Book Escapes with BabsW67

Blog Tour – Life’s a Beach by Portia MacIntosh

Sun, sea and inescapable exes…

Peach is excited to hear that her sister, Di, is getting married. Of course, she would have preferred her little sister to be engaged to someone she’s known longer than a week – and the fact that his name is Charles doesn’t bode well – but who is she to judge?! Afterall, her own love life is non-existent, and who doesn’t love a destination wedding…?

Whisked away to the gorgeous Italian coast, Peach assumes her role as chief bridesmaid and, despite her reservations about the groom, she tries to ensure everything goes to plan.

But weddings are never straightforward affairs… throw in some unexpected guests in the form of ex-boyfriends and one night stands, and soon enough there is more drama than a reality tv show.

Can Peach keep the show on the road, or might she end up in a whirlwind romance of her own…?

Escape to the stunning Italian coast with bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald and Mhairi MacFarlane.

Purchase here

Review

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

Whenever I am invited to review a book by Portia MacIntosh, I know that I’m in for a treat. Life’s a Beach shifted that knowledge up a gear.

We often hear that books are impossible to put down, page-turners, gripping etc. This meets all of the above criteria and then some. I’d just finished reading a more taxing book and this was the perfect ‘palate cleanser’. A laugh a minute packed with repeated hilarious situations and misunderstandings.

The whole premise of this story rests on Peach learning that her sister is going to marry a man that she’s known for a week. Not only is she going to marry him, she’s doing it in a week’s time. To add to Peach’s disgust, the groom is the boy who took her virginity in 6^th form and then lied to everyone about it. Clearly, this marriage cannot go ahead.

Of course, the best man is a one-night stand that ghosted Peach, clearly a sign that this marriage is doomed.

There you have it, the scene is set for a comedy of errors and faux pas which would give the bard a run for his money. From drunken games of spin the bottle, to jealous exes being invited, it’s a non-stop tale of awkward situations.

It’s hard to pick a favourite character, but Cousin Vanessa was a hoot. The kind of girl you want to have on your side, to lift you when you’re feeling down and to always have your best interests at heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was the tonic that I hadn’t realised I needed.

Author Bio:

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real-life experiences.

Social Media and Web links

Disclaimer

Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Blog Tour – A Ration Book Daughter by Jean Fullerton

Not even the Blitz can shake a mother’s love.

Cathy was a happy, blushing bride when Britain went to war with Germany three years ago. But her youthful dreams were crushed by her violent husband Stanley’s involvement with the fascist black-shirts, and even when he’s conscripted to fight she knows it’s only a brief respite – divorce is not an option. Cathy, a true Brogan daughter, stays strong for her beloved little son Peter.

When a telegram arrives declaring that her husband is missing in action, Cathy can finally allow herself to hope – she only has to wait 6 months before she is legally a widow and can move on with her life. In the meantime, she has to keep Peter safe and fed. So she advertises for a lodger, and Sergeant Archie McIntosh of the Royal Engineers’ Bomb Disposal Squad turns up. He is kind, clever and thoughtful; their mutual attraction is instant. But with Stanley’s fate still unclear, and the Blitz raging on over London’s East End, will Cathy ever have the love she deserves?

Purchase here

Review

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

I’ve read a few wartime saga’s, over recent years, and this is definitely as wonderful addition to that library. Having been brought up by parents whose childhoods were spent in the war years, I have watched a number of war related drama series, my favourite was Danger UXB! It was a real treat to find that the bomb disposal squad featured heavily in this story.

Cathy is very much a likeable character, her commitment to her son and family is joyous. I found it hard to discover that her marriage was both loveless and violent. Her Mother in Law, Violet Wheeler is equally as vile as her son, a bully of the worst kind. Obsessed with keeping up appearances, Violet takes every opportunity to paint Cathy as a terrible wife and mother.

Archie’s character is lovely, a talented artist with a scarred heart. To be so far away from family, having lost a spouse, was commonplace and yet seemingly impossible to handle.

One of the harder parts about reading historical fiction, is accepting how different tolerances used to be. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to racism, in any form. Reading the comments, which I know are factual and of a time, wasn’t easy.

The details around the bomb disposal were tense and it was impossible to guess what the outcome of the various threats would be. It goes without saying that not all wartime stories can have happy endings. I was thrilled to discover that this is part of a series, and I will be looking for the others over the coming months.

