Lucy Mitchell's Blog, page 31

#BookReview Strictly Come Dating #BlogTour @kathrynfreeman1

This book made me think about one of my favourite TV programmes Strictly Come Dancing but I also got a strong Dirty Dancing sort of vibe from it too. Midway through the book every time Maggie danced with Seb all I could hear in my head was that sexy song Hungry Eyes.

I loved how this book created a thrill for ballroom dancing inside of me. It was like turning on the TV for Strictly and feeling my heart race at the sight of the sequins, the fancy shoes, the swinging hips and the excitement of a dancing competition.

In terms of crushes on fictional male characters my crush on Seb is the BIGGEST this year!

OMG – my poor little handheld fan from Amazon is exhausted. With hot flush inducing quotes like the ones below I was cranking up the fan speed to full blast as I read this book:

‘With Seb, a kiss was like an enchanted journey. It didn’t need to arrive at a destination; the journey was a treat in itself.’

‘Just when she was losing her mind, her body on fire, her heart dancing, he eased away. Pressing his forehead against hers, he groaned. ‘I could kiss you for ever.’

Can everyone form an orderly queue BEHIND ME for a fictional fling with Seb please?

Here’s the blurb:

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing…

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over. Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb. Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10! Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate!

But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong.

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

Here’s my review:

Seb made parts of me flutter. I can’t say anymore but my poor handheld fan is a shadow of its former fan self.

I loved the character of Maggie too but not in the same way I loved Seb.

The premise of her rediscovering her passion for dancing was brilliant.

This book was such an enjoyable read. In my head I am a fantastic ballroom dancer but reality is very different. This book allowed me to slip into Maggie’s stilettos, dance my heart out and cling onto sexy Seb. *sigh*

Great book!

Thank God Kathryn Freeman writes romance books now and no longer sorts out prescriptions

#BookReview Strictly Come Dating #BlogTour @kathrynfreeman1

This book made me think about one of my favourite TV programmes Strictly Come Dancing but I also got a strong Dirty Dancing sort of vibe from it too. Midway through the book every time Maggie danced with Seb all I could hear in my head was that sexy song Hungry Eyes.

I loved how this book created a thrill for ballroom dancing inside of me. It was like turning on the TV for Strictly and feeling my heart race at the sight of the sequins, the fancy shoes, the swinging hips and the excitement of a dancing competition.

In terms of crushes on fictional male characters my crush on Seb is the BIGGEST this year!

OMG – my poor little handheld fan from Amazon is exhausted. With hot flush inducing quotes like the ones below I was cranking up the fan speed to full blast as I read this book:

‘With Seb, a kiss was like an enchanted journey. It didn’t need to arrive at a destination; the journey was a treat in itself.’

‘Just when she was losing her mind, her body on fire, her heart dancing, he eased away. Pressing his forehead against hers, he groaned. ‘I could kiss you for ever.’

Can everyone form an orderly queue BEHIND ME for a fictional fling with Seb please?

Here’s the blurb:

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing…

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over. Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb. Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10! Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate!

But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong.

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

Here’s my review:

Seb made parts of me flutter. I can’t say anymore but my poor handheld fan is a shadow of its former fan self.

I loved the character of Maggie too but not in the same way I loved Seb.

The premise of her rediscovering her passion for dancing was brilliant.

This book was such an enjoyable read. In my head I am a fantastic ballroom dancer but reality is very different. This book allowed me to slip into Maggie’s stilettos, dance my heart out and cling onto sexy Seb. *sigh*

Great book!

Thank God Kathryn Freeman writes romance books now and no longer sorts out prescriptions

#BookReview Strictly Come Dating #BlogTour @kathrynfreeman1

This book made me think about one of my favourite TV programmes Strictly Come Dancing but I also got a strong Dirty Dancing sort of vibe from it too. Midway through the book every time Maggie danced with Seb all I could hear in my head was that sexy song Hungry Eyes.

