Santorini, Greece, 1944. A village nestled in the mountains where children play together beneath the endless blue sky. A cottage once full of the laughter of family and the joy of a new baby. But when the Nazis arrive on the island, a devastating tragedy and an impossible choice will break this family apart…

Present day. Single mother Carrie arrives on the sun-drenched island of Santorini, her adored uncle Sol’s tattered sketchbook clutched to her chest. Heartbroken at his death, Carrie is certain Sol – who refused to speak about how he spent the war in occupied Greece – was hiding secrets all his life: and that the drawings he made of a striking young woman with wavy hair will hold the answers. Tucked away with the sketchbook was a beautiful diamond ring engraved in Greek, and Carrie cannot bear the thought that her uncle never had the chance to give it to his love.

Even as she explores the winding cobbled alleys Sol drew in his book, Carrie is filled with childhood memories. And asking around the close-knit locals, the elderly women Carrie meets speak of a brave young woman named Vassia, and a secret allied mission to rid their beautiful island of German troops. But when pressed, they refuse to say more…

Then she finds a letter written by Vassia herself. She’s shocked to read how Sol was left stranded, fighting for his life, and how Vassia risked everything to save him before a terrible betrayal tore them apart. When Carrie finally unravels the truth, the secrets will shatter the small community, and change the course of her life forever…

A Santorini Secret is an epic tale of love, loss and secrets in World War Two that will sweep you away to the hidden coves and sun-kissed beaches of Santorini.Fans of Victoria Hislop, Fiona Valpy and The Letter won’t be able to put this beautiful book down.

Author Bio:

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

https://www.rosealexander.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/rosealexanderauthor/

https://twitter.com/RoseA_writer

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Rose Alexander here: https://bookouture.com/subscribe/rose-alexander/

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DQVJSKHXsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

My Review

I'm a big fan of Greece and love a dual timeline, so this book was right up my street. I found both threads equally engaging, which is not always the case in a dual timeline. The historical story of uncle Sol is well researched and a timely reminder of the evils of war and the choices people are forced to make. the modern day story of Carrie is equally absorbing as we watch a single mum struggling to survive follow in Sol's footsteps and as she unravels the past is forced to confront her future. 

The descriptions of Santorini immediately evoke memories of Oia in particular, a stunningly beautiful town that is overrun with tourists in the summer. Rose Alexander takes the reader on a journey that they won't forget.

Murder in the Tuscan hills

 

Murder in the Tuscan Hills

It's murder in paradise!

A picturesque scene…

As grape harvest season rolls around, retired DCI Dan Armstrong and his beloved canine companion, Oscar, are looking forward to a nice quiet September. But when Dan is contacted about a mysterious death out in the Tuscan Hills, it seems that work must come before pleasure.

A suspicious find…

At first it appears that the body found lying outside a prestigious winery has been the result of a tragic hit and run. But then the police discover that this is a cover up for murder…but who would kill in such an idyllic spot and why?

A face from the past?

As Dan investigates, he meets famous ex rock star, Digger, owner of the winery and prestigious Podere Dei Santi hotel. Digger’s guests include wealthy businessmen, tourists, and, among them, suspected mafia hitmen. But more significant for Dan is a face he knows only too well from his own past and he soon finds that wine isn't the only thing fermenting around him.

Could this murder be the start of a gangland war, or do the killer’s motives lie much closer to home? Will complications from Dan's past return to trouble his future? Either way, Dan and Oscar must work around the clock to solve another mystery.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/MurderTuscanHills

Author Bio – 

T A Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances for HQ and Canelo and is now turning his hand to cosy crime, set in his beloved Italy, for Boldwood. The series will introduce us to retired DCI Armstrong and his labrador Oscar and the first book, entitled Murder in Tuscany, will be published in October 2022. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @TrevorWilliamsBooks

Twitter: @TAWilliamsBooks

Instagram: N/A

My review

I really enjoyed being transported to Tuscany once again. TA Williams assembles an array of suspects, skilfully layered crimes and leaves the reader guessing to the end. With beautiful countryside, Italian food and a dog who saves the day, what more could you ask? You don't need to have read the other books own the series but if you have, you will find each one builds on the previous one to shed more light on Dan and both his old and new life which collide with potentially damaging consequences in this book.

