Redeemed By Her Midsummer Kiss / One Week In Venice With The Ceo: Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss / One Week in Venice with the CEO

by Liz Fielding

Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss  by Liz Fielding Can she melt his frozen heart? Honeysuckle Rose finds much-needed solace in her great-aunt’s country garden. But her peace is threatened by brooding neighbour, ex high-flying news reporter, Lucien Grey. He's returned from the front line a changed man. But can one unexpected, magical midsummer kiss be the beginning of a fresh start for them both…?
 
One Week in Venice with the CEO  by Kate Hardy Seven days that changed her life… Penniless Contessa Serafina needs to rebuild her family’s crumbling palazzo in Venice, and she has just seven days to persuade handsome CEO Gianni Leto to help! Neither is looking for anything more than a business relationship, but as the romance of Venice casts its spell can their week together change their lives for ever?

Genres: Romance

Paperback

Published February 3, 2022

About the author

Hi, I'm Liz Fielding, and I'm a best selling contemporary romance author with more than 15 million books in print and Katie Fforde wrote, when honouring me with the Romantic Novelists' Association's Outstanding Achievement Award in 2019 said - "Liz Fielding's books, with their warmth, humour and emotion, have charmed millions of readers. She is a true star of the romantic fiction genre..."

And now I've turned to a life of crime with my first cozy mystery. Murder Among the Roses, published on 18 April 2023 - of which Katie Fforde also said, "I was gripped from beginning to end..."

Reading is a big part of my life. I love witty, contemporary romances, not too much sex,, Women's fiction by the likes of Fiona Harper, Julie Cohen, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie and Barbara O'Neal. And I love crime fiction that isn't too gory, or focussed on clue hunting, but is big on character.

My best loved series at the moment are the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths, The Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch and the Libby Sarjeant Mysteries by Lesley Cookman. I've just read the first in the Georgina Drake crime series from Kate Hardy and looking forward to the next.

For news and excerpts of my new releases, visit me at http://www.lizfielding.com and sign up for my newsletter

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can never go wrong when you pick up a Liz Fielding story to read, they are always beautifully written, heart-warming and are sure to lift the spirits of any readers, and this one is just gorgeous, the setting the characters everything, I loved it so much. I do hope that you will come along and enjoy Lucien and Honey’s story.

Honeysuckle Rose is a nurse who has seen some terrible things working overseas in war torn areas the trauma leaves it mark on her, she is also a descendant of the famous Rose botanical family and after the final nail hits when she loses her beautiful aunt Honey is home using the famous garden to ease her, but her peace is shattered when a new neighbour sets the gardeners on to the lawn, their meeting is not what a normal meeting would be and emotions are running high with them both.

Lucien Grey is a news reporter who has travelled the world reporting from war torn areas and doing all he can to help save as many people as he can, treated as a hero Lucien is back home in England coping with PTSD, he is renting a lovely cottage in the country to write his book, he has kept to himself that is until the banging on his front door brings him back to life in so many ways.

What Lucien and Honey have is a world of love to share but first they must both overcome the burdens they carry from the past and with each other and the garden this can happen, although there are a few accidents along the way. This story is witty, romantic and so very heart-warming from start to finish, I smiled and laughed so many times, I was cheering both of them on right throughout the story. Both are such wonderful people caring, loving, strong and vulnerable at the same time and the strength they share with each other brings them through and the gorgeous ending had me smiling and crying tears of happiness. I do highly recommend this one, it is a must read.

My thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[Fiona Marsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels like coming home, with a warm hug at the end of the journey.
The latest book by Liz Fielding is set in Lower Haughton, a neighbouring village to Upper Haughton where four of her earlier books are set. These villages are all around the Maybridge and Melchester environs. This is around the 21st book set in this idyllic portion of England created by Liz from her memories of living in a place very much like this and is a worthy addition.

Honeysuckle Rose is the descendent of botanists and explorers and maybe a witch or two. Her family is notable for their knowledge and preservation of the natural habitat. Honey was brought up by her Aunt Flora, but chose to make her way in life as a nurse, working in far off places (she did get the travel gene) including refugee camps and natural disasters. Now she's come home, worn out mentally and physically by the traumas she's seen and the loss of her one anchor, her Aunt Flora.