I found myself hoping that Violet would get her just desserts, that she may be on the receiving end of the type of bigotry she dished out. As I said, not all stories have the happy ending that we hope for, but sometimes…

Author Bio

Born and bred in East London Jean is a District Nurse by trade and has worked as a NHS manager and as a senior lecture in Health and Nursing Studies. She left her day job to become a full-time writer in 2015 and has never looked back.

In 2006 she won the Harry Bowling Prize and now has seventeen sagas published over three series with both Orion and Atlantic all of which are set in East London.

She is an experienced public speaker with hundreds of WI and women’s club talks under her belt, plus for the past fifteen years she has sailed all over the world as an enrichment speaker and writing workshop leader on cruise ships.

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Giveaway to Win 6 x A Ration Book Daughter Paperbacks (Open to UK Only)

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Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Blog Tour – Family Secrets at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Every family has its secrets, and at Hedgehog Hollow there is no exception…

It was always Samantha’s dream to run her beautiful rescue centre, Hedgehog Hollow, full-time. But just as her wish comes true, she becomes a victim of her own kindness when she finds herself with a house full of guests – all with their own problems and secrets – looking to her for support.

When her self-absorbed cousin, Chloe, unexpectedly turns up at the farm – swiftly handing over her baby to Samantha to care for – trouble is definitely brewing. Especially as Chloe won’t tell anyone why she’s left her husband, James…

As Samantha juggles new hedgehog arrivals, family dramas and her own health challenges, it soon becomes clear that she needs to start putting herself first for once. Little does she know that life-changing secrets from the past are about to unravel and turn their lives upside down…

Return to glorious Hedgehog Hollow with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for a heartwarming, emotional but uplifting story of family, friendship and moving on from the past.

Purchase here

Review

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

Each time I read a Hedgehog Hollow book, I am blown away by how powerful the stories are. This is the third in the series and each one is as good as, and slightly better than the last.

Picking up from where the last one left off, Samantha is thrown into turmoil as her cousin, Chloe arrives in tears and clouded in mystery. Already offering a home to her boyfriend’s father and his small family, Samantha’s forced to offer a home to Chloe and her baby.

There’s never a dull moment and, as usual, the hedgehogs take priority as Samantha tries to navigate her way through the complicated mess that Chloe has brought to her doorstep.

Family Secrets is an appropriate title as it absolutely sums up the problems that they cause, and Samantha has to unravel. She has, of course, got the full support of her family and there’s even a chance that hostilities may cease with her estranged mother.

Of course, Chloe’s big secret is life-altering and, as we discover the full details, it’s a truly shocking story. No wonder she ran from James, leaving him stunned and heartbroken. Of course, I don’t include spoilers, so you’ll need to read this book to learn more.

Jessica Redland is becoming a firm favourite author. I love her style of writing and her pull no punches approach to difficult subjects.

I was delighted to discover that this instalment ended on a cliff-hanger, so we’ll be returning to Hedgehog Hollow to catch up on the adventures on the farm.

Author Bio

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Cover Reveal – The Secret Notebook by Julia Wild

When Izzie Dean’s beloved nan, Molly Blackshaw, passes away, Izzie returns to the Blackpool bungalow where she grew up, to say goodbye once and for all. When Izzie’s homecoming reunites her with her first love, Justin Swift, every emotion that Izzie has repressed since the day he broke her heart comes rushing to the surface. But then an unexpected discovery changes everything.

Between the pages of the battered secret diary Molly kept during WWII, Izzie discovers a story of love, heartbreak, and the incomparable hardship of life in a world at war. Reading her grandmother’s words soon puts her own story into perspective, and suddenly Izzie realises that the only thing holding her back from happiness, might be herself. Now she just has to convince Justin that they deserve a second chance at forever…

Pre-order links UK USA

Publication Date: 8^th July

Author Bio

Lancashire born, I moved to Bedfordshire in the late seventies, married and started a family. I’m a past Hon Sec of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, have been a member since 1993 when I joined their New Writers’ Scheme as a probationer. That came about after winning a week’s historical writing course on the strength of the first chapter of my third Poldark-era romance. The tutor on the last day loved the story and handed me details of the Romantic Novelists’ Association – she said I absolutely must join as they would be able to help me towards publication.

