Book Review “Fallout” by Edie Baylis

BOOK REVIEW NO: 120

Gangland Thriller

Book 2 in The Allegiance Series

356 pages

Publisher BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Fallout

Secrets. Lies. Revenge.

With the odds stacked against her, Samantha Reynold is determined to prove she’s tough enough to be the boss. But when a secret from the past threatens to ruin Sam’s reputation, she suddenly feels very alone in this dark new world. There’s only one man she can turn to – rival club owner, Sebastian Stoker.

Seb knows first-hand how secrets and lies can tear a family apart. He wants to protect Sam at all costs, but siding with her could threaten his own position as head of the Stoker family and risk accusations of betrayal.

With loyalties divided and two families at war – the fallout could be deadly.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3pYMsrB

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Fallout is a great follow up to the continuing saga of the Reynolds and the Stokers. I read Book One quite a while ago but everything came back to me really quickly. Edie Baylis has a no nonsense style and her characters speak and act exactly the way you would expect. They are totally believable and I enjoyed getting to know these characters again and delving deeper into their seedy world of drugs, clubs and complicated relationships. Especially Sam and Seb, they are so right for each but from different sides of the fence can they really believe a relationship would ever be possible?

The tension and a building level of distrust is told superbly well. You can not help but get drawn into the lives of these families. Some of the characters are downright despicable and you really do seethe when they pop up. Edie has a fabulous way of bringing out your emotions when reading her books. A pretty hard task I am quite sure. It proves she has it spot on when you really hate the sleazy low life’s that crawl out of the pages. I warmed to Sam and Seb increasingly and just rooted for them throughout. Yes they still are part of this underworld that makes them take decisions most of us wouldn’t but they are good people at heart. I loved Fallout and Find Edie Baylis is up there on my fav authors list. Just brilliantly gritty.

Author Bio –

Edie Baylis is a successful self-published author of dark gritty thrillers with violent background settings. She lives in Worcestershire, has a history of owning daft cars and several motorbikes and is licensed to run a pub. She has signed a five-book deal with Boldwood.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/ediebaylis

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ediebaylis/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/EdieBaylisnewsletter

With Thanks for the Advance Copy for my Honest Review to….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Edie Baylis https://bit.ly/EdieBaylisnewsletter

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

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Book Review “The Fire Killer” by Ross Greenwood

BOOK REVIEW NO: 119

Crime Fiction

Book 5 in the DI Barton Series

358 pages

Publisher BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Fire Killer

When DI Barton is asked to investigate a seemingly innocuous fire that kills, he believes it’s either children fooling around or a worrying racially motivated crime.

As he delves deeper into the case, he soon realises that there is a history of similar blazes spread out over many years, all within a close area. And after an idea is suggested by pathologist Mortis, Barton suspects he has the arsonist’s motives wrong. 

When a night worker comes forward with a tip, Barton narrows down the suspects. Yet all of them act suspiciously and he knows for sure that one or more of them are lying. And when a huge house blaze shocks everyone, Barton fears the killer has lost all control.

Who is The Fire Killer? What will be next to burn?

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3vzUaMh

BOOK REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~5 STARS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Superb is how I am going to start this review. Yet again Ross Greenwood has pulled it out of the bag with The Fire Killer. It is exceptional. The relationships between his work mates is still strong and we get the see more of how they gel together. DI Barton is a great main character. My kind of Policeman as he actually has a personality. He cares about his job, his family and those around him.

There is plenty of intrigue involved with The Fire Killer which makes it the perfect page turner. I read it in one day, I just had to find out who it was. I was on the right lines from relatively early on then BAM no I was wrong, again! A brilliantly written ending that yet again has you feeling sorry for the Fire Killer. I could understand the reasons for their spiralling need to light fires. The descriptive writing is outstanding and we get inside the head of the killer and Barton. I love the interspersed chapter with his family. the humour they have brings just the right amount of light amongst the dark and murky world that Barton is immersed in on a daily basis.

One thing that keeps me coming back to Ross Greenwood as an author is his knack for writing original plots. There is always something that little bit different. The dialogue always works well and it is easy to really like all the characters. The Fire Killer is set at a great pace, you just have to keep reading. I had many “just one more chapter” moments then read about 5 more. I would highly recommend The Fire Killer and all the DI Baryon series. Utterly brilliant.

