Friday, July 24, 2026

BLOG TOUR - The Greek Guesthouse

 


DESCRIPTION:

Dropping my suitcase at my feet, I stare up at the Greek guesthouse with its faded blue shutters, clambering purple bougainvillea and wrought-iron balconies spilling pink and red geraniums. I haven’t felt truly at home anywhere since I lost my sister. But maybe Eleni’s is different. I have a feeling that anything is possible here…

Annie always has a plan, always knows where her life is headed. But this summer, heartbroken after her sister’s death, she just feels untethered and alone. An invitation to stay at her old friend Kassia’s family guesthouse on the island of Crete comes at the perfect time – an excuse to get on a plane and leave her crumbling life behind for a few weeks.

Before she even finishes unpacking, Annie is wrapped up in the noisy warmth of Kassia’s chaotic, loving family. She soon finds herself cooking with Kassia’s mother, playing with the children under the orange trees… and meeting Kassia’s handsome brother-in-law Alexandros over dinner. Romance is the last thing on her mind, but the night she spends with him, swimming by moonlight and gazing at the stars in the lavender-scented air, heals something in her that she didn’t know was broken.

This was only supposed to be a temporary stay, but the longer Annie spends on Crete, the more she feels that this magical place might hold the key to her future. And as this life-changing summer draws to a close, can she leave her old plans behind her and find the courage to let her life make a map all of its own?

Fans of Kate Frost, Jenny Colgan and My Mamma Mia Summer will love this gorgeous novel about love, friendship and fresh starts in the Greek sunshine.


BUY LINK:



Title:  The Greek Guesthouse
Author:  Michelle Vernal
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Historical Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   246
Date of Publication:  July 20, 2026
My Rating:  5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS: 

After ending an engagement that was clearly going nowhere, Annie decides to completely upend her life and travel across the world to visit her old friend Kassia. When Kassia offers her a place to stay at her guesthouse on the beautiful Greek island of Crete, Annie is more than happy to accept. But will her visit last only a few days, a few weeks, or perhaps even indefinitely?

Kassia’s brother-in-law, Alexandros, soon gives Annie another reason to believe that coming to Crete was the perfect decision. Sparks immediately begin to fly between them, and Annie is surprised by the attraction she feels toward him. These feelings help Annie see that what began as a temporary stay could very well offer the promise of something so much more.

The Greek Guesthouse is a warm, engaging, and charming story about unexpected beginnings, taking chances, and discovering that sometimes the biggest changes in life can lead to the most wonderful possibilities. I really enjoyed this delightful escape to Crete!

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Vernal is a New Zealand author who writes stories that will take you onto the page with her characters and make you feel part of their lives. She writes with humour and warmth, and her readers describe her books as unputdownable, feel good and funny. Her writing has been likened to Maeve Binchy but with a modern-day vernacular. In 2015 she was shortlisted for the Love Stories Award. In 2020 she won the Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Award for Chick lit, and in 2021 was shortlisted for the Page Turner Book Awards.

 

Author social media: 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleVernal

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

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

Website: https://www.michellevernalbooks.com/

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/michelle-vernal

 

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Thursday, July 23, 2026

Review - The Story Keeper

Title:  The Story Keeper
Author:  Kelly Rimmer
Publisher:  MIRA
Genre:   Historical Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   352
Date of Publication:   July 21, 2026
My Rating:   5 Stars

First published July 30, 2025

DESCRIPTION:

In the aftermath of a tumultuous year, Fiona Winslow finds solace in the decaying grandeur of Wurimbirra, the rambling family estate she once called home. Intent on restoring it, she discovers the keys to more than just the dilapidated mansion—beneath the crumbling plaster and dust are secrets that have been buried for a generation.

When a curious book, The Midnight Estate, catches her attention in her late uncle’s library, Fiona is plunged into a tale that mirrors her own—a story of love, loss and betrayal. But as the lines between fiction and reality blur, Fiona must ask herself: Is the true mystery the one hidden within the walls of her ancestral home, or is it within the pages of a book that chose her as much as she chose it?

