Blot Tour: A Good Match for the Major by Josie Bonham

Pride meets prejudice – can love blossom?
 
Beautiful young widow, Lady Eliza Wyndham, is determined never to remarry after a disastrous first marriage. The undeniable attraction that fizzes between her and Major Nathaniel Overton terrifies her. She rejects his advances.

With his pride badly dented, Nat vows to forget Eliza until he finds her in danger from an old adversary of his army days. His protective instincts are stirred and he steps back into her life, but will Eliza be prepared to accept his help?

Purchase Link - http://mybook.to/agoodmatchforthemajor


Review

Meet-ugly turns out better than either party expected

I definitely got Pride and Prejudice vibes from this book, though the Darcy archetype is shared. Eliza is reserved like Darcy but this stems more from fear than arrogance. Despite being heir to a barony, Nat has a chip on his shoulder from his mother's family being in trade, so in his pride considers Eliza prejudiced against him. Fortunately, they have good people around them to help them get past their inauspicious beginnings.

Seeing Eliza and Nat move from frosty adversaries to reluctant acquaintances to mutual pining made for an entertaining read. Practically everyone they know is playing matchmaker - family, friends, even the servants! It's clear it's all with the best of intentions, and though I appreciate how Eliza's family resolved to give her time, I wish this had been explored a little more. Eliza's traumatised from her first marriage and grieving for her mother, so it would have been nice to see them take things slow. It's no surprise Eliza jumps to conclusions, especially as Nat has severe foot-in-mouth syndrome at times.

I did get thrown out of the story a bit by the sometimes misapplied naming conventions - a Duchess is never Lady so-and-so and it didn't sit right for Eliza to be both Lady Eliza and Lady Wyndham (either she maintained her title as Lady Eliza or she took her husband's as Lady Wyndham, not both). If this is also a pet peeve of yours, beware!

Despite my quibbles, this is a fine story about retired solder and a grown-up horse girl (no, really, horses of quality are an ongoing theme which is actually quite cool) falling in love and pretending they haven't.

Four stars

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

Author Bio

Josie lives in the English midlands, surrounded by towns full of history such as Evesham, Stratford-Upon- Avon, Warwick and Worcester. Which is perhaps why her favourite reads are historical. Out of all the periods to choose from the Regency Era stirs her imagination the most. The true Regency lasted from 1811 until 1820 but dates as wide as 1789 to 1837 have been included in the extended Regency period. For Josie the true flavour of this period emerges after the iniquitous hair powder tax of 1795, unsurprisingly, scuppered the fashion for hair powder almost overnight.

Josie has always dabbled in stories but it took the combined efforts of her sister and eldest niece to set her on the path to writing novels. Her Regency romances, with a dash of adventure and intrigue, are the result.

There is more information on her website at www.josiebonhamauthor.com

Social Media Links
Twitter @BonhamJosie
Facebook  www.facebook.com/josiebonhamauthor/

Blog Tour: Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace by Julie Stock

It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a new season and a new beginning
 
After being abandoned by her partner when she falls pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on the Vineyard in Alsace, where she has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry. Now about to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide for them both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.

Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his grief and guilt following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he blames himself. When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards her gives him hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as he can tell Lottie the truth of what happened.

When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry closer together, they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly independent and he’s fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting someone new with their heart.

Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each other, move on from their pasts and start over?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again with this romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

Purchase Link - Amazon

Review

A dual journey of fresh starts and self-discovery

Our story starts almost in media res, as heavily-pregnant Lottie must decide whether to take a change on new boyfriend Thierry, after her baby daddy heard the test results and ran for the hills. Indeed, it's a choice she must make again and again as she faces life with a newborn.

Thierry, for his part, has his own share of baggage in his closet - not least of which is his guilt around the death of his wife less than two years before. He loves Lottie - that much is sure - but can he live with her, and her with him?

It's this thorny question that weaves its way through this book. Over and over, Lottie and Thierry clash as they face up to their pasts, their problems, and the biggest challenge of all: communication.

You though I was going to say parenthood, didn't you? Well, no, because Lottie's baby is adorable. As is Lottie's step-niece Chloe. There are a whole family (both blood-related and choice-related) ready to gather around them, many fresh off their own book (Fran and Didier) or ready to start (Ellie and Henri). Not only that, but the vineyard is almost a character in itself, even though I know nothing about wine or its making.