Some four years later my first published book, Dark Canvas, won the RNA’s New Writer’s Award in 1997, the sixth, Illusions, won the RNA’s Romance Prize in 2003.

After working in the local library service for 18 years, during library cut-backs I took the leap to become self-employed as a writer and worked on releasing my backlist as eBooks for Kindle.

Most recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with amazing Charlotte Ledger when she pulled me from the writing wilderness and have now signed a three-book deal with One More Chapter.

Social Media and Web links

Blog Tour – Worst Idea Ever by Jane Fallon

Best friends tell each other everything. Or do they?

Georgia and Lydia are so close, they’re practically sisters.

So when Lydia starts an online business that struggles, Georgia wants to help her – but Lydia’s not the kind to accept a handout. Setting up a fake Twitter account, Georgia hopes to give her friend some anonymous moral support by posing as a potential customer.

But then Lydia starts confiding in her new internet buddy and Georgia discovers she doesn’t know her quite as well as she thought. Georgia knows she should reveal the truth – especially when Lydia starts talking about her – but she just can’t help herself.

Until Lydia reveals a secret that could not only end their friendship, but also blow-up Georgia’s marriage . . .

Georgia’s in too deep.

But what can she save?

Her marriage, her friendship – or just herself?

Purchase here

Review

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

I simply loved this book. I have read most of Jane’s previous novels, but this was, for me, the best yet! As the Twitter subterfuge develops, the feeling of impending doom becomes all consuming.

The story is presented in a two-handed form, with Georgia being the voice of the first half of the story. When the tension reaches screaming pitch, we switch to Lydia and get an insight into her mind. We stay with Lydia, briefly and then the story flips between the two. Maybe that sounds complicated, but it’s easy to follow and works perfectly.

With any deception, there are always innocent, or mostly innocent, victims. The collateral damage of Georgia’s decision impacts on her family and other friends, in a way that seem irretrievable. The exchanges between Georgia and her husband are quite heart-breaking.

I must say, that whilst I didn’t warm to Lydia, I loved Georgia. She is the kind of person that I would want to be friends with. Her heart is definitely in the right place and she cares deeply about those around her. However, jealousy is an ugly master, and as the story develops, we see how damaging the green-eyed monster can truly be.

The phrase page-turner certainly applies in this case. I found myself looking at the clock to see if I could squeeze in another chapter.

Author Bio

Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do before You’re 30. Her debut novel “Getting Rid of Matthew’ was published in 2007 and became a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller as have her subsequent books ‘Got You Back’, ‘Foursome’, ‘The Ugly Sister’, ‘Skeletons’, ‘Strictly Between Us’,’My Sweet Revenge’, ‘Faking Friends’ and ‘Tell Me a Secret’ and ‘Queen Bee’.

Follow Jane on Twitter or Instagram

DisclaimerReceiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links

Blog Blitz- Primrose Park by Christie Barlow

Vet Molly has always been career driven and focussed on caring for her animals, but when she meets a gorgeous Mystery Man at a conference and their connection is off the charts, well, one night off work won’t hurt anyone…except the next morning he’s vanished and all Molly knows about him is his first name.

Three months later, back in Love Heart Lane, everyone loves the story of Molly’s amazing one-night stand. It’s so unlike her! But when Mystery Man turns up walking his dog through Primrose Park and their night together seems to mean nothing to him, Molly needs her friends and neighbours more than ever. And especially when she’s left with the most unexpected of surprises…

Purchase links UK USA

Review

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

I’m a relative newcomer to the Love Heart Lane series, I thoroughly enjoyed the last instalment, so I was delighted to be invited to review Primrose Park.

This is a love story which comes at the reader from a slightly different angle. Our protagonist, Molly, is a vet who, although out of character, thoroughly enjoys a one-night stand, only to be ghosted the next morning. With only a first name and a vague idea of what he does for a living, Molly has no chance of tracking him down. She’s sure that she hadn’t imagined the connection that they felt, but there’s no explanation for his disappearance.

Throwing herself back into her everyday life, Molly fosters a spoiled Jack Russell and embarks on training her. The dog, Darling, has been left homeless when her owner was suddenly admitted to a nursing home. What Molly could never have imagined is that Darling would lead her to discovering her mystery man’s identity and, maybe even save her life.

