Thursday 21 March 2024

The Dubrovnik book club

 


The Dubrovnik Book Club

In a tiny bookshop in Dubrovnik’s historic Old Town, a book club begins…

Newly arrived on the sun-drenched shores of Croatia, Claire Thomson’s life is about to change forever when she starts working at a local bookshop. With her cousin Vedran, employee Luna and Karmela, a professor, they form an unlikely book club.

But when their first book club pick – an engrossing cosy crime – inspires them to embark upon an investigation that is close to the group’s heart, they quickly learn the value of keeping their new-found friends close as lives and stories begin to entwine…

Purchase Links  - https://mybook.to/TheDubrovnikBookClub

Other retailers:
UK 
https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/the-dubrovnik-book-club-eva-glyn
US 
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-dubrovnik-book-club-eva-glyn

Author Bio – 



Eva Glyn fell in love with Croatia during her first holiday there in 2019; the incredible scenery, the delicious food, the country’s dramatic twentieth century history all played their part, but most of all it was the friendliness of the people.

 

One of these was tour director Darko Barisic, who told an incredible story about growing up in underground shelters during the war in the 1990s, and she knew she had to write a book around his experiences. This became her first Croatian novel, The Olive Grove, and she and Darko have become good friends and he continues to advise her on all aspects of Croatia.

 

Eva delves into Croatian history and everyday life for her inspiration, and visits the country as often as she can, having uncovered so many stories by talking to local people. Travel in general is her passion, followed closely by food and wine, which also find their way between her pages.

 

Although Welsh by birth she now lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with almost thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

 

Social Media Links – 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/evaglynauthor/

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/JaneCable

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@dubrovnikbookclub

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eva-glyn

 

Giveaway to Win a paperback copy of The Dubrovnik Book Club (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494581/?

My review

I loved how the book club brought people together from all walks of life, each with their own issues. Thoughtfully told the characters developed as they read the monthly suggested book. The book combines delightful descriptions of Dubrovnik, which has now been added to my bucket list. The way in which the lives of the characters intertwine is very cleverly done and this is a book I will remember for a long time to come. 





Sunday 18 February 2024

A villa with a view

 



A Villa with a View

Escape to the Amalfi Coast and feel the warmth of the Italian sun on your face, hear the sound of the turquoise waves crashing on the beach and fall in love with a new enemies to lovers romance!

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

Purchase Link - https://bit.ly/47kOw0a

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/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliecaplinauthor/

My Review

I have enjoyed every book of Julie's that I have read so far and this one is no exception. With a gorgeous Italian landscape, a moody Italian hero and a heroine looking for her father, what's not to love? The dynamic between Lia and Raphael is excellently done and who can resist the delicious descriptions of Italian cuisine?





Tuesday 6 February 2024

The Island of dreams

 



The Island of Dreams

Martha is the youngest of three sisters and, in her mid-thirties, has the dubious honour of being the only one to call off a wedding at the last moment.

Now, feeling as if she’ll be single forever, and trying to keep her low opinion of her sister Iris’s fiancĂ© to herself for risk of looking bitter, Martha needs a change of scene.

When she is given the opportunity of a holiday to Paxos it seems too good to turn down, though the idea of travelling alone is daunting. And when the trip to the Greek island gets complicated, Martha wonders if this has all been a mistake.


But soon the island and its residents start to work their magic on Martha, and when she meets single father Harry and his adorable son Milo, a new way of living is revealed in contrast with the drab routine of her life back home. How can Martha leave behind the warmth of the people, the freedom and the fun, not to mention Harry and Milo when it’s time for her to go home…

Let Helen McGinn magic you away to a world of sunshine and serenity, romance and relaxation. Perfect for fans of Erica James, Carol Kirkwood and Karen Swan.

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

Author Bio – 



Helen McGinn is a much-loved wine expert on TV and in print and an international wine judge. She spent ten years as a supermarket buyer sourcing wines around the world before setting up her award-winning blog (and now best-selling wine book) The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club. She is the drinks writer for the Daily Mail and regularly appears on TV’s Saturday Kitchen and This Morning. Helen lives in the New Forest.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter https://twitter.com/knackeredmutha


Instagram
 https://www.instagram.com/knackeredmother/

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-mcginn

 My review

I am a massive fan of all things Greek, so this book had me from the start. I loved how the characters jumped off the page and ended up loving Martha’s English family just as much as the Greek setting. Milo is adorable, as is his dad! 

