New Dreams for the Village Nurse by Tilly Tennant

 

 

 

Escape to the glittering lakes and pretty stone villages of the Lake District, where warm bright summer evenings are just around the corner, the bees are buzzing in the hedgerows, and village nurse Ottilie Oakcroft is beginning to realise that her second chance at true love isn’t smooth sailing…

Ottilie Oakcroft can’t imagine living anywhere but the village of Thimblebury. Since moving there after her husband’s death, the villagers have welcomed her with open arms, and it’s been a long time since she’s felt this happy. Another reason for the sparkle in her eyes is her blossoming romance with Heath, who showed her that second chances at love can happen.

But when a chance meeting with Heath’s glamorous ex-wife Mila sparks a terrible argument between the pair, and with Ottilie’s patients keeping her too busy to repair the cracks in their relationship, things begin to feel a little shaky. Especially when Simon, a handsome new GP with dark eyes and broad shoulders, arrives in Thimblebury, and Heath shows a jealous side that Ottilie has never seen before…

Ottilie knows how lucky she is to have found Heath but when she discovers that Mila has been secretly visiting Thimblebury she fears the worst. Heath tries to reassure her but why did he keep Mila’s visits a secret? Did Ottilie make a mistake when she opened her fragile heart or is she letting the hurt from her past stand in the way of their future?

A beautiful romantic escapist read about healing from past hurts and learning to love again. Fans of Jessica Redland, Shari Low and Jo Bartlett will be transported by New Dreams for the Village Nurse.

What did I think?

I was really looking forward to returning to the Lake District and back to see what Ottiline is up to. This is the second book in the Village Nurse series. I would recommend that you read the first book - A Helping Hand for the Village Nurse - first just so you know who is who.

Ottiline has now settled into village life and her blossoming relationship with Health. But is that all about to be stirred up with the arrival of a dashing new GP to the village surgery?

I think the stand out feature of this story centres around friendships. Old friendships being cemented and new relationships being developed. I just loved village life too - who wouldn't want to live somewhere like  Thimbleberry?

 Loved the continuation from the first book ad cannot wait to see what happens in book 3 - hopefully we don't have too long to wait.

Author Bio:

 

From a young age, Tilly Tennant was convinced that she was destined for the stage.  Once she realised she wasn’t actually very good at anything that would put her on the stage, she started to write stories instead. There were lots of terrible ones, like The Pet Rescue Gang (aged eight), which definitely should not see the light of day ever again. Thankfully, her debut novel, Hopelessly Devoted to Holden Finn was not one of those, and since it hit the Amazon best seller lists she hasn’t looked back. Born in Dorset, she currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two daughters, three guitars, four ukuleles, two violins and a kazoo.

https://tillytennant.com/

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0D45VZ974social

 

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Murder at Cleve College by Merryn Allingham

 

Bookshop owner Flora Steele and writer Jack Carrington fell in love solving mysteries. Now they’re taking their first steps as husband and wife… straight into their most perplexing case yet.

Sussex, 1958: A radiant Flora is being twirled across the dancefloor by her dashing new husband, Jack. It’s the perfect wedding in Abbeymead, until a mysterious stranger is found dead just outside the village.

But when Flora finds an envelope tucked into the man’s silver cigarette case, the address is key to discovering the poor chap’s name – Russell Farr. He isn’tknown to any of the villagers, so at first all signs point to a tragic accident. That is, until they discover Farr previously worked at the esteemed Cleve College, where Jack is now a writer-in-residence.

The college has made Jack feel uneasy ever since he learned his predecessor drowned in its lake, and now it appears a second suspicious death is connected to it. But who would want two mild-mannered academics dead?

Could it be Jocelyn, the ambitious young teacher with her sights set on the top? Joe, the sly porter living beyond his means? Or perhaps Maurice, the college dean who seems far more interested in power than educating students?

Just when it looks like no amount of studying will crack this case, a chance encounter brings Flora closer to the truth. But when Jack goes missing,it seems someone is determined to teach them both a lesson.

Can Flora and Jack outwit the killer before they graduate to becoming the next victims? Or will their first case as husband and wife be their last?

An absolutely page-turning cosy mystery, packed with unforgettable characters and sensational twists! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Joy Ellis.

What did I think?

