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 - Fredrik Backman, Benjamin Myers and Matthew Zajak

The Pigeonhole - Sheila O'Flanagan

Kindle - Daniel Hurst

Library - Simon Stephenson and Douglas Stuart

The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency by Lydia Traves

 

The endless green and purple of the Scottish hills stretch as far as Liz can see, curving up around the loch to meet the wide blue sky. She takes a deep breath and hopes this beautiful place will help hide her secrets…

When thirty-seven-year-old Liz Parsons first sets eyes on the cosy, whitewashed cottage perched on the edge of the loch, she feels the knot in her chest begin to unwind. After a terrible tragedy and sudden break-up, she’s looking forward to putting the past behind her and focusing on her new job running the tiny Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery, nestled between the highland hills.

With the villagers welcoming her with open arms, she meets ruggedly handsome distillery owner Ben Douglas and feels inspired by his passion for the history of the local area. Although Liz and Ben have very different ideas for the future of the business, their hectic days spill over into long walks exploring the wild landscape, and Liz feels lighter for the first time in months.

When Ben confesses he is considering selling his family’s legacy, Liz is desperate to change his mind. The small community relies on the distillery for jobs and tourism, and she can’t let her newfound friends lose their livelihoods.

But just as she hears whispers in town that there’s more to Ben’s story, she receives a letter at the cottage that could change her future. The thick paper and faded postmark are a heart-wrenching reminder of the life she left behind.

Can she trust Ben with the shocking truth about her past? Or will she be forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and run away from Loch Cameron forever?

A gorgeous page-turner from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Kerr that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe will love this emotional and gripping read about second chances and finding where you truly belong.

What did I think?

I ended up listening to this one one audio in the car. I'm loving audio books just now - mean I can fit a bit more book time into my days.

The narrator was excellent - loved the Scottish accents. Sometimes in audio books the Scottish accents can be a bit hit and miss - and when you live up here you really notice.

This is the first book in a new series - and it has got off to a cracking start.

This is classed a cozy mystery - a genre that is growing on me. They are usually fun reads when you don't want to tackle anything to demanding.

Set in Edinburgh in 1911 the story centres on Maud McIntyre and her business partner Daisy as they set up their own detective agency. Their first job is to find out who is responsible for various jewel robberies.

It was a fun and entertaining read - bring on the next book.

 

 Lydia Travers was born in London.  She moved progressively north until settling with her husband in a village on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. She has raised children, bred dogs and kept chickens; and for as long as she can remember has written for pleasure. A former legal academic and practitioner with a PhD in criminology, she now runs self-catering holiday accommodation, sings in a local choir and is walked daily by the family dog.

Lydia also writes as Linda Tyler and her first novel under that name, Revenge of the Spanish Princess, won a 2018 Romance Writers of America competition for the beginning of an historical romance. Her second novel The Laird's Secret was Commended in the 2021 Scottish Association of Writers' Pitlochry Quaich competition for the beginning of a romantic novel. Mischief in Midlothian won the 2022 Scottish Association of Writers' Constable Silver Stag trophy. She has had a number of short stories published in magazines, journals and anthologies in the UK, the USA and Australia.

 

https://www.facebook.com/LindaTylerAuthorScotland

https://twitter.com/LindaTyler100

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Lydia Travers here: https://www.bookouture.com/subscribe/lydia-travers

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0BT57ZCF5social

 

Audio:

UK: zpr.io/njjM8E4CGPCV

US: zpr.io/B6n6ugVAPE56

 

Listen to a sample here:

https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-scottish-ladies-detective-agency-by-lydia-travers-narrated-by-helen-mcalpine

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

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A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr

 

The endless green and purple of the Scottish hills stretch as far as Liz can see, curving up around the loch to meet the wide blue sky. She takes a deep breath and hopes this beautiful place will help hide her secrets…

When thirty-seven-year-old Liz Parsons first sets eyes on the cosy, whitewashed cottage perched on the edge of the loch, she feels the knot in her chest begin to unwind. After a terrible tragedy and sudden break-up, she’s looking forward to putting the past behind her and focusing on her new job running the tiny Loch Cameron Whisky Distillery, nestled between the highland hills.

With the villagers welcoming her with open arms, she meets ruggedly handsome distillery owner Ben Douglas and feels inspired by his passion for the history of the local area. Although Liz and Ben have very different ideas for the future of the business, their hectic days spill over into long walks exploring the wild landscape, and Liz feels lighter for the first time in months.

When Ben confesses he is considering selling his family’s legacy, Liz is desperate to change his mind. The small community relies on the distillery for jobs and tourism, and she can’t let her newfound friends lose their livelihoods.

But just as she hears whispers in town that there’s more to Ben’s story, she receives a letter at the cottage that could change her future. The thick paper and faded postmark are a heart-wrenching reminder of the life she left behind.

Can she trust Ben with the shocking truth about her past? Or will she be forced to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and run away from Loch Cameron forever?

A gorgeous page-turner from USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Kerr that will sweep you away to the Scottish Highlands. Fans of Susanne O’Leary, Debbie Macomber and Mary Alice Monroe will love this emotional and gripping read about second chances and finding where you truly belong.