This is a delightful story and I simply loved it. So much so, that I finished it in one sitting. We briefly visit some of the former characters of Love Heart Lane, but there is a wealth of newcomers who are great additions to this lovely community.

Without a doubt, I have no desire to ever meet Albie and Birdie, two more callous sorts would be hard to find! However, it’s impossible not to fall a little in love with Dixie, a delightful, feisty octogenarian with no plans to retire into the background.

I really enjoyed the way that Christie Barlow brought this book to life, each character added a fine layer to the story which was a joy to read. The romance is there, albeit in a retrospective order, but easily engaging and more than satisfactory.

If this is your most recent visit to Heartcross or your very first trip, you are certainly in for a treat.

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the number one international bestselling author of fifteen romantic comedies including the iconic Love Heart Lane Series, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Kitty’s Countryside Dream. She lives in a ramshackle cottage in a quaint village in the heart of Staffordshire with her four children and two dogs.
Her writing career has come as a lovely surprise when Christie decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. Christie’s dream was to become a writer and the book she wrote to prove a point went on to become a #1 international bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.
When Christie isn’t writing she co-presents The Book Show on Radio Northwich, enjoys playing the piano, is a keen gardener and loves to paint and upcycle furniture.
Christie is an ambassador for the @ZuriProject alongside Patron of the charity, Emmerdale’s Bhasker Patel. They raise money and awareness for communities in Uganda.
Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Social Media links

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Facebook

Disclaimer

Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Blog Tour – Long Walk Home by Ellyn Oaksmith

Synopsis:

Lola was struck by just how quickly she recognized him. It had been ten long years since she’d seen him; ten years of thinking that maybe she hadn’t really loved him. But there he was. And he still took her breath away.

Lola has turned her life around since her wild teenage years, but one thing hasn’t changed: how her sister sees her. Her sister Carmen only remembers the mistakes she’s made and can’t see the potential of Lola’s plans to expand the family vineyard business at Blue Hills. But Lola is determined to win Carmen round—and gain her respect once and for all.

Then Lola’s high school sweetheart Gus arrives back in town, and everything changes. He was her first love, the bad boy she used to climb out of windows to see. But he’d broken her heart when he left town suddenly, without so much as a goodbye. And after that, she’d never seen him again. Until now.

Gus isn’t that same rebel anymore. It’s taken everything he has to come back to this town full of bittersweet memories, but he owes it to himself, and to Lola, to make amends. But she’s not that lovesick girl anymore and she knows she can’t let him turn her head again. So why can’t she stop thinking about how his strong arms would feel wrapped around her?

Then fate intervenes, and they’re forced to work together on Lola’s biggest project—and the sparks begin to fly once more…

As the sun sets over the mountains and meadows of Blue Hills, can two people who’d thought they could never be together find their way home to each other?

An utterly romantic feel-good read about being true to yourself and becoming the person you were always meant to be, Long Walk Home will make you laugh, make you cry and show you that true love always finds a way. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Mary Ellen Taylor.

Purchase here

Review

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

This is another book where I ignored the synopsis as I was more interested in reading books from across the pond. I am thrilled that I picked this book in order to help scratch that itch.

I finished this book in a single sitting and loved it. The story may have been a little obvious, but there’s a certain enjoyment in assuming how it will end and then reading on, to discover how it reaches that foregone conclusion.

The premise hangs on several relationships that Lola Alvarez has or has had. There’s Gus, her school day ex-boyfriend who was sent to prison. Her strong-minded sister, Carmen, and their father, Juan, who wants to see her settled with a nice man. Then there’s Neil, the misogynistic chef who treats his staff like imbeciles whilst telling them that he’s trying to make them better. Thank goodness for Daisy, the dog who shows Lola pure devotion, most of the time.

Digging deeper into this story reveals a trail of unresolved feelings and poor choices. There’s good reason for Carmen’s treatment of Lola and Juan is well placed to want to see his youngest daughter happy.

A special mention needs to go to Hidalgo Ruiz. He’s a gentle soul who genuinely cares for Lola and reacts kindly, when he discovers that Lola has duped him into constructing her ‘tiny cabins’. It’s easy to see that Lola would be happy and well cared for, if she could find a way to return his interest, but the heart doesn’t always do what is easiest.

