BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS BOOK TOUR: THE LAST GATEKEEPER BY KATY HAYE 6 – 19TH JULY 2015

Posted on July 8, 2015July 8, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

Zan knows she’s different. Today she discovers why …

Zanzibar MacKenzie knows she’s a freak. She has EHS – electrical hypersensitivity – which leaves her trying to live a Stone Age life in the twenty-first century: no internet, no phone, no point really. Then Thanriel knocks on her door and the dull summer holiday becomes maybe too exciting. Zan discovers fairies and angels are real beings from other planets, she herself is half alien, and the future of life on Earth rests on her shoulders.

This book is the first of the Chronicles of Fane series.

MY REVIEW

The story begins on Zan Mackenzie’s seventeenth birthday when after a row with her mother, her father allows her to slip away to the beach to meet her friend Em and her boyfriend Jamie. On her return she finds her father unconscious and her mother missing and is confronted by the mysterious, otherworldly Thanriel (an angel) who explains that like her mother, she is a fane, or fairy. She is also a Gatekeeper and he has come to help her use her powers to save the world from destruction. Her task is to close the three gates between the Fane’s world and earth.

This amazing book, written from Zan’s viewpoint, deals with so many different issues. Firstly there is the classic battle between good and evil. Then there is Zan herself; young, inexperienced and trying to cope with so many fresh challenges in her life – her newly discovered fane powers, her developing attraction to Thanriel and, of course, the responsibility for saving the world. I was hooked from page one and really loved Zan’s character – she’s smart and feisty and of course, the gorgeous Thanriel leaves you breathless. By the time I had finished, all I could think about was what was going to happen to Zan and Thanriel in the next book. A very worthy five star read with great potential as a movie!

I would like to thank the author for donating a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review

BUY LINKS

Kindle ebook http://authl.it/2g6?d

paperback http://authl.it/2g5?d

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katy Haye spends as much time as possible in either her own or someone else’s imaginary worlds. She has a fearsome green tea habit, a partiality for dark chocolate brazils and a fascination with the science of storytelling.

When not lost in a good book, Katy may be found on her allotment growing veg and keeping hens in order to maximise her chances of survival in the event of a zombie apocalypse or similar catastrophe (you never know!).

Connect on Twitter @katyhaye, or make friends on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/autfYhor/show/9848245.Katy_Haye

Website: www.katyhaye.com and Blog on reading/writing www.katyhaye.com/add-more-narrativium

GIVEAWAY

1 signed paperback copy of the book. Open internationally

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301784/

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOK TOUR: HEALED BY LOVE BY MELISSA FOSTER 15 – 26 JUNE, 2015

Posted on June 26, 2015June 26, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

HEALED BY LOVE

The Bradens (at Peaceful Harbor)

The Bradens at Peaceful Harbor are the newest addition to the award-winning Braden series and the Love in Bloom family, joining the Snow Sisters, the Bradens, the Remingtons, & Seaside Summers, (Voted BEST BOOK SERIES by Supportive Business Moms, UK).

Fall in love with Nate Braden & Jewel Fisher in Healed by Love.

Nate Braden has loved his best friend’s younger sister Jewel for as long as he can remember, but between their age difference and his respect for Rick, he’s always kept his feelings at bay. Now he’s back in Peaceful Harbor, and Jewel is no longer sixteen years old—but there’s an even bigger obstacle standing in his way. Nate and Rick joined the military together eight years earlier. Nate came home a hero, but Rick didn’t make it out alive.

MY REVIEW

It’s always a pleasure to join a book tour featuring one of Melissa Foster’s new titles and this is no exception. When best friends Nate Braden and Rick Fisher join the army and depart for Afghanistan, Rick’s sixteen year old sister Jewel is left with the indelible memory of Nate’s kiss. Six years later Nate is back…without Rick. Jewel realises her feelings for her brother’s best friend are still as strong. The family have been through a tough time; not only has their brother been a casualty of war, their father has also been killed in a fishing accident. As the Fisher family pull together in the aftermath of this double tragedy, Jewel has stepped in to help her mother with the younger siblings.

Nate too is suffering; not only has he lost the best friend he grew up with, he feels guilty that he is the one who came home alive. But worse still, he is living with the knowledge he gave the order for Rick to go on the supply run which saw him shot and killed by a sniper.

There are so many emotions in this book. I loved Nate; he was honourable, kind and, of course, very sexy. Just the kind of guy you want to fall in love with. Jewel longs to be with him but is unable to understand why he seems to be reluctant to move beyond friendship with her.