Lucien Grey is famous. First for being a frontline reporter in warzones and then for a dramatic rescue after a bomb went off near a field hospital while he was being treated by an oddly compelling nurse. He's going to write a book about his experiences, now he's suffering from PTSD and can no longer do his job safely.

Two people hiding from the world and their grief and loss were not going to have a fun meet cute. When Lucien moves in next door to an overgrown cottage he doesn't expect the owner to invade his property on the heels of her weeds. It doesn't go well and yet there is something beyond antagonism.

I loved seeing these two wounded people learning to relate to each other from behind the barriers they'd put up. They are both innately good people but they can't seem to stop snarking at each other, especially Honey who has reason to fear connection.

I did enjoy this visit to familiar territory. While we don't get to meet anyone significant from the previous books, the tone and village atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Honey and Lucien are lovely people and I was invested in them reaching their happy ever after.

I received an ARC for this book which is due out early in 2022 because the author was tired of me reading her previous books over and over again while I waited for something new. Definitely Prozac reads with so much emotion but within a safe space.

[RomanceByTheBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready to fall in love with this captivating English romance.

Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss is my first Liz Fielding book, and I can tell you it won’t be my last. This book was heartwarming and so beautifully written. It felt like a true modern-day romance, and I loved every moment of it.

Honey and Lucien are lovely characters and a fabulous couple. Their first few encounters are what I would like to call meet-ugly; let’s just say there is no love lost between these two. Honey blames Lucien for killing her wildflowers, and Lucien just wants Honey to leave him alone. Both characters want nothing to do with each other. However, fate has other plans in store for them, and after an unexpected incident, they find themselves spending more and more time with each other. Their relationship really focuses on healing and learning to open one’s heart to the possibility of new love. I love that there wasn’t this insta love feeling to their relationship, the chemistry between them grows as the story progresses. It gives their relationship a sense of realism.

Click on the link to read our full review on our blog: https://romancebythebook.com/2022/02/...

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first discovered Liz Fielding's beautiful writing when I reviewed Christmas Reunion in Paris. Her characters are troubled but strong as they work together for a happily ever after.

Lucien Grey is a journalist who has traveled the world. His assignments have been harrowing and have taken their toll on him mentally. Holed up in the beautiful English countryside he's attempting to write his book about his travels, but the feisty and argumentative Miss Honeysuckle Rose has upended his life. Their first volatile encounter left an impression with accusations, a panic attack, and a passionate kiss. And now he can't get her out of his head. So much for a quiet, peaceful setting to get his book done.

Honey Rose is reeling from her first encounter with the famous Lucien Grey. Her temper got the better of her and she's upset that he didn't remember her when she helped bandage his wounds on an assignment a few years ago. It's time to make amends by apologizing and getting on with trying to figure out what to do with her Aunt Flora's home and recovering from her breakdown. But what happens next places them in each other's company. Let the love begin.

I love Honey and Lucien's teasing banter and passionate feelings as they slowly fall in love. They have been through the wringer when it comes to working in battle zones and losing people they love. Ms. Fielding does an excellent job defining and exposing Lucien's terrifying trauma of PTSD. And it's how Honey calmly reacts to Lucien's episodes that endeared me to her natural ability as a nurse to make Lucien comfortable and not feel embarrassed. After all, she had experienced similar situations herself as a nurse in battle-worn countries. Honey has lost her confidence as a nurse as she broke down during a particular situation during her tour as a medical volunteer and was placed in counseling. It came at a time when she had lost her only living relative, Aunt Flora. The wonderful, vibrant woman who raised her from a six-year-old orphan and taught her so much about gardening. It was the last straw for her after using her fiance in college to a plane crash. Loss had killed her ability to love anyone until Lucien broke down her barriers by taking care of her when she has an accident. Together they learn to heal through gardening.  

The beautiful gardening references and lessons on re-wilding gardens and using them for healing is a  fascinating concept. In fact, I plan to read more on the subject. Ms. Fielding does a lovely job revealing Honey's garden paradise with the butterflies, the bees, and the wild beauty of it.

I highly recommend this gorgeous love story with authentic and passionate characters in a gorgeous setting.

Thank you to Ms. Fielding for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss is the latest emotional, uplifting and beautifully written romantic tale from multi award-winning author Liz Fielding.