This was a lovely escape to a gorgeous mountainside winery.

Author bio
Ellyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of addictively fun love stories. She has never run a winery, been attacked by drones or nearly drowned someone but she loves putting her characters in challenging situations. Ellyn also enjoys chatting with readers on social media. Especially when she should be writing.

Ellyn began her writing life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles which, outside of writing hours, is exactly as crazy as it seems in the movies. After hightailing it back to her native Seattle, Ellyn began writing comedic romances and never looked back.

Ellyn lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s part of a competitive rowing team. You can often find her on Lake Sammamish rowing in the dark.

Ellyn Oaksmith online

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Disclaimer

Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Blog Tour – Shooting Stars Over Bluebell Cliff by Della Galton

There’s someone out there for everyone… you just need to know where to look…

All NEW from bestselling author Della Galton.

Unlucky in love Poppy Allen is the producer of a brand-new TV show, ‘Date for a Day’ – think ‘Take Me Out’ meets ‘It’s a Knockout’!

Lovelorn contestants must perform a series of seaside challenges to win the hand of the starring lady and a ‘Date for a Day’.

Left heartbroken when Stephen, her childhood sweetheart eloped with her best friend on her hen night – Poppy has no plans to risk her own heart again. Besides, she’s far too busy filming contestants against the backdrop of the beautiful Bluebell Cliff Hotel and the stunning Jurassic Dorset coastline.

However, when sabotage on set threatens to stop shooting, Poppy discovers soulmates can be found in the most unexpected places…

Purchase Here

Review

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

When I was invited onto this blog tour, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands! I have loved the other instalments in this series and was eager to discover ‘what happens next’.

Poppy is a lovely addition to Bluebell Cliff; she’s driven in her work and guarded in her private life. Poppy’s colleague, Dave is incredibly organised and loyal. Between them, they have the ability to make ‘Date for a Day’ a smash hit.

In this book, we revisit the eccentric, conspiracy theorist chef, Mr B and his nemesis, Maître D’ Phil Grimshaw. It was fun to see their rivalry and obsession with ‘tit for tat’ pranks, but when it boils over and threatens the success of Poppy’s work, it’s no joke.

As I mentioned, this is the latest instalment in the Bluebell Cliff series, and Della Galton is still creating wonderful characters and storylines. I particularly loved the way Poppy handled revisiting her ex and the breakdown of their relationship. It wasn’t pleasant, but she was able to gain the closure that she needed.

This is a gorgeous book and I highly recommend it. It can be read as a standalone story, but there’s so much fun in exploring this series, you’ll not regret it.

Author Bio

Della Galton is the author of 15 books, including Ice and a Slice. She writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset. Della launched her new fiction series set around The Bluebell Cliff Hotel with Boldwood in April 2020.

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Disclaimer

Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.

Blog Tour – Wayward Voyage by Anna Holmes

Wayward Voyage

Anne is a headstrong young girl growing up in the frontier colony of Carolina in the early eighteenth century. With the death of her mother, and others she holds dear, Anne discovers that life is uncertain, so best live it to the full. She rejects the confines of conventional society and runs away to sea, finding herself in The Bahamas, which has become a nest for pirates plaguing the West Indies. Increasingly dissatisfied with her life, Anne meets a charismatic former pirate, John ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham, and persuades him to take up pirating again, and she won’t be left onshore. The Golden Age of Piracy is a period when frontiers were being explored and boundaries pushed. Wayward Voyage creates a vivid and gritty picture of colonial life in the Americas and at sea.

Purchase links

Amazon Waterstones WHSmith Blackwell’s Foyles

Browns BFS Book Depository (Free Worldwide Shipping)

Review

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

Whilst sailing to America from Ireland, young Anne becomes enthralled by the sea-faring life and begins to dream of a life of adventure on the seas. This story follows a fictional line of the notorious pirate, Anne Bonny. From growing up in the American Carolinas to the dangerous seas of the West Indies, this is a book which is not for the faint hearted.

The language is gritty, and if you are sensitive to foul language and violence, then it may not be the book for you. Having watched the Black Sails series, I was more than a little intrigued by this story and was certainly not disappointed. The descriptions of the battle sequences left nothing to the imagination and pulled no punches, as far as graphic details were concerned.