When Nate decides to open up to Jewel and tell her what happened in Afghanistan he believes his honesty will solve their problem. That he will be rid of the one barrier keeping them from being together. That Jewel will understand. Unfortunately his honesty backfires badly.

This story is about forgiveness and understanding. It’s sad at times, a reflection on how war can alter and impair lives. Like Melissa’s other books you find yourself wanting to climb into the pages and help these star crossed lovers solve their problems. A great read and highly recommended. I can’t wait for the next part of the series.

I would like to thank the author for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BUY LINKS

ABOUT MELISSA FOSTER

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Authors Links:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter/

GIVEAWAY

For an opportunity to win one of 3 ecopies of GAME OF LOVE click on the link below and register your details.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301779/?

Writing

ALMOST THERE…

Posted on June 19, 2015June 19, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

It’s party time – well not quite. I’m holding off breaking out the bubbly for a few more weeks. The good news is, however, that Summer Moved On is finished at last. It’s been a long hard slog but eventually, with the help of my brilliant editor Elaine Denning, it’s all come together.

This book was difficult to write probably because the last five were all connected. As a series of books following the lives and loves of several families writing each book came with an already established cast and setting. OK as the years rolled on we were introduced to new members of the family, but there were always the original characters in the background to provide structure and familiarity. Writing Summer Moved On at times felt like being out on a high wire without a net. New location (South Devon) and the need to get under the skins of another set of very different characters. It was a long, tough journey but eventually I got there and am now hopefully looking at a publishing date of late July/early August.

The next project is the sequel, working title Coming Home, although I’m not sure whether that will stay. This book will be easier because similar to the others in my first series, I’ve already done the ground work. I know the setting and the characters and it’s all about wrapping the story around them. I will be introducing one or two new individuals but they’ve been kept to a minimum. It’s all about the reader reacquainting themselves with the characters from book one and finding out what happens next.

This will be a two book project; no I’m not about to venture into another series. So what comes after? Well that’s all in the lap of the gods. When I finished The Other Side of Morning I had no idea what would come next, or if, indeed there was anything. All it takes is an initial thought and that can come from so many places – seeing something on TV, reading a book, even overhearing someone’s conversation in a coffee shop or restaurant. From that one germ of inspiration the writing begins. I always have an outline of the plot but my experience has shown not to tie myself to a strict pathway. Things can change as the writing progresses so it’s a case of always keeping an open mind and expecting the unexpected.

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOK TOUR: WALKING IN THE RAIN BY JULIA IBBOTSON, 8 – 19 JUNE 2015

Posted on June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

Genre: Contemporary women’s romance fiction

Release Date: 30^th March 2015

How do you cope when your worst nightmare comes true?

Jess happily marries the love of her life. She wants to feel safe, secure and loved. But gradually it becomes clear that her beloved husband is not the man she thought him to be. She survived civil war and injury in Africa, but can she now survive the biggest trauma of her life?

This is the second novel in the Drumbeats trilogy but can be read as a standalone. However, Drumbeats is so amazing you should just read it too!

MY REVIEW

After reading Drumbeats I was really looking forward to this, the second book in the trilogy. I wasn’t sure where the story would take us this time. Would Jess return to Ghana to try to find her American love Jim? Or would she rekindle her relationship with Simon, the boyfriend she left behind? On her return home Simon breaks up with Jess but then returns unexpectedly to tell her he’s sorry and he wants her back. Feeling Simon is the man she wants to share her life with she accepts his proposal and they marry. For a while all is well, but as the marriage progresses and children arrive Jess finds herself caught in a nightmare as Simon personality begins to switch from Dr Jekyll to Mr Hyde and back. The tragedy is that it appears nothing can be done to help her even when he becomes physically abusive. His parents, who have given in to his every whim since he was a child, turn a blind eye refusing to accept there is a problem and even the law, it seems, is unable to protect her. The writer really puts Jess through a roller coaster of an emotional ride and at times you are wondering how much more this poor woman can take as disaster after disaster strikes. Do things work out for her in the end? Will she free herself from this nightmare? Well you will just have to read it and find out – and please do read it. It’s a great book about a brave woman coping with both physical and mental abuse from her very damaged partner, trying to hold everything together for the sake of the children.

I would like to thank the author for providing a courtesy copy in exchange for an honest review.

