Category Archives: Blog Tour Review

Review of T.A. Williams’ Far From Home.

I am delighted to share my review of T.A. Williams’ latest novel, Far From Home.


The Blurb:

The secrets of the past will unlock her future…

Working in the fast-paced foreign exchange market in Canary Wharf, Amy never expected her job to drive her to collapse. With her doctor advising she take a month off work, when Amy receives a solicitor’s letter informing her of a surprise inheritance in Italy, the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

But who on earth has left her a house in the sleepy Tuscan hills?

As she gets to know the town and its inhabitants, Amy discovers more about the mysterious man who named her in his will. Shocking family secrets come to light, leaving Amy questioning the life she knew.

The town of Sant’Antonio holds more than just secrets. Here, Amy meets Adam, a renowned TV journalist whose documentaries take him to dangerous places. But as their attraction grows, so do Amy’s worries. Her life is in England, while Adam’s is untethered and under constant threat…

An emotional, heartwarming love story full of family drama and quirky locals.

My review:

T.A. Williams’ latest novel, Far From Home, is a heartwarming tale of personal discovery. The story follows Amy, who unexpectedly inherits property and a substantial sum from a mysterious benefactor in Italy. As she unravels the mystery of her benefactor’s identity, Amy embarks on a journey that leads her to uncover deeper truths about herself. The narrative is enriched by charming characters, a beautiful setting, a tight-knit community feel, and the delightful presence of a black Labrador – a signature element in Williams’ books. The romance in the novel develops slowly, culminating in a satisfying and uplifting conclusion. However, the story’s heart lies in Amy’s leap of faith and growth throughout the novel. With its enchanting Italian setting, engaging plot and gorgeous Labrador, Far From Home is a delightful sunny read.

Discover more and purchase here


About the author:

T.A. Williams says, “I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

“The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…”

Discover more about T.A. Williams and his work here: Twitter | Website | Facebook


Thank you to T.A. Williams for another great read – including a Labrador, of course! Thank you, also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources, and Canelo for the advance copy of Under a Siena Sun.

This review is posted on NetGalley, Amazon UK, Goodreads and Bookbub. xx

Review of Kate Frost’s A Greek Island Escape.

Today, I am delighted to join the blog tour and share my review of Kate Frost’s latest novel, A Greek Island Escape…

The blurb:

Can a Greek escape be the start of something special?

Xanthe Fox has it all: a famous, drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend, a dream career and bright future – until heartbreak sends her life into a tailspin.

So when Xanthe’s Greek godmother unexpectedly leaves her a villa on the sumptuous island of Kefalonia, Xanthe jumps at the chance to put her life in London on hold and escape to the island hideaway to rethink her future.

The break allows Xanthe the time to explore her passions, sift through her feelings and discover more about her estranged Greek family while renovating her godmother’s enchanting Villa Aster.

But not everyone is happy to see her. Unfazed by her hostile neighbours and after making a mortifying mistake with a sexy builder, Xanthe is equally charmed by Kefalonia and a handsome, brooding gardener.

Chasing dreams, taking chances and saying ‘yes’ has the potential to turn Xanthe’s life upside down, but will a summer escape allow her to sparkle once more?


My review:

Kate Frost’s vivid descriptions whisk you away to the stunning Greek island of Kefalonia, providing the perfect backdrop for her engaging story. Xanthe, the lead character, is refreshing, and her journey unfolds with a mix of realism, charm and adventure. The supporting characters are great and bring the story to life; I was happy to spend time in their company. This book offers pure escapism and an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. The developing romance is sweet, and the plot keeps you interested. It’s a satisfying read that ties up neatly, leaving no loose ends. After finishing, you’ll likely find yourself daydreaming about a trip to Greece. Overall, it is a delightful read full of sunshine and warmth.

Discover more and purchase here.


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About the author:

Kate Frost is the author of romantic escape novels including bestsellers The Greek Heart, The Baobab Beach Retreat and The Amsterdam Affair, plus One Greek Summer, An Italian Dream, An Island in the Sun and One Winter’s Night published by Boldwood. They’re uplifting, heartwarming stories of love, romance, hope, new beginnings and second chances featuring different characters in beautiful locations.

Discover more about Kate Frost and her novels here: FacebookTwitter Instagram Newsletter Sign Up |  Bookbub profile


Many thanks to Kate Frost for the wonderful read, Boldwood Books for the ARC, and Rachel Gilbey of  Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK, Goodreads and Bookbub xx

Review of Lynne Shelby’s Summer in Rome.

Today, I am delighted to share my review for Lynne Shelby’s latest romance novel, Rome for the Summer

The blurb:

Kate Harper has always loved the painting that has hung in her parents’ dining room for years, never suspecting that it is worth a fortune. When her art dealer boyfriend cheats her family out of the proceeds of the painting’s sale, she is left devastated and alone.

Kate discovers that two hundred years ago, the girl in the painting, Charlotte Browne, ran off to Rome with the artist who painted her portrait, but her eventual fate is unknown.