This is the 9th book in the Flora Steele mystery series. If you love a cozy mystery then you will love these books.

The book opens with a wedding - Flora and Jack get married. But of course there is no relaxing honeymoon. Because there is a murder to solve.

I like the historic detailing in Merryn's books but sometimes the sheer number of characters gets slightly overwhelming. Maybe a notebook and a pen to keep tabs on who is who might be handy! 

Saying that these books are nice easy comforting reads. We don't aloways be wanting to read the latest thriller or chart topper. Sometimes we need a nice book to curl up with and while away a few hours.

Author Bio:

 

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

https://merrynallingham.com/

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0CW1J7W8Jsocial

 

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Five Days by Zoe Folbigg

 

Five Days

New from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Note. A must-read uplifting romance for fans of When Harry Met Sally and One Day!

When Jesse Lightning meets Minnie Byrne, he is having a bad day.

Reeling from the effects of a very bruised heart, the last thing Jesse wants is a new friend. But Minnie is hard to say no to, and reluctantly Jesse realises that her impetuous playfulness might do him good.

So when Minnie suggests they go on fortnightly platonic dates with no strings, no promises, no expectations beyond good company, Jesse agrees before he has a chance to think too deeply about it.

Two friends.

Five days.

No chance of another broken heart.

Until Jesse reveals a secret that proves Minnie’s heart isn’t as safe as she thought. Thank goodness five days isn’t enough time to fall in love…

Once you meet Jesse and Minnie you’ll never forget them. This is bestseller Zoë Folbigg at her absolute best with a story of friendship, love and taking chances. Perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly, Mike Gayle, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.

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

What did I think?

I absolutely love this author so I was hugely excited to read this new offering and be part of the blog tour for it's release.

What can I say - Zoe has done it again with a riveting page turner of a story. It's not that often that I really don't want to put a book down - but this is how I felt with this one.

This isn't just a romance story - it covers so much more than that. I loved the main characters - so believable. Not sure that I have read anything quite like this before.

I don't want to give anything away but just want to tell you that you need to go out and get yourself a copy of this book - You won't be disappointed.

Author Bio –

Zoë Folbigg is author of Amazon number-one bestseller The Note, based on the true story of how she met her husband on her daily commute and Amazon Prime's biggest selling Kindle book of 2018. Zoë has written for magazines and newspapers in the UK and around the world; she wrote a weekly column in Fabulous magazine documenting her year-long round-the-world trip with ‘Train Man’ – and now lives with him, their sons and their cat Margot in Hertfordshire. Her seventh book Five Days is out 26th July 2024. You can follow her on Instagram @zoefolbigg

Social Media Links –  

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Poppy's Parisian Patisserie by Daisy James

 

Poppy’s Parisian Patisserie

Escape to chic and glamorous Paris!

When Poppy Phillipson loses her chocolate-making business in the Blossomwood Bay fire, she’s heart-broken; all her hopes and dreams wiped out in the space of an hour. As if that wasn’t enough, her last three dates were a complete disaster – one two-hour lecture on the intricacies of the off-side rule, one no-show, and an embarrassing abandonment mid-date – and she’s having a hard time not to take it personally.

So, when her brother asks her to come to the rescue of his friend Olivier Bourdain, owner of Pâtisserie Madeliene, following a freak skiing accident, she decides it’s the perfect way to escape the Devonshire drizzle and enjoy a petit sojourn from all-thing romance exploring the boutiques and boulevards of elegant Paris.

However, when she meets handsome French chef Fabien Dumont, with his sexy accent and dark brooding eyes, her determination to take a dating hiatus is severely tested. Should she concentrate on improving her skills as a pâtissière, or should she throw caution to the wind and embrace everything the City of Light has to offer… including the possibility of love?

Join Poppy as she heads to the dazzling city of Paris, and enjoy a story filled with delicious French pâtisserie and a soupçon of heart-warming romance.

Purchase Link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CX9N1JLL

What did I think?

This is the 6th book in the Blossomwood Bay series. Have I read them all?? To be truthful I am not sure - I will need to investigate further.

I have never visited Paris - although I would love to. Felt quite fitting to be reading this book so close to the start of the Olympics being set in the beautiful city. I absolutely love watching the Olympics - do you?