Drumbeats: Walking in the Rain : Before I Die

Want to read Drumbeats first? Buy-link on Amazon for the first in the trilogy:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drumbeats-Julia-Ibbotson-ebook/dp/B00LLJVFRG/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404911650&sr=1-3&keywords=julia+Ibbotson

And, for a taster, the book trailer video for Drumbeats:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OYlEXhHvsc&list=UUP3hKZjeUBuTMoyvZmBXbow

BUY LINKS

AMAZON UK

AMAZON.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julia Ibbotson is an author and academic, and lives in the middle of the English countryside in a renovated Victorian rectory with her husband, an orchard, a kitchen garden and far too many moles. Their four children are now grown up and they have four gorgeous grandchildren. She was a school teacher for many years before becoming a senior university lecturer, researcher and writer. She loves reading, travelling, choral singing, theatre, walking, swimming and gardening, as well as cooking for family and friends. Her books include a memoir/recipe book, The Old Rectory: escape to a country kitchen, and a children’s book (9-14 year olds),S.C.A.R.S, a fantasy story of dragons, knights and a boy who slips through the fabric of the universe into a parallel medieval world threatened by the evil Myrthor, the heart of darkness.

Author page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Julia-Ibbotson/e/B0095XG11U/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1377188346&sr=1-2-ent

Author facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Ibbotson-author/163085897119236

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/JuliaIbbotson

Author website:

http://www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com

Pinterest page: includes boards with pics and images that inspired each book

http://pinterest.com/juliai1/

Goodreads author page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6017965.Julia_Ibbotson

GIVEAWAY

A signed paperback of Walking in the Rain

(Open Internationally)

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301778

Writing

THE LOOK 4 BOOKS MEDLEY OF SHORT STORIES

Posted on May 27, 2015May 27, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

This year some of the wonderful authors featured at Look 4 Books have decided to put together a book of short stories, all the proceeds from this book will be going to the Alzheimer’s Society, and the Autistic Society. This book will be available to buy from the Look 4 Books website, and Amazon from early May, 2015.

Authors featured are: Vanessa Knipe, Anne Harvey, Billierosie, Mason N. Forbes, Elaine Chissick, H.E. Joyce, Pauline Barclay, Carol Anne Hunter, June Gundlack, Terri Nixon, Tina K. Burton, Maureen Turner, Carol & Tom Phipps, Madalyn Morgan, Nicci Rae, Sherrie Lowe, Scarlett Flame, and your webmaster.

Link to Amazon below:

NOW MEET THE AUTHORS

PAULINE BARCLAY: Getting Noticed When Sue Potter lost over six stone in weight and could easily slip into a size 12 dress, all she wanted was for her husband to notice. Desperate to catch his eye, she hit on an idea when passing a car showroom that would guarantee he couldn’t miss her. At least she hoped that would the case!

AUTHOR LINKS: www.paulinebarclay.co.uk

Face book Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pauline-Barclay/121242304590624

ooOoo

BILLIEROSIE: Jessica and her Daddy — father and daughter — lovers, always — just two unrelated adults who haven’t forgotten how to play — their game? Age play.

AUTHOR LINKS: www.billierosie.blogspot.com

ooOoo

TINA K BURTON: The Lone Tree, is about an old man who reminisces about his favourite place

AUTHOR LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/kat.merri.7 or just search for Tina K Burton Twitter – @TinaKBurton – tinakburtons.blogspot.co.uk -Amazon author page – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tina-K.-Burton/e/B0076W2ACG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Pinterest – https://uk.pinterest.com/Quillina/

ooOoo

ELAINE CUSSICK: The title of my story for the Look 4 Books Medley, is Sensual Singer but it’s not the kind of singer who hits the high notes. Elaine says: I’ve never really done a short story before so this has been a learning curve. Sensual Singer doesn’t really have a start, middle or end, it’s more of a snapshot into someone’s life ..

AUTHOR LINKS: .elaine.chissick@gmail.com (email)www.elainechissick.wix.com/chissickchat (website) – www.facebook.com/elainerchissick (facebook page) – @elainerchissick (twitter)

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MASON N FORBES: Title of short story: Predator. Three students missing in London. Can Kaylee escape the clutches of a serial killer? Razor-sharp suspense from Mason N. Forbes.

Email: masonforbes1@aol.com

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter: @MasonNForbesFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/masonn.forbes

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/7339874.Mason_N_Forbes

Links to books:

Bitter Sweet: UK http://amzn.to/18unNQr US http://amzn.to/1cxsSGI

The Strontian Factor: UK amzn.to/Jo2PX7 US amzn.to/1ihRJlO

ooOoo

JUNE GUNDLACK: … Lack of sleep and a frayed temper is not usually conducive to a great start to the day – add more irritations and the result is supper with fish and budget wine – that should sort out the fray.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website – June Gundlack’s Blog – Facebook – Twitter

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ANN HARVEY: Perceptions is about a rich and famous pop star, Josh Randall, who seems to have everything. Until he reads a letter to his late mother

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter @annelharvey1 – www.facebook.com/anne.harvey.10. – Blog: www.annelharvey.blogspot.com.

