Tag Archives: Rachel Gilbey

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

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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.

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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.

Follow the blog tour:

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: Facebook | Twitter | 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.

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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

 

Blog tour, author interview with Carla Luna.

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Today, I am delighted to interview Carla Luna as she celebrates the release of Blue Hawaiian, the first in the Blackwood Cellars series of books.

The blurb:

The first rule of serving as the maid of honor at your perfect sister’s destination wedding?

No mistakes. The second rule? No drama.

For Jess Chavez, a week in Maui is hardly a dream vacation—not when her sister expects her to be the perfect maid of honor. Not only does Jess have to fake perfection, but she can’t let anyone know she’s unemployed and barely scraping by. Above all, she needs to steer clear of Connor Blackwood, the sexy groomsman who broke her heart five years ago.

A family wedding offers Connor the ideal opportunity to convince everyone he’s no longer an irresponsible playboy. If they see he’s changed, they might support his decision to leave the family winery and strike out on his own. With so much at stake, the last thing he needs is an alluring distraction like Jess.

When Jess and Connor end up together, exploring the island’s lush, tropical beauty, the sparks between them become impossible to ignore. Throwing caution to the wind, they decide to make their ownrules.

Five days of passion. No strings. No tears. No promises.

What could possibly go wrong?

Purchase Links: Amazon.UK | Amazon.com

A story set in Maui sounds like the ideal way to escape right now; what made you choose this setting?

I wanted to write a series of books set at three different destination weddings, and Maui was the first location that came to mind. I spent my honeymoon there, and I still consider it a wonderfully romantic place, plus there’s loads to do.

I like to share feel-good reads. What do you consider to be the top three feel-good things about your novel, Blue Hawaiian?

  1. The joy of reconnecting with an old flame and realising the spark is still there.
  2. Spending time outdoors in a beautiful tropical setting.
  3. Delicious food!

I love the sound of your lead characters; if you were casting for the film of Blue Hawaiian (we can all dream), who would you like to play Jess and Connor, and why?

Jess – Gina Rodriguez (from the TV show “Jane the Virgin”) because she’s Latina and I like the humour she infuses into her character.

Connor – Colin O’Donoghue (best known as Hook from the TV series “Once Upon a Time”), who’s got the looks and the smolder.

OO great choices! Finally, before you go what is your favourite place or way to enjoy a good read and please could you answer my five for fun, quick questions?

I love going outside on a gorgeous sunny day and sitting at my patio table with a good paperback.

Coffee or tea? Coffee, preferably Fresh Roast.
Dog of cat? I’m a cat person.
Theatre or concert? Theatre, I’m a big fan of musicals.
Favourite film? Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Swimming pool or the sea? The sea because I love wave jumping.

About the author:

Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. When she’s not writing, she works in a spice emporium where she gets paid to discuss food and share her favorite recipes. Her passions include Broadway musicals, baking, whimsical office supplies, and pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Victoria, B.C., she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her spoiled Siberian cat.

 Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 

Thank you so much for stopping by, Carla. I wish you every success with Blue Hawaiian and the rest of your blog tour. For those who would like to follow along, check out Rachel’s Random Resources and these great blogs:

Review of Georgina Troy’s Winter Whimsy.

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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