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

Audio - Michael Ball

Library - Prince Harry

Bookclub/Kindle - Jill Johnson

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.

Once again I didn't manage to finish a book this week - came close though. I di however abandon a book I wasn't enjoying. I don't often do that but I have plenty of other books from the library which I need to get into.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

 Library - Prince Harry

Audio - Michael Ball

Bookclub - Anthony Doerr and Jill Johnson

The Vintage Village Bake Off by Judy Leigh

 The Vintage Village Bake Off

Now in his seventies, Robert Parkin is stunned to find himself the unlikely sex symbol of the village gardening club.

Living in happy solitude with his cat Isaac Mewton in the Devon village of Millbrook, entertained by his mischievous chickens and goats, Robert has never figured out the rules of romance. But as the local ladies vie for his company, it soon becomes clear that Robert’s Victoria Sponge cake is the lure, and as his baking prowess grows, so does his confidence.

Cheesecakes, meringues, puddings, Robert can do it all, but his real masterpieces are his scones – ginger, rosemary, coconut, fruit, his recipes are inspired and soon come to the attention of the local media. Which county does the best cream tea – Devon or Cornwall? It’s time for an age-old debate to be settled with a competition.

Robert’s sisters Bunty and Hattie are both at crossroads in their lives, so news of their brother’s baking competition is the perfect excuse to bring them to Millbrook. And as the siblings relish each other’s company, and Robert relishes being at the heart of his community, a summer of scones may just light the way to long-lasting happiness for them all.

Enjoy Judy Leigh’s wonderful world of family, friendship and feasting in this perfect feel-good story for all fans of Maddie Please, Dawn French and Caroline James.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/villagebakeoffsocial

What did I think?

What do I love about Judy's books? I love the humour. The expertly written characters. And the sense of escapism they give me. This book certainly ticked all those boxes for me.

I've been struggling with my reading since losing my Mum recently. I cannot seem to concentrate on anything which means I have been dipping in and out of books. But this book gave me some light relief which is exactly what I read right now.

The over riding feeling that came out of the story is that it is never too late to live your life. This resonated with me - lots of changes for me in the next 12 months and deciding that I have to put myself first.

The characters - even the nasty one - drew me in and I became invested in their lives (to me that is a sign of great writing.) The scone wars was so entertaining. Definitely some life lessons in here - facing your mistakes and learning from them, and age is just a number.

Another cracker of a story.

Author Bio –

Judy Leigh is the USA Today bestselling author of The Old Girls’ Network and Five French Hens and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005568258864

Twitter https://twitter.com/JudyLeighWriter

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judy-leigh

A Winter Wonderland by Rosie Green

 A Winter Wonderland

The festive season is fast approaching and the Little Duck Pond Café menu has been given a mouth-watering sprinkling of December magic. Jaz is hoping for the perfect festive season with little daughter Emma. But her feelings for next-door neighbour, Milo, are getting in the way. With his old love back on the scene, is she really prepared to risk her heart and make it the best Christmas ever?

What did I think?

31st book. How can this be the 31st book in The Little Duck Pond Cafe series. I love each little chunk of the story and each novella leaves me wanting more.

I'm not feeling particularly festive this year - this has been a rough 12 months if I am honest. But books like this one provide a little bit of light relief and a sprinkling of festive glitter.

One of the reasons I love this series is how different storylines develop and we see the relationships and how the different threads of the stories intertwine.

There are plenty of familiar faces in this book but a new one in the introduction of Freddy. The story of Freddie seemed very real and relevant. Tugged on the heartstrings just a little whislt being heartwarming.

A Christmas hig in a book is how I would describe this one.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C97VXWCY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C97VXWCY

Author Bio – Rosie’s series of novellas is centred around life in a country village cafe. Look out for THE SUNSHINE SISTERS – a heart-warming and thoroughly enchanting trilogy of books in the Little Duck Pond Café series, out early in 2024!

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

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.

Library - Matthew Perry and Prince Harry

Audio - Michael Ball 

Bookclub - Jill Johnson and Anna North

How Not To Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh

 

How Not To Murder Your Ex

It is 5:30 am on Clio's forty-fifth birthday and her hated ex is lying dead on her doorstep. Even worse, this is no accident. Someone’s killed him...

When single mum Clio’s ex Gary turns up dead on the doorstep of her caravan – the one she’s been forced to live in ever since he stole every penny she had – there’s only one suspect. Her.

What’s more, she doesn’t remember much about the night he was killed – not just because of the forgetfulness that’s been plaguing her along with the hot flushes – but because she definitely had one too many cocktails with her two best friends Amber and Jeanie.

