Giveaway: Win a Summer Read of your choice

I had planned to buy a few goodies to run a Summer bundle giveaway but sadly life has gotten in the way recently and it fell by the wayside. So instead I have decided to run a giveaway for you to choose a book yourself, either an eBook which can be gifted via Amazon, or paperback which I'll buy and either post to you myself or will order to be posted direct to you.

Below are a few of the recent summery books that have caught my eye which might appeal to you, or maybe you've got your eye on something else. 

The Beach Holiday by Isabelle Broom

A somebody. A nobody.
A love story waiting to be written . . .

All aspiring novelist Honor has ever wanted is to be successful. It's the only way she can impress the father who abandoned her, the boyfriend who gave up on her, and the nagging voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough.

Still, wanting to tell a story is not the same as having a story to tell, and Honor knows she needs to find a new source of inspiration.

When she's invited to spend a summer abroad in The Hamptons, Honor realises it could be the dream setting for a book, especially when a chance encounter provides her with the perfect leading man.

But blurring fact and fiction is a dangerous game, and Honor soon discovers that writing her way to success might come at the expense of her own happy ever after . . .

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Two exes. One pact.
Could this holiday change everything?

Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couple - they go together like bread and butter, gin and tonic, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.

Every year, they take a holiday from their lives to drink far too much wine with their favourite people in the world.

Except this year, they are lying through their teeth, because Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. And they still haven't told anyone.

But the cottage is for sale so this is the last time they'll all be here together. They can't bear to break their best friends' hearts so they'll fake it for one more week.

But how can you pretend to be in love - and get away with it - in front of the people who know you best?

Books I'm Looking Forward to in 2023 by Emma Crowley

2022 was another great year for books and I managed to reach the goal I had set for myself on the Goodreads Reading Challenge. Although there were still plenty of other books that I would have liked to have read that are waiting for me on my ever increasing TBR but life in general can get in the way. But one thing I feel it’s important to do is to always make time for reading. It helps me forget about what may be going on in the world and helps relieve the stress from my work at times when things get a bit too much. I’ve already participating in a number of blog tours this year and I’m sure that number will grow as I see lots of new books published that I wish to read and help publicise. 

But below is a list of some of the books that I am really looking forward to reading this year. Most are publishing within the first half of the year and one or two do not yet have a final cover. One I couldn’t even find a blurb for but I know I want to read them all as lots are trusted authors of mine and one is a new author and the cover just made me want to read it. What are you looking forward to reading in the coming months? Let me know in the comments below.

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt will be published on May 23rd.

1928, Paris

A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family. Gentle, precocious, talented, he flourishes in his new home, and the family show him a life he hadn’t dreamed possible. But he refuses to speak a word about who he really is.

As he grows into a young man, falling in love and taking classes at the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris, he can almost forget the terrors of his past, or the promise he has vowed to keep. But across Europe an evil is rising, and no-one’s safety is certain. In his heart, he knows the time will come where he must flee once more.

2008, the Aegean

The seven sisters are gathered together for the first time, on board the Titan to say a final goodbye to the enigmatic father they loved so dearly.To the surprise of everyone, it is the missing sister who Pa Salt has chosen to entrust with the clue to their pasts. But for every truth revealed, another question emerges. The sisters must confront the idea that their adored father was someone they barely knew. And even more shockingly: that these long-buried secrets may still have consequences for them today.

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt I’m sure is on in numerable people’s lists of books they are looking forward to in 2023. It’s the final book in the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley and following her passing, her son Harry Whittaker has written and completed the series. This has to be one of my all time favourite series and I can’t wait to see how everything ties together. In a video I watched recently Harry promised that readers will get all the answers to every single question and they won’t be disappointed. I hope that is the case although I know I will be disappointed as there will be nothing else left to read from the wonderful author that was Lucinda Riley. 

Strange Sally Diamond will be published on March 2nd.

Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died. 

Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and police detectives, but also a sinister voice from a past she cannot remember. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends and big decisions, and learning that people don't always mean what they say. 

But who is the man observing Sally from the other side of the world? And why does her neighbour seem to be obsessed with her? Sally's trust issues are about to be severely challenged . . .

I have to confess that I have already read, Strange Sally Diamond, the long awaited new book from Liz Nugent. It was my last read of 2022 because I couldn’t leave it waiting for me on my Kindle and all I can say was it was phenomenal. A five star read all the way. It’s dark, gripping and full of twists and turns and Liz has outdone herself. It will be a huge success upon publication and I urge everyone to read it. 

Emma's Review: Merrily Ever After by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

In a picturesque town in Derbyshire, Merry has always wanted a family to spend Christmas with, and this year her dream comes true as she says 'I do' to father-of-two Cole. But as she juggles worries about her business, last-minute wedding planning and the two new children in her life, Merry is stretched to breaking point.

