New Publication Spotlight and Review: SECRETS OF THE COTTAGE BY THE SEA by Rebecca Alexander

Secrets of the Cottage by the Sea: An absolutely gorgeous and emotional page-turner

As Ellie stood on the boat, watching the small island come into view, she wondered what awaited her on shore. What secrets would she uncover in this place?
When Ellie Roberts inherits a cottage on a remote Scilly Isle, she’s shocked. She’s never heard of the previous owner, Patience Ellis, so why did she leave Ellie her legacy?
Overwhelmed with unanswered questions, Ellie travels to the isolated island. Windswept from the boat, salt spray still on her skin, she searches for Patience’s whitewashed cottage, hidden behind overgrown ivy. But when she steps inside, the house feels strangely familiar, and she has a memory of laughing as a child with her beloved mother in the window seat overlooking the sea… The mother she lost when she was only a child.
Determined to find out more, Ellie meets enigmatic local Branok Shore. While at first he seems uninterested, he believes he can help. Charmed by his green eyes, and curious about his past on the island, he and Ellie grow closer, but Ellie knows she needs to understand her own story before she can embrace the future. And when Branok prises open Patience’s dresser, filled with letters from the Second World War, Ellie discovers the shocking secret Patience was forced to hide – and the truth that will change her own life forever.
The letters tell the story of a brutal storm on a dark night in the depths of war, and of an injured soldier who begged Patience for help, and asked her to make an impossible choice…
But the letters don’t hold the answers Ellie so desperately needs. Why did Patience leave her home to her? And how can Ellie have memories of the cottage, when she’s never been there before? When Ellie finally uncovers the truth, will she be strong enough to put the fragments of her life back together?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy the novels of Debbie Macomber, Fiona Valpy and Nancy Thayer.

A heartfelt dual timeline romance, set on a remote Scilly isle.

When Elowen "Ellie" Roberts learns she is the beneficiary of a will, she's stunned to find out she has to live in a remote cottage for one year before she can inherit it. Despite objections from her father, along with her own reservations, she's determined to meet the terms of the will. During her time at the property, she uncovers secrets from the past and discovers her connection with Patience Ellis, the woman to who the cottage belonged.

Patience Ellis was a force to be reckoned with and a woman determined to live her life as she saw fit. She made mistakes, yet managed to find workable solutions to her problems. She was a risk taker but somehow juggled her life on the remote island she called home.

Set in the present and beginning during WWII, the narrative tells the fascinating story of how these women are connected. It reveals secrets and family deceit but also, the overwhelming pull the island has on them. The historical aspects are both intriguing and heart-wrenching, as we learn about young Patience's "Patsy's" life and the impact the war had on herself and her family. Eighty years later, Ellie realises the rundown cottage is more than a renovation project.

The author is new to me and I'm impressed by how smooth the narrative is as it alternates between the past and the present. The descriptions of the island and the life there conjure up images of how life exists both then and now. It creates both heartbreaking emotions yet is also injected with humour. A true reflection of how life is, with its ups and downs. Ellie and Patsy are endearing characters, surrounded by an equally warm, and friendly cast and community. Collectively, they create a delightful page-turner, set against a stunning backdrop.

Overall, this novel comes highly recommended.

***arc received courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley***

https://geni.us/B0B527SN3Qsocial

Rebecca Alexander was born in Malta and grew up on the south coast of England, becoming a psychologist. She escaped parenting six children to study writing in 2011, and the Secrets series of novels was published in 2013. A Baby’s Bones and sequel followed. Rebecca lives in a haunted 300-year-old cottage in Devon where she grows fruit, paints, and bakes. She reads and writes all sorts of genres, from women’s fiction to fantasy to crime. She is married with four chickens, two grandchildren and a cat. 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/rebalexander

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Publication Day Review: The Paris Affair by Melanie Hudson

Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone. Nurse Edith Cavell, on the eve of her execution, 1915

Scarred by his experiences in World War I, German doctor, Sebastian Braun lives a quiet life tending to his patients and his beloved garden. Until Sophie Hathaway bursts into his life and challenges his dearly-held beliefs. And just at the moment Sebastian discovers love for the first time war is on the horizon once again, threatening not just his peace of mind…

As the Germans approach the Channel Islands, Sebastian has to make choices: be the peace-loving man he has become or stand up and fight for his principles? When he and Sophie are separated, Sebastian is left realising love may have eluded him forever. Until a chance meeting in Paris sets the wheels in motion for a dangerously devastating love affair.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, The Paris Affair is a poignant story, beautifully told of love, loss and the resilience of the human spirit.

