BLOG TOUR: A Daughter's Love - Nancy Revell

When Lucy’s estranged mother dies unexpectedly, her grief is overwhelming. Lucy was disowned when she married penniless horse-trainer Danny for love, leaving her blue-blooded family’s fortune in tatters. But Lucy always dreamed that one day, they’d reconcile.

So when her widowed father Edward begs her and Danny’s forgiveness for his part in their argument, she’s overjoyed. Newly pregnant, she’s determined to give her baby the family she longed for.

Danny, however, isn’t convinced: Edward’s mended ways feel too good to be true. But Lucy’s pregnancy is difficult, and she can’t hear his worries. Until the worst happens, and their fragile family is tested to its very limit…

Will love be enough to get them through?

 

What did I think?

A Daughter's Love is the third and final book in the Cuthford Manor series and I have enjoyed every beautifully written word.  You can read it as a standalone as there's enough of the backstory included to fill in any blanks that new readers might have but it is simply breathtaking when you have read the previous books.

Angie's siblings Danny and Marlene are the focus of this book as Danny starts his married life with Lucy and Marlene tentatively opens her heart to the possibility of love.  The Boulter family haven't had an easy life and it's not about to change any time soon with cracks appearing in Danny's marriage already and Marlene losing the man she loves to manipulative Mabel.

As much as I loved the majority of the characters, I really detested Mabel.  There's a line that sums Mabel up perfectly: "And what Mabel wanted, Mabel got."  You'd think Mabel was lady of the manor but she's just an employee at Cuthford Manor.  Poor Thomas doesn't stand a chance when Mabel sets her sights on him, probably just to spite Marlene more than anything.

I feel like I have watched this lovely family grow up over the years and I will miss them but the beauty of being a reader is that I can always pick up the books again and I plan to do just that.  Nancy Revell is a natural storyteller and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Impossible to put down, incredibly entertaining and completely unmissable, A Daughter's Love is a fantastic family saga that I highly recommend.  An easy five stars - I absolutely loved it!

I received a gifted paperback for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Nancy Revell is the author of 12 titles in the bestselling Shipyard Girls series, which tells the story of a group of women who work in a Sunderland shipyard during WWII. Her books have sold more than half a million copies, across all editions, with the last book in the Shipyard Girl series a No.2 Sunday Times Bestseller. Before that, she was a journalist who worked for all the national newspapers, providing them with hard- hitting news stories and in-depth features. She also wrote inspirational true-life stories for just about every woman’s magazine in the country. Nancy was born and brought up in the North East of England and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, Paul.

Follow the tour:

BLOG TOUR: Just One Look At You - Jill Mansell

 

Venice. The perfect setting for romance, and for secrets to be shared.

Fen can't believe her luck. A luxury holiday with her beloved grandmother Disa - what could be more delightful? It doesn't cross her mind that she might fall in love. Or that love can bring complications . . .

Jamie can't help it that women always fall for him, rather than for his kind-hearted friend Leon. Nor that only one of them got the looks (that would be Jamie). But how will he feel if the girl he's drawn to only has eyes for Leon?

Disa has a secret. A few weeks ago, an old letter in a file revealed a shocking truth about her late husband. She's come to Venice to find out more.

There's news on the way that will reverberate through all their lives, as Jill Mansell's joyful, heartbreaking new novel takes readers on a roller coaster ride of emotion - and makes us believe in love again.

What did I think?

Just One Look At You is as beautiful inside as out.  I could lose myself in the gorgeous cover and I was completely mesmerised by the story inside.  I have never been to Venice but I felt as if I was there following in the characters' footsteps.

There are a number of characters and it took me a little while to get to know who was who but they really affected me.  I laughed (a lot) and cried (a little) as their lives played out in front of me.  I had a lump in my throat at the perfect ending and I didn't want to leave the characters behind when I turned the final page.  I'll just have to read it again, then!

