Blog Tour – One Winter’s Night by Kiley Dunbar

The official blurb

A gorgeously uplifting, romantic read that will warm your heart – take a trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon, where magic happens…

It’s autumn in beautiful Stratford-Upon-Avon and Kelsey Anderson is enjoying her new life in her adopted town. Her Shakespearean tour guide days behind her, she’s now opened her own photography studio and loved up with boyfriend Jonathan – even if a long-distance relationship is sometimes lonely.

When best friend Mirren Imrie moves down from Scotland, Kelsey is delighted to have her friend at her side – and as the nights turn colder, Mirren throws herself into dating, until she finds herself growing closer to sexy journalist, Adrian Armadale. But when Mirren uncovers a long-buried scandal while working at the local newspaper, her big scoop might throw Kelsey’s – and Jonathan’s – life upside down. Will she choose her career over her friends’ happiness?

And when Jonathan returns from America and discovers the secrets Mirren has uncovered about his family, it throws his relationship with Kelsey onto shaky ground. Can they find their way back to love, before it becomes the winter of their discontent?

A romantic, funny and feelgood read that will make you smile from ear to ear. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will fall in love with this cosy winter read!

Purchase Links

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Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book as a stand-alone issue; not having read the previous instalment was not an issue as there were no aspects that were left unexplained.

The story revolves around Kelsey Anderson and Mirren Imrie, best friends from Scotland who tell each other everything.  Kelsey is now living in Stratford upon Avon, excited about the prospect of her long-distance boyfriend moving to be with her.  She just needs to get through the winter.  Mirren’s world is gradually falling apart since she ended things with her boyfriend and moved back in with her mother.  When Mirren’s position as a journalist with an Edinburgh broadsheet is compromised, she flees to the home of the Bard and moves in with Kelsey.

The characters in this delightful book are all quite wonderful.  In particular, I loved Kelsey’s glorious neighbour, Blythe Goode.  She was, in my mind, a composite of some of the old-time acting characters and I would love to meet her. 

This book really set the tone as my TBR pile moves into a celebration of all things Christmas.  Whilst this is not strictly a Christmas book, it takes place over the magical winter months where romance is the order of the day.

Mirren’s story, and her attraction to journalist Adrian Armadale, is the source of the action and comedy in this tale that William Shakespeare would probably have been proud of.

Kiley Dunbar is certainly taking her well earned place in my favourite writers’ chart and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Author Bio

Hi, I’m Kiley Dunbar, author of heart-warming, escapist, romantic fiction set in beautiful places.

If you’re looking for travel adventures, swoony heroes, and dreamy escapism that will let you forget the world just for a wee while then I’m your author.

Take your pick from my first three novels:

Summer at the Highland Coral Beach (2020), the first in the Port Willow Bay Series, takes you on an impromptu crafting holiday in the Scottish Highlands and reminds us that after the storm comes the rainbow. Crafts, ceilidhs, coral bays and gentle recovery. (Part two coming September 2021 – both parts can be read alone)

Christmas at Frozen Falls (2019) will fly you to snowy, remote Finnish Lapland over Christmas where Sylvie Magnussen is getting a second chance at love with an old flame – sexy Stellan Virtanen – the one who got away – well, he ran away actually, and Sylvie never understood why. Hot kisses in a cold climate, Northern lights and a stunning resort setting. (Standalone novel)

One Summer’s Night (2019) whisks you away on a working staycation in beautiful Stratford-upon-Avon during a sultry heatwave summer. Kelsey Anderson, Shakespeare nerd and aspiring photographer, navigates her new life in a new town. A starting over story, handsome actors, backstage passes, and a whole lot of drama in the Heart of England. (Sequel coming September 2020 – both parts can be read alone)

And if you’ve enjoyed one of my books I’d be thrilled if you left a review! Thanks a million, Love, Kiley, x

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Blog Tour – A Summer to Remember in Herring Bay by Angela Britnell.

The Official blurb

Essy Havers is good at finding things. Her company specialises in helping clients track down anything, from missing china pieces to rare vintage clothing. But now Essy has something more important to find: herself.
Essy has always been curious about her mother’s secret past and her Cornish roots. So, when the opportunity arises, she hops on a plane in Tennessee and ends up in Herring Bay in Cornwall; the village where her mother grew up.
But once there, she’s mystified by the reactions of the villagers when they realise who she is. Was Essy’s decision to visit Cornwall a mistake, or will it lead to a summer she’ll never forget?

