ESCAPE TO THE IRISH VILLAGE

MY THOUGHTS:

Emma Wilson’s life has completely fallen apart.  Will she ever recover and get back on track?  She leaves England for a fresh start to a small quaint village in Ireland.  She takes a job working for Judith McCarthy in her most exquisite manor.  Judith is seventy five and a well known fashionista.  Emma meets Miles, Judith’s son, and they immediately clash with each other.  They seem to argue about everything under the sun.  But Emma see’s through his tough exterior and see’s the hardworking man that he is.  He will do anything to help his family.  

This wonderful story of family, friendship, and new beginnings was a fantastic story.  I enjoyed the characters very much and Emma’s story broke my heart.  I reached for the Kleenex many times.  I loved Judith’s stories and Miles was just as delightful.  This heartbreaking story was also heartwarming and filled with hope from a fresh start and second chance.  This one sitting, rapid read with its intriguing plot will have you coming back for more.  Author Ann O’Loughlin pens wonderful, charming reads, located in quaint and beautiful places.  If you want to escape to Ireland, this is the story for you.  I highly recommend this wonderful book.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

ESCAPE TO THE IRISH VILLAGE
Author:  Ann O’Loughlin

Publisher:  Bookouture

Publication Date: April 18, 2023 
Pages: 386 
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Can she finally find the home she’s always wanted?

Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she can rebuild her life in this village by the sea.

As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction between them. But can she open her heart and love again?

Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…

ABOUT ANN O’LOUGHLIN

Ann is the Irish author of five novels and has been translated into eleven languages. Her first novel The Ballroom Cafe was also an ebook bestseller and in the top 20 bestselling books of 2015 on Amazon UK. Ann loves to write and often gets up at 5am to get the words down, before starting her other job of writing as a news reporter. A leading journalist in Ireland, Ann has covered all major news events in a long career with Independent Newspapers, Ireland. She is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner specializing in legal issues. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and family.

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MAKING MEMORIES AT THE CORNISH COVE

MY THOUGHTS:

Lydia lived in America most of her life and recently moved to Driftwood Bay.  She wants to establish a relationship with her daughter Meredith, but that is easier said than done.  Lydia and Meredith’s relationship understandably takes some time to flourish.  Much time has been lost over the years past and it isn’t easy for them to turn back the hands of time.  

Lydia not only wants her relationship with Meredith to grow, but the unexpected happens.  Lydia has been divorced several times and she never expected to find love once again.  Lydia meets Martin, who happens to be Meredith’s soon to be father in law.  Not only does the relationship between Lydia and Meredith mend and grow but so does the friendship of Lydia and Martin.  

This lovely story of family, friendship, reconciliation and new beginnings was an absolute delight.  Driftwood Bay is a wonderful place to visit, very picturesque and full of amazing people.  Life there seems so peaceful and it was an absolute joy to return there.  I truly enjoyed all the wonderful characters in this story, however, my favorite was definitely Lydia.  Author Kim Nash will draw you in to the story at the very first page and will not let you go.  If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that hits all the feels, with a delightful ending, this is the book for you.  This book is an amazing addition to the Cornish Cove series.  I loved it and I know you will too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

MAKING MEMORIES AT THE CORNISH COVE

Author:  Kim Nash
Publisher: Boldwood Books 
Publication Date: April 17, 2024
Pages: 271 
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It’s never too late…

After five husbands and five broken hearts, Lydia feels like she’s always been chasing something. But now she’s found her purpose, and having moved to Driftwood Bay to spend more time with her daughter Meredith, she’s happier than ever. 

But there’s still life in these old bones yet! With her newfound sense of identity, she’s keen to re-explore the things that made her happy as a younger person. Lydia’s passion was dancing – she used to compete in her younger years, and there’s no place she’s more at home than on the dancefloor. 

So when widower and antiques restorer Martin tells her about a big dance competition, she’s ready and raring to bring more joy into her life. But while making memories with Martin, the more she realises that both of their hearts need restoring too...

