. As they question Sam, I sense he’s hiding something. Why won’t he look me in the eye? And who does he rush off to meet as soon as the police are gone?

Desperate, I do what every good mother would do: I let myself into Sam and Lauren’s bedroom. What I see, I will never be able to forget. My son’s beautiful new wife was hiding a dangerous secret. Can I clear my son’s name? And could my life be in danger now too?

A completely gripping, utterly twisted thriller that will leave your jaw on the floor. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Wife Between Us and The Woman in the Window.

What did I think?

I love Sue's books and I ended uo listening to this one on audio whilst I was out walking - kept me entertained as I plodded along.

This boko kept me guessing - at first the family set up seemed so perfect - son marrying his childhood sweetheart etc. First grains of suspicion for me started when I found out the were living so close to Dartmoor Prison - spooky!!

I really enjoyed the psychological who done it - loved the suspicion, the accusations and trying to work out who was responsible. Kept me interested right till the end of the book.

I have to say the narration on the audio book was excellent - really brought the story alive for me.

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists. Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing – and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.

For more info visit Sue's website; http://www.suewatsonbooks.com/

Sue would love to meet you on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/suewatsonbooks

Follow Sue on Twitter @suewatsonwriter

 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3ojUA43

Apple: https://apple.co/3myBBU9

Kobo: https://bit.ly/38ivET3

Google: https://bit.ly/3ji0m4Q

 

Audio Links:

UK: zpr.io/p4BbnCfuVQNR
US: zpr.io/fj6jKvCAvSYP

Listen to a sample here: 

https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-new-wife-by-sue-watson-narrated-by-tamsin-kennard

 

 

From The Dark We Rise by Marion Kummerow

 

“Please, let me help. I won’t tell anyone.” It was madness to help an escaped prisoner in Nazi Germany, but how could she not? If it weren’t for a lucky strike of fate, she might be the woman on the ground shivering with fear. A light of hope entered the prisoner’s eyes and she knew what she had to do…

1942, Germany: When a young woman calling herself Annegret Huber unexpectedly inherits a huge fortune, including a house and factory just outside Berlin, her first thought is to try to see out the war quietly, avoiding the Gestapo and SS as best she can.

No one needs to know her dark secret. She must focus on staying hidden. Because she can’t risk being exposed for who she truly is. Not really Annegret. But a girl living a secret life. A girl who was once called Margarete.

But then an encounter with an escaped prisoner changes everything, as Margarete discovers what is happening at the factory and its attached labor camp. Witnessing first-hand the suffering of prisoners—shivering, with faces gaunt from hunger, as they work in brutal and cruel conditions—she realises she must act.

If she can save just one life, she knows she has to. Because the truth is that Margarete resembles the prisoners in the camp in ways she daren’t admit. And on the other side of the fence, she has seen a face that is achingly familiar…

An absolutely gripping and devastating story, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All the Light We Cannot See, and My Name is Eva.

What did I think?

When I started reading this book I didn't realise that it was the second book in the Maragrete's Journey series. I wish I had read the first book before starting this one (I do like reading books in the right order) but it did work well enough as a standalone title.

This book is a work of fiction but you can tell the author has done a great deal of research as it all seems so realistic and believable. It is a story of bravery and determination. I enjoy books set in this difficult period of history and this was up there as one of the better ones I have read.

I have already downloaded the first book in the series - A Light in the Window - and will look forward to the third book.

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.

 

Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.

 

https://kummerow.info/

https://www.facebook.com/AutorinKummerow/

https://www.instagram.com/marionkummerow/

https://twitter.com/MarionKummerow

 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3qxcVNE

Apple: https://apple.co/3BFLwfE

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3zBnMYl

Google: https://bit.ly/3x4FFgG

 

Audio Links:

UK: zpr.io/yqwQGLPUBS7L
US: zpr.io/YffwSDT3ujfa

 

Listen to a sample here:
https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/from-the-dark-we-rise-by-marion-kummerow-narrated-by-stephanie-cannon

 

Sisters Behaving Badly by Maddie Please

 

Sisters Kitty and Jenny haven’t spoken since a very disappointing Carvery lunch. Kitty, sixty-two, thinks Jenny is turning grey. Jenny, sixty-six, thinks Kitty needs to grow up!

So when both sisters inherit a farmhouse in rural France, it gives them the perfect chance to heal the rift between them. Except the farmhouse is a wreck, the garden is terrorized by a flock of chickens, not to mention a donkey with a serious flatulence problem!