Review

What a treat this story is!  Essy Havers’ mother, Paula Barnecutt, left Herring Bay over thirty years ago.  The reason is a closely guarded secret that even Essy doesn’t know.  Essy arrives in Herring Bay having flown in from Tennessee; she knows nobody and has the address of her Aunt who still lives in the Bay.

Almost immediately, on arrival, Essy meets Ruan, the confidently dressed architect whose father’s disappearance seems to be entangled with Paula’s departure.  The first thing that Essy discovers is that uncovering the truth behind her mother’s relocation and the sudden disappearance of Ruan’s father, will not be easy.

There is a wealth of wonderful characters in this book.  Aunt Molly, Paula’s sister, who has remained single despite being one of the warmest and kindest people in the bay.  Vera Pascow, Ruan’s mother, who despite having been abandoned by her husband, still wears her wedding ring and clearly still carries him in her heart.  Uncle Dick who left Herring Bay for an unknown reason and begrudgingly returns after an accident.  Finally, retired Minister, Conan Worthington.  Can he help unlock the secrets that have torn apart so many lives?

The setting of the fictional Herring Bay sounded lovely with a rich array of characters.  The bay itself is a poor relation to the more famous Fistral Beach and the many surrounding resorts. That said, I would love to visit and have a glass of something cool in the Smugglers’ Arms and a pasty from Wakeham’s bakery. There are plenty of moments which allow the reader to think that they know where the story is going but Angela Britnell is in charge and you have to work for your happy ending.

I do hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did.

Purchase Here

Author Bio

Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee to visit family and friends, drink tea and eat far too many Cornish pasties!

A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she’s visited or lived on her extensive travels. Thanks to over three decades of marriage to her wonderful American husband she’s a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers. Her first novel ‘Truth and Consequence’ was published in 2006 and she’s now had over 30 novels published internationally and several short stories in women’s magazines.

If you’d like to find out more of what Angela gets up to (Advance warning: this may include references to wine, dark chocolate, Poldark and the hunky Aidan Turner) check out:

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Blog Tour – Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls by Holly Martin

Official blurb from Amazon

Clover Philips is exactly where she’s meant to be – back home on Jewel Island teaching dance to the guests at the beautiful Sapphire Bay Hotel that she co-owns with her sisters Skye and Aria. Her life is complete, except for one thing…

When Clover left London she also left behind a devastating betrayal. She hasn’t been able to date anyone since, let alone allow herself to fall in love. What she needs is a casual fling to ease herself back into romance. And as luck would have it, the very handsome Angel Mazzeo is back in town.

The chemistry between Clover and Angel has been undeniable ever since Angel first arrived on Jewel Island six months ago. And though content to be her friend till now, Angel is more than willing to help Clover find her dating feet again.

It should be easy to keep things carefree when love is off the table, but when every moment is magical what started as casual soon becomes something much deeper. Will Clover and Angel find the courage to tell each other how they really feel? And is Clover ready to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again, fall in love?

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This lovely book takes us back to Jewel Island for another instalment in the lives of Sisters, Clover, Skye and Aria.  The focus is mainly on Clover and her developing friendship with Angel.  The story is far too lovely to ruin with a spoiler so I shall just reassure you that buying this book will make you happy!

I thoroughly enjoyed Clover and Angel’s story and overcoming Clover’s unhappy past with her ex.  The tale is gentle and shows a deep understanding for a fragile heart and mind.

Skye and Aria still figure in the story and it was good to see that their lives are still filled with a high level of romance.

The story plays out during the Island’s Halloween celebrations and it was fun to experience all of the events that the hotel has to offer.

I didn’t find a single negative with this book and completed reading in one sitting; it is a wonderful story and I would highly recommend settling down with this book, a hot chocolate and a cosy blanket.

About the author (courtesy of Amazon author page)

Holly lives in a little white cottage by the sea. She 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 her colleagues received the much coveted carriage clock for fifteen years’ service was the moment when she knew she had to escape. She quit her job and returned to university to train to be a teacher. Three years later, she emerged wide eyed and terrified that she now had responsibility for the development of thirty young minds. She taught for four years and then escaped the classroom to teach history workshops, dressing up as a Viking one day and an Egyptian High Priestess the next. But the long journeys around the UK and many hours sat on the M25 gave her a lot of time to plan out her stories and she now writes full time, doing what she loves.