Author Bio –

Ross Greenwood is the bestselling author of ten crime thrillers. Before becoming a full-time writer he was most recently a prison officer and so worked everyday with murderers, rapists and thieves for four years. He lives in Peterborough.

Social Media Links

Facebook https://facebook.com/facebook.com/rossgreenwoodauthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/greenwoodross

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rossg555/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RossGreenwoodnews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ross-greenwood

With Thanks for the Advance Copy for my Honest Review to…..

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Ross Greenwood https://bit.ly/RossGreenwoodnews

Boldwood https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “Juliet the Maniac” by Juliet Escoria

BOOK REVIEW NO: 119

Contemporary Fiction

Debut Novel

288 pages

Celebrating 20 Years of Melville House Publishers

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

It’s 1997, and 14-year-old Juliet has it pretty good. But over the course of the next two years, she rapidly begins to unravel, finding herself in a downward trajectory of mental illness and self-destruction that eventually leads to a ‘therapeutic boarding school’ in rural Oregon. From there, deep in the woods of the Northwest, comes an explosive portrayal of teenage life from the perspective of The Bad Friend, and a poignant reflection that refuses the traditional recovery arc. Like Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar and Cat Marnell’s How to Murder Your Life, Juliet the Maniac offers no clear answers, no definitive finish-line, just the wise acceptance of the challenges ahead. This punchy debut marks the breakout of a bold and singular young writer.

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

Initially I found the first few pages very hard to read emotionally yet somehow I was compelled to keep reading the turbulence that is Juliet’s life. A strong and powerfully written debut that takes you deep into the dark world of Juliet. The whole narrative is from Juliet’s point of view and if I had very little understanding of mental health issues before I know an awful lot now. Being given the insight into a young girls point of view, what she thinks and feels and why she does the things she does. It is almost a compulsion for her. One that her parents try hard to understand but they really don’t.

There is a utter rawness to the writing that you just can not put it down. You might feel uneasy at times but still have to need to find out if Juliet can ever overcome her problems. The chapters, or almost diary entries are only a few pages and I felt this was a brilliant way to capture how Juliet feels, jumping about from one dark thought to another.

I can not truly express how this book made me feel. It is so very dark in places and it made me feel helpless as to what or how could be Juliet is helped or otherwise. I felt deeply for her as a character. having the narrative interspersed with letters written by Juliet or doctors notes and the medication she is on, made it all the more realistic. This is not an easy read by any standard but somehow it is beautiful, sad, awkward and enthralling. I was engrossed from the brilliantly written prologue right to the end.

With thanks for the copy of Juliet the Maniac to celebrate 20 years of Melville House Publishing

Book Review “Good Neighbours” by Mary Grand

BOOK REVIEW ~ 118

Psychological Thriller

Standalone

393 Page

Publisher: BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Good Neighbours

It was meant to be a safe place to start again… 

In need of an escape from her failing marriage, Nia agrees to house-sit her aunt’s cottage on the Isle of Wight. She feels sure the cosy close in a quaint harbour town will be a safe place to hide and figure out what to do next. 

But things are not all as they seem in the close, and the neighbours who welcome her with open arms, are keeping secrets. When Nia finds the body of one of her new friends lying on the beach, she feels sickeningly sure that the killer is dangerously near to home.

Who killed her friend and why did she have to die? And if Nia discovers the answers she’s looking for, is she next on their hit list? Good neighbours may become good friends, but they can also make deadly enemies… 

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3pyRFpO

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Blimey what an utterly brilliant read littered with growing tension and fear. Good Neighbours is dramatically written with stunning characters that come alive on the page. For me this is the ultimate “Whodunit” and I was glued to every page. It has one of those plotlines that just keeps you guessing. So many times I thought I had it figured it out, then “Oh no, great twist Mary” Yes I really did have conversations with the author in my head.

Nia was the perfect protagonist and I quickly became invested in her life, both before and after she arrived on the island. I totally disliked her husband Chris. He really needed to get his comeuppance,( no I’m not telling you if he did). Nia and her amateur sleuthing really gets her into trouble within this tight knit community in the close. Are they all as friendly as they seem at first? hmmmm I think not, but what are they hiding? is their friendly exterior slowly slipping? the veneer sliding off?

The theme of hate runs deep in this thriller. Hate works well as a theme and only adds to the brilliant atmospheric witting. I mean words are after all transient, yet “the hate remains” It is a deep and thought provoking emotion that only leads to fear and sinister feelings that someone out there wants to get you. Utterly brilliant writing. I found this a compelling read that had me worried for Nia. Does she ever get close to what is going on? Is the close actually her safe space, her place to recharge? Well there in lies the conundrum and you will have to get a copy of this awesome psychological thriller to find out. Trust me not only is it intriguing with suspicion falling on almost everyone it is also masterfully written in a way that takes you with it right up until the last word. Nothing is as it seems and remember “the hate remains”

Author Bio –

Mary Grand is the author of five novels and writes gripping, page-turning suspense,
with a dark and often murderous underside. She grew up in Wales, was for many years
a teacher of deaf children and now lives on the Isle of Wight where her novel,
The House Party, which was published by Boldwood in July 2020, is set.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/authormaryg

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marygrandwriter/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MaryGrandNews

With Thanks for Advance Copy for my Honest Review to …

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Mary Grand https://bit.ly/MaryGrandNews

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “The Memory Keeper of Kyiv” by Erin Litteken

BOOK REVIEW ~ 117

War Story Fiction

Standalone

350 pages

Publisher : BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv

In the 1930s, Stalin’s activists marched through the Soviet Union, espousing the greatness of collective farming. It was the first step in creating a man-made famine that, in Ukraine, stole almost 4 million lives. Inspired by the history the world forgot, and the Russian government denies, Erin Litteken reimagines their story.

In 1929, Katya is 16 years old, surrounded by family and in love with the boy next door. When Stalin’s activists arrive in her village, it’s just a few, a little pressure to join the collective. But soon neighbors disappear, those who speak out are never seen again and every new day is uncertain.

Resistance has a price, and as desperate hunger grips the countryside, survival seems more a dream than a possibility. But, even in the darkest times, love beckons.

Seventy years later, a young widow discovers her grandmother’s journal, one that will reveal the long-buried secrets of her family’s haunted past.

This is a story of the resilience of the human spirit, the love that sees us through our darkest hours and the true horror of what happened during the Holodomor.

May we never forget, lest history repeat itself.

A share of proceeds will be donated to DEC’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3MTkVBr

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

The Memory Keeper of Kyiv is a very timely and poignant story that truly tugs at your heartstrings. The fact that I read this whilst there is another war in the Ukraine really brought everything into perspective for me. The awful atrocities that people are having to endure made this a tough yet thought provoking read.

This is dual time line story and it works superbly well. We get to experience the life of those in the Ukraine in the 1930’s. The Holodomor is something that I have never heard of and boy what a brutal way to treat the communities. The story of Katya as a young girl during this dreadful period is a strong story. Through the atrocities there is also a beautiful story of family and love. Protecting each other no matter what the outcome might be. We also get very close to the present life of Cassie who, as a widow now wants to try and uncover the life of her grandmother after finding her journal. She can not read it but she is determined to uncover the past.

This is absolutely a strong and impressive debut novel. My heart broke many times with tears a plenty. The writing has a strength that pulls you in to the lives of Katya and Cassie. The style is compelling and tells a story in history that many people do not know about. I would urge anyone to read this troubling yet outstanding book. A beautifully sad and life affirming read.

Author Bio –

Erin Litteken is a debut novelist with a degree in history and a passion for research. At a young age, she was enthralled by stories of her family’s harrowing experiences in Ukraine before, during and after World War II. Her first historical fiction title, drawing on those experiences, will be published by Boldwood in June 2022.  She lives in Illinois, USA with her husband and children.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erinlitteken/

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/erin-litteken

With Thanks for the Advance Copy for my Honest Review to….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Erin Litteken https://twitter.com/ErinLitteken

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “Outcast” by Chris Ryan

BOOK REVIEW ~ 116

Thriller

Standalone

320 pages

Publisher : ZAFFRE

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Outcast

After single-handedly intervening in a deadly terrorist attack in Mali, SAS Warrant Officer Jamie ‘Geordie’ Carter is denounced as a lone wolf by jealous superiors.

Now a Regiment outcast, Carter is given a second chance with a deniable mission: locate SAS hero-gone-rogue, David Vann.

