 Release date - 24th October 2017 Book length - 247 pages Publisher - Choc Lit Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review, and the opportunity to take part in this blog tour. ABOUT THE BOOK Is it time to love Christmas again? Faith Watkins loves Christmas, which is why she’s thrilled that her new hotel in the Lake District will be open in time for the festive season. And Faith has gone all out; huge Christmas tree, fairy lights, an entire family of decorative reindeer. Now all she needs are the guests … But what she didn’t bank on was her first paying customer being someone like Adam Hunter. Rugged, powerfully built and with a deep sadness in his eyes, Adam is a man that Faith is immediately drawn to – but unfortunately he also has an intense hatred of all things Christmassy. As the countdown to the big day begins, Faith can’t seem to keep away from her mysterious guest, but still finds herself with more questions than answers: just what happened to Adam Hunter? And why does he hate Christmas? MY REVIEW I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Sorry for the loud exclamation but I just love it when I find a story that really burrows into my heart and makes me feel all fuzzy and warm inside, and that's exactly how I felt when I finished A LITTLE CHRISTMAS FAITH by Kathryn Freeman. Faith Watkins has finally realised her dream and owns the beautiful Old Mill Hotel in the Lake District. Decked out in all of its Christmas finery, the place is ready and waiting for guests to come and fall in love with its historic charm and then everything would be perfect. But with only one paying guest booked in so far, Faith worries that she might have bitten off more than she can chew, and when she sees the guest in question, this handsome stranger with pain in his eyes, he presents a whole other problem for Faith as she cannot help but feel the intense chemistry between them. But Adam Hunter hates Christmas and falling for the sexy hotel owner is the last thing he needs after all the pain he has caused to those he loved in the past. But as events and disasters unfold, Adam becomes closer to Faith than anyone else before, but he cannot let her find out the heartbreaking truth about him as it could destroy everything ... The characters are absolutely superb in this tale and I loved Faith and her close family, especially her cheeky mum who had a knack for saying exactly what I was thinking! Faith is a strong, independent woman who is determined to make her business a success and when she becomes closer to Adam we get to see her more vulnerable and emotional side which makes her really relatable. My heart broke for Adam who is such an endearing man and I desperately wanted to know what put the shadows in his eyes and be prepared to shed a tear or two as the story unfolds. The setting is festive perfection and I could imagine myself at the hotel with a hot chocolate in one hand and a book in the other. A LITTLE CHRISTMAS FAITH by Kathryn Freeman is a perfect Christmas romance with plenty of mayhem, great characters, and sizzling chemistry to get your teeth into, and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere - go on, treat yourself this holiday season!!! Author Bio: I was born in Wallingford but have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, I’m now a medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero… I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises. For more information: Website: http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1 DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY!! 
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#BookBlitz #Review: Christmas at the Little Knitting Box by Helen J. Rolfe @HJRolfe @rararesources29/11/2017  Book length - 294 pages Publisher - Self-Published Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review, and for the opportunity to take part in this book blitz. ABOUT THE BOOK Christmas is coming and New York is in full swing for the snowy season. But at The Little Knitting Box in the West Village, things are about to change … The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and since she arrived fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds four years ago, Cleo has been doing a stellar job of running the store. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo at a party one night, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on and pick up the pieces, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back. When the snow starts to fall in New York City, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely so black and white and both of them have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams? Full of snow, love and the true meaning of Christmas, this novel will have you hooked until the final page. MY REVIEW I may not be able to afford Christmas in New York but this book is most certainly the next best thing to actually being there. With its stunning descriptions, loveable and completely engaging characters, and twists along the way which will blow your mind, CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE KNITTING BOX by Helen J. Rolfe is a mesmerising story that should be read by everyone - I guarantee you if it was, the world would be a better place! Cleo left England and all of her troubles behind her four years ago when she moved to New York to take over The Little Knitting Box for her beloved grandfather. But when she receives a letter informing her that the space she leases will be sold in the near future, it forces Cleo to really think about her life and what she truly wants. And can she find happiness with a ready-made family and a gorgeous man whose own past resurfaces at the worst possible moment? I fell instantly in love with this story and I really wish there was a little knitting box store where I live as it just created such a comforting, cosy atmosphere that was evident throughout. Cleo and Dylan have both suffered losses and grief, and as they tentatively reach out to each other and the connection that exists between them, we can see the cogs turning in their minds as they cannot decide whether they should follow their hearts or their heads. There is plenty of drama and secrets in this story which will throw you completely off balance, and the more I got to know the characters I could not stop myself from getting emotionally invested in their story. CHRISTMAS AT THE LITTLE KNITTING BOX by Helen J. Rolfe is everything that is heartwarming about Christmas and romance all wrapped up in one perfect story and I cannot wait to read the next instalment in this series, which you can find out more about further down in this blog post. So take my advice and treat yourself to this beautiful story and its sequel. Happy reading! Author Bio: Helen J Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction with an emphasis on relationships and love. She enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and characters who face challenges and fight to overcome them. Helen enjoys creating strong female lead characters and although her stories often deal with serious issues, they always have a happy ending. Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she studied writing and journalism and began writing for women's health and fitness magazines. She also volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit, although the I.T. skills have come in handy of course, especially when it comes to creating and maintaining a website. After fourteen years of living in Australia, Helen returned to the UK and now lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and their children. For more information: Website - http://www.helenjrolfe.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfewriter Twitter - twitter.com/HJRolfe AND HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SECOND BOOK IN THIS SERIES: Snowflakes and Mistletoe at the Inglenook Inn (New York Ever After, Book 2) It's the most wonderful time of the year...but is it the time to fall in love? As the flames on the log fire flicker and the snowflakes swirl above the New York streets, maybe this Christmas could be the one that changes everything... When Darcy returns to Manhattan, she’s put in charge of the Inglenook Inn, a cosy boutique hotel in the heart of Greenwich Village. The Inn needs a boost in bookings if it’s to survive the competition, so Darcy is convinced that hosting Christmas this year is the answer. What she doesn’t expect is to meet a face from the past, which can only spell trouble. Myles left England behind and took a job in New York. It’s a step forwards in his career, and has the added bonus of being nowhere near his family. He’s also hoping to avoid Christmas, the worst time of the year. But when his company puts him up at the Inglenook Inn and he recognises Darcy, it isn’t long before they clash. When disaster strikes, can Myles and Darcy put their differences aside to make Christmas at the Inglenook Inn a success? Publication Date – 12th December 2017 Pre-order Now! Amazon UK Amazon.com
  Release date - 28th November 2017
Book length - 388 pages Publisher - Avon Books Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Avon Books for providing me with a copy of this book for review through Edelweiss. ABOUT THE BOOK Not all dukes are created equal. Most are upstanding members of Society. And then there’s the trio known as Their Dis-Graces. Hugh Philemon Ancaster, seventh Duke of Ripley, will never win prizes for virtue. But even he draws the line at running off with his best friend’s bride. All he’s trying to do is recapture the slightly inebriated Lady Olympia Hightower and return her to her intended bridegroom. For reasons that elude her, bookish, bespectacled Olympia is supposed to marry a gorgeous rake of a duke. The ton is flabbergasted. Her family’s ecstatic. And Olympia? She’s climbing out of a window, bent on a getaway. But tall, dark, and exasperating Ripley is hot on her trail, determined to bring her back to his friend. For once, the world-famous hellion is trying to do the honorable thing. So why does Olympia have to make it so deliciously difficult for him . . . ? MY REVIEW A DUKE IN SHINING ARMOR by Loretta Chase is a delightfully naughty historical romance with quick-witted characters who have plenty to say for themselves and a love story that is sure to make you smile. What would you do if you met the perfect person for you at the wrong time? Ripley said he would take care of whatever was needed at the wedding of his best friend but he didn't foresee that that would mean chasing a runaway bride down the street and trying to find a way to salvage this mess before it leads to scandal. Scandal for himself holds no fear but he would hate to see anything destroy the opportunities for Lady Olympia Hightower, his friend's betrothed. But the longer he spends with her the more he yearns for what he should not want. She is clever, attractive, and has no idea the effect she has on him. But he cannot follow his heart without hurting his friend ... or can he? I have to admit that I did find the first part of this story a little slow to get going but as soon as it hit the second stage of the book I could not put it down. Olympia is such a great character who has no idea how fascinating and appealing she really is and I love how she comes into her own as the tale progresses and she becomes bolder. Ripley is known for his reputation but as we delve deeper into his character we see kindness, strength, and determination and I completely fell for him! A DUKE IN SHINING ARMOR by Loretta Chase is a wonderful story about love, friendship, and coming into your own, and I highly recommend it! Author Bio: Loretta Lynda Chekani was born in 1949, of Albanian ancestry. For her, the trouble started when she learned to write in first grade. Before then, she had been making up her own stories but now she knew how to write them down to share. In her teenage years, she continue to write letters, keep a journal, write poetry and even attempt the Great American Novel (still unfinished). She attended New England public schools, before she went off to college and earned an English degree from Clark University. After graduation, she worked a variety of jobs at Clark including a part-time teaching post. She was also moonlighting as a video scriptwriter. It was there that she met a video producer who inspired her to write novels and marry him. Under her married name, Loretta Chase, has been publishing historical romance novels since 1987. Her books have won many awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA. For more information: Website - www.lorettachase.com Twitter - twitter.com/2nerdyhistgirls Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorLorettaChase  Release date - 24th November 2017 Book length - 324 pages Publisher - www.bookouture.