Holly has been writing for 8 years. She was shortlisted for the New Talent Award at the Festival of Romance. Her short story won the Sunlounger competition and was published in the Sunlounger anthology. She won the Carina Valentine’s competition at the Festival of Romance 2013 with her novel The Guestbook. She was shortlisted for Best Romantic Read, Best eBook and Innovation in Romantic Fiction at the Festival of Romance 2014. She is the bestselling author of 18 books

Find Holly Martin’s back catalogue here.   Follow Holly on Twitter.

Life After You by Sian O’Gorman

Official blurb from Amazon

Milly Bryne’s world came crashing down when she lost her beloved Dad and boyfriend in a matter of weeks.
Losing her Dad has broken her family. Losing her soul mate made has made her give up on life and love.
After swerving from stability to chaos to despair, Milly finally believes she has her life back on track when the unexpected return of a familiar face to Ireland throws her life once more into a spin.
Milly is forced to decide if her new life is the one for her, or if there is another path that will bring even greater riches of joy, excitement and fun into her world.
Life just isn’t worth living if your heart isn’t in it?

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is really, rather special.  It tells the story of Milly Byrne, whose life was set adrift when her Dad died and then her boyfriend walked out on her.  Milly has thrown herself into work as a corporate lawyer and is satisfied to accept her unexciting relationship with mummy’s boy Ryan.

Her boss, Catriona, is a workaholic who won’t let something as trivial as childbirth interfere with her professional commitments.  Siobhan, Milly’s childhood best friend, is stuck in a boring relationship with the loyal and dependable George.  Mary Murphy has lived in her flat since marrying; Frederick may be dead, but Mary wants to keep her flat and all the memories that it holds for her.  No amount of bullying from Alpha Holdings will move her!

When a new wine bar opens in the neighbourhood, nobody could imagine the changes that life is about to witness.

I found this story to be lovely.  The friendly interactions between Milly and Catriona reminded me of my school friendships.  There is a special fondness when someone has known you for years.  Darragh and Lorenzo brought the love interests in spades and I cried when Darragh spoke about his decision to leave her.

Mary and her cat brought a special layer to the tale with the identity of Alpha Holdings being revealed and the uncanny incarnation of Frederick, the cat.

There’s a lot going on in this story and Sian manages to balance all of the different elements beautifully.  This is a book that will make you laugh out loud and, if you’re a sap like me, it may even bring a few tears.

Learn more about Sian O’Gorman here.   Follow Sian on Twitter.

Blog Tour – Summer at My Sister’s by Emily Harvale

Twin sisters. One scorching summer.

A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. 


Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.

Purchase here

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As a long-time fan of Emily Harvale’s book, I was excited to be invited on this blog tour.  Summer at my Sister’s is the first in a new series which is set in the southern coastal resort of Sea Horse Harbour.

Sisters, Diana and Josie spent all their Summers in Sea Horse Harbour and, along the way, made many friends.  Diana is now married and has a home in London and a stunning coastal view show house with sea views on three sides.  Josie is living in New York and hasn’t returned to their childhood holiday destination for twenty years.  However, when Josie’s mother calls and says that Diana is withholding a secret which is troubling her, Josie is on the next flight!

What follows is the unravelling of secrets which will have a life-changing effect on the sisters and their family as well as other residents of the picturesque resort.  If you want to know more, I’m afraid that you’ll have to read the book as I don’t give spoilers!

Emily Harvale is gifted when it comes to writing about handsome men and love interests; this lovely book has no shortage of potential suitors, and not just for the sisters. 

One character, in particular, that I loved was Aunt Elsie; sister to the twin’s mum, she is a force of nature and enjoying growing old disgracefully.  More importantly, she acts as a confidante to Josie and their relationship reminded me of mine, with my Aunt.

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!

An exciting update from Emily Harvale

I apologise if you haven’t seen me on social media very much recently but I’ve been exceptionally busy working on lots of exciting stuff (technical term) 😂🤩 for my new book, my website … and a map for my new series of standalone stories set in the tiny village of Seahorse Harbour. 

The map will ‘go live’ on July 31st, publication day for the first in the series, which is … yep, you guessed it, Summer at my sister’s. Let me explain a bit more.

Summer at my sister’s was originally a standalone, but then I had an idea for a Christmas book, so it became a two-book series, with Book 2 featuring a couple of new characters and most of the characters from Summer at my sister’s (with me so far?) ……

Then …. I had an idea for another completely separate story set in the same village (which I’m writing at the mo.) This one has new characters.

So now, each story in this series will be a standalone with new characters … but as each book is set in Seahorse Harbour, you’ll be able to ‘see’ what’s going on with the characters from the previous books, because you can’t help but bump into people in a tiny village, can you?