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CAROL ANNE HUNTER: Six weeks to find love? When her husband of 30 years trades her in for a more contemporary model, Maggie resolves to live the quiet life. The safe life. The single life. Well, she is only weeks away from her fiftieth, doesn’t do drink or men and has already embraced Trainee Old Duffer status. But waking up with the office geek and a hangover makes her think again – maybe there is life after marriage. She decides to refurbish, rebrand and relaunch, and all before her golden birthday, but she hasn’t a clue where to start. Cue the conception of Project Me. Before long her life is like the night bus – full of users, wasters, halfwits and chancers, and all with their own agenda. If only there was someone she could ask for help. Emergency, Code Red, woman down, send back up…. The clock’s ticking…

AUTHOR LINKS: https://www.facebook.com/carol.hunter.357 – https://twitter.com/carolannehunter – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Project-Me-Carol-Ann-Hunter/dp/1910510009 – http://www.amazon/Project-Me-Carol-Anne-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00NE2VBA

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H E JOYCE: The Bean Counter – This story is about an unassuming accountant who

keeps himself to himself and is regarded as a source of some amusement to his colleagues. But he has the last laugh. After working for the company all his working life, he has been planning for a very comfortable retirement all along by skimming a penny here and a penny there from customer accounts.

AUTHOR LINKS: Twitter: @HEJoyce1 – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hejoycewriter -Website: www.hejoyce.co.uk

ooOoo

VANESSA KNIPE: The Black College: recruitment drive. Ranged against the Witch Finders of the Theological College of St Van Helsing are the graduates of the Black College who fight for the right of everyone to learn magic.

AUTHOR LINKS: ~Website: http://www.the-freezing-garret.co.uk/ – Facebook page
: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vanessa-Knipe/672583159447583 – Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vanessa-Knipe/e/B00MGSM20K/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1429886972&sr=8-1

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SHERRIE LOWE: Guardian Angel. As the title suggests the story is narrated by an angel, someone who left this earth and her family too soon. It is an alternative spin on a section of my memoir Shadow Across the Sun.

AUTHOR LINKS: Sherrie’s website: http://www.sherrielowe.co.uk/

ooOoo

MADALYN MORGAN: Return to Sender. Every year Eloise writes to her jilted lover, Henri, and every year he returns the letter unopened. Would he ever read one of her letters, would he ever forgive her – and if he did, would he come to her rescue?

AUTHOR LINKS: Fiction Blog: http://madalynmorgansfiction.blogspot.co.uk/ Non-fiction Blog: http://madalynmorgan.blogspot.co.uk/ Website: www.madalynmorgan.com

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TERRI NIXON: Jacky Greencoat. When folklore and the modern world collide, who’s to say which one is the myth? Jacky Greencoat; Cornish spriggan, and loyal subject to his king, steps out of the Lynher Mill Chronicles to tell his own story.

AUTHOR LINKS: Website: www.terrinixon.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/terri.authorpage

Twitter: @TerriNixon

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/telnix

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CAROL MARRS PHIPPS & TOM PHIPPS: Troll Raid. A young Elven girl has just begun her training to be an austringa, with her new shawk spoogh (strike falcon) eyas, when Elf Killer trolls attack her village

AUTHOR LINKS: Websites: http://niarg.com http://landofniarg.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Car01am – Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolMarrsPhippsTomPhipps Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carol.phipps3 Follow on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Carol-Marrs-Phipps/e/B005HB8MC0 Follow on Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/car01am/

Amazon buy page for books: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Carol+Marrs+Phipps+%26+Tom+Phipps

00O00

NICCI RAE: TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES. Where there’s a will there’s a way – Evie Marshall is a stranger in a strange land and, when she doesn’t receive the welcome she believes she deserves, the consequences are dire for her new neighbour.

AUTHOR LINKS: Amazon.co.uk: Nicci Rae: Books, Biogs, Audiobooks, Discussions

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SCARLET FLAME: A bed & Breakfast with a difference.This story is about A D/s relationship where the Dom gifts his sub a very different sort of Christmas gift – a night in a B&B in Derbyshire. This is not your usual B & B though. This is a comedy piece about BDSM, but think 50 Shades with lower expectations, and humourous asides.

