Love at the Northern Lights - Darcie Boleyn (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 01/09/2018

Author: Darcie Boleyn

Publisher: Canelo

Year: 2018

Source: NetGalley 

Rating: 3.5/5 

About the book:

‘Climbing out the window in her dress and tiara wasn’t exactly how Frankie imagined her wedding day…’ 

Runaway bride Frankie Ashford hops a plane to Norway with one goal in mind - find her estranged mother and make peace with the past. But when a slip on the ice in Oslo lands her directly in Jonas Thorsen’s viking-strong arms, her single-minded focus drifts away in the winter winds.

When it comes to romance Jonas knows that anything he and Frankie share has an expiration date - the British heiress has a life to return to in London that’s a world away from his own. But family is everything to Jonas and, as the one man who can help Frankie find the answers she’s seeking, he’ll do whatever it takes to help her reunite with her mother.

Now, as Christmas draws closer and the northern lights work their magic Frankie and Jonas will have to make a choice...play it safe or risk heartbreak to take a chance on love.

My Review:

        Is there anyone who cannot fall in love with this amazing cover? Well, I certainly is not one to resist a book as beautiful as the Northern Lights. Being set in Norway mostly, the story is full of wintry feelings and Christmas magic. A tale of redemption, quest for truth and a sizzling romance with a Thor like man -- Boleyn has knit them all together effortlessly.

       The blurb was a bit confusing giving me the impression that Frankie and Jonas are going to search for her mother which was not the case. Her mother, Frey, was Jonas' employer and both meet and recognise each other at the beginning itself. Trouble was confessing to each other their true identity and reconciling her mother to the little rich family she has left behind.

       But it all proceeds wonderfully on par with the true spirit of  Christmas and the overall atmosephere Boleyn creates is magical and will fill your hearts with happiness. That being said, there was one thing that kept disturbing me. The thoughts and indecisions that were passing through the minds of Frankie and Jonah. It has become so repetitive that towards the end I started skipping some paragraphs because they all conveyed the same thing. A series of dialogues with their confidante would have been a better way to reveal their true feelings to readers. But apart from that, this was a highly satisfying read that should be definite addition to your Christmas TBR.

Meet the author:

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.   

What's Love Got to Do with It? - Anna Premoli

 

Date of Reading: 20/09/2018

Author: Anna Premoli

Translator: Richard McKenna

Publisher: Aria

Expected Publication: October 16, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

 

A hilarious romantic comedy from bestseller Anna Premoli. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk.


Kayla David is a high-flying journalist in New York City, spending all her time drinking martinis and writing about fashion trends. She is perfectly happy with her life, and she certainly has no time for falling in love. 

That is, until, her boss decides to send her on a secret mission back to her hometown of Arkansas: she is tasked with exposing the truth about the fracking industry and to use her reputation as a lifestyle columnist as a disguise. She is horrified at the thought of returning to this boring country town, but up for the challenge. 

Yet, she didn't plan on having to deal with Grayson Moir, the sexy but aloof mayor of Heber Spring. As Kayla settles into life there she soon realises that it might be a bit more difficult than she thought to keep her real mission a secret. And what's more, she finds it increasingly difficult to keep her heart under control too... 

 My Review:

 

       This is my first book by Anna Premoli and as the blurb informs you, it was hilarious. If Kayla was real, I would have scheduled a meeting with her only to listen to her funny banter. Needless to say, I would have been a staunch follower of her newspaper column.

       The novel is narrated through Kayla's point of view alone and revolves around her life in Heber Spring for a few months. She is sent there to investigate on the shale gas industry taking her usual society column as her cover. There she meets the handsome Mayor, Grayson, who is still bearing the pain of his bad divorce that occurred three years ago. Leaving his high profile job in Boston, he comes to Heber Spring leading the life of a romantic recluse.

