BLOG TOUR: Let's Make a Scene - Laura Wood

Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real...

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There is only one problem... Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship...and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.

Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED Let's Make a Scene!  Although it is linked to Under Your Spell (that I haven't read yet), it is a completely standalone story and it's one that gets your pulse racing, your breath catching and (in my case) the tears falling.

I applaud Laura Wood for writing a dual timeline and dual point of view novel as it is flawlessly written.  It is told from the points of view of Cythie and Jack who met 13 years ago on the set of Cynthie's first film.  A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since and Cynthie's career took off at lightening speed but as the saying goes: "the higher you climb, the harder you fall" and a scandal sees Cynthie returning back to where it all began.

It is clear that Cynthie and Jack have History (with an intentional capital H) and I couldn't read fast enough to discover what went on 13 years ago that drove this clearly meant-to-be couple apart.  To save Cynthie's career she agrees to a fake relationship with Jack but the line between real and fake is very blurred.  There are so many heartbreaking misunderstandings and guarded feelings as the will they/won't they storyline plays out.

As it's set in the film industry, Laura Wood touches on the #MeToo movement in a sensitive, respectful and powerful way.  Friendship is another strong theme as Cynthie has an amazing friend support network.  The romance is exquisite though and if you thought The Notebook was a tearjerker, be prepared to reach for the tissues when reading Let's Make a Scene! 

Bursting with romance and sizzling with sexual tension, Let's Make a Scene is a compelling page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat as I prayed for a happily ever after for Cynthie and Jack.  You'll just have to read the book to find out whether I got my wish or not.

I received an ARC 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:

COVER REVEAL: Yours For The Season - Emily Stone

I'm delighted to be taking part in the cover reveal for Yours For The Season by Emily Stone.  I can't wait to read it but let's have a look at the new cover, shall we?

Isn't it just stunning and so very festive?

Here's a little bit about the book:

This Christmas, in the romantic Scottish Highlands, a white lie and a fake-dating proposal between exes snowballs out of control in the brand-new festive romance from Emily Stone.

Christmas with your ex and his family in a cosy cottage in the snowy Scottish Highlands? It's the last place Mel imagined spending the holidays.

But when her ex-boyfriend Finn shows up on her doorstep, only months after inexplicably dumping her at his sister's engagement party, asking her to pretend to his family they're back together, she agrees - on one condition. Mel can publicly dump Finn at the end of the week and show him just how it feels.

But with Finn's mother set on making this Christmas picture-perfect, can Mel and Finn keep up the act without falling back into old feelings? As their white lie snowballs out of control, and the ice between them starts to thaw, Mel must decide if she really wants their romance to be just for the season - or something more...

Preorder link:

https://geni.us/a0tqMI

Check out the other bloggers taking part in the cover reveal:

Sister Rosa's Rebellion (The Meonbridge Chronicles Book 6) - Carolyn Hughes

How can you rescue what you hold most dear, when to do so you must break your vows?

1363. When Mother Angelica, the old prioress at Northwick Priory, dies, many of the nuns presume Sister Rosa – formerly Johanna de Bohun, of Meonbridge – will take her place. But Sister Evangelina, Angelica’s niece, believes the position is hers by right, and one way or another she will ensure it is.

Rosa stands aside to avoid unseemly conflict, but is devastated when she sees how the new prioress is changing Northwick: from a place of humility and peace to one of indulgence and amusement, if only for the prioress and her favoured few. Rosa is terrified her beloved priory will be brought to ruin under Evangelina’s profligate and rapacious rule, but her vows of obedience make it impossible to rebel.

Meanwhile, in Meonbridge, John atte Wode, the bailiff, is also distraught by the happenings at Northwick. After years of advising the former prioress and Rosa on the management of their estates, Evangelina dismissed him, banning him from visiting Northwick again.

Yet, only months ago, he met Anabella, a young widow who fled to Northwick to escape her in-laws’ demands and threats, but is a reluctant novice nun. The attraction between John and Anabella was immediate and he hoped to encourage her to give up the priory and become his wife. But how can he possibly do that now?

Can John rescue his beloved Anabella from a future he is certain she no longer wants? And can Rosa overcome her scruples, rebel against Evangelina’s hateful regime, and return Northwick to the haven it once was?

 

What did I think?

Oh how I love a virtual visit to Meonbridge and this six instalment of The Meonbridge Chronicles is a little different as it's set in Northwick Priory.  The link to Meonbridge is Sister Rosa, who was formerly Johanna de Bohun, and I absolutely loved the spotlight being shone on her.

