PAGE~TURNERS: November 2021

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

THE ISLAND WE LEFT BEHIND

MY THOUGHTS:

New York City, 1928, Ellen and Lucas Lyman have made the very difficult decision to leave Amherst Island for a better life. Amherst Island has been their home that they have loved with all their heart. They met there as children, and were friends that had found love. It has always been their home. Lucas makes money on the stock market and Ellen loves being a mother in New York City. But when their son Jamie becomes seriously ill, and Lucas can’t leave his job, it’s up to Ellen to take Jamie to a place that can help him recover. Ellen does everything she needs to save her son’s life, even if it means she must leave Lucas, the man she loves. So Ellen and Jamie make the long journey across America.

This heartbreaking and heart pounding story is an unputdownable must read. Definitely keep the Kleenex nearby because you will surely need it. This rapid page turner is one that will definitely stay in your heart long after you flip the last page. I absolutely loved the amazing addition to this series. This series is one to be cherished for a long, long time.

Thank you Kate Hewitt for another wonderful and the final installment to the Amherst Island series. This series is completely unforgettable, heartbreaking and phenomenal. It is an absolute must read. I loved everything about this entire series, and I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE ISLAND WE LEFT BEHIND
Author: Kate Hewitt
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 30, 2021
Pages: 349
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“I love you. Of course I do. But we haven’t any choice in the matter, do we? If our little boy’s health, even his survival, is at stake, we have to do whatever it takes.”
1928, New York City: Ellen and Lucas Lyman have made a heart-wrenching decision to leave their beloved Amherst Island behind in search of a new life. The island was once the home of their hearts: where they had met as children, become friends, and over time found love.
But New York City was calling, and it was everything they’d hoped for and more. With Lucas making money on the stock market, and Ellen finding fulfilment as a mother, at first they are happy raising their family, together, in the most exciting city in the world.
Until their beloved son Jamie becomes perilously ill, and Ellen is given an impossible choice. With Lucas unable to leave his job, it is down to her to take Jamie to a place he might recover even if it means making the journey across America without him.
Ellen knows what she must do. What every mother would do to save their child. Even if it takes her further away from the man she loves—and every place she has called home‑than ever before.

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 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.

Friday, November 26, 2021

DEATH ON A WINTER’S DAY

MY THOUGHTS:

It’s winter 1921 and Lady Eleanor Swift has been invited to spend Christmas in Scotland, at her frIend’s, Baron and Baroness Ashley’s castle. She is happy to accept the invite and even more happy to have Gladstone, her bulldog, along for the fun. The snow is falling and the guests are gathered by the fire enjoying each other’s company. But what was a fun evening quickly turned into an unexpected holiday when Mr. Eugene Randall is found dead. Soon the Baron is arrested, and Baroness Ashley begs Lady Eleanor to investigate and find out who the killer is. Lady Eleanor is determined to find out who the real killer is and while she is questioning the guests, someone else is found dead, from a fall from a balcony. This is not the Christmas holiday she expected, but with two murders to solve, she can’t relax until she finds the real culprit.

This Christmas cozy mystery is such a wonderful story. Lady Eleanor is a favorite of mine and this series is a definite must read. I loved this story so much, it had me completely engrossed from the very first page. This magical Christmas mystery will have you flying through the pages. An absolutely amazing addition to this series….loved it.

Thank you Verity Bright for another wonderful, and enjoyable who-dun-it story. I totally love reading Lady Eleanor Swift and her sleuthing adventures. I loved everything about this book. A definite must read cozy mystery. I highly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