       As everyone can see there is an intense chemistry between these two. But Kayla is not looking for a long-term relationship while Grayson is only for happily ever after. Yes, I know that it is predictable and truth to be told Kayla's attitude was a bit frustrating. Still, her witty dialogues throughout the book more than make up for her faults. A truly relaxing read which will make you smile from cover to cover!!!

 

Meet the author:

 

 

Anna Premoli is a bestselling author in Italy. She began writing to relieve stress while working as a financial consultant for a private bank. Her novel, Love to Hate You won the Bancarella prize in 2013.  

Coming Home to Maple Cottage - Holly Martin

Date of Reading: 18/09/2018

Author: Holly Martin

Publisher: Bookouture

Expected Publication: September 28, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

Isla Rosewood is creating a new life for herself and her sweet nephew Elliot in their cosy, yellow-brick family cottage, brimming with special memories. Living in Sandcastle Bay was never part of Isla’s plan but, after her brother Matthew’s tragic accident, her whole world changed as she unexpectedly became a mother to the little boy she adores so much. 

Leo Jackson was always known as Matthew’s fun-loving and wild best friend. But now Matthew is gone, it’s time to put his colourful past behind him. His role as Elliot’s godfather is the most important thing to him. And even though Leo and Isla are two very different people, they both want to give Elliot the childhood he deserves. 

As the three of them enjoy time together watching fireworks, baking cakes and collecting conkers, Isla begins to see a softer side to charming Leo, with his twinkling eyes and mischievous sense of humour. And, despite herself, she begins to fall for him. 

But does Leo feel the same way? Isla knows their situation is complicated but is it too complicated for true love… or will the year end with a happy new beginning for them all? 

A glorious, feel-good romance that will make you want to snuggle up under a warm blanket with a hot chocolate and the one you love. If you enjoy reading Sarah Morgan, Jenny Oliver and Lucy Diamond this book is for you.

My Review:

      I have ambiguous feelings on this one. The writing style of Holly Martin immediately attracted me. Her language literally flows out of the page but the simple and predictable plot line was disheartening. A talented writer like her could have taken something a bit more daring.
      'Coming Home to Maple Cottage' is the third novel in the Sandcastle Bay series but can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the other two in the series but was not at all troubled with the lack of background stories concerning other characters. Isla and Leo are quite a pair but more than their romantic activities what we love most is little Elliot. His presence created some of the hilarious scenes but it also brought with it the hardships concerning parenthood. I couldn't but admire the sacrifices Isla has made for her orphaned nephew and I do hope Elliot will one day be able to recognise it. 
       What disturbed me most was Leo Jackson. His ever present guilt feeling was a bit annoying. I do understand the situation about his father but guilt about Mathew's death? That was really going overboard. But I am not one to pass judgment since no one is perfect. They can be perfect only in novels and movies and the fantasy they provide attract multitudes like me to the world of reading. So in this perfect world, characters like Leo make a bittersweet story.
      To conclude, this is not a typical winter read that will make your toes curl with happiness. It will tug at your heartstrings making you weep and laugh. And lastly, you will be a part of the life of Sandcastle Bay where friends are many and  privacy is your private dream.

Meet the author (Goodreads):

I live in sunny Bedfordshire in a house with round windows. I studied media at university which led to a very glitzy career as a hotel receptionist followed by a even more glamorous two years working in a bank. The moment that one of my colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years service was the moment when I knew I had to escape. I quit my job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, I emerged wide eyed and terrified that I now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. I taught for four years before History Off The Page came to my school to do a Tudor day. I now drive round the country in my little white van, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. 


I love to write. The characters do exactly what I want them to do, most of the time. Sometimes they do seem to go off and do their own thing without my permission. It is complete escapism into a world where I have full control.

A Christmas Gift - Sue Moorcroft

Date of Reading: 15/09/2018

Author: Sue Moorcroft

Publisher: Avon

Expected Publication: October 4, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

A sumptuous, festive read from the #1 bestseller, Sue Moorcroft.

