Stephanie Dagg's Blog, page 21
September 21, 2019
Flora Air by Janice Cairns: a total delight
Flora Air
Flora Air is passionate about writing and she dreams of becoming an author, but she’s in a fog with her mundane day job. She meets a charismatic professor who nurtures her writing and suddenly her dreams seem possible. A touch of magic at the professor’s home adds old-fashioned charm and enchantment to Flora’s writing journey. When she realises she loves the married professor, her journey takes a wild turn. Can Flora actually succeed in becoming an author? What happens to the love Flora Air feels for the professor?
My review
This is a deceptively calm and measured novel. Flora appears to be a very self-contained, unflappable person living an unexciting but satisfying life. However, there’s a lot going on under the surface in both the novel and our heroine. The story develops in ways you don’t expect, and Flora’s hormones are playing havoc with her and her writing isn’t really getting anywhere. She’s resigned to never marrying, and it seems that she’s quietly giving up.
Enter the healing ghost, a clever, unusual yet fitting touch, and suddenly things become far from mundane.
Flora Air is a gentle, undemanding heroine whom we quickly get to know and admire. She’s a bit ‘airy’, as her name suggests, in that her head can be in the clouds, thanks to her author’s imagination. She’s charming and genuine.
I love how Janice Cairns writes. She has a thoughtful, engaging style. Think Anita Brookner, but with more zest. She marries a convincingly reality-based element with magic, and the two apparently incongruous components work like a charm together.
This book is a delight to read.
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Flora-Air-Janice-Cairns-ebook/dp/B07TBHJ6VJ/
https://www.amazon.com/Flora-Air-Janice-Cairns-ebook/dp/B07TBHJ6VJ
Author Bio
Janice Cairns is the author of quality romantic fiction. For more than thirty years she has lived in Edinburgh and her first three novels are set there. She now lives in a historic market town not far from Edinburgh. Most of her time is spent writing or thinking about writing. She loves long country walks, reading good books and eating out in lovely restaurants.
Social Media links:
https://www.facebook.com/janice.cairns.58
Giveaway to Win 2 x PB copies of Flora Air (UK Only)
*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494280/
September 19, 2019
The Hocus Pocus Magic Shop by Abigail Drake: a sparkly romp-com!
Synopsis
When chemist Grace O’Leary finds a book of magic spells hidden in her Aunt Lucy’s run-down magic shop, the scientist in her itches to try them out. She mixes up a batch of love potions as a joke, and has to face the consequences when they actually seem to work.
Her dream of becoming a professor is in peril, and time is running out to finish research for her dissertation. She can’t handle any more distractions, but the magic shop is on the verge of closing, her aunt has become forgetful and confused, and a handsome reporter named Dario Fontana keeps sniffing around for a story. The last thing she needs is for him to find out about the love potions and expose her as fraud, but she begins to trust him, and the sizzling chemistry between them is soon too powerful to deny.
With her personal and professional life in chaos, and her budding relationship with Dario in jeopardy, Grace is faced with a difficult choice. Fixing what is broken means going against every logical bone in her body. Can Grace learn to silence her scientific brain long enough to accept the truth about magic…and also about herself?
My review
This is most definitely a romcom with a difference! I actually think I’d call it a romp-com as it’s a romp of a book with lots of fun and sparkle!
It’s not always easy to mix magic with cozy mystery because fans of one might object to the inclusion of the other element but it works really well here. The author herself is magic as she writes in a wonderful, light and light-hearted way. Her style is friendly and welcoming and it makes it so hard to put the book down!
The characters are all slightly eccentric, which makes them that much more fascinating and delightful – apart from the baddies, of course. They’re just fascinating.
The plot is ingeniously original and fresh. A super book.
Find the book in your Amazon store. Available on Kindle Unlimited.
September 18, 2019
Bedazzled Dreamer by Deborah King: wonderfully uplifting and beautifully written
Bedazzled Dreamer
She’s about to launch her dream business. The last thing she needs is a distracting housemate and his son…
Shelby is excited to open a shop with her best friend. But with Janna just-married and moved out, she worries their hopes of starting a boutique will never come true. And things get more complicated when her old distrust of men is put to the test by her handsome new roommate and his little boy…
With Oktoberfest decorations forgotten and replaced by Christmas cheer, she slowly allows Shane and the child a space in her heart. But she doesn’t trust her second chance at romance or the success of her boutique when surprising news threatens her newly minted courage.