Meanwhile, only a few miles away, Emily is desperately waiting for the New Year to begin. Her father Ray's dementia is worsening, and she's struggling to care for him alone while holding down a job. When Ray moves into a residential home, she discovers a photograph in his belongings that has the potential to change everything.

As shocking secrets from Ray's past finally come to light, will this Christmas make or break Emily and Merry?  

Book Links: Kindle or Paperback

Blogiversary Giveaway: Win a bundle of Bookish goodies

I know they say time flies as you get older but it doesn't really feel like a year ago since we celebrated the 10th anniversary of setting up this blog. But here we are, another year on and sadly it's been another up and down year for me personally but I'm now on some new medications so I'm hoping that my energy levels will start to improve so that I can get back into the swing of reading and blogging. 

Fortunately, Emma has been holding down the fort with her reviews as otherwise there wouldn't be much to post as I haven't even had the energy to organise guest features with authors but I'm hoping to start featuring guest content again in 2023.

I couldn't let this occasion go by without running a giveaway to celebrate, in fact there will be 3 over the next week. The first is for this bundle of goodies below. 

Emma's Review: The Summer That Changed Us by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

For Katie, it is the perfect hideout after a childhood trauma left her feeling exposed. For Robyn, the fresh sea air is helping to heal her scars, but maybe not her marriage. For Grace, a new start could help her move on from a heartbreaking loss. When they meet on Sea Glass Beach one day, they form an instant bond and soon they're sharing prosecco, laughter - and even their biggest secrets...

Together, the women feel stronger than ever before. So can their friendship help them face old fears and find happy endings - as well as new beginnings?

Book Links: Kindle or Paperback

Shaz's Book Blog is 10 today!

If you had asked me 10 years ago when I set up this blog would I still be blogging today I honestly don't think I would have believed it. When I set it up I had no idea what I was doing and didn't think anyone would be interested in reading anything I wrote and quite often at times I still feel that way!  

The last couple of years have definitely been quieter on the review front from me as I've struggled both physically and mentally with a few health issues as well as adapting to the new norm of staying safe in this pandemic world and working full-time from home. But one of the plus points of not being able to travel is the increase in book events going online meaning that I've been able to watch more events that I would have missed if they were in-person events. To be honest I'm still extremely wary of travelling and attending events so I'm not sure when I'll bite the bullet and make plans to travel. There's already a few scheduled for next year but I'm not going to make any decisions until nearer the time. 

One of the best things that has come out of setting up this blog is being welcomed into the book world with open arms. Some of the bloggers and fellow bookworms I first spoke to online have become close friends in real-life. On that note I need to do a shout hand to my right-hand woman on the blog Emma who has been a trooper again this year picking up the slack with reviews, despite having a busy teaching job herself. It's hard to believe that we have never met in person, due to Emma living in Ireland and me in England, but we have known each other online for what feels like a lifetime as we first met as part of an online forum before I even set up the blog. 

Emma's Review: A Patchwork Family - Part One: Moving On by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

Gina Moss is proud of herself: she's just had the most amicable divorce ever. No arguments, no fuss, no drama. It means she has plenty of time and energy for her thriving childminding business too.

Welcome Cottage is both home and workplace for Gina. It sits just on the edge of The Evergreens - a grand if slightly run-down Victorian residence to three octogenarians who have far too much fun for their age: Violet, Delphine and Bing.

But a tragedy puts her older friends at risk of eviction - and Gina in charge of the battle to save them. It might be her first fight, but it's one that Gina is determined not to lose...

Amazon Affiliate Link: Kindle

Emma's Review: A Vintage Summer by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

London has not been kind to Lottie Allbright. Realising it’s time to cut and run, she packs up and moves back home – but finds her family in disarray. In need of a new place to stay, Lottie takes up the offer of a live-in job managing a local vineyard. There’s a lot to learn – she didn’t even know grapes could grow so far north!

Butterworth Wines in the rolling Derbyshire hills has always been run on love and passion but a tragic death has left everyone at a loss. Widowed Betsy is trying to keep the place afloat but is harbouring a debilitating secret. Meanwhile her handsome but interfering grandson, Jensen, is trying to convince her to sell up and move into a home.

Lottie’s determined to save Butterworth Wines, but with all this and an unpredictable English summer to deal with, it’ll be a challenge.

And that’s before she discovers something that will turn her summer – and her world – upside down.

Amazon Affiliate Links: Kindle or Paperback

Book Lover's Day Giveaway: Win a Books Tote Bag & paperback of your choice from Amazon

Apparently today is Book Lover's Day so even though my When I Find You giveaway only finished yesterday I thought it only fitting to run another one to share the book love, as I've been spoilt by authors and publishers with so many fabulous books, by giving something back to loyal followers of the blog.