Georgine loves Christmas. The festive season always brings the little village of Middledip to life. But since her ex-boyfriend walked out, leaving her with crippling debts, Georgine’s struggled to make ends meet.

To keep her mind off her worries, she throws herself into organising the Christmas show at the local school. And when handsome Joe Blackthorn becomes her assistant, Georgine’s grateful for the help. But there’s something about Joe she can’t quite put her finger on. Could there be more to him than meets the eye?

Georgine’s past is going to catch up with her in ways she never expected. But can the help of friends new and old make this a Christmas to remember after all?

Curl up with the gorgeous new book from the Sunday Times bestseller, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.

My Review:

    Yaay!!! I am starting on my Christmas books today with Sue Moorcroft's 'A Christmas Gift' which in itself was a heartwarming Christmas gift. The story is set in an Art school facing one of the busiest time of the year when they are planning for a Christmas play. Georgine is the event director of the school and we shadow her the few weeks leading to Christmas sharing her worries, dreams and of course her busy schedule.

       Her fortune's wheel which had dipped low at the beginning of the novel begins to rise with the arrival of her new assistant Joe Blackthorn. Joe's secret identity is revealed at the beginning itself but it is only towards the end we come to know of Georgine's dark secret. Oh, don't fret too much about it, it is not murder or rape. And is there anything that can't be changed with a bit of love and an act of forgiveness? Isn't that what Christmas is all about?

        I was not familiar with Moorcroft before, but the cover was hard to resist. Well, safe to say that some temptations are worth following. Moorcroft is a gifted writer as is evidenced by her beautiful narration and well-balanced plot. Using a dual voice narration which is not redundant with similar thoughts, the book absorbs you into the spirit of Christmas with beautifully aligned characters and an enchanting rags to riches story. Highly recommended! 

Meet the author:

Sue Moorcroft is a Sunday Times bestselling author and has held the coveted #1 spot in the Amazon Kindle chart. She's also a bestseller in Germany. She writes women's contemporary fiction with sometimes unexpected themes.

Sue has won the Best Romantic Read Award, been nominated for a RoNA and is a Katie Fforde Bursary winner. She also writes short stories, serials, articles, columns, courses and writing 'how to'.

An army child, Sue was born in Germany then lived in Cyprus, Malta and the UK. She's worked in a bank, as a bookkeeper (probably a mistake), as a copytaker for Motor Cycle News and for a typesetter, but is pleased to have wriggled out of all 'proper jobs'.

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/2jUlSwl

Website: www.suemoorcroft.com
Blog: http://suemoorcroft.wordpress.com. 
Twitter: @suemoorcroft
Facebook: sue.moorcroft.3
Instagram: suemoorcroftauthor

The Holiday Cruise - Victoria Cooke (Book Birthday Blitz)

Date of Reading: 20/08/2018

Author: Victoria Cooke

Publisher: HQ Digital

Year: 2017

Source: NetGalley 

Rating: 3.5/5

(This review is part of the Blog Blitz organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

As if it weren't enough to be cheated on by her husband of ten years, Yorkshire lass Hannah Davis is losing her beauty salon business too. Luckily, her big sister is there to pick up the pieces, but Hannah is determined to find some independence.

Impulsively, Hannah applies for a spa job...on a cruise ship! Christmas in the Caribbean, springtime in the Mediterranean, what's not to like? But, despite being in her thirties, Hannah has never done anything in her own before, and she's terrified.

As the ship sets sail, Hannah has never been further from home...or closer to discovering who she is and who she wants to be. 

My Review:

        It is not always we get to read a book set on a cruise ship and for me, this is the second one this year. Beautician Hannah Davis is faced with a great crisis when her husband leaves her for a much younger woman. She mops around the house for weeks, neglecting her beauty salon and her backstabbing rival took this opportunity to grab her clients. So husbandless and penniless she applies for the job on a cruise ship, doing something she was not allowed to do during her marriage.

