PAGE~TURNERS: October 2020

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

PROMISES AT INDIGO BAY

MY THOUGHTS:

I love the continuation of this series Blue Hills. I was so looking forward to diving into this book. It is an amazing story of love, family, and new beginnings.

Stella’s life is perfect and she and her boyfriend Paolo couldn’t be happier. Paolo proposes and Stella struggles with her answer. She questions why things can’t just remain the way they are. And then word comes that Paolo’s Visa will not be renewed and he must return to Italy. Paolo leaves for Italy and Stella accompanies him because not only is she in love with Paolo but she has never been to Italy. She has a wonderful connection with Paolo’s mother. I love how that relationship develops.

As you’re pulled into the Italian countryside you feel as if you are part of the story. The bridge between the first book in this series is so great. It’s nice to see how Carmen is doing and the connection between this book makes it feel like it is a true continuation of the first book in the Blue Hills series. I highly suggest this book, plop down in your comfy chair and prepare to stay a while because you won’t be able to put it down once you begin. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

I really like this author, I like the storylines she chooses to tell and I like her writing style especially her vivid descriptions of people and places. I will definitely read more books written by this author. Thank you Ellyn Oaksmith for another great story….well done and please keep them coming.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

PROMISES AT INDIGO BAY

Author: Ellyn Oaksmith
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 26, 2020
Pages: 286
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

Indigo Bay may be Stella’s perfect home, but it has always been tinged with sadness. The waters of the lake, deepest blue and visible from every window, are a constant reminder of her biggest mistake—and the reason she has always promised never to let anyone into her heart. But everything changes when dark, handsome Paolo arrives in town.
As a whirlwind romance develops quickly into something deeper and stronger, Stella starts to wonder if maybe—just maybe—she might deserve some happiness after all. If Paolo has found something to love in her, can she learn to love—and forgive—herself?
But then Paolo asks her the biggest question of her life, and what should be a moment of joy turns into one of panic. She can’t marry Paolo while keeping her biggest secret from him. But if she tells him the truth, she is sure she’ll lose him forever.
Maybe true love is worth risking everything for. Is it time for Stella to leave her past behind—and make new promises?

ABOUT ELLYN OAKSMITH

Ellyn Oaksmith is the USA Today and Kindle bestselling author of addictively fun love stories. She has never run a winery, been attacked by drones or nearly drowned someone but she loves putting her characters in challenging situations. Ellyn also enjoys chatting with readers on social media. Especially when she should be writing. Ellyn began her writing life as a screenwriter in Los Angeles which, outside of writing hours, is exactly as crazy as it seems in the movies. After hightailing it back to her native Seattle, Ellyn began writing comedic romances and never looked back.

Ellyn lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s part of a competitive rowing team. You can often find her on Lake Sammamish rowing in the dark.

Saturday, October 17, 2020

CHRISTMAS AT FIRESIDE CABINS

MY THOUGHTS:

The queen of Christmas romance does it again. I love every book Jenny Hale has written and this one is no exception. This is a story of love, loss, friendships old and new, taking chances and following your dreams, while gathered around the Christmas tree.

Lila Evans, and her three friends Charlotte, Edie and Piper take what they expect to be one of the last of their Christmas vacations together. After the holidays they are all going in separate directions taking on new opportunities in their lives. So, they decided to vacation at Fireside Cabins in Pinewood Hills in the great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Of course the Cabins look better online then in person, but the gals make the best of it, because they know it’s all about their time together and the spirit of the season.

The girls, especially Lila have an immediate connection with Eleanor Finley, who owns Fireside Cabins, and Lila, who always sees the best in others, connects with Theo who owns the local coffee shop. As the story progresses, this trip ends up to be the best Christmas vacation they’ve ever had together. Lila decides she doesn’t want to leave Fireside Cabins so she makes it her mission to help Eleanor to get the Cabins back up and running. This laugh out loud novel will have feeling like you’re hanging out with the girls, and singing Christmas carols around the tree.