I loved how this book created a thrill for ballroom dancing inside of me. It was like turning on the TV for Strictly and feeling my heart race at the sight of the sequins, the fancy shoes, the swinging hips and the excitement of a dancing competition.

In terms of crushes on fictional male characters my crush on Seb is the BIGGEST this year!

OMG – my poor little handheld fan from Amazon is exhausted. With hot flush inducing quotes like the ones below I was cranking up the fan speed to full blast as I read this book:

‘With Seb, a kiss was like an enchanted journey. It didn’t need to arrive at a destination; the journey was a treat in itself.’

‘Just when she was losing her mind, her body on fire, her heart dancing, he eased away. Pressing his forehead against hers, he groaned. ‘I could kiss you for ever.’

Can everyone form an orderly queue BEHIND ME for a fictional fling with Seb please?

Here’s the blurb:

Saturday nights are strictly for dancing…

As the glitter ball shimmers and sequins flash, forty-year-old Maggie remembers the pull of the dancefloor. But now, as a newly divorced mum of two, Maggie’s certain her dancing days are over. Or are they…?

Encouraged by her friends, Maggie dusts off her silver stilettoes and enrols for dancing classes, all she needs now is the perfect partner.

Enter Seb. Young, carefree and hot as hell, Seb is definitely a perfect 10! Even though everything about him is outrageously inappropriate!

But as Seb sweeps her across the dancefloor every week, Maggie begins to see a new side to him; kind, caring, funny, strong.

And Maggie realises that he’s the only one she’d like to foxtrot with…perhaps even forever

Here’s my review:

Seb made parts of me flutter. I can’t say anymore but my poor handheld fan is a shadow of its former fan self.

I loved the character of Maggie too but not in the same way I loved Seb.

The premise of her rediscovering her passion for dancing was brilliant.

This book was such an enjoyable read. In my head I am a fantastic ballroom dancer but reality is very different. This book allowed me to slip into Maggie’s stilettos, dance my heart out and cling onto sexy Seb. *sigh*

Great book!

Thank God Kathryn Freeman writes romance books now and no longer sorts out prescriptions

#BookReview Love at the Little Wedding shop by the Sea #Blogtour @janelinfoot

Don’t you just love a book which makes you smile?

I badly needed a smile this week after my husband decided at short notice to paint half the house and plunged the family into absolute chaos. Luckily this book from Jane Linfoot with its cute premise, relatable characters and idyllic setting came to my rescue. It restored my smile and that’s what a good book is meant to do.

Here’s the blurb:

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson
Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet!

It’s the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren’t just gearing up for Valentine’s Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it’s also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!

Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly…and not just from the fireworks display!

Here’s my review

I take my reading hat off to Jane Linfoot for creating the main character of Milla who I immediately bonded with. I wanted to reach out and give her a hug as the first chapter revealed her friend Phoebe’s betrayal and the imminent arrival of the baby.

There was a strong friendship theme running throughout the book. Jane covered two ends of the friendship spectrum; toxic friends who betray us and the supportive, emotional rock like friends who lift us up when we need some inner strength.

Favourite quote:

Surrounded by good, loyal, supportive friends, who’d do anything to fight my corner, I’m strong. More than that, I feel loved. And the love of my friends isn’t just wrapping me up and protecting me, it’s making me powerful

Lovely cast of characters in this book. All well developed and likeable, apart from Phoebe

#BookReview Return to Cornwall #BookTour & Giveaway @PaperDollWrites

One of my favourite quotes from this book

‘Once you get past the worst anxieties of middle age, life starts to find a balance between fear and facing the fact that there’s only so much you can control.’

Very true, Laura Briggs!

I am a reader fan of author Laura Briggs. Her books are always a good read. She has an engaging voice, brings her settings to life and she always makes you think her characters are in for an easy ride but then shakes things up a bit so that you struggle to put the book down to go make a cup of tea.

Here’s the blurb

The sequel novel to the best-selling UK series A WEDDING IN CORNWALL brings new surprises, romance, humor, and wedding bells, to readers who fell in love with the first stories.