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

The author’s writing in The Paris Affair has surpassed itself, with prose and ideas that touch the reader deeply, making it a brilliant read for many reasons. The main character, Sebastian, is unique for the genre and time period, and his story is narrated from a first-person perspective, allowing the reader to become his advocate. Sebastian is a German veteran of WWI who has made a new life for himself on the island of Sark, where he tends his garden and wants nothing to do with the new war. The story takes place during WWII, with Sebastian telling his life story to a prison priest as he awaits execution.

The book is set in various locations, including the Channel Island of Sark, the Cornwall coast, and Paris. Despite the title, the book is not solely about Paris or an affair. While romance does play a role in Sebastian's character arc, the book is much more than that. The mysterious Sophie and the invading Nazis are about to turn Sebastian's life upside down.

The Paris Affair is a quality WWII historical fiction that is thought provoking for quiet contemplation. It is a story within a story, with a dash of mystery and romance, and an ending that will surprise the reader. It’s a book not to be missed, as it speaks to the soul and touches the reader deeply. Sebastian's story is complex and engaging, and his understanding of life and people is remarkable. It is a book that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

Publication Day Review: Ten Years by Pernille Hughes

They’re perfect for each other
They just don’t know it yet

Becca and Charlie have known each other for years – ever since they met at university.

And for every one of those years, they've bickered, argued, offended, mocked and generally rubbed each other up the wrong way.

Until now. Until Ally’s bucket list. The death of their loved one should mean Becca and Charlie can go their separate ways and not look back. But completing the list is something neither Charlie nor Becca can walk away from.
And sometimes, those who bring out the worst in you, also bring out the very best…

Over the course of ten years, Becca and Charlie’s paths collide as they deal with grief, love and life after Ally.

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

Pernille Hughes' Ten Years is an expertly crafted enemies-to-lovers novel that is both entertaining and well-written. The story follows the ten-year journey of Becca and Charlie as they attempt to fulfil the bucket list of their deceased friend Ally. Despite their mutual dislike and irritation towards each other, they embark on various adventures such as climbing Snowdon, cycling from London to Brighton on a tandem, and attending a music festival. The author sensitively handles the topic of death and grief, portraying how it affects individuals differently and how it can be difficult to move on.

One of the novel's strengths is the development of the characters of Becca and Charlie, as they learn to cope with their grief and grow over time. The reader can anticipate that they will eventually end up together, but the journey towards that outcome is portrayed with depth and wisdom. Hughes expertly weaves together a love story that is not just fluff and froth, but a story that offers insight and understanding about the complexities of love and loss.

Overall, Ten Years is a delightful and engaging read that will leave readers rooting for Becca and Charlie's happy ending.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

Excerpt Reveal: The Boss Project by Vi Keeland

Title: The Boss Project

Author: Vi Keeland

Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 11, 2022

Excited about Vi Keeland’s upcoming release, 

The Boss Project? 

Check out this SNEAK PEEK and meet Merrick and Evie!

Merrick

“Mr. Crawford?” My assistant, Andrea, poked her head into my office while I was eating lunch with Will. “Sorry to interrupt, but HR asked me to find out if you might have time to talk with one of the candidates for the in-house therapist position?”

I shook my head. “I don’t need to talk to the applicants. I already gave my input to Joan. HR is holding second-round interviews and will let me know what they think when they’re done.”

“Apparently one of the candidates asked if she could have a minute with you after her appointment with HR. But her meeting is starting now, and I know you don’t like anything on your schedule during trading hours.”

“Which candidate?”

“Evie Vaughn.”

I leaned back in my chair with a chuckle. “Sure. Why not?”

She nodded. “I’ll let her know.”

Will lifted his chin after Andrea shut the door. “What was that little grin about?”

“One of the candidates for the stress therapist job is interesting, to say the least.”

“In what way?”

“Her first-interview appointment wasn’t until five one day last week, so when the market closed, I ran downstairs to Paloma to pick up a suit I’d bought and had tailored. After I left the store, I thought I’d forgotten my cell phone in the fitting room, so I went back to check. When I opened the door, I walked in on a woman.”

“I hate those places that have one fitting room for both men and women.”

“Actually, this place has separate ones. The woman was just in the men’s room. But that’s not the best part. When I walked in, she was half undressed…and smelling her armpit.”

Will’s brows shot up. “Come again?”

“You heard me right. Anyway, a few minutes later, my five o’clock appointment walks in, and it’s her. The woman from the fitting room.”

“The pit sniffer? Get the hell out of here. What did you do?”

“Nothing. I played it off like I didn’t recognize her, though she definitely recognized me. I could see her squirming.”

“Shit like this only happens to you, my friend. So what went down? How did the interview go?”

“She was the least-qualified candidate. I don’t even know how her resumé made it into the group that got called for interviews.”

“Yet she’s back here today for a second interview?”

“She is, indeed.”

Will shook his head. “What am I missing?”

“When I got home that night, I started thinking about how the board is shoving this position down my throat. They mandated that I hire someone, not that the person be competent.”

Will smiled. “Genius.”

I shook my head. “I need my people to be focused and ruthless while they’re here—not getting in touch with their emotions.”

“I hear you.”

As we finished lunch, Andrea returned and knocked. Evie Vaughn stood right behind her. Her wavy blond hair was up today, and she wore a simple black skirt and jacket with a red blouse underneath, giving her the sexy-librarian look every male fantasizes about at least once in his life. I tried to ignore the stir seeing her caused in me and forced my gaze down.

Andrea peeked her head in the door. “Do you need more time?”

I looked at Will. “We need to discuss anything else?”

He shook his head. “Not that I can think of. I’ll get the Endicott buy order placed as soon as it hits forty a share.”

“Good.” I turned my attention to Andrea. “Please show Ms. Vaughn in.”

Will left, tossing me a smirk over his shoulder as he passed Evie.

When the door shut, she took a few steps forward, then hesitated. “Thank you for seeing me.”

I nodded and gestured to the guest chairs on the other side of my desk. “Have a seat.”

“Your assistant mentioned you don’t usually take appointments while the market is open.”

“I don’t.” Leaning back, I tented my fingers. “What can I do for you, Ms. Vaughn?”

“It’s Evie, please. And…well, I was hoping you could clear something up for me.”

“What would that be?”

“Why am I here? For a second interview, I mean. You made it pretty clear during the first one that you didn’t think I had the right experience for the position, and I didn’t exactly make a winning first impression in that fitting room. So…why am I here again?”

I folded my arms across my chest and deliberated how to answer. The politically correct and professional response would’ve been to say I’d reconsidered based on how she’d handled herself during the interview. But I’d never been accused of being politically correct or professional.

“Are you sure you want the real answer? Sometimes it’s better not to know and just accept the outcome.”

She folded her arms across her chest, mimicking my posture. “Maybe, but I’d like to know anyway.”

I liked her spunk. It was a challenge to keep myself from smiling. “You were invited back because you are the least qualified of all of the people we interviewed.”

Her face fell, and I felt a tinge of guilt, even though she’d said she wanted the truth.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because hiring an in-house stress coach wasn’t my idea. My board of directors is forcing my hand.”

“Is it a problem because it wasn’t your idea?”

“I employ a hundred-and-twenty-five people whose jobs are to give me ideas.” I shook my head. “No, I don’t have an authority issue, Ms. Vaughn.”