Jenny Hale has such a gift of pulling you into the story and experiencing everything about each character’s, past, present and futures. She makes you feel as if you are living in the book. You see the snowflakes flying at the same time you are reaching for the hot chocolate and marshmallows. You absolutely can’t go wrong with any novel written by Jenny Hale.

I asked the author “Ok I’m dying to know…which one are you Charlotte, Edie, Piper or Lila?” Her reply “Haha! I’d say there’s a little of me in every one of them!” That reply is a testament to how she personally pours herself into her writing and it makes you feel like she is a close personal friend as well as the characters she is writing about. Thanks Jenny Hale for yet another awesome, phenomenal book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

CHRISTMAS AT FIRESIDE CABINS

Author: Jenny Hale
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 14, 2020
Pages: 298
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

An uplifting, beautiful and totally heartwarming tale about the magic of family at Christmas, the importance of chasing your dreams, and the unbeatable feeling of falling in love under the mistletoe.
Christmas is always tough for Lila Evans. Instead of being with her loved ones, she’s all alone, and reminded of the heartbreaking time when she lost her father. It’s no wonder that, this year, Lila’s escaping Nashville. She’s in search of a home away from home––and the countryside retreat of Fireside Cabins sounds like the perfect place.
But it turns out that Pinewood Hills, tucked in the snow-topped Tennessee mountains, doesn’t offer her much of a small-town welcome. Stopping at the local coffee shop for a much-needed peppermint latte, the rugged, surly owner Theo Perry gives her an icy reception that even his piercing blue eyes can’t melt.
Unfortunately, you can’t avoid anyone in the quaint village, which means that Lila bumps into him everywhere… To her surprise, on the rare occasions he does smile, it feels like sunshine on a cold winter’s day––it feels like coming home. So Lila makes it her mission to warm up frosty Theo, even if that does feel like she’s hoping for a Christmas miracle.
With nothing––and no one––waiting for her back in Nashville, could Pinewood Hills give Lila the ultimate Christmas gift––the family she’s always longed for? And, with a dusting of festive magic, spiced cider and sugarplum pie, could this be the first holiday she’s not alone?

ABOUT JENNY HALE

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies. She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and both Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now” as well as “Beach Reads Perfect for Summer 2020.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers. When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

THE WINTER WE MET

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first book I’ve read that was written by this author and I have to say it was fantastic. I love how the author pulls you into the story.

Jess meets Nik on the airplane as she’s flying back home from a Christmas Toy Fair. She has no idea the impact that this cute meet will have on her life. Jess invites Nik, who is also in the toy business, to come and tour her toy shop that she owns and is so proud of. She really wants to get to know Nik before he has to return to Australia. At the end of the shop tour, Jess receives a phone call from the care home that her grandmother lives in. She is told that the care home, Willow Court, will be closing before Christmas, so all the residents must find a place to live before Christmas. With the help of Nik and her friend Oliver she sets out to find the perfect place for her Grandmother. The residents of Willow Court care home are so likable and it is such a joy to read about them and their lives. This festive, heartwarming Christmas romance is a must read for anyone who wants to read great book that pulls at your heartstrings.

I loved the flow of the story, it kept moving and it kept me enthralled. I couldn’t wait to find out the ending but I wasn’t ready for it to end. I recommend this book and this author. I will definitely read more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE WINTER WE MET

Author: Samantha Tonge
Publisher: Aria Fiction
Publication Date: October 8, 2020
Pages: 293
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

When charming, mysterious Nik sits next to Jess on a plane home from a Christmas toy trade fair, she never could have imagined the impact he'd have on her life. As they touch down in London, Jess is hesitant to let Nik walk away, and before she knows it, she's invited him to visit.
As the two take in the delights of the toy store where she works, Jess gets an upsetting phone call. Willow Court, her grandmother's care home, is to close before Christmas. Jess is determined to find the perfect new home for her Gran – and throw the best Christmas party Willow Court has ever seen!
But time is running out with the closure looming and Jess becomes increasingly drawn to enigmatic Nik who joins forces with her and best friend Oliver to realise those plans.
Will a chance encounter on an aeroplane bring love to Jess's life or is this Christmas miracle too good to be true?