 What did I think?

This is the second book in the Loch Cameron series.

I could understand if some people find this a difficult read as it deals with the very sensitive subject of infertility.  But it truly is an uplifting story of hope. I will admit I don't know too much about infertility treatments but the story reveals what it does to the woman and her body, the couple and their families. You might need to keep the box of tissues handy. I really think it was very brave of the author to tackle this subject matter - but she handled it with sensitivity.

The Scottish landscape sounded gorgeous but then I am biased as I live in the Highlands of Scotland. 

What stood out for me were the strong female characters and the real sense of community. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series already.

Author Bio

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle's nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she's not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she'd eat it, anyway. 

 

Social Media

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KennedyKerr5

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

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/kennedy-kerr

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 did I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Book Club - Matthew Zajac

Library - Fiona Gibson and Simon Stephenson

Audio - Ali Mercer

Readalong - Katy Brent

Kindle - Daniel Hurst

Under a Greek Sun by Mandy Baggot

 

Eve Collins is looking forward to the holidays.

Her job as a counsellor has been as taxing as it has been rewarding, and she can’t wait for some downtime on the Greek island of Corfu with best-friend, Gabby. But between Eve’s brother, Ben, unexpectedly joining and Gabby’s job at the animal rescue centre keeping her busy, Eve might have to start mucking in…

When Gianni arrives in the village of Episkepsi, it’s like a model has stepped straight off the pages of Vogue Italia… with an uptight personality to match. He may be super-sexy but there are obvious chips on those broad shoulders.

As Eve and Gianni get to know each other and both start to lean into the Greek customs and avrio mentality, an initial attraction starts to turn into something more. But with so much family drama in both their lives, neither of them were looking for a holiday romance...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/40zZ9tk

What did I think.

I love Mandys books and the title of her new one reminds me that despite what the weather is doing out there today (dreich!) Summer is on it's way.

I have never been to Corfu but the writing really brought the island to life for me - and I would love to visit one day. I know that the island is a place that Mandy holds dear and visits often - so the writing really feels like it comes from the heart.

I enjoyed the story - plenty of little storylines running through the book. Some cute animals, strong coffee and some delicious sounding Greek food - all adds up for a fantastic read.

Now if only I was lying on a beach reading this one........

Author Bio –

Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads she writes gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!

 Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.baggot

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mandybaggot

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mandy-baggot

 

Chasing Dreams on Sunshine Island by Georgina Troy

 

Welcome to Sunshine Island - where the beaches are golden, the lifestyle is perfect and anything is possible.

It’s December and Jax Hudson doesn’t mind the cold. He’s still wearing shorts and walking barefoot on the beach. He’s looking forward to spending Christmas with his girlfriend until she unexpectantly calls time on their relationship.

Alone and feeling very sorry for himself, Jax accepts an invitation to a Christmas Eve party and bumps into Phoebe Bishop who is still mortified about kissing him in the summer.

As the first snow flurries delight the party guests, the festive joy soon turns to disaster when a snowstorm knocks out the island's power. Panic ensues as people realise their Christmas plans may have to be cancelled.

Phoebe is reluctantly enlisted by Jax to help transport the partygoers to the comforts of their own homes. As Jax and Phoebe spend time together they realise they have more in common than either had imagined…

Could this be a Christmas full of magic, mistletoe and happy-ever-afters?

What did I think?

This is the start of a brand new series by this author - and I have to say it has got off to a cracking start.

I love the Channel Island settings in her books - another place I have never been to. 

I found this a delightful romance - plenty of really likeable characters and a super cute dog. Loved the relationship between Piper and Jax.

I found this to be an easy read - perfect for keeping you entertained whether it be on a beach or curled up at home in front of the fire.

Looking forward to the next instalment.

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

Author Bio –

Georgina Troy writes bestselling uplifting romantic escapes and sets her novels on the island of Jersey, where she was born and has lived for most of her life. She has done a twelve-book deal with Boldwood, including backlist titles, and the first book in her Sunshine Island series was published in May 2022

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgina.troy.7

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorginaTroy

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/georgina-troy

The Cruise by Caroline James

 Three friends set sail on a luxury cruise… will they be able to catch a husband on the open seas?

 

Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves!

Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean.

Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star?

 

What did I think?

This was such a fun read - but I wouldn't expect anything less from Caroline.

These 3 fabulous ladies are off on a fabulous journey. One widowed, one unmarried and one almost divorced - and all three are 63. Nice to have a book where the main characters are slightly older than the norm. Lots of new experiences and it was great to see their characters develop as the cruise gets going.

Jane, Kath and Ann are all dealing with their own grief and all feeling their age. But the cruise opens them up to new experiences.

I have never really fancied a cruise but after reading this book I think I could be tempted.

A fabulous light and funny read.