Vann had been sent into Afghanistan to train local rebels to fight the Taliban. But he’s since gone silent and expected attacks on key targets have not happened.

Tracking Vann through Afghanistan and Tajikistan, Carter not only discovers the rogue soldier’s involvement in a conspiracy that stretches far beyond the Middle East – but an imminent attack that will have deadly consequences the world over . . .

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outcast-Chris-Ryan-ebook/dp/B09SM14MPC

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

A very timely book set just after the recent events of the chaotic withdrawal by the US from Afghanistan. This is my first book by Chris Ryan as this is probably not a genre I would normally read. Well let me tell you I have been missing out, what a brilliant and thrilling read. Plenty of twists and turns, full of action and good guys versus bad guys. Are the good guys really the bad guys? and vice versa. A great plot with a great setting.

Carter is a great protagonist, he does have many sides which, for me made him more believable. He is not just an all out killer on a mission so nothing else matters. He has a back story that helps us see into Carter’s mindset. He has muscles everywhere and then a few more. I actually found myself being quite drawn to Carter and everything he deals with. His discipline is strong, from his SAS training. I have no idea if the military descriptions are accurate but knowing Chris Ryan’s background I am certain it is all spot on. This lends a level of authenticity that brings the story alive. If there was ever a book that really is true edge of your seat, page turning stuff, then this is it! If like me you would normally not pick up a book of this genre then I urge you to give Outcast a try. It is superb, written so well that you can not help but to be drawn right into all the action packed goings on. I really loved it! I’ll be reading more Chris Ryan from now on.

US – https://www.amazon.com/Outcast-Chris-Ryan-ebook/dp/B09SM14MPC

https://www.brownsbfs.co.uk/Product/RYAN-CHRIS/OUTCAST/9781838777616

Author Bio

Chris Ryan was born in Newcastle.

In 1984 he joined 22 SAS. After completing the year-long Alpine Guides Course, he was the troop guide for B Squadron Mountain Troop. He completed three tours with the anti-terrorist team, serving as an assaulter, sniper and finally Sniper Team Commander.

Chris was part of the SAS eight-man team chosen for the famous Bravo Two Zero mission during the 1991 Gulf War. He was the only member of the unit to escape from Iraq, where three of his colleagues were killed and four captured, for which he was awarded the Military Medal. Chris wrote about his experiences in his book The One That Got Away, which became an immediate bestseller. Since then he has written over fifty books and presented a number of very successful TV programmes.

Social Media Links https://twitter.com/ZaffreBooks

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/exsaschrisryan

With Thanks for the Advance copy in return for an honest review to….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Chris Ryan https://twitter.com/exsaschrisryan

Zaffre Publishers https://www.bonnierbooks.co.uk/adult-imprints/zaffre/

Book Review “The Reckoning” by Kerry Kaya

BOOK REVIEW NO:115

Gangland Thriller

Book 4 in The Carter Brothers Series

270 Pages

Publisher: BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Reckoning

An eye for an eye…

Once the top dog, Danny Mckay has walked away from his old gangland life. He’s on the straight and narrow now, looking forward to settling down and living a quiet life.

But trouble seems to follow Danny. And when his own family is caught up in a shocking event, Danny is dragged back into the gangland world, hell bent on revenge.

Danny’s determined to make someone pay, but the rules are different this time around – old friends are enemies, and Danny doesn’t know who he can trust.

And as Danny gets closer to the truth, he realises that the consequences of his own actions could destroy everything – and everyone – that he loves.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3KhzH2K

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

Crikey The Reckoning comes out fighting right from the first word. It completely took my breathe away. The characters are written in a totally believable way. They are tough and there is violence abound but nothing feels unrealistic. This is a tale of every action has a consequence and dire consequences at that.

Danny is a distinguished man who has left the gangland world behind. Now running his club with his best friend, Moray he is happy with the quiet life until his world is literally blown apart, vengeance is on his mind and he’ll stop at nothing to get it. Being dragged back into the old life is not something he wants to do but even he can’t hide the fact that actually he gets a bit of a thrill being in charge again.

The two women in Danny’s life, apart from his daughter are like chalk and cheese. Will he ever see that one of them is most definitely the right woman for him? The other is oh so wrong!

