PAGE~TURNERS: May 2023

Saturday, May 27, 2023

MURDER IN THE SCOTTISH HILLS

MY THOUGHTS:

Edinburgh, 1911: Maud McIntyre and her assistant Daisy travel to the Scottish Highlands after receiving a letter from Rose. Rose informs Maud that there are strange things going on in the house that she works in. While Maud and Daisy are on the train destined for the Highlands, a man’s body falls from the carriage right in front of them. His cause of death is a gunshot wound to his head. Maud and Daisy never expected a new case to happen right in front of them, but when the police rule it as a tragic accident, they believe it was no accident but was murder. As soon as Maud and Daisy arrive in the Highlands, they immediately jump into action in finding the murderer. But they can’t forget why they are there…to help Rose find out what the strange happenings are that are going on with her employer, an art dealer. As they piece together all that has happened, they wonder if the murder on the train is connected with Rose’s employer. Then another body is found, this time it is a local artist. Maud and Daisy are sure that the two murders are connected but they must prove it and find the killer before another body turns up.

Murder in the Scottish Hills written by author Lydia Travers was a wonderful cozy mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and the discussion between Maud and Daisy, what a wonderful pair they are. This story had my attention from the very first page to the last. Just when I thought I had figured out who the killer was, the plot twist proved me wrong. I loved everything about this story and with this book being the second installment in The Scottish Ladies Detective Agency, I am looking forward to continuing the series with book three. This is a must read for every cozy mystery fan and I highly recommend it.

DESCRIPTION:

MURDER IN THE SCOTTISH HILLS

Author: Lydia Travers
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 26, 2023
Pages: 323
Buy on Amazon

When Maud McIntyre and her lady’s maid Daisy travel into the Scottish Highlands, the last thing they expect to find is a body on the train… Will these keen amateur sleuths stop a murderer in his tracks?

Edinburgh, 1911: When Maud McIntyre receives a letter from a maid called Rose, sharing her suspicions that something strange is happening in the house where she works, she and her assistant Daisy immediately travel to the Highlands to investigate.

But as they are changing trains, the body of a man falls from the carriage right in front of them, a bullet in his head. Maud and Daisy can’t believe it – they’ve waited ages for a new case, and now one has literally landed in front of them! And when the local police rule the death as a tragic accident, the pair have no choice but to investigate what they believe is a murder…

Arriving in the Scottish village, Maud and Daisy go undercover to begin their hunt for the murderer, while also investigating the strange behaviour of Rose’s employer, a local art dealer. As they begin to piece together the chain of events, Maud and Daisy wonder whether the cases might be linked. Is it possible the man on the train was killed to cover up something in the village? And, if so, who would do such a thing?

When a local artist is found murdered, Maud and Daisy become convinced the two cases are connected. Searching for the link between the deaths, will Maud and Daisy solve the case before another mysterious murder takes place?

ABOUT LYDIA TRAVERS

Lydia Travers was born in London. She moved progressively north until settling with her husband in a village on the edge of the Scottish Highlands. She has raised children, bred dogs and kept chickens; and for as long as she can remember has written for pleasure. A former legal academic and practitioner with a PhD in criminology, she now runs self-catering holiday accommodation, sings in a local choir and is walked daily by the family dog.

Lydia also writes as Linda Tyler and her first novel under that name, Revenge of the Spanish Princess, won a 2018 Romance Writers of America competition for the beginning of an historical romance. Her second novel The Laird's Secret was Commended in the 2021 Scottish Association of Writers' Pitlochry Quaich competition for the beginning of a romantic novel. Mischief in Midlothian won the 2022 Scottish Association of Writers' Constable Silver Stag trophy. She has had a number of short stories published in magazines, journals and anthologies in the UK, the USA and Australia.