Back to the communication. It's such a relief when Lottie and Thierry finally acknowledge their problems - to each other, no less - and work to face them. For instance, I'm incredibly proud of Thierry for going to a counsellor. He even addressed the stigma and went anyway. And it helped. There's so many little details, little character moments that made me go "oh, there you are, thank you".

I will note that the conversation seemed a little formal - a lot of the dialogue came off stilted and overly wordy. There's so much emotion in many of these conversations but it can become lost in the verbiage.

Overall, a solid read about two strong people learning to bend.

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

Author Bio

Julie Stock writes contemporary feel-good romance from around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. She published her debut novel, From Here to Nashville, in 2015, after starting to write as an escape from the demands of her day job as a teacher. Starting Over at the Vineyard in Alsace is her ninth book, and the second in the Domaine des Montagnes series set on a vineyard.

Julie is now a full-time author, and loves every minute of her writing life. When not writing, she can be found reading, her favourite past-time, running, a new hobby, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, glass of wine in hand.

Julie is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Society of Authors. She is married and lives with her family in Bedfordshire in the UK.

Social Media Links
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

Blog Tour: The Village Shop for Lonely Hearts by Alison Sherlock

A feel-good story of new beginnings set in a gorgeous country village, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson.

After losing her job in New York, Amber Green isn’t looking forward to visiting her godmother in the sleepy village of Cranbridge. With its empty lanes and rundown shops, it’s hardly a place to mend her lonely heart.

But when Amber discovers that Cranbridge Stores, owned by her godmother Cathy and son Josh, is under threat of financial ruin, she realises that her skills as a window dresser might just be able to help save the struggling shop.

When disaster strikes, Amber and Josh must unite to save both the shop and the village from flooding.

Can Cranbridge Stores become the heart of the village once more?

And as the village begins to come back to life, perhaps Amber will discover a reason to stay…

Purchase Links https://amzn.to/2VPGfzh

Review

At a loose end after being made redundant from her fancy job in New York, Amber agrees to visit her godmother in the quiet village of Cranbridge. It's only meant to be a stop on her way to live with her parents, newly emigrated to New Zealand. Her godmother's general store is overstocked and struggling, and the entire village has a feeling of desolation, but it might be the perfect place for Amber to get back on her feet.

Amber and Josh were adorable. From a rather unfortunate meet-cute to shenanigans renovating the store and mutual pining, I loved the way they saw the best in each other and gave the other a reason to be their best selves. They each start the story deeply unhappy but find happiness and fulfilment in the life they build together. It's incredibly wholesome.

There are so many things I really liked in this book: the friendships Amber made with Belle and Molly, the growing sense of community in Cranbridge, the snarky side characters all with a heart of gold, and the thought and care put into the shop renovations. It did feel a tad tell-not-show at the start and end, but that's a minor quibble in a lovely book. I can't help but hope we return to Cranbridge soon.

Five stars, because this book made me happy.

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

Author Bio
 
Alison Sherlock is the author of the bestselling Willow Tree Hall books. Alison enjoyed reading and writing stories from an early age and gave up office life to follow her dream. Her new series for Boldwood is set in a fictional Cotswold Village and the first title will be published in July 2020.

Social Media Links
Twitter https://twitter.com/AlisonSherlock
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alison.sherlock.73
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alison-sherlock

Blog Tour: Cornish Dreams at Cockleshell Cottage by Liz Hurley

Sitting alongside the beach and just up from the gently lapping waves, sat a perfect cottage. She had found where she was going to live. Her own little cockleshell cove.

Ever since the Byrne sisters – Ariana, Aster, Clem, Paddy and Nic – discovered they were heiresses to the vast Hiverton fortune, their lives have never been the same. No longer living in poverty in London, they now own an estate in Norfolk, a castle in Scotland and a picturesque village in Cornwall.

When sensitive Paddy, the baby of the family despite her successful career as a model, swaps the catwalks of Paris Fashion Week for the cobbled lanes of Tregisky on the beautiful Cornish coast, it’s time for her to stand on her own two feet.

Soon, she’s settled in her new home of Cockleshell Cottage overlooking the wild surf, the seals her closest companions.

And when she meets ex-soldier Hal, she’s instantly smitten. Funny, considerate, and not to mention drop dead gorgeous, he’s perfect in every way apart from one – he’s engaged. But after a misunderstanding brings the two together in ways they couldn’t have imagined, it seems like they might just change each other’s lives.