Clio does remember them talking about how much they all hated him though. And, in the frame for murder, she has to ask herself – if she didn’t kill Gary, who did? One of his many enemies? Or someone a little closer to home? And can she and her friends find the real killer before it’s too late?

Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sisters, and How to Kill Your Family.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/murderexsocial

What did I think?

The title of this book made me chuckle - and a mental note to myself not to take the book too seriously even though at times I would quite merrily like to give my ex some grief!!

This is the first book in The Bad Girls Detective Agency series.

This book was such an entertaining read - each chapter was written from a different characters point of view. Could this be described as a menopausal who don it?? I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much - the female characters were of a similar age to myself

I would describe this book as a cozy crime with a good dose of humour. An easy read which I devoured in a couple of sittings. I was in need of a book like this - I cannot concentrate on anything too heave and I need to be entertained to take my mind off stuff. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Author Bio –

Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series  How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, will be published in December 2023.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://facebook.com/KatieMarshAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/marshisms

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

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

Welcome To The Cornish Country Hospital by Jo Bartlett

 

Welcome to The Cornish Country Hospital

A new start…

When Danni Carter moves to Cornwall from London, she hopes it will be the fresh start she so desperately needs. She’s nervous, but hopefully the change of scene will help her to finally forget her feelings for Lucas Newman, a man she can never be with, because he’s already engaged to Danni’s best friend, Esther.

An Impossible Dilemma…

But when Lucas and Esther decide to follow Danni to Cornwall, and both announce they will be working with her at the new St Piran’s hospital, Danni is thrown into turmoil again. She can’t lose Esther, but being near Lucas is getting harder to deal with. Will she have to give up her new life before it’s even started?

A chance to start again?

Throwing herself into work, Danni finds herself drawn to new patient, Connie Berrycloth, a woman Danni knows has dark secrets of her own. Secrets that are about to be revealed….

As the two women form a friendship, Danni begins to realise that letting go of her dreams might be the only way of holding on to the people she loves.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/cornishhospitalsocial

What did I think?

I was excited when I first saw the cover for this new book by Jo. I am really really hoping that this is a start of a new series as I absolutely loved the Cornish midwife series. I have everything crossed.

Still set in the authors beloved Cornwall this book is set in a local hospital - we are introduced Danni Carter who has moved to Cornwall from London - Port Kara hold special childhood memories for him. Danni is the main character in the story but Jo has written a fabulous supporting cast of characters to accompany her. There are even a few 'midwife' characters making cameo appearances.

I do love a medical/hospital tv drama and this book gave me similar vibes. I cannot wait to see what direction this series goes in - and this book has got it off to a cracking start.

Author Bio –

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: Jo Bartlett - Home | Facebook

Twitter: Jo Bartlett Writer (@J_B_Writer) / Twitter

Instagram: Jo Bartlett (@jo_bartlett123) • Instagram photos and videos

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

Bookbub profile: Jo Bartlett Books - BookBub

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

Audio - Robert Bryndza and Michael Ball

Library - Prince Harry and Matthew Perry

Bookclub - William Boyd

Wedding Bells at the Dog and Duck b y Jill Steeples

 

Wedding Bells at the Dog & Duck

Ellie Browne, landlady of the Dog & Duck, is looking forward to a relaxing Christmas Day before the arrival of her and Max’s baby in the new year.

But with a snowstorm brewing outside, it seems that things might not go quite to plan. After the dramatic events of the holiday season, Ellie settles into her new life at Max's huge country mansion, Braithwaite Manor, juggling work and family as best she can.

When she's asked to help organise a summer wedding for one of her best friends it's only natural that her mind turns to her own non-existent wedding plans! But with Max decidedly lukewarm on the subject and other family complications threatening to disrupt life further, Ellie fears there'll never be wedding bells at the Dog & Duck after all.

The perfect feel-good love story for fans of Cathy Bramley, Heidi Swain and Julie Houston.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/weddingdogducksocial

What did I think?

This is the third book in the Dog and Duck series. I have really been enjoying this series so was looking forward to reading this latest instalment. Although this book forms part of a series I think it works well as a standalone title.

We are almost in December so reading a festive title is now totally acceptable.

It was fun to catch up with some of the characters from the earlier titles and overall I found this a fun festive read. The Dog and Duck is at the heart of the village and I loved the real sense of community. I would love to live somewhere just like this.

I think Jill's writing style makes for such an easy read - she knows how to write uplifting and heart warming stories which centre on community, family and relationships.