I found this to be a delightful romantic read - set in one of the most romantic cities in the works. All the patisserie references made my mouth water. I am rather partial to pastries it has to be said.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Author Bio –

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations - the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence - so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea - china plates and teacups are a must.

Daisy would love to hear from readers via her website – daisyjames.co.uk, or her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks, or on Instagram @daisyjamesstories.

 

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Finding Love at Sunset Shore by Bella Osborne

 Finding Love At Sunset Shore

Sometimes, you have to fake it until you make it…

Ros is too busy for a boyfriend; between work and looking after her poorly father, there’s no time left for a relationship. But when she overhears her dad's dying wish is for her to find love, Ros is determined to make it happen – or at least, make it look like it has.

Enter Cameron, a struggling mature student with a mountain of debt but a zest for life.

Ros, driven by love for her ailing dad, reluctantly agrees to the simple business transaction: paying Cameron to play the role of her boyfriend. Ros meticulously plans their fake relationship – but when Cameron decides to go off-script, chaos ensues.

As Ros and Cameron navigate the ups and downs of their faux romance, their differences drive each other crazy. But they may just need each other more than they think…

What did I think.

A brand new summer rom com from Bella Osbourne. Yes please to that!

I love this authors books - she writes such great characters that I become totally invested in them - and this book was no exception.

Ros is too busy for love - so she thinks. But her Dads dying wish is that she finds love and is happy.  Of course like most children - she wants to make her Dad happy. So she is on the look out for a likely suspect to act as a stand in from her great romance. Enter Cameron.

I'm sure you can see what might happen next - but I'm not going to spoil it for you.

Loved Darla too - Ros's best friend with struggles of her own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and think it would make a perfect summer holiday read.

Purchase Links

Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Love-Sunset-Shore-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B0CQKXSWMT/

KoBo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/finding-love-at-sunset-shore-1

Apple - https://books.apple.com/gb/book/finding-love-at-sunset-shore/id6479511603

Author Bio – Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written eleven best-selling romantic comedies, two best-selling bookclub reads and won the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award.

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in Warwickshire, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

 

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Be Your Best Self by Maxine Morrey

 

Be Your Best Self

Willow asks the universe to find her The One, but will she recognise him when he appears?

When Willow moved back to the village she grew up in for a new start, she was ready for a new way of life too. Now happily settled in her dream cottage with her beloved dog Spud, Willow enjoys the peace and sense of community country living brings.

That is until her quiet is shattered by her new neighbour. Sure brooding Henry Darcy, or Doctor Dishy as Willow’s best friend Abby calls him, may be easy on the eye, but it doesn’t take long for the new neighbours to discover that they don’t agree on anything.

Where Henry does science, Willow does nature. Where Henry does minimalism, Willow does multicolour. When Willow asked the universe to manifest her perfect man, either she wasn’t specific enough, or Henry isn’t it.

But when Willow tries again and a new man arrives in the village, has fate got it right this time and delivered her The One, or does she need to look closer to home…

‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey’s latest comforting and utterly uplifting love story. Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Catherine Walsh and Sophie Kinsella.

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

What did I think?

I was after a fun, light read to accompany me on some days off work - and this book was just perfect.

I was deeply envious of Willow and Spud in their delightful little cottage. I would love to be in their shoes. I could almost picture myself in the garden with them both.

Really enjoyed the love thy neighbour scenario. Will Willow's new neighbour - Mr Darcy be the one? With a name like that it sounds promising. But........

It doesn't quite work out that way - but I don't want to give any spoilers.

This was a fantastic feel good read - and it was just what I needed. 

Author Bio –

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book about an elf for school when she was ten and won a book token. Best. Prize. Ever.

As years went by, she continued to write, but 'normal' work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a local history book on Brighton. However, novels are her first love.

She is the best selling author of 'Things Are Looking Up', '#NoFilter', and the Kindle UK top ten read, 'The Christmas Project' among others.

When not wrangling with words, she loves to read, sew and listen to podcasts. Being a fan of tea and cake means she can (should!) also be found out on a walk.