Will Paddy fall in love with more than just the glorious blue skies of Cornwall? Or are there storm clouds gathering ahead?

Escape to the Cornish coast this summer with this completely uplifting romcom – perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson.

Purchase Links
AMZ: https://amzn.to/3gG1NXy
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3eD1j2x
Apple: https://apple.co/3dpq1Dn

 Review

The follow-up to the charming A New Life for Ariana Byrne, Cornish Dreams at Cockleshell Cottage follows Ariana's younger sister Paddy as she investigates the Cornish village her family inherited (along with a title, a fortune, and a whole host of other properties). Poor Paddy might be a successful model but her older sisters still treat her like the baby of the family so she jumps at the chance to prove she can handle family responsibility. Meeting Hal seems like the icing on the cake, until she discovers he's engaged, and Paddy must decide if this Cornwall plan is really her future.

I enjoyed reading this book. It's sweet and funny, even if it never quite makes it as the 'rom-com' it is marketed as. It's a coming of age crossed with a romance and topped with a series of unfortunate events. The de Foix/Byrne sisters are delightful - all different, but the love between them shines brightly. Paddy wears her heart on her sleeve and her kind sincerity helps her make friendships wherever she goes. I especially liked old Beryl.

I do wish the book hadn't swapped POV so much, sometimes without warning. Rather than fleshing out the supporting cast, it made everything a bit disjointed and opened a lot of character arcs that were left unfulfilled. There was also a lot of telling not showing, describing a conversation rather than letting the characters speak.

I also can't review this book without a mention of infidelity. I expected a love triangle and mutual pining. I didn't expect the main romance to begin with cheating, which really doesn't endear Hal to me at all. He's obviously caught in a bad situation, but he makes a lot of poor choices before he gets his happy ending. Some people might be okay with those choices, but they weren't for me.

Come spend some time with the de Foix sisters - and I'm especially looking forward to Nick's story!

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

Author Bio – Heroines with grit, gumption and good old-fashioned gorgeousness!

Liz Hurley writes exciting and heart warming stories that will make you cheer and laugh.

Social Media Links
https://www.lizhurleywrites.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theotherlizhurley/
https://twitter.com/hello_hurley

Blog Tour: Homeward Bound by Richard Smith

Homeward Bound features 79-year-old grandfather George, who didn’t quite make it as a rock star in the ‘60s. He’s expected to be in retirement but in truth he’s not ready to close the lid on his dreams and will do anything for a last chance. When he finds himself on a tour of retirement homes instead of a cream tea at the seaside his family has promised, it seems his story might prematurely be over.
 
He finds the answer by inviting Tara, his 18-year-old granddaughter, to share his house, along with his memories and vast collection of records. She is an aspiring musician as well, although her idea of music is not George’s. What unfolds are clashes and unlikely parallels between the generations – neither knows nor cares how to use a dishwasher – as they both chase their ambitions.
 
Purchase Links
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/homeward-bound-richard-smith/1136313433?ean=2940163088645
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homeward-Bound-Richard-Smith/dp/1838591591/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
https://www.waterstones.com/book/homeward-bound/richard-smith/9781838591595
https://www.ink84bookshop.co.uk/product-page/homeward-bound-by-richard-smith

Review
This is a story about the timelessness of music. It's a bittersweet story about the inevitability of old age and the importance of choices. Most of all, this is the story of George: nearly eighty, newly widowed, and worried his best days are far behind him with nothing to show for his grand dreams but a room full of vinyl records. When granddaughter Tara moves to London for uni, George invites her to live with him. Their shared love of music - albeit from very different generations - draws them together even as they struggle with their own uncertain futures.

This is a book for music lovers, especially those old time rock and rollers but even newer music references are woven through the text. George's introspection, while sometimes maudlin and meandering, is also charming and heartbreaking as he reminisces on times gone by. Tara has her on distinct voice (though at 18, she is most certainly not a millennial) as she looks to forge a path of her own, with or without long-term boyfriend Mark.

If you are looking for a story about family, intergenerational friendship, and the power of music, turn your face Homeward Bound. Four stars.

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


Author Bio
Richard Smith is a writer and storyteller for sponsored films and commercials, with subjects as varied as caring for the elderly, teenage pregnancies, communities in the Niger delta, anti- drug campaigns and fighting organised crime. Their aim has been to make a positive difference, but, worryingly, two commercials he worked on featured in a British Library exhibition, ‘Propaganda’.

