The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim by Jules Wake

 

She’s trying to figure out her future.

He’s trying to forget his past.

But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, and a scruffy dog who just can’t help getting into trouble, a new community is formed – just when they all need each other the most.

What did I think?

This is a book I had so been looking forward to reading. As a parkrunner ( I have volunteered at my local parkrun in Elgin this morning) I thoroughly enjoyed her previous book called The Saturday Morning Park Run and wild swimming is on my agenda for this year - once the North Sea warms up a bit!!

The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim reintroduces us to Hilda and Claire along with a cast of new characters. It is a story of friendship and of community. It made me chuckle out loud in places.

I loved the way the author has brought together such a varied cast of characters - different and different  backgrounds. I loved how they all came together and supported each other.

A proper feel good read.

 

 

Author Bio – Jules Wake is the internationally bestselling author of over ten books including The Saturday Morning Park Run. She also writes as Julie Caplin and her Romantic Escapes series has hit the bestseller charts around the world.

After reading English at the University of East Anglia, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases.  She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

 

Social Media Links – @Juleswake Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

The Island in Bramble Bay by Victoria Walker

 

Welcome to Bramble Island! Find breezy, sunshine-filled days, shaded woodlands, glittering sea and a summer of love…

Maggie Cassidy is the new park manager of Bramble Island in Dorset. A job on an island where she is the only year-round inhabitant is the perfect fresh start for her. But when she’s torn between the job she came to do and the island she has grown to love, can she hang on to her perfect new life without compromising her dreams?

Charlie Mackenzie is the forester on Bramble Island. He is a loner full of secrets, burnt out by the life he left behind in San Francisco. When his past catches up with him can he finally face what he has spent three years running from without jeopardising everything that healed him?

Bramble Island lulls them both into an idyllic existence but when the outside world bangs on their door, is history about to repeat itself for both of them?

 

What did I think?

Always excited to discover a new author. I hadn't heard of her before. This is her second book. The first is called Snug In Iceland.

Loved the setting for the story - an island jut off the coast of Dorset and San Francisco. Quite an unusual combination.

A delightful romance between Maggie and Charlie - one that manages to withstand the obstacles in their way. I think this story really ups the anti with the location and occupations of the main characters. An island only accessible at certain times due to the tide. And a forester and a park manager. It was all that little bit different to the norm and makes this book such a winner in my eyes.

I will definitely be going back to read her first book and keep my eye out for anything else she writes.

 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Bramble-Bay-Victoria-Walker-ebook/dp/B09X4MDK6D/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Island-Bramble-Bay-Victoria-Walker-ebook/dp/B09X4MDK6D/

Author Bio – Victoria Walker has been writing romantic fiction since a visit to Iceland in 2014 inspired her first novel. As well as writing, she spends her free time dressmaking, knitting and reading an inordinate amount of contemporary romance, occasionally punctuated by the odd psychological thriller and saga.

In the past she has worked as a cinema projectionist, a knitting and sewing tutor and has owned a yarn store, all things which will no doubt appear in her books if they haven't already.

Victoria lives in the Malvern Hills with her husband and two teenage children.

It Started With A Kiss by Lisa Hobman

Can two strangers dreams lead to their destiny?

American Star Mendoza is living in her dream location, Edinburgh, a place she discovered in British novels while growing up.

Employed at a trendy city centre coffee shop, quirky, pink-haired Star spends her days fantasising about a handsome businessman she serves daily.

He's totally out of her league but a girl can dream, right?

Fin Hunter is exhausted from striving for his father's elusive love and approval, and of following a life path of his family’s making.

When things go drastically wrong Fin decides it’s time to stand on his own two feet and follow his own dream.

Star is bereft when her handsome stranger stops coming to her coffee shop, but a chance encounter in the most unlikely of places leaves her wondering if her fantasy could now become a reality?

Can opposites attract over their love of a city and music or is their story simply doomed to fail?

Previously Published as 'Star Attraction'

What did I think?

I really enjoyed this book - it was such a sweet feel good story about opposites attracting. 

The main characters of Star and Finn were so likable it was impossible not to fall in love with them - hoping that they can make a go of their relationship

And set in Scotland - like myself. what is there not to like.

Just watch as this is a re release with a new title. I have been caught out this way before.

