Thursday, 18 June 2020

Cover Reveal: Summer At My Sister's by Emily Harvale



Summer at my Sister’s By Emily Harvale

Twin sisters. One scorching summer. A bucketful of secrets.
Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. They aren’t identical twins. Perhaps the only things they have in common are agreeing their mother can be a nightmare – and their birthdays. This summer they’ll be thirty-five.

Diana has the perfect husband, two talented youngsters, and an adorable dog. She runs a successful business from home, a popular book club, and hosts sparkling parties for her wealthy husband. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.

Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends, and always looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge. She loves Diana, deeply, but each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.

But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she hiding something too? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance. And it all begins with a phone call from their mother.
Publication Date: 31st July
Pre-order Link - mybook.to/SummeratmySisters

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.



Wednesday, 17 June 2020

New Book Release Spotlight & Review: The Summer of Taking Chances by Lynne Shelby



The Summer of Taking Chances by Lynne Shelby

Would you take the second chance you’ve always dreamed of?

It’s been ten years since Emma Stevens last laid eyes on Jake Murray. When he left the small seaside village of South Quay to chase the limelight, Emma’s dreams left with him.

Now Emma is content living a quiet and uneventful life in South Quay. It’s far from the life she imagined, but at least her job at the local hotel has helped heal her broken heart.

But when Jake returns home for the summer to escape the spotlight, Emma’s feelings quickly come flooding back. There’s clearly a connection between them, but Jake has damaged her heart once already – will she ever be able to give him a second chance?









Amazon UK           Amazon US 

 Every now and again I find a novel which helps to awake a memory from my past. The Summer Of Taking Chances took me back over thirty-five years to a time in my youth when I, like Emma Stevens dreamed of going to drama school Unlike Emma, I never pursued my dream, however, reading this novel triggered so many memories for me and reminded me of a special time in my life. It was an unexpected reaction, but one which will, thanks to this book will stay for me a while. 


When Jake Murray walks into the Armada Inn, his presence sends a ripple of curiosity around the small community of South Quay. It's been ten years since he'd left the small seaside town to go to drama school and now he was a household name and subject of many tabloid articles. For Emma Stevens, it ignites the heartache she felt ten years ago when he broke her heart. 

The chemistry between Jake Murray and Emma Stevens is palpable as the reunited pair quickly fall back into a compatible friendship despite the tainted history between them. It soon becomes clear, old feelings are resurfacing, only Jake's leaving at the end of summer and Emma has spent the last ten years feeling settled and content, after giving up her theatrical ambitions. Besides, she doesn't want to risk heartbreak again. 

Emma has built a comfortable life for herself, working as an event planner at a local hotel. However, the reasons for giving up her dream are not what they seem. Interestingly, Jake calls her out after she blames him for what happened ten years ago when her ambitions were ruined. He makes her take responsibility for her actions. It's a catalyst for her to change the course of her future by deciding whom and what are important in her life.


Similarly, Emma cuts through Jake's arrogant remarks, calling him out when he oversteps his mark. Her influence also helps to reignite his passion for theatre work, after, becoming jaded with the tedium of working on a T.V. film set. Equally, Jake's blunt honesty, even when it shocks is refreshing and highlights he's far from perfect. For me, he's the perfect leading man because who doesn't love a flawed character? 

A beautifully written second chance romance. The focus is Emma and Jake, but there's also love in the air for other members of the South Quay Players too. Additionally, there's plenty of theatrical drama within the small knit community resulting in a heart-warming display of unity. The ending is heartfelt and leaves a fuzzy feel-good warmth against the picturesque seaside backdrop. 

Overall, a lovely combination of theatre-land, small-town drama and satisfying romances between people meant to be together. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Headline Accent via NetGalley***




Lynne Shelby writes contemporary women’s fiction/romance. Her debut novel, French Kissing, was published when it won a national writing competition. She has worked at a variety of jobs from stable girl to child actors’ chaperone to legal administrator, but now writes full time. When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre watching a musical, or exploring a foreign city – Paris, New York, Rome, Copenhagen, Seattle, Athens – writer's notebook, camera and sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult children who live nearby.






Twitter: @LynneB1
Instagram: lynneshelbywriter