So I've decided to totally spoil you by offering you the chance to win this gorgeous Books, Books, Books tote bag plus a paperback book of your choice from Amazon (up to value £8)

Emma's Review: Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

Thirty-two-year-old Hetty Greengrass is the star around which the rest of her family orbits. Marriage, motherhood and helping Dan run Sunnybank Farm have certainly kept her hands full for the last twelve years. But when her daughter Poppy has to choose her inspiration for a school project and picks her aunt, not her mum, Hetty is left full of self-doubt. 

Hetty’s always been generous with her time and until now, her biggest talent – baking deliciously moreish shortcrust pastry pies – has been limited to charity work and the village fete. But taking part in a competition run by Cumbria’s Finest to find the very best produce from the region might be just the thing to make her daughter proud . . . and reclaim something for herself.

Except that life isn’t as simple as producing the perfect pie. Changing the status quo isn’t easy – and with cracks appearing in her marriage and shocking secrets coming to light, Hetty must decide where her priorities really lie...

Amazon Affiliate Links: Kindle or Paperback

Books Read: The Lemon Tree Cafe by Cathy Bramley

When Rosie Featherstone finds herself unexpectedly jobless, the offer to help her beloved Italian grandmother out at the Lemon Tree Cafe – a little slice of Italy nestled in the rolling hills of Derbyshire – feels like the perfect way to keep busy.

Surrounded by the rich scent of espresso, delicious biscotti and juicy village gossip, Rosie soon finds herself falling for her new way of life. But she is haunted by a terrible secret, one that even the appearance of a handsome new face can't quite help her move on from. 

Then disaster looms and the cafe’s fortunes are threatened . . . and Rosie discovers that her nonna has been hiding a dark past of her own. With surprises, betrayal and more than one secret brewing, can she find a way to save the Lemon Tree Cafe and help both herself and Nonna achieve the happy endings they deserve?

Amazon Links: Kindle or Paperback

Emma's Review: White Lies & Wishes by Cathy Bramley

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?

Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business. 

New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm. 

Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public. 

The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September. 

Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…

With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.

Amazon links: Kindle or Paperback

Books Read: The Plumberry School of Comfort Food/Comfort and Joy by Cathy Bramley

Verity Bloom hasn't been interested in cooking anything more complicated than the perfect fish finger sandwich, ever since she lost her best friend and baking companion two years ago.

But an opportunity to help a friend lands her right back in the heart of the kitchen. The Plumberry School of Comfort Food is due to open in a few weeks' time and needs the kind of great ideas that only Verity could cook up. And with new friendships bubbling and a sprinkling of romance in the mix, Verity finally begins to feel like she's home.

But when tragedy strikes at the very heart of the cookery school, can Verity find the magic ingredient for Plumberry while still writing her own recipe for happiness?

This year has been a bit of a rollercoaster for me personally for various reasons so every time I try to make plans with regards to catching up with reading and reviews on the blog something else comes along to throw a spanner in the works.  And that has certainly been the case for reviewing Cathy Bramley's latest book The Plumberry School of Comfort Food which I actually read at the end of August for the Food and Drink feature month.

What I love about Cathy's books is that she creates characters that you find yourself rooting for, in this instance Verity who finds herself at a low point in her life with regards to her job and her relationship.  But fortunately for her she's given the opportunity to get away from it all when she receives a call for help from Gloria.  And so she sets off to the Yorkshire village of Plumberry to help Gloria set up a cooking school despite having lost her love of cooking following the death of her best friend Mimi, Gloria's daughter, who she used to make cookery videos with when they were teenagers. Has this challenge come at the perfect time for her?

Food & Drink Month: Q&A with Cathy Bramley

It's my absolute pleasure to welcome Cathy Bramley as the latest author to take part in the foodie Q&A for this Food & Drink feature month. It's hard to believe that it was only 3 years ago that I did a debut spotlight for Cathy as since then she has published 4 more books, Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm, Wickham Hall and her latest The Plumberry School of Comfort Food as well as republished her debut Conditional Love, which is a testimony to her brilliant writing that so many readers like myself love.    

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your writing journey?
I started toying with the idea of writing fiction in 2012 but had no idea that it would become my ENTIRE LIFE!! I wrote the first draft of Conditional Love and worked on it for about eighteen months before finally self-publishing it. It was far more successful than I could have imagined. An editor from Transworld picked it up and offered me a contract to write what became Ivy Lane. I’m now writing my eighth book!

I love the image that the title of your latest book The Plumberry School of Comfort Food conjures, what was the inspiration behind it? 
It’s about finding what makes you happiest and taking time out to do just that. It also explores the idea that cooking for someone is a way of showing them that you love them.

I know from following you on social media that you are a keen baker so how much research did you need to do to write about setting up a cookery school?
Luckily I worked with LucyCooks, an amazing cookery school in The Lake District for many years, doing their PR in my former life, so I already knew how it worked. I actually based the Plumberry School of Comfort Food on Lucy’s school!