DEATH ON A WINTER’S DAY
Author: Verity Bright
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 24, 2021
Pages: 330
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Christmas at the castle with holly, handmade gifts, snowflakes and… is that a body under the tree? Someone call Lady Swift!
Winter, 1921. Lady Eleanor Swift, amateur sleuth and reluctant lady of the manor, has been invited to spend Christmas in Scotland, at the beautiful castle of her dear friends Baron and Baroness Ashley. Even her favourite companion, master of mischief Gladstone the bulldog, is coming along to share a slice of turkey. As snow begins to fall outside, the rather mismatched group are cozy by the roaring fire, sharing a tipple over a plate of Mrs Trotman’s famous mince pies.
But after what was supposed to be a fun party game, Mr Eugene Randall is found dead at the feast. A somewhat unpopular business associate of the Baron’s from across the pond, it seems Mr Randall has certainly upset somebody. Was it what he said about Scottish whisky?
The killer must be in the castle… and when the Baron is arrested, Baroness Ashley begs Eleanor to investigate. Determined not to let her friend down, Eleanor sets about questioning the remaining partygoers.
All too swiftly, someone else is found dead, having apparently fallen from a high balcony. As if one murder wasn’t enough to put a twist in the tinsel! Eleanor knows she’s skating on thin ice now. And when she discovers a hidden document that points the finger of suspicion at the unlikeliest of suspects, she realises there’s more to the story. Can Eleanor catch the killer before it’s time for Christmas dinner?

ABOUT VERITY BRIGHT

Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s.

Friday, November 19, 2021

THE CRANBERRY INN

MY THOUGHTS:

It’s time to unpack the Christmas decorations and begin hanging the lights. The snow is coming down and Laurel Hanover and her eight year old son, Simon are heading home for Christmas. They’re going to The Cranberry Inn located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Laurel is more than ready for a long overdue break from New York. She is going to help her father run the Inn for Christmas and make lasting memories with her son. But when Laurel arrives at the Inn she finds it to be a shambles, and a note that says her father is gone and won’t return until Christmas Eve. No one seems to know where her father is, and she won’t allow anything to get in the way of Christmas plans with her son. She hires her childhood friend, Joel Hutcherson who is a carpenter, to help her fix up the Inn. While spending a lot of time together fixing up the Inn, they don’t see eye-to-eye on the repairs. But when Joel reveals to Laurel that she was his first crush, she admits that she is falling for him. Then Laurel discovers the real reason her father disappeared and she can’t help but wonder if Joel has known the truth since the beginning.

This wonderful Christmas story is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This sensational escape, will have you wanting to decorate the tree and hang the lights. I loved this story so much, it had me completely engrossed from the very first page. The characters were so believable and heartwarming, while the town was charming and inviting. This magical Christmas read will have you reaching for the hot cocoa and tossing a log on the fire. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story of second chances and new beginnings, pure delight.

Thank you Barbara Josselsohn for another wonderful, hopeful and inspirational story. I enjoyed this sweet, feel-good Christmas story that has all the feels. I loved everything about this book. A definite must read cozy romance. I highly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE CRANBERRY INN

Author: Barbara Josselsohn

Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 15, 2021
Pages: 258
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As twinkling lights go up and snowflakes begin to fall, Laurel Hanover and her eight-year-old son are going home to the Cranberry Inn in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. Laurel can’t wait to leave New York behind to help her father run the family business, and make snow angels with her son, even if it’s just for Christmas. But when she walks through the door, she’s shocked to find the inn in disrepair, and a letter saying her father will be gone until Christmas Eve…
No one in town knows where Laurel’s father is, and she doesn’t know whether to be worried or angry – but she won’t let the inn go under, and nothing will get in the way of the perfect Christmas for her son. Seeing the worn-out wooden bannisters, bare of festive lights, she immediately recruits her childhood friend, brooding local carpenter Joel Hutcherson. They might disagree on whether any walls actually need to come down, but each rip in the carpet makes Laurel more concerned for her father, and Joel is a welcome distraction. And when he admits that Laurel was his first crush, she realises she’s falling for him.
But then Laurel uncovers a card with beautiful, ornate writing amongst her father’s things and learns the real reason he disappeared. And it changes everything. Worse still, she thinks Joel knew the truth all along.
Laurel thought this was going to be the perfect Christmas – that maybe she had found her happy. But now there’s nothing to stop her from running back to New York the moment the baubles come down… is there?