Can Shelby find the strength to let her ambitions flourish, along with her new passion?
Bedazzled Dreamer is the second touching book in the Inspiration In Cologne women’s fiction series. If you like heartwarming stories, cozy small towns, and festive holiday experiences, then you’ll love Deborah King’s romantic women’s fiction tale.
My review
This is a wonderfully uplifting, beautifully-written second-chance romance with some added elements. It’s not just about starting over, but also following your dream and, however hard, moving on from difficult incidents in the past.
Our heroine Shelby is a sweet and genuine person. She’s determined and energetic, and we really care about her. Likewise Shane, a really decent bloke, and particularly the lovable little Nate. The interactions between these three are delightful.
There are unpleasant skeletons lurking in cupboards which make this book more than just an enjoyable, easy read. They don’t intrude but add a touch of edge and reality and that makes this is a convincing, clever contemporary romance. Definitely one to read!
Purchase Links
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XGSQ7PM/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XGSQ7PM/
Author Bio –
Deborah King is a spirited woman who was inspired to pursue her dreams due to her mother’s death from early onset Alzheimer’s disease. She has the unique ability to read people and tackle life’s hardships.
Deborah is a distinctive new voice in women’s fiction. After raising two children, working with a not-for-profit wildlife rescue organization, and reading too many books to count, she retired from her personal training and weight management business to follow her dream of writing.
Deborah is extremely grateful for having the opportunity to work with many different people sharing and teaching what inspires her, which you will catch glimpses of in her books.
She lives in Missouri with her supportive husband, two cats, who believe they’re dogs, her mini fitness store, and her eclectic collection of books.
For all the latest information, excerpts from her upcoming books, general fun, or to chat, join her at Facebook – Deborah King The Inside Scoop: Launch Team .
She loves to hear from her fans. To follow her social media links, reviews of women’s fiction books, blog, and to sign up for monthly updates, visit her at deborahkingbooks.com.
Social Media Links –
Facebook – Deborah King The Inside Scoop: Launch Team
Twitter – https://twitter.com/dkingnovels
GoodReads – deborahking2018 (Profile Link)
Pedala Pandemonium by Amanda Paull: summery mayhem!
Pedalo Pandemonium (Scott Family Short Story, Book 4)
Laura and Ben are still together, against all the odds. Laura’s Family the Scotts are adorable – but they wreak havoc wherever they go. The couple have survived first date silicon dog poo, Christmas mayhem and even dodgy marshmallows.
Their future together may have looked doomed on more than one occasion, but here they are at the airport – eating bacon sandwiches and watching planes take off, as they wait to board their flight to Mallorca.
A whole week in an idyllic Spanish fishing village. Just the two of them. Away from their families and the usual chaos. Wonderful.
What could possibly go wrong…?
My review
This is the fourth book in a series but it works well as a standalone. I suspect there might some added richness if you know the full backstory but it’s by no means necessary.
This novella is great fun and full of lively action. A bit too lively sometimes for the characters concerned! However, not for the reader. You’ll just love the hi-jinks. There are some sticky moments too to balance the crazy fun so it’s a very measured, clever book. And I think you’ll appreciate your more boring but normal family after reading about Ben and Laura’s adventure!
The characters are super in that they’re as humanly flaw-ridden as the rest of us but are genuinely nice people, the action ingenious and non-stop and the setting in small-town Spain is very atmospheric. Make your summer last a bit longer by reading this holiday adventure and enjoy smiles and chuckles as you do so.
Purchase Links
https://books2read.com/u/mqDVjO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V2T6N6Y
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V2T6N6Y
Author Bio –
My name is Amanda Paull. Well, that’s my pen name, not my real one, which helps to keep my writing separate from my day job.
I grew up in the North East of England and couldn’t wait to move away. However, after studying and then living both in England and abroad, I returned to the North East and wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else now.