I love stories which transport me to another place and this book did it so well I have now added Paxos to my bucket list. I’m sure it will see an influx of bookie fans next year.




Thursday 25 January 2024

Murder at the Leaning tower



Murder at the Leaning Tower

An instalment in bestselling author T. A. Williams' Armstrong and Oscar cozy mystery series!

A cozy crime series set in gorgeous Tuscany... It's murder in paradise!

A secluded villa…

When Dan Armstrong is asked to provide security at a private villa on the outskirts of Pisa, he’s pretty sure it will be an easy job. Villa Gregory is remote; the gathered guests are rich – what could possibly go wrong?

A glittering gathering...

Inside the high walls of the palatial villa, Dan discovers the gathered guests are some of the most powerful tycoons in the media world, with plans for world domination. With so much at stake, Dan redoubles his efforts to keep everyone safe.

A detective under pressure?

But when one of the group is found murdered, Dan’s heart sinks – especially considering Anna’s own daughter is in the frame! When the police arrive, Dan meets formidable Inspector Adolfo Vinci, a man whose main talent seems to be for getting things wrong. It all goes from bad to worse for Dan as the man from the Leaning Tower starts leaning on him.

It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve and this one won't be easy!

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

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

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


My review

Once again a well plotted story that keeps the reader engaged. Add in the wonderful Italian ambiance, the stunning food and a murderer on the loose that is a bit too close to home for our retired detective, then you have a winning combination. With all the suspects confined to the villa, in an Agatha Christiesque denouement, Dan has to eliminate them one by one. With time running out, his desperate plan puts his own life at risk. Excellent read.






Sunday 8 October 2023

In the Greek midwinter






 

In the Greek Midwinter

It was supposed to be a holiday of a lifetime…

But when Jen’s boyfriend David suddenly cancels their romantic Paris trip, needing to urgently travel to Athens for work, it’s best friend Bonnie who suggests they surprise him.

Having already booked the time off from her events company – Christmas Every Day – Jen decides an impromptu and romantic gesture might be just what their relationship needs?

Arriving in Greece and finding David is not there, Jen has a lot of questions. And when she gets her answers she has a choice – should she go home or should she stay a while?

With the help of Astro, the handsome yet Christmas-hating waiter from the local bar, she sets about a little Greek Christmas research. But what starts as a ‘business trip’ soon turns into something more…

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

Author Bio – 




Mandy Baggot is a bestselling romance writer who loves giving readers that happy-ever-after. From sunshine romantic comedies set in Greece, to cosy curl-up winter reads, she's bringing gorgeous heroes and strong heroines readers can relate to. Mandy splits her time between Salisbury, Wiltshire and Corfu, Greece and has a passion for books, food, racehorses and all things Greek!

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.baggot

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mandybaggot

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandybaggot/?hl=en

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mandy-baggot

 My review

Having lived in Athens, I was immediately enthralled by this book as most novels set in Greece focus on the islands. it was also refreshing to see the book set in winter, a complete contrast to the usual balmy summers. As a reader, i enjoyed watching the relationship between Jen and Astro develop and their back stories were quite heart-breaking. The supporting characters in the nursing home and Jen's Ukrainian employee were an absolute delight. This really is a book with a difference and as such I loved it from start to finish.




Wednesday 13 September 2023

The Voyage of Aeneas of Troy

 




The Trojan War is the cardinal point in both British and European history. According to the British chronicles their ancient kings and princes are descended from Brutus the Trojan, the great grandson of Aeneas of Troy. Aeneas was a Trojan prince who survived the Trojan War and led his people in exile to found a 'New Troy'.Aeneas's voyage lasted seven years. In mythology it is said that he founded Lavinium and became the progenitor of the Romans, through his son Ascanius and the Alban kings. The author's first book demonstrated that the Trojan War was real, but what about Aeneas's voyage? Once more, the truth is stranger than fantasy!Incredibly, a detailed historical and geographical record of the voyage was left to posterity and has survived to this day. Scholars in the Classics know it as Virgil's Aeneid , but it is regarded as a work of fiction. This belief is mistaken.Every facet of Aeneas's voyage is minutely documented and the journey can be retraced in its entirety, provided that the keys to unlocking the Aeneid's hidden knowledge are known and the geography is correct. Unbelievably, the Aeneid reveals Aeneas's voyage to have taken place in the Western Oceans!Follow in Aeneas's footsteps over land and tempestuous seas, from Troy through to his arrival at Latium and the building of his first city. Discover the truth about the Island of the Cyclopes, the terrifying whirlpool Charybdis and the monster Scylla. Learn about Aeneas's meeting with the famous Sibyl of Cumae and the reality of his descent into hell.