ABOUT BARBARA JOSSELSOHN

Barbara Josselsohn is an award-winning writer who loves crafting stories about strong protagonists facing a fork in the road. Her novels include The Bluebell Girls, The Lilac House, The Last Dreamer, and her newest release, The Lily Garden. She has published hundreds of articles about family, home and relationships in national and regional publications, and also teaches novel writing at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She lives just north of New York City and enjoys escaping to the beach or the mountains whenever she can. Other than writing, her biggest passion is her family: her husband, her three kids, and her indefatigable shih-poo!

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

FROM THE DARK WE RISE

MY THOUGHTS:

Germany 1942, Annegret Huber unexpectedly inherits a huge fortune that includes, a house and a factory outside Berlin. She holds inside a secret of who she really is and the only thing she can do to survive is to stay hidden and never reveal the truth about her. Her real name is Margarete. But then a prisoner escapes, and Margarete discovers that her factory is attached to a labor camp and when she sees what is going on at the labor camp, and how horrible the conditions are, so she realizes she must do whatever she can to make a difference. One day while looking at those on the other side of the fence, she see’s a face that is extremely familiar to her. But, can it be someone she recognizes, someone she knows?

Wow, this book, was so amazingly captivating. I devoured this book in one sitting, unable to stop turning the pages once I began. I had to read through, non-stop to the end. I loved it, I found it exciting, breathtaking and intense. This in one unforgettable read. I wish I could give ten stars. Definitely a must read for all historical fiction fans….wow, just wow, I’m totally speechless.

Thank you Marion Kummerow for such a wonderful and beautifully written story. I enjoyed this brilliant and gripping story so much. I highly recommend this phenomenal book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

FROM THE DARK WE RISE
Author: Marion Kummerow
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 17, 2021
Pages: 279
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“Please, let me help. I won’t tell anyone.” It was madness to help an escaped prisoner in Nazi Germany, but how could she not? If it weren’t for a lucky strike of fate, she might be the woman on the ground shivering with fear. A light of hope entered the prisoner’s eyes and she knew what she had to do…
1942, Germany: When a young woman calling herself Annegret Huber unexpectedly inherits a huge fortune, including a house and factory just outside Berlin, her first thought is to try to see out the war quietly, avoiding the Gestapo and SS as best she can.
No one needs to know her dark secret. She must focus on staying hidden. Because she can’t risk being exposed for who she truly is. Not really Annegret. But a girl living a secret life. A girl who was once called Margarete.
But then an encounter with an escaped prisoner changes everything, as Margarete discovers what is happening at the factory and its attached labor camp. Witnessing first-hand the suffering of prisoners—shivering, with faces gaunt from hunger, as they work in brutal and cruel conditions—she realises she must act.
If she can save just one life, she knows she has to. Because the truth is that Margarete resembles the prisoners in the camp in ways she daren’t admit. And on the other side of the fence, she has seen a face that is achingly familiar…

ABOUT MARION KUMMEROW

Marion Kummerow is a USA Today Bestselling author of historical fiction.

She was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. After many years abroad she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her husband and two children.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing. Since then she has started writing the War Girl Series. Intended as a trilogy, she grew so fond of the characters that she’s now plotting book 12 in the series.

Saturday, November 13, 2021

MURDER ON THE PIER

MY THOUGHTS:

Sussex, 1956, in the village of Abbeymead, Flora Steele, bookshop owner and amateur detective is on the case. Flora goes for a walk on the pier and when she looks at the rushing waters beneath the pier, she is stunned to see a women’s body floating in the water. But when she recognizes the victim is someone she knows, Polly Dakers. Flora convinces crime writer Jack Carrington that Polly Dakers was murdered. There are so many clues that point to foul play instead of “just an accident” on the pier. During their investigation they discover secrets about the people that seem to be the closest to Polly, and they soon become potential suspects. As Jack and Flora dig deeper in to the events leading up to Polly’s death, they are closer than ever to finding the killer.

This cozy mystery was a fantastic and captivating read. I loved how the secrets were slowly revealed and it kept my attention to the the very end. This whodunit will have you flipping the pages at a rapid pace to the very end. The surprise at the end was perfect.