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

Author Bio –

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James, has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but escapes whenever lockdown allows. A public speaker, which has included talks and lectures on cruise ships worldwide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. Caroline writes articles and runs writing workshops, is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer & Journalists and the Society of Authors. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking with Fred, her Westie and in summer, wild water swimming. In winter, when not working, she relaxes with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

 

Social Media Links –

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

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

The Lie by Kathryn Croft

 

My son said he walked his girlfriend home. But now she is missing…

Our new home was meant to be a chance for us to start again, to make new friends and forget the past. And as I look around the barbeque we’ve thrown for our neighbours, I dare to dream that things will be all right. I watch my husband joking as he flips burgers and my daughter turning cartwheels on our sun-bleached lawn. And then my gaze falls on my son Jacob, and his new girlfriend Rose, in her light blue jeans and her green crop top. There is a worried expression clouding her beautiful eyes…

The next day I get a call from Rose’s mother that chills me to the bone. Rose never returned after our party.

I wake my still-sleeping son, who walked Rose home the night before, and beg him for answers. Jacob promises he saw Rose to her front door, and I know he would never lie.

But when the police find Rose’s house keys hidden in our garden and a witness claims to have seen them arguing in the street, everyone insists I can’t believe what Jacob is telling me.

I will do anything to protect my boy. But I need to find a way to make the questions stop. Because there’s something about our family that nobody can ever know. And as the search for Rose closes in, how can I keep him safe and keep our secrets hidden?

A gripping and jaw-dropping page-turner with twists to die for. If you love Lisa Jewell, K.L. Slater and Jackie Kabler, you’ll love The Lie.

 What did I think?

This book starts off innocently enough but there is soon a dramatic turn. The suspense soon ramped up when Rose apparently goes missing even though Jacob says he walked her home and even saw her go into her home. Is Jacob behind her disappearance? All the signs are there that he is.

Turns out each of the main female characters is harbouring a secret - and I as always never saw the twist coming. And the twist is a shocker.

As I got to the end of each chapter I just wanted to start another. Then another. Definitely a sign of a good read. And an author I am going to enjoy catching up with her earlier books.

Author Bio

Kathryn is the bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers and to date she has sold over one million copies of her books. Her third book, The Girl With No Past spent over four weeks at number one in the Amazon UK chart, and she has also appeared on the Wall Street Journal's bestsellers list.

Kathryn writes full time and is now hard at work on her next book.

After twelve years living in London, she now lives in Guildford, Surrey, the place she grew up, with her husband, two children and two crazy cats.

Social Media

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/katcroft

Website: https://www.kathryncroft.com/

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

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/kathryn-croft

The Matchmaker by Catherine Walsh

 

Katie Collins has barely ever left her tiny Irish village of Ennisbawn. Why would she? With its tightknit community, friendly local pub, surrounded by glistening lakes and perfectly mysterious forests, it’s a place of peaceful beauty.

Or it was peaceful. Until Callum Dempsey turned up. Part of a hot-shot (and, Katie has to admit, hot is annoyingly apt for him…) development team with zero eye for beauty or charm, he’s not only building a hideous hotel just outside the village, he’s also just announced a plan to knock down Ennisbawn’s only remaining pub. To make way for a view from the golf course.

It’s the final blow to the village and the last straw for Katie, who refuses to let her home-from-home disappear. The pub is her life – her job, but also her last connection to her parents, who had met at Ennisbawn’s once-famous matchmaking festival that was held in the grounds.

But, after being laughed off the building site in her best flannel pyjamas for demanding the builders leave, Katie decides enough is enough and hatches a plan. She’s going to revive the matchmaking festival, save the pub, and single-handedly bring the town back to life again.

She might even help her two best friends find love as well. Since, heck, what’s another project when you’re taking on the world’s hottest, evilest man?

But what Ireland’s newest matchmaker doesn’t know is that even when someone’s really not your type on paper, love might be a little bit more than just a formula…

A gorgeously escapist and utterly hilarious small town romcom perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Sophie Kinsella and Christina Lauren.

What did I think?

I have a soft spot for Irish authors and books set in Ireland so I knew straight away that I wanted to read this one.

Loved the descriptions of Ennisbawn - I could picture the locations in my head from them which when you added the main characters into the town really brought the story alive for me.

I never put spoilers in my reviews - if I have enjoyed a book I will say so and hope that it will encourage others to read it and enjoy it in full themselves. Catherine has a wonderful writing style and she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.

I devoured this heartwarming story in several sittings and it left me with a warm glow - isn't that just what a book should do?? I felt my time was well spent.

Please grab a copy and read it yourself.

Author Bio:

 

Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland. She has a degree in Popular Literature and the only prize she ever won for writing was at the age of 14 in school (but she still cherishes it.)

She lived in London for a few years where she worked in Publishing and the non-profit sector before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.

https://twitter.com/CatWalshWriter

https://www.instagram.com/catwalshwriter/

https://catherinewalshbooks.com/

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Catherine Walsh here: https://www.bookouture.com/catherine-walsh

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0BPJG3845social

 

Audio:

UK: zpr.io/4RiXqWUnrzrN

US: zpr.io/dSCUFs4qzwkW

 

Listen to a sample here:

https://soundcloud.com/bookouture/the-matchmaker-by-catherine-walsh-narrated-by-roisin-rankin

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo