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

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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.

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 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.

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.

All you need is Greece

 

On the island of Crete, her dreams might just come true…

Reeling from a breakup with her fiancé, Beth can’t face all the happy couples around her at home – and flees to a villa nestled among olive groves on the picture-perfect Greek island of Crete. But, even in this paradise, on the shores of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, she can’t escape the ringing of wedding bells…

Beth’s quirky hosts are seizing a second chance at love and are preparing to tie the knot, surrounded by all their beloved animals. Now, forgetting her troubles is impossible for Beth when she has to protect bouquets and white dresses from munching donkeys at every turn.

Leaving the chaos behind, Beth tries to find a little peace and quiet on the beautiful beaches. And, while enjoying a glass of delicious Greek wine at a local taverna, she is surprised when handsome Artemis boldly introduces himself. Though he’s flirty and gorgeous, it becomes clear that he’s had his heart broken too.

As they bond over troublesome exes, she is soon lost in his gorgeous, dark brown eyes… and even though she’s still haunted by what might have been, as her hosts get ready to dance the night away with their guests, Beth starts to wonder if she could open her heart to Artemis.

Until she discovers Artemis has been keeping a secret about his past. Love might be sweeter the second time around, but is this holiday romance worth the risk? Or will Beth be on the plane home as soon as the speeches are over?

Escape to the gorgeous beaches and summer sun of Greece in this unputdownable, feel-good romance that will sweep you off your feet! Perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Mandy Baggot, and My Mamma Mia Summer.

Author Bio:

Sue Roberts lives in Lancashire with her long term partner Derek and has had a lifelong love of writing, encouraged by winning a school writing competition at the age of 11.

She always assumed that ‘one day’ she would write a book, always having a busy household and a job, the idea remained firmly on the back burner but never forgotten.

The inspiration for her first novel came to her on a holiday to a Greek village. Her daughters had left home and suddenly the time had come to write that book!
https://www.instagram.com/suerobertsauthor/
https://twitter.com/suerobertsautho

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Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0C7D1HTBSsocial

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My review

Set in the same location as  'There's something about Greece', this book quickly transports the reader to the wonderful sights and sounds of Corfu. Once again the host, Judith, wins over the reader as she prepares for her wedding but it is the motley array of animals who steal the show. For newcomer Beth however, love is the last thing on her mind as she has just left a relationship behind. Will it be Artemis who changes her mind, or will her ex-love woo her back? A great book to read by the pool or to banish those post-holiday blues.

Murder in Siena

 

Murder in Siena

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

A lazy weekend in the country…

Dan Armstrong and the new love of his life, Anna, are heading to a hotel deep in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside for a long weekend, looking forward to some time away from the stresses of their day jobs. With the beautiful and historic city of Siena just around the corner, it promises to be relaxing and enjoyable. What could possibly go wrong?

A mutilated body…

But when a mutilated body is discovered in the hotel grounds Dan is called in to help with the investigation. But who or what could have been responsible for such a vicious attack? Was it the work of wild animals, or is there a brutal murderer at large?

A killer who cried wolf?

Dan knows he is dealing with a clever killer – whether whether two- or four-legged! And as he sets out to solve the case he begins to worry about his own loyal canine companion. Could Oscar be in more danger than any of the other hotel guests or is a murderer trying to cover their tracks?

It's another case for Dan and Oscar to solve!

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

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. Trevor lives in Devon with his Italian wife.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TAWilliamsBooks

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

My review

Another great read in this amazing series.  Set in the beautiful Italian town of Siena, with a twist. The story is well-developed as you would expect and the characters are very believable; the more we see Dan, the more we relate to him and his wonderful dog of course. Suspense is created through the possibility of wild animals being responsible for the killing yet the threat of a murderer at large also adds to the suspense. To create stories that are engaging yet easy to read is no mean feat, yet T.A.Williams manages to do this time after time. Another triumph.

The secrets we keep

 

After her father’s tragic death, abandoning thoughts of university, Hayley has supported her mother with the day to day running of the Estuary House Hotel in Kingswater. Now, she is ready to return to her studies, but before that there’s a summer to enjoy.

Hayley has no idea how much the two young men she is about to meet will influence her future. Adam Davenport, wealthy and entitled, arrives on his father’s luxury motor yacht, livening up the quiet town with his on-board parties. But it’s photographer Nick Pallister, staying at the hotel while working on an assignment for the Cornish Tourist Board, who captures her heart.

As the end of summer approaches, Nick unexpectedly checks out, taking steps to make sure he cannot be traced, leaving Hayley to face the fact she has merely been a summer fling. Days later, Adam takes a taxi into Truro and disappears. Despite an extensive police search, he is never found.