Thank you Merryn Allingham for such a wonderful story. I enjoyed this wonderful continuation of the Flora Steele Mystery Series. This is an absolute must read for every cozy mystery fan. I highly recommend this fantastic book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

MURDER ON THE PIER
Author: Merryn Allingham
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 10, 2021
Pages: 270
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Meet Flora Steele – bookshop owner, bicycle-rider, daydreamer and amateur detective!
Sussex, 1956: When bookshop owner Flora Steele goes for a walk along the pier she isn’t expecting to spot a young woman’s body in the stormy waters below. And she’s shocked to discover the victim is someone she knows…
Convinced the death was not an accident, Flora persuades attractive local crime writer Jack Carrington to help her find out what really happened to poor Polly Dakers, a popular young woman with a complicated love life, who’d been at the heart of village life in Abbeymead.
Jack is reluctant to get involved in another murder case at first but even he can’t deny that Polly’s fall seems fishy. An argument at a party, a missed hairdresser’s appointment and a red woollen bobble found on the wooden boards where Polly last stood provide a trail of clues…
As they grow closer to solving the puzzling mystery, the unlikely pair stumble upon several surprising secrets about those closest to Polly. A number of potential suspects begin to emerge. But who really disliked Polly enough to kill her? Was it Raymond, her jilted first love? Harry, her latest beau? Or Evelyn, Harry’s jealous estranged wife?
As the investigation brings them closer to the truth, Flora is intent on unmasking the killer – but will her stealthy sleuthing lead her down a dangerous path?

ABOUT MERRYN ALLINGHAM

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cosy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

THE ORPHAN’S SECRET

MY THOUGHTS:

World War II rages on throughout Europe, and Lily sees every day as a gift. Lilly’s husband is a soldier, fighting for his country and she hopes and prays every day for him to safely return home to her. As the bombs continually fall from the sky, Lilly’s best friend Ethel, is nine months pregnant and she seeks refuge in a shelter. Ethel gives birth to a baby girl, and shortly afterward Ethel is killed leaving her new daughter, Joy, an orphan. In order to save Joy, Lily does what she has to, the only thing she can do. The secret Lily holds so tightly for many years, until one day the truth is revealed and she wonders if she will ever be forgiven.

This story is filled with so much emotion. It was incredibly heartbreaking and phenomenal at the same time. This unputdownable must read is one that will have you reaching for Kleenex for sure. It is sure to be remembered for years to come. I love this author’s writing style and I look forward to reading more of her books.

Thank you Shirley Dickson for such a wonderful, heartbreaking and inspiring story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A phenomenal and absolute must read. I loved everything about this unputdownable book. I can’t recommend this book enough. It has to be read now.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE ORPHAN’S SECRET
Author: Shirley Dickson
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 9, 2021
Pages: 442
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With the war raging, Lily has learned not to take life for granted. In a time of such tragedy, every day is a gift. Her husband is a soldier, fighting to save their country, and she prays that she will survive – to one day welcome him home.
One sweltering July night, bombs rain down. Lily and her dear friend Ethel, who is nine months pregnant, seek refuge in a shelter. Miraculously, a baby girl is born to the sound of ear-splitting shrieks and explosions in the distance. Once the raid quietens, Lily races into the house to find the newborn a blanket. But then the unthinkable happens, planes thundering right over the rooftops…
When Lily rouses, finding herself amongst broken glass and crumbled brick, she is devastated to discover that Ethel has been killed – leaving little Joy behind. With tears rolling down her face, Lily makes a split-second decision.
To save the orphaned child, Lily must tell a heartbreaking lie, a secret that she holds close to her chest for years. But when the truth comes out, whose lives will be destroyed? And will she ever be forgiven?

ABOUT SHIRLEY DICKSON

Shirley Dickson was born and grew up in the seaside town of South Shields. She left school at fifteen and can’t remember a time when she didn’t write. She entered her first short story competition in ‘School Friend’ when she was eleven. After Shirley retired from auxiliary nursing, she was able to devote her time to writing.