Busy mother of two Julianne Rose has extended her talents beyond the manor house, opening her own event planning agency with the help of no-nonsense best friend Kitty. Balancing the chaos of daily life with their respective careers in their beloved Cornish village means Julianne can rarely snatch a romantic moment with handsome husband Matt. And just when it seems things couldn’t get any more chaotic, a sudden arrival at Cliffs House lands Julianne in the most unusual event of her career.

The reappearance of Percy or ‘the old earl’ after years of adventures abroad has temporarily shocked Lord William and Lady Amanda and set the entire village abuzz with gossip. Grizzled, spry, and delightfully eccentric, he’s returned with a most unusual set of traveling companions: an archaeological team digging in a spot whispered to have ties with the legendary Camelot. But it’s Percy’s ties with a certain charming woman among its team that has everyone taken by surprise, along with the news of their soon-to-be nuptials.

Tasked with planning the big day, Julianne and Kitty spring at this opportunity despite its rushed timeline and their own woes regarding the renovation of their future event space. But as the big day rolls closer for the earl and his bride-to-be – with cakes and wedding flowers competing with pottery shards and an ancient warrior chieftain’s grave for attention — are there still surprising revelations to come?

Adding to the excitement is the return of former Cliffs House maid Gemma, whose posh new life as a novelist may not be all it seems … and Dinah visits in a flurry of festive baking for a holiday competition on everyone’s favorite baking show. Kitty’s life is in a tizz regarding both family and secrets … and Julianne’s happy marriage is challenged by an unwelcome sexy-and-persistent suitor among the summer visitors.

Filled with old friends, new adventures, and heartwarming Cornish charm, RETURN TO CORNWALL is an all-new, full-length novel—the first one ever to feature the characters from the original series!

Here’s my review

This book is great for readers like me who are embracing middle age and finding they have a lot of plates spinning in the air; children, marriage, a career and day to day life. Julianne has a lot of plates spinning in this book.

I particularly warmed to this book because not only did it cover Julianne’s wedding business, Cornish village life, her two children, her assistant Kitty’s love life, a lord and lady, and an archaeological dig, but it also shed light onto Julianne’s marriage to the gorgeous Matt.

I did feel at the start her marriage to Matt felt a little too good to be true but I got the sense Laura Briggs was doing this before the marital ripples came in the form of sexy Dex and old feelings of jealousy to do with Matt and his ex-wife Petal.

My next favourite quote:

‘Marriages have memories like elephants…’

Again – yes, Laura Briggs! Very true.

Can I just say that Dex writes a damn good love letter…

‘Your beauty is already given, brightening my day with only a glimpse; our conversation stays on my mind for hours after we have parted ways.’

I won’t give the game away on the Dex situation so I will walk away from this topic and not live up to my nickname – Lucy Loose Lips.

I enjoyed this book from Laura Briggs. It gave me everything I wanted; more adventures in Cornwall with Laura’s characters, a relatable plot, a great setting, some interesting marital ripples as I call them and a good insight into the life of Julianne.

Purchase Link – https://smarturl.it/returntocornwall

Author Bio –
Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller ‘A Wedding in Cornwall’. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –
Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI
Author Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway to Win an e-copy of Return to Cornwall by Laura Briggs (Open INT)

Click on link below

How Visualisation Got Me Out of Writer’s Block #AmWriting

Sorry if I am late to the party on this tip for getting oneself out of Writer’s Block. It has taken me a long time to stumble upon this technique and if I hadn’t of had a flashback to when I was in labour with my second child (who is now days away from turning fifteen by the way) I would never have discovered it.

I bet you are thinking – what the hell does pushing out an eight pound baby have to do with Writer’s Block?

Well, let me explain. My first labour was challenging and frightening in so many ways that I went into my second labour filled with fear and dread. Luckily I had this amazing midwife who made me visualise having a calm and relaxed birth. She made me sit in the bath (in the delivery room), close my eyes, do some deep breathing and focus on picturing holding my second daughter with a smile on my face.