AUTHOR LINKS: My book is Bound for Passion:Erotic Love Stories that is available on Kindle and in paperback http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00H9PA5B8

This is my facebook as an author https://www.facebook.com/Scarlet tFlame2?ref=hl

My Blog http://missscarlettflame.blogspot.co.uk/Twitter https://twitter.com/ScarlettFlame2

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MAUREEN TURNER: The Train of Retribution. Businessman and author Thomas Carter wondered who had sent him a train ticket for a journey on the ‘New Year Mince Pie Special.’ Not one to turn down a free pleasure trip, he decided to partake of the unexpected treat.He was going to wish that he had declined.

AUTHOR LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maureen-Turner/490997640929516

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Maureen-Turner/e/B007Q0PJSU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS PANDORA’S PROPHECY BY JULIE RYAN – BOOK TOUR 25 – 29 MAY 2015

Posted on May 26, 2015May 27, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

‘Pandora’s Prophecy’ is the third in the Greek Island mystery series but can be read as a standalone although some characters from the previous books do make an appearance.

Lisa and Mark are going through a rough patch, Vicky is seventeen and has just discovered that the man she thought was her father really isn’t, Ruth is getting over her husband’s betrayal after nearly twenty-five years of marriage. On the surface they have nothing in common except that they are all staying in the same hotel on a Greek Island. As they each come into contact with the mysterious Pandora, their lives will change forever. Bodies begin to pile up as a serial killer is on the loose who might just be targeting the hotel. The Island’s Police Chief, Christos Pavlides, tries to solve the puzzle but he has problems of his own to resolve. It seems that the local celebrity author is the one who holds the key.

Jenna’s Journey www.amazon.com/dp/B00EXPDZD2

Sophia’s Secret www.amazon.com/dp/B00LFJGCWA

Pandora’s Prophecy http://amzn.to/1LeurJ7

MY REVIEW

No stranger to Julie’s writing, I was looking forward to this, the third instalment of her Greek Island Mystery series. I have to say this, like the other books, did not disappoint. It is beautifully written with such wonderful description. I have holidayed in Greece in years past and it brought back all the sights and sounds of those much enjoyed vacations. At times I could even smell the food! The way the separate characters, including Pandora, were interwoven into the plot as the book progressed was wonderful. Each has their own story to tell but at the same time are linked the others by murder and mystery. I loved the way the book is structured too. Julie teases you with one character, gets you to the end of the chapter with a real cliff hanger of a situation – and then when you turn the page into the next chapter you find yourself involved with one of the other characters. This is what keeps you turning pages – you just have to know what happens next. A truly great book – absolutely loved it and can’t wait for Julie’s next novel to be published.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie was born and brought up in a mining village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (hons) in French Language and Literature from Hull University. Since then she has lived and worked as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in France, Greece, Poland and Thailand. She now lives in rural Gloucestershire with her husband, son and two cats, a rescue cat and a dippy cat with half a tail. She is so passionate about books that her collection is now threatening to outgrow her house, much to her husband’s annoyance, as she can’t bear to get rid of any! They have been attempting to renovate their home for the last ten years.

She is the author of the Greek Island Mystery series, Jenna’s Journey, Sophia’s Secret and Pandora’s Prophecy, each of which can be read as a standalone. She considers Greece to be her spiritual home and visits as often as she can. This series was inspired by her desire to return to Crete although there is a strong pull to revisit the Cyclades too.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

www.facebook.com/Julieryanauthor

Twitter @julieryan18

Blogsite www.allthingsbookie.com

www.juliesworldofbooks.blogspot.co.uk

GIVEAWAY

E-copy of the book (International)

£5 Amazon voucher (UK only)

For a chance to win either an e-copy of the book or a £5 Amazon voucher click on the link below and enter your details

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301774/”

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOK TOUR – CAPE COD KISSES BY MELISSA FOSTER AND BELLA ANDREA 11 – 22 MAY 2015

Posted on May 13, 2015May 13, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

CAPE COD KISSES Love on Rockwell Island, Book One

When Quinn Rockwell left Rockwell Island a decade ago to build a shipping empire, he never thought he’d return to live on Cape Cod Bay—that is, until his grandfather summons Quinn and his four siblings to take over the prestigious Rockwell Resort. Quinn is already working fifteen-hour days, and the last thing he has time for is his grandfather’s demands. But on his first night back, when Quinn finds a gorgeous and carefree woman skinny-dipping in his favorite cove, he’s tempted to ignore his work for a while…and focus on her instead.