       Being guaranteed a happy ending, I was not too worried about Hannah's plight. Instead, I was constantly imagining the startled look of her ex, when she comes back with her gorgeous new boyfriend. So it was just a question of who and how. And Victoria Cooke produces a beautifully crafted tale of forbidden love while the ship continues its impassive voyage. I would have very much loved to read that particular scene of my fantasy (I know I am being petty here), but the author, being a bit more matured refused to showcase her heroine flaunting her new found fortune. Sigh!!!

       But the thing that constantly put me on the edge was Hannah's treatment of her elder sister, Jen. Having lost their parents at a young age, Jen was compelled to fill the huge gap for her little sister. Being an elder sister myself, I know how hard it can be. Yes, I agree that Jen should have concentrated on her own life once Hannah has acquired the ability to manage her affairs. Still, that won't balance out the way Hannah takes her elder sister for granted. Obviously, she should be leading her life the way she wanted, but there is no harm in caring for the sentiments of her beloved sister who was eagerly awaiting her return home. What can we say? No one is perfect even if they are the central characters of a novel. 

      I wish there were a sequel featuring Jen because it is quite clear that her life is anything but happy even with a wealthy husband. She reminds me of the words of my best friend who reminds me often that our happiness should not be dependent on someone else. Right as always!

Meet the author:

Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of her career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters and when she’s not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in her hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria was first published at the tender age of eight by her classroom teacher who saw potential in a six-page story about an invisible man. Since then she’s always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers’ courses before completing her first romantic comedy novel, 'The Secret to Falling in Love,' in 2016.

 

A Village Affair - Julie Houston

Date of Reading: 04/09/2018

Author: Julie Houston

Publisher: Aria

Expected Publication: November 6, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Cassie Beresford has recently landed her dream job as deputy head at her local, idyllic village primary school, Little Acorns. So, the last thing she needs is her husband of twenty years being 'outed' at a village charity auction - he has been having an affair with one of her closest friends.

As if that weren't enough to cope with, Cassie suddenly finds herself catapulted into the head teacher position, and at the forefront of a fight to ward off developers determined to concrete over the beautiful landscape.

But through it all, the irresistible joy of her pupils, the reality of keeping her teenage children on the straight and narrow, her irrepressible family and friends, and the possibility of new love, mean what could have been the worst year ever, actually might be the best yet...

My Review:

        Simply Wow!!! This is one of the amazing books that I have had the pleasure of reading this year. Being a teacher, I don't usually wait on 'to be or not to be' talk with myself when it comes to novels centred on schools and universities and of course on teachers. And quite rightly, Cassie turned out to be a perfect ally.
        Cassie Beresford had the perfect life with her new job, handsome and well to do husband, and two brilliant kids, until the night of the charity auction. She learns that her husband of ten years is having an affair for two years with her best friend, Tina. What a way to begin a new job! Needless to say, she was an emotional wreck and added to that is the threat of her school and her grandfather's meadow being taken over by Edward Bamforth intending to concretise the farming land with houses.
     Well, the first half gives us a picture of Cassie standing up for herself, slowly and steadily recovering from the great shock she suffered. Both her adolescent kids were quite supportive of her and I was immediately attached to both of them. I would really welcome a sequel featuring those two because truth to be told, I would like to see more of Cassie and her new life. Sorry, I can't elaborate on the last part without revealing the surprise you will have to face at the end. 
      Let me put it this way then, I envy all the readers who are yet to read this beautiful story. Remember that feeling you had, when you just finished your chocolate and your sister is yet to unwrap the cover? She is going to enjoy the sweet treat while you sit there sulking only because you finished  yours too soon. . . You get my drift. If there was a machine to wipe out specific memories, then I would have jumped at the chance so I can reread this book again and again and again without knowing what is to unfold.
       So keep open your eyes to the publication day, this is going to be a roller coaster ride (especially the latter half). A surprising but cute turn of events and a contenting HEA and what is more to look out for? 

