Review of Spring on the Little Cornish Isles by Phillipa Ashley - Five **

And a VERY special treat!! See below:


Blurb

Fans of Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews will love this gorgeous new book from the author of the bestselling Cornish Café series.

Jess has lived at the idyllic flower farm on the Isles of Scilly her whole life, but when her boyfriend Adam leaves without explanation, Jess discovers that even her little slice of Cornish heaven can be lonely.

For the first time in Will’s life, he’s met someone he can’t stop thinking about. But nothing is simple when the woman of your dreams is working for you.

Gaby is running away from painful memories, and where could be more perfect than a remote island off the Cornish coast? But to put the past behind her, she must keep moving … however much she might want to stay.

Nothing is simple, even on paradise. Will love bloom for the residents of the little Cornish Isles?

Review:

Oh how I love Phillipa's books and this series is the best so far! I thought several times that she would make a great travel writer, so lovely are the descriptions of the Scilly Isles. The characters are strong and I learned so much about flower production. I'm deeply appreciative of all the flower growers do - I rush out to buy daffs in January!

I love series because we can catch up with characters and places in previous books. And this was no exception.

Absolutely gorgeous book and can't wait for Summer!!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

And now for the treat! 

Phillipa has kindly agreed to share her writing tips with us and here is Part 1. Part 2 will follow in Charlotte's blog https://wp.me/p8iigH-1aE on 4th March :)

MY TOP TIPS

FOR WRITING A NOVEL

I can hardly believe that Spring on the Little Cornish Isles: the Flower Farm is my 16^th published novel. I well remember the days when I was struggling to write my debut, Decent Exposure in 2005/6 and couldn’t imagine how authors wrote more than one book!

Now I know. Eventually, experience and practice does pay off. You hone your skills, gain confidence in your writing voice and learn which techniques help you to complete a book and fix any issues. I was very lucky that my debut was eventually completed and published by Hachette. It went on to win the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon prize for Debut Authors and was made into a TV movie.

I’ve now been an author for over 13 years and I’m still on a journey, rather than at my destination.So, for what it’s worth, here are a few tips for getting started and finishing your novel.

1.         Don’t take any notice of writing tips… Every writer is unique and the most important thing is to develop your own voice and a writing process that works for you. Don’t be fooled by claims on websites that you can produce a novel in a day/a week/while watching a box set and flipping pancakes by simply downloading this Foolproof Amazing Guide for only $399.

2.         If you do take any notice of writing tips, make sure they are from authors whose work you admire and who have a well-established track record of publishing success, either with reputable publishers or as a well-proven independent (self) publisher. They should all tell you that your work will need to be edited. Anyone who claims their work doesn’t need editing – steer clear!

3.         Write as often as you can. You will probably have to give up other things to do this: cleaning, eating etc – but like a professional athlete, sacrifices will have to be made until you achieve your goal and thereafter until you can afford to employ a butler.

4.         Don’t give up the day job. Not yet… and possibly not ever.

5.         Read widely within the genre you are writing and outside of it. I read plenty of romantic novels but I also love historical adventure and non-fiction. Nowadays, my time and attention span are limited after a day spent at the screen so I tend to read in short bursts, enjoy short stories or read newspapers and magazines.

Amazon UK

Morning one and all!

Something a little different. I am reading a fab book at the moment called Aphrodite's Tears by Hannah Fielding.

If you're into Greek islands, romance and Greek Mythology, then this is the book for you!

Blurb:

In Hannah Fielding’s latest novel a young archaeologist who travels to the remote island of Helios to investigate an ancient shipwreck, becomes caught in a web of dark obsession, mystery and seduction.

In ancient Greece, one of the twelve labours of Hercules was to bring back a golden apple from the Garden of Hesperides. To archaeologist Oriel Anderson, joining a team of Greek divers on the island of Helios seems like the golden apple of her dreams.

Yet the dream becomes a nightmare when she meets the devilish owner of the island, Damian Lekkas. In shocked recognition, she is flooded with the memory of a romantic night in a stranger’s arms, six summers ago. A very different man stands before her now, and Oriel senses that the sardonic Greek autocrat is hell-bent on playing a cat and mouse game with her.

As they cross swords and passions mount, Oriel is aware that malevolent eyes watch her from the shadows. Dark rumours are whispered about the Theodorakis family. What dangers lie in Helios: a bewitching land where ancient rituals are still enacted to appease the gods, young men risk their lives in the treacherous depths of the Ionian Sea, and the volatile earth can erupt at any moment?