As a free spirit who follows her heart and her dreams, Shelley Walters is not the kind of girl to wait around for Mr. Right, so she heads to Rockwell Island for the honeymoon of her dreams—a solo honeymoon. Ready for a week of sun and fun, she never expected to meet a man like Quinn Rockwell.

Wealthy and intensely driven, Quinn is everything Shelley swore she didn’t want. Refreshingly spontaneous and a true romantic, Shelley is everything Quinn never knew he needed. Drawn together despite their differences, during a week of sizzling-hot passion and deep conversations, they fall head over heels for each other. But when their perfect week on the island is over, will their love survive in the real world?

BUY LINKS

MY REVIEW

I have never read anything by Bella Andre but am a big fan of Melissa Foster. I think their collaboration on Cape Cod Kisses has produced a great read for the 20 – 30 something market. It’s well written, entertaining, funny and romantic. It’s the first in a series and I’m sure will attract many fans, old and new.

ABOUT MELISSA FOSTER

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Authors Links:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter/

ABOUT BELLA ANDRE

Bella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.

Having sold more than 4 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 23 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King), and Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a ground-breaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.

Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.

Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

Author Links

GIVEAWAY

$10 Amazon voucher

For a chance of winning a $10 Amazon voucher, click on the link below and register

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301766/?

Writing

BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS: CATCHING CASSIDY BY MELISSA FOSTER 27 APRIL – 8 MAY 2015

Posted on May 6, 2015May 6, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

CATCHING CASSIDY

HARBORSIDE NIGHTS, Book One

Release date April 28, 2015

“Catching Cassidy was laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sexy, and hands down one of my favorite reads so far this year!” — #1 NYT Bestselling Author of The Bet – Rachel Van Dyken

Wyatt Armstrong never imagined that instead of celebrating his college graduation, he and his twin sister would be dealing with the death of their parents. Then again, Wyatt had never been one to think past tomorrow. He heads to their summer home in Harborside, Massachusetts, with his best friend Cassidy Lowell in tow, to deal with his parents’ death and to try to figure out his next step.

Six foot two, infuriatingly handsome, and flirtatious, Wyatt Armstrong has always been there for Cassidy, helping her pass her classes and fend off unwanted advances, while driving her insane with his one-night stands—but that’s what best friends are for, isn’t it? Having each other’s backs. There was never any doubt that she would accompany him to his family’s summer home—but she never expected to begin seeing Wyatt as more than a friend. Or has she been ignoring her feelings all along?

It’s impossible to ignore the sizzling heat between them as Wyatt and Cassidy get even closer, but Cassidy knows Wyatt’s past, and she has a real job to begin in the fall. Wyatt may be a sure thing for the summer, but Cassidy needs more. For the first time in his life, Wyatt is forced to look toward the future if he doesn’t want to lose the one woman who’s shared his past and owns his heart.

HARBORSIDE NIGHTS is a sexy, hot, and evocatively real New Adult Romance series that follows a group of friends who have known one another for years as “summer” friends, and now come together after college to build their lives. They’re tough, edgy, and accepting—most of the time. This series is written in the loving, raw, and emotional voice readers have come to love by New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster.

***

MY REVIEW

I can never resist it when a book tour for one of Melissa Foster novels comes along. I’ve really loved everything I’ve read from her so far and Catching Cassidy is no exception. At 22 the characters may be slightly younger, but all the ingredients are still there in spade fulls!

The book is told in the first person from Cassidy and Wyatt’s viewpoint so enables you to see the story from both perspectives. I have to admit there were times when I wanted to become a character in the book, slip between the pages, talk to these two star crossed lovers and help them through their problems!

Cassidy Lowell is a neglected daughter whose parents are not only totally wrapped up in each other but always seem to be travelling abroad. They have even missed her college graduation because they are overseas. Kept out of their exclusive relationship since she was young, she still feels a need to please them. Keen to have their daughter work in New York where they feel her career prospects will be best served, Cassidy plans to apply for jobs there. But before that there is a summer vacation to be spent with the Armstrongs at their summer house in Harborside, Massachusetts. Neighbours of the Lowell’s,over the years they have acted as a surrogate family in her parents’ absences. Because of this she has formed a close bond with them – their twins Wyatt and Delilah regarding her as a sister.

However, the summer vacation is overshadowed when Wyatt and Delilah’s parents are tragically killed in a car crash. Overnight Wyatt’s life changes as he finds himself having to leave his hedonistic, women chasing pursuits behind. Returning to the Armstrong’s summer home with his sister and Cassidy he takes over the running of the family business. But not only is Wyatt having to deal with the day-to-day problems of running a bar, he’s also trying to cope with the realisation he’s becoming more and more attracted to Cassidy. What he is totally unaware of is that she’s beginning to feel the same way about him.