ABOUT KIM NASH

I love everything to do with books, reading them, promoting them, talking about them, making recommendations. In April 2019, my debut novel Amazing Grace was published by Hera Books and my second book followed in September 2019. My third Sunshine and Second Chances came out in June 2020 and my fourth Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove was published in March 2021 and the sequel Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove in December 2022.  Hopeful Heart at the Cornish Cove was published in March 2023. This is the first in a three-book-series with Boldwood Books with Book 2 out in October 2023 and Book 3 in Spring 2024.  

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THE GIRL WITH A SECRET

MY THOUGHTS:

Rosa Herzfeld believes she will never escape the Nazis.  She fears their horrible reign will never end.  She boards the SS St Louis while hoping for freedom but her hope is quickly shattered.  The ship full of refugees is refused entry to Cuba.  She soon finds herself alone and penniless in England.  She believes this is where she will live her life and tries to do everything she can to make it feel like home.  Rosa meets Peter, who is also a refugee, searching for a place to call home.  Though they grow close to each other, she is hiding a secret  from her past and she hopes he will never find out.  When she musters up the courage to finally tell him, she is sent to an isolated internment camp located on the Isle on Man.  Rosa and Peter are finally reunited, and once again she is faced with a decision, does she tell Peter the secret from her past or keep it hidden?

The Girl With a Secret, authored by Kate Hewitt is a phenomenal addition to The Emerald Sister Series.  I loved the character of Rosa  and the storyline with her and Peter was engaging.  This story pours over from the first in the series with Sophia, Rachel and Hannah.  Though a heartbreaking read, it is still a rapid and edge of your seat page turner.  I love the pace of the story but I had to stop a few times to let the tears flow.  This heart wrenching story is a definite must read.  It can be read as a standalone, but I highly suggest start with the first book in the series.  You’ll want to know everything about the characters in this captivating and compelling story.  I highly recommend this ten star book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

THE GIRL WITH A SECRET

Author:  Kate Hewitt
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication Date: April 12, 2024
Pages: 410 
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Rosa’s blood runs cold. He hasn’t seen her yet, but she would recognize those blue eyes anywhere. Will he reveal her secret? And if he does, how will she ever survive?

Germany, 1939: When Rosa Herzelfeld boards the SS St Louis, she doesn’t believe its promise of freedom. Surely there can be no escape from the Nazis, not even on the other side of the world. Besides, she knows that no matter how far she travels, there is no escaping her past…

When the ship is refused entry to Cuba, Rosa finds herself penniless and alone in England. Desperately trying to make this strange country home, the last thing she expects is to fall in love. But when she meets fellow refugee Peter, she is surprised by how quickly his gentle smile and warm brown eyes help her forget the horrors she left behind.

As their affection deepens, Rosa grows fearful. Should she tell Peter about the terrible decisions she was forced to make to survive in Germany, or simply pray he never finds out? Deep down, she begins to realise that she must tell him the truth…

But before she can, Rosa is sent to a remote internment camp on the Isle of Man. And when fate finally reunites her with Peter, her past is threatening to catch up with her. With time running out before her secret is revealed, Rosa must make an impossible choice…

ABOUT KATE HEWITT

Kate Hewitt is the bestselling author of many novels of women’s fiction, including the Hartley-by-the-Sea series set in the Lake District, the Willoughby Close a series set in the Cotswolds, and Tales From Goswell written as Katharine Swartz. Her novel A Mother’s Goodbye has been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers. Her latest novel, Not My Daughter, is out now, and No Time to Say Goodbye is available for preorder.

She lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter for monthly updates and giveaways on her website, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads.

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A LETTER FROM ITALY

MY THOUGHTS:

It was 1945 and World War II was raging on across Europe.  Betty reminisces of the letter she wrote when she was at the beautiful Villa Teresa in Italy.  Her wish was to save her beloved Gianni and just like everyone else she wants the war to end.  She was forced to make the hardest decision of her life, she had to give up her baby in order to protect her and give her a chance to live.  Present Day, Naples Italy, Sadie holds in her hand an old tattered letter.  She knows that this letter is the key to her finding her birth mother.  She has Luca, a local that is helping her retrace her history.  While combing through old newspapers, Sadie and Luca are shocked at what they discover about the woman they believe to be Sadie’s birth mother.  But Sadie refuses to give up, now she must find her birth mother and uncover the truth before time runs out.