 

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A Love Letter to Paris by Rebecca Raisin

 A Love Letter to Paris

Late at night when I wander the streets of Paris, my thoughts turn to her… How do I tell her how I feel? Perhaps, I need to show her…

The pretty little streets of Montmartre are abuzz with a rumour. Apparently a mystery matchmaker, known only as ‘Paris Cupid’, has somehow helped the city’s most famous bachelor find love.

But old-fashioned romantic Lilou is staying very quiet. She’d just wanted to set up her best friend, and to get on with her life selling whimsical old love letters, in Paris’s famous St. Ouen market.

She hadn’t imagined her little Paris Cupid project could ever have attracted so many people looking for true, heartfelt romance. Though the truth is that Lilou adores helping people find the right person. Even if her own love life is nothing short of disastrous.

But then a message arrives. And it’s just for her. Someone is in love with her. Someone who knows her secret. But they’re keeping their own identity secret too… Could it be from cheerful, talkative, flame-haired Felix? Or quiet, beautifully handsome Benoit? Or even Pascale – who drives Lilou mad every day?

After so long of helping others find their soulmate, is it time for Lilou to find love of her own in Paris herself?

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

What did I think?

I haven't been to Paris. It is somewhere I would like to visit one day. But this book took me there for a few days whilst I was reading the new release from Rebecca Raisin. The writing really brought the city to life for me.

I have enjoyed Rebecca's books ever since I discovered her Cedar Lodge series a few years ago. Since then I look forward to her new releases. She writes such great characters - one's that I become invested in and am genuinely interested in. 

Lilou runs the quirkiest of dating sites – who wouldn’t love a handwritten letter? Would it work in real life? Who knows. I absolutely loved the idea. Sometimes the old fashioned ways are the best. I would much prefer a written letter than an email or text.

This book was heart warming and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. It is about love, about relationships and is just a little bit magical. A fun read from start to finish.

Author Bio –

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

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The Diary at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

 

The Diary at the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

 

‘Dear Diary, I have so much to keep secret. Maybe I am cruel to leave. But I have no choice…’

Thirty-one-year old Clara’s family have called their cosy cottage in the grounds of Brellasham Manor ‘home’ her whole life. And when River, the owner’s son, returns after sixteen years away, at first Clara is wary. They shared their first kiss as teenagers before River moved halfway around the world, and his soulful brown eyes look just the same.

Clara’s first heartache isn’t the only memory overshadowing the manor. More than fifty years ago, Audrey Brellasham lived here as a young bride and filled the house with love, laughter and dancing. Until one night, she walked into the stormy sea and was never seen again.

When Clara finds Audrey’s old leather-bound diary tucked away, she’s certain that deciphering the coded messages inside will reveal the secret truth about this mysterious woman. And as River helps her explore Audrey’s locked attic bedroom, preserved from the night she disappeared and filled with her beautiful ballgowns, they’re soon laughing together and forgetting all the reasons they drifted apart.

But when River’s father announces the manor, and the cottage, will be sold to developers, Clara’s mother is devastated that everything she knows and loves is disappearing. And with the elderly owner clamming up at any mention of the past, it seems Audrey’s story is lost forever.

But if Clara keeps searching, will she be able to save her mother’s home? Or will solving the secrets of the diary tear apart River’s family, and destroy any chance of happiness between them?

What did I think.

This is the 7th book in the Heaven's Cove series which I have been thoroughly enjoying. I certainly couldn't wait to be back in familiar surroundings.

In this book we meet Clara and the mysterious Brellasham Manor. Clara has family connections to the house going back years and her Mum is the current housekeeper.

I felt that this book was a little different to the earlier books in the series. In this book the manor seemed to be the most prominent character. If walls could talk.....

There is some sadness and some mystery surrounding the house, it's inhabitants and those close to it. Made this feel a little darker - but I liked that.

 Found the storyline intriguing and captivating.

https://geni.us/B0D4MN71VKsocial

 

Author bio

Liz writes heart-warming and uplifting women's fiction about families and relationships, and romantic comedies full of love and laughs.

She worked as a journalist for years and brought up a family on the south coast of England, all the while writing fiction on the quiet. After being short-listed in a couple of national novel-writing competitions, her dream of being a published author came true when she was signed by Bookouture.

When not writing, Liz likes walking by the sea, catching up with friends and binge-watching box sets. She also loves hearing from readers and can be contacted at www.lizeeles.com, or on

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