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Kim from Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book for review through Netgalley.com, and the opportunity to take part in this blog tour! ABOUT THE BOOK Sometimes you’ve got to run away to find yourself… Twenty-four-year-old Lucy needs a fresh start. Forever single and frustrated with her studies she gives up everything to run a little library in the leafy village of Tilley Moreton. Lucy loves reading almost as much as she loves fixing other people’s problems, so starting a book club seems like the perfect opportunity to do both. As she meets her new members, it’s clear she’s going to have her work cut out for her. Handsome but silent Callum is the biggest puzzle of them all... But Lucy’s meddling begins to cause more problems than it solves, and no one is more surprised than Lucy when Callum steps in to help. Could there be more to him than people think? As Callum and Lucy start working together to fix the broken hearts of the library’s most loyal customers, the first sparks of romance begin to fly. Can they right all the trouble Lucy has created, and might there be a chance for a happy ending of their own? An utterly uplifting, emotional page-turner that will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson. MY REVIEW The first thing that made me want to read this book was its title and as soon as I finished the first page I was hooked. Flowing with endearing and loveable characters, an engaging plot, and set in a book club in a library, LUCY'S BOOK CLUB FOR THE LOST AND FOUND by Emma Davies is a book that will touch your heart and give you all of the feels. When Lucy suddenly gives up her idea of teaching and takes up the position of librarian in her local village library, her family support her decision even if they cannot understand it. But Lucy finds it hard to explain just how connected she feels when she walks among the bookshelves every day and gets to know everyone who makes the library a part of their daily lives. And when Lucy starts up a book club and begins to get to know Lia, Hattie, Callum, and Oscar, she desperately wants to try and help them find the happiness that they deserve and what's the harm in meddling if you are only trying to help? The characters are really strong in this story and I became really invested in their lives as the story developed. Lia was my favourite as she is such a selfless character who has put her life on hold to care for her mother, and I really wanted her to find her own path and open herself up to the world. The pace is perfect and with plenty of misunderstandings and mayhem along the way, you will never get bored with this book. LUCY'S BOOK CLUB FOR THE LOST AND FOUND by Emma Davies is a story that will make you feel, make you smile, and make you want to read the next book by Emma Davies as soon as possible. Happy reading! Author Bio: After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: 'I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty something mother of three.' Well the job in the design studio didn't work out but she's now a forty something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true. After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband, three children, and two guinea pigs in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life. It's a county she adores, her love of its beautiful people and landscapes providing endless inspiration for her books, and in fact the only thing that would make Shropshire more idyllic is if it were by the sea. For more information: Website - www.emmadaviesauthor.com Twitter - twitter.com/EmDaviesAuthor Facebook - www.facebook.com/emmadaviesauthor/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/authoremmadavies/ DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY ...   Release date - 23rd November 2017 Book length - 300 pages Publisher - Accent Press Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Christina Jones, Jane Risdon, and Accent Press for providing me with a copy of this book for review and the opportunity to take part in this blog tour. ABOUT THE BOOK Two women, one love story. June 1968. Renza falls head over heels for heartthrob guitarist Scott. But after a romantic summer together they are torn apart when Renza’s family moves away. December 1968. On the night she believes to be her last, Stella meets Scott at a local dance. He’s the most beautiful boy she’s ever seen and if this one night is all they have, she’ll take it. As the final colourful year of the sixties dawns, the question is: can there be only one woman for Scott? MY REVIEW I really enjoyed ONLY ONE WOMAN by Christina Jones and Jane Risdon as it transported me to the 1960's and opened up a different time in front of my very eyes. While I wasn't born at the time that this story is based it didn't stop me revelling in the music scene, lifestyle, and attitudes that existed back then. And the two female characters in this engaging story are compelling as we get lost in their emotions and visions for the future. The story begins in the form of diary entries which really worked for me as it gave the narrative a personal touch that was nostalgic and informative at the same time - who hasn't written their deep, dark, and often ridiculous secrets in their secret journal? Scott is charismatic and vivacious and while I could understand his appeal, he also irritated the hell out of me plenty of times along the way. Renza and Stella are two very different personalities but you couldn't help but like them both even though we know that one of them will end up heartbroken at some stage. ONLY ONE WOMAN by Christina Jones and Jane Risdon is a nostalgic throwback to the 60's yet it bursts with a fresh storyline that will hold your attention throughout - a very enjoyable read. Author Bio: Christina Jones: I've written all my life, but only became a published novelist in 1997. Before that, I wrote short stories and newspaper articles for pin money while doing a series of naff jobs. In fact I've had twenty seven jobs and been sacked from nineteen of them for writing when I should have been working. I've been, among other things, a shop assistant, waitress, cleaner, secretary, factory worker, market-researcher, nanny, bookseller, night-club dancer, civil servant, blood donor attendant, fruit-picker and barmaid. I'm now, apparently, a Real Writer. Writing for a living is wonderful - a dream come true - and I now manage to combine writing novels, short stories and articles with not doing the housework, not doing the gardening, not cooking much, but at least attempting to look after my husband - the Toyboy Trucker - and my daughter and our 17 rescued cats. Jane