The Reckoning is a thrilling read that keeps you interested right to the end. A true gangland crime book with feuds and family splits all over the shop. It is fast paced and written with a fabulous style that brings the characters and their actions to life. Will Danny get his hands on the culprit? Will he get the revenge that he needs? Quite honestly this book is epic, you really need to grab a copy and be prepared for an action packed experience. You won’t regret it.

Author Bio –

Kerry Kaya is the hugely popular author of Essex-based gritty gangland thrillers
with strong family dynamics. She grew up on one of the largest council estates in the
UK, where she sets her novels. She also works full-time in a busy maternity
department for the NHS. She has signed a nine-book deal with Boldwood for both
new and backlist titles.

Social Media Links

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kerry.bryant.58

Twitter https://twitter.com/KerryKayaWriter

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerry_kaya_author/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KerryKayaNews

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to ……

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Kerry Kaya https://bit.ly/KerryKayaNews

Boldwood https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “The Feud” by Gemma Rogers

BOOK REVIEW NO: 114

Psychological Thriller

Standalone

346 Pages

Publisher: BOLDWOOD

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

The Feud

From the stranger in the car, to the madman at her door…

The day my path crossed with Simon Fox I thought I’d already lost everything but then he ran me off the road with his flash car and belittling jibes.
The men in my life had undermined me for too long.
Enough was enough.
Fuelled by alcohol and the desire to get even, I decided a spot of petty vandalism would make me feel a whole lot better.
Wrong. Very wrong…
I hadn’t realised that Simon Fox was not a man to be messed with.
He showed me just how much I still had left to lose.
Soon I was battling for my home, family and life.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/36RoFmq

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 5 STARS

Cracking psychological read from Gemma Rogers. A perfectly simple concept that takes so many turns it leaves you reeling, how can one small act, done out of frustration and a bit to much vino change the course of someone’s life so dramatically?

This is definitely one of those increible books that once you’ve read the synopsis you’re hooked. It is an absolutely brilliantly written book with a growing tension for Kay for that you start feeling really scared for her. She does make some silly decisions along the way but in all honesty if I found myself in her place I would be all over the place too. Mind you some of her decisions are born out plenty of alcohol consumed with her best friend. I began to have my doubts about her (the best friend), saying no more on that. Mind you after a few more chapters I began to doubt everyone. One dreadful situation after another and I really was on the edge of my chair. This is one of those, “I need to keep reading” books.

The characters are written with an honesty that makes them totally believable and “there by the grace of my actions go I” it really could happen to anyone. I loved how the tension builds throughout the book and what was a quite small incident becomes the worst thing that Kay could ever have done. Everyone around her becomes involved, her friends and even her two children. It becomes immensely suffocating for Kay and she just can not see a way out. I would highly recommend this book and indeed Gemma Rogers, I love her books. Her writing style is just epic. How will it all end? who will win? Well you just need to grab a copy, a vino and jump right in.

Author Bio –

Gemma Rogers was inspired to write gritty thrillers by a traumatic event in her own life nearly twenty years ago. Her debut novel Stalker was published in September 2019 and marked the beginning of a new writing career. Gemma lives in West Sussex with her husband, two daughters and bulldog Buster.

Social Media Links –  

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/GemmaRogers79

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gemmarogersauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/GemmaRogerNews

With Thanks for The Advance Copy in return for my Honest Review to….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Gemma Rogers https://bit.ly/GemmaRogerNews

Boldwood https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

Book Review “Lemon Drop Cottage” by K.T. Dady

BOOK REVIEW NO: 113

Womens’ Fiction, Romance and Escapism

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Lemon Drop Cottage

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.

Snuggle down with this cosy, feel-good, comfort read that whisks you away to a beautiful bay on the Isle of Wight – Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Phillipa Ashley, and Holly Martin.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories that intertwine with recurring characters. Best read in order for maximum enjoyment.

Lemon Drop Cottage: At first glance, Scott Harper is a shy artist who keeps himself to himself, but he isn’t the man everyone thinks he is. Scott has a secret. One that has kept him firmly away from any chance of having an intimate relationship. The only woman in his life is the one he talks to online but has never met. It’s easier that way, for them both.