I hope this isn't the end of the Dog and Duck series - I would love another visit in the not too distant future.

Author Bio –

Jill Steeples is the author of many successful women’s fiction titles – most recently the Dog and Duck series – all set in the close communities of picturesque English villages. She lives in Bedfordshire.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jillesteeples

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill.steeples/

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

The Old Ducks Hen Do! by Maddie Please

 

The Old Ducks Hen Do!

Recently retired, Denny Lambert is finding life just a little bit…well, dull. So when her stepsister Juliette announces she’s getting married – again! – and invites Denny on a hen do with the Old Ducks, Denny really can’t say no.

Denny knows something about the Old Ducks and their wild exploits, but she’s just glad to be somewhere hot and sunny and away from her grey life back in the UK. She’s definitely not going to be pulled into any Old Duck mayhem….

But when they arrive at their beautiful Mallorcan villa, Denny is in for a shock. Because right next door is the man who once broke her heart – Bruno Browning. Now with the Old Ducks and an old flame to contend with, Denny’s life suddenly feels anything but dull!

But if she’s learnt one thing from her time with the Old Ducks it’s that life is for living…and that’s exactly what Denny is finally going to do!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/oldduckshensocial

What did I think?

This is the second book in The Old Ducks Club series. I was so looking forward being back with the group of ladies of a certain age.

This, as with Maddie's earlier books, was a rolicking good read. I loved the characters so much - I really do hope I have some of their zest for life and and get up and go when I get to their age!

As soon as I read the blurb I knew I would enjoy the book and I could see this being turned into a sitcom. Women of a certain age on a hen do is sunny Majorca - in a villa next door to a group of male birdwatchers - that alone made me smile.

If you want an entertaining and uplifting read then I cannot recommend this book enough.

Author Bio –

Maddie Please is the author of bestselling joyous tales of older women. She had a career as a dentist and now lives in rural Herefordshire where she enjoys box sets, red wine and Christmas.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/MaddiePlease1

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

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

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

Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse by Margaret Amatt

 Snowdown at the Old Schoolhouse

They didn’t forecast this!

When charismatic and handsome weather presenter Marcus Bowman walks back into Willow Roxburgh’s life three weeks before Christmas, her quiet job as an admin worker at the Old Schoolhouse residential care centre in Glenbriar is shattered. He’s not only the man she used to crush on, he’s also the one who thwarted her TV forecasting dreams.

But she’s no longer the anonymous studio assistant; she’s secretly Scotland’s new favourite weather forecaster, Rocky Rainman.

With the Schoolhouse facing closure, Marcus is on an assignment to drum up festive support. However, he’s discovered the internet sensation Rocky Rainman lives somewhere nearby and is determined to expose him after Rocky’s recent damaging comments on social media. Seeing Willow, the girl he used to obsess over, shakes his priorities.

When a blizzard hits, Willow and Marcus are snowed in, and she discovers her perception of him wasn’t as accurate as her forecasts. Marcus isn’t convinced it’ll be a white Christmas, but he’s determined to win Willow’s heart. Can their new love weather storm if he discovers her secret? Because how can there be a future for Marcus Bowman and Rocky Rainman?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/snowdown

 What did I think?

This is the 6th book in the Glenbriar series - a series that I am thoroughly enjoying. I so look forward to a new instalment but then - poof - it is over all too quickly.

I loved being back in Glenbriar - and this book was such an entertaining one. Loved the conflict and the mystery surrounding the character Rocky. The romance side of the story however is a slow burn and picks up towards the second half of the story. The other theme running through the book is one of secrecy - and each character has their own reasons for keeping some aspects of their lives below the radar.

Such an easy and entertaining read - but it has left me waiting - not very patiently - for the next book.

Author Bio –

Margaret is a Scottish author and chocolate lover who has been writing stories for over twenty years

(possibly more if you count her primary school efforts). Her early works will never see the light of

day and are locked in dusty vaults on some old floppy disks. But after all those years of practise,

Margaret released her first novel A Winter Haven in 2021. This is the first of a ten-book series set on

the gorgeous Scottish Isle of Mull. Margaret has also written six books in The Glenbriar Series with more planned for 2024.

The stories are unashamedly romantic but with lots of drama and an eclectic mix of characters. Each

book can be read as a standalone but followers of the series will enjoy catching up with the characters.

Social Media Links –

https://www.margaretamatt.com/subscribe

https://www.facebook.com/MargaretAmattAuthor

https://www.instagram.com/margaret_amatt_author

https://twitter.com/AmattAuthor