Will Oriel find the hidden treasures she seeks? Or will Damian’s tragic past catch up with them, threatening to engulf them both? 

It's not out until January, but here is a little video taster for you all!


https://www.youtube.com/embed/rYEE8SfQFVM

I'm really sorry to have to write this, but I've lost my reading mojo! Am having problems concentrating on anything and so, for now, I'm taking a break.

Any I do manage to read, I will review on Amazon & Goodreads. Also on NetGalley, if the publishers don't withdraw my auto-approval, which I will quite understand if they do! I won't be blogging.

Sorry to let you down, but this time of year is bad for me - I suffer from SAD and won't start cheering up until January!

PS I will still be supporting a few chosen authors! Can't give up completely lol!

My turn for the Blog Tour for the amazing "The Little Village Christmas" from the equally amazing Sue Moorcroft!! 

A BIG 5**

Blurb: 

The #1 bestseller returns with an irresistibly festive tale that you won’t be able to put down!

Alexia Kennedy – interior decorator extraordinaire – has been tasked with giving the little village of Middledip the community café it’s always dreamed of.

After months of fundraising, the villagers can’t wait to see work get started – but disaster strikes when every last penny is stolen. With Middledip up in arms at how this could have happened, Alexia feels ready to admit defeat.

But help comes in an unlikely form when woodsman, Ben Hardaker and his rescue owl Barney, arrive on the scene. Another lost soul who’s hit rock bottom, Ben and Alexia make an unlikely partnership.

However, they soon realise that a little sprinkling of Christmas magic might just help to bring this village – and their lives – together again…

Settle down with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine as you devour this irresistibly festive Christmas tale. The perfect read for fans of Carole Matthews and Trisha Ashley.

Review:

I've never read a book by Sue that I haven't give 5* - and this one is very near the top! It's a lovely story of fighting against the odds, letting people in and changing one's dreams.

The star of the show is Barney "Hehhhh" and I absolutely loved following his development. The humans were interesting too ;) I loved the way Alexia had to adjust her hopes and dreams. I've done a similar leap, as I was once an IT Project Manager and am now a petsitter and book reviewer! It takes some courage to turn your back on "The Plan" and adapt to "what is". 

Ben is a lovely bloke - one of my favourite heroes. A very understated man but the love he has for Barney gives the reader a clue as to his warm personality and practical nature.

This was a lovely return to Middledip; I hadn't realised how much I'd missed it! Thank you Sue xxx

Amazon UK: £2.99

Amazon US - $9.84 (Paperback)

My turn for the Blog Tour for Darcie Boleyn's lovely, warm Christmas book, Christmas at Conwenna Cove - and it's a cracker! 5**

Blurb:

A heartwarming, romantic and Christmassy novel set in the gorgeous Cornish village of Conwenna Cove.

When Grace Phillips travels to Conwenna Cove to help her parents move there 30 years after their honeymoon in the village, she sees why they fell in love with the place. The festive decorations, carols in the air and constant supply of delicious mince pies certainly make it hard to leave. Grace soon meets local vet Oli Davenport and initially finds him rude, but learning about his passion for animals and how much he cares for his two kids helps Grace to see a softer side to Oli.

It’s been three years since Oli lost his wife to cancer. Though he loves eleven-year-old Amy and five-year-old Tom more than anything it’s hard to be mum and dad. He has no interest in romance until he crosses paths with beautiful and kind-hearted Grace. The sparks fly but both Oli and Grace are holding onto fear about letting someone into their heart.

As the snow falls and Christmas wishes come true can Conwenna Cove work its magic and help Grace and Oli find the happiness they both deserve?

Review:

I've never disliked a book by Darcie so I was really looking forward to this one. It's the second in the Conwenna Cove series but can easily be read as a stand alone. (Although you're missing a treat if you don't read Summer at Conwenna Cove as well!) 

I loved this one - you never disappoint, Darcie!.

I'm not going to summarise the story - that's what the blurb is for. Suffice to say there's a lot more to it than the blurb indicates. The children are lovely - Oli, the recalcitrant vet is a wonderful character and Grace is very, very human! And there are animals, particularly a gorgeous greyhound!

Really hope there are more to come in this series - I so enjoy the warmth in these books!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK - £1.99

Final day of the Blog Tour for The Woolly Hat Knitting Club by Poppy Dolan and it's my turn!

Definitely a 5* read!!

Blurb:

Finding happiness one stitch at a time.