Told in a dual narrative and set against the Gothic backdrop of Wurimbirra, Kelly Rimmer, bestselling author of The Things We Cannot Say, weaves an intricate and compelling tale, inviting readers into the heart of a family’s deepest secrets with an absorbing book-within-a-book mystery.


MY THOUGHTS:

Fiona Winslow is reeling from the heartbreak of divorce when she returns home to Wurimbirra, Australia. She’s dismayed to find that the family estate, which has stood for generations, has fallen into disrepair. Fiona is a strong woman. So, instead of despairing, Fiona finds purpose. She decides she’s going to restore it and reclaim it as her home.


While making her way through her late uncle’s library, she stumbles on a mysterious box. It’s postmarked November 1999, sent from a UK publisher, and inside are twelve identical copies of a novel called The Midnight Estate by Charity Wilkie. As Fiona settles in to read, she’s flooded with warm memories of her aunt and uncle. Her uncle was an eccentric and popular author as well as a voracious reader who loved nothing more than gifting books to the people he cared about. But twelve copies of the same unfamiliar title? Fiona can’t help but wonder who they were really meant for.


This is where The Story Keeper really comes alive, unfolding as a gorgeous story-within-a-story. The novel Fiona is reading turns out to be steeped in family secrets, loss, betrayal, and a desperate search for truth. The deeper she gets, the more it starts to bleed into her own buried childhood memories, in ways that are honestly a little haunting.


Along with Fiona, I was completely swept up in the story of Maeve, a woman trapped in a devastating, abusive relationship. Her chapters really hit hard. This is a beautifully, hauntingly written gothic novel, and I could not put it down!


Many thanks to MIRA and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kelly Rimmer is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with 3 million books sold. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.

Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.


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BLOG TOUR - Murder at the Cathedral



DESCRIPTION:

The vaulted ceiling of Canterbury Cathedral has echoed many sounds over the centuries. But none more harrowing than the scream of ‘Murder!’ ringing out across the nave. 


Sarah Vane is enjoying a leisurely day in the small town of Merstairs when she spots her friend – and renowned artist – Simone Benz walking into the cathedral. Sarah follows her inside the ancient sanctuary. But she’s utterly shocked to find Simone’s lifeless body, propped against a stone wall in the cloisters, spattered with crimson from a fatal stab wound.


Sarah feels an aching sense of loss when she thinks about Simone, especially when she learns she may have been Simone’s only friend in town. A feud between Simone and her neighbour, a vindictive ex-husband and a set of mysterious initials in her diary set Sarah’s inquisitive mind racing.


But events take an even more harrowing turn when Sarah finds the dead body of the cathedral dean bathed in the reds and blues of the stained-glass windows in the nave. Will Sarah solve the mystery before the killer strikes again?


A brilliantly cozy and utterly gripping murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Clare Chase.


BUY LINK:



Title:   Murder at the Cathedral
Author:  Alice Castle
Series:  Sarah Vane Mysteries Book 6
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Cozy Mystery 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:  286
Date of Publication:  July 23, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

Sarah Vane is a retired doctor with an uncanny skill: finding dead bodies. Sadly, this time, the body belongs to her friend Simone.

Sarah and her friend Daphne are exploring the beautiful scenery in Merstairs when they see Simone hurrying into a cathedral. When they follow her inside, Sarah discovers Simone’s body propped up in the beautiful cathedral. Finding dead bodies isn’t the only thing Sarah is good at, though. She is also exceptional at solving murders, and she is determined to find Simone’s killer.

Things don’t go quite as smoothly for Sarah as she dons her amateur sleuth hat yet again. Simone was not well-liked. In fact, the sad truth is that Sarah may have been her only friend. A renowned artist, Simone had a reputation for being a truly vile woman. While Sarah may not be able to restore Simone’s reputation, the very least she can do is find her killer.