Meet the author:

Julie Houston is Yorkshire born and bred. She lives in Huddersfield where her novels are set and her only claims to fame are that she taught at ‘Bridget Jones’ author Helen Fielding’s old school, her neighbour is ‘Chocolat’ author Joanne Harris and her friend is about to marry Tracy Emin’s cousin! Oh, and she was rescued by Frank Bough when, many years ago, she was ‘working as a waitress in a cocktail bar’ at the Kensington Hilton in London

After University, where she studied Education and English 

 

Literature, she taught for many years as a junior school teacher. As a newly qualified teacher, broke and paying off her first mortgage, she would spend every long summer holiday working on different Kibbutzim in Israel. After teaching for a few years she decided to go to New Zealand to work and taught in Auckland for a year before coming back to this country. 

 

She now teaches part time, and still loves the buzz of teaching junior-aged children. She has been a magistrate for the last thirteen years, and, when not distracted by ebay, geneology (so time consuming but so interesting - she recently discovered her husband is descended from the poet Shelley and the Duke of Milan!!) and crosswords, she spends much of her time writing.

 

Julie is married, has a nineteen-year-old son and sixteen-year-old daughter and a mad cockapoo called Lincoln. She runs and swims because she’s been told it’s good for her, but would really prefer a glass of wine, a sun lounger and a jolly good book.      

A Wedding in Cornwall (Books 7-12) - Laura Briggs (Blog Blitz)

Date of Reading: 19/08/2018

Author: Laura Briggs

Publication Year: 2018

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

The last six novellas in the UK bestselling series A WEDDING IN CORNWALL are now available in one collection! Join American event planner Julianne in her final set of adventures 'across the pond' in beautiful Cornwall. From celebrity sightings to a local talent show, from a charming village fete to a secret Cornish garden, there's never a dull moment for Julianne and her Poldark-esque true love Matthew in the quaint village of Ceffylgwyn. 

This collection contains A Romance in Cornwall, A Star in Cornwall, A Sewing Circle in Cornwall, A Talent Show in Cornwall, An American in Cornwall, and A Garden in Cornwall. Exclusive bonus materials include a sneak peek of the author's all-new 2019 Cornish romance series!

My Review:

      I wanted to read this series ever since the hype I witnessed after the publication of  'A Garden in Cornwall'. So when I got a chance to review the last half of them, there never was any thinking further. And they proved to be as beautiful and charming as everyone said.
      As the compilation of the latter part of the series, this anthology begins after the happy marriage of Julianne and Mathew. The story might be continuing through her perspective still, but these are not her stories except for 'A Sewing Circle in Cornwall' which brings her back to the front lines. But in all others, she is pretty much a third wheel albeit in a fairy godmother kind of way. I haven't read the books from 1-6 yet but from all the references it could be easily summarised to have a great deal of romance and adventure.
     This particular half, on the other hand, contains no heart throbbing occurrences and I was not that immersed in the love life of other characters since it is given through Julianne's viewpoint. What makes it lovely is the way Laura Briggs captures the essence and fragrance of Cornwall and the nuisance of village life.
     Each story covers a particular aspect of the life in Cornwall and it was almost like they are all living and breathing characters. I don't want to pick a favourite in this, but if I have to it will be 'A Star in Cornwall' as the only one which is highly unlikely to happen. All of these stories have in a way influenced my day to day life and while reading about the talent show, I was inspired to organise a programme for my students here in my college. In a way that has made me closer to the little group surrounding Julianne and the manor house. All in all an unforgettable collection of stories that I will recommend to anyone in need of a quiet, cosy read.

Meet the author:

Laura Briggs is the author of several lighthearted romance novels and novellas, including the bestselling Amazon UK series A Wedding in Cornwall. She has a fondness for vintage-style dresses (especially ones with polka dots) and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern-day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family, caring for her pets, going to movies and plays, and trying new restaurants.