A little place in Prague

 

A Little Place in Prague

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

 

Purchase Link – 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

Author Bio

Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter 

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

My Review

I absolutely loved the description of Prague. It was already on my wish list but has now moved up a notch.  The characters are well drawn and their prior relationship made it an interesting flat share. However, the plot was rather contrived in so much as they were the only two candidates, and the ending was predictable. The fun therefore was not so much the plot, rather the way in which it led to its inevitable conclusion. I enjoyed the book, loved the location and if you're looking for a cosy winter read, this book is just the ticket.

Μurder in Verona

 

Murder in Verona

A tragic accident?

When Italy’s greatest opera singer, Rodolfo Argento, is killed in a terrible car accident, the police initially rule his death a tragic accident or suicide. But his elderly mother, Violetta, believes this to be poppycock! Her son was a brilliant driver and had too much to live for. She suspects foul play and turns to Private Investigator, Dan Armstrong to discover the truth.

A cheating spouse?

So Dan and Oscar travel to Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, to find out what really happened. There Dan discovers Rodolfo’s private life could have come straight out of a Shakespeare play. Although now happily married, Rodolfo was a man with a reputation to rival Casanova, his past strewn with heartbroken women. Could his death have been a star-crossed lover determined to get revenge?

A family feud?

Or does the truth lie much closer to home? With his large inheritance still to be settled, the motive for Rodolfo’s murder could simply be greed. As Dan searches for suspects while staying at the Argento Opera Academy (where people randomly launch into operatic arias.) life for Dan is complicated by the fact that Oscar has a habit of joining in with the singing…

Can Dan solve the case before he and his tone-deaf dog get thrown out?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/murderinverona

 

Author Bio –

I've written all sorts: thrillers, historical novels, short stories and now I'm enjoying myself hugely writing romance and whodunnits. Romantic comedies are what we all need from time to time. Life isn’t always very fair. It isn’t always a lot of fun, but when it is, we need to embrace it. Murder mystery is all very well, but it needs to put a smile on your face, so that's why I like to inject some humour.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/TAWilliamsNews 

Bookbub profile: @trevorwilliams3

My Review

Another enjoyable case for Dan and as the story is set in Verona, it is quite  fitting that it should be in the world of opera. I love this type of Agatha Christiesque scenario with multiple suspects, all of whom could have a good reason to kill the victim.

TA Williams manages to lift the gloom on a rainy day with his easy to read style and sense of humour. His descriptions of Italy, especially the delicious food, make the reader want to visit. For now, it will be vicariously but Tuscany is already on my 'to visit' list. unfortunately, with each new book, comes a new location, so my list is ever growing.

An Island Promise

 

An Island Promise

Three friends, a Balearic promise and a summer that could change their lives forever…

For twenty-one-year-old Belle Madden her first holiday to Ibiza with best friends Gem and Laurie was memorable for all the right reasons: partying the night away, planning a future filled with big dreams and making a promise to return in ten years to celebrate living their best lives – hopefully…

Fast forward a decade and Belle is desperate for a change. Eager to escape her relationship troubles, she jumps at a job opportunity that takes her back to the White Isle.

Despite loving island life and her new job, Belle realises something is missing. With their busy lives the three friends have drifted apart, their friendship fractured. Remembering their promise to return, Belle seizes the opportunity to organise a reunion holiday.

After the initial excitement of being back together in Ibiza, cracks start to appear. A lot can change in ten years. Dreams can be shattered, love lost and hope destroyed. And when secrets are revealed, long suppressed emotions begin to unravel…

Will Belle repeat her past mistakes or can a second chance summer be the beginning of a happy-ever-after for friendship as well as love?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/islandpromisesocial

Author Bio – 

Kate Frost is the author of several bestselling romantic escape novels including The Greek Heart, and The Love Island Bookshop. She lives in Bristol and is the Director of Storytale Festival, a book festival for children and teens she co-founded in 2019.