An absorbing and entertaining page turner.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3LS59W4

Author Bio –

Lisa Hobman has written many brilliantly reviewed women’s fiction titles – the first of which was shortlisted by the RNA for their debut novel award. In 2012 Lisa relocated her family from Yorkshire to a village in Scotland and this beautiful backdrop now inspires her uplifting and romantic stories. Her first title for Boldwood Dreaming Under an Island Skye was published in February 2021.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook http://facebook.com/LisaJHobmanAuthor

Twitter http://twitter.com/@LisaJHobmanAuthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LisaHobmannews
 

We'll Always Have Venice by Leonie Mack

 

Who can resist the romance of Venice… 

When Norah arrives in Venice for a ten-week internship she is surprised to discover that her guide for her work trips around the lagoon is the undeniably gorgeous and kind Gianluca. She can’t help thinking he might be too good to be true, with his endless fascinating local stories, and his infectious laugh.

Norah is still bitter after an accident left her with a serious injury and also meant the end of her long-term relationship. And besides, she's serious about her career and that means leaving Venice at the end of the summer. 

Gianluca has had a summer fling before that led to heartache for him and he won't do it again. He enjoys the long hours out on the lagoon with Norah, but after a storm strands them on a picture-perfect island for a night, they agree they should just be good friends for the summer. 

But life doesn't always go to plan, and when it's time for Norah to go, they have to decide whether what they have between them is really just a friendship, and not something more… 

What did I think?

I love a good romance - and can you get a more romantic setting than Venice?

From the moment I started this book I was hooked. I fell in love with Norah and her vulnerabilities - and the developing romance with Gianluca. It was a joyful read and would make a perfect Summer book to take away on holiday.

Physical disabilities aren't usually mentioned in books like these so it was refreshing to see the main character having various health issues - but it in no way detracted from the story - I think it added to it. Made me route for Norah even more.

When I started this book I didn't realise it was the second book in a series. I will definately be going back to read the first book though.

Leonie Mack is an author of romantic comedies with great international locations. Having lived in London for many years her home is now in Germany with her husband and three children. Leonie loves train travel, medieval towns, hiking and happy endings!

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/LeonieMAuthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LeonieMackNews

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/leonie-mack

The Patient by Jane Shemilt

 

She is his doctor. He will be her downfall.

The bestselling phenomenon returns…

When Rachel meets Luc, the attraction is instant.
But she is a doctor, and he is her patient.
She gives him the drugs he needs – but in doing so, risks everything.
And when a secret is exposed, they’re both in the firing line.
Not all patients are telling the truth.

What did I think?

Jane Shemilt is a name I have been aware of but until this book I had never read any of her work. An opportunity missed I think>

The blurb sounded enticing.

I found it an unpredictable psychological thriller which grabbed my attention right at the start and didn't let go. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way which added to the feeling of unease. This story was a slow burn - leading up to a shocking conclusion.

An enjoyable read.

Jane is a general practitioner who completed a post graduate diploma in Creative Writing at Bristol university and went on to study for a M.A in Creative writing at Bath Spa. She was shortlisted for the Janklow and Nesbitt award and the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize for Daughter, her first novel.

She and her husband, a Professor of Neurosurgery, have 5 children and live in Bristol, England.

The Caretaker by Emily Shiner

 

They found their dream home. It’s the perfect place to die.

Newlyweds Amy and Tim move into their dream home, anxious to put their rocky past behind them and make a fresh start.

But the rambling fixer-upper and its surrounding gardens need more work than they expected, so they decide to hire a live-in caretaker.

Paul seems to be the perfect candidate. But he has an ulterior motive – taking the job is just one part of the deadly revenge plan he’s been hatching for years.

Soon, Amy starts to notice strange things happening around the house. Tim dismisses her concerns, and tension between the couple starts to build. As the rift between them grows ever wider, Paul sets the final phase of his horrifying plan in motion.

Now Amy and Tim are in a fight for survival - and their dream home has become a nightmare from which they may never escape.

The Caretaker – the stunning psychological thriller from the author of The Secret Wife.

What did I think?

My first book by this author.

I found this to be a speedy read of a thriller - with enough to keep my interest to keep reading. There were plenty of twists along the way so I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. And that ending......

I am not looking at the other books written by this author and trying to decide which one to read next.

Author Bio

Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs. 

Emily writes psychological thrillers. The Secret Wife will be her first novel published with Inkubator Books.

 

Follow her at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoremilyshiner

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

 

 

Buy Links

Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Caretaker-gripping-psychological-thriller-killer-ebook/dp/B09XQTTX27

Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Caretaker-gripping-psychological-thriller-killer-ebook/dp/B09XQTTX27

Only For My Daughter by Emma Robinson

 

I look at my lovely girl. The child I always promised to keep safe, the child I know I’d love no matter what. I look at her and in that moment, my heart breaks into pieces. Because right now, I am not sure I know her at all…

Julia’s daughter Grace is her whole world. To Julia, she’ll always be the little girl who would put her tiny hand in hers, who she could heal with the smallest kiss, who would trust her mother with everything.