After a lifetime spent risking life and limb reporting the news from the front line, Lucien Grey had come to the village of Lower Haughton for some peace and quiet. Having seen all manner of atrocities in his line of work, Lucien just wants to be left alone and is not interested in getting to know his neighbours, meeting the vicar or getting involved in village politics. Lucien is perfectly happy licking his wounds and brooding about his life in the cottage he’s rented. Making friends is not high on his list of priorities – which is just as well because his neighbour Honeysuckle Rose has just charged up to his door and called him a murderer!

Honey has got demons of her own to contend with. Her past continues to weigh heavily on her shoulders and often forces her to confront painful memories, but moving into her aunt’s cottage in Lower Haughton has been a great help to her and she has been finding such solace in the garden – which is why she is absolutely appalled that her new neighbour Lucien has instructed his gardeners to use weed-killer and as good as ruined all of her hard work and killed the natural habitats of the myriad species of wildlife residing in her garden. Honey is absolutely incandescent with rage, even though one glance at Lucien is enough to tell her that there is more to her brooding neighbour than meets the eye…

With fate having pushed the two of them in such close proximity, Lucien and Honey find themselves spending a lot of time together and giving into the attraction that has flared between them soon proves inevitable. Will Honey manage to thaw Lucien’s heart? And can the two of them find the strength to let go of the past and to look forward to the future…together?

Liz Fielding is at her enchanting best with her latest contemporary romance, Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss. A heartfelt, poignant and enjoyable romantic read about second chances, healing from the past and the magic of falling in love with your soulmate, Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss effortlessly delights and charms readers with a beguiling blend of beautifully drawn characters, gorgeously evocative descriptions of the English countryside and emotionally satisfying romance that will leave readers with a massive smile on their face.

Liz Fielding couldn’t write a bad book if she tried and in Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss continues to prove to be one of romantic fiction’s finest writers.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

First things first, Oh my goodness what an absolutely amazing read! I adored this book with all my heart. If you still think Mills and Boon is all about bodice ripping moments with beautiful people living perfect lives then you need to read Redeemed By Her Midsummer kiss. It will change your mind and leave you wanting to read more. I mean ok Honeysuckle and Lucien are gorgeous people but they have complicated lives and are very realistic believable characters. People you would be ok to be friends with. People you could easily fall in love with. I know I did.

One thing that made this book just that little bit special was the wonderful poems at the start of each chapter. They just made this book quite beautiful, a bit extra that added to the story. To me it felt like each poem matched the chapters impeccably. Liz writes with a clarity so strong that the story just comes alive. You get to know Honeysuckle and Lucien in depth and I was rooting for them right from the off. I loved Honeysuckle’s character and her love of gardening, I felt an immediate affinity with her.

All in all I can not say enough god things about this glorious love story about two people who just belong together. I LOVED IT!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. The PTSD moments were nicely portrayed, I particularly liked that he’s already sought help before the story begins and Honey’s background gives her an innate understanding of what he’s going through so this isn’t treated as some secret shame or melodramatic threat to their romance, it’s simply a fact of his life that they’re navigating.

I liked Honey and Lucien’s chemistry, too, but I just felt like I needed something more going on here. Maybe a more tangible reason for their initial animosity? Some conflict in the village that had them on opposite sides for a while longer than they were or a project they were forced to work together on? I don’t know, really, I just craved a little more plot of some sort but I’ve felt that way about a number of books over the last year or so, so it could be more of a me thing than a true issue with this story.

Another thing aside from the handling of the PTSD that set this contemporary romance apart in a good way was the setting, full of nature and time spent in the garden and chapter headings about flowers, etc., you could totally understand why Honey and Lucien found it such a soothing place to be.

[Rach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Fielding can do no wrong in the eyes of this avid romance reader. Her books are always full of charm, wit, stunning settings and palpable sizzle — a delectable mix — and this one was no exception. It covered so much in such a short space of time and pages, sweeping you up in a story filled with exquisite, scented settings; feelings that are buried deep and brought to the fore by a connection that you wholeheartedly believe in; a chemistry that burns through the pages and an ending that brings you so much joy and satisfaction, I devoured it in two sittings.

An emotional, engaging and above all, romantic tale of two broken hearts brought together through twists of fate and given the HEA they so desperately deserve. I couldn’t love it any more!