My Review

Any book set in a foreign location is a win as far as I’m concerned. When it happens to be sun drenched Ibiza that’s an added plus. The three friends Belle, Gem and Laurie are each dealing with their own problems so a return to the place where they spent a drunken holiday ten years ago is the catalyst to make them each confront the past. However, it risks putting their friendship on the line. A delightful story and I loved how it all worked out in the end.

Murder in Portofino

 

Murder in Portofino

A much-needed holiday…

Dan Armstrong hasn’t done much retiring since moving to Tuscany, and with his new career as a successful private investigator taking off, it seems murder seems to follow him. He’s hoping a much-needed trip to beautiful Portofino will give him the break he needs and quality time with girlfriend Anna.

A gathering of celebrities…

Portofino is a celebrity paradise, and holidaying on a nearby superyacht is a group of British media stars, all famous for being infamous. Dan isn't impressed by their status or wealth, but when he overhears an argument between two of the group, he suspects something fishy could be going on…

A cold-blooded killer?

And then a body is washed up on shore and Dan’s hopes for a holiday go overboard. Could this simply be a tragic accident or is there a killer amidst the assembled celebrity cast? Dan and Oscar have their work cut out before the tide turns…

It's another gripping case for Dan and Oscar - it's murder in paradise!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/murderportofinosocial

Author Bio – 

T. A. Williams is the author of over twenty bestselling romances. Trevor studied languages at University and lived and worked in Italy for eight years, returning to England with his wife in 1972. Trevor and his wife now live in Devon.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/TAWilliamsNews  

Bookbub profile: @trevorwilliams3

My Review

Set in beautiful Portofino, we get a glimpse of how the rich and famous live. For Dan Armstrong, however, simply enjoying  holiday with his girlfriend is not on the cards after he overhears a disturbing conversation and then a body is found. His instincts mean he can't just walk away but in offering is assistance, he is putting his new relationship at risk since he has promised his girlfriend quality time away. Will Dan be able to solve the case and will he and Anna still be together if he does?

Another great read which I devoured in two sittings.

The Lost Queen

 

The Lost Queen

1191 and the Third Crusade is underway . . .

It is 1191 and King Richard the Lionheart is on crusade to pitch battle against Saladin and liberate the city of Jerusalem and her lands. His mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and his promised bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, make a perilous journey over the Alps in midwinter. They are to rendezvous with Richard in the Sicilian port of Messina.

There are hazards along the way - vicious assassins, marauding pirates, violent storms and a shipwreck. Berengaria is as feisty as her foes and, surviving it all, she and Richard marry in Cyprus. England needs an heir. But first, Richard and his Queen must return home . . .

The Lost Queen is a thrilling medieval story of high adventure, survival, friendship and the enduring love of a Queen for her King.

Acclaim for Carol McGrath's ROSE trilogy:
'Powerful, gripping and beautifully told' KATE FURNIVALL on The Silken Rose
'A tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters' NICOLA CORNICK on The Stone Rose
'A beautifully narrated novel' K J MAITLAND on The Damask Rose

Purchase Link - https://tinyurl.com/5n8ab2xv

Author Bio – Following a first degree in English and History, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAS in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. Carol is writing Historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in February 2022. The Stolen Crown 2023 and The Lost Queen will be published 18^th July 2024. Carol lives in Oxfordshire, England and in Greece. 

Find Carol on her website:

www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk.

Follow her on amazon @CarolMcGrath

https://twitter.com/carolmcgrath

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/carol0275/the-handfasted-wife/

https://scribbling-inthemargins.blogspot.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-mcgrath-906723a/

https://www.facebook.com/CarolMcGrathAuthor1/

My Review

I was aware of Berengaria although I knew very little about her. Carol Mcgrath brings her to life in such a way that by the end of the novel, the reader feels as if they are part of her entourage. I am in awe of the amount of research it must have taken to make the characters truly jump off the page and to recreate the perilous journey as she goes to meet her betrothed.

It's interesting that so many strong women have been overlooked, so I am delighted to see Berengaria receive the recognition she deserves in her own right and not just as the wife of a famous king.

I found the book absorbing and loved going on the journey with her. Can thoroughly recommend.