She pursed her lips. “Doctor—it’s Doctor Vaughn. I prefer to be called Evie, but if you insist on using formal etiquette, you might as well use my proper title. I hold a PhD in clinical psychology.”

I couldn’t hold back the smile that time. I nodded. “Fine. No, I don’t have authority issues, Doctor Vaughn.”

“So you’re against the position, in general, and you wanted to hire the worst person to prove a point?”

I nodded once. “You could say that.”

“Are you against therapy?”

“I believe some people can benefit from therapy.”

“Some people? But not your employees? Do you believe your employees don’t have any stress in the workplace?”

“This is Wall Street, Ms.—Doctor Vaughn. If it weren’t a stressful job, my average trader wouldn’t earn seven figures. I just prefer my people to be focused while they’re here in the office.”

“Did you ever consider that you might be looking at things backward? Taking an hour out of the day to speak to someone isn’t what’s interrupting a stressed-out person’s focus. They’re already not focused because of their stress level. Therapy could help center someone so they can concentrate better.”

“Noted that there’s more than one way to look at things.” I studied her for a moment. “Is there anything else you wanted to ask? Or have we reached the point in the discussion where you tell me you hope we never see each other again?”

She smiled shyly. “I’m sorry about that. It wasn’t an appropriate thing to say.”

I shrugged. “It’s fine. Believe it or not, I’ve been accused of being inappropriate a time or two myself.”

She laughed as she stood. “Gee, I never would have guessed that from the man who sniffed me during my interview.” Evie held out her hand. “Thank you for your time. And your honesty.”

★★★ 

Excited? We are too!

RELEASING JULY 11^th!

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Please note: There will not be an Amazon ebook pre-order, but it will be available on Amazon on release day.

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Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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GOODREADS

Publicatio Day Review: Take A Chance On Greece by Emily Kerr

 

‘Fresh, funny and gorgeously romantic’ HOLLY MARTIN

‘Hilarious romantic escapades on a Greek island – the epitome of summer read perfection’ ISABELLE BROOM

‘Perfect sunlounger escapism. Emily Kerr has a real knack of telling properly swoony love stories whilst taking the reader on a gorgeous holiday’ PERNILLE HUGHES
The brand new laugh-out-loud summer romcom for 2022! Perfect for fans of Cressida McLaughlin, Mandy Baggot and Heidi Swain

When Lydia wakes up after a wild night out in Kefalonia with a tattoo saying ‘Awesome Andreas’, she’s mortified. She doesn’t remember meeting anyone called Andreas. And after all, she’s an accountant with a five-year plan. She’s definitely not a party girl.

The sensible thing to do would be to research how to get the tattoo removed and move on with her safe and steady life. But she’s had enough of being predictable.

Instead, Lydia decides to track down the mysterious Andreas, but the path to true love is never simple. As she goes from one disastrous date to another, she starts to lose hope in ever finding him. Perhaps Lydia is looking in the wrong places, and the right man for her is just next door, if only she’d take a chance on him . . .

Readers are falling in love with Take a Chance on Greece:

‘Funny, warm and uplifting . . . a fantastic summer read. Highly recommended’

‘A delightful romance with realistic characters . . . I was entranced’

‘The characters are perfectly imperfect and the romance will warm your heart’

‘The descriptions of Kefalonia made you feel that you were there . . . loved this book’

‘The perfect summer read . . . LOVED this book’

‘An excellent holiday read . . . very heart-warming story’

‘Made me smile the whole way through, a fun, feel-good story with a great setting’

‘Funny, easy to read [with] lovely characters as well as a gorgeous setting’

‘A charming, delightful, uplifting and feel-good read’

AMAZON US          AMAZON UK

Take A Chance on Greece by Emily Kerr is a delightful and humorous story about Lydia, a woman who wakes up with a tattoo of a man's name and has no recollection of how she got it. The story takes her on a journey of self-discovery as she tries to uncover the origins of the tattoo, and it changes her life entirely.