Murder at the Cathedral is another thoroughly enjoyable installment in the Sarah Vane Mysteries  series. Both Sarah and Daphne are delightful characters, and Sarah’s partner, Charles, and her adorable little dog, Hamish are wonderful additions to the series. With an engaging mystery, a steady pace, plenty of suspects, and just the right amount of twists and turns, this book kept me guessing and entertained from beginning to end. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to seeing what Sarah gets herself involved in next!

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion. 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Alice is an avid reader of crime fiction, her favourite stories are cozy crimes with a strong sense of place. When she couldn’t find a series about her beloved south London, she decided to write her own – and single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane was born. Alice also writes twisty psychological thrillers for HQ Digital under the name A.M. Castle.  The Perfect Widow was a top selling audiobook in 2019 and  The Invitation hit the top 50 on Amazon UK in 2021. Alice lives with her two children and two cats and, if she isn’t writing or reading a whodunit, she’ll be watching one on telly.

Author Social Media Links
Website:https://alicecastleauthor.com/
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/alice-castle

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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Review - Deadly Does It

Title:   Deadly Does It
Author:  Abbie Waxman
Publisher:  Berkley
Series:  Mann & Mason #2
Genre:   Romance; Women’s Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   384
Date of Publication:   July 21, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When Natasha Mason’s AA sponsor is in deadly danger, she turns to the cranky yet brilliant Julia Mann for help, in this exciting new mystery novel from the USA Todaybestselling author of One Death at a Time.

Mason, a Gen Z adrenaline junkie, and Mann, an ex-con, ex-actress, and lawyer turned sleuth, have already solved one murder together. United by their commitment to sarcasm and general disappointment with the human race, they now face a second crime that’s way too close to home. Alexa Rousso keeps having accidents, and no one but her thinks it’s a coincidence. Could her checkered past be coming back to get her? Mason and Mann’s investigation takes them to the Bay Area, to the Central Coast, and – of course – to the hippest spots in Los Angeles. Will the Berkeley boho vibe convert Mann from vintage couture? Will the wine snobs of Ojai drive Mason to drink (or to vinicide, which isn’t even a thing)? More importantly, will they solve the mystery before the murderer’s sights settle on the detectives themselves, or will this new challenge also be their last?

MY THOUGHTS:

Natasha Mason and her boss, Julia Mann, had been successful in solving a murder previously. Perhaps the opportunity is before them once again. Both Mason and Julia are smart, funny and sarcastic, each with a colorful past. Julia is an ex-con, ex-actress and lawyer, but is becoming a private investigator something that she’s truly meant to do? Meanwhile, there is Mason. She is much younger than Mann, yet shares many of her qualities. 

This time around Mason’s AA sponsor, Alexa Rousso, is in trouble. In fact, she is in danger. Mason asks Julia to help, but with this case hitting closer to home, they really have their work cut out for them. Is Alexa suddenly accident prone or is something far more sinister at play?

This series by Abbi Waxman is proving to quite enjoyable. I love Mason and Julia together, even when they see things differently. With excellent pacing, this story delivers wit and mystery while giving real weight to the struggles of alcoholism. 

Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Abbi Waxman was born in England in 1970, the oldest child of two copywriters who never should have been together in the first place. Once her father ran off to buy cigarettes and never came back, her mother began a successful career writing crime fiction. Naturally lazy and disinclined to dress up, Abbi went into advertising, working as a copywriter and then a creative director at various advertising agencies in London and New York. Eventually she quit advertising, had three kids and started writing books, mostly in order to get a moment’s peace.

Abbi lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three kids, three dogs, three cats, a gecko, a snake, five pigeons, four chickens, and two guinea pigs. Every one of these additions made sense at the time, it’s only in retrospect that it seems foolhardy.