@RichardWrites2   

richardsmithwrites.com
 

To Catch an Earl by Kate Bowman

A case of secret identities finds reunited lovers on opposite sides of the law in this fun, flirty Regency romance.

There's only one case Bow Street agent Alex Harland, Earl of Melton, hasn't cracked: the identity of the mysterious woman who stole a kiss from him before he left for war. He's neither forgotten--nor forgiven--her for leaving him wanting. When he starts investigating the Nightjar, an elusive London jewel thief, he keeps running into the alluring Emmy Danvers, who stirs feelings he hasn't felt in years.

Even though Emmy's loved Alex for years, she can't risk revealing her heart, or her identity as the Nightjar. With Alex on her case, Emmy knows that her secrets are in danger of being discovered. Their cat and mouse game heats up with every interaction, but when Emmy's reputation--and life--is at risk, will Alex realize that some rules are made to be broken for love?

Review
A romantic cat and mouse chase through Regency London

Emmy Danvers never intended on taking up her father's mantle of the Nightjar. She'd much rather a life that didn't involve scaling walls and sneaking around. Unfortunately, a blackmailer won't let her fade into normality and forces her to pick up where her father left off.

Back from the Napoleonic wars, Alex Harland is assigned to track down the Nightjar. He can't believe it when his investigation leads him to Emmy again and again. There's something about her that captures his heart, but his honour won't let him ignore his duty, even though a captured Nightjar would be sent to the gallows.

This was a really fun concept between two interesting characters. I absolutely loved Emmy's wit and her family of thieves/accomplices, especially her grandmother Camille, who steals every scene she's in. Alex's wartime experiences have left him cynical and jaded, but Emmy helps him to hope again, and though he makes some pig-headed blunders, he apologises sincerely enough that both I and Emmy forgive him. I would've liked them to team up a bit earlier, to be honest.

I was less impressed by Emmy using her personal, unique perfume before heists and then somehow being surprised when it comes back to bite her. Master thief she most certainly is not. If Alex hadn't fallen in love with her, she would have had a far shorter career (and life) than her father. Also, their first night together is under dubious circumstances so ridiculous I threw my hands up with a "well, I guess that might as well happen!"

For a great concept with interesting characters and bumpy execution, four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley; all opinions are my own

Blog Tour: Finding Love in Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Can love really be found when you stop looking for it...?

As Samantha Wishaw watches the love of her life marry another woman, she’s ready to give up hope of finding her happy ever after.

But when a chance encounter leads Sam to find friendship in Thomas - a lonely, grumpy elderly widower living at derelict Hedgehog Hollow - her life is about to change forever.

Glad to have a distraction from family feuds and match-making, Sam vows to fulfill Thomas and his wife, Gwendoline's, dreams of restoring Hedgehog Hollow to its former glory, and to open a hedgehog rescue centre.

Throwing herself into the task at hand, little does Sam realise that the keys to love and happiness may also be found at Hedgehog Hollow, when she least expects it...

Escape to Hedgehog Hollow this summer with top 10 bestseller Jessica Redland for the perfect uplifting, feel-good read.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/2xrmxAo

Review

Wow, that was quite the rollercoaster ride!

Sam is not having a good time. Bridesmaid at the wedding of her cousin and her ex, she gets lost on the way to the reception and meets Thomas, a grumpy old widower. As her personal life spirals out of control, her friendship with Thomas gives her the courage to set proper boundaries in her relationships and live life on her own terms.


I loved Sam. Despite life (and her family) knocking her down again and again, she persisted in kindness and optimism. She was saved from doormat status by standing up to the people who hurt her in some immensely satisfying pieces of prose. I was rooting for her happiness from the get go, even as her troubles were only just getting started.


There's a generous cast of characters here - some who support Sam, some not so much. I enjoyed seeing them grow and change (as did their relationship with Sam) over the course of the book, and for those who wronged her and realised it, I appreciated the conversations (and the grovelling) that preceded her forgiveness. Family rifts always hurt, and forgiveness seems hollow when the pain isn't acknowledged on both sides, but this was not the case here. Things don't go back to how they were, and that's okay.