Kitty is determined to enjoy herself, especially when she meets gorgeous French builder, Leo. Ooh la – la! And Jenny finds the fully stocked wine cellar helps enormously with missing horrible husband Paul – hic!

And as the two sisters begin to repair

What did I think?

As if you couldn't by just looking at the cover this book was such a fun read.

Full of humour against a backdrop of beautiful France this story about 2 estranged sisters who both inherit a farmhpuse in rural France which used to belong to a deceased Aunt.  The sisters couldn't be more different if they tried. This story fairly romped along - mature characters, family relationships and second chances.

I love Maddies writing and her books are a delight to read.

Maddie Please is the author of four bestselling romantic comedies, having had a career as a dentist and now lives in rural Devon where she enjoys box sets, red wine and Christmas. She will be taking a new direction in her writing for Boldwood with joyous tales of older women.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/maddieplease1  

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maddieplease1/

Newsletter Sign Up Link http://bit.ly/MaddiePleaseNewsletter 

  Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maddie-please

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3yJp4Q5

 

Remember Me by Amanda Rigby

 

A perfect life…

Paul Henderson leads a normal life. A deputy headteacher at a good school, a loving relationship with girlfriend Jenna, and a baby on the way. Everything seems perfect.

A shocking message…

Until Paul receives a message from his ex-fiance Nicole. Beautiful, ambitious and fierce, Nicole is everything Jenna is not. And now it seems Nicole is back, and she has a score to settle with Paul…

A deadly secret.

But Paul can’t understand how Nicole is back. Because he’s pretty sure he killed her with his own bare hands….

Which means, someone else knows the truth about what happened that night. And they’ll stop at nothing to make Paul pay…

A brand new psychological thriller that

What did I think?

This book is like being on  roller coaster of a ride - so many twists and turns from start to finish. Now I am never very good a sussing out a plot early on - but this one threw a fair few red herrings along the way.

A definate psychological thriller which will send a chill down your spine. I thought this story was clever and well thought out.

I was surprised to learn that this book was a collaboration of 2 authors - Amanda Ashby and Sally Rigby.  I'm not sure I have read a book by 2 authors before except the obligatory James Patterson ones.

Amanda Rigby is the nom de plume of the writing partnership between Amanda Ashby and Sally Rigby. Both authors live in New Zealand, have been friends for eighteen years, and agree about everything (except musicals). They decided to collaborate on a psychological thriller which they then entered into a competition, run by Boldwood, which they won!

Social Media Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Amanda-Rigby-111632041134381 / https://facebook.com/Sally-Rigby-131414630527848 

Twitter https://twitter.com/AmandaRigbyNZ

Instagram https://instagram.com/sally.rigby.author

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amanda-rigby

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3jJ563L

 

Starry Skies in Ferry Lane Market by Nicola May

 

'Full of heart, hope, friendship, family and laughter, and a plot with a mystery gagging to be solved' Kim Nash on Welcome to Ferry Lane Market

When Star Bligh got pregnant at the age of sixteen, she thought her life was over. Now thirty-three, mother to Skye and owner of the successful jewellery stall in Ferry Lane Market in Hartmouth, Cornwall, she wouldn't change a thing about it.

Well, maybe one. A few months ago she fell hard for American visitor Jack, but then he left without even saying goodbye and ever since she has struggled to get him out of her head. Until the handsome, roguish Conor turns up and sweeps her off her feet. But then one day, Star is shocked to bump into Jack. He's back in Hartmouth to tell her why he left - but is she ready to listen?

As things get more complicated with her love life, another revelation threatens to turn the lovely world she has built for her and Skye upside down. But could this be the one thing that will make it complete?

What did I think?

I am loving this Ferry Lane series - just as much sa I loved visiting Cockleberry Bay.

Such a cozy - and addictive read. I love the characters that Nicola has written - all so believable along with the situations they find themselves in. 

This is a story about community, about the curveballs life throws in the way from time to time and about the magic of Christmas.

Impatiently waiting for book 3 now!!

Nicola May writes 'chick lit with a kick' and is the internationally bestselling author of eleven romantic comedies. All have appeared in the Kindle bestseller charts. The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay became the best-selling Kindle book in the UK across all genres in January 2019 and March 2020 respectively. It was also the second best-selling eBook of 2019 in the UK. Nicola's books have also been sold in many languages.