Note: Fielding actually succeeds in making tall, lean and worn around the edges utterly sexy and heart-stopping in Lucien. It’s worth reading for that magic alone!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to @liz.fielding for sharing this wonderful book with me. I was lucky enough to receive an early copy and I loved it. Honeysuckle and Lucien are both traumatised and afraid to love. Honey because she believes everyone she loves eventually leaves her and she is terrified to put herself out there despite finding her new neighbor, gruff author Lucien Grey, very handsome. From their first meeting there were fireworks and this deeply emotional story had me cheering for these two who were clearly destined to be together. This is a sweet and sensual love story full of hope and love and the clear message that despite tragedy you can triumph and you can also find love and safety and happiness. Liz is one of my favourite authors, I’ve read her books for years and she always delivers a magical, wonderful book. I highly recommend you pick it up when it comes out soon

[Debs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chance lost, a love found....

I loved this story so so much. Lucien was a war correspondent, who retired to write a book, still shell shocked, still experiencing flash backs. Honey is someone who has crossed paths with him before in terrifying circumstances( he had tried to find her after a blast parted them). Honey, feisty, angry and the queen of the sharp quip is recovering from her own breakdown after the death of a beloved Aunt. It is as if the pair of them had to find each other again before the healing could start, their acid interaction and sharp dialog a tonic for them both. This story made me feel for them, it made me hope for them and it made me laugh out loud at the scary climax. It's brilliant, 5 stars all the way.

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! This story is about two people who have endured horrific events - I know I sometimes forget that it isn't just service men and women who actually fight in a war. There are more heroes and heroines who face unfathomable events just as those who actually fire a weapon do. Honeysuckle Rose and Lucien Grey are broken, scarred by things that happened during wartime. They meet in a most unusual way...both times...and they get along like oil and water. But they learn to work together and it helps them heal, and their path to a relationship is so very dear and touching. Really loved this book. And as I said, it made me remember that war affects all people. Just in different ways. Lovely story.

[Patty Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honeysuckle Rose, Honey, is a nurse who returns home to her great-aunt’s cottage that her great-aunt left to Honey after her death. Honey finds peace there in the garden as her great-aunt raised her there after her parents died. Her neighbor, Lucien Grey, is a journalist, who saw war on the front line. He came back a different person. Lucien is wounded and scarred. He is staying there while he write a book. These two are trying to figure out what their next step will be. The more time they spend together, the more they enjoy being together. Will they finally let go of their past and look to the future? Will it be together or will Lucien leave after the summer? Love these characters. Wounded, in need of love and a second chance in life.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story combines fascinating facts and settings with a wonderfully heartwarming story. Honey returns home emotionally exhausted and grieving to heal. Lucien has spent his life in war-torn areas and is now writing a book whilst trying to recover from its effects on his health. There is chemistry between the couple from their first explosive meeting and history.

An engaging read, the romance is fraught with difficulties, and you want the likeable couple to overcome them.

I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review,

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Temptingly sweet! REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS by Liz Fielding takes us into the hearts of a pair of souls who are wounded and attempting to put the pieces of their minds and hearts back together again. The back stories are intriguing and though it was slightly confusing putting the pieces together in the beginning, they kept me captivated throughout. I highly enjoyed their story.

Lucien is a kind man at heart who thinks the scars he carries in his mind after reporting in war zones and returning home has changed who he is forever. Watching him accept peace with Honey by his side was heartwarming.

Honey is quite the character and easily brought smiles to my face often as I read her.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gentle romance brewing between two wounded characters as they help one another find their footing again.

[Nas Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

REDEEMED BY HER MIDSUMMER KISS is a sweet and exciting romance story. Author Liz Fielding has a spell-binding way with her writing. I could visualise the story as it unfolded on the pages. She also did a marvellous job of bringing these two characters together for their happy ever after despite their emotional baggage. This is an emotional and thrilling story with a natural emergency and all the medical drama as well as family warmth and relationships.
Recommended for all readers of romance.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite a classic meet-ugly, Lucien Grey and Honeysuckle Rose have more in common than they thought and the electricity between them almost crackles off the page. As their tumultuous relationship moves from verbal sparring to tenderness and care, their rough edges fit together. Knowing and caring for one another helps them both heal and move on, so that I fully believed in their happy ending.

I loved Honey's care for her garden and her infectious passion for rewilding. The love of plants underpins Lucien and Honey's growing relationship, and informs their future. With so many gorgeous flowers and flower-derived goodies, I was dying for a bit of greenery myself!

