Bena Roberts's Blog, page 13

Review - The Perfect Kiss by Susan Hatler

Review - The Perfect Kiss by Susan Hatler

This is a sweet, sweet, cutie pie romance. 

 

The Good

This is very easy to read and I loved the name, Olivia Lane!

 

The Bad

This was a little too cute for me.  I loved the cover of the book and had hoped for a bit more sauce. 

 

The Ugly

Olivia wanted to be this hot independent woman - but I am not sure that I got that from this book!

 

All in all - I liked it and read this in a few hours.  But it just didn't have enough spark for me. 

3 Stars

Review The Proposal by Lily Zante

 

My Review - The Proposal by Lily Zante

How could you not love this cheesy lovely story? I don't know! It is sweet, an easy read and perfect after a crappy day. It reminds me of the old M&B books my mum read. All that was missing was the sexy rich man was replaced by the hip-shaking Ethan.

The Good
Easy to read - light romance reading. Beach, fun this is for women like me who need to just read some fiction!

The Bad
Sandra.

The Ugly.
You get what you expect. Older sister is 35 and works hard - younger sister gets married. She puts her energy in to working and then hires escort Ethan to save her at a company weekend. I read it in the garden with a glass of wine and enjoyed it!

5 Stars - just because you get what you expect a sweet romance!

Review - One Summer in Rome by Samantha Tonge

To Rome���with love?

Mary Smith is turning her very ordinary life upside-down! She���s bought herself a one-way ticket to Rome and is ready for a summer she���ll never forget.

Men might be off the cards for waitress Mary, but within hours of arriving at the utterly charming family-run La Dolce Vita pizzeria, she���s already fallen in love with the bustling capital!

Only Dante Rossi, the mysterious (and drop-dead gorgeous) chef seems displeased with her arrival. And in the heat of the kitchen, it doesn���t take long for long-buried secrets to surface and sparks to fly���

A deliciously heartwarming romance to have you dreaming of summer. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Caroline Roberts.

Purchase from Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2rrwXfT

Bio

Samantha Tonge lives in Cheshire with her lovely family and a cat who thinks it���s a dog. When not writing she spends her days cycling, willing cakes to rise and avoiding housework. She has sold over 80 short stories to women���s magazines. Her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award in 2014. Game of Scones hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Best Romantic Ebook category at the 2015 Love Stories Awards.

Links

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamTongeWriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor

Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

 

 My Review - One Summer in Rome by Samantha Tonge

Looking for something to read on the beach this summer? You found it!
This book starts so well. From not wanting to fly away on an adventure to ending up in Rome. This is that one-way ticket adventure that you know Mary has to get right.

The Good
The idea and inspiration behind the book are super. I love the Lombardi List and the baking... one Brit girl abroad trying to change a local Italian Pizzeria! I felt for her and wanted her to succeed!

The Bad
I didn't like the whole Angelo thing. I think it was just a completely unnecessary part of the book. Sorry! The story for me would have been better without it. Dante being blind was enough and more diversity adding sexuality, abuse, etc. to it diverted from the romance.

The Ugly
Dante, blind, best friend loss - all these things were moving. More on Dante would have made this book a winner for me.... much more than on the time spent on other waiters, gossip, and Angelo.

A lovely summer read!
4 Stars - I read this book as part of a blog tour!

 

Review - The Ghost of Glendale by Natalie Kleinman

The Ghost of Glendale

At twenty-four years old, Phoebe Marcham is resigned to spinsterhood, unwilling to settle for anything less than the deep love her parents had shared. That is, until adventurer Duncan Armstrong rides into her home wood, larger than life and with laughter in his eyes and more charm in his little finger than anyone she���s ever met before. Far from ridiculing her family ghost, Duncan resolves to help solve the mystery which has left Simon Marcham a spirit in torment for two hundred years.

Purchase from Amazon UK -  http://amzn.to/2DKo8yB

Author Bio ��� Natalie is a published novelist and short story writer whose addiction to the books of Georgette Heyer and love of The Regency have been the inspiration for her latest book, The Ghost of Glendale.