This is an enchanting and heartening read that left me thoroughly entertained. While the story does involve the search for love, the main character Lydia also goes through a significant personal transformation. Her friends provide unwavering support throughout her journey, offering helpful dating advice and constant companionship. The charming local bookshop owner, Alexis, also plays a crucial role in Lydia's quest to find her ideal partner, leading her on a humorous and occasionally frustrating search for the elusive "Awesome Andreas."

Unfortunately, Lydia's attempts to locate her dream man lead her down some unexpected paths, including encounters with an arrogant and a married Andreas. However, just when she believes she has found her match, a surprising twist alters the course of her journey, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Overall, the author has written a captivating narrative with friendly characters that will leave a lasting impression. If you're looking for a light-hearted summer read, I highly recommend "Take a Chance on Greece" by Emily Kerr.

***arc generously received courtesy of One More Chapter via NetGalley***

New Publication Spotlight: The Sweetheart Locket by Jen Gilroy

The Sweetheart Locket by Jen Gilroy

What if the key to your present lies in the past?

London, 1939
On the eve of the Second World War, Canadian Maggie Wyndham defies her family and stays in England to do her bit for the war effort. Torn between two countries, two men and living a life of lies working for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), Maggie's RAF sweetheart locket is part of who she is...and who she isn't.

San Francisco, 2019
Over twenty years after Maggie's death, her daughter Millie and granddaughter Willow take a DNA test that's supposed to be a bit of fun but instead yields unexpected results. Willow has always treasured her grandmother's sweetheart locket, both family heirloom and a symbol of her grandparents' love story. But now she doesn't know what to believe. She embarks on a search for the truth, one she doesn't know will reveal far more about herself...

A gripping and heart-breaking dual timeline novel about love, loss and buried secrets, The Sweetheart Locket is perfect for fans of Lorna Cook, Rachel Hore and Suzanne Kelman.

An heirloom locket and how gifted DNA throws up questions about your existence. Set in both England and California, we follow one woman’s journey to find the truth. With a dual timeline, and written from multiple points of view, this is a beautifully written story of discovery and buried family secrets.

When the results for her and her mother’s DNA tests are received, Willow is shocked to discover her heritage isn’t what she thought. The fact, her mother, Millie doesn’t want to discuss the findings makes her suspicious and spurs her to find out the truth. Therefore, she decides to use some of her time on a scheduled work trip to London, to find out more about her beloved late grandmother… with surprising results.

This evocative and absorbing novel instantly draws you in. The author has written about strong women and how they have manoeuvred around and overcome obstacles in their lives. Maggie’s story in particular is heart-wrenching, as the author tells us how this young woman defied her family and stayed in England at the beginning of World War Two, to help in the war effort. Full of poignant detail, it highlights the difficult decisions people have dealt with and the sacrifices made. It also sheds light on how these decisions shaped lives and the relationships they formed with their families… and the resulting consequences.

Full of insight, this is a truly delightful story spanning three generations. Grandmother, daughter and granddaughter; all are fascinating characters creating a truly enlightening novel.

***arc generously received courtesy of Orion Dash via NetGalley***

UniversalAmazon link

Other links (Apple, GooglePlay & Kobo) via Hachette

Jen Gilroy writes sweet contemporary romance and dual timeline historical women’s fiction—warm, feel-good stories to bring readers’ hearts home.

A Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® finalist and shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon award, Amazon named her third book, 'Back Home at Firefly Lake,' a 'Best Book of the Month: Romance' in December 2017.

A dual British-Canadian citizen, Jen lived in England for many years and earned a doctorate (with a focus on British cultural studies and social history) from University College London. Returning to where her Irish family roots run deep, she now lives with her husband, teenage daughter and floppy-eared rescue hound in small-town Eastern Ontario, Canada.

When not writing, she enjoys reading, ice cream, ballet and paddling her purple kayak.

Visit Jen online at www.jengilroy.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/JenGilroy1

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.gilroyauthor/

Giveaway to Win 2 x Kindle copies of The Sweetheart Locket (Open to UK / Canada)

*Terms and Conditions –UK & Canada entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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