I have to say, I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!!😍🤩💖🥰 I’ve got so many story ideas, although I’ve only written 2 of the books so far, Summer at my sister’s and the Christmas book, which is called …..

Wait for it……(no, that’s not the title)

Christmas at Aunt Elsie’s

This Christmas book will be available for pre-order from early August. 💖🤩🥰😍

Did I mention that I love this series? And yes – I’m just a little bit over-excited. I can’t wait to share these fabulously feel-good stories with you. I hope you’re a little bit excited too. 🤩💖 xxx

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Emily Harvale

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The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Official blurb from Amazon

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case.

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a real treat.  I find that I enjoy the various TV shows that Richard Osman presents, so it wasn’t surprising to hear his voice, in my head, as I read.

Our four heroes are just perfect, each with their own idiosyncrasies. I particularly enjoyed Ibrahim and his attention to detail and knowledge of facts.

The action is set in the lovely retirement village of Coopers Chase.  Built by Ian Ventham and Tony Curran, there is talk of expansion which includes relocating a graveyard.  Things turn sinister when a murder happens on the doorstep and local police officers, Chris Hudson and Donna De Freitas are tasked with investigating.  Well, Donna is not automatically involved, she’s brought in after interference from The Thursday Murder Club.  As you can imagine, our septuagenarian quartet are determined to solve the case themselves.

The ensuing story is at times both hilarious and poignant as friendships and relationships are scrutinised by Elizabeth and team.

I wanted to read this book as I think that Richard Osman is great and, as a result, I was nervous that I wouldn’t like it.  Happily, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The pace is slow, in parts, but as each element unfolds and secrets are uncovered, I realised that the slower parts are simply building blocks to ensure that the story completes with no loose ends.

Apparently, there is talk of this being the first in a series; I do hope so.

Learn more about Richard Osman here.   Follow Richard on Twitter.

Blog Tour – Tipping Point by Emily Benet

The blurb

The sun … the ocean … the farmhouse … the scammer… the police… the 3-legged dog?

George and Ellen have retired to sunny Mallorca. Social butterfly Ellen is itching to make yacht-owning friends while George’s heart is set on a secluded farmhouse in the country. In fact, now that they’re no longer living busy London lives, they’re beginning to realise they have very different ideas of happiness.

Private investigator Salva specialises in cases of adultery. That’s why it’s particularly embarrassing that he didn’t realise his long-term girlfriend has been cheating on him. He has no time to nurse a broken heart, since his family are the victims of a property scam they urgently need him to solve.

Robyn Chase is giving talks on her self-help book, No More Toxic Relationships – 7 Years, 7 Lessons. She’s finding it awkward being a relationship guru when her own boyfriend is avoiding her.

The sun is shining in Mallorca and everything looks beautiful. But the residents of one particular apartment block are about to discover it all might be too good to be true.

Purchase Links

UK USA

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this quirky tale which has a bit of everything; Sunshine, secrets, scammers and subterfuge.

I was delighted by the characters and, in particular, George and Salva. Both are genuinely lovely guys whose biggest mistake is trusting in others. I found myself rooting for them both to find a happy ending.

The story revolves around the residents of a Mallorcan apartment complex. Some residents are there briefly and others are on holiday. They each have their own quirky problems which are complex and personal but, when their stories start to intertwine, that’s when we reach the eponymous tipping point. Something has to give and the fallout is quite spectacular.

I did enjoy the gentle, budding relationship between Salva and Robyn and I’d like to think that they have a fictional future together.

The story style reminded me of Tom Sharpe and his Wilt or Blott books. If you enjoy that style, then this will be a treat for you.

About the author

Emily Benet is a journalist, award-winning blogger and author of contemporary fiction. Her books include the blog-to-book Shop Girl Diaries, Wattpad hit Spray Painted Bananas and social media romcom #PleaseRetweet. She lives in Mallorca with her husband and daughter and the sunny island is the setting for her latest novels The Hen Party and Tipping Point. She writes regularly for the luxury lifestyle magazine abcMallorca.

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Christmas at Lock Keepers Cottage by Lucy Coleman

Official blurb from Amazon

Imogen Tolliman never knew her mother. And when an accident robs Immi of her father too, she goes to live with her grandfather, Tollie, in his picturesque lock-keeper’s cottage by the Aysbury marina.