Six years later Hayley is settled and happy with a small daughter, Amelie. Nick Pallister’s unexpected arrival at the hotel, takes her by surprise, dredging up unwanted memories. Why did he leave so suddenly? And did it have anything to do with Adam’s disappearance? But there’s 

the danger Nick could have questions of his own, ones that might jeopardise the new life she has built for herself and her daughter.

About the author

Jo Lambert lives on the eastern edge of Bath with her husband, one small grey feline called Mollie and a green MGB GT. She is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Society of Authors.  She has been writing since 2008. Her first five books, a set of linked romantic sagas following the lives of several families in West Somerset, was followed in 2015 by Summer Moved On, a contemporary romance set in South Devon. A sequel, Watercolours in th Rain followed in 2017, 

 In June 2018 Jo signed to Choc Lit and published A Cornish Affair, set in North Cornwall. .

When she isn't writing she reads and reviews. She also has an active blog.  Jo loves travel, red wine and rock music and she often takes the odd photograph or two.

Social Media Links – 

Website: http://jolambertbooks.com

Blog: http://jolambertwriter.blog

Twitter: @jolambertwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jolambert185

Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jo-lambert-6 4644530

Instagram: jolambertwriter185

My Review

'The Secrets we keep' blends the best of romance and suspense. The reader is immediately immersed in Hayley's world as she helps run the family hotel in the coastal resort of Kingswater. When Nick checks in, he immediately grabs her attention but it seems hotel receptionist Scarlet also has her eye on him. When Adam arrives in town on his father luxury yacht, it is clear he has his eye on Hayley. The suspense is maintained as the reader wonders how these relationships will all pan out. However, just as Hayley and Nick realise their feelings, Nick unexpectedly checks out with no way of Hayley being able to contact him. Her sense of abandonment is palpable. There is another twist however as Adam simply disappears one day. It is not until six years later that the mystery is resolved and once again brings upheaval into Hayley's now settled life.

The author knows how to keep the reader enthralled with lifelike characters and an engrossing plot. This is a great summer page turner.

The French Chateau Dream

The French Chateau Dream

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while. 

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau.  

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau. 

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead? 

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 a 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

Another cracking success from Julie Caplin. What could be better than a glorious French chateau, a handsome winemaker and delicious french food? Be prepared to be transported, as Hatttie tries to establish her wedding business with all the odds against her. Handsome Frenchman Luc sees her as standing in the way of his ambition to start producing the chateau's wines again. This enemies to lovers trope is well worked and the reader will enjoy the journey. Delightfully moreish..

There's something about Greece

 One holiday could change her life forever.

When Tania is invited to spend the summer with her aunt Judith on the stunning Greek island of Crete, she’s torn. She hasn’t been able to bring herself to travel since her last vacation romance utterly broke her heart. But is it time to put the past behind her?

Taking in gorgeous views of the turquoise harbour and white beaches from the little village, Tania can’t imagine a better place to be. Until, at the villa, preparing a delicious moussaka together, Tania sees her aunt’s beaming smile falter. And it’s clear the normally sparkling and lively Judith is unwell.

Not wanting to show just how worried she is, Tania sets off for a refreshing dip in the crystal sea to clear her head – and when grumpy, handsome local Nicos bumps right into her,Tania brushes off his apologies. She has too much on her plate to jump at the first Greek god she sees.

So, when Nicos turns up at the door offering to help her aunt, it’s not just Tania’s racing pulse that catches her by surprise. And as he opens up about his own family, she sees the kind heart underneath the brooding demeanour and impressive muscles.

But, with her aunt thankfully on the mend, the sun is setting on Tania’s time in Greece. Until Nicos promises her the life of her dreams – if she would only stay in Crete. Now she must choose between the safety of her life back home or taking a chance on love. She can’t risk her heart on another holiday romance… can she?

You will be swept away to the golden sands of Greece in this gorgeous, feel-good summer romance, full of love, laughter and new beginnings! Perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Jenny Colgan and My Mamma Mia Summer.

Author Bio:

Sue Roberts lives in Lancashire with her long term partner Derek and has had a lifelong love of writing, encouraged by winning a school writing competition at the age of 11.

She always assumed that ‘one day’ she would write a book, always having a busy household and a job, the idea remained firmly on the back burner but never forgotten.

The inspiration for her first novel came to her on a holiday to a Greek village. Her daughters had left home and suddenly the time had come to write that book!
https://www.instagram.com/suerobertsauthor/
https://twitter.com/suerobertsautho

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Sue Roberts here: https://www.bookouture.com/sue-roberts

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0C46528YSsocial

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My review

As a huge fan of books set in Greece, this one is up there with my favourites. Not only is it set on Crete, one of my favourite places in the world, but the author brings the setting to life. The characters are great as they weave in an out of the book. What a pity that Brexit has put an end to the spontaneity of living and working in the EU. Luckily we can escape vicariously and live our lives though books. Can thoroughly recommend as a must-read this summer.

One summer in Sicily

One Summer in Sicily

A new fun and fresh rom-com set in Sicily by Canadian-Italian author Nancy Barone.