But Grace has changed since becoming a teenager. She’s fallen out with her childhood best friend and has become quiet and distanced. Julia wants more than anything to find a way reach her only daughter. Even if some days it seems impossible, Julia knows her lovely, sunny girl is still in there.

Until today when Grace came home after school, covered in blood, and she’s refusing to speak, except to acknowledge that her former best friend is lying in a coma in hospital.

Julia is forced to ask herself: what could Grace be hiding? She can’t believe her little girl could have done something terrible. But her instincts tell her that Grace is keeping a secret. And if it’s what Julia fears it might be, she could lose her fragile, gentle daughter forever.

And – as another mother’s daughter fights for her life – Julia will have to ask herself, how far would she go as a mother to protect the child she loves with her whole heart?

This totally unmissable, heartbreaking, grab-your-tissues story is perfect for fans of Kate Hewitt, Diane Chamberlain and Jodi Picoult.

What did I think?

Emma is now one of those authors where I will read her books without reading the blurb or other reviews - I know I am going to have a good read on my hands.

. 

The story felt quite relevant to the times we are living in - how troubled our society seems to be and how that affects the young generation. Also how parents deal with teenagers and the repercussions. I felt that the themes were dealt with sensitively and it was all very believable. It was written with emotion and empathy and it heart wrenching in places.

I found the story very absorbing and could have read the book in one setting - that pesky old work keeps getting in the way.

Emma Robinson is the author of several women’s fiction novels. She also blogs about the funny side of parenting and has contributed to podcasts such as Funny Women. Whilst her early novels are humorous, her recent work focuses on emotional themes and these novels are both heart-breaking and life affirming. Emma enjoys writing stories which explore the power of family and friendship in the most challenging circumstances.

 

Emma currently lives in Essex with a husband, two children and a small black dog.

https://motherhoodforslackers.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emmarobinsonuk/

https://twitter.com/emmarobinsonuk

 

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09RB6ZZH7social

Women Like Us by Amanda Prowse

 

‘Women Like Us’ is my life story so far! It’s a raw, but I hope, inspiring account of my life lived as someone who always felt as if I was the odd one out. I had so many ideas, but felt hemmed in by class, lack of opportunity and my own low self-esteem. I didn’t ever see how I could get on in life.

Growing up as a proper homebird and spending nights on the sofa with my wonderful, eccentric family, I felt as if the world was having a party to which I wasn’t invited, and it felt awful. The thought of writing a book felt like a dream, just out of reach, until aged forty-two I took the leap, and the rest is history.

Now, ten years later and with over thirty books published, I decided it was time to tackle my greatest challenge –  how I felt about myself, my overweight body and my ageing face. Having lived for years feeling that I wasn’t quite good enough, or that I didn’t quite fit, I finally learned the secrets of living a happy life and am sharing them with you now..

What did I think?

I simply love Amanda's books although I haven't read them all yet (so I still have titles to look forward to)

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it - but what I wasn't expecting was just how hard hitting and that it mirrored parts of my life too. Certain parts of this book could have been written about me. And that is a very strange feeling.

I want to thank Amanda for writing such a brutally honest book - we certainly get warts and all. But the book certainly isn't a pity party. It is an honest account of her life - the high points - the low points - and everything in between. It becomes apparent where she gets some of the ideas from for her books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I had to make myself read it slowly to make it last as long as possible.

This is a memoir about a real woman - written for real women.

The Watchmakers Daughter by Dianne Haley

 

The Watchmaker's Daughter: An utterly gripping and heart-wrenching World War II historical novel

 

Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die…

1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…

In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.

But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late?

An utterly gripping and heart-breaking novel about love and bravery in a time of terrible danger. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by The Watchmaker’s Daughter

 What did I think?

I hadn't heard of this author so wasn't sure what to expect although I do love a book set during WW2 - they really bring history to life.

It was a well written story which kept my interest right from the start. I connected with the main characters and became invested in their journey. Whilst the story was heart breaking and quite brutal in places it highlighted the courage that those involved showed during such a difficult period in history.

As a debut book I thought it was a compelling read and will  be looking forward to reading her next book.

Buy link: 

https://geni.us/B09R4PX5DNsocial

 

About the author

 

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374

 

Website: www.diannehaley.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.

Didn't manage to finish anything last week - just one of those weeks.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Beth Morrey

Bookclub - Femi Fadugba and Graham Green

Pigeonhole - Sara Cox