Tollie is the star of the Santa Ahoy Special each Christmas – a festive boat ride along the canal that enthralls both children and adults alike. And as Immi grows up, she starts to appreciate the magical community she is lucky enough to live in.

When Immi meets Gray Adams, she instantly realises he’s someone special. And as their relationship gets serious, they start to plan for the Christmas to beat all Christmases.

But as the day approaches, and the romantic snow showers turn into blizzards, their dream of a Christmas to remember, looks set to be one they’ll never forget – for all the wrong reasons. Can they salvage the festivities, or will old secrets that are finally uncovered turn Immi’s life upside down forever?

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoy Lucy Coleman’s books, and this was no exception.  It had all the highs and lows that I would expect from a story of this type but presented differently.

I’m used to the boy meets girl trope, but the meeting was historical in this story with logistics proving to be the major cause of concern.  Can Immi and Gray manage to overcome their commitments to work and family and find a way to be together?

Obviously, I won’t spoil this story for you so, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

The characters in this book are all adorable.  Immi has an extensive, extended family made up of the locals of Aysbury’s canal community.  Tollie, her grandfather has raised Immi and she’s gone from being a troublesome teen to a real joy.  She works two jobs; part time at the marina working for Fisher and part-time at Martin’s garden centre. 

I particularly enjoyed Immi’s relationship with her grandfather and with Fisher; who she sees as a father figure.  Between them, they have organised a popular Christmas boat excursion for the local children.  Fisher has donated the boat, Tollie dresses as Santa and Immi works like a trooper to ensure that everything runs smoothly. 

It made a refreshing change to see the story follow this slightly different path, especially once the blizzards start and Immi must challenge her personal fears and lack of confidence to save Christmas for the residents of the lovely community.

Immi and Gray have a very loving relationship and I found myself hoping that they would find the happiness and success that they both needed in order to settle into their shared life together.

This is a wonderful Christmas tale which I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Learn more about Lucy Coleman here.   Follow Lucy on Twitter.

The Country Escape by Jane Lovering

Official blurb from Amazon

Leaving London and her ex-husband Luc behind, Katie and her 14-year-old daughter Poppy move into their very own, very ramshackle cottage near the village of Christmas Steepleton on the Dorset coast. 

Harvest Cottage has been unloved for many years, so the job of bringing it back to life is a slow and expensive one. So, with funds running low, Katie jumps at the chance when a film company asks to use the cottage as a location.  But even as things are looking up, as harvest time passes and autumn chill starts to bite, the prospect of a cold winter in the country is daunting.

Some light relief comes from new friend Gabriel, so different from Katie’s exuberant but arrogant ex Luc. Will their friendship blossom into something more romantic, or will the reality of a tough country winter send her and Poppy scurrying back to the comforts of town? 

Review

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As I’ve mentioned before, Jane Lovering is one of my favourite authors.  Her books are romantic but not filled with hearts and flowers.  Her characters are, more often than not, flawed and hiding a part of the themselves from scrutiny.  The Country Escape does not disappoint.

I viewed this book as the third in the Seasons by the Sea series.  There is reference to several of the characters that we met in the first two books, but this is definitely enjoyable as a standalone story.

Katie is nursing the scars of a broken marriage; she’s been cheated on and has fled to a remote cottage on the Dorset coastline.  Her daughter, Poppy, is a typical fourteen-year-old who is petulant and blames her mother for ruining her life.  Gabriel is a gentle soul who is clearly smitten with Katie, but his scars run deep and trusting someone is a tough call. 

This series has proved to be wonderful.  I’ve enjoyed the way Jane creates characters who are often removed from usual expectations.  This is not a book about perfect people, yet I loved each one of them.  Special mention must be given to Granny Mary and Patrick.

The Country Escape is a story about facing fears, taking hold of self-doubt and laughing in its face.  Sometimes, it’s in the darkest of times that we realise how restrictive those fears can be.  It’s at that moment that we find the strength cast them aside and take hold of our lives.

Please read this book, you won’t regret it!

Learn more about Jane Lovering here.   Follow Jane on Twitter.