In an attempt to resuscitate her twenty-five-year-old marriage, aerophobic Gillian Dobson knocks down a few tranquilisers and takes a dreaded flight to the Sicilian Island of Lipari to surprise her husband, away on a business trip. But her troubles are just about to begin...

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/summersicilyblog  

Author Bio – 

Nancy Barone grew up in Canada, but at the age of 12 her family moved to Italy. Catapulted into a world where her only contact with the English language was her old Judy Blume books, Nancy became an avid reader and a die-hard romantic. Nancy stayed in Italy and, despite being surrounded by handsome Italian men, she married an even more handsome Brit. They now live in Sicily where she teaches English.

Nancy is a member of the RWA and a keen supporter of the Women's Fiction Festival at Matera where she meets up once a year with writing friends from all over the globe.

https://twitter.com/NancyNBW

My review

I absolutely loved the location of this book. Lipari is so well drawn that the reader can imagine the sights and sounds, breathe in the scents and inhale the sea air. The author's love and knowledge of Italy is abundant in the descriptions of local food and traditions and add an appealing touch to the armchair traveller.

I know romantic fiction is bound by convention - girl meets boy, wants to fall in love, something holding them back, almost make it before the big finale and the love conquers all. However, in this case the plot itself seemed to offer little scope for surprise or variety and I must adit that towards the end I was willing the two protagonists to get together. The heroine at times, behaving more like a naive teenager than an almost forty year old.

That small gripe aside, this is a lovely read, perfect for the summer. If you want to be transported to an Italian island, then book no further. There is a cast of secondary characters who rise above the stereotype, yet we have all met them. Justice prevails and there is a happy ending. Need I say more?

The lost daughters of Ukraine

 

The Lost Daughters of Ukraine

A story of the strength of the human spirit, the personal cost of conflict and how love can be found even in the darkest times.

Summer 1941. War rages in Europe. The Germans march towards Ukraine. Halya, Liliya and Vika are no strangers to sorrow. They lost family during the Holodomor, loved ones in Stalin's purges, and war looms once more on the horizon.

Vika lives in fear for her children. She and her sister survived the terror famine by leaving their whole family behind. Now, years later, many believe the Germans will free them from the Soviets, but she’s not so sure. Should they stay in Volhynia or flee the approaching Eastern front?

Liliya has lost too much in her 17 years. As those around her join the resistance, Liliya wonders how she can fight for her friends, family, and country. When the choice is made for her, can she find the will to survive and protect those still with her?

Twelve-year-old Halya is struggling to discover who she is. But as the war escalates, can her mother Katya’s tactics keep her safe from the Nazi soldiers rounding up slave laborers? How can a child survive the horrors of war on her own?

These daughters of Ukraine will face devastation and loss as they fight to survive and protect the ones they love.

A gripping page-turner of love, loss and resilience for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3w1lXnT  

Author Bio – 

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

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

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

My review

This kind of book that fictionalises history is never easy to read - and with good reason. It is important to keep the tragedies of the past in the public consciousness.

Extremely well-written, this book is both informative and absorbing. I learned a lot about Ukraine's history and in the current political climate it is necessary to stay informed about the past to gain a greater understanding of today.

Following the three daughters of Ukraine as they dealt with all the hardships of war was hard and I admit to shedding a few sets at the end. Although there can never be a happy ending to war, the daughters do all find a way to move forward - an important message for us all.

The Cruise

 The Cruise

#THECRUISE 

Three friends set sail on a luxury cruise… will they be able to catch a husband on the open seas?

 

Leaving behind the heartache, guilt and disappointment of their real lives, three friends decide that now they’re in their sixties, it’s time they finally did something for themselves!

Swapping Christmas turkeys and BBC reruns for crystal waters, white sandy beaches and smooth golden rum, Anne, Jane and Kath throw caution (and tradition) to the wind as they set sail on a luxury two-week Christmas cruise around the Caribbean.

Will the three friends find the comfort and joy they seek aboard the Diamond Star?

 

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

Author Bio – 

Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James, has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but escapes whenever lockdown allows. A public speaker, which has included talks and lectures on cruise ships worldwide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. Caroline writes articles and runs writing workshops, is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer & Journalists and the Society of Authors. In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking with Fred, her Westie and in summer, wild water swimming. In winter, when not working, she relaxes with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.

 

Social Media Links – 

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

Twitter: @CarolineJames12

Facebook: Caroline James Author

Amazon Author Page

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

My review

This book is an absolute delight! It is hardly surprising that Caroline James is a best-selling author as this book had me in stitches. Like all good comedies it is also tinged with pathos. Although I have never been on a cruise, the author depicted life on board so well that I could easily imagine myself there. the characters jump off the page and I felt as if I knew them well by the end of the book. There are some lovely developments and a great ending. A cracking book.