Risdon: Crime writer who dabbles in other genres if the story dictates. Included in several anthologies. Busy writing a series of novels Ms Birdsong Investigates about a former MI5 Officer - who left under a cloud - and cannot sit and watch murder, drug and gun running and people trafficking go on in her rural Oxfordshire village....publication early 2018. Formerly in the International Music Business Jane now writes full time. She has a Blog on WordPress, a Facebook Author Page and is a keen photographer so you will see some of her photos there. She likes to interact with her followers. For more information: Website - www.christinajones.co.uk janerisdon.wordpress.com Twitter - twitter.com/bucolicfrolics twitter.com/Jane_Risdon Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChristinaJonesAuthor/?ref=br_rs www.facebook.com/JaneRisdon2/ READ ON FOR A GLIMPSE AT RENZA'S DIARY ... Renza’s Diary – June 29th 1968 What a dump! The local band seemed to live in part of an old house which looked derelict from what I could see. There wasn’t any furniture to speak of, just old packing cases for tables, piles of cushions and beanbags on the red thread-bare carpet. At least, I think it was red but it was hard to tell in the candle light coming from the Mateus Rose bottles dotted round the room. The light flickered on Che Guevara and ‘Ban the Bomb’ posters, giving them a bit of a sinister look. Very anti-establishment here – Dad would go nuts. Distorted shadows fell on couples lying around, mostly snogging or smoking, and a few were standing swaying to the music from the Philips Cassette player in the corner. I was saving up for one I’d seen in Rumbelows. It was going to take another month to have enough and I hoped it wouldn’t be gone before we moved. I should never have got the Cathy McGowan mini with the zipped front like Twiggy, it was far too expensive, it had left me without any money until the end of the month. I hadn’t had chance to wear it yet because I was trying to hide it from Mum until she was in a good mood – whenever that was going to be. I earned the money for my clothes, so I didn’t see why I couldn’t wear what I wanted. But no, she had to inspect me every time I left the house, lecturing about what I’m wearing: too short, too long, too much leg showing – moan, moan, moan. The dress is gorgeous though: paisley pink, sleeveless and with a fab mandarin collar – very sexy – and with my long white lace-up boots I am going to blow Scott’s mind when he sees me in it. Scott had vanished into the gloom with the rest of the boys, and just as I was about to follow, someone lurched up to me and shoved a pile of home-taped cassettes into my hands. ‘Here, doll. Put some music on, there’s a love. Your choice but make it cool, right?’ And lurched off again. I was just about to say I wasn’t the DJ and didn’t know how the cassette player worked when I noticed a couple heaving and groaning on a pile of grubby cushions almost by my feet. I tried to avert my eyes and not blush – but too late. They rolled over and nothing in the world could have prepared me for the shock of witnessing two bearded men coming up for air following a long, fierce, snogging session. I only just stopped myself shrieking out loud and tried not to look at the couple, both with long blond locks and tight bell-bottoms, as they got down and dirty again on the pile of cushions. I’d just assumed it was a guy and a girl. Well, I would. I mean, blokes kissing blokes? And they were groping each other. I felt myself going scarlet as I had made eye contact with them. My mouth gaped open, and total confusion almost paralysed my brain. They were nearly having sex in front of everyone, including me – a convent girl – for goodness sake! They just grinned at me and then started groping each other again. I looked away confused and embarrassed, and tried to concentrate on the cassette tapes in my hand. But I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t take my eyes off them. I watched them from underneath my long fringe, fascinated yet repelled at the same time. Had anyone else noticed it was two blokes? Of course, I had heard about people like them, I mean, we got Sex Education at school, and hadn’t I been rescued from two girls trying to kiss me in the loos at Merry Hill for goodness sake. But actually seeing them, and watching them nearly ‘doing it’, well, that was something else. Part of me wanted to giggle. But I was cool, sophisticated, part of the ‘in crowd’. Wouldn’t do to make too much of it, otherwise I might look as if I didn’t belong and I really did want to belong. I was supposed to be picking tapes to play and that was hard enough. Working out which songs would be hip and which ones might not be was giving me a migraine. I gave up and put them with the pile on the floor, deciding to let someone else pick the music. I glanced round the gloomy room looking for Scott, or at least something to focus on and take my mind off the couple who were getting a bit too much for me to handle on my own. I eventually spotted Scott chatting to The Fulcrum’s drummer. Someone else had taken over the music and The Beatles, sang, ‘Girl,’ in the background, which made me want to laugh out loud. Not a hip thing to do. Wonder who chose that one? Someone else had seen the blokes, I bet. I sat on the edge of a packing case and tried to catch Scott’s eye but he was too engrossed as he and the drummer poured another glass of Watney’s from the party tin. Typical, he’s having another beer and I haven’t had a thing to drink yet. When we’d arrived he’d told me not to drink or eat anything without showing him first. No explanation why, and that was ages ago. He’d gone off to the loo and hadn’t made it back to me yet. Clearly too many distractions, not just the beer. Everyone else seemed to be getting seriously mellow. Why the hell couldn’t I at least have some food? It had been hours since I’d eaten and the sickly sweet smell in the room was making me feel a bit light-headed. The Beatles’ ‘Lady Madonna’ repeated on the cassette player as if the tape had got stuck. It was their latest hit, I loved it. I looked over and saw a girl in a flowing kaftan re-insert the tape and it played again. She watched it for a moment and then started swaying to the music all on her own in the centre of the room, her arms raised over her head, which seemed to rotate. I’d get dizzy doing that. I waited, but she didn’t fall over. Several blokes watched her closely. Trying not to look at the two bearded beauties again, I stood up, smoothed my new purple Samantha Juste hipsters, and tucked my pink skinny rib into them. I wandered towards the wallpaper table and what was left of the food: a few soft looking sausage rolls and a couple of scotch eggs which had probably been sitting out for hours, I didn’t fancy the look of them. A few packets of Smith’s crisps and some peanuts was the alternative. I grabbed a packet and a handful of nuts and tucked in whilst I studiously avoided the lovers on the cushions. ‘Hi babe, what’s your name?’ I turned to see a tall skinny bloke with long black hair and a pair of lime green bell-bottoms grinning at me, cigarette dangling from his rather thick lips. I peered hard at him and then realised he was one of The Fulcrum’s guitarists, so it must be his party. ‘Saw you at the gig tonight,’ he added, flicking his ash away. ‘Err, yeah,’ I said looking for Scott. I was trapped between the table and the guitarist, who kept blowing sweet smelling smoke at me. I felt sick from it. ‘How about you and me then, babe?’ he moved up close to me and put an arm round my waist. He smelled of Old Spice. I can’t stand Old Spice. ‘I’m with my boyfriend,’ I said lamely as I wriggled away from him. ‘Don’t look like it from here babe,’ he said as he grabbed me again. ‘Let’s go over there and get to know each other.’ He tried to pull me into the shadows. ‘No, please.’ I tried not to whine, it’s not cool to whine. The magazines all say boys hate whiney girls. ‘I really am with my boyfriend, he’s over there.’ I pointed to Scott still chatting to the drummer. ‘Yeah, cool… Come on babe, don’t be like that.’ He tugged my arm again and held me tightly. ‘Please, leave me alone,’ I whispered through gritted teeth, ‘I don’t want to go over there with you!’ Someone changed the tape and Amen Corner’s ‘Bend Me, Shape Me’ got a lot more people on their feet, and I started to get a bit claustrophobic as they seemed to close in on me. My head was spinning. ‘Hey, man, what gives?’ I nearly fainted with relief as Scott came up to us and put his hand on the guitarist’s shoulder. He grinned at me and winked. ‘Scott! Hi man, nothing much.’ My captor let go of my arm and took a long drag on his roll-up. ‘Your chick?’ He nodded towards me and blew smoke into my face. I started to cough and my eyes streamed. Scott said, ‘Yeah, she is,’ and took my arm and guided me over to the drinks. He opened a Pepsi and handed the bottle to me. I gulped it down, handed the bottle back to Scott, and fished in my new Mary Quant shoulder bag for a hanky to dab my eyes. It came away all black from my mascara and eyeliner, and I had to fish around some more to find my mirror. ‘Oh, now look at my eyes,’ I sniffed. ‘Is there a ladies where I can redo my face?’ I looked like a panda with two black smudges where my perfectly applied Dusty Springfield look had been. ‘You don’t want to go in that loo, babe , trust me.’ Scott held my Pepsi in one hand and stroked my hair with his other. My legs went to jelly. I came over all unnecessary every time he touched me, and I felt myself getting all hot and bothered. Scott looked curiously at me for a few seconds and then laughed out loud. ‘Look at you, getting in a tizzy.’ He laughed and handed me my Pepsi. ‘Drink that up and I’ll hold your mirror so you can do your face. We can go over there by the candles. I’m sure you’ll be able to see well enough to put your war paint on again.’ He held the mirror whilst I tried my best to repair my face. I felt his eyes upon me the whole time, watching me with an amused expression. My hands shook as I tried to re-apply my eyeliner and mascara. Damn the plastic eyeliner liquid, it never goes on easily and dries so fast. I put some spit on the mascara cake and dabbed the brush over it, and applied several layers to my lashes. ‘The stuff chicks mess with,’ Scott watched me closely, ‘you don’t need any of that, Renza, you are way cool without it you know.’ I blushed – again. ‘Oh God – what time is it?’ I asked, as The Beach Boys started to sing, ‘Darlin’. ‘About midnight. We’ll go soon, don’t worry, you won’t be late.’ Scott put his arms round me and held me close, and we swayed in time to the music. My legs did a good job holding me upright but my body felt in a state of collapse. So close, and held so tightly, it was heaven. Scott stroked my hair and I closed my eyes and wished that it would never end. It was too much. I came back to reality with a jolt when someone bellowed close to my ear. ‘Scott, man, great gig, hope you cats come and play with us again.’ The bass player with the local band held his hand out and they shook hands. He peered at me, giving me the once over. ‘No sweat,’ said Scott, ‘where’re you playing next?’ and he let go of me suddenly, so I had to struggle to support myself. ‘Back at Merryhill. We have three nights here before we go to Germany,’ the bass player said, tossing a peanut into the air and catching it in his mouth. ‘Oh, yeah of course. Well, we’re back here in about a month I think. We’re off to Scotland tomorrow, Elgin and Wick, and some other places I can’t think of,’ Scott told him. Oh, yeah? It was news to me. More couples were dancing now, swaying next to us as Scott dropped his bombshell. ‘Then we’re off on some cruises in the Med for a few weeks. It’s good money and our manager says it’s great exposure.’ ‘ My mind went blank for a few seconds: a few weeks, in the Med? He’d never told me any of this… A few weeks? Scott must have seen how stricken I was as he put his arm round me and squeezed me tightly. ‘Sorry Renza, only found out earlier and was gonna tell you, but you know how it is,’ his voice trailed off when he saw this didn’t help. I felt my whole world was coming to an end. A girl in a tight fitting bolero top and hipster trousers came over to us and flung her arms round Scott, kissing him on the mouth, a bit too long and hard for my liking. Scott didn’t seem in too much of a hurry to push her away, and she melted into him as if she was trying to come out the other side. ‘Scott lover, how’s it hanging?’ She sounded just like Fenella Fielding, all breathy and wanton. ‘Yeah Scott, just how is it hanging?’ I snapped and flounced off to where I could see Rich sitting on his own, hugging a beer. ‘Hi Renza, babe, what’s up?’ Rich held the glass up to me in greeting and took another drag on his ciggy. ‘Who’s that girl talking to Scott?’ I asked plonking myself down next to him on the huge bean bag. We both nearly fell off as it settled itself with my extra weight. ‘Hey, don’t waste good beer babe.’ Rich held his glass away from me as I wriggled to get comfy. ‘Rich, who is she?’ I asked again as I saw her drape herself all over Scott and nestle into his shoulder. The bitch! Scott didn’t seem too bothered. ‘She used to help Stephan – he’s the band’s manager I told you about earlier – in the office in Jersey and then she came to the mainland with her boyfriend. She’s no one important, she sometimes hangs with the band when we’re over.’ ‘Hmm!’ I watched her like a hawk. Scott looked over and waved. The nerve! Rich took a few gulps of beer and patted my leg. ‘Don’t fret about Scott, he’s mad about you. She’ll get the message after tonight. I looked round the grubby room with its crates and boxes, and fake Greek Taverna decorations hanging from the walls, the fake fishing nets, glass baubles attached, and wine bottles with candles burning in them. And the couples seething in a mass on the floor, in the shadows, and on the cushions, doing goodness knows what, and I wanted to go home. Actually, I wanted to get Scott to myself. Back home. In the village. Where things were normal. ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ came on and I suddenly thought about having to miss The Beatles at the Hammersmith Odeon, because I was ‘Mrs Spoffington’ in the school play, and couldn’t get out of it. Instead of The Beatles giving me the thrill of my life I was stuck on stage singing ‘Oh I do like to be beside the sodding sea-side,’ to a hall full of boring parents. Not that mine bothered to go. ‘Rich, mate, hi. Good gig. Stephan about tonight?’ A huge man of about thirty came up to us and nodded at me. ‘Want to sort some stuff out with him.’ He was wearing beads and a kaftan with an orange and green squiggly pattern on it, and had his ears pierced. His long black hair hung in tight curls around his shoulders. Mum would just love him. ‘Oh Renza, this is Psychedelic Smith,’ Rich said. ‘Remember we told you about him, he’s our fixer.’ I remembered. Apparently he was helping Stephan get Narnia’s Children a record deal. Everyone had to kiss up to him I was told. Well, thankfully, I don’t. Psychedelic Smith dismissed me with a brief smile before turning back to Rich. ‘Stephan’s back in the smoke mate, got Top of the Pops with The White Knights, so he’s gotta be there for that.’ Rich drained his glass and put it on the floor next to him. ‘Right, yeah, going up the charts fast. That’s cool, I’ll ring him later. I’m in town tomorrow and want to arrange some record company auditions for the guys. got some label interest.’ ‘Do I need to reorganise anything for the boys?’ Rich asked. ‘Nope, I’ll sort some dates out with Stephan, he’ll let you know in good time. I’ve got some songs lined up for the guys to hear, so we’ll sort some dates for visiting publishers in town, too.’ I couldn’t help wondering what mum and Mrs Digby would say if Psychedelic Smith turned up in the village to visit the band. I giggled quietly. Psychedelic Smith began to roll a ciggy and offered one to Rich. . Rich shook his head and got to his feet. ‘Nah, mate, gotta drive back soon or her Mum’ll kill me if she’s not home on time, won’t she, babe?’ Rich smiled at me and looked at his watch, then went off to round up the band. Psychedelic Smith took a few more drags and offered me one. I shook my head. I could just see me floating in the front door with Mum waiting up to look me over and make sure I hadn’t ‘been up to anything’. ‘No thanks.’ The Demis Russos look-alike shrugged and headed for the kitchen. Dad would have a blue fit if he knew I was ‘fraternizing,’ with blokes in dresses. I knew the only reason I’d been allowed out so late with the band was because Mum quite liked Rich and he’d sweet-talked her into letting me go to the gig. God! If she could see me now, in this horrible house with everyone stoned, she’d have a migraine for a week worrying in case the village found out. I looked at my watch. If we didn’t leave soon I was going to be seriously late and that would mean all hell breaking loose. Scott was nowhere to be seen now and Rich was chatting to ‘The Bitch’ by the food. I know it is horrid calling her that but she’s got right up my nose, wall-papering herself all over Scott. People were still wrestling on the floor which meant I had to watch where I looked: I didn’t want to appear a Peeping Tom, though it was hard not to cast a sly glance now and again. I mean, seriously, some were actually ‘at it’ in full view. Anyone would look, wouldn’t they? Thinking about it, how do you ‘do it’ in public without all your bits and stuff being on show? I couldn’t see anything, you know, rude or anything, but they were definitely ‘doing it’, I just couldn’t fathom how. ‘You look deep in thought,’ Scott made me jump, ‘what’re you looking at?’ Before I could answer he followed my gaze to the nearest couple. He threw his head back and laughed loudly. I blushed as if I’d been caught out doing something naughty. ‘Ah!’ he said, ‘I see.’ I felt really stupid. I could feel the heat rising up my neck to my face, thank goodness it was so gloomy. ‘Bit of an education eh?’ He grabbed my arm and led me through to what could only be called an apology for a kitchen. ‘Can you wait here while I get the others? We should leave now. Don’t move. I won’t be long.’ And off he went again. The room was horrid. The sink was all cracked with brown stains and the green larder door was hanging off. A few tins of baked beans and soup was all that I could see on the shelves. A dirty milk bottle was on the draining board with about a dozen tea cups and spoons, all in need of a good wash. Dirty dishes were piled next to them, some with food still on them. I screwed my face up in disgust. How could anyone live like this? An old gingham curtain hung in tatters at the filthy window which had a crazy paving of cracks across the top. A pedal bin stood in the corner overflowing with baked bean tins and Woodbine packets. The room stank of mold and rotting food. I waited and tried not to think of what was surrounding me. Even my boots were sticking to the linoleum. What the hell was keeping Scot ‘Whatcha.’ I looked round to see ‘The Bitch’ as I’ll always think of her, standing in the doorway. She must’ve followed me in. ‘Looking for Scott.’ ‘Well, as you can see he isn’t here,’ I said frostily. She laughed and leaned against the door jamb. Looking me up and down, she rummaged in her pink PVC bag and took a thin black cigarette out. ‘Light?’ she asked as she placed it between her full, pale lips. ‘Don’t smoke,’ I said, and then kicked myself. I shouldn’t have let her know I wasn’t that cool; too late. She laughed, ‘What, too good to do the dreaded weed, eh?’ and she rummaged a bit more and came up with a box of Swan Vestas. ‘You must do something, coz Scott wouldn’t waste his time otherwise.’ She smirked and winked knowingly at me. I glared back. She had long dark hair, cut like Cher’s, and her eyes were deep blue, peering out from her panda black eye make-up. She had a spot of acne on her chin, and that made me feel great. The room filled with a pungent odour as she lit up and exhaled, blowing the smoke upwards. She folded her arms and continued to appraise me with an amused look on her face. The Hollies’ ‘Jennifer Eccles’ drifted into the room and she tapped her foot to the beat. ‘You’re the kid from where they live now,’ she stated flatly. ‘Not what I expected.’ I couldn’t think what to say. She made me feel like a stupid school kid and all my newly assumed sophistication was fast evaporating under her scrutiny. I shifted from one foot to another and flicked my hair forward so that she couldn’t see my face. I watched her from under my fringe. She had a smile on her face as she smoked and watched me back. Scott appeared in the doorway. He winked at The Bitch. She smirked. ‘Come on, Renza, we’re off,’ and he held his hand out. ‘See you soon,’ he said, and blew her a kiss. She pouted her full lips and blew one back with a loud smacking noise, raised her eyebrows as I passed, and whispered, ‘I can have him anytime I want.’ I said nothing, but my heart was in my boots and I wanted to cry. I was in way out of my depth: the sneering girl, obviously enjoying my discomfort, whose relationship with Scott was too free and easy for my liking, Scott going away for weeks without even mentioning it, and this awful, gruesome house party… I just wanted to go home. Yet Mo said Scott loved me – I tried to hold the thought – but he’d never actually told me, not properly. Perhaps he’s changed his mind now he’s been out with me a few times, especially now he’s seen this girl again. I wish I had the nerve to ask him. But Rich said she’d be history after tonight, so perhaps I’m just being silly. And I’d forgotten how far out in the sticks we’d gone to party with the band. Sitting in Bessie Bedford we were encased in total darkness, with no street lamps or nearby houses to comfort me. The wind was howling across Salisbury Plain and there was more than a spot of rain in it. Rich tried three times before the engine decided to kick into life. Bessie back-fired several times before we set off down the overgrown lane to the road. Although it was summer, there was a chill in the air and Scott put his parka round my shoulders when I shivered. ‘Won’t take long, should be a clear run back,’ he said as I strained to see my watch in the gloom. I snuggled into his shoulder and he squeezed me tight. ‘I can’t be later than one, ,’ I said. ‘Mum will kill me.’ ‘Stop yapping,’ murmured Zak from behind the back seat where he was settled in amongst the gear. ‘Some of us need a kip.’ ‘You shut up,’ came the reply from the other side of the gear where Joss was propped against the wheel arch. The seat behind Scott and me was occupied by two girls I had never seen before. They were already in the van when we got in and apart from a muttered hello, hadn’t said a word to anyone, though I think I heard them whispering to each other now and again. Mo sat in the front with a girl on his lap and she looked fast asleep. I had never set eyes on her before either. Only Rich hadn’t pulled. He drove in silence, chewing gum and smoking now and again. Thankfully he wound the window down when he did. My head throbbed. Everyone was tired. I had so many things to think about, to worry about, to talk to Scott about – but I couldn’t do any of them right now. Not in front of everyone, and I was so, so tired… I sleepily wondered what it would be like to be married to Scott – not that that was ever going to happen – and closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY ...   Release date - 7th September 2017
Book length - 400 pages Publisher - Head of Zeus Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Suzanne from Head of Zeus Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THE BOOK She'll need a triple-barreled name for the castle one. She'll need a gallon of glitter for the woodland one. She'll need a lobster-shaped hat for the Shoreditch one. Laura Lake longs to be a journalist. Instead she's an unpaid intern at a glossy magazine—sleeping in the fashion cupboard and living on canapés. But she's just got her first big break: infiltrate three society weddings and write a juicy exposé. Security will be tighter than a bodycon dress, but how hard can it be? Cue disappearing brides, demanding socialites—and a jealous office enemy who will do anything to bring her down. MY REVIEW Hilarious and refreshing, THREE WEDDINGS AND A SCANDAL by Wendy Holden, is the perfect book to curl up with to put a smile on your face. Laura Lake longs to follow in her father's footsteps and become a journalist. So when she gets the opportunity to move to London to intern at a glossy magazine she jumps at the chance. It might not be investigative reporting but it is a good start and Laura is determined to make it work. But it's not long before the shine wears off and Laura finds herself in all manner of mishaps and when she must infiltrate some of society's most anticipated weddings who knows what madness will ensue? With characters that are really engaging and dynamic and plenty of mayhem that will make you laugh-out-loud, Wendy Holden has written a gem of a book that cannot help but entertain the masses. Laura is a great character who is feisty and adventurous while still being really relatable and likeable at the same time. The pace is a little slow to start but soon picks up and I found myself reading this book in one sitting which is always a sign of a great story. If you want a juicy plot, quirky characters, and a book that will make you howl, then THREE WEDDINGS AND A SCANDAL by Wendy Holden is a must for you. Author Bio: Wendy Holden grew up in Yorkshire, and studied English at Girton College, Cambridge. She worked in magazines for many years before joining Tatler's in 1997 as deputy editor, and later moved to the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, which she left in 2000 to concentrate on writing. She regularly writes features for newspapers and magazines on a range of social, topical and lifestyle subjects and is also a television and radio contributor. She has now published ten novels, Gallery Girl, Beautiful People, Bad Heir Day, Pastures Nouveaux, Fame Fatale, Azur Like It, The Wives of Bath, The School for Husbands, Filthy Rich, Farm Fatale, Gossip Hound, Simply Divine, all top 10 bestsellers. Holden is married, and lives in England with her family. For more information: Website - www.wendyholden.net Twitter - twitter.com/Wendy_Holden Facebook - www.facebook.com/wendyholdenauthor  Release date - 2nd November 2017