The birth of my second child was a lot less frightening. I did end up smiling at the end and I do believe focusing on the result I wanted in my head really helped.

Fast forward fourteen years and six months and there I was in the darkest depths of Writer’s Block. It felt like half of my brain, the creative side, had shut down and someone had turned off the light. I had even reached the bleak stage of Writer’s Block where I started to ask myself whether I was still a writer. I couldn’t face social media as everyone was getting excited about finishing their book, launching their book or writing their new book in a flurry of a few weeks. I had tried everything; adult colouring books, jigsaw puzzles, doodling, writing my muse letters which started with the words; where the hell are you? and turning my body into complicated knots on the yoga mat. Nothing. I also couldn’t even face sitting at my desk writing.

I had the flashback to my labour with my second daughter while looking through old photo albums. It was then I recalled seeing this angel-like midwife urging me to visualise. I wondered whether this visualisation technique only worked for pregnant women who were hours away from being fully dilated and were having an emotional meltdown about labour in the corner of a delivery room.

So, I started picturing myself at my desk writing. I went about my daily life (it is not instant but give it a day or two) and I kept focusing on what it felt like to be writing again and the elation I was going to feel after I had climbed out of this pit of Writer’s Block.

Two days later I was back writing at my desk. It didn’t magically work out my issue which caused the Writer’s Block but it got me back to my desk which I had been avoiding and the thought of doing some writing had become stronger than not doing any writing. I felt so proud of myself and the feeling of doing some writing again was better than scoffing a Twix chocolate bar and sipping a cup of tea.

You might think it was coincidence. It could be. I have used this method four times now. Each time it has worked. I have even used it for finishing a draft of my novel. I simply pictured myself celebrating writing The End and I thought about how it was going to feel.

So, if you are trying to climb out of a pit of Writer’s Block try this technique.

– Focus on the image of you typing away with a huge smile on your face.

– Keep thinking of that image. Think about not only the image but how pleased you are going to feel. No one wants to stay in that awful state of Writer’s Block.

– Go about daily life but carry that image with you.

– Enjoy returning to writing

#BookReview Under a Siena Sun @TAWilliamsBooks #bookish #romance

Don’t you just love a book which whisks you off to a different world and slips you into the shoes of someone leading an interesting life?

The prologue of this book; Under a Siena Sun by T.A Williams, did remind me of one of my favourite TV shows – Our Girl and all I will say is that this book has one hell of a prologue! When I picked up this book I wasn’t expecting what was in store for me but I have to say – all credit to the author who made me feel like I was a medic in a war torn part of Africa.

Here’s the blurb:

Lucy needed a change of scene. She didn’t expect the change of a lifetime.
Doctors Without Borders has been Lucy Young’s life for the past four years. After being rescued from a conflict zone, she’s making a change from saving lives under gunfire to practising medicine in safe, serene Siena.

Now treating wealthy patients at a private clinic, she’s never felt less comfortable. She’s used to helping those in dire need – not those in need of a nip and tuck.

Her turmoil grows when she encounters injured tennis star David Lorenzo, whose smiles make Lucy forget her aversion to the rich.

She’s soon falling for the sportsman but is she losing herself in this world of excess? All she’s ever wanted was to help the underprivileged, so can her future lie in Siena at the clinic – with David?

This sunny romance is the perfect summer escape for fans of Lucy Coleman and Alex Brown.

Here’s my review:

I liked the main character of Lucy a lot. She’s a strong female lead and a bit of a heroine in my eyes, with her medical career in Africa and her beliefs on helping others who can’t help themselves. I also knew the person who would capture her heart had to be someone who would not only support her but also be on her wavelength. I could see why she struggled at times with David, the former tennis champion and his extravagant lifestyle.

One of the standouts were the fabulous descriptions of Siena, Lucy’s gorgeous cottage and Italian cuisine. Midway through the book I was googling the hell out of Siena and dropping big hints to my loved one about future holiday destinations.