I can't believe that this is the first Jill Mansell book I have read and I will certainly be looking out for more of her books.  It's so much more than a romance book with the addition of secrets, misunderstandings, secret admirers, heartbreak and laughter.  

So beautifully written, Just One Look At You is a poignant, heartbreaking and uplifting novel that swept me away to Venice on an emotional rollercoaster that broke my heart and pieced it back together again.  A highly recommended read that may require tissues.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

About the author:

Jill Mansell started writing fiction while working in the NHS, after she read a magazine article that inspired her to join a local creative writing class. Since then she has written over twenty-five Sunday Times bestsellers. Her acclaimed novels include The Wedding of the Year, Promise Me, Should I Tell You?, And Now You’re Back, It Started with a Secret and You and Me, Always. Jill’s books have sold over 14.5 million copies worldwide.

Jill lives in Bristol and for many years worked in the field of clinical neurophysiology. You’d think inventing characters and stories would be easier, but she can assure you it isn’t.

Twitter @JillMansell

Facebook /OfficialJillMansell

Instagram @JillMansell

Follow the tour:

The Hope (The Forcing Trilogy Book 3) - Paul E Hardisty

In a ravaged future ruled by the descendants of those who caused the climate collapse, a teenager with a remarkable gift must flee for her life – and fight to save the last hope for humanity. The searing, unforgettable conclusion to the internationally acclaimed The Forcing trilogy.

The year is 2082. Climate collapse, famine and war have left the world in ruins. In the shadow of the Alpha-Omega regime – descendants of the super-rich architects of disaster – sixteen-year-old Boo Ashworth and her uncle risk everything to save what’s left of human knowledge, hiding the last surviving books in a secret library beneath the streets of Hobart.

But Boo has a secret of her own: an astonishing ability to memorise entire texts with perfect recall. When the library is discovered and destroyed, she’s forced to flee – armed with nothing but the stories she carries in her mind, and a growing understanding of her family’s true past. 

Hunted and alone, and with the help of some unlikely allies, she must fight to save her loved ones – and bring hope to a broken world.

Spanning three generations before, during and after the fall, The Hope is the shattering conclusion to Paul E. Hardisty’s critically acclaimed climate-emergency trilogy – a devastating, visionary thriller that dares to imagine the possibility of redemption in the face of near-total collapse. In a dying world, it asks the most urgent question of all: what if there’s still time? 

What did I think?

The Hope is the third and final book in The Forcing Trilogy and it is the perfect ending to a magnificent and hugely thought-provoking series.

Each book focuses on three generations of one family and The Hope is Boo's story.  I remember Boo from the previous book The Descent so it was good to catch up with her and other members of the family to see what happened next.  Although it is still a very dark and devastating story, the book is called The Hope after all so there is a more hopeful and uplifting end to this poignant tale.

It's almost like a book within a book as Boo's amazing memory recalls every word from her Uncle Kweku's book, The Descent.  I just love how all of the books link together to create one memorable and relevant story but you could read each one independently and still enjoy each book.

The world that Paul E Hardisty has built is disturbingly easy to imagine and although this is a fantastic dystopian novel, I don't want to pick it up in 40 years time (if I'm still alive) and see how much has come true.  Novels like this have the power to change the world and I just hope that people take notice.

Unmissable, unforgettable and powerful, The Hope is a thrilling conclusion to an outstanding trilogy that every reader should read.  Very highly recommended.

I received a gifted copy for the readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Orenda Books

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: The Nowhere Girls - Carmel Harrington

On a cold afternoon in December 1995, two young girls are found abandoned on a platform at Pearse Station in Dublin.

Thirty years later, investigative journalist Vega is determined to find out what happened to the so-called 'Nowhere Girls'. Where did their mother go? Why did no one come forward to claim them? And where are they now?

Searching for answers takes her on a journey with twists she never could have imagined. And one that could put everything else she knows at risk; including her new relationship, her career, and her life as she knows it.