Book Promo – The Counterfeiter’s Daughter by Victoria Marswell

The Blurb

An empathetic psychologist, Madelyn Brighton trusts no one. She maintains a solitary and organized life with a serene view of the beach.
Everything changes when bad news forces her to leave sunny California and travel to Bavaria in south Germany. Amid 19th-century castles and dark family secrets, she must deal with the repercussions of her estranged father’s shocking counterfeiting crimes when she secretly inherits a priceless artifact.
Complications ensue when Madelyn reluctantly partners with the adventurous, blue-eyed archaeologist Jake Nolan. He promises to help her evade Leon Von Füssen, a prominent and wealthy art conservator who keeps them on the run as he tries to get his hands on the valuable museum piece Madelyn hides.
Madelyn finds herself caught in the middle of a rivalry between Jake and Leon. Will she succeed at protecting the innocent victims affected by her father’s mistakes, trust Jake with her safety and open herself to love again? Or will the counterfeiter’s daughter suffer the fallout of her father’s choices?
Join Madelyn on her thrilling journey of romantic suspense—from disillusionment to faith, bitterness to forgiveness, and loneliness to the prospect of love.

Extracts from the book

1)

Sam’s eyes darted to the tiny flame on the edge of the rug. A breath hitched in his chest.

“Next time your wife and kids may not make it to the train so easily.” He wore a hard smile on his face, turned his back and headed toward the door. “Be at the beer garden tonight, seven sharp.” He patted the pocket that concealed the gun and left.

Sam seized a glass from the coffee table, tossed water onto the small fire and stomped on the remaining flames. A billow of smoke rose, setting off the alarm. Grabbing a magazine, he stepped up onto a chair and fanned the soot from the ceiling. He rushed to the front door, slammed it shut then chained and double-bolted the locks.

A tightness gripped his heart. He smacked a flat palm against his chest and sucked in a sharp intake of air. He bustled toward the writing desk in the room’s corner, pulled out a sheet of paper and scribbled a note. Time denied him a moment to dwell on thoughts of Gretchen and the boys.

He only had one chance to react and perhaps, just this once, get it right.

After he penned the letter, he folded it, sealed the back and wrote the name of the one person essential to notify in his despair. Putting on his wool pea coat he shoved the envelope inside his pocket and peered out the balcony.

A silver sedan sat parked across the street. Sam noticed the vehicle when he returned after driving Gretchen and the kids to the Berlin Central train station.

Sam’s hands trembled and he closed the windows overlooking the Brandenburg Gate. The room darkened as he pulled the shades, blocking the little sunlight peeking from the thick gray clouds.

He shuddered. An eerie sensation swirled in the pit of his stomach, spreading to his nerves, that he’d never again see the light of day.

2)

Her heartbeat resounded in her ears and heat prickled her nape. The words blurred into random letters as Madelyn stared at the page. Even if she wanted to go, she had clients depending on her services. She curled her trembling fingers, the paper crunching under her grasp. Pretend she never received the request and forget the whole thing?

Madelyn tossed the crumpled paper in the trash and dropped her head into her hands, massaging her temples. The day had gone from bad to worse. Somehow Sam knew where to find her and yet still never called or reached out. She took a swig of her coffee and choked on the bitter taste mixed with the lukewarm temperature.

Sam was dead… The poor boys, losing their dad so soon, even if Sam wasn’t much of a father to her, she knew the negative effects of an absent parent. Madelyn blew a heavy breath from her mouth, pulled the note from the trash and did a search online for the first available flight to Munich, Germany. She booked an airline ticket and emailed her supervisor with a notification of time off for two weeks’ bereavement period—accounting for travel time, jet lag and unforeseen entanglements with Sam’s family. She sent a quick response to Gretchen.

How weird to think of Sam having a family. For years she attempted to disconnect her heart from any thoughts of Sam. She pressed her fingers against her chest and massaged the burning knot growing inside.

Madelyn slipped on her shoes, grabbed the letter, packed up her laptop and case files to pass on to another crisis counselor. Traveling to a foreign country required extensive planning. She paused, then shook her head. Good thing she kept her passport current. The extent of her international travels was a one-time trip to Canada, despite studying architecture for her dream job as a conservationist of historic buildings, before changing her major to psychology at Cal Poly.

Her heart banged with a heavy thud as she closed her office door. If she dwelled too long on the request, she’d change her mind and stay home. She had to follow her gut reaction and go.

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About the Author

Victoria Marswell is a romance suspense author. Victoria started writing poetry and short stories in her early teens. She majored in biblical studies at Hope International University and incorporates inspirational Christian themes into her writings. Victoria is a world traveler and sets her stories in the locations she has visited. At 17, she traveled to Germany and Austria where she was inspired to write her debut novel, The Counterfeiter’s Daughter. Victoria continues to travel the world; creating and writing romantic and thrilling adventures. She lived in Orange County, CA. for 38 years and currently resides in Portsmouth, NH.

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