Book length - 352 pages Publisher - Piatkus Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com Thank you so much to Kim Nash for bringing this book to my attention. I like to think that when our life on earth ends there is something left of us that remains, watching over our loved ones, connected in some small way to those that mattered so much to us. I look forward to delving into this book and I imagine it will surprise me in many ways. So if, like me, you wonder about the afterlife, here is all the information that you need. ABOUT THE BOOK Answers from Heaven will be an authoritative, modern up to date classic book about afterlife communication. Through true life stories of ordinary people who have had paranormal experiences, bestselling author Theresa Cheung and medium Claire Broad will show the various different ways that heaven is trying to answer our prayers, offer us comfort and provide proof of survival. Chapters include: 1. Messages from the other side 2. Dreams from heaven 3. Living and loving creatures in spirit 4. Love from above 5. Heaven is calling 6. Conversations from Spirit 7. Answers from higher realms 8. Is anybody there? 9. Your own answers from heaven. By the end it is hoped that readers will have lost some of their fear of death, be more aware of when the spirit world is trying to contact them, have greater awareness of the scientific research available, understand that mediumship is an expression of eternal love and nothing to be feared and that it's possible for us all to ask questions and receive answers from the world of spirit. Author Bios: Theresa Cheung was born into a family of spiritualists and has a Masters in Theology and English from King’s College, Cambridge. She has sold almost half a million books and encyclopaedias about the psychic world, the afterlife and personal transformation over twenty years. Her spiritual books Heaven Called My Name (Piatkus 2016) and An Angel Healed Me (Simon & Schuster 2010) became Sunday Times Top 10 bestsellers and have been translated into thirty languages. For more information please visit http://www.theresacheung.com or follow her on Facebook @TheresaCheungAuthor Claire Broad is an Institute of Spiritualist Mediums Registered and Approved Medium with over twenty years professional experience providing private sittings, public speaking and workshops. She is an experienced guest speaker who has contributed to many spiritual awareness events and has read for an eclectic mix of clients, including those from the scientific and medical communities. Before Mediumship, Claire worked in advertising and entertainment at several major firms including The Walt Disney Company Ltd. She lives in Hampshire with her family. http://www.clairevoyant.co.uk or follow her on Facebook @mediumclairebroad  Release date - 1st November 2017 Book length - 16 pages Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.authoright.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review, and the opportunity to take part in this blog tour. ABOUT THE BOOK A charming collection of gorgeously illustrated poems to encourage fun and bedtime bonding between parents and their children. The bright pink flamingoasaurus spends its day standing on one leg looking for something to eat.The round and delicious tomotoasaurus sings a tune while soaking up the sun. These are just two of the imaginative and amusing dinosaurs dreamed up in The Bedtimeasnaurus, the sometimes naughty and always hilarious poetry collection for children by Mike Bayliss. Devoloping the idea for over thirty years while working on other projects , Bayliss was encouraged to publish his collection after being diagnosed with stage IV non - Hodgkin lymphoma in April 2017, using his work as a positive outlet for his energy as he worked to battle the illness. Complimented by charming illustrations, opportunities for kids to draw their own dinosaur creations and simple quizzes on each of the characters, The Bedtimeasnaurus not only provides an entertaining read for young children before they go to sleep but also offers a valuable chance for parents to connect and engage. MY REVIEW THE BEDTIMEASNAURUS by Mike Bayliss was met with rapturous glee when it popped through our letterbox and was quickly taken up to the kid's room to be devoured. I have two kids who are dinosaur crazy so I knew that this picture book would be popular and as we delved into the crazy, fun story with stunning illustrations, it was even more charming than I thought it would be. My eldest read it easily and thoroughly enjoyed the different fonts used for some of the words, and they both really enjoyed the story with the Greedy-asaurus and the Octopus-asaurus being firm favourites. We all laughed as we came upon some of the funnier sentences (think burping and scratching bums) and it soon became a fixture at bedtime. At the back of the book there is a quiz time section which was great fun and then there is a section where you get to draw your own bedtimeasnaurus and write a funny poem about your dino which the kids adored (and took very seriously!!). THE BEDTIMEASNAURUS by Mike Bayliss is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and perfect for boys and girls of all ages who enjoy a funny story with beautiful illustrations, and it would make the perfect Christmas gift for the little people in your life. Author Bio: Born in Walsall West Midland, UK, Bayliss is an entrepreneur that owns companies in several industries including building supply and property development. He also owns Bespoke Brewery, which opened in 2012 and has since won a number of awards for its craft beer. He lives with his wife and three children in Forest Dean, UK. The Bedtimeasnaurus is his first book. For more information: Facebook - www.facebook.com/thebedtimeasnaurus/ Don't forget to check out all of the other stops along the way ...  |
WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! 
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