Giveaway to Win A Wedding in Cornwall – 3 different prizes (Open Internationally) 

1st Name Drawn will win - A paperback copy of the anthology to be shipped to the winner by the author via Amazon 

2nd Name Drawn will win - A digital/eBook copy of the anthology to be sent via email

3rd Name Drawn will win - A Smashwords coupon code good for a free download of 1 ‘Surprise eBook’  from the Cornwall series of novellas

*Terms and Conditions – Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Leo's War - Patricia Murphy (Blog Tour)

About the book:

It’s 1943 and young Leo tries to protect his disabled sister Ruby as the Nazis invade Italy.  After his mother is arrested, he turns to Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty to save them.  But he is no ordinary priest.  Known as ‘The Pimpernel of the Vatican’, the Monsignor is the legendary organizer of the Rome Escape Line.  Soon Leo is helping out with this secret network dedicated to saving the lives of escaped prisoners of war, partisans and Jews.  

But as the sinister Nazi leader Kappler closes in on the network, can Leo and his sister stay out of his evil clutches?

Meet the author:

 Patricia Murphy is the bestselling author of The Easter Rising 1916 – Molly’s Diary and Dan’s Diary – the War of Independence 1920-22 published by Poolbeg.

 She has also written the prize-winning “The Chingles” trilogy of children’s Celtic fantasy novels.   Patricia is also an award-winning

Producer/Director of documentaries including Children of Helen House, the BBC series on a children’s hospice and Born to Be Different Channel 4’s flagship series following children born with disabilities. Many of her groundbreaking programmes are about children’s rights and topics such as growing up in care, crime and the criminal justice system. She has also made a number of history programmes including Worst Jobs in History with Tony Robinson for Channel 4 and has produced and directed films for the Open University. 

Patricia grew up in Dublin and is a graduate in English and History from Trinity College Dublin and of Journalism at Dublin City University. She now lives in Oxford with her husband and young daughter.

Before you go . . .

Giveaway to win a £30 Amazon Gift Voucher (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions – Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Finding Felix - Jo Platt (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 17/08/2018

Author: Jo Platt

Publisher: Canelo

Place: United Kingdom

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Singleton Dot Riley’s grandmother, Nanny Flo, is on her deathbed, surrounded by family and distraught at the thought of Dot being all alone in the world.  Desperate to make Flo’s final moments happy ones, Dot invents a boyfriend – plumping in panic for her childhood friend, Felix, a firm favourite of Flo, but whom Dot hasn’t actually seen for 15 years.

But when Flo makes an unexpected recovery a few weeks before a family wedding, Dot is faced with a dilemma.  Should she tell her frail grandmother that she lied and risk causing heartache and a relapse?  Or should she find Felix and take him to the wedding?

Dot opts for finding Felix.  But it’s not long before she discovers that finding him is the easy bit: liking him is the real challenge.  

An uplifting romantic comedy about finding something you didn't even know you were looking for.   Finding Felix is perfect for fans of Anna Bell, Tracy Bloom and Debbie Viggiano.

My Review:

    Well, this year has given me a series of surprises when it comes to books. A not so appealing cover, a very dull beginning and how can one imagine that I have in my hands a gem of a book! But that was what 'Finding Felix' was. Dorothy (Dot) finds Felix and I have in turn found the perfect romantic comedy to turn my day a happy one.

     I never had the pleasure of reading Jo Platt before and her quirky, humorous language captivated me the moment the story shifted its perspective to Dot's. I am not against stories told through both the protagonists, but the highlight of having a single point of view is that it gives us a lot to imagine. I very much doubt 'Pride and Prejudice' will be this famous if it was using a double narrative including Darcy's take on things. 'Finding Felix' pursues a similar vein where it is Felix's actions and not his thoughts that reveals his character. It was fun imagining what could have been going through that charming, intelligent brain of his.
      The author introduces a plethora of characters including Dot's meddling but loving mother, caring grandmother, protective father, intuitive younger sister and a stern but supportive best friend and business partner. I loved reading about them all which added a certain depth to the novel apart from the romance.
      That being said, we can't ignore some of the loose ends in the plot, particularly the one concerning the missing letters. Even at the end, the readers are not enlightened as to what was there in the letters and how it got misdirected. And I can't help but wish to have more of Felix and Dot. 
   Thank you, NetGalley and Ellie Pilcher of Canelo for giving me a copy to review and for inviting me to this blog tour. I completely adored this book and it took a while to settle on the next one to read as I was not able to come out of the world of Dot and Felix.

