Category Archives: Book Review

Review of Morton S Gray’s Borteen Bay Series

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As I am sure you know, I am an avid romance reader. I generally read contemporary romance or romantic comedy, but occasionally dip into other sub-genres too. So this week I am sharing my review of Morton S Gray’s romantic suspense novels, set in the fictional seaside town of Borteen Bay.

The Girl on the Beach

The Blurb:

Who is Harry Dixon?
When Ellie Golden meets Harry Dixon, she can’t help but feel she recognises him from somewhere. But when she finally realises who he is, she can’t believe it – because the man she met on the beach all those years before wasn’t called Harry Dixon. And, what’s more, that man is dead.

For a woman trying to outrun her troubled past and protect her son, Harry’s presence is deeply unsettling – and even more disconcerting than coming face to face with a dead man, is the fact that Harry seems to have no recollection of ever having met Ellie before. At least that’s what he says …

But perhaps Harry isn’t the person Ellie should be worried about. Because there’s a far more dangerous figure from the past lurking just outside of the new life she has built for herself, biding his time, just waiting to strike.

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I don’t often read romantic suspense but I am so pleased I picked this book up; it had me hooked right from the start. It is well paced, the characters were likeable – I’m a little in love with Harry Dixon – and the story gripping. I read it over a couple of days. From the early revelations in the book to the action packed ending the story holds you, transporting you to Borteen Bay and into the complex lives of Ellie and Harry. Having said I don’t often read romantic suspense, I now can’t wait to read Morton’s second novel.

Buy the book here.

The Truth Lies Buried

Two children in a police waiting room, two distressed mothers, a memory only half remembered… When Jenny Simpson returns to the seaside town of Borteen, her childhood home, it’s for a less than happy reason. But it’s also a chance for her to start again.

A new job leads to her working for Carver Rodgers, a man who lives alone in a house that looks like it comes from the pages of a fairy tale – until you see the disaster zone inside …
As Jenny gets to know Carver she begins to unravel the sadness that has led to his chaotic existence. Gradually they realise they have something in common that is impossible to ignore – and it all links back to a meeting at a police station many years before.

Could the truth lie just beneath their feet?

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Choc Lit

My review:

I really enjoyed my first visit to Borteen Bay in The Girl on the Beach, and so I was greatly looking forward to reading The Truth Lies Buried. It certainly didn’t disappoint.

The two main characters grow as the story progresses, as does your empathy for them as you read. Carver was a good male lead, strong and yet sensitive, with a backstory that explains his state of mind and the manner to which he has become accustomed to living, before Jenny enters (or re-enters his life). He also has a dog, which in my opinion, is a bonus in any book.

The story and action unfold at a steady pace, with some lovely tender moments along the way. With likeable characters, a wonderful setting (I’d quite like to live in Borteen Bay) and a good amount of intrigue to hold you to the end, it’s an absorbing read.

Buy the book here.

I am loving life in Borteen Bay and can’t wait to return to see what mysteries the Morton S Gray will serve up in her next book Christmas at Borteen Bay.

About the Author, Morton S Gray:

Morton lives with her husband, two sons and Lily, the tiny white dog, in Worcestershire, U.K. She has been reading and writing fiction for as long as she can remember, penning her first attempt at a novel aged fourteen. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and The Society of Authors. Her debut novel The Girl on the Beach was e-published in January 2017, after she won Choc Lit Publishing Search for a Star competition.

Morton previously worked in the electricity industry in committee services, staff development and training. She has a Business Studies degree and is a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and Reiki Master. She also has diplomas in Tuina acupressure massage and energy field therapy. She enjoys crafts, history and loves tracing family trees. Having a hunger for learning new things is a bonus for the research behind her books.

You can catch up with Morton on her website, on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram. Morton is also a member of Apricot Plots.

Oh and before I go my cinema tip, if you enjoy suspense, is A Simple Favour, based on the novel by Darcey Bell. Described as a stylish, post-modern film noir it is well acted, entertaining and kept me guessing.

Thank you so much for the great reads, Morton. My reviews are posted on Amazon and Goodreads. xx

Review of Rachael Stewart’s The Good Sister

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The Blurb:

HE WASN’T HERS TO LOVE … BUT HER HEART DOESN’T CARE…

When Isla Evans agrees to switch lives with her rising star of a twin for three weeks, she has no idea the move will thrust her into the same bed as her teenage celebrity heartthrob, Bradley King. Trapped there at her sister’s request, she gives her desire free reign and finds herself falling hard and fast.