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

Sunday, May 21, 2023

THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN

MY THOUGHTS:

Helga and Ruth, eleven year old Jewish twins lose both their mother and father to the War. Not only have they lost their parents but their home is gone as well. Their new home is an orphanage and they are lucky to have been placed there together. But when Ruth gets sick they are separated from each other. It’s 1990 and Naomi moves to Paris in search of finding her place in life. While touring the antique markets she comes across an old familiar photograph. The same photo sits on top of the mantle in her mother, Helga’s house in London. Naomi tells her mother about the photograph she has found and Helga wants Naomi to leave things alone but Naomi must find out the history of the photographs, while Helga hopes the secrets of her past stay in the past.

The Forgotten Children written by author Ann Bennett was a wonderful and heartbreaking time slip novel. I was inspired by the strength and courage that they had to survive. This captivating story had me in tears more than once as I flipped through the pages of this heartwarming story. This incredible story is an absolute must read and I highly recommend it.

DESCRIPTION:

THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN

Author: Ann Bennett
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 18, 2023
Pages: 357
Buy on Amazon

Paris, 1941. As we drive down the cobbled street, I take in the red banners with swastikas covering every building. Suddenly a group of guards appears. I duck beneath the window of the car, and my heart thumps as my hand jumps to my chest. But I’m not wearing my yellow star now, I left it with my sister. Tears well in my eyes. Will I ever see her again?

1939. Standing in front of the orphanage’s imposing stone walls, eleven-year-old Jewish twins Helga and Ruth shiver with fear. The war has taken their mother and father, their home in Berlin has been turned to rubble, but their soft, dark eyes meet and Helga gives Ruth a reassuring smile. They should be safe here together.

Yet every day bombs fly overhead. And when Ruth becomes desperately unwell, the girls are torn apart. As war rages on, will they ever find each other?

Paris, 1990. When Naomi moves to Paris, she hopes the city will help her find herself again. But whilst exploring the antique markets in the early morning sun, she is shocked to discover a duplicate of a photograph her mother Helga has on her mantelpiece back in London of a magnificent vine-covered villa on the outskirts of the city. Naomi soon discovers it was used as an orphanage during the Second World War. But why was the photo so precious to her mother?

When Naomi tells her mother what she’s found, Helga is furious. She begs Naomi to leave the orphanage alone. But Naomi is already desperate to discover the truth about her mother and the secrets of the other forgotten children of Montmorency. If Naomi learns the heart-shattering mistake her mother made, it will change their lives forever. But if she leaves the secrets in the past, Helga will never find out what happened to her sister…

ABOUT ANN BENNETT

Ann Bennett was born in a small village in Northamptonshire and now lives in Surrey. Her first book, A Daughter’s Quest, originally published as Bamboo Heart, was inspired by her father’s experience as a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma Railway. The Planter’s Wife (originally published as Bamboo Island) a Daughter’s Promise and The Homecoming, (formerly Bamboo Road) are also about the war in South East Asia.

Friday, May 19, 2023

THE MIDWIFE’S CHILD

MY THOUGHTS:

Maggie is a midwife and a former secret agent, and she saves the life of baby Leah. Leah is in extreme danger, with everything going on around her, the Nazis, the freezing weather and no food. Maggie is her only hope of survival and Maggie will risk everything and do anything she has to, to make sure Leah survives. Captain Jamie Maclean becomes Maggie’s hope in doing everything he can to help her find Leah’s father. But Maggie’s mission for Leah changes course when she gets word that the horrible Dr. Mengele has escaped Auschwitz. Maggie may be the only one that can locate him. Maggie is so torn between protecting baby Leah, finding Dr. Mengele before it’s too late and the feelings she has developed for Jamie. This is the most terrifying thing she has ever had to do, but it must be done and she absolutely cannot fail.

The Midwife’s Child by Amanda Lees is the third installment in the WW2 Resistance Series. This story was so heartbreaking to read. It was an emotional and gripping story of sacrifice and survival in the most horrible and terrifying circumstances. I cried so many times while turning the pages. But I was engrossed and had to find out the ending. I couldn’t put it down. Read it with the Kleenex box by your side because it will be your best friend throughout the tale. This incredible story is one that I will remember for a very long time and I highly recommend it.