Working on the premise that you never stop learning, she goes to any and every writing event and workshop she can. In addition she attends The Write Place Creative Writing School in Hextable in Kent, one of the rewards for which is an abundant supply of cream cakes to celebrate the frequent successes of its students.

Natalie is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, The Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers and Journalists. She lives with her husband in southeast London.

 

Social Media Links ���

Blog: https://nataliekleinman.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieKleinmanAuthor/
Twitter: @NatKleinman

 

My Review  The Ghost of Glendale by Natalie Kleinman

The Ghost of Glendale is lovely British fable about finding love with a ghost twist. It works really well, and I enjoyed reading it. The best thing about doing blog tours is reviewing books and enjoying books you would not usually read. This is one of them and the fact that I enjoyed it makes it even better!

The Good
Enter 19th Century England. Meet the lovely strong-willed Phoebe. She is young and single, but at that time she was deemed old. Then you have Duncan who is the handsome man, and this is their story. But they meet and fall in love solving the mystery of the family Ghost.

The Bad
I wanted a bit more of the ghost! More adventure finding the cup and more mystery with Duncan and Phoebe. It was frustrating a bit when Duncan went away because of his mum.. but also perfect for introducing the other less nobleman, the cad!

The Ugly?
Very little of this book is ugly. It is a sweet classic romance and the perfect length for a good read. All of those Austen fans will enjoy this book.

4 Stars

 

Review - Lightweight by Kirsty McManus

Lightweight 
by Kirsty McManus

Disclaimer - I love stories where the woman gets addicted to sugar and then realizes what it means. One second on the lips and 5 years on the hips!

The Good
A fun quirky read where you grow with Isla. She sees a naked picture of herself online, gets fat and then gets fit!

The Bad
A little bit LOOONNNGGG. No offense to the author but I did find myself speed reading a bit in the middle. I wanted to know how it ended but got a bit samey.

The Ugly
Self-destructiveness, social media, nakedness.. all of this could happen.

4 Stars

A Clean Sweep by Audrey Davis

 A Clean Sweep

A CLEAN SWEEP is a laugh-out-loud tale of love, lies and second chances.
Love comes around when you least expect it. Fifty-something widow Emily isn't expecting romance. Nor is she expecting a hunky twenty-something chimney sweep on her doorstep.
Daughter Tabitha knows something isn't quite right with her relationship, while her boss ��� Abba-loving Meryl ��� thinks she's found the real deal. Are they both right, or pursuing Mr Wrong?
Emily's sister, Celeste, has the perfect marriage ��� or does she? Can a fitness tracker lead her down the path to happiness or heartbreak?
Susan is single, overweight and resigned to a life of loneliness. There was the one who got away but you don't get another try, do you?
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a book that will grab your heart, make you smile and wish you had a chimney to sweep.

Purchase from Amazon: http://amzn.to/2HcZrhl

Author Bio

Audrey Davis survived secondary school on the West coast of Scotland. Rubbish at science but not too bad at English, she originally wanted to be an actress but was persuaded that journalism was a safer option. Probably wise. She studied at Napier College in Edinburgh, the only place in Scotland at that time to offer a journalism course.

Her first foray into the hard-nosed newspaper world was as a junior reporter in Dumfriesshire. Duties included interviewing farmers about the prize-winning heifers to reporting on family tragedies. She persuaded her editor to let her launch an entertainment column which meant meeting the odd celebrity ��� or just the downright odd. From there, she moved to the loftier rank of senior reporter back in her home patch. Slightly more money, less farm animals but a higher crime rate. As Taggart would say: 'There's been a murrrrder!'

After a stint in London on a video magazine ��� yes, she is that old ��� Audrey moved to Singapore with her fianc��. She tried valiantly to embrace the stinking heat, humidity and lack of jobs, although she did work briefly on a magazine which was banned by the government for 'artistic' use of naked men's bottoms.