And she’s not alone.

Bradley wants a wife to tick all the boxes, save for one: love. It’s not part of the deal, never was, never will be. But when he returns home early to find his hopeful-fiancée behaving all sorts of different, he likes it. A lot. Suddenly, he wants a real marriage, with all the trimmings, and he will stop at nothing until he gets it.

But this Hollywood HEA faces one big hurdle—she’s not who he thinks she is…

Genre: Erotic Romance
Published by: Deep Desires Press

My review:

It has been a while since I have read an erotic novel, so when I saw The Good Sister was up for a one-day blog blitz I thought, why not!

The Good Sister is one of those books that has plenty of wow factor in the opening chapter. Rachael Stewart doesn’t mess around when it comes to getting straight in there with the heat, the action and setting up the conflict. It was great and had me hooked from the start.

From then on the pace of the read steadied but the heat continued, as did the drive to solve the central conflict – should she / shouldn’t she and how can this possibly all end well? Bradley King is a likeable male lead with swoon appeal, who you have to feel for a bit as he is unwittingly drawn into the deception orchestrated by the two sisters. There were plenty of racy moments, but intimacy was also built into the story, which made the choices being made more credible.

Overall it was an enjoyable read. It was my first Rachael Stewart novel but won’t be my last.

Links to buy the book: Amazon.com | Amazon UK

About the author:

 

Rachael Stewart adores conjuring up stories for the readers of Harlequin Mills & Boon and Deep Desires Press, with tales varying from the heart-warmingly romantic to the wildly erotic.

Despite a degree in Business Studies and spending many years in the corporate world, the desire to become an author never waned and it’s now her full-time pleasure, a dream come true.

A Welsh lass at heart, she now lives in Yorkshire with her husband and three children, and if she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s wrapped up in them or enjoying the great outdoors seeking out inspiration.

Discover more about Rachael Stewart via her website | Twitter | Facebook

Giveaaway – Win an e-copy of The Good Sister by Rachael Stewart (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions – Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter link 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 the right is reserved 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 that 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 fulfilment of the prize, after which time data will be deleted. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Enter the giveaway here via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

Many thanks to Rachael Stewart for the great read, and thanks to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for enabling me to be part of this one day blog blitz. My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x

Review of Arlette’s Story by Angela Barton

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Arlette’s Story by Angela Barton

The Blurb:

An emotional and beautifully written debut you will not want to put down.

One woman’s struggle to fight back against the enemy in order to protect the ones she loves.

When Arlette Blaise sees a German plane fly over the family farm in 1940, she’s comforted by the fact that the occupying forces are far away in the north of the country. Surely the war will not reach her family in the idyllic French countryside near to the small town of Oradour-sur-Glane?

But then Saul Epstein, a young Jewish man driven from his home by the Nazis, arrives at the farm and Arlette begins to realise that her peaceful existence might be gone for good …

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Ruby Fiction an imprint of Choc Lit

My review:

This story of love set in occupied France during WW2 gripped me from the start. It is very well researched and a thoroughly absorbing read.

The landscape is exquisitely brought to life. I fell in love with the characters, cried at their plight and willed them to achieve their hard fought victories. Being partly based on real events, I know Arlette’s Story will always stay with me.

While the author doesn’t shy away from the atrocities of war upon the ordinary people of occupied France, she also crafts a heart-warming love story. There are lighter moments and the real affection portrayed between Arlette and Saul draws you in. They are perfectly matched.

Overall this is a tale of hope and resilience against the worst of odds. A must read for those who enjoy historical fiction and WW2 love stories.

Click to buy the book.

About the author:

Angela Barton was born in London and grew up in Nottingham. She is married with three grown up children. Passionate about writing both contemporary and historical fiction, Angela loves researching for her books and is an avid reader. Having signed publishing contracts for three of her completed novels with Ruby Fiction, Angela is excited to be working alongside such a friendly and supportive publishing team. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and Nottingham Writers’ Studio.

Having recently moved to France, Angela (alongside her husband, Paul) is now a lavender farmer, creating products from the oil that’s distilled. Angela says she’s looking forward to spending more time writing in the company of her two spaniels while sitting on her veranda overlooking the breath-taking countryside of Charente.

Discover more about Angela Barton here: Twitter | Facebook | Blog | Ruby Fiction

Thank you for a great read, Angela.