Going to Grammar school in the days when teachers wore black caps and gowns, and walloped at will, wasn’t much fun for a shy, quiet child like myself. So, I just kept my head down, did my homework and tried to stay invisible.
I used to love daydreaming and making up stories in my head, but I never thought about writing them down. In those days, writing wasn’t an enjoyable pursuit, it was more of a time to tow the line and avoid being hit by a flying blackboard rubber. I was the type of pupil who would have been mortified to have ‘made’ a teacher launch one at me, so I would have shown respect by not ducking.
A short career in teaching was a revelation, to put it mildly. After going back to University, I settled into my current post in the public sector, where I am very happy.
It was Jim, a work colleague, who suggested around 12 years ago that I write a book. Apparently, my contribution to coffee break conversations always seemed to be either tragic or hilarious. But to me it was just normal stuff. No-one would want to read about that.
Then, a couple of years later, while sunbathing in Mallorca with my boyfriend, who is now my husband, and a glass of Cava, the idea of writing a humorous fiction novel came to me. I didn’t need to make it all up though as I had a plentiful supply of funny real life snippets.
To get started, I studied creative writing through the Open University, which fitted nicely around my job and, to my delight, was absolutely nothing like school. The Scott Family Short Stories started out as an assignment for this course. A Christmas Day Kerfuffle was the result of the fictional account of the first Christmas brunch my husband spent with my family. Of all the short stories, this one has more true snippets in it than the others. The taxi driver and bike box scene in Pedalo Pandemonium was pretty true to life, too. The driver looked different, but the airport to hotel transfer only required slight embellishment.
I also write Women’s Fiction. Pictures in the Sky was my debut novel, and I am currently writing my second, Painting Bananas.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Apaullfiction
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Apaullfiction
Website: https://www.amandapaull.co.uk/
September 16, 2019
The Worst Couple in the World by Holly Tierney-Bedord: grab a copy now!
The Worst Couple in the World
No longer content to just be Snappigram sensations, folk hop singers Zeke and Angelique are ready to move up from coffee house performances to the big stage. With songs like “Uh Huh, Future Baby Mama” and “Don’t Worry About the Bills, Little Missus” there’s pretty much no way they can fail.
But if their musical career takes off, will it leave their love behind?
This satirical novella about an over-the-top fame hungry duo is a must-read.
My review
This is a really lively, fun and clever novella. The author takes a tongue-in-cheek look at our social-media-obsessed society and fixation on branding via our heroine and hero, Angelique and Zeke, the couple of the title. And there are just so many ways that they really are the ‘worst’ couple in the world!
They’re not the only quirky characters. There’s plenty of eccentricity to discover amidst the ranks of their family and friends. They set your teeth on edge sometimes as they really are so awful but that’s just part of their charm. To become famous you have to be determined to the point of shameless insensitivity, and that’s never nice to witness!
There’s lots of wit and wisdom in the pages of this satirical book that casts a very unforgiving eye on the foibles of the connected world.
Grab yourself a copy of this extremely enjoyable read.
Purchase Links
US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X3R74PS
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07X3R74PS
Author Bio
Holly Tierney-Bedord is the author of over twenty books ranging from serious women’s fiction to romantic comedies, domestic thrillers, humor, and cozy mysteries. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.
Social Media Links –
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyt
https://www.pinterest.com/hollytb/
https://twitter.com/HollyTierney
https://www.amazon.com/Holly-Tierney-Bedord/e/B00M3C9W3E
https://hollyrecommends.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HollyRecommends/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6433388.Holly_Tierney_Bedord
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/holly-tierney-bedord
September 14, 2019
Christmassy Cover Reveal: A Typical Family Christmas by Liz Davies
A Typical Family Christmas
For once, Kate Peters would like a happy, family Christmas; the kind of Christmas seen in the movies. She wants harmony and happiness, smiling, glowing faces, tables groaning with food, carol singing around the tree. She wants love, kindness, and goodwill to all men, especially in
her own house.
What she doesn’t want is drama. Absolutely no drama, whatsoever.
But what she gets is three stroppy children, two equally stroppy grandmothers, a husband who can’t manage to change a lightbulb, and Pepe the poodle.