Social Media Links – @nicolamay1  @hodderbooks – Twitter

@author_nicola @hodderbooks  Instagram

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starry-Skies-Ferry-Lane-Market/dp/1529346487

US - https://www.amazon.com/Starry-Skies-Ferry-Lane-Market/dp/1529346487

The Cranberry Inn by Barbara Josselsohn

 

An unputdownable, feel-good Christmas romance about fresh starts, the importance of family and learning how to follow your heart. Perfect for fans of Mary Alice Monroe, Rachel Hanna and Carolyn Brown.

As twinkling lights go up and snowflakes begin to fall, Laurel Hanover and her eight-year-old son are going home to the Cranberry Inn in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Laurel can’t wait to leave New York behind to help her father run the family business, and make snow angels with her son, even if it’s just for Christmas. But when she walks through the door, she’s shocked to find the inn in disrepair, and a letter saying her father will be gone until Christmas Eve…

No one in town knows where Laurel’s father is, and she doesn’t know whether to be worried or angry – but she won’t let the inn go under, and nothing will get in the way of the perfect Christmas for her son. Seeing the worn-out wooden bannisters, bare of festive lights, she immediately recruits her childhood friend, brooding local carpenter Joel Hutcherson. They might disagree on whether any walls actually need to come down, but each rip in the carpet makes Laurel more concerned for her father, and Joel is a welcome distraction. And when he admits that Laurel was his first crush, she realises she’s falling for him.

But then Laurel uncovers a card with beautiful, ornate writing amongst her father’s things and learns the real reason he disappeared. And it changes everything. Worse still, she thinks Joel knew the truth all along.

Laurel thought this was going to be the perfect Christmas – that maybe she had found her happy. But now there’s nothing to stop her from running back to New York the moment the baubles come down… is there?

Barbara Josselsohn is an award-winning journalist and novelist who loves crafting stories about strong protagonists facing a fork in the road. Her novels center around second chances, family relationships and, of course, romance. She is the author of the Lake Summers series set in the fictional town of Lake Summers, nestled in the Adirondacks Mountains, which includes the books The Lilac House and The Bluebell Girls. Before joining with Bookouture, she published The Last Dreamer, a women’s-fiction novel from Lake Union Publishing, along with hundreds of articles and essays in major and regional publications about family, home and relationships. She lives just north of New York City and enjoys escaping to the beach or the mountains whenever she can. Other than writing, her biggest passion is her family: husband, her three kids, and her indefatigable shih-poo!

http://www.barbarasolomonjosselsohn.com/

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraSolomonJosselsohnAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/barbara_josselsohn_author/

https://twitter.com/BarbaraJoss

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3od5VDa

 

What did I think?

This is the second book I have read by this author - and if you are looking for a heartwarming Christmas story set in an idyllic location then this book is the one for you.

It is a heartwarming story of second chances. It is about family and following your dreams. Of community and of friendship.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story - perfect for curling up with on a dark evening.

And the cover is beautiful.

Her Silent Sister by Sam Vickery

 

I walk slowly to the kitchen counter, staring out the window as Ceci rocks back and forth on the swing. My beautiful darling girl has been through so much already. How can I tell her that her life is about to change forever?

When the woman from the hospital tells me that my husband Drew is in a coma my world comes crashing down.

In an instant, I see our whole married life flashing before my eyes: the way our children ran into his arms when he came home from work, the way his face lit up when he read to them. So how can what they are saying be true? That he might have done this to himself?

As my family rallies around to help, it becomes clear that Drew’s sister Gemma knows a shocking secret that my devoted husband has been keeping from me. If he wakes up, can he still be the man I love? Or will his secret tear our family apart?

A rollercoaster ride of emotions, Her Silent Husband is a story about family, and the light that can be found in even the darkest moments of our lives. Fans of Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Diane Chamberlain will be captivated by this unforgettable page-turner.

What did I think?

Described as a heart breaking and gripping page turner - and I have to say that is an accurate description. 

Without giving anything away I enjoyed how this book explored some rather difficult issues such as depression and mental health in a sensitive but powerful way. 

It was a story of real life people in real life situations - full of raw emotion to keep your interst all the way through.

Sam Vickery is an English author who loves gritty, emotional stories that can make you sob. As a child, she was forever getting in trouble for being caught with her nose in a book, and these days are no different. She lives on the south coast of England with her husband, two children and a cat that thinks it's a dog.

https://www.facebook.com/SamVickeryWrites/

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://bit.ly/301fmgq