To my delight this book contains a gorgeous chocolate Labrador called Boris and he stole my heart. Every good romance needs a Boris!

David turned out to be an interesting character. Underneath his troubled exterior he was actually a decent guy and I thought his grand gesture at the end was amazing.

This book was an uplifting read. A thought provoking romance in a beautiful setting.

Purchase Links
http://mybook.to/SienaSun
https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/under-a-siena-sun

Author Bio – I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links –
Website: http://www.tawilliamsbooks.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

#BookReview Starcross Manor

Don’t you just love the start of a romance novel where it feels like the author will have to perform a miracle in order to bring their two characters together? Their characters seem like the unlikeliest of people to find love and you end up diving into the story wondering how it’s going to turn out. Perhaps muttering; ‘this author has her work cut out with these two,’ and ‘I better fasten my imaginary armchair seatbelt because I get the feeling I am in for a bumpy ride.’

This was me at the start of Christie Barlow’s latest; Starcross Manor. How the hell was she going to get Julia interested in Flynn after he’d knocked down her grandfather’s home and built a hotel on the land and had jilted her friend on the day of their wedding?

I was very much on the side of Team Julia at the start of the book in light of all the suffering Flynn had caused and all I could think about was whether Christie Barlow would do the impossible.

So, I decided to take out my emergency biscuit tin, make myself a large cup of builder’s tea and set up camp in my armchair.

Here’s the blurb:

Starcross Manor
Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true. Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.
Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is. As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too…

Here’s my review:

I knew bestselling author Christie Barlow would come out fighting on this challenge that she had set herself. She had a few tricks up her sleeve, one of which being – the character of Flynn. When I eventually met this heartbreaking, brooding, wealthy, heartless property developer I wasn’t expecting to… (clears throat and looks over shoulder)…like him. I found myself saying, ‘hmmm…you are actually quite nice!’ I did apologise profusely to Julia and reassured her by saying I was still very much Team Julia. As the book progressed my feelings for Flynn intensified, I stopped apologising to Julia, went quiet on the whole Team Julia thing and took out my electric hand held fan.

Julia was a good character too. I felt that Flynn had met his match with Julia. She was as determined as him in a different way and I loved how she cared so strongly for her community.

I was also really happy to read that Julia turned forty in the book. Can I just take this opportunity to thank Christie Barlow for this! As a forty something woman I am always looking out for characters who represent my age group.

This is a great book and works well as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the others in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I won’t give the game away on whether Christie Barlow succeeds in her challenge but I did give her a little toast at the end.

You will be glad to know Flynn has promised to visit me in my dreams Sorry Julia x

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en
Twitter @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook page Christie Barlow author

#BookReview Starcross Manor

Don’t you just love the start of a romance novel where it feels like the author will have to perform a miracle in order to bring their two characters together? Their characters seem like the unlikeliest of people to find love and you end up diving into the story wondering how it’s going to turn out. Perhaps muttering; ‘this author has her work cut out with these two,’ and ‘I better fasten my imaginary armchair seatbelt because I get the feeling I am in for a bumpy ride.’

This was me at the start of Christie Barlow’s latest; Starcross Manor. How the hell was she going to get Julia interested in Flynn after he’d knocked down her grandfather’s home and built a hotel on the land and had jilted her friend on the day of their wedding?

I was very much on the side of Team Julia at the start of the book in light of all the suffering Flynn had caused and all I could think about was whether Christie Barlow would do the impossible.

So, I decided to take out my emergency biscuit tin, make myself a large cup of builder’s tea and set up camp in my armchair.

Here’s the blurb:

Starcross Manor
Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true. Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.
Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is. As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too…

Here’s my review:

I knew bestselling author Christie Barlow would come out fighting on this challenge that she had set herself. She had a few tricks up her sleeve, one of which being – the character of Flynn. When I eventually met this heartbreaking, brooding, wealthy, heartless property developer I wasn’t expecting to… (clears throat and looks over shoulder)…like him. I found myself saying, ‘hmmm…you are actually quite nice!’ I did apologise profusely to Julia and reassured her by saying I was still very much Team Julia. As the book progressed my feelings for Flynn intensified, I stopped apologising to Julia, went quiet on the whole Team Julia thing and took out my electric hand held fan.