DESCRIPTION:

THE MIDWIFE’S CHILD
Author: Amanda Lees
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Pages: 313
Buy on Amazon

‘Save her,’ she begs, drawing her last, quavering breaths. ‘Save my baby. Find her father. And reunite them.’ Both of our tears fall on the tiny creature in my arms, only minutes old and already in terrible danger. There’s never any doubt – of course I’ll do all I can. But will it be enough?

Auschwitz, January 1945: forced on a terrifying death march from the notorious concentration camp, midwife and former secret agent Maggie must find the strength to protect the tiny baby girl her dying friend left to her care. Only weeks old, little Leah is in terrible danger – from the Nazis, from the freezing weather, from starvation.

So when a company of soldiers led by brave Captain Jamie Maclean rescues the marching women, Maggie’s relief knows no bounds. But it soon turns to astonishment when Jamie vows to help Maggie reunite Leah with her father – he has fallen in love with Maggie, and will do everything in his power to assist her.

Maggie can’t yet trust her own, budding, feelings. But she accepts Jamie’s help, and slowly starts to dream of a life together. Until Maggie gets the news every survivor dreads. The most fearsome Nazi of all, Dr Mengele, the terror of Auschwitz, has escaped – and she may be the only person strong enough to track him down.

Looking at baby Leah’s trusting eyes, Maggie’s heart is torn. But she has to find Mengele and bring him to justice. Can she succeed on the most terrifying mission of her life, when so many others have failed? And if she does, will she find her way back home to the ones she loves, or will the heartbreak of everything she has suffered destroy any chance of happiness, forever?

ABOUT AMANDA LEES

She is the author of the bestselling satirical novels Selling Out and Secret Admirer (published by Pan) which have both received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages. Her major YA thriller trilogy, Kumari, Goddess of Gotham, was written as a tribute to her mum, who died a couple of months before Amanda got the idea for a series which would reflect her own exotic childhood. Kumari was nominated for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize and the Doncaster Book Award. It featured as Redhouse Book Of The Month and Lovereading4kids Book Of The Month.

A broadcaster as well as an actress and novelist, Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4. She researched and edited the leading directory for banks, The Banker’s Almanac, for Euromoney publications while also covering stories of shady dealings in the City for them. She has written for, or contributed to, The Evening Standard, The Times, New Woman, US Cosmopolitan, Bulgaria's Vagabond and Company Magazine as well as numerous online publications and has two non-fiction books published under a pen name. Amanda has conducted a love coaching phone-in from the sofa of Richard & Judy and wooed the viewers on Channel 5 Live. She won an award at the Hungarian Gyor Film Festival for a short film she produced, a psychological thriller called Pros and Cons. Her book, From Aconite to the Zodiac Killer: The Dictionary of Crime, was published by Robinson/Little Brown in July 2020 to excellent reviews. It was published in the US by Ulysses Press in May 2021. She has just completed the first in a romantic thriller series set at the end of WW2.

Thursday, May 18, 2023

THE PATH TO THE LAST HOUSE BEFORE THE SEA

MY THOUGHTS:

Alyssa is a former nurse and after experiencing a traumatic event, she decides she needs a fresh start. She arrives in Heaven’s Cove and gets a job giving tours to the visitors. Alyssa befriends Magda an elderly resident of Heaven’s Cove. Magda confides in Alyssa that she has been secretly in love with a man named Stan. Alyssa wants to find Stan so that she can bring the two of them together. But when Alyssa meets Stan’s son Jack, her idea of bringing Stan and Magda together, doesn’t exactly go as planned. Jack is recently divorced so when he first meets Alyssa, he isn’t exactly the nicest guy. But as time goes on and they spend time together he begins to enjoy her company. Alyssa finds an old map of Heaven’s Cove and the map tells a tale of a couple that gave up everything for love. She decides to tell the story to Magda and Stan in an effort to bring them together.