The romance here feels a little shoehorned in. The love interest (and I could spot him from a mile off, despite an inauspicious first meeting) doesn't make an appearance until about halfway through the book. They then make up for it by getting together after their fifth meeting (and their first positive one). I simply couldn't buy into their relationship due to the speed at which it progressed. It's not bad, it's just not my favourite part of the book. Perhaps if they'd met earlier or had more positive interactions before the tipping point it would've won me over.

If you're looking for a story about family, friendship, forgiveness, and hedgehogs, pick up this book and grab a tissue or two.

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

Author Bio

Jessica Redland is the author of nine novels, including The Secret to Happiness, which are all set around the fictional location of Whitsborough Bay. Inspired by her hometown of Scarborough she writes uplifting women’s fiction which has garnered many devoted fans.
 
Social Media Links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/
Twitter -  https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRedlandWriter/
Own website - https://www.jessicaredland.com/
Blog - https://jessicaredlandwriter.wordpress.com/
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland
Mailing list sign up - http://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNewsletter

Blog Tour: Sun, Sea and Sangria by Victoria Cooke

Kat swore off dating many years ago, after her marriage ended in a catastrophic mess. Having moved to the Canary Islands for a fresh start, she has never had much time for romance, channelling all her energy into managing all-male dance troupe – the Heavenly Hunks.

With golden beaches, sparkling blue water and relaxing after work with a glass of sangria – or three – for Kat, it’s summer all year round. But despite life being postcard perfect, Kat can’t help but wonder if she is missing out on the most important thing of all… love.

The dancers are all well-known for their flirtatious antics and aren’t looking for anything serious… except Jay. Sitting by the pool, watching the sun reflecting in the water, Kat feels like she can tell him anything.

Handsome, caring and a good listener, he ignites a fire in Kat’s heart that scares her witless. But her relationship with Jay should stay strictly professional… right? There is absolutely no way that she can be his boss and his date.

As the temperature rises, will Kat be able to take the plunge, let go of her past and find romance in paradise?

Purchase Link - http://getbook.at/SunSeaAndSangria

Review

Quick warning for an abusive past relationship including gaslighting.

From the outside, Kat's life looks perfect. She's buried her painful past and manages (read: plays mom to) an all-male troupe of dancers in the Canary Islands. Rather understandably, she's a little leery of relationships and spends most of her free time with her hilarious friend Andrea. Jay is looking for work and thinks he can hack it as one of Kat's Heavenly Hunks. He's a bit older than the rest of her dancers, but he knows what he's doing and is an awfully good listener. Too bad he's Kat's employee.

To be honest, Jay was almost too good to be true. Hot, talented, considerate, and incredibly patient with Kat even as her feelings see-sawed all over the place. For a woman pushing 40 (and yay for slightly older heroines!), Kat has an awful lot of growth to do in a short time. While her failed marriage did a number on her, the last eight years have left her in stasis so she's completely unprepared for a new relationship. After a while I got a bit tired of her 'relationships suck' angst but at least she did pull it together at last.

I really loved the family feel of the Hunks. Each of the boys are so distinct but you can tell Kat cares about each of them and is loved in return. As previously mentioned, Andrea is hilarious: an awesome friend, a steady rock, and not too high and mighty to turn up her nose at a bunch of hot guys using her bar as a practice area during the day. It would've been a very different book without Andrea on hand to push Kat to do better.

Overall, a fun and flirty read

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

Author Bio

Victoria Cooke grew up in the city of Manchester before crossing the Pennines in pursuit of a career in education. She now lives in Huddersfield with her husband and two young daughters and when she's not at home writing by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand, she loves working out in the gym and travelling. Victoria was first published at the tender age of eight by her classroom teacher who saw potential in a six-page story about an invisible man. Since then she's always had a passion for reading and writing, undertaking several writers' courses before completing her first novel, 'The Secret to Falling in Love,' in 2016 which was selected for onscreen adaptation in April 2020.

Her third novel, Who Needs Men Anyway? became a digital bestseller in 2018.

Social Media Link
Twitter: @Victoriacooke10 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/victoriacookeauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/victoriacookewriter
TikTok: @victoriacookewriter

Blog Tour: The Scoundrel’s Bartered Bride by Virginia Heath (including international giveaway)

Marriage…To the highest bidder

Lady Lydia Barton cannot seem to avoid Owen Wolfe since he returned after being wrongly transported for stealing her family’s jewels! But Lydia has more pressing problems―like her impending arranged marriage. Until Owen makes her father a counter-offer for her hand. Is Owen purely after her society connections? Or does Lydia dare hope that the charming stable boy she once loved is still within her ruthless, wealthy new husband?