It’s no wonder she feels unappreciated, overworked, and ignored. At the end of her tinsel-coated tether, and with the only Christmas spirit being in the form of a bottle of raspberry gin, Kate decides to leave them to it, and see how they manage without her.
A quiet little hotel somewhere near the sea, where she can pretend Christmas doesn’t exist, is just the thing she needs. Isn’t it?
Pre-order Links:
Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XC7FJHK
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XC7FJHK
And here’s the cover:
I think it’s absolutely gorgeous!
Author bio–
Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.
She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat – she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.
She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it.
Social Media Links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LizDaviesAuthor1/
Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor
September 11, 2019
Children of Sinai by Shelley Clarke: thoughtful, different and exciting
Children of Sinai
How would you feel if you got caught up in a secret so vast it threatened everything the world had come to believe?
That’s what happened to John Milburn, computer science lecturer, orphan, husband and father, who lived an ordinary life in Haverhill, Suffolk, England.
That is, until the dreams started…
From the idyllic calm of Cambridge, John Milburn is drawn to the dust and the heat of Jericho. Thrown into danger and intrigue, he discovers more than he’d bargained for.
‘A wowser of a tale that is exciting and thought-provoking with a cast of characters you’ll fall in love with. Inspired by Biblical events, historical finds, theories and the author’s own strange imagination.’
My review
This is a very original book, and very exciting, but not in a headlong, mindless sort of way. The pace of the story measured and thoughtful: it’s the intricacy and cleverness of the plot that makes it so interesting and inspiring. That said, you’ll read it at top speed as it’s a book you can’t put down once you’ve started!
I especially liked the fascinating characters, all of whom were rounded, plausible and relevant. John is an unlikely hero but he works brilliantly as the catalyst for the all the events around him. There are a lot of different elements in the novel – history, fantasy, mystery, politics, religion – and the author interweaves them very successfully into a totally absorbing and thrilling adventure. This book touches on so many genres!
An absolute must-read as it’s fascinating as well as absorbing and very entertaining.
Purchase Links:
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Children-Sinai-Following-dreams-change/dp/1798931206/
US – https://www.amazon.com/Children-Sinai-Following-dreams-change/dp/1798931206/
Author Bio –
Shelley Clarke was born into a naval family in Kent in 1958, and consequently moved house a lot as a child. She had ambitions to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the Royal Navy, and to become a carpenter, but these were not female occupations at that time. So she learned to type… which has come in jolly handy for putting her stories first onto paper, and now onto screen.
Shelley is a keen painter, poet, and karaoke enthusiast; she loves mad family get-togethers, hates olives, ironing and gardening, and currently lives in Devon with her husband Kev, and their two Tibetan Terriers Nena and Pepi, who make them smile every day.
Shelley often forgets she is a grown-up.
Children of Sinai is Shelley’s debut novel. The story had been bouncing around her head for many years, and putting it down on paper has been the hardest thing she’s ever had to do. She certainly could not have got through this experience without a lot of cursing and chocolate!
Social Media Links –
https://www.facebook.com/childrenofsinai/?modal=admin_todo_tour
https://twitter.com/Shelley62628484
September 10, 2019
Cover reveal for ‘Coming Home to Merriment Bay’ by Emily Harvale
Another exciting cover reveal for you for the new book from a wonderful author.
Coming Home to Merriment Bay – Part One: A Reunion
Part One: A Reunion
Merriment Bay series
After eighteen years apart, reclusive Cat Devon still recognises her mum’s handwriting. Plucking up the courage to open the letter, its contents send Cat racing to Merriment Bay, the seaside village where she grew up.
On arrival, Cat and her teenage daughter, Kyra are shocked to find the situation is worse than expected. But despite everything, Cat considers herself to be an optimist at heart and Kyra takes after her. Looking on the bright side may not improve the situation, but it definitely can’t make it worse.
When clearing out the house that, even now, Cat fondly thinks of as home, she stumbles upon more than just memories in the battered leather trunk in Granny Viola’s bedroom. She discovers a faded photo of an RAF pilot, a pile of unopened letters, and a mystery waiting to be solved. Who is the man in the – clearly treasured – photo? Cat didn’t know her grandad. Could this be him? A man even her mum never met.