The Path to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles was an absolutely amazing escape. I loved the relationships of the Magda, Stan, Jack and Alyssa, they were easy to love and they immediately felt like family. I love stories of new beginnings and second chances and this story delivered on all levels. The plot twist and turns make this an unputdownable read. This is book five of the Heaven’s Cove Series, it can be read as a stand-alone but my suggestion is to read the series in its entirety. It is fabulous and I highly recommend it.

DESCRIPTION:

THE PATH TO THE LAST HOUSE BEFORE THE SEA

Author: Liz Eeles
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 18, 2023
Pages: 313
Buy on Amazon

Alyssa carefully holds the delicate paper map and looks down at the cottages and winding streets of the village by the shore. She came to Heaven’s Cove for a fresh start. But will the pathways on the map lead her to an old secret?

Fleeing from a heartbreaking mistake, all former nurse Alyssa wants is to focus on her new job giving tours of Heaven’s Cove to visitors and sharing the myths and legends of this beautiful place. Nobody needs to know the real reason she came to the village…

Over cups of tea with elderly resident Magda she soon makes a friend who is alone in the world too. For decades, Magda has been secretly in love with her best friend Stan. Desperate to return Magda’s kindness, Alyssa is eager to bring these two lost souls together. But meeting Stan’s tall, handsome son Jack scuppers her plans.

Dedicated to caring for Stan, Jack says Alyssa’s focus on legends keeps the village in the past. But when Alyssa finds an old map revealing the true story of a Heaven’s Cove couple who sacrificed everything for love, she’s sure the romantic tale could bring Stan and Magda together… and although digging up old secrets soon ruffles feathers in the village, with Jack and Alyssa growing close, she can’t help but think she might find happiness after all.

But will Alyssa ever be able to open up about her own past? Or will the truth tear them apart?

ABOUT LIZ EELES

Liz began her writing career as a journalist and press officer before deciding that she’d rather have the freedom of making things up as a novelist.

Being short-listed in the Corvus ‘Love at First Write’ competition and the Novelicious search for a new women’s fiction star gave Liz the push she needed to keep putting pen to paper …. and ‘Annie’s Holiday by the Sea’ (her first published novel) is the result.

Liz lives on the South Coast with her family and, when she’s not writing, likes to spend time walking by the sea, and trying to meditate. Her ambition is to be serene one day …. she’s still got a long way to go.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

MURDER AT ABBEYMEAD FARM

MY THOUGHTS:

It’s 1957 in Abbeymead, Sussex, and Flora Steele, amateur sleuth, likes the ideas of Percy Milburn to purchase and update Abbeymead Farm. But the rest of the town doesn’t share in her enthusiasm. A meeting is called to work out the differences between Percy and some of the local residents. But Percy is a no-show to the meeting and everyone is wondering where he is. Flora sets out to look for Percy, but she is too late, Percy is dead. Flora and Jack are on the case and with the long list of suspects the investigation could go on for a while. It could have been Sir Frederick Neville, who owns the farm that Percy was wanting to buy, it could have been Minnie Howden, the housekeeper who was in love with Percy or was it Mr. Colin Palmer who could become very rich if Percy were to die. But Flora and Jack think they have solved the case, they know who the murderer is right up until their prime suspect is the next victim. Flora and Jack are running out of time, and the list of suspects just grew.

Murder at Abbeymead Farm by Merryn Allingham is book six of the Flora Steele Series. This cozy mystery was fabulous. I was engrossed in the story and just when I thought I figured it all out…I was wrong. Great plot twist that I didn’t see coming. I really enjoy the amateur super sleuth team of Flora and Jack, as I think they work very well together. I loved this installment as much as the previous books. It can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the series. I enjoyed the escape and I highly recommend this book.