ABOUT SAMANTHA TONGE

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2018 Forgive Me Not, heralded a new direction into darker women’s fiction with publisher Canelo and in 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA’s Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

BACKLASH

MY THOUGHTS:

Wow, this amazing novel is a must read. This is the second book in the Capital Intrigue series. This romantic suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat from the opening of the cover through the turn of each page. This unputdownable engrossing novel will have you so enthralled in the story that you don’t want to stop reading.

The three CIA agents are very relatable, realistic and likable. When Layla is pushed into becoming a CIA operative and upon her return to DC her life is turned upside down. When a team member is found dead, another member’s house is ransacked and a restaurant that she would frequently meet her co-worker friends at is bombed, Layla soon realizes that she is the target. As an internal investigation is opened on Layla and as luck would have it the lead investigator is her ex-boyfriend Hunter. Is there a mole in the CIA? With so many twists and turns, this romantic suspense novel is intertwined with romance, mystery and inspiration that makes this a bestseller. I love how the characters reflect on their faith in their lives and how they rely on their faith to come out on the other side of life’s challenges. The amazing plot twists are sure to keep you guessing.

I can’t recommend this book enough, I am sure this author will be a new favorite. The storyline will have you flying through the pages, holding your breath to see what happens next, not wanting the book to end but will leave you totally satisfied when you arrive at the last page. I devoured this book and it is a new favorite that I will remember for a long time. Thanks Rachel Dylan for this phenomenal read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

BACKLASH
Author: Rachel Dylan
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Pages: 314
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Christian Book
Buy on Kobo

CIA analyst Layla Karam is thrust into a dangerous DEA field operation against a cartel that puts a target on her back. Though Layla never wanted to be a field agent, Langley had other ideas. After one of her team members is murdered because of fallout from the op, Layla is left scrambling to find safety.
At the same time, the CIA opens up an internal investigation against her. Out of options, Layla turns to ex-boyfriend and private investigator Hunter McCoy for help finding out who might want to ruin her career.
Layla and Hunter soon discover a mole inside the DEA has sold out the team's identity to the cartel. She must clear her name with the Agency and protect herself and her teammates from cartel retaliation. With threats on all sides, Layla must put her trust in Hunter--the man who broke her heart--and hope they both come out of it alive.

ABOUT RACHEL DYLAN

Rachel Dylan is an award-winning and bestselling author of legal thrillers and romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade including being a litigator at one of the nation’s top law firms. The Atlanta Justice Series features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta. Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, is a CBA bestseller, an FHL Reader’s Choice Award winner, a Daphne du Maurier Finalist, and a Holt Medallion Finalist. Lone Witness is the winner of a Holt Medallion, the Maggie Award, and is a Selah Finalist. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids–two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. She is represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

IF EVERYDAY WAS CHRISTMAS

MY THOUGHTS:

Escape to the Scottish Highlands with this little gem. The Christmas festivities begin immediately in a small town that needs to be immersed in the Christmas spirit. When Meg’s family arrives and is bound and determined to ruin her favorite time of the year, Meg is steadfast in not allowing them to succeed. As Meg transforms her town into Christmas, Tom arrives and isn’t a fan of Christmas. Tom has secrets from his past, that he is trying to hide, but as small towns go, secrets are hard to keep.

As the story progresses, Meg sprinkles Christmas magic not only on her family but also on Tom. As the spirit of Christmas begins to soften hearts, relationships old and new start to flourish. Meg and her family are very relatable, which makes this story a joy to read.