Hoping to uncover the mystery of what happened to Charlotte, Kate seizes the chance of a summer job in Rome, where she strikes up a friendship with artist Jamie Taylor. As they explore the city and start to piece together the surprising secrets of Charlotte’s life, Kate finds herself wondering if a summer in Rome can mend a broken heart…

My Review:

What a lovely, uplifting read! I read the novel on holiday; it was the perfect book to relax and unwind with. Kate was a likeable heroine, her family were wonderful, and her newfound life and love interest in Rome was perfect. For a novel filled with artistic fervour, Jamie was the ideal hero; his passion for both the art exhibited in Rome and that created by his hand was evident throughout. The insights into the past worked well, and I enjoyed discovering more about Kate’s Italian girl (depicted in a painting). Overall it is a lovely escapist read that will whisk you off to Rome for the Summer, fill you with warmth and leave you with a big satisfied smile.

Purchase Links:  Amazon UK | Amazon US

Follow the rest of the tour …

About the Author:

Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction and romance. Her debut novel, French Kissing (re-released in e-book as Meet Me In Paris) won the Accent Press and Woman magazine Writing Competition, and her fifth novel, Love On Location, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novelists’ Association Award – the Jane Wenham-Jones Award for Romantic Comedy. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre or exploring a foreign city with her writer’s notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband and has three adult children who live nearby.

Discover more about Lynne Shelby and her work here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

Many thanks to Lynne Shelby for the wonderful holiday-read, Headline Accent for the ARC, and Rachel Gilbey, of  Rachel’s Random Resources, for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK, Goodreads and Cariad’s Choice Reviews in Frost Magazine. xx

 

Review of K. T. Dady’s Lemon Drop Cottage.

Today, I am delighted to join the blog tour and share my review for K. T, Dady’s novel, Lemon Drop Cottage.

About the book:

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best read in order for maximum enjoyment.

The blurb:

At first glance, Scott Harper is a shy artist who keeps himself to himself, but he isn’t the man everyone thinks he is. Scott has a secret. One that has kept him firmly away from any chance of having an intimate relationship. The only woman in his life is the one he talks to online but has never met. It’s easier that way, for them both.

Dolly Lynch has just taken over her aunt’s shop in Pepper Bay. Between looking after her teenage son, running around for her old aunt, moving home, and opening a new shop, she barely has time to herself, so she really appreciates the moments she spends talking online with a man she’s never met. Little does she know he’s the same man who lives just up the road in the cutest cottage she has ever seen.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

My review:

This is the first book by K. T. Dady that I have read and, therefore, my first visit to Pepper Bay. As each book in the series is standalone, this didn’t spoil my understanding of the story – though I would happily go back and read the others in the series, too.

I enjoyed meeting Scott and Dolly and spending time in this close, friendly community as their feelings developed. Dolly’s son, Dexter, is a great character who shone through; it was nice to see a teenage boy represented in a positive, caring way. There is an interesting sub-plot with the local retirement home being under threat and a good cast of secondary characters – I liked Giles, who has a close link to Scott and his secretive past. Having visited the Isle of Wight, I enjoyed the setting. And I loved the sound of Lemon Drop cottage – a sunny cottage for a sunny read!

Overall, this is a warm-hearted novel full of kind, caring characters who will make you smile.

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About the author:

K.T. Dady is an Amazon best-selling author, reader, mum, chocolate lover, and a huge fan of a HEA. She was born and raised in the East End of London, and has been happily writing stories since she was a little girl. When not writing, she is baking cakes or pottering around in her little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers. She is the author of contemporary romance, middle-grade, and the thought-provoking thriller about mental illness, The Focus Program.

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Many thanks to K. T. Dady for the great read, and Rachel Gilbey, of Rachel’s Random Resources, for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x


Review of Georgina Troy’s Winter Whimsy.

Today, I am delighted to join the blog tour for Georgina Troy’s Winter Whimsy, the third in the Boardwalk by the Sea series.

About the book

Zip up your puffer coat, winter has arrived!

When Lexi Davies discovers that her father has sold the fishermen’s cottages she runs as holiday lets and where she also lives, she is heartbroken. Then, when Oliver Whimsy arrives at the boardwalk and announces that he is the new owner, Lexi realises that the future she was looking forward to enjoying at her cottages is over.

Oliver might be handsome, wealthy and very sexy, but he’s new to the island and has already made a terrible impression on the locals. When he offers Lexi a job, she’s unsure whether she should accept. Unfortunately, she has little alternative if she wants a roof over her head for the winter.

As Lexi gets to know Oliver better, she discovers there’s far more to Oliver Whimsy than she or anyone else had imagined. Just what is the heartache Oliver’s trying so desperately to hide and why was he so determined to buy the cottages? Lexi wants to find out, but in order to do so she’s going to have to spend time with him…

My review:

This is the first book I have read by this author. While it is the third in the Boardwalk By The Sea series, I read and enjoyed it as a standalone story. I greatly enjoyed getting lost in the lovely descriptions of the Jersey coastline. The characters were likeable, especially the leads Lexi and Oliver. I also liked the community around the Boardwalk and the touch of snow that added that all-important wintery feel. The ending was warm and cosy; overall, the story offered a moment of escapism at this time, when we can all do with a big hug and a smile.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

About the author:

Georgina Troy is a pseudonym of author Deborah Carr, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Poppy Field, Broken Faces and the Mrs Boots series.

She was a finalist in the Contemporary Romance Category of the Romantic Novel of the Year Awards 2016 (RoNAs) with A Jersey Kiss, book 1 in her Jersey Scene series.

Georgina lives on the island of Jersey with her husband and three rescue dogs and is 1/3 of The Blonde Plotters.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Huge thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources, and to the author, Georgina Troy for the advanced copy. I look forward to reading  more in the series. xx