The Armstrong’s beach fronted home soon sees the return of their old friends who drop in or stay over; each of them having an impact on Wyatt and Cassidy’s lives. As the summer moves along we see a simmering attraction begin to develop between the two of them. What is interesting about this story is it’s not a simply ‘will they -won’t they’- yes they have. Yes at first they are both in denial and try to resist their feelings for each other, but when they do eventually get together there seem to be even more issues threatening their happiness. The biggest of these is Cassidy’s job offer in New York. As the relationship develops she finds herself caught between two options: staying in Harborside with the man she loves and setting up a joint business venture with a friend or pleasing her parents and heading for New York. With summer ending and Fall approaching it’s time for Cassidy to make a decision. The question is what will it be? And will it turn out to be the right one?

I would like to thank the author for giving me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

Check out the awesome video trailer for CATCHING CASSIDY (Harborside Nights, Book 1). Releasing April 28! https://youtu.be/07-gFwyd4D4

PRE-ORDER links: KINDLE: http://amzn.to/1xplPq5 NOOK: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_Nook KOBO: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_Kobo GPLAY: http://bit.ly/CatchingCassidy_GooglePlay iBOOKS: https://itunes.apple.com/…/catching-cassidy-ha…/id907998032… Paperback: http://amzn.to/1Ew4xv2

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Authors Links:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter/

Giveaway

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Writing

THE LAST CAMPAIGN OF MARIANNE TAMBOUR BY DAVID EBSWORTH BOOK TOUR 13 – 24 APRIL 2015

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

ABOUT THE BOOK:

1815 – On the bloody fields of Waterloo, a battle-weary canteen mistress of Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard battalions must fight to free her daughter from all the perils that war will hurl against them – before this last campaign can kill them both.

“Superb! David Ebsworth has really brought these dramatic events to life. His description of the fighting is particularly vivid and compelling.” (Andrew W. Field, author of Waterloo: The French Perspective and its companion volume, Prelude to Waterloo: Quatre Bras)

A novel of action and intrigue based on the real-life exploits of two women who fought, in their own right, within Napoleon’s army.

Includes a Battlefield Tour Guide for those wanting to follow the route taken by the story’s main characters or to visit the sites of the 1815 Waterloo Campaign.

MY REVIEW

This is a complete departure from my normal reads and proved an interesting journey. We are drawn into the world of a fictional French battalion with canteen mistress Marianne, her partner Fronsac and daughter Florisette (Poppy). Marianne’s main need is to protect Poppy, the only surviving child of three, and somehow accumulate enough money to provide her with a new life away from the war. Then she meets Liberte or Hawk Face as she is known and saves her life whilst at the same time getting rid of a rival for her job who has been trying to kill her! The two women are in the war on the French side – Liberte is a Gentleman Trooper who has been decorated by Napoleon. Both have in their own ways experienced hardship in the army. This story is exceptionally well told with great care and description – a departure from other fictional novels about Waterloo as it is told from both a French and a female viewpoint. There is a depth that draws you in and makes you feel you are actually there, living alongside both women, in the midst of a brutal war. I think David Ebsworth has done a fantastic job; his meticulous research has produced a story that is both deep and detailed.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a complimentary copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David Ebsworth is the pen name of writer, Dave McCall, a former negotiator and Regional Secretary for Britain’s Transport & General Workers’ Union. He was born in Liverpool (UK) but has lived for the past thirty years in Wrexham, North Wales, with his wife, Ann. Following his retirement, Dave began to write seriously in 2009.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://twitter.com/EbsworthDavid

https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Ebsworth/372113212814491

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5780879.David_Ebsworth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aSgSB3dlT0

BUY LINKS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Last-Campaign-Marianne-Tambour/dp/1781323216

http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Campaign-Marianne-Tambour/dp/1781323216

http://www.silverwoodbooks.co.uk/product/9781781323212/the-last-campaign-of-marianne-tambour

https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/the-last-campaign-of-marianne-tambour

GIVEAWAY

2 COPIES OF THE BOOK

(UK WINNER PAPERBACK / INTERNATIONAL WINNER EBOOK)

For a chance to win a copy of The Last Campaign of Marianne Tambour click on the link below and register.