This sweet Christmas story is a must read for anyone that enjoys Christmas stories. I really enjoyed this book and I do recommend this story and this author. I will definitely read more books from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

IF EVERYDAY WAS CHRISTMAS
Author: Donna Ashcroft
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 9, 2020
Pages: 264
Buy on Amazon

Snow is falling, fires are crackling merrily, and Lockton tradition has everyone hanging a promise they’re determined to keep this Christmas on the tree in the village square…
Meg Scott has promised to make a success of her first solo Christmas. She runs a year-round Christmas shop in the little Scottish village, and is a fan of all things mulled, sparkly and festive. So when her warring family shows up on her doorstep, ready to spread discord and tension, Meg is determined not to let them ruin her favourite time of the year.
Meanwhile, Christmas-hating Tom Riley-Clark has been called to the Highlands to help his old friend at The Apple Cross Inn. He’s ready to work hard and has no time for mince pies, tinsel or hanging a promise on the tree: the thought of every day being Christmas is his worst nightmare, and you wouldn’t catch him dead buying a bauble. So everyone is surprised when Christmas-loving Meg and grinch Tom start to get cozy under the mistletoe.
But Tom has a big secret about his past, and in a small town like Lockton it’s hard to keep anything hidden for long. Will everything fall apart when Meg discovers who he really is? The pair are about to learn the hard way that some promises are impossible to keep…

ABOUT DONNA ASHCROFT

I spent years working in publishing and as a freelance copywriter before turning my hand to writing romance novels. It took a few more years until I got the story right, and I was helped along by the help of the fantastic Romantic Novelists Association and their New Writer’s Scheme. I was awarded the Katie Fforde Bursary in 2017, along with my fellow author Erin Green. After this I met Natasha Harding from Bookouture who offered to mentor me through the WoMentoring Project – and this lead to my first publishing contract. I’m working on my sixth book now. When I’m not lost in my latest novel, I work for an online retailer where I buy natural beauty and cleaning products (and indulge my other great passion – moisturiser). Originally from Buckinghamshire, I lived in Lancashire and London before settling in Hertfordshire. Here I live with my own romantic hero Chris, two fantastic teenagers, along with a couple of very grumpy cats.

Tuesday, October 06, 2020

CHRISTMAS CHARMS

MY THOUGHTS:

This little gem is sure to get you into the Christmas spirit. As Ashley heads home to Owl Lake, New York she meets Betty on the train. They quickly become friends and Betty gives Ashely a charm bracelet filled with Christmas charms. As the charms start to unfold their meaning in Ashley’s life, her Christmas vacation starts to change her life. As she begins to feel the magic of Christmas, she re-exams her life and makes some much needed and well deserved changes in her life. It’s so easy to lose yourself in this novel. It’s a wonderful escape.

This rom-com is a must read. It will have you making hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. Teri Wilson propels you from where you are into a snow globe with the turn of the page. This unputdownable novel will have you seeing the snow fly and hearing sleigh bells. This magical, and enchanting Christmas story makes you believe in the spirit of Christmas. Teri Wilson never disappoints.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

CHRISTMAS CHARMS
Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher: Hallmark Publishing
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Pages: 280
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Apple
Buy on Kobo

Ashley’s supposed to be having the Christmas of her dreams. After four years of working at an upscale jewelry store in Manhattan, she’s finally going to get a little velvet box of her own—from her boyfriend Jeremy, who’s taking her on a romantic trip to Paris. What could go wrong?
Well, everything.
Ashley heads home to Owl Lake instead, falling asleep on the train ride there…and waking up with a beautiful antique charm bracelet on her wrist. Soon, she realizes that each silver charm predicts an event that happens in real life. What does this mean for her and Jeremy…or her and Aidan, her former high school boyfriend, who’s now a local firefighter? Is there still a chance that she could have the perfect Christmas?
This small town Christmas romance includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Spiced Walnut Crust Cookies with Chocolate Ganache and Sea Salt.

ABOUT TERI WILSON

USA Today Bestselling Author Teri Wilson writes heartwarming contemporary romance with a touch of whimsy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including Unleashing Mr. Darcy (plus its sequel Marrying Mr. Darcy), The Art of Us and Northern Lights of Christmas, based on her book Sleigh Bell Sweethearts. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award® for excellence in romantic fiction for her novel The Bachelor’s Baby Surprise.

Teri has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses and Audrey Hepburn films, and she loves following the British royal family. Feel free to visit and connect with her here, and out on social media! You can also add and share her books on BookBub and GoodReads.