A Letter From Italy, penned by Rose Alexander is a wonderful historical fiction time slip story.  I really enjoyed the characters, Betty, Sadie and Luca.  Betty was a POW in an  Italian camp during WWII.  The story I about her life and how she survived.  She endured horrible war time conditions as did many others.  Sadie and Luca were a great team and I was hoping that Sadie would be able to find her birth mother.  This emotional read is one that will stay with me.  I am a huge fan of the author as I always enjoy her stories.  Historical fiction and  time slip novels are always a favorite of mine.  If you are looking for a heartbreaking and emotional read, this is the story for you.  Don’t pass this one up.  I highly recommend this book, I loved it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rating: 4 out of 4.

DESCRIPTION:

A LETTER FROM ITALY

Author:  Rose Alexander 
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Publication Date: March 25, 2024
Pages: 462
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A heartbreaking wartime promise. A family torn apart. A letter that could change everything. 

1945. The tiny bundle in her arms barely stirs as she hurries out into the dark street. Remembering Villa Teresa, a thousand miles away in sun-soaked Italy, Betty thinks of the letter she had to write to stop the bombing and save Gianni. Instead it cost her everything… And she will never see her beloved again. Now, letting her little baby go will tear her apart, but she knows it is the only way to keep her child safe…

Naples, present day. With nothing but the name of crumbling palazzo Villa Teresa scribbled on the page, Sadie clutches the scrap of a letter she desperately hopes will help her find her birth mother. It’s her only clue to go on. But with the heady scent of fresh lemons carrying on the breeze, and handsome local guide Luca by her side, she knows in her bones this is the right place.

Then, lost in the local newspaper archives, the pair makes a shocking discovery about the woman Sadie believes is her mother… How she did something terrible during the war. Shattered, Sadie must ask herself if she should continue searching for a woman who did her best to disappear.

Deep down, Sadie knows she can’t give up. But what really happened in that beautiful palazzo all those years ago? What led a mother to give away her baby? And will uncovering this devastating secret destroy Sadie’s heart for good?

ABOUT ROSE ALEXANDER

Rose Alexander has had more careers than she cares to mention and is currently a secondary school English teacher. She writes in the holidays, weekends and evenings, whenever she has a chance, although with three children, a husband, a lodger and a cat, this isn't always as often as she'd like. She's a keen sewist and is on a mission to make all her own clothes.

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SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY

MY THOUGHTS:

Mary finds an old suitcase and as she rummages through it’s contents, she can’t believe what she has found.  She assumes the identity of the owner of the suitcase, Agnes.  She has an opportunity to go to a lavish ball in the most beautiful gown at the amazing Mannerley Estate.  What harm could it be, it’s just one night.  Mannerley is a beautiful Estate and the most amazing and lavish balls were held there.  So when Mary’s plan for just one night as Cinderella turns in to seven days, she is not in a hurry to end her fairytale.  She meets new friends and even a couple of suitors that take a shine to her.  But her world could come crashing down when she is recognized by a former co-worker.  He uses extortion in order to keep her secret or her real identity will be revealed.  

Seven Days at Mannerley written by author Audrey Schuyler Lancho is an enchanting and lovely story.  I loved everything about this story from cover to cover.  I love the authors writing style and she described 1870 rural England so well, that I felt like I was actually there.  I loved Mary’s character and know that she is someone I would be friends with.  This rapid moving storyline had me flying through the pages.  I couldn’t wait to get to the end of the story to find out how it would end.  This new to me author immediately landed on my auto-buy list.  I look forward to reading more stories from this author.  This book is one that I definitely recommend.  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

SEVEN DAYS AT MANNERLEY

Author:  Audrey Schuyler Lancho
Publisher: Vinspire Publishing
Publication Date: March 26, 2024 
Pages:  233
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The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl’s name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.