Julia was a good character too. I felt that Flynn had met his match with Julia. She was as determined as him in a different way and I loved how she cared so strongly for her community.

I was also really happy to read that Julia turned forty in the book. Can I just take this opportunity to thank Christie Barlow for this! As a forty something woman I am always looking out for characters who represent my age group.

This is a great book and works well as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the others in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I won’t give the game away on whether Christie Barlow succeeds in her challenge but I did give her a little toast at the end.

You will be glad to know Flynn has promised to visit me in my dreams Sorry Julia x

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en
Twitter @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook page Christie Barlow author

#BookReview Starcross Manor

Don’t you just love the start of a romance novel where it feels like the author will have to perform a miracle in order to bring their two characters together? Their characters seem like the unlikeliest of people to find love and you end up diving into the story wondering how it’s going to turn out. Perhaps muttering; ‘this author has her work cut out with these two,’ and ‘I better fasten my imaginary armchair seatbelt because I get the feeling I am in for a bumpy ride.’

This was me at the start of Christie Barlow’s latest; Starcross Manor. How the hell was she going to get Julia interested in Flynn after he’d knocked down her grandfather’s home and built a hotel on the land and had jilted her friend on the day of their wedding?

I was very much on the side of Team Julia at the start of the book in light of all the suffering Flynn had caused and all I could think about was whether Christie Barlow would do the impossible.

So, I decided to take out my emergency biscuit tin, make myself a large cup of builder’s tea and set up camp in my armchair.

Here’s the blurb:

Starcross Manor
Dying to know more about the brooding and mysterious Flynn Carter and the secrets behind his plans for Starcross Manor?

You won’t want to miss the next spellbinding chapter in the Love Heart Lane series – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Julia Coleman meets Flynn Carter again in the cosy village of Heartcross it can only mean trouble. Flynn might be rich, brooding and sexy, but Julia knows first-hand he’s ruthless and she plans to watch his every move.

When Julia discovers Flynn’s plans for beautiful Starcross Manor her greatest fears come true. Because Flynn’s dreams of turning Starcross into a luxury hotel could ruin Julia’s dreams…and finish off the community of Heartcross for good.
Flynn makes it clear he doesn’t want trouble, and he’s not the man Julia thinks he is. As he sets about convincing the community he’s changed, he hopes he can convince Julia to give him another chance too…

Here’s my review:

I knew bestselling author Christie Barlow would come out fighting on this challenge that she had set herself. She had a few tricks up her sleeve, one of which being – the character of Flynn. When I eventually met this heartbreaking, brooding, wealthy, heartless property developer I wasn’t expecting to… (clears throat and looks over shoulder)…like him. I found myself saying, ‘hmmm…you are actually quite nice!’ I did apologise profusely to Julia and reassured her by saying I was still very much Team Julia. As the book progressed my feelings for Flynn intensified, I stopped apologising to Julia, went quiet on the whole Team Julia thing and took out my electric hand held fan.

Julia was a good character too. I felt that Flynn had met his match with Julia. She was as determined as him in a different way and I loved how she cared so strongly for her community.

I was also really happy to read that Julia turned forty in the book. Can I just take this opportunity to thank Christie Barlow for this! As a forty something woman I am always looking out for characters who represent my age group.

This is a great book and works well as a stand-alone. I have not read any of the others in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I won’t give the game away on whether Christie Barlow succeeds in her challenge but I did give her a little toast at the end.

You will be glad to know Flynn has promised to visit me in my dreams Sorry Julia x

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Starcross-Manor-Love-Heart-Lane-ebook/dp/B082LY59ZX/

Author Bio

Christie Barlow is the number 1 International bestselling author of ten bestsellers including A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Clover Cottage. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Social Media Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en
Twitter @ChristieJBarlow
Facebook page Christie Barlow author