Book Review: Dreams Come True at Glendale Hall by Victoria Walters
I am pleased to be welcoming Victoria Walters to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Dreams Come True at Glendale Hall.
Lorna is following her dreams. But can she follow her heart?
Lorna Ferguson has dreamt of opening her own bed and breakfast in the village of Glendale for as long as she’d pictured falling in love. While her love life remains frankly hopeless, Lorna is determined to secure Dove House – the home she imagined living in as a child – to start this new venture with her family.
Along with brother Adam, Lorna starts restoring the house to its Art Deco glory, but faced with a whole host of renovation problems and their money fast running out, they worry that Dove House will never be ready to open in the New Year.
When a mystery man turns up, needing to fulfil a promise he made to his dying father and find the object he left at Dove House many years ago, Lorna’s heart goes out to him. But what they find there is going to change both of their lives forever.
Facing problems at every turn, and distracted by her heart, Lorna is going to need all the magic that her beloved Glendale can supply to make all her dreams come true..
*****
Lorna and her brother, Adam have always dreamed of buying Dove House in Glendale, restoring it to its former glory and making it into a B&B.
When it comes up for sale, they decide that now is the time to try and make their dream into a reality. When their bid is successful, that is when the hard work begins.
Can Glendale once again work its magic? Can they finally make their dream into a reality?
Having previously read Always and Forever at Glendale Hall I was looking forward to heading back to Glendale in the Scottish Highlands. Even though this is book five of the Glendale series, this can be read as a standalone. I am hoping to read the others in the series though as these books and the characters within are just wonderful. It was a delight to catch up with everyone.
This novel focuses on Lorna as she and her brother renovate Dove House and from the get go, I wanted them to succeed.
Lorna is a relatable, likeable character who is an inspiration. Despite the fact that she’s scared at making this big change and commitment, she goes for it and I admire that.
Adam is also wonderful and I wanted him to succeed just as much. I wanted to jump into the page and tell him and Grace that they belonged together.
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Book Review: In The Mood by M W Arnold
I am so excited to be welcoming M W Arnold back to Novel Kicks. He’s here with the blog tour for his new novel, In the Mood.
During a hectic couple of weeks in February 1944, the girls of the Air Transport Auxiliary Mystery Club must face devastating personal loss amongst their number. A member of an illegal faction blackmails Betty, whilst a mystery at Mary’s ancestral home threatens to cause more trouble than anyone thought possible.
In the midst of what should be the happiest of times, the portents seem to be catching up and little is what it seems to be.
Can the girls find the strength to battle forces both internal and external, yet still maintain their dignity and friendship?
*****
It’s 1944 and after loosing one of their own, another member of the ATA mystery club finds herself being blackmailed whilst another finds herself in a mystery surrounding her honeymoon. Can these ladies solve the puzzles and keep themselves out of danger?
I was so pleased to be invited onto the blog tour for In The Mood, the latest book in the Broken Wings series as it meant I was reunited once again with the ladies from the ATA.
Four books in and it really feels like I’m catching up with old friends. There is not one of these characters I don’t like but I do have a soft spot for Doris and with what Bobby the dog goes through, I wanted to jump into the book and hurt the villains responsible and I’m not usually a violent person.
This fourth instalment is just as gripping as its three predecessors. Although there were some heartbreaking moments in this book, overall there is such a wonderful feeling of warmth, friendship, love and humour weaved into the heart of this novel. The characters really feel like one big family.
by Book Review: Just Date and See by Portia MacIntosh
I am so pleased to be welcoming Portia MacIntosh back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Just Date and See.
Billie is looking forward to a quiet, man-free Christmas. It’s just a shame her family doesn’t feel the same way…
With a house full of unexpected (and unwanted) guests, Billie needs to find the perfect escape to get away from the chaos.
So when her dating app recommends a week of singles nights in her area, Billie decides that braving these events has to be better than making conversation with her dad’s new wife, dealing with her mum’s mid-life crisis or witnessing her sister flirting with her insufferably arrogant next-door neighbour.
While this is definitely not the festive season she had planned, between disco bowling and boozy bingo, little does Billie know that she may find love this year after all – she’ll just have to date and see…
*****
Having had a year where her boyfriend left her and having to face renovating her house, Billie just wants a quiet Christmas.