Next on her adventures was a land Down Under where her main focus was raising Cost Centre One (aka firstborn) and coming to terms with the imminent arrival of Number Two. Still, she loved the Aussie way of life ��� BBQs, beaches and bring your own booze to restaurants ��� so it came as a blow when OH announced a move back to the UK. Not a job between them, the climate a possible deal breaker and an Exorcist-style vomiting infant on the flight home didn't bode well ���

Always a survivor, Audrey sought out similar-minded friends (i.e. slightly bonkers), got the children into a good school and thought about taking up writing again. Sadly, thinking about it was as far as she got, unless you count shopping lists. Then, hubby drops another bombshell. Switzerland. As in ��� it's packing time again. Off to the land of cheese, chocolate, scarily efficient trains and a couple of teeny, tiny issues. Like driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and speaking a foreign language (French). The former was conquered fairly quickly (we'll skip over the wall demolition in week two), the latter remains an ongoing battle of the hopeful against the hopeless. At least she provides amusement for the local workforce.

It wasn't until 2016 that Audrey rediscovered her writing mojo with an online Writing Fiction course. From there, her first novel ��� A Clean Sweep ��� was born, although it took a bit longer than nine months from conception. A short, darker prequel ��� A Clean Break ��� followed, and in November 2017 she published the first in a novella trilogy, The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One. Part Two is published on 21 March 2018, with the conclusion following in May/June. After which she might have a wee lie down ���

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/audreydavisbooks

Twitter-

 

 

 

My Review A Clean Sweep By Audrey Davis

This was such an easy book to read, and I loved the start and felt like I was friends with the characters. I wasn't too sure on the cover and think it could have been a bit spicier to reflect the May to December theme... although, you couldn't call this a cougar romance! Emily is just way too posh with her little book club society.

The Good
I was hooked early on with the honest writing - enjoyable.

The Bad
Author, please forgive me but the book was a bit LOOOOOONNNGGG for me! I hate saying that because it was a good read but after the strong start it had a belly flop in the middle.

The Ugly
The boss, internet dating, internet cheats giving money to men... that is more like it! I loved the ugly bits of this book and laughed out loud at them.  

I thought long and hard about this book, and even with the jelly belly in the middle, it deserves five stars. I enjoyed it, and I did really laugh out loud. This is the second book I have read for the author, and I might be becoming a bit of fan!

5 Stars! I read this book as part of a blog tour.

Review - Murder She Knit by Peggy Ehrhart

 

Murder, She Knit
A Knit & Nibble Mystery Book 1
by Peggy Ehrhart
 
Genre: Cozy Mystery
 

 
Since her only daughter left for college, widow Pamela Paterson has kept busy as associate editor of a craft magazine and founder of the Knit and Nibble knitting club in quaint Arborville, New Jersey. Now, she���s trying out a new hobby���solving murders!
 
Pamela is hosting the next Knit and Nibble meeting and can���t wait to liven up her otherwise empty home with colorful yarn, baking, and a little harmless gossip. She even recruits Amy Morgan, an old friend who recently moved to town, as the group���s newest member. But on the night of the gathering, Amy doesn���t show. Not until Pamela finds the woman dead outside���a knitting needle stabbed through the front of her handmade sweater . . .
 
Someone committed murder before taking off with Amy���s knitting bag, and Pamela realizes that only she can spot the deadly details hidden in mysterious skeins. But when another murder occurs, naming the culprit���and living to spin the tale���will be more difficult than Pamela ever imagined . . . 
 
Knitting tips and delicious recipe included!

 

 
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Peggy Ehrhart is a former English professor who lives in Leonia, New Jersey, where she writes mysteries and plays blues guitar. She holds a Ph.D. in medieval literature from the University of Illinois and taught writing and literature at Queens College, CUNY, and Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she was a tenured full professor. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Mystery Anthology Magazine, Crime and Suspense, Flashing in the Gutters, Spinetingler, Crime Scene: New Jersey 2, and Murder New York Style. A longtime member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, Peggy served on the board of MWA New York as head of the Mentor Committee. She was president of Sisters in Crime NY/TriState from 2013 to 2015. Peggy regularly attends mystery writing conferences and participates in conference panels and also gives talks on mystery fiction at libraries in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey.
 