Purchase Link http://www.getboook.at/scoundrelsbride

Review

Lydia and Owen's forbidden teenage romance was cut cruelly short when he was transported for theft from her family. Now ten years later, Lydia is on the cusp of an arranged marriage when Owen steps in to offer for her hand. Can their second chance together end any better than their first?

Well, yes.

This was a light, entertaining romance with moments that made me laugh out loud. Lydia and Owen's history elevates this from insta-lust to a ,much needed second chance, because despite all their baggage and misconceptions, no-one else has ever come close.

There's an entertaining but small cast of additional characters. Owen's partner Randolph and wife Gertie are delightful and provide a nice contrast to Owen and Lydia's dramatics. Lydia's family are just as spineless and slimy as you would expect from a noble family who sell their daughter to pay off debts.

I was slightly displaced by a few instances of overly-modern speech and found the ending a bit predictable, but was overall entertained by this novel.

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


Author Bio

When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiaheathauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VirginiaHeath_
 
Giveaway to Win 2 x e-copies of The Scoundrel’s Bartered Bride (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide 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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: The English Wife by Adrienne Chinn

Two women, a world apart.
 
A secret waiting to be discovered…
 
VE Day 1945: As victory bells ring out across the country, war bride Ellie Burgess’ happiness is overshadowed by grief. Her charismatic Newfoundlander husband Thomas is still missing in action.

Until a letter arrives explaining Thomas is back at home on the other side of the Atlantic recovering from his injuries.

Travelling to a distant country to live with a man she barely knows is the bravest thing Ellie has ever had to do. But nothing can prepare her for the harsh realities of her new home…

September 11th 2001: Sophie Parry is on a plane to New York on the most tragic day in the city’s history. While the world watches the news in horror, Sophie’s flight is rerouted to a tiny town in Newfoundland and she is forced to seek refuge with her estranged aunt Ellie.

Determined to discover what it was that forced her family apart all those years ago, newfound secrets may change her life forever…

This is a timeless story of love, sacrifice and resilience perfect for fans of Lorna Cook and Gill Paul.
 
Purchase Links
https://amzn.to/2KpCBpb
https://amzn.to/3bqYKPZ
https://amzn.to/2VpSoLk

Review

A tragic and beautiful story about family, betrayal, and secrets.

This is a timeslip novel about two women, sixty years apart, although both timelines span over a decade inside themselves. The modern timeline follows Sophie when the events of September 11 bring her into contact with her estranged aunt Ellie - and it also delves into her return, 10 years later. In the past, we see Ellie during the war as she falls in love and sets the events of both timelines into motion, becoming the titular English Wife.

It was really interesting seeing how September 11, for many a pivotal event, functioned as a catalyst for Sophie and Ellie's meeting, but did not have a strong presence throughout the book. It's not glossed over - there are conversations and comments where the tragedy of that day are apparent, but it features less than you would think.

The Newfoundland setting was apt and beautifully written, with voices so strong it was like I could hear the characters talking.While very much a real place, there's something about that half-hour time zone that places it out of the ordinary - not a paradise, but somewhere special nonetheless.

Despite the timeslips, I found the story well paced and easy to follow even when it broke my heart. The misunderstandings, resentment, and betrayal resonate through the ages and link in unexpected and poignant ways. While the book has a happy ending, it is certainly bittersweet especially knowing the pain of the past is necessary to come to the present.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own

Author Bio
Adrienne Chinn was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, grew up in Quebec, and eventually made her way to London, England after a career as a journalist. In England she worked as a TV and film researcher before embarking on a career as an interior designer, lecturer, and writer. When not up a ladder or at the computer, she can usually be found rummaging through flea markets or haggling in the Marrakech souk. Her second novel, The English Wife -- a timeslip story set in World War II England and contemporary Newfoundland -- is published in June 2020. Her debut novel, The Lost Letter from Morocco, was published by Avon Books UK in 2019. She is currently writing her third novel, The Photographer's Daughters, the first of a 3-book series, to be published in 2021.

Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/adriennechinnauthor/?modal=admin_todo_tour
https://www.instagram.com/adriennechinn/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/adriennechinn