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

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

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.

Under a Greek sun

 Under a Greek Sun

Eve Collins is looking forward to the holidays.

Her job as a counsellor has been as taxing as it has been rewarding, and she can’t wait for some downtime on the Greek island of Corfu with best-friend, Gabby. But between Eve’s brother, Ben, unexpectedly joining and Gabby’s job at the animal rescue centre keeping her busy, Eve might have to start mucking in…

When Gianni arrives in the village of Episkepsi, it’s like a model has stepped straight off the pages of Vogue Italia… with an uptight personality to match. He may be super-sexy but there are obvious chips on those broad shoulders.

As Eve and Gianni get to know each other and both start to lean into the Greek customs and avrio mentality, an initial attraction starts to turn into something more. But with so much family drama in both their lives, neither of them were looking for a holiday romance...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/40zZ9tk

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 writes 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/

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

My Review

During the winter months it is stories like these that keep me going until I can set foot once again in Greece. This story has the added bonus of a super rich Italian hero. With a stressed heroine and a menagerie of animals to look after, this book doesn't initially have the makings of a romantic idyll. However, like all good stories, romance develops but is it what either of them is looking for? An easy to read story that is engaging and satisfying.