 
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My Review - Murder, She Knit by Peggy Ehrhart

What a cozy little mystery this is! I love Murder She Wrote, and this was similar but not gung-ho enough for Angela Lansbury!

The Good
My mum, gran, aunty and anyone who is a bit older will love this. The is no blood and guts and gore, but there are murders.

The Bad
It is a bit slow in spots. It is still well written, and that is why I think my mum will like it. I enjoyed it but wanted a bit more action.

The Ugly
I never liked knitting but death by silver knitting needle? Now I hate knitting!!

3.5 - 4 Stars I reviewed this book as part of a blog tour for an honest review

 

Review - Kaleidoscope by Chariss K. Walker

Kaleidoscope (The Vision Chronicles #1)
by Chariss K. Walker

I am not sure how to describe this book. It is very easy to read and even easier to get into. But paranormal - I am not sure, but the visions element is super. Paranormal in a real way - if that makes any sense! I expected something completely different when I looked at the cover!

The Good!
I loved the fact that Mike has a secret and he wasn't aware of it. It built intrigue from the start and Odom opening the door to his visions. I felt bad and good for Mike as he had the ability but did he have a choice to open it? I felt sorry for him at the start, and the more I read, the more I edged to the side of my chair.. this book is exciting!

The Bad!
This is not a story it is a bloody epic! Good grief, the details and the bits of information and the thrilling bits - who is trying to kidnap Mike, etc. I loved the bad bit of the story - thrilling.

The Ugly
There are some disturbing visions of events.... When the action comes - it comes with force!

I really enjoyed this read, even though it is not my usual type of reading. It draws you in! 

5 Stars

Review - One 0'Clock Hustle by Joanne Pence

My Review  - One O'Clock Hustle (Inspector Rebecca Mayfield Mystery #1)
by Joanne Pence 

 

This is a mystery with murder detective Rebecca Mayfield.

The Good!
I love it when detectives know the suspect or killer, and this is one of those.

The bad!
Richie Amalfi just seemed to be able to do everything and turn up everywhere. OK. I know it is fiction, but she risked her job letting him stay!

The Ugly?
I know I like a book when I start thinking things like "no".. or "stupid woman." I didn't do it a lot, but I did enjoy this book.

5 Stars a fun cozy read.

#giveaway #Amazon to promote all books by @benaroberts and a pre-release Tammy and Lisa Mom Detectives

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 PRE-ORDER!!

Tammy & Lisa Mom Detectives - Part One - Troubled Teenage Boys

 

Your son, your pride, your joy and at the same time a complete nightmare? A riveting read for moms of teenagers.

Move over Thelma and Louise! Enter Tammy and Lisa two moms of troubled teenage boys. Not convinced of the school's ability to deal with serious issues, the two mothers become mom detectives. 

Meet Tammy Lewis - the local politician's wife. She is a dutiful wife and adores her family. Her life in her cozy village and Victorian home is perfect. 

Enter Lisa Evans - an enigmatic yoga teacher and single mother. Lisa has worked hard to succeed in her life, and when she discovers her teenage son might be dealing drugs, she comes up with a crafty plan. Lisa sets out to frame innocent mom Tammy Lewis for her son's misdemeanors. Lisa's son and Tammy's son are best friends so; the set-up could work. 

Is Tammy the pushover that Lisa believes? 

More importantly? Has the village school got the accusations right? Are Mark and Ethan, Tammy & Lisa's children really the local village school drug lords? 

Author Bena Roberts has delivered a warm and witty short read ideals for mums with troubled teenage boys who understand the pull of motherhood.

A Question for the Author

Why did you write this book?
There are many books on dumbass teenagers, perfect jocks or the puberty suffering Wimpy Kid. However, I found it hard find a book that covered teenager issues from the mother's point of you. This is about realizing that the perfect son, is not so perfect. It was challenging to write, but I wanted to bring some fun to some very some issues. 

This is part one of a two-part family drama focused on motherhood and female friendships. 
Get this gripping family drama now!