Meet the author:

Jo Platt was born in Liverpool in 1968 and, via the extremely winding route of rural Wiltshire, London, Seattle and St Albans, she is now happily settled in Bristol with her husband and two daughters. She studied English at King's College London before going on to work in the City for ten years. In 2000 she escaped into motherhood and part-time employment, first as an assistant teacher in a Seattle pre-school and then was a Bristol-based secretary to her husband.

Have a look at the other stops in the tour:

Return to the Little Cottage on the Hill - Emma Davies

Date of Reading: 26/08/2018

Author: Emma Davies

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: August 31, 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

The climb up the hill takes her past sweet-smelling pink roses in full bloom and leads her to an utterly breathtaking view. Megan is happy to be home at last, but will her relationship have survived the journey? 

It has been a difficult few years for thirty-year-old Megan Forrester, completing her apprenticeship and trying to maintain a long-distance relationship with her gorgeous boyfriend, Liam. 

She’s returned home to compete in a local craft competition. The prize is the chance to design beautiful new gates for the estate at the bottom of the hill, a job which could secure her future in the village forever. 

As the contest gets underway, Megan is devastated when a rival design turns out to be almost identical to hers. Someone in the close-knit community must have leaked her sketches, but who? Is it the same person spreading heartbreaking rumours about Liam? 

Down to the last few left in the competition, Megan throws her heart and soul into a show-stopping final piece… but will winning even matter when the truth about Liam is finally revealed? 

My Review:

       This is the third book in the 'Little Cottage' series and the first one I have read. It is standalone and like me, you can start with the last story since the numerous references to the character's back stories will help you get along fabulously. I do have a problem with the cover blurb though. From the abstract, you will get the impression that this is Megan's story, but half of the book revolves around Clara, the cottage's gardener. Megan does have a voice in the beginning, but soon enough Clara takes over that part of the narration too.

      One of the major reasons I chose this book is because it features a female blacksmith. I have never seen women in this profession and was surely rooting for Megan throughout the competition. Having no background knowledge of the cottage and its amazing hosts, I was a bit peeved at Clara at the beginning for taking the major chunk of the story . . . but not for long. 

     Clara is a beautiful character, both inside and out. She is patient and caring which obviously creates a minor disadvantage as with all good-natured people. But the lucky girl has a steadfast protector in Maddie and a great friendship with Trixie. The problems between Clara and Trixie makes it all the more realistic. That shouting scene in the kitchen which shows that Clara can't be bullied is by far my favourite scene. As I have often witnessed and experienced, any problem with our close friends can be solved with a heart to heart talk even if it involves some shrieking and yelling and calling names (No need to panic, Clara didn't rely on the last one). And I haven't forgotten Declan who was an added bonus. But I will wait for you to find out more about him from the book itself.

      All in all, this is a delightful read with delicately balanced plot lines that will take you to the beauty and sunshine of the countryside and also to a heart throbbing competition where talents are revealed and unmade.

Meet the author:

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: 'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty-something mother of three.' Well, the job in the design studio didn't work out but she's now a forty-something mother of three and is working on the rest.

Today she's a finance manager and looks at numbers a lot of the time, so at night she likes to throw them away and play with words, practising putting them together into sentences. Pop over to her website www.emmadaviesauthor.com where, amongst other things, you can read about her passion for Pringles and singing loudly in the car.

You can also Wave to her on twitter @Emdavies68 or find her on Facebook (a little too often than is good for her).