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, I could not put this gripping and compelling book down!  It's definitely a 'just one more chapter' kind of a book and then 'whoops I've read it all in a day'.

It is such an intriguing storyline with two young girls being left at a railway station.  What made their mother leave them and why didn't she come back?  This is the story that journalist Vega wants to investigate despite being told to leave it alone by her boss.  Vega can't leave it alone though and she won't stop digging until she finds out the truth.

This is such an addictive book with twists and turns that shocked, surprised and delighted me.  I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and I would recommend setting aside a couple of hours when you pick up this book as you won't be able to put it down.

Unputdownable and completely engrossing, The Nowhere Girls is an unmissable book that kept me riveted from start to finish.  An easy five stars and a very highly recommended read.

I received a gifted hardback to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

Follow the tour:

BLOG TOUR: Color of Fire (The Strange Eden Series Book 3) - Gina Giordano

“And I thought you were my savior in my darkest hour. How very wrong I was.”

1794: Devastated by the violent disappearance of her husband, Charles Sharpe, Eliza struggles to save Pleasant Hall from the hands of crooked creditors and the governor’s greed. In the aftermath of the attack, her husband’s enemies have branded him a traitor and declare him dead. 

But an unlikely source carries knowledge that he still lives, and he alone knows who has taken Charles. Eliza’s desperation drives her to form an alliance with the king of the underworld himself: Captain Hiram Bruin, a notorious man who is more pirate than privateer. 

Eliza’s death has been ordered by Lord Dunmore, and Bruin himself tasked with the deed. But Hiram Bruin has never been a man to follow orders. He offers her passage on his ship, the Fortuyne, and his personal protection. In her hour of distress, Eliza accepts—for she has no other choice.

Bruin takes Eliza on a wild and dangerous voyage from the island of New Providence to the wild and untamed Saba, and finally to England, where her journey started three years ago. 

Eliza endures her new sinister reality, one where death creeps ever closer, and quickly learns that the only monsters at sea are men. Ensnared by the salt air and damning secrets, one thing is startlingly clear: Bruin wants to take everything she holds dear. For the roots of revenge lie deep…

Will Eliza be able to save the life of her husband before it’s too late? What price is she willing to pay for his freedom? And can she escape this unimaginable nightmare, fueled by a man of unspeakable cruelty? 

 

What did I think?

Wow!  Consider my breath well and truly taken.  What a stunning conclusion to an outstanding series!  I have loved every single one of the Strange Eden books and it was very fitting to return Eliza to England where the story first started.  Color of Fire is the story of Eliza's dangerous journey across the sea in search of her missing husband.

After the heart-stopping cliffhanger in book two, The Island King, I raced straight on to Color of Fire as I couldn't wait to find out what happened next.  The dastardly governor Lord Dunmore has had enough of the Sharpes and orders the death of Eliza and her husband Charles.  When Eliza is told that Charles has been killed and men turn up at her door to take possession of her home, Eliza fights as much as she can as she is convinced that Charles is still alive.

Eliza joins forces with the man who is sent to kill her and Bruin takes Eliza away from her Caribbean home on his ship.  The high seas are a dangerous place to be though and Eliza finds that out pretty quickly.  I admired her fortitude and conviction that she would find Charles, despite Bruin having his own agenda. 

The storyline is riveting and the character's are so well developed they almost pop out from the page.  Some of the characters are actually based on real people and I found the author's note as fascinating and entertaining as the fictional tale.

Unmissable, unforgettable and unputdownable, Color of Fire is a fantastic historical fiction novel in a magnificent series.   I already want to read it again and really can't recommend it highly enough.