My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. x

Review of Rosie Green’s Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe

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The blurb:

Jaz Winters stuck a pin in a map and fled to the village of Sunnybrook, looking for a brand new life – and after a rocky start, it’s beginning to look as if she made the right decision. Her blossoming friendship with Ellie and Fen has seen her through some dark times, and she’s managed to land two jobs – waitressing at The Little Duck Pond Cafe and working as a weekend tour guide at Brambleberry Manor, the country house that’s been in Fen’s family for generations.

Sure, life isn’t totally perfect. There’s the irritating know-it-all guy who keeps popping up on her manor tours, for a start. He seems determined to get under Jaz’s skin whether she likes it or not. But she supposes he’s a small price to pay for the relative peace she’s found, living in Sunnybrook.

But just as Jaz is beginning to think rosier times are on the horizon, a shock encounter looks set to shatter her fragile happiness.

Will she be forced to flee from Sunnybrook and everyone she’s grown so fond of? Or will she find the strength to stand her ground and finally face up to the nightmares of the past?

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Romantic Comedy / novella

My review:

I enjoyed my first visit to Sunnybrook, and so I was looking forward to my second; I was not disappointed.

Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe follows the story of Jaz Winters, who is introduced in the first novella. It was good to get to know her better, to learn her backstory and to witness her growth as the story progressed. I also enjoyed revisiting other characters from the first book and discovering how their lives had moved on in the passing months.

Those who live in and around the Little Duck Pond Cafe are warm and welcoming, making it easy to lose yourself in the story as you happily become absorbed into the world of this lovely community. I liked Jaz and was willing her to achieve her happy ending, even if I wasn’t always sure about the way she was going about it.

Rosie Green writes novellas with a fast pace, plenty of plot and delightful characters. They are quick reads, with a big heart, leaving you with a warm, happy feeling, long after the last page is read. I look forward to reading the third in the series.

Click to buy the book.

Back in May, I also read Spring at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, but as I knew this lovely blog tour was coming up I thought I would save sharing my review until now:

The Blurb:

Fleeing from a romance gone wrong, Ellie Farmer arrives in the pretty little village of Sunnybrook, hoping for a brand new start that most definitely does not include love! Following an unscheduled soak in the village duck pond, she meets Sylvia, who runs the nearby Duck Pond Cafe. Renting the little flat above the cafe seems like the answer to Ellie’s prayers. It’s only for six months, which will give her time to sort out her life, far away from cheating boyfriend Richard.

But is running away from your past ever really the answer?

Clashing with the mysterious and brooding Zack Chamberlain, an author with a bad case of writer’s block, is definitely not what Ellie needs right now. And then there’s Sylvia, who’s clinging so hard to her past, she’s in danger of losing the quaint but run-down Duck Pond Cafe altogether.

Can Ellie find the answers she desperately needs in Sunnybrook? And will she be able to help save Sylvia’s little Duck Pond Cafe from closure?

Genre: Contemporary Romance / novella

My review:

This lovely novella provided a wonderfully entertaining read that made me smile a lot. I’ve read some novellas that feel too short or light on plot but this certainly wasn’t one of them. I loved it and it had me hooked throughout (no duck pun intended).

The characters were likeable, believable and warm, and the setting was gorgeous. I fancy a trip to the Little Duck Pond Cafe myself!

Click to buy the book.

About the author:

Rosie Green has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. Back then they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by ‘the baddies’. Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all, unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

​Rosie’s brand new series of novellas is centred on life in a village cafe. Summer at The Little Duck Pond Cafe, published on 18th June 2018, follows the first in the series, Spring at The Little Duck Pond Cafe. Don’t miss Christmas at the Little Duck Pond Cafe now available for preorder.

You can find Rosie on Twitter.

Thank you, Rosie, for two great reads! Thank you, also to Rachel of Rachel’s Random Resources for the advance copy of Summer at the Little Duck Pond Cafe, and for having me along as part of the blog tour.

My reviews are posted on Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx

 

An interview with Christine Stovell.

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Today, I am delighted to welcome Choc Lit author Christine Stovell to my blog. Thank you for agreeing to join me Christine and for answering my questions, aimed at discovering more about you and your novella, Moonbeams in a Jar.

For those who haven’t yet encountered your wonderful, stand-alone novella, Moonbeams in a Jar, give us your elevator pitch:

Control-freak Chloe and adrenaline-junkie Ryan have fallen hard for each other, but neither is willing to compromise their lifestyle until fate intervenes in the form of their dogs, Wilma and Fred.