After living in various locations, she settled under the big skies of Northumberland and has lived with her husband in the same house for over forty years. Shirley has three daughters and four grandchildren and likes nothing better than family gatherings.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

THE GIRL ACROSS THE SEA

MY THOUGHTS:

It’s 1933 and Ellen lives in New York with her husband and and young daughter. They have wanted to return to Ireland for many years, but the timing was never right, until now. Ellen knows the secret she carries with her means she can never return. So, she kisses her family goodbye in the middle of the night and flees into the darkness. Mairead has recently separated and has returned home to take care of her dying mother. As Brigid begins to pass away in her last breath she calls out to her mother Ellen. Mairead doesn’t know anything about her grandmother, Ellen. And with nothing more than an old photograph and a turquoise necklace, she begins to find out everything she can about her. Her journey to find the truth takes her, to New York and to Arizona. She discovers Ellen was on the run and was a wanted woman accused of a terrible crime.

This story is filled with so much mystery and drama, and you will find yourself bonding with the characters. The vivid description of western Ireland made me feel like I was actually there. This book definitely hits all the emotions, I couldn’t read it fast enough, I had to know how it ended. I devoured this book in one sitting. This time slip novel is perfect and I absolutely loved it. Wow, truly an amazing story and a great escape.

Thank you Noelle Harrison for such a fantastic, heartbreaking and emotional story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A fantastic and absolute must read. I loved everything about this unputdownable book. I highly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DESCRIPTION:

THE GIRL ACROSS THE SEA

Author: Noelle Harrison
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: November 10, 2021
Pages: 378
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Ellen looked into her daughter’s green eyes. Her chest felt tight, and her heart was cracking. If only she could be sure her secret was safe. If only she could go home to Ireland…
New York, 1933. Ellen looks at her sleeping husband and precious daughter for the last time. They have longed to return home to Ireland for many years, but now the time has come, and the boat is ready to leave. But Ellen knows the dark secret she hides means she can never go back. Heart breaking into a million little pieces, she kisses her little girl goodbye and lays a precious turquoise necklace down beside her head, before fleeing into the night.
Ireland, years later. Mairead’s world is falling apart. Recently separated, she has returned home to nurse her dying mother, Brigid. As Brigid passes, she calls out for her mother, Ellen, a woman Mairead knows nothing about.
All alone in the world, Mairead is stricken with guilt that she couldn’t honour her mother’s last wish. She travels to New York, the last place her grandmother was seen, clutching all that she has of her – a stunning turquoise necklace and a small black-and-white photograph. Mairead’s search leads her across America to Arizona where she discovers that Ellen was on the run, a wanted woman, accused of a terrible crime.
Mairead can’t believe that the young woman with laughing eyes and an innocent smile could have such a dark past. But as she uncovers the secrets and lies that forced her grandmother to abandon her only daughter, will Mairead’s own future be ruined by the shadows of her family’s secrets?

ABOUT NOELLE HARRISON

I’m an Irish author who’s been writing novels and plays for nearly thirty years. My first novel, Beatrice was published in August 2004 which was a bestseller in Ireland. This was followed by A Small Part Of me in 2005, I Remember in 2008, The Adulteress in 2010, The Secret Loves of Julia in 2012, The Gravity of Love in 2018, The Island Girls in 2020, and in 2021 The Boatman’s Wife. My forthcoming novel is The Girl Across the Sea published in November 2021. My books have been published in over 12 different countries.

In 2014 I was one of 56 Irish Writers included in the anthology and exhibition Lines of Vision Irish Writers on Art at the National Gallery of Ireland, and published by Thames & Hudson.

I’ve also written five plays – Northern Landscapes, Black Virgin, Runaway Wife, The Good Sister, and Witches’ Gets, which featured in Cymera and Audacious Women Festivals in Edinburgh in 2019 & 2020 to sell out houses.

I currently live in Edinburgh in Scotland, and I am one of the founders of Aurora Writers’ Retreats , and co-founder of yoga and meditation hub Rest and Rise.

My stories are written from the heart with family mysteries and secrets. If you like reading love stories set against evocative landscapes from all over the world, you might like to pick up one of my books. My purpose is to tell women’s stories and give voice to those who are rarely heard.