When Dee Blackthorn’s brother, JP, breaks both wrists not only is he in need of a helping hand – or two – but the knitting shop he owns can’t function. Sisterly duties take Dee away from her demanding job and she is unceremoniously fired amidst scandalous office rumours. Dee is certain that her hot-shot nemesis, Ben, is behind it all.

Back in the village of Fenwild where JP's shop resides, Dee bumps into Becky, an old friend who is new mum to a premature baby. Desperate to help Becky, Dee convinces JP to enlist his knitting pals to make tiny woolly hats to keep the little one warm. Seeing how grateful her friend is, Dee makes it her mission to help lots of other premature babies. When Ben turns up denying involvement in Dee’s sacking she is initially furious, but hears him out before roping him into helping the knitting cause.

But before long Dee’s good intentions backfire and she risks losing her friends, her family and Ben, who’s turned out to be not so bad after all…

A feel-good romantic comedy about life, love and knitting, The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Tilly Tennant and Carole Matthews.

See inside for an exclusive baby hat knitting pattern from Poppy Dolan! 

Review:

I'm a procrastinating knitter was was delighted when asked to review this book. (I can knit, just hate sewing up!)

I've read a lot of books recently and many I have had to skim as they haven't held my interest. Not in this case!

And I certainly wasn't disappointed. Dee is a high-powered business woman forced to abandon her job when her brother breaks his wrists. There's more to it than that, but no spoilers. Her brother JP is a chilled guy into knitting and they come up with a brainwave to help premature babies.

But can Dee put her business head aside and do this for the love of the action, or will she have to spin it? Can she disregard her loathing of Ben long enough to see who he really is? And if he is the good man he swears to be, who was the troublemaker?

Lovely warm and affectionate read with laughs and tears - lovely read!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Amazon UK - £1.99

My turn for another exciting Blog Tour!!

Review of The Secrets You Keep by Kate White - 4**

Blurb:

You’ve lost your memory. A woman has been murdered. Your husband is keeping secrets. How do you know who to trust?

Months after a being involved in a terrible car crash, Bryn Harper is physically healed but her emotional scars remain raw. She has no memory of the accident and is plagued with bad dreams.

When Bryn and her husband, Guy, host a dinner party Bryn swears money has been stolen while Guy seems unfazed. Bryn confronts the caterer that night and is horrified to discover the woman’s brutally slain body the next day.

As the case is investigated, Bryn is dragged into a fresh nightmare and learns that Guy is keeping things from her. Another murder occurs and Bryn realises the danger is getting ever closer to home. How well does Bryn really know the man she loves?

For fans of psychological suspense and compulsive mysteries, don’t miss this tense and page-turning novel. Before I Go to Sleep meets The Husband’s Secret.

Review:

This book kept me guessing from beginning to end! You have no idea who the bad guys are - you have no real idea who the good guys are either!

It is an excellent psychological thriller. The characters are all very believable and I found myself saying, "Is it her? Is it him?" several times throughout the book! 

And, incredibly, Kate manages to make us doubt Bryn - the central character. Is she just making things up? Why does nobody believe her?

A very enjoyable (if that's the right word) read and I shall definitely look for more by Kate White.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My review of Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles: The Driftwood Inn (The Little Cornish Isles, Book 1) - 5**

(Points for longest title lol!)

Blurb:

Christmas has arrived on the Cornish Isles of Scilly, bringing mistletoe, surprises and more than a sprinkle of romance . . . Fans of Poldark and Carole Matthews will love this brand-new festive read from the author of the bestselling Cornish Café series.

For Maisie Samson, this Christmas is going to be different. After years working in a busy Cornish pub, she’s moved back to quiet Gull Island where she grew up, to help her parents run the family inn.

But even though she can’t wait for the festive season to arrive, Maisie cannot shake the memories of what happened to her last Christmas – the day she lost everything. She keeps herself busy, setting up the tree and hanging mistletoe ready for her first proper family Christmas in years.

Until a new arrival to the island walks into her bar and changes everything. Australian backpacker Patrick is looking for a job for the low season. When Maisie takes him on, she doesn’t expect him to last the week, but to her surprise Patrick is the perfect fit. Charming and handsome, could Maisie allow herself to hope that she and Patrick could be more than just colleagues?

As Christmas approaches, Maisie finds herself dreading the spring, when Patrick is due to leave. With the help of a little Christmas magic, can Maisie get the happily ever after she always dreamed of?

Christmas on the Little Cornish Isles is the first in a stunning new series from Phillipa Ashley. The perfect book to snuggle up with this Christmas.