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Writing

THE CAR’S THE STAR

Posted on April 21, 2015April 21, 2015 by Jo Lambert - Author

Sorting through old photographs recently I came upon some of the cars we had owned over the years. My OH is particularly fond of his four wheeled friends. Not only does he love driving them, they are looked after like babies. When trading in on one occasion, the dealer told him the car was in better condition than when he had sold it to him. A tongue in cheek comment, of course, but it does indicate the TLC which each of these vehicles receives while in his possession.

When I first met him in 1981 he was driving a soft top Triumph Spitfire. Great for those Thelma and Louise moments, letting the wind whip through your hair as with accelerator to the floor you bomb along the open road. I’ll rewind that comment – great if you have long hair, not so good if like me, your hair is short, fine and difficult to manage. The sort of hair that involves a lot of work getting just right before you go out. The sort of hair that had me looking as if I had spent half an hour in a wind tunnel after even a short journey in this car.

When the next car change was due we both agreed it might be better to have something with a fixed roof. Bring on the Ford Fiesta XR2. Actually it was a Fiesta Sport, slightly different from the XR2 -please don’t ask me how as I have no idea! It was red and fast, the only downside being the sunroof was fixed. No manual wind back or electrics to open it completely – it had to be removed. No problems unless that unexpected shower of rain arrived. It was then a case of pulling over and slotting it back into place – very quickly.

Car changes in our house are every two years and the next purchase was a Ford Escort XR3i. This was a great car and XR3i’s were extremely popular in the 1980s when Ford could do no wrong and Audi and BMW did not have the broad market share in the UK they do today. He liked the car so much that two years on he replaced it with another, newer version. Sadly, however, this did not live up to its predecessor and left him rather disappointed.

By the late 1980s he left Ford and entered his Citreon phase. The Citreon AX was a small hot hatch and in the passenger door there was a slot for a wine bottle. This meant en route to friends for dinner the accompanying plonk could be stored safely – those French think of everything! The love affair with Citroen continued into the early 1990s with the purchase of the slightly larger ZX which became a favourite of both of ours – a lovely car to drive.

The Citroen dealership closed in 1993 and reopened selling Fiat. The ZX was traded in for a Fiat Punto. Even though we purchased the GT version I always felt this a bit of a lacklustre car, we both hated driving it and it only stayed with us for 12 months. It was replaced by its larger sister, a Fiat Brava – which made us revise our opinion of Fiats. A great car to drive. However the arrival of the Focus in 1998 found us back with Ford again.

After the Focus came a Saab 9000i and a BMW series 1. The latter, being rear wheel drive, made it almost impossible to get out of our hillside road when we had snow causing OH to spit feathers and declare he would never buy this model again. And then came something very special – the Alpha Romeo 147 -his ‘Italian Job’ and one he still talks about today and says he misses. It was a fabulous car both in looks and performance. A brown and silver Mini Clubman followed two years later – a great car apart from the strange little half door on the driver’s side to enable rear seat passengers to shoehorn themselves in and out of the car. Unfortunately even with the driver’s seat tilted and pushed forward, the gap was incredibly small.

And finally we come to the current love of his life – yes despite his declaration he would never buy another one, we have a BMW Series 1 which has been with us just over 18 months now. It’s is his first car with an automatic gearbox too, something he says he wishes he’d gone over to years ago as it makes driving a much more enjoyable experience.

For years OH had thought about building a car and I trekked around the UK to a lot of kit car shows with him as he tried to make his mind up exactly what his project would be. By the time we reached the mid-nineties, the thought of having to dispose of unwanted bits of donor car plus having the garage piled up with parts and a chassis pushed him into what he saw as a better alternative: buying an older car to restore. His first purchase was Ruby, a red Mini 30 bought from an octogenarian whose daughter felt he was no longer safe behind the wheel. I remember it having a resident spider complete with web in the back window and a new offside wing (badly sprayed) where he’d collided with something he couldn’t quite remember. Over the next few years an extraordinary amount of time and money was lavished on this car. Not only was it brought back to its ‘as new’ state but additions like cloth fold back sunroof and walnut dashboard were added. And then as with a lot of love affairs, the interest waned and he decided he wanted a new project. Ruby was sold on Christmas Eve 2012 to a young guy back in the UK on festive season holiday break from his job in Germany. I was sorry to see her go. Although I find the original Mini ride is a bit like driving with your backside on the road, this was such an iconic little car. Now, we’re back to another soft top – an MG Midget – which I’ve yet to belt myself into despite a pop up mesh wind shield being fitted. So will I take the plunge? Well after all the trouble and expense my OH has gone to for me it would be mean not to wouldn’t it? Watch this space!