DESCRIPTION:

MURDER AT ABBEYMEAD FARM

Author: Merryn Allingham
Published by: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Pages: 266
Buy on Amazon

Amateur detective duo Flora Steele and Jack Carrington have gained a reputation for crime-solving. But will they be able to untangle the latest baffling murder in the cosy village of Abbeymead?

Sussex, 1957: When Flora and Jack hear that Percy Milburn – a newcomer to the area who has ruffled more than a few feathers with his grand plans for modernising Abbeymead – is missing, they’re determined to find him. But after scouring the village, Flora is shocked to discover the body of the poor man in the cellar of a crumbling farmhouse.

Percy’s murder is tragic but not unexpected, as his ambition had made him many enemies within the small, rural community. Flora and Jack get stuck into the case, but they’re sent on a wild goose chase around the village. Whoever is behind the death has taken careful steps to cover their tracks…

Was it Miss Minnie Howden, the nervous housekeeper who loved Percy? Sir Frederick Neville, the owner of the farm Percy was trying to buy? Or Colin Palmer, made rich by Percy’s death? Did any of the suspects dislike Percy enough to end his life?

The amateur detective duo finds themselves outfoxed at every turn, unable to find any concrete clues. When their prime suspect is murdered, Flora and Jack have their work cut out to find the culprit. But the clever killer has pulled the wool over their eyes and is reeling them ever nearer to danger.

Will this case finally bring Flora and Jack closer together? And can they unravel the mystery before they’re led like lambs to the slaughter?

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.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Book Bub

Monday, May 15, 2023

SECRETS OF THE ITALIAN ISLAND

MY THOUGHTS:

Mia’s heart is broken when she loses her precious grandmother, Annalisa. Mia is a thirty-two year old researcher that lives on Long Island, New York. Mia is sorting through her late grandmother’s belongings when she finds an old letter. Annalisa had never mentioned anything about the Italian castle to Mia. Mia travels to Italy in search of answers to so many questions. Mia is amazed at the beauty of the Italian coast. She takes a short boat ride from Parissi to the island and is sad to discover the island is closed to visitors. She doesn’t want to just give up as she desperately needs to find out what her grandmother was hiding all these years. She meets Leo, a local and promises to get her into the castle even though it’s closed. As Mia and Leo begin searching the old, dilapidated castle, they find more handwritten notes in the walls of the castle. As Mia and Leo read through the letters, many answers to their questions are answered, but many more questions come up. The more time Leo and Mia spend together they begin to fall in love. Mia has so many decisions to make, does she return to New York with more questions than answers or does she stay in Italy with her new found love?

Secrets of the Italian Island, by author Barabara Josselsohn, was a heart-warming and amazing story of family, new beginnings and uncovering family truths. This amazing story was full of mystery, intrigue and grabbed my attention from beginning to end. This unputdownable book was absolutely phenomenal, unpredictable and hit all the emotions. I loved this book and am so glad that it is the first book in a new series. Barbara Josselsohn is a wonderful author that knows how to draw the reader into the story and won’t let them go until the last page is turned. Her detailed descriptions of Italy make you feel like you are actually there. Everything about this story is amazing, don’t pass this one up. This time slip, historical fiction is indescribable. I highly recommend this book, it was absolutely fabulous!

DESCRIPTION:

SECRETS OF THE ITALIAN ISLAND

Author: Barbara Josselsohn

Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 11, 2023
Pages: 363
Buy on Amazon

Italy, 1943. A castle once full of love and laughter is left in ruins by the Nazis, as three sisters are torn apart by one terrible mistake…

New York, present day. Broken by the loss of her beloved grandmother Annalisa, who raised her all alone, Mia is shocked when she finds an old letter sent from Italy in her belongings. Annalisa never told Mia about the magnificent, vine-covered castle on Isola di Parissi where she spent one long summer under the Italian stars. Or that she was accused of something terrible in the darkest days of World War Two…

Arriving on the stunning Italian coast just a boat ride away from Parissi, Mia is devastated to find the island closed to visitors. Desperate to find out what her grandmother was hiding, she finds dark and brooding local guide Leo, who promises to help her sneak in.