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Monday, July 20, 2026

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW - Seeking the Truth

Title:  Seeking the Truth
Author:  Terri Reed
Publisher:  HarperCollins
Genre:   Inspirational Romantic Suspense
Format:  ALC
Narrator:  Tanya Eby
Length:  5 hrs 53 mins
No. of Pages:   219
Date of Publication:  July 21, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:

Her investigation could prove fatal…

By secretly investigating the New York City K-9 Command Unit chief’s murder, reporter Rachelle Clark puts a bull’s-eye on her back. Single dad and K-9 unit officer Carter Jameson thought Rachelle was reporting on police-field-dog trials—not his brother’s death. Though he’s not happy about her true purpose, the danger is real…and he and his trusty German shepherd must save her.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Rachelle Clark has been working on an investigation of her own. As a journalist with a local paper, she definitely has plenty to write about. Driven by ambition, she is bent on discovering who murdered former police chief Jordan Jameson. This becomes her primary focus and just might prove fatal for Rachelle, as she finds herself in the crosshairs of the killer. Threats and danger have come far too close for comfort.


K-9 officer Carter Jameson isn’t happy about Rachelle interfering in what he feels is the police’s job of continuing the investigation into his brother’s murder. He wants her to leave it to the police. Instead, Carter and his K-9 partner Frosty do their best to keep Rachelle safe.


What a lovely story. Carter is a single father to a delightful little girl, and the rest of the loving Jameson family adds a real emotional edge to this wonderful book. This heartwarming fifth installment in the True Blue K-9 series offers more than suspense. Tanya Eby’s captivating narration brings this beautiful story of faith, family, and love to life.


Many thanks to HarperCollins and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


 
Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd. 

For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases


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BLOG TOUR - The Other Patient



DESCRIPTION:

She has everything I’ve ever wanted. First, I’ll take her name. Then, I’ll steal her life… 

I turn my head and stare at the woman lying in the hospital bed next to mine. She has long brown hair, high cheekbones and dark eyes. She looks so much like me, we could easily be mistaken for one another. And that’s how we ended up here. I planned it.

Freya has the kind of life that most people would kill for – more money than she knows what to do with and the freedom to spend her days as she chooses. But I don’t think she deserves any of it.

I’ve spent months watching Freya as I clean her huge house and obey her every demand. She thought I was just her cleaner, but she underestimated me. I know her darkest secret – and I’m going to use it to get everything I want.

So while she was unconscious, I stole her name. She has no idea what I’m capable of. Or what I’m going to do next…

From the number one bestselling author Daniel Hurst, The Other Patient is an utterly addictive, nail-biting read packed full of twists that will make you gasp out loud and leave your jaw on the floor. Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, T M Logan and Lisa Jewell.


BUY LINK:

Title:  The Other Patient
Author:  Daniel Hurst
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Psychological Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   294
Date of Publication:   July 20, 2026
My Rating:   4 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Identity theft is a prevalent global issue, but in Daniel Hurst’s latest psychological thriller, it takes on a uniquely sinister form. Iris, a house cleaner who happens to be the literal doppelgänger of her wealthy employer, Freya, devises an intriguing and potentially lethal plan to steal Freya's life with the apparent intention of erasing Freya’s existence.

Before Iris can even put her scheme into motion, the two women are involved in a sudden car accident. This provides Iris with the perfect, twisted opportunity. With both women now hospitalized and Freya's severe injuries rendering her unable to speak for herself, Iris seamlessly convinces the medical staff and the police that she is the real Freya.

The Other Patient is yet another brilliant novel by Daniel Hurst. Filled with deep deception and breathless twists, the narrative keeps readers on their toes. Just when you think you finally have the plot figured out, a shocking curveball turns the entire story upside down, making it impossible to put down until the final page.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


His most popular titles include The Doctor’s Wife, which reached number one in the UK Kindle store in February 2023, The Couple’s Revenge, The Couple in the Cabin and The Perfect Nurse.

Daniel prides himself on writing fast-paced, twist-filled stories with jaw-dropping endings and he loves engaging with his readers.



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