Northwick is a priory steeped in history and filled with politics due to its link with the Goddeffroy family.  When the prioress Mother Angelica (a Goddeffroy) dies she wishes to pass the priory into the safe hands of Sister Rosa but Sister Evangelina (a Goddeffroy) has other ideas and believes the priory is hers by birthright.  It is no surprise when Evangelina becomes prioress but the nuns aren't happy with the way she runs the priory.  How do you solve a problem like Evangelina?  Rebellion!

It's an absolutely gripping tale of greed, corruption and privilege that kept me riveted from start to finish.  It is really interesting to see how a priory is run in the 14th century and how much they rely on patronage from rich families.  It's very much like selling your soul to Satan though as they don't give their money for nothing.

As always, Carolyn Hughes transports her readers back in time to the 14th century and you actually feel as if you are experiencing the highs and lows with the characters as you walk in their footsteps.  This is one of my favourite historical fiction series and it keeps going from strength to strength and long may it continue.

A very highly recommended read that can be read as a standalone or as part of this wonderful series.

I received a digital ARC to read and review and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: Love Forever Lindisfarne - Kimberley Adams

Take a summer break to stunning Northumberland via the pages of this feel-good romantic comedy by award winning writer Kimberley Adams. Full of love and laughter, it will leave you yearning to visit this iconic location in person!

When a stranger appears in the middle of a very important celebration, no one can foresee the island connections that will later come to light. Kittiwake Penaluna is drawn to the island at a sad time in her life; she’s broken, but it doesn’t take long for the islanders to rally round and take her under their wing.

Ellie and Zen are busier than they’ve ever been, jumping from task to task with little time for themselves. Will they ever find a moment together away from all the drama that constantly follows them around the island?

The forthcoming arrival of nine new mini animals puts even more pressure on the islanders, but Bert is resolute, and it’s all hands to the pump to prepare for their arrival. The Mini-Fest fundraiser gets off to a great start, until a despised face from the past appears and throws everything into chaos.

Full of heart, Love Forever Lindisfarne is a story steeped in love and community. You'll reunite with beloved characters who feel like old friends and meet a few lively newcomers with big personalities! Each page will pull you deeper into island life and leave you with a wide smile and a warm glow!

 

What did I think?

I love Kimberley Adams' Lindisfarne books and couldn't wait for the tide to go out so I could cross over to my favourite island once again.  Love Forever Lindisfarne is my third virtual visit to Lindisfarne (although I am lucky enough to have previously visited it in real life) and whilst it can be read as a standalone, the whole series is brilliant and it brings so much more to this book when you have read the others.

It's like catching up with old friends when I opened the first page of Love Forever Lindisfarne and how I loved to read about Ellie and Zen, Bert and Meg and the menagerie of animals that is about to grow a lot bigger.  Those 'little hairy coos' on the front cover melted my heart before I even read about them in the book.  I've also got to take a moment to draw your attention to the stunning cover created by Sarah Farooqi and the Northumberland flag on Zen's top is a lovely touch.

Community spirit plays a huge part in the Love Lindisfarne books but it is even stronger and more evident in Love Forever Lindisfarne.  Not only does the community come together to rescue some new animals, but they also open their hearts to a visitor who is feeling very lost and lonely.  Awww man, I just loved Kittiwake and how the villagers all rally round to make her feel welcome and loved.

Love Forever Lindisfarne is the loveliest and most heartfelt love letter to Northumberland you will ever read.  There's lots of love and laughter sprinkled throughout this cracking book like magical Northumberland fairy dust.  I think everyone will want to visit Holy Island after reading these books and I can honestly say that it is as breathtaking as Kimberley Adams paints it with her beautiful words (just watch out for the tides).  Very highly recommended; unforgettable and unmissable!

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

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the author:

Kim writes heartwarming romantic comedies which are set in glorious Northumberland on the iconic Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Kim is an award-winning writer and her books are amongst the highest rated romcoms on Amazon. Kim’s beautiful book covers are bespoke artwork by a Northumbrian artist and a representation of a scene within the book!

FACEBOOK Kimberley Adams-Writer or Love Lindisfarne
X kim_adamsWriter
INSTAGRAM love_lindisfarne

Follow the tour:

Island Calling (Tuga Trilogy Book 2) - Francesca Segal

What if your mother knows you better than you know yourself?

On remote Tuga de Oro, vet Charlotte Walker has been taken to the islanders’ hearts and, between days on the farms and nights with a new love interest, she’s content to remain in blissful retreat from her real life, in London.

Just for now, obviously.

Until real life hits the island with the force of a tropical storm: Charlotte’s mother arrives.

Lucinda Compton-Neville knows an identity crisis when she sees one, and has come to haul her daughter back on course: back to England, back to her career, back home where she belongs.

Funny, moving, and hope-filled, Island Calling is the joyous second novel in the Tuga Trilogy – about mothers and daughters; about holding on and letting go. 

What did I think?