Review:

You'd be "Scilly" not to read this!

Phillipa - if you ever decide to change genres - you'd make a great travel book writer! The descriptions of the Gull Island and the Scilly Islands in general, made me want to hop straight on a plane/boat! It is now definitely a bucket-list destination.

Maisie runs the pub and is hard-working, determined and susceptible. Aussie backpacker Patrick arrives and stays, working in the pub. The attraction is enormous but they both have baggage - Patrick a lot more than Maisie! There are a couple of twists to the story that I wasn't expecting, although hints had been given, had I noticed them!

This is the first of a series and I am really looking forward to the next ones. For personal reasons, I shall be following Patrick's story closely but look forward to seeing how the other characters' destinies are fulfilled.

Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK - £2.49

Sound the Trumpets!!!

A Very Special Cover Reveal!

The Captain's Daughter (Choc Lit) (Cornish Tales Book 2) by Victoria Cornwall

Isn't it gorgeous?? Here's the blurb:

Beware the strength of a quiet woman

After a family tragedy, Janey Carhart was forced from her comfortable middle-class life as a captain’s daughter into domestic servitude. Determined to make something of herself, Janey eventually finds work as a lady’s maid at the imposing Bosvenna Manor on the edge of Bodmin Moor, but is soon caught between the two worlds of upstairs and downstairs, and accepted by neither, as she cares for her blind mistress.

Desperately lonely, Janey catches the attention of two men – James Brockenshaw and Daniel Kellow. James is heir to the Bosvenna estate, a man whose eloquent letters to his mother warm Janey’s heart and whose attentions to her when he returns home set her pulse racing. Daniel Kellow is a neighbouring farmer with a dark past and a brooding nature, yet with a magnetism that disturbs Janey. Two men. Who should she choose? Or will fate decide?

About the author:

Victoria Cornwall can trace her Cornish roots as far back as the 18th century. This background and heritage has given her an understanding and knowledge of Cornish rural life, which is the inspiration for her writing.

Following a fulfilling twenty-five year career as a nurse, a change in profession finally allowed her time to write in her favourite genre - historical romance.

She is married with two grown up children.The Captain’s Daughter is the second novel in her Cornish Tales series. 

My review for her previous novel, The Thief's Daughter

What a wonderful debut novel from Victoria Cornwall! I'm not usually an historic romance fan but I was swept up in the story and the beautiful scenery descriptions.
Jenna and Jack's relationship has highs, lows and strong arguments! I love a relationship that isn't black and white and this one is very colourful! I also enjoyed Jenna's attempt to escape her past and not be painted with the same brush as her family.
As my readers know, I am a great fan of Choc Lit and this is yet another book worthy of them. I look forward to Victoria's next book.

Here are the links to pre-order:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Captains-Daughter-Choc-Cornish-Tales-ebook/dp/B075JNYRGG/r

https://geo.itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-captains-daughter-choc-lit/id1271370193?mt=11&at=11lNBs

https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-captain-s-daughter-13

Review of Deadly Intent by Sheryl Browne - 5 huge **


Blurb:

Tormented to the edge of sanity …
 
Just when DI Matthew Adams thinks he’s left the past behind him, it comes back to haunt him once again; this time in the form of the Conner family.

Like Matthew, the Conners have lost a child in tragic circumstances – and they’ve also found themselves in the hands of one of the most depraved criminals to walk the streets: ‘Dead-eyed’ Charlie Roberts, a drug addicted low-life with a penchant for extreme violence.
Matthew’s greatest affinity lies with Daniel Conner, the brooding father who still blames himself for his youngest child’s death. 
But when Daniel’s wife and daughter are tortured and tormented by Roberts, can Matthew prevent him from completely ruining his own life for an act of revenge particularly when, once upon a time, that’s exactly what Matthew would have done too?

Review:

Have you any idea how hard it is to read a book when you're holding your breath the whole way through? I'm surprised I survived the experience!

Sheryl is the mistress of the thriller. Her D I Adams' series is absolutely terrifying and this has to be the scariest yet. Daniel Conner is a tormented soul but when the chips are down, he is one of the most amazing heroes. The tension builds, and builds, and builds....... Matthew Adams is on the trail but it seems to take him forever to trace the whereabouts of scum Charlie Roberts and the Conner family. The psychological abuse Charlie inflicts on the Conners is awful and how they rise above it is astonishing.

Now I'm breathing again, I can recommend this book with absolutely no hesitation. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK - £0.99