Anne is a wilful, often wild character with a deep desire for ‘something more’. Her drive for adventure is frequently to her own detriment, and yet she doesn’t learn. She discovers a wild passion, once she meets Jack Rackham, and their partnership makes for some of the most exciting chapters that I have ever read.

As I have already mentioned, the language is a bit choice and the violence isn’t restricted to battle sequences. I found the rape scenes difficult, yet I was aware that this period in time was not the place for a woman. Thank goodness that we have moved on, for the most part. There is definitely a hint of a love story, but that is certainly not the main theme of this swashbuckling adventure. We encounter many famous pirates, from Blackbeard to Charles Vane, all of whom are ruthless and powered by their desire for wealth and power.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it, if you have the stomach for it.

Author Bio

Anna is originally from New Zealand and lives in the U.K. with her Dutch partner.

WAYWARD VOYAGE is Anna’s first novel. She has been fascinated by the lives of women pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read, for a long time. Some years ago, she visualised this story as a screenplay before exploring and building their world more deeply as a novel. WAYWARD VOYAGE made a longlist of 11 for the Virginia Prize in Women’s Fiction 2020.

BLIND EYE an eco-thriller, will be published by The Book Guild in September, so this year, 2021, Anna will have two novels coming out. Her screenplay, BLIND EYE, is joint winner of the 2020 Green Stories screenplay competition.

A documentary about pioneers of flamenco in the UK that Anna produced and directed was screened in Marbella International Film Festival and in London. This passion project ensures a slice of cultural history has been captured. It is available on YouTube and via a portal on her website.

She holds a Humanities B.A, a post-graduate diploma in Journalism and an M.A. in Dance Studies. Initially she worked as a radio journalist before a career in arts management working with U.K. Arts Councils and as an independent producer, dance history lecturer and she has run a dance development agency.

Anna is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher and enjoys practising flamenco. Writing, dance, and yoga shape her life.

Social Media links

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DisclaimerReceiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links

Mini Blog Blitz- Spring on Rendezvous Lane by Angela Britnell

Can even the most seasoned traveller find a home on Rendezvous Lane?
‘Community spirit’ is not a phrase in travel junkie Taran Rossi’s vocabulary. As a former ‘third culture kid’ and now spicy street food connoisseur and social media influencer, he’s never really stayed in one place long enough to feel part of a community. And that’s just the way he likes it.
But a springtime stint house sitting for his grandmother on Rendezvous Lane in East Nashville could lead to a long overdue wake-up call. With the help of single mum Sandy Warner and her young son Chip, can Taran come to understand that sometimes it’s not about the place – it’s about the people?

Purchase here

Review

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

I am a definite fan of Angela Britnell’s writing, I’ve read her for a few years, and more recently been on her blog tours. I can always rely on her books for some charming romance and an eventual happy ending. Whilst this was the case in Spring on Rendezvous Lane, the tempo was distinctly different. I’m keen to avoid spoilers, but this story focuses on making a relationship work, rather than the final reconciliation trope which is more commonly seen. In fairness, I’m that seasoned to the former, I felt like I was waiting to guess where it would all go wrong.

As the synopsis suggests, this story revolves around the blooming relationship between a couple whose backgrounds were both familiar with never putting down roots. Sandy, who with her young son, Chip, has finally found contentment in East Nashville and has started putting down roots. Taran still has itchy feet, but he’s agreed to house-sit for his grandmother as she recovers from a hospital stay.

Angela draws her characters skilfully, and it’s easy to buy into the shared attraction as their paths cross. Of course, as a single mother, Sandy is wary of bringing anyone into her son’s life who may only be around briefly. It’s not an unusual perspective and is certainly a strong motivation for caution. Being able to read both of their thought processes brought a strong understanding of their fledgling friendship.

The story is more than an enjoyable love story, there is also the strong community spirit that is required to protect a local shared space from the hands of greedy developers. This gave me the opportunity to meet a wider selection of residents which included at least one of Sandy’s former suitors and the local gossips.

This positive romance was a joyful read and I would highly recommend it.

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. 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 www.angelabritnellromance.com

or follow her on www.facebook.com/angelabritnell , www.twitter.com/angelabritnell

and on Instagram as Angela Golley Britnell.

Disclaimer

Receiving a digital ARC does not influence my opinion of a book. Please note, this review contains affiliate links.