The tropical island of Tuga is open to readers once again and I couldn't be more delighted to take a virtual trip to see what the characters are up to in part two of the trilogy, Island Calling.

The island may be open to readers but it's not open to visitors, however, one strong-willed woman manages to make it ashore.  Lucinda Compton-Neville has come to bring her daughter home but Charlotte's work studying the island's tortoises is far from over.  In a battle of wills, the mother-daughter relationship is stretched to breaking point in a funny, poignant and heartwarming kind of way. 

I loved picking up with the characters where we left off in Welcome to Glorious Tuga and particularly enjoyed reading about the mother-daughter relationships in the book.  It's very true that although you might argue from time to time, it's quickly forgiven and forgotten as a mother's love really knows no bounds.  I'm not a mother but I am a daughter and I really tested those bounds over the years!

The pacing is gentle but the story is compelling so the pages keep turning effortlessly as we peek into the lives of our favourite islanders.  There's a bit of drama, a sprinkling of romance and a few surprises in store in this instalment and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up in book three.

Grab your virtual passport and take a trip to Francesca Segal's fictional island of Tuga.  It's a place you won't want to leave once you set foot on the colourful and welcoming land.  A very highly recommended read filled with drama, love and a warmth that has made a permanent Tugan-shaped home in my heart.

I received a gifted hardback to take part in the Insta Book Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon

BLOG TOUR: All Our Yesterdays - Guy Hale

ACT II 

Stratford-upon-Avon, Spring 1932 

Six years after fire destroyed the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, a new troupe of actors is taking Stratford by storm. But offstage, Felix Richards suspects something is rotten in the state of Denmark. 

Morris Oxford feels he needs no introduction. The greatest actor of a new generation…The theatre means everything to him but his talent is tainted by the depths of his ambition. 

All Our Yesterdays, takes us back to where it all began. The stage is set, but uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.

 

What did I think?

All Our Yesterdays is book two in The Shakespeare Murders series but it's a prequel to book one, The Croaking Raven, so it can definitely be read as a standalone.  It's a short book at just 107 pages long but it is filled with drama and intrigue.

It was great to be back in Stratford, treading the boards with the acting troupe led by Morris Oxford.  Unfortunately, Morris isn't the best actor in the group and when he is upstaged by Richard Jenkins he makes sure that it never happens again by giving Richard the smallest parts possible.  Oh Morris, you bitter and nasty little man!

The story is told by fellow actor Felix who is friends with both Morris and Richard.  Now if you've read The Croaking Raven you will know how the story ends and I'm not going to reveal whether it's a comedy or a tragedy but it's one that entertains from start to finish.

Haunting, dramatic and compelling, All Our Yesterdays is a riveting tale of a bitter rivalry in the theatre and it's one I would highly recommend.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

Amazon

Follow the tour:

Welcome to Glorious Tuga (Tuga Trilogy, 1) - Francesca Segal

 

Welcome to glorious Tuga – the world’s most remote island and Charlotte Walker’s new home.

Charlotte has swapped her grey life in London for a year in this tropical paradise. Officially, she’s there for conservation but the reality is far more complicated.

For somewhere on Tuga lies the answer to a truth she’s waited her whole life to learn. If she finds it, then perhaps she might finally find herself too.

What did I think?

I was drawn to Welcome to Glorious Tuga by its stunning cover that just drew me in and begged me to pack my virtual suitcase so I could visit Tuga for a five day readalong.

There's a map and a dramatis personae in the start of the book although Francesca Segal's beautiful words painted the island and the characters in dazzling colours for me as I progressed through the book.  I do love a map and a list of characters though!

Charlotte Walker is sailing to Tuga from London to study tortoises for a year but she has an ulterior motive too and she is looking for something else on the island.  Charlotte meets Dan Zekri on the voyage who is returning home to Tuga to take up a position as the island doctor when his uncle retires.  There is clearly chemistry between Charlotte and Dan but Dan has not been entirely truthful with Charlotte, which made me see him in such a bad light that I am unsure whether he can ever redeem himself.

The island is like one big family with everyone knowing everyone's business.  Eeeek!  It has a great sense of community but the island gossip would test my patience.  I really felt as if I was there and I love being transported to sunny climes in books but without suffering the inevitable sunburn and dehydration.

Whilst the pacing is gentle and there are a lot of characters to get to know, it's a book that captures your attention and refuses to let go.  Much like life itself, there are a lot of ups and downs but plenty of laughs and one or two surprises along the way.

Immersive, compelling and beautifully written, Welcome to Glorious Tuga is pure escapism that transports the reader to the fabulous isolated island of Tuga de Oro.

I received a gifted paperback to take part in the Insta Book Tours readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

Buy it from:

UK.Bookshop.org

Amazon