Dolly Lynch has just taken over her aunt’s shop in Pepper Bay. Between looking after her teenage son, running around for her old aunt, moving home, and opening a new shop, she barely has time to herself, so she really appreciates the moments she spends talking online with a man she’s never met. Little does she know he’s the same man who lives just up the road in the cutest cottage she has ever seen.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lemon-Drop-Cottage-Pepper-Book-ebook/dp/B09H7NH4JY

US – https://www.amazon.com/Lemon-Drop-Cottage-Pepper-Book-ebook/dp/B09H7NH4JY

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

This is my third visit to Pepper Bay and boy what a great return it was too. I utterly enjoyed every single page. Every book in this series works superbly well as a stand alone as each main character becomes the main focus in their own right but are still in the other books with more of a background story. It’s a great concept that gives you a lovely insight into everyone’s life, relationships, work and family.

Lemon Drop Cottage is a really comforting read, pure escapism at it’s very best. I smiled throughout and it certainly gave me a few hours of just feeling warm and fuzzy. A fabulous book and I can not wait for the next installment. The people of Pepper Bay are fast becoming some of my favourite characters. I’m sure I said after my other reviews, Pepper Pot farm and Honey Bee Cottage, that I just wanted to move there and guess what? I still do.

Dolly is my kind of woman. I loved her immensely. She’s accident prone, doubts herself often but feels a strong attraction to Simon and feels guilty because of her online “relationship/friendship” with a man she loves chatting to and perhaps it will lead to a relationship. What about Simon? Will she ever come to the realisation that they are one and the same, (not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb) I loved this blossoming romance and just wanted Simon and Dolly to get into a good old smooch and be with each other.

I would tell anyone to give this fab piece of escapism a go, it’s brilliant. You will laugh, cry, feel part of this incredible community. I’m off to pack my bags and move to Pepper Bay.

Author Bio –

Amazon best-selling author, reader, mum, chocolate lover, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m baking cakes or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers. I’m the author of contemporary romance, middle-grade, and the thought-provoking thriller about mental illness, The Focus Program.

Social Media Links –

https://ktdady.com

https://www.instagram.com/kt_dady

https://www.facebook.com/ktdady

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …..

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

KT Dady https://ktdady.com

Book Review “Victory Bells for the Harper Girls” by Rosie Clarke

BOOK REVIEW NO:112

Book 6 in the Harper Emporium Series set during and after WW1

SYNOPSIS/BOOK BLURB

Victory Bells for the Harpers Girls

Can the Harpers Girls look forward to some happy times as a new dawn rises over London?

Sally Harper is busy juggling running London’s Oxford Street Store Harpers and looking after her beautiful new-born daughter, whilst husband Ben is overseas on another dangerous mission, this time to rescue a friend in need.
Young Becky Stockbridge finds herself in a difficult situation which could bring shame to her and her family. Will Becky, with the help of her friends find her happy ever after and keep her secret?
Marion Jackson is blessed with a son as she eagerly awaits the return of her husband Reggie. But all is not right when Reggie returns. Is Marion strong enough to save her family from yet another crisis?
As the war clouds retreat and the victory bells ring, tears and joy mingle with those of sadness as the world counts the true toll of war and celebrates peace.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/372kpkh

REVIEW ~ NIKI PRESTON ~ 4 STARS

What a wonderful story. Set during WW1 this is the 6th book in the series which follows the lives of the Harpers Emporium girls through their happy times, family times and sad times and emotional times. This is a time when the women have taken up jobs and had to get used to a life without their husbands. Will this change when their menfolk return? Will they be ravaged by the War? How will this change their lives?

The female characters are superbly written with a beautifully caring side, all supporting each other through good times and bad. I loved Sally and her strength. She just carries on and keeps her stiff upper lip through thick and thin.

Victory Bells is a compassionately written story that draws you in to the lives of these strong and beautiful women. I would highly recommend this one to all who loves a book set during WW1, with a growing intensity and all the worries that come even with Victory in sight, will all be happy ever after for these exceptional women?

Author Bio –

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Shop Girls of Harpers and The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter https://twitter.com/AnneHerries

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RosieClarkeNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rosie-clarke

With Thanks for the Advance Copy to …….

Rachel Gilby https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/

Rosie Clarke https://bit.ly/RosieClarkeNews

Boldwood Books https://www.boldwoodbooks.com/

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