Cat and Kyra are intent on finding out. But that’s not all Cat’s determined to do. It’s time she came to terms with the issues in her past, and made peace with her mum and her gran. All the while avoiding bumping into the one man she never quite got over … and keeping a few secrets of her own.
And here’s that cover!
Follow Emily Harvale on Amazon to hear when this book is available to pre-order
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Harvale/e/B007BKQ1SW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1567730313&sr=1-2
Or sign up to the Emily Harvale Reader’s Club to hear more Coming Home to Merriment Bay series including when it’s available to purchase
https://www.emilyharvale.com/newsletter
Author Bio
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 and the RWA, 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.
Social Media Links – https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter
https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale
September 9, 2019
Christmas at Frozen Falls by Kiley Dunbar: promo post
It’s the time of year when the first of this year’s crop of Christmassy books start to appear. Here’s one that looks like a lot of fun. I haven’t been able to review it unfortunately since for whatever reason my request for the book from Netgalley was unsuccessful, but here’s a promotional post for it.
Christmas at Frozen Falls
Christmas magic can thaw the coldest of hearts…
Sylvie Magnusson is going to be lonely this Christmas. Instead of jetting off for her
sunshine honeymoon, she’s freezing at home in Cheshire. Guess that’s what happens when your fiancé dumps you a week before your wedding…
Sylvie’s best friend, Nari, plans a trip to see the Northern Lights and get Sylvie’s mojo back. But as their Lapland getaway approaches, Sylvie realises that Frozen Falls is the hometown of Stellan Virtanen, her dreamy Finnish ex-boyfriend, the one that got away. Even though he actually ran away, and Sylvie never understood why…
Luckily, when they meet, Stellan’s still gorgeous – and her heart is warmed when he shows her the romantic delights of Lapland (as well as some seriously adorable Husky puppies). But when she returns to England can she really leave Stellan behind? Or will she find that her heart belongs in the frozen North?
Curl up with the perfect cosy Christmas read this winter. Fans of Sarah Morgan and
Carole Matthews will adore this feel good, heart-warming romcom.
Purchase Links
AMZ
https://amzn.to/2ZlURGa
Apple
https://apple.co/2KcgmTk
Kobo
http://bit.ly/2OrH6ol
Author Bio –
Kiley Dunbar is the author of heart-warming, escapist, romantic fiction set in beautiful places.
JOAN HESSAYON AWARD FOR DEBUT NOVELISTS CONTENDER 2019
Kiley is Scottish and lives in England with her husband, two kids and Amos the Bedlington Terrier. She writes around her work at a University in the North of England where she lectures in English Literature and creative writing. She is proud to be a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and a graduate of their New Writers’ Scheme.
One Summer’s Night is Kiley’s first novel (published by Hera Books) and is on sale now!
Don’t forget there’s also a fabulous audiobook narrated by Eilidh Beaton.
Christmas at Frozen Falls, Kiley’s dreamy festive romcom set in Lapland is on pre-order now: amzn.to/2ZlURGa Out 4th September 2019.
You can find Kiley on Twitter @KileyDunbar
and on the ‘Kiley Dunbar Author Book Page’ on Facebook.
Social Media Links –
https://twitter.com/kileydunbar
https://www.facebook.com/KileyDunbarAuthor/
Christmas is coming! Cover reveal for ‘One Week ’til Christmas’ by Belinda Missen
Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.
Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.
Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…
When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.
It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.
There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?
This is one Christmas romance you don’t want to miss!
And here’s that promised cover:
Pre-order Links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07VXLVLJW/
https://www.amazon.com.au/One-Week-Christmas-Belinda-Missen-ebook/dp/B07VXLVLJW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VXLVLJW
https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-week-til-christmas/id1475077464?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Belinda_Missen_One_Week_Til_Christmas?id=W4CmDwAAQBAJ
https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/one-week-til-christmas
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-week-til-christmas-belinda-missen/1132755266?ean=9780008296933
Author Bio –
Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.
Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.
Social Media Links –
Instagram @belinda_missen