This was my first visit to your fictional seaside town, Little Spitmarsh, and I loved it. If Chloe wrote a postcard home, how might she describe the location?

“No wonder so few people have heard of Little Spitmarsh! It’s a really isolated seaside town divided from its neighbours by miles of salt marsh and hemmed in by the sea. I love the sense of loneliness about the landscape, but apparently the place was struggling to survive until a smart restaurant opened. There’s a story that the woman who runs the boatyard here was bitterly opposed to the guy who opened the restaurant but now they’re married! These days, Little Spitmarsh retains its salty character but also has a smattering of galleries, cool vintage shops and even an annual film festival. For me, though, the backwaters here will always be very special; in winter the raw north wind can cut you to the bone, but in summer the sky over the marshes shimmers with heat and birdsong. Most importantly, of course, it’s the place where I first met Ryan!”

I enjoyed Chloe’s trip to Hong Kong and recently read that you visited with your hubby. For those planning to go what three romantic musts, would you recommend?

Yes, you’re right – it was a fabulous holiday of a lifetime to a city of dramatic contrasts. Anyone who reads Moonbeams in a Jar might spot one or two of my favourite romantic musts, but it won’t spoil the story to tell you that I absolutely loved crossing Victoria harbour on the Star ferries, especially under a full moon. Seeing the city in the glow of first light from our hotel room was rather wonderful as was soaring through the sky in a crystal cable car. Like Chloe, I also had my fortune told… but I’m still waiting for fame, wealth and the shedloads of sales for my books I was promised. I suspect the fortune teller might have been pulling my leg just a little.

Where did the inspiration come from for your swoon-worthy leading man, Ryan Green?

I honestly don’t know! I can say, hand-on-heart, that I never set out to ‘create’ a leading-man and I only meet them when my heroines do. I was delighted to meet Ryan as he happens to be rather lush, lucky Chloe!

I have a soft spot for dogs, real and fictional. Wilma, the dachshund, and Fred, the basset hound, were both great contributors to the action. Were they based on furry friends in your life?

Wilma and Wurst, a dachsie who makes a guest appearance in my novella, Only True in Fairy Tales, both share character traits with Zorba (pictured above) a miniature dachshund who was the great dog love of my life. He was a renowned hunter and destroyer of footwear and was the only living creature to stick his nose in Dad’s slippers and survive. It broke my heart when we lost him.

What a great picture, Zorba looks a fabulous character and I completely understand the heartbreak of your loss.

Finally, five for fun:

  1. Sweet or savoury? Dark chocolate – I’m an addict!
  2. TV or radio? Spotify; I love a good Spotify-fest
  3. Paperback or e-reader? E-reader – I know that causes people a sharp intake of breath, but I’m a fast reader and I like having lots of books at hand to choose from.
  4. Posh frock or joggers? Skinny jeans and running leggings (not at the same time!).
  5. Sun or Snow? Sunshine all the way.

My review:

Moonbeams in a Jar is a lovely story, with likeable lead characters, great settings, and dogs (always a plus)!

I hadn’t read Christine Stovell’s previous Little Spitmarsh stories, but it didn’t matter, I soon felt right at home in the seaside town. I was drawn to the characters, especially the rather lovely Ryan who has plenty of swoon appeal.

I particularly enjoyed the trip to Hong Kong, not just because it was delightfully romantic but also because it was an unexpected location. I read many romance novels and haven’t been transported to this setting before. It was a real treat as the author brought the city to life and wowed me with its charms.

As a novella, this was the ideal length for reading en route to my holiday and made my time away start with a smile. A fab little holiday read!

Publisher: Choc Lit
Genre: Contemporary romance, novella

Links to buy the book Amazon UK | Amazon.Com | Kobo | 

About the author:

Winning a tin of chocolate in a national essay competition at primary school inspired to Christine Stovell to become a writer. Setting off, with her husband, from a sleepy seaside resort on the east coast in a vintage wooden boat to sail halfway round Britain provided the inspiration for her ‘Little Spitmarsh’ series of novels, but never cured her seasickness although she continues to sail.

As well as writing long and short contemporary romantic fiction and poetry, Christine has written features for various magazines and is a regular contributor to The English Home magazine.

Christine lives on the beautiful west Wales coast where long-distance running helps her plan her plots. Half marathons, she thinks, especially when the going gets tough, are like novels; both begin with small steps.

You can discover more about Christine and her writing here: Blog | Twitter | Facebook |

Thank you for taking part in my Q&A and for the great read, Christine. My reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads. xx