It’s 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary’s one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death––and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.

The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley. Happily ever after seems as unlikely as a barmaid among dandies, when Mary's only possible escape is a confession and the hope her scandalous true love will risk his reputation to defend and forgive her

ABOUT AUDREY LANCHO

Audrey Lancho is the author of emotionally moving and uplifting historical and contemporary clean romance. Audrey's Victorian romances include Seven Days at Mannerley and the forthcoming A Telephone at Mannerley, published by Vinspire Publishing. Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, time with friends, yoga, her kids' sporting events, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor and an editor at a literary agency. She does both of these jobs from home while entertaining her preschooler and watching plenty of Pixar. When she's not writing or editing, you'll find her doing crochet or a jigsaw puzzle.

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NOTES FROM THE COVE

MY THOUGHTS:

Brittany Thompson loves Sand Dollar Cove which is why she has lived there all of her life. When she was just a teenager she lost her older brother Paul.  He was her best friend and confidant. She still misses him and she is still mourning his loss after all these years.  But she finds solace and comfort in her café, Safe Harbor.  It’s a lovely little café where customers feel at home and bless a stranger with a meal and notes of encouragement.  Just when Brittany feels like things are going great and she may finally stop grieving she Ryan Osborne walks into her café.  The memories of Ryan pour into her mind like a flood.  She remembers how he left Sand Dollar Cove right after her brother Paul died.  She also remembers how Ryan left her to grieve all by herself.  As they begin to grow closer, Brittany starts receiving messages of encouragement and she realizes how strong of a person she is now, because of her past experiences.  Brittany discovers a secret about the night she lost Paul and once again her life is turned upside down.

Notes From The Cove written by author Jennifer Bardsley is a lovely emotional story and I was so happy to return to Sand Dollar Cove.  It is on a lovely little beach town that is locals and tourists love to be.  Brittany was a wonderful character and her little café is a place I would love to visit.  The idea of gifting meals accompanied by a note of encouragement really touched my heart.  I loved the unexpected plot twist and I read faster and faster because I couldn’t wait to see how it would end.  This is the third installment in the Sand Dollar Cove Series and all though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the entire series.  This story was a heartwarming and inspirational read and I highly recommend it. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

NOTES FROM THE COVE

Author:  Jennifer Bardsley
Publisher: Bookouture 
Publication Date: March 20, 2024
Pages: 355
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The cozy café on the bustling beach welcomes tourists and locals for steaming coffees and delicious homemade cakes. But when Brittany receives mysterious notes from a customer will they lead her to the happy ending she’s always dreamed of?

Brittany Thompson has spent her whole life in peaceful Sand Dollar Cove lonely, loving the wrong men and mourning the loss of her beloved older brother Paul—the only guy she’s ever been able to trust—when they were just teenagers. Her one escape is her café, Safe Harbor, where customers can gift meals to strangers along with handwritten notes of encouragement.

That is until a familiar face returns to town: rugged, brooding Ryan Osborne—the man Brittany had a schoolgirl crush on when they were young. And who was once her brother's best friend… Ryan’s arrival brings back painful memories, and bumping into him at the charming café sends Brittany's emotions all over the place.

Brittany can’t forget the way Ryan skipped town after Paul’s death, leaving her to grieve alone, though as she watches him struggle to readjust to life in the cove, her heart softens just a little. But just as she and Ryan start to grow closer, bonding over their shared past, mysterious notes begin appearing. The messages encourage Brittany to think about the person she is and how her past led her here…

But when Brittany uncovers a secret about the night she lost Paul that changes everything, can she and Ryan come together to finally heal and find a happier future together? Or will the truth of what really happened tear them apart forever?

ABOUT JENNIFER BARDSLEY

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and two children. Bardsley’s column I Brake for Moms has appeared in the Everett Herald every week since 2012. She also writes young adult paranormal romance under the pen name Louise Cypress.  When Bardsley is not writing books or camping with her Girl Scout troop, you can find her walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.

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