Book Spotlight: A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debrave
I’m so pleased to be welcoming Rachel Debrave to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her latest book, A New Hope in the Highlands – book one in The Highland Hearts: The Haddon House Duets series.
Amid betrayal and family secrets, a journey to the Scottish Highlands brings unexpected romance, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
Scarlett flees to the Scottish Highlands on her 35th birthday after discovering her husband’s affair. Desperate for a fresh start, she seeks comfort with her estranged mother at the estate of the surly, yet rather attractive bachelor, Edward Cameron-Reid; a reclusive laird devoted to his family’s legacy.
As Scarlett disrupts Edward’s solitary life, an inescapable chemistry sparks between them amid the estate’s last-minute preparations for his brother’s wedding. However, their growing connection faces turmoil when shocking secrets and hidden motives surface, threatening not only the wedding but their blossoming romance.
Will the drama keep Scarlett and Edward apart? Can they overcome their fears and confront their true feelings for each other? Or will they discover that even after heartbreak, love has the power to offer a second chance?
A dual-narrative, spicy contemporary romance set in the Highlands of Scotland, for fans of Elliot Fletcher and Evie Alexander.
A New Hope in the Highlands was released in September 2025. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.
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Book Spotlight: The Dressmaker’s Secret Earl by Susanne Dunlap
I’m delighted to be shining a light on The Dressmaker’s Secret Earl by Susanne Dunlap. It’s book one in the Double Dilemma Romance series.
A marriage of convenience to a scoundrel? Not if Augusta can help it.
The impoverished daughter of a baronet, Augusta has no intention of being bartered away like a prize horse. Instead, she flees to London, determined to forge her own path as a modiste.
But fate has other plans. On her very first day in the city, she crosses paths with a brooding earl—one burdened with a clubfoot and a reputation nearly as scandalous as the proposal she ran from. His captivating sister, Mariana, is not only Augusta’s employer’s best client but harbors a secret ambition of her own: to marry the one man society deems wholly unsuitable.
Drawn into Mariana’s reckless schemes of masquerades, cross-dressing, and Whig intrigue, Augusta soon finds herself entangled in more than just scandal—she’s losing her heart to a man who embodies everything she swore to escape.
But the earl has secrets of his own. Is he truly the rogue society believes him to be?
And when Augusta’s past comes calling, will her newfound independence—and her heart—survive?
A charming, fast-paced Regency romance perfect for fans of Bridgerton and the sweetly adventurous love stories of Maggie Dallen and Jenny Hambly.
by Book Spotlight: Murder at The Crooked Horse by Lesley Cookman
I’d like to welcome Lesley Cookman to Novel Kicks. Today, we are shining a spotlight on her latest book, Murder at The Crooked Horse.
Here’s a little about the novel –
After learning of a suspicious attempt to burn down a beloved old pub, The Crooked Horse, Libby Sarjeant and her friend Fran reluctantly agree to investigate.
But when a local antiques dealer mysteriously disappears after apparently taking out his boat, it appears there are dark and sinister forces at play.
Can Libby and Fran uncover a connection between the fire and the missing man? And will unravelling a deadly case put them in terrible danger?
I don’t know about you but this book sounds amazing. It was released by Headline Accent on 7th November 2024. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.
by Novel Kicks Book Club: A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
October is here. Autumn has arrived, the clocks go back and of course, Halloween is approaching.
It’s one of my favourite months (although I am a little biased with it being my birthday in October.) I am sad to be saying goodbye to summer but at the same time, I love the colder nights. It’s a great reason for the warm blankets, tea and books. Not that I’ve needed an excuse.
This month, the featured book we shall be reading is A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. This is book one in the All Souls series and I think it’s perfect for the spookiest month of the year.
Our book club is open to everyone. It’s online so no need to remove the warm socks, get up from the comfy sofa and discard the cozy blanket. I think this is even the best excuse for a hot chocolate too… go on, treat yourself. I’ve posted a question below to get the discussion going. Whether you’ve already read it or will be reading along with me, I look forward to discussing this book with you in the comments.
About the book:
Diana and Matthew – the forbidden love at the heart of it.
When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it’s an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she’s kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires.
Sensing the significance of Diana’s discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist.
by Book Spotlight: The Cornish Beach Hut Café by Jane Linfoot
I’m so pleased to be welcoming Jane Linfoot to Novel Kicks. Today, we are shining a light on her latest novel, The Cornish Beach Hut Café.
A fresh start among old friends…
Florence May never expected to trade the high life of London for the cosy comfort of a beach hut in her Cornish hometown, but the moment she steps inside she knows it was the best choice she ever made. The fact that it comes with a requirement that she sets up a business on site? A minor setback that’s easily fixed by opening up a surfside outpost of her friend Clemmie’s Little Cornish Kitchen … where Floss finds herself unexpectedly flourishing.
And when the hotel owner next door sets out to buy the land out from under her? Floss calls on her loyal friends to help her save her little slice of heaven. Because if there’s one thing the community of St Aidan does well, it’s banding together to make the most of every second, whatever life throws at you.
by Book Club