I received a gifted paperback for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Purchase link: https://mybook.to/coloroffire-zbt

About the author:

Gina Giordano always had an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for history. Born in New York City, she is a writer, artist, and a conjurer of the past. She holds a BA in history and a master’s degree in historical fiction from New York University, and has traveled to over sixty-five countries across the globe. When she is not climbing ancient ruins or exploring forgotten palaces, she enjoys swimming with sharks in remote pristine waters. Her debut novel, Strange Eden, was longlisted for the 2023 Bath Novel Award.

Follow the tour:

Woman Down - Colleen Hoover

In this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a frustrated author looks for her muse in a remote hideaway, but what she finds defies all expectations…and reality.

Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career―and herself.

Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.

Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her―the reputation only she can reclaim.

 

What did I think?

Woman Down is my first Colleen Hoover book and whilst I wasn't blown away I still quite enjoyed it.  I would say it's more of a romantic suspense than a thriller but it is very gripping.

Petra Rose was at the top of her game when her book was made into a film but, as we all know, the book is usually always better than the movie and her fans were not happy with the adaptation.  Being the chief income earner in her household adds an extra strain when Petra has writers block so she books a lakeside retreat to concentrate on her writing.  Inspiration is about to hit Petra right in the solar plexus and this bestseller could cost her more than it makes.

I really didn't know who Petra could trust in this riveting storyline.  It felt like she was a mouse in a trap being played with by several cats and I wasn't even sure if some of it was her own vivid imagination.  It gets very dark and disturbing as the story goes on and whilst I couldn't understand Petra's actions, I did feel for her.  I think she has lost so much of her confidence and it's a downward spiral that is difficult to escape from.

Dark, gripping and a bit steamy, Woman Down is an interesting glimpse into the life of an author and a sobering reminder of how much words can often hurt.  

I received a gifted paperback for the Tandem Collective readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

The Ten Year Affair - Erin Somers

Two parents. Happily married. Just not to each other.

When Cora meets Sam at a baby group in their small town, the chemistry between them is instant and undeniable. But both are happily married, and neither is the type to cheat. So as their lives intertwine and the romantic tension between them heightens, Cora turns to her imagination: in her head, she and Sam pursue their feelings; in reality, they resist.

Yet as the fantasy affair grows ever more intoxicating, it can't help but cast Cora's everyday life - the mushroom problem in the bathroom, her daughter's new fascination with the afterlife, her husband's obsession with podcasts about the history of rope - in a new light. And when the boundaries grow increasingly blurred, she must decide what truly matters.

Razor-sharp, exhilaratingly honest and salted with an irresistible acerbic wit, The Ten Year Affair explores family life, fidelity and the roads not taken, and ultimately asks: do we really want our fantasies to come true?

 

What did I think?

The Ten Year Affair isn't perhaps the type of book I would usually pick up but I rather enjoyed it.  It's brutally honest and surprisingly witty so I found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions but it has a serious subject at its heart: infidelity.

Although I didn't particularly like any of the characters I think I could understand them.  Cora escapes her mundane life as a wife and mother to a fantasy world where she's having an affair with Sam, a father she met at baby group.  It really made me think about what cheating is.  Are thoughts as bad as actions?

As the story progresses the affair doesn't just continue in Cora's head, it happens in real life but Cora finds that reality isn't a patch on fantasy.  You have to apportion some of the blame to Cora's husband Eliot, who pays very little attention to Cora, and Sam's wife Jules, who is having an affair of her own.  Both couples seem to conveniently forget that they have children though.

I did struggle at times with the 'in the fantasy world' and 'in reality' storyline as I couldn't remember what was happening in each one and it seemed to flick back and forth frequently.  I enjoyed the chapters set during the Covid-19 pandemic as it really highlighted the challenges people faced while forced to spend time with each other.  It is funny reading about people getting used to working from home and I'm sure a lot of people have many funny Zoom stories.

Witty, honest and thought-provoking, The Ten Year Affair is an interesting and entertaining read that is well worth picking up, even if it's just to feel smug about your own relationship.

 

I received a gifted hardback for the Adventures With Words readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon