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 Journey

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Faith Hogan

Kindle Unlimited - Beth Rain

Bookclub - Gabrielle Zevin and CJ Cooke

Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock by Hannah Lynn

 

Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock

Home is where the coffee is...

Daisy May is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a permanent resident at the idyllic Wildflower Lock. Determined to seize this second chance she's been granted, Daisy is putting her all into making her new business venture a success. As her friendship with Theo grows ever stronger, her happily ever after seems within reach.

However, life isn't always smooth sailing. When a string of unfortunate mishaps and an unruly stag party leaves Daisy’s finances in dire straits, she starts to question her decision to launch a coffee shop. But just when she's nearly lost hope, the mysterious and generous Christian enters her life. Astute and eager to assist Daisy, he proposes a solution that could be the answer to all her problems... or will it be the beginning of even more challenges.

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

What did I think?

I absolutely loved the sweet shop series by Hannah and the Wildflower Lock series is turning out to be just as good. This is the second book in the series.

I think this probably could be read as a standalone title as plenty of background details are given - but I do like reading books in order and I think it gives a better continuity.

We are back with Daisy who has now opened up a coffee shop on her houseboat - doesn't that sound just perfect? I am getting vibes of the canal boat book I read ages ago by Cressida Maclaughlin.

I do love a canal. I think it might be because my great grandparents were lock keepers on the Stratford upon Avon Canal at Lapworth in Warwickshire.

But life for Daisy doesn't go smoothly and we follow her trials and tribulations both on and off the water. There is a mysterious stranger. There is a spot of romance. I loved how determined Daisy was.

Such a charming read and I am hoping that there will be another book in the series before too long.

(You can tell I love in Scotland as I automatically typed loch instead of lock!!)

Author Bio –

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres. As well as signing a new romantic fiction series, Boldwood will be republishing the first of her bestselling Sweet Shop series, inspired by her Cotswolds childhood, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances in April 2023.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

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

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

Bookbub profile: Hannah Lynn 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 Journey

What I read last week.

What I'm reading now.

What I'm going to read next.

Audio - Jill Mansell

Library - Gillian MacAllister and Sally Page

Kindle Unlimited - Beth Rain

Bookclub - Gabrielle Zevin and CJ Cooke

An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans

 

An Enchanted Moment on Ever After Street

A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

A tale as old as time…

Since her mum’s death, Marnie Platt has shut herself away from everyone who cares about her. Worse, her beloved bookshop on Ever After Street is suffering too. With sales down and the shop’s garden falling into disrepair, Marnie risks losing the very last thing she loves. Until a chance encounter with her surly and reclusive neighbour….

Dark and brooding, Darcy O'Connell likes to keep himself to himself. But when he hears Marnie needs help, he can’t turn his back on her. Soon they are spending most evenings together in her enchanted garden and a friendship starts to bloom…

With the help of old and new friends on Ever After Street, Marnie's bookshop begins to thrive again, and with Darcy's kindness, she starts to get her sparkle back too. She just can't understand why Darcy continues to shut himself away - especially from her. Can she convince him it isn't too late to embrace life, and maybe love, again?

Because every story, even theirs, deserves a happy ending….

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

What did I think?

Another book by one of my favourite authors - I don't think Jaimie has written a book I don't like. This is the second book in the The Happy Ever After Street series.

Having lost my Mum quite recently I found this quite an emotional read - but not triggering at all. But it is a story set in a bookshop - what is there not to like??

This is such an adorable series. I think the bookshop was a character in itself. The author has cleverly incorporating the classic beauty and the beast tale into the blossoming relationship between Marnie and Darcy. I had to keep reading to see what was going to develop between them.

Overall this was an utterly charming and delightful read.

But as a self confessed cat lady I couldn't not mention Mrs Potts - Marcie's cat. I just loved her furry little character. 

Author Bio –

Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital. Her new work for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales, the first title of which will be released in Spring 2023.

Social Media Links –   

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaimie.admans

Twitter https://twitter.com/be_the_spark

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jaimieadmans1/

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

Bookbub profile: Jaimie Admans Books - BookBub

A Breath of Fresh Air by Jessica Redland

 

A Breath of Fresh Air

Rosie feels like there's something missing in her life. She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can't help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she'd found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh - the owner of Willowdale Hall - is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie's life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined...

Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love

Purchase Links - https://mybook.to/freshairsocial

 

What did I think?

I gave a little squeal of delight when I got the email to say I had a place on the blog tour for Jessica's latest book. She is one of my go to authors - an author whose book I will read before I know anything about it as I am sure I will be in for a treat.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series set in the Lake District - The Start of Something Wonderful - so knew I would love this one too. Such a beautiful part of the country.

This book is mainly set in Willowdale Hall Riding Stables. Now I am not a horse lover - having only been on the back of a horse once and never to be repeated - but my heart has softened slightly towards these four legged beasts. What I enjoy about Jessica's books is that you might return to a familiar setting but the main focus is set on a different character - but all the characters stories interlink in some way. In this book the focus is on Rosie. If you have read the first book in the series then you will remember her as the penpal - and this book her character is developed. Jessica writes such fabulous characters and it is so easy to get caught up with their lives and invested in what might happen next.

A thoroughly enjoyable read as always - but was left wanting more. I hope I don't have to wait too long for the next book.....

Author Bio –

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

 

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404

Twitter https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

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

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

Bookbub profile: Jessica Redland Books - BookBub

 

 

Just Do It by Maxine Morrey

 

Just Do It

Lizzie Rose knows what she likes and likes what she knows.

Her role at the London Museum is more than a job, it’s her safe place and her passion. So when Lizzie is passed over for a chance in a lifetime opportunity in favour of her ex-boyfriend and fellow Egypt nerd Friedrich Klein, her heartbreak over their relationship pales into insignificance compared to her sadness at losing the project.

Best friend Colette thinks an evening of cocktails is just the medicine for a broken heart, and meeting dashing, charming, but very much ‘not her type’ Finn Bryson at the bar puts a smile on Lizzie’s face too. But Lizzie isn’t used to spending time outside of her comfortable world of academia and doesn’t believe in mixing business with pleasure. So when Finn’s job brings him to the museum, she’s determined to put an end to any notion of romance between them.

But what if Lizzie’s comfort zone isn’t that comfortable any more? Is it time for Lizzie to take the chance on love that fate keeps bringing her way - even if it means changing the habits of a lifetime?

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

What did I think?

I was in need of a fun light read and this new book by Maxine Morrey seemed to fit the bill.

I enjoyed the main characters of Finn and Lizzie. This sweet story shows that opposites can attract. I was getting Night at the Museum vibes whilst reading this story as it is set in a museum. Lizzie is quite a serious girl - always reading and researching but Finn shows her another side of life. Soon she is learning about the fun side of life as Finn takes her out of her comfort zone. It was so good to see.

I found this to be such a sweet story. Nothing too taxing but it was a feel good story and one which I enjoyed. I need to read more books like this one.

Author Bio –

Maxine Morrey is a bestselling romantic comedy author with twelve books to her name including #NoFilter and Things Are Looking Up. She lives in Dorset.

 

Social Media Links

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

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

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

Bookbub profile: Maxine Morrey Books - BookBub

 

Somebody I Used to Know by Eve Ainsworth

Please to be able to share the cover of this fabulous sounding title by Eve Ainsworth. You can find out what it is about and when you can grab yourself a copy below.

 

Lost memories. Lost loves. Can they find their way back to each other?

When Will wakes up after a car accident, he’s lost three years of memory. All he wants is his girlfriend and childhood sweetheart, Gem, beside him. Instead, nothing is as he remembers.

Gem has finally moved on from hers and Will’s break-up. With a new life and boyfriend, the last thing she expects is a call to say Will needs her – the man who nearly destroyed her.

As Will recovers, he is determined to prove to Gem that he is the man he once was. But by unlocking the secrets of his past, will he be able to piece together what caused him to change so dramatically? And, faced with the choice, will Gem continue with the safe new life she has built for herself, or will she go back to the man she used to love?

Heartbreaking and twisty, perfect for fans of Dani Atkins, Jojo Moyes and Colleen Hoover.

Pre-order Link - https://geni.us/SomebodyIUsedToLoveRRR

Publication Date: 27^th June 2024

Author Bio –  Eve Ainsworth is a public speaker, creative workshop coordinator and award-winning author who draws from her extensive work with teenagers managing emotional and behavioural issues to write authentic, honest and real novels for young people and adults. Eve’s adult debut, Duckling, was published by Penguin Random House in 2022. She has had short stories published in magazines such as Writers’ Forum and Prima and articles posted online for The Guardian, Metro and BookTrust. Eve is also a champion for working class voices, has set up the Working Class Writers Network and is an experienced mentor.

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/canelo_co

https://twitter.com/EveAinsworth

https://www.instagram.com/canelo_co/

https://www.instagram.com/eveainsworth/

https://www.facebook.com/canelobooks

https://www.facebook.com/eve.mitchell

https://www.tiktok.com/@canelo_books

https://www.tiktok.com/@eveainsworthauthor

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 Journey

What I read last week

What I'm reading now

What I'm going to read next

Audio - Robert Bryndza and Jill Mansell 

Kindle Unlimited - Beth Rain

Bookclub - Anthony Doerr, Gabrielle Zebin and CJ Cooke

Library - Gillian MacAllister

The Island Cottage by Jane Lovering

 

The Island Cottage

When Brid Harcus is sent to the Orkney Islands, in the far reaches of Scotland, she has high hopes for her trip being short, straightforward and lucrative.

Her mother has inherited a cottage from her Great Aunt Jennet which has been unlived in and unloved for decades, and the time has come to make it habitable and saleable. Easy, right?

But Midness Cottage has other ideas. For one thing it’s rather more ‘fixer upper’ than Country Living, with a resident goose and her goslings who have made themselves at home. And Brid definitely hadn’t planned for the strongly-held local belief that the cottage is meant to be the home of the Orkney Witch, and whomever lives in it must fulfil this role. Not the best message for the estate agent brochure and of course Brid doesn’t believe in magic, let alone have healing powers.

But Orkney does have healing powers. Its beauty and peace are enchanting, its people welcoming, and Brid’s handsome new friend Magnus is rather charming too. When her life back in York starts calling her home, will Brid sell up and ship out? Or did the last Orkney Witch cast a spell and leave a legacy of love if only Brid believed in magic…

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

What did I think?

When I read the blurb and saw that this book was set in Orkney then I knew I had to read it.  Orkney is my most favourite place I have visited in the last few years. I even think if I had the money - and if there was any property available (which there isn't) then I would move there.

As the blurb says it is an amazing place. The scenery is enchanting and ever changing. The food is fab and this history fascinating.

I can picture Midness Cottage in my mind - in all its tumbledown condition. Jane has captured the magic of the books location to a tee. She has written a great cast of characters who I fell in love with as I read on. Of course I was expecting a romantic element - but I wasn't expecting the witchcraft/mystical element of the story. I won't spoil anything for you by giving too much away.

A delightful and quirky story to enjoy.

Author Bio –

Jane Lovering is a bestselling and multi-award winning romantic comedy writer. Most recently Jane won the RNA Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2023 with A Cottage Full of Secrets. She lives in Yorkshire and has a cat and a bonkers terrier, as well as five children who have now left home.

 

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jane.lovering

Twitter: https://twitter.com/janelovering

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

Bookbub profile: Jane Lovering Books - BookBub