However, it’s not long before her family descend on her along with some not so welcome houseguests.
In an attempt to escape the chaos, Billie signs up to some singles nights but will these just cause more trouble?
I have become such a big fan of Portia MacIntosh and so was looking forward to reading Just Date and See, especially when I found out it was set over Christmas.
Billie is a wonderful character. She seems comfortable enough in her own skin but seems real at the same time. I want to be her friend.
Rocco is the best kind of male lead. He’s a gentleman. I loved him.
Kate and Jess are brilliant too and bring much humour to the story.
by Book Review: Sometimes People Die by Simon Stephenson
The year is 1999. Returning to practice after a suspension for stealing opioids, a young Scottish doctor takes the only job he can find: a post as a senior house officer in the struggling east London hospital of St Luke’s.
Amid the maelstrom of sick patients, over-worked staff and underfunded wards a darker secret soon declares itself: too many patients are dying.
Which of the medical professionals our protagonist has encountered is behind the murders? And can our unnamed narrator’s version of the events be trusted?
*****
It’s the 1990s. Our narrator has a new job as as a senior house officer at an East London hospital after a suspension for stealing opioids.
When suspicious and unexplained deaths start to plague the hospital, who is responsible? Can we even trust our main character?
I’d not read any of Simon Stephenson’s previous books so I didn’t know what to expect. The premise however intrigued me so I was eager to get started.
I have to admit, it did take me a couple of chapters to settle into this novel as I got to know the main protagonist. Once this had happened though, I found I couldn’t put the novel down as I became completely invested in this story.
by Book Review: The Santa Killer by Ross Greenwood
I am so pleased to be welcoming Ross Greenwood back to Novel Kicks. He’s here with the blog tour for his novel, The Santa Killer.
The Santa Killer is coming to town…
One night less than two weeks before Christmas, a single mother is violently assaulted. It’s a brutal crime at the time of year when there should be goodwill to all. When DI Barton begins his investigation, he’s surprised to find the victim is a woman with nothing to hide and no reason for anyone to hurt her.
A few days later, the mother of the woman attacked rings the police station. Her granddaughter has drawn a shocking picture. It seems she was looking out of the window when her mother was attacked. And when her grandmother asks the young girl who the person with the weapon is, she whispers two words.
Bad Santa.
The rumours start spreading, and none of the city’s women feel safe – which one of them will be next?
He’s got a list. It’s quite precise. It won’t matter even if you’re nice.
*****
A woman is violently attacked two weeks before Christmas. When DI Barton and his team begin to investigate, there seems to be no motive for the attack.
The daughter of the victim produces a drawing whilst whispering two words ‘Bad Santa.’
Can they find the Santa Killer before he attacks the next person on his list?
I have become such a fan of the DI Barton series that I couldn’t wait to get started on the latest book, The Santa Killer.
As with previous novels, it didn’t take long for me to be completely enthralled in this story. Ross has a great skill in getting you completely invested in the plot quickly and before you know it, it’s the early hours of the morning and you realise you’ve read the whole book in one session.
I love DI Barton. He is one of my favourite fictional detectives. In a lot of ways, he is uncomplicated. He’s simply a family man who is struggling with the commitment to his job whilst balancing family life, something a lot of us can relate to. He also has a great, strong team around him and there isn’t one of them I don’t like.
by Book Extract: Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses by Eliza J. Scott
I am so happy to be welcoming Eliza J. Scott back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Sunny Skies and Summer Kisses.
No matter how hard you fight it, love will always find a way…
Ever since she was a little girl, dance teacher Anoushka Cartwright has dreamed of opening her own dance studio near her home on her beloved North Yorkshire Moors. And when she gets the chance to do just that she can hardly believe her luck!
Life is sweet. Or it would be if it wasn’t for her relationship with Damon which has been growing increasingly toxic, much to her family’s concern. Critical of her dreams he can’t understand why she won’t move to the city of York and live with him. He refuses to accept their relationship is floundering until the day Anoushka breaks up with him.
Popular indie/folk singer, Gabe Dublin, hails from Southern Ireland. He’s been head-over-heels in love with Anoushka ever since he first set eyes on her at a wedding two years earlier. She’s the reason he keeps returning to the area, staying with his friends, Lady Caroline Hammondely and her husband Sim, at Danskelfe Castle. Gabe and Anoushka have become good friends, but she’s always made it clear they could never be anything more, which is tearing Gabe’s heart in two. He knows he won’t be able to love anyone else the way he loves Anoushka.