If you had to describe Verity in three words, what would they be?
Inventive, loyal, tenacious.

Books Read: Cathy Bramley - Appleby Farm

Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.

Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…

The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought. As she summons up all her creativity and determination to turn things around, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future begin to take shape.

Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?

Amazon link: Kindle or Paperback

Cover Reveal: Wickham Hall: Hidden Treasures by Cathy Bramley.

Today it's my pleasure to welcome Cathy Bramley to the blog to reveal the first cover of her new eBook series, Wickham Hall, so I'll hand you over to Cathy to tell us a little bit about the series. 

I’m so excited about the launch of my new series Wickham Hall this month; it introduces a brand new set of characters and a beautiful new setting in a stately home just outside Stratford-upon–Avon. It’s a story of love and friendship, family secrets and heartache and ultimately learning to love life and live for the moment! I’ve packed the story full of my favourite things such as the English countryside, exquisite gardens (including topiary – I adore topiary!), weddings, summer festivals, lots of tea and cake, bonfires and Christmas parties!

The series will be published digitally in four parts this year and then in a complete novel both digitally and in paperback in 2016:

Holly Swift has just landed the job of her dreams: events co-ordinator at Wickham Hall, the beautiful manor home that sits proudly at the heart of the village where she grew up. Not only does she get to organise for a living and work in stunning surroundings, but it will also put a bit of distance between Holly and her problems at home.

Cover Reveal: Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley

Today I'm pleased to be able to support Cathy Bramley with a promo cover reveal for the combined edition of Appleby Farm which is being published on 13th August in eBook and paperback formats.

Appleby Farm is currently being published in 4 monthly installments with the final part, Love is in the Air, being published next month but I've been holding off reading until the combined version is available as I'm an impatient reader and always want to know what's going to happen next!  So I've a little over 3 months to wait but in the meantime let's take a look at the gorgeous new cover.

Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.

Books Read: Cathy Bramley - Ivy Lane

Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she seeks out peace and quiet in a new town, taking on a plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution. 

But the friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and gradually draw Tilly in to their cosy, comforting world of planting seedlings, organizing bake sales and planning seasonal parties. 

As the seasons pass, will Tilly learn to stop hiding amongst the sweetpeas and let people back into her life – and her heart?

Ivy Lane was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Amazon links: Kindle or Paperback

Cover Reveal: Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley

Cathy Bramley is a fantastic supporter to bloggers like myself so it's my absolute pleasure to be able to support her today with a cover reveal for her latest book.

I am thrilled to announce that a new ebook* edition of CONDITIONAL LOVE is being published by Transworld today.  

I first published CONDITIONAL LOVE myself on Amazon in October 2013 but now it has had the full Transworld treatment.  It is essentially the same story, with the same characters and the same happy ending. So what is different about it?

Well, I feel like my writing has developed since I first wrote it almost two years ago and so when Transworld very kindly gave me the opportunity to re-write it, working closely as usual with my editor, Harriet Bourton, I jumped at the chance. I took on board her editorial comments, sharpened up the narrative, tweaked some of the characters and generally I’ve given the book a more punchy, fast-moving feel.

I asked Harriet to share her thoughts about this new edition of the book in her own words:

I first read CONDITIONAL LOVE before I’d met Cathy. I’d seen her on Twitter talking to bloggers I follow and I was impressed by her cover for the book and the reviews she had, so I bought it and started reading. That one casual purchase led to Cathy’s deal with Transworld and a creative, fun and rewarding new author relationship. Some happy months later, Cathy and I set about looking at CONDITIONAL LOVE with a fresh eye. I thought the novel was wonderful, full of Cathy’s trademark warmth, comfort and good humour, but being an editor we can never leave well enough alone, and I had some ideas for how Cathy could squeeze even more out of the story. The heart of the novel is still the same, and the over-arching plot and characters too, but I think of this new refreshed edition of CONDITIONAL LOVE as being the high-definition version: brimming with colour and romance, sharp witted and lively from beginning to end, and impossible to resist once you’ve taken a glance!

I am delighted with what Harriet and I have achieved together this year and I hope readers will approve too. And of course the most exciting bit— is the sparkly new cover!

Books Read: Cathy Bramley - Ivy Lane: Spring

Friendship blossoms at Ivy Lane...

Tilly Parker needs a fresh start, fresh air and a fresh attitude if she is ever to leave the past behind and move on with her life. As she settles in to a new town seeking peace and solitude, taking on her own plot at Ivy Lane allotments seems like the perfect solution. But the vibrant, friendly Ivy Lane community has other ideas and endeavour to entice Tilly into seedling swaps and Easter egg hunts. Can Tilly let new friends into her life, or will she stay a wallflower for good?

Amazon link: Kindle