As they explore the crumbling castle surrounded by lush olive groves, Mia begins to fall in love with passionate Leo and the beautiful country he calls home. And soon they find handwritten notes hidden in the walls, which confirm her grandmother’s heartbreaking story. Annalisa arrived on the island with her two sisters but was forced to abandon them when the Nazis invaded.

Mia soon realizes that the accusation against Annalisa might be true, and that Leo has his own reasons for wanting to dig up her family’s past. The terrible mistake Annalisa made tore apart the island community. Will it force Mia to leave Leo, and Italy, forever?

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!

Sunday, May 14, 2023

SUMMER AT THE CORNISH BEACH CAFÉ

MY THOUGHTS:

Jessie is trying to heal her broken heart and she is in dire need of a change of scenery. So, when her grandfather invites her to go to Indigo Cove with him, she knows it is exactly the change she needs. Jessie loved Indigo Cove when she was younger and would visit her grandparents there. Jessie’s grandfather wants her to take pictures of the local area as reminders of what her grandmother loved about the Cove. Jessie does exactly what he asks. While spending time in the Cove, she runs into Ashton who was Jessie’s first kiss. Jessie continues to take photos for her grandfather and meets some people that have a Puzzle Club at the local café. She makes some amazing and lifelong friendships. The more time she spends with Ashton the romance between them blossoms. Will this trip to Indigo Cove be just a visit or has she found love and happiness once again?

Summer at the Cornish Beach Café by Donna Ashcroft was a perfect beach read. The escape to Indigo Cove was warm and idyllic. The vivid description of the Cornish Cove had me feeling like I was actually there. Stopping in the Beach Café for a latte and waiting for my new friends to arrive. I was so taken by this lovely tale of family, new found friends, romance and second chances. Once I opened the book and began reading I didn’t want to stop until I got to the end. I loved the characters so much that I felt like they were people I would want to hang out with. What a wonderful summer story. I loved it from beginning to end and I know you will too. Don’t wait another moment, read this one now. I will recommend this one over and over again. Absolutely fabulous.

DESCRIPTION:

SUMMER AT THE CORNISH BEACH CAFÉ
Author: Donna Ashcroft
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: May 12, 2023
Pages: 279
Buy on Amazon

Step into the Cornish Beach Café, where you’ll find stunning views of the sea, plenty of cream cakes and a warm welcome from the quirky locals. But will this special place help to heal Jessie’s broken heart this summer?

Thirty-year-old Jessie is heartbroken after being dumped just before reaching the altar. So she escapes to her favourite place in the world, the little Cornish Beach café in Indigo Cove. There she plans to spend her summer indulging in home-made lemonade and freshly made brownies. Except, on her first night, fate has other ideas and Jessie bumps into tall and brooding Ashton, the first guy she ever kissed…

Determined to protect her fragile emotions, Jessie swears not to get distracted by Ashton’s sea-glass eyes or the way being near him makes her heart hammer against her chest. Instead, she spends time with her beloved grandfather George, helping him to prepare for the café’s puzzle championships.

In the small community, she keeps crossing paths with handsome Ashton, who’s now a wealthy and successful businessman. They end up sharing sunny afternoons together, which turn into long evenings walking along the beach. As the temperature soars between them, Jessie’s heart begins to melt as she discovers the generous personality behind Ashton’s reserved exterior.

But when she discovers a secret from Ashton’s past, Jessie is left shaken. How much does she really know about him, and can she take a leap of faith and trust Ashton when he asks her to?

Will Jessie’s summer at the beach café in Indigo Cove be the biggest mistake of her life or will it turn out to be the fresh start she needs?

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.