Her family and friends can see how perfect they are for each other but Anoushka is adamant, after her experience with Damon, she has no room for a man in her life. She makes a pact with herself to focus all of her attention on her dance school. And she intends to keep it. The only thing is, it’s not as easy as it seems.
When an unexpected situation throws them together, Anoushka’s feelings are exposed for the world to see. The question is, will she act on them or will she stay true to her promise to herself?
Join Anoushka and Gabe – and all the other Life on the Moors Characters – for the latest heartwarming visit to the characterful village of Lytell Stangdale in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors.
*****
Eliza has shared an extract with us today. Grab that coffee and a comfortable chair and enjoy.
*****beginning of extract*****
Here’s an extract from Chapter Seven where Anoushka Cartwright bumps into Gabe Dublin and his bouncy Labrador while walking on Great Stangdale Moor.
In the distance, Anoushka spotted a lone walker heading towards her, a black Labrador trotting along jauntily beside him. Her heart gave a sudden lilt. She’d recognise those broad shoulders and that easy lope anywhere: Gabe Dublin.
Before long, he was standing in front of her. ‘Well, hello there, Noushka. It’s good to see you again, though aren’t you heading in the wrong direction?’ He flashed his trademark smile. ‘Thought you were headed over to Middleton,’ he said as Bob pulled on his lead, eager to get to her.
‘Change of plan,’ she said, smiling back, bending to fuss Bob whose tail was wagging so hard you could beat eggs with it.
Ah, sure.’ Gabe nodded, his smile faltering as his eyes ran over her face, taking in the tell-tale signs she’d been crying. ‘And are you okay?’ he asked softly.
She nodded. ‘I’m fine, thanks.’ She didn’t feel ready to tell him about Damon. ‘Just fancied some fresh air, I’ve got a few things I need to straighten out in my mind.’
by Book Review: The Lost Notebook by Louise Douglas
I am so pleased to be welcoming Louise Douglas back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her latest novel, The Lost Notebook.
A notebook full of secrets, two untimely deaths – something sinister is stirring in the perfect seaside town of Morranez…
It’s summer and holidaymakers are flocking to the idyllic Brittany coast. But when first an old traveller woman dies in suspicious circumstances, and then a campaign of hate seemingly drives another victim to take his own life, events take a very dark turn.
Mila Shepherd has come to France to look after her niece, Ani, following the accident in which both Ani’s parents were lost at sea. Mila has moved into their family holiday home, as well as taken her sister Sophie’s place in an agency which specialises in tracking down missing people, until new recruit Carter Jackson starts.
It’s clear that malevolent forces are at work in Morranez, but the local police are choosing to look the other way. Only Mila and Carter can uncover the truth about what’s really going on in this beautiful, but mysterious place before anyone else suffers. But someone is desperate to protect a terrible truth, at any cost…
*****
It’s summer in Morranez on the Brittany coast but for Mila, the anniversary of her sisters death casts a deep shadow.
There to look after her orphaned niece, Mila is counting the days until she can be back in England. However, when there are two mysterious deaths, Mila is desperate to reveal the truth… but at what cost?
I loved Louise’s previous novel, The Room in the Attic so I was very eager to read the The Lost Notebook.
The cover is beautiful.
This book pulled me in from page one. The mystery and puzzles immediately make it hard to put this book down once I’d begun.
Mila is an interesting character. She’s guarded and a little broken due to her sister’s death. Saying that, she comes through for the people she loves when it counts.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
September is here. Autumn is in the air and the book I’ve picked for this month is one that has just been released as a motion picture with a song by Taylor Swift.
I am talking about Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
I have been wanting to read this book for ages. It sounds very intriguing and I can’t wait to start. I also would like to read the book before I see the movie. Anyone else have the need to do this?
Our book club is online so you can take part from the comfort of your armchair. It’s open to all, whether you’re in the middle of reading it, not started yet or have read it and want to talk about it.
I’ve posted a question below in the comments to get the discussion going. I’m looking forward to chatting about this book with you.
About the book:
For years, rumours of the ‘Marsh Girl’ have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl.
by Book News: Series Three of Sky Arts Book Club
Series Three of Sky Arts Book Club to start on 7th September 2022.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know I love a good book discussion and what better way to do that than a book club.