About the author

Bernard  Jones 


Bernard Jones is a retired multi-disciplinary professional; Chartered Practitioner and Chartered Fellow, with a lifetime of scientific, technical, investigative and research work behind him. He is also a historian of some 40 plus years who completed his post graduate research in ancient philosophy and mythology. Bernard also has a Master's Degree in Ancient History.

For the last four decades he has applied his professional skills to his work as a historian, the result of which is two extraordinary books. 'The Discovery of Troy and its Lost History' is the first of these, and was published in 2019. The book has received three International Book Awards. The second book is called 'The Voyage of Aeneas of Troy', and has a publication date of August 2023. It is another groundbreaking book with a number of amazing reviews.

Bernard lives on the island of Kefalonia, in Greece.


My Review


Bernard Jones has spent decades of his life debunking the theory that Troy was not located in the Eastern Mediterranean but near Cambridge in the UK. His second book, 'The Voyage of Aeneas of Troy' makes some equally groundbreaking revelations, which make perfect sense if you can eliminate years of classical indoctrination to consider the possibility that 'the Aeneid' is not just an epic story, but in fact a very detailed guide to a real journey. This epic journey, as Bernard Jones sets out to prove, only makes sense if Troy is in England, and Aeneas' voyage is around the Kent coast of the UK.

The fact that the Aeneid provides a detailed and accurate guide around the British coastline is even more remarkable when we consider that it may have been written years after the voyage took place, handed down in the oral tradition before Virgil wrote it down.

Bernard Jones' detailed research and unravelling of the epic voyage will leave the reader stunned. Years of following tide tables and establishing geographical landmarks may not be enough to convince the reader, who has the classical image of Aeneas sailing around the Mediterranean sea. To convince us further, the author has systematically traced the old British names of key landmarks and from there shows the reader how the Romans transposed the names that we find in the Aeneid, Anyone who loves language will be fascinated by these findings.

I cannot begin to imagine the amount of work that has gone into providing such scholarly research but it certainly makes fascinating reading. This work is totally enlightening and refreshing and deserves to be read with an open mind.

Wednesday 23 August 2023

One Winter's Night


 

One Winter’s Night

To look to the future, you first have to face your past…

With Christmas just around the corner, Molly Bliss has almost hit rock bottom.

After the heart-breaking loss of her parents, an escape to Iceland to spend the holidays with her sister Claudia is a chance for her to find solace and focus on her neglected relationship with her boyfriend Howard. But when Howard 'misses his flight', Molly is forced to rethink her whole outlook on life.

Surrounded by her family, Molly has never felt more alone. With ongoing family tensions rumbling and a surprising connection with old flame Leifur and his friend James, Molly realises she has an opportunity to rediscover who she really is.

While exploring the wild beauty of Iceland, a fragile hope seeds itself in Molly and alongside the life-affirming experiences and new friendships that are forged, she’s forced to question why she ever put her own dreams on hold.

Will Molly allow grief and disappointment to destroy her chance at happiness, or can new love sparkle as the land of fire and ice begins to work its magic?

 

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

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. 

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/katefrostauthor

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/katefrostauthor/

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

 My Review

To be honest I am not a big fan of winter, although I am a fan of Kate Frost. Somehow she has managed to sell me the concept of ice and snow and of course the Northern Lights, to such an extent that Iceland is now on my 'to visit' list. This is a lovely book for snuggling down under the covers with and wrapping up warm with a hot chocolate on those chilly nights as Molly discovers who she really is. It is a wonderful story of self-development, hurt, betrayal and new  beginnings. Different from my usual locations but thoroughly engrossing.