Sit yourself in the garden (or by the garden!) and enjoy a lovely story about two hurting people healing together.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own

[Malvina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two damaged people meet and connect via a sun-drenched summer garden. The garden was so beautiful it was almost a character of itself - Liz Fielding's descriptions made me want to be there and sleep in the grass among the butterflies. The romance was tentative but honest and lovely, as Honey and Lucien battle their inner traumas. A gorgeous read, and I think it's Liz Fielding's 70th romance, so huge congratulations!

[AJReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey has moved into her aunt’s cottage from being a nurse in a war zone and is trying to come to terms with the loss of her Aunt. Lucien has moved into the house next door to write a book after being a new reporter in war torn areas. Their first meeting goes anything but smooth, a friendship and romance develops form this. Some great funny moments along the way. A great read.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love author, Liz Fielding's books. This is Honeysuckle Rose, aka Honey, and Lucien Grey's story. From the setting to the characters the book draws you into their world. From past traumas to a romance between these two. It's just a good, heart-warming book.

[Dottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever you pick up a Liz Fielding book you are guaranteed a wonderful read. She puts two people together that have a heartbreaking problem that they are trying to deal with and with true love they are able to overcome. Never miss one of her books she is pure gold.

[Michelle Douglas]

Gorgeous, glorious and every good thing! The hero and heroine were wonderful, the banter was so good it made my toes curl, and Honey’s garden was divine. Absolute perfection. Highly recommended.

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of Redeemed by Her Midsummer Kiss can be found on my blog...

https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...

[Peggy Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Harlequin Romance and it was so good. I really like the author and her books most of them are page turners. Liz hit the ball up the third base line for a triple!

[Danielle Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redeemed by her Midsummer Kiss is a really heartwarming story and not your typical romance, it also had a fair bit of trauma and suspense which I was not expecting!

I absolutely adored Honeysuckle Rose and Lucien Gray and you could feel the tension coming off the pages during their Enemies to Lovers story!

The storm hitting the Village was not expected and really had you on the edge of your seat worrying what was going to happen - a very sneaky addition to a True Love Story but very well received!

This was the first book I have read by Liz Fielding, but it will not be my last!

[Tiziana Langone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The healing nature of Honey
 
Honeysuckle Rose inherited her great aunt’s cottage and garden. She enjoys taking care of all the fauna and flora, and found the much needed peace.
But then her peace is disturbed by her new neighbour, Lucien Grey. Everyone knows Lucien grey as a high – flying news reporter but he has returned as a changed man. now he is a brooding man, with no bigger desire than being left alone.
After a first, heated meeting, Honey realizes that Lucien has demons to face. With both needing the other’s help in several occasions and that one unexpected kiss, will they be exactly that one thing they both needed to dare to see a bright future again?
 
I thought I knew what kind of story I would be reading. And even if this was a rather short one, compared with other tales, maybe this one touched my heart the most…
Because this story goes much deeper, with characters who are facing dark emotions and are struggling to get again a grip on their lives again.
 
While Honey seems a woman with her head straight on her shoulders, rather quickly it’s obvious she has her own demons to face.
The losses she endured, made her make choices not based on what she truly wanted, but more like what her loved ones expected from her.
Of course, if she didn’t have her heart at the right place, she wouldn’t be using her knowledge as a nurse abroad, or have such a desire to take care of her great aunt’s garden.
But that makes her understand Lucien all the better, because she knows what he is going through. And despite their initial clash, and even the clashes alter on, she truly wants to help him, because lingering in the past will only hold your back.
 
I can only imagine what Lucien saw and has been through. And I completely understood his state of mind, as it cannot have been easy.
But I loved seeing him opening up, and find his drive again, with the help of Honey.
 
OF COURSE you and I both know what will happen between Honey and Lucien, no surprise there. But I found it heart – warming that these were two people, both scarred somehow, despite their initial dislike find each other (again?) and help each other to face their fears. Together, with their even perhaps a limited knowledge about the matter, they find a way to process what happened to them.
 
The beauty of this (too short for me!) story is, beside the love – aspect, that something terrible is finding its place without ridiculing it, but showing the seriousness of it. And that there is a way to overcome it. It may need baby steps, but you can heal from those scars.
Honey is exactly what Lucien needs, with her hands – on attitude, and Lucien and his feelings is exactly what Honey needs to overcome her fears.
 
This story was wonderful to read, about love, pain and courage to move. But also about a community being there for each other and offer a helping hand, however they can.
And when you know, you just know…