Following the Summer Reads Special in July, the third series of Sky Art Book Club returns tomorrow (7th September 2022.) It’s a four episode series and will run throughout September.
Presented by Elizabeth Day, Andi Oliver and literary podcaster and YouTuber, Simon Savidge, the series will feature different themes and guests each episode.
Andi Oliver is pleased to be back. She says,
“I am so thrilled to be back with my fantastic cohorts the brilliant and inspiring Elizabeth Day and the countries best read human Simon Savidge. I take such pure joy in this unadulterated celebration and exploration of books. This season is joyful, thought provoking and completely compelling and I can’t wait to share it with everyone’.
Elizabeth Day is also looking forward to the new series.
by Book Review: Let it Snow by Beth Moran
I am so happy to be welcoming Beth Moran back to Novel Kicks. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Let It Snow.
When your heart’s broken, all roads lead home…
After the end of a long-term relationship, local weather girl Bea Armstrong has been avoiding her family, and their inevitable ‘I-told-you-sos.’ But with Christmas fast approaching, she is finally on her way home to Charis House, the school in Sherwood Forest that her mum and dad run in their old family home. And to top it all off, the insufferable Henry Fairfax – who her parents have always wanted her to marry – has also been invited.
Relief comes in the shape of a last minute interview for her dream job. There are just a few minor problems… The interview is in Scotland, Bea has no car, and the snow is falling already. The only solution is for Henry to drive her – could this Christmas get any worse…
But during an unforgettable two day interview, a stay in a log cabin and a nightmare journey through the snow, Henry turns out to be nothing like she thought. And when Bea’s first love and recent ex shows up, Bea has a difficult choice to make…
*****
Bea Armstrong’s on and off again relationship with boyfriend Adam is once again off and although she wants to avoid her family’s chimes of ‘I told you so,’ she finds herself heading back to the family home for Christmas. Once there, she also realises that her childhood nemesis, Henry, will also be joining the Armstrongs for the festive season.
When Bea is invited to a two day interview in Scotland just before Christmas, she jumps at the chance even if it means she has to share a car with Henry.
I loved Take A Chance on Me so I was very excited to be invited onto the blog tour for Let it Snow.
First of all, the cover for this book has to be one of my favourites. It’s beautiful. It’s just stunning.
It really didn’t take me long to get engrossed in this book. To say I devoured it would be a better description.
I’m always up for a Christmas novel and this one really built up a festive atmosphere. I read this at the end of August and felt Christmassy.
by Book Review: Coming Home To Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton
I am pleased to be welcoming Della Galton to Novel Kicks today. She’s here with the blog tour for her novel, Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm
When your heart’s broken, all roads lead home…
London City Vet, Phoebe Dashwood, finds her partner Hugh and their boss in a passionate clinch beneath the mistletoe at their works Christmas party.
Heartbroken, she bolts to the New Forest, her childhood home to regroup and soul search.
Being home gives Phoebe the chance to reconnect with friends and family and especially with her fiercely independent gran, widower Maggie Crowther, owner of Puddleduck Farm, and makeshift animal shelter New Forest Neddies.
Deciding not to return to London, Phoebe hunts for work locally, hoping she can also help Maggie, who’s clearly swamped and not coping. But will Maggie accept Phoebe’s help?
Her quest is hampered by stubborn grandmothers, meddling mums, an attractive childhood friend, a real-life Lord, a remorseful ex, and a best friend who’s determined to play matchmaker.
Can Phoebe find happiness professionally and personally in the place she calls home, surrounded by those she loves or does fate have other plans for Phoebe?
*****
Coming Home to Puddleduck Farm is the first in a brand new series from author Della Galton.
After seeing the man she loves kissing their boss at the Christmas party, Phoebe retreats from London to her childhood home in the New Forest.
Can Phoebe, who feels so lost, find herself again in the place where she grew up?
From the beginning, this book had such a warm, inviting feel to it that I immediately fell into Phoebe and Sam’s story. I wanted to know what happened. I wanted them to be ok.
Phoebe is, despite everything, a strong woman. She leaves London and, following advice from her grandmother, decides not to go back to her life in the city and that takes bravery, even if she didn’t feel like it was. I liked her very much.
by Book Club
