Saturday, October 26, 2024

BLOG TOUR - The Ice Sisters



DESCRIPTION:

Shock slammed into her as she spotted the two little girls lying on the cold hard ground, snow swirling round their fragile bodies. Twins with button noses and heart-shaped faces, their pretty green eyes closed forever…

As the snow falls and a bitter wind blows, Detective Ellie Reeves is devastated to discover the bodies of two little girls, alone and frozen on an icy lake, in the isolated town of Cold Mountain. The girls are holding hands, with matching bows in their blonde curls, and when Ellie realizes they are twin sisters, her heart breaks for their mother, who must be desperately wondering where her little darlings are.

But, back at the police station, she is horrified to discover that nobody has reported the sisters missing. Are their parents in danger too? When an abandoned car is found near the girls’ bodies, and Ellie learns that the female driver is in hospital, she prays that the injured woman will know something about the twins.

A DNA test shows that the woman in hospital is the twins’ mother Barbara, and Ellie rushes to interview her. But when Ellie arrives at the hospital she is faced with an empty bed. Barbara has fled and her house is abandoned too. As Ellie searches the family home, she is chilled to see there is no sign of any children. If Barbara is the twins’ mother, where are the toys and photos of her precious girls?

When another little girl disappears, Ellie knows that finding Barbara might well be the key to saving an innocent child. But who is Barbara running from? Or does she have something to hide? And with the clock ticking and a fearsome winter storm brewing, can Ellie find the truth before another innocent life is lost?

This pulse-pounding and utterly addictive crime thriller will have you staying up way past your bedtime and tearing through the pages! Perfect for fans of Melinda Leigh, Lisa Regan and Kendra Elliot.

BUY LINKS:


Title:   The Ice Sisters

Author:  Rita Herron
Series:  Detective Ellie Reeves #10
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:  404
Date of Publication:  October 25, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Detective Ellie Reeves’s mind is haunted by a single thought: two little girls need her. Tragically, these are twin girls who met untimely and brutal ends. Ellie, FBI Agent Derrick Fox, and Cord McLain, an expert with Search and Rescue, intensify their search for the girls’ killer. However, a disturbing fact sets them all on edge: no one has reported the girls missing. 

After an abandoned car is discovered near the girls’ bodies, Ellie wonders if the driver, now hospitalized, has any connection to the little girls. Perhaps Ellie, Derrick and Cord are getting closer to the truth. As tragic as this case is, they all realize that it extends far beyond the brutal and untimely deaths of the twin girls. 

To be fair, The Ice Sisters is not an easy read, as the subject matter remains heartbreaking throughout. However, I must say that Rita Herron crafted an intriguing story that evoked empathy for the little girls and other characters whose stories gradually unfolded. While this is the tenth book in the Detective Ellie Reeves series, it can be read as a standalone novel. However, if you’re like me, you might want to read the entire series in order. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn't think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn't have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she's penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

For more on Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter @ritaherron.

Social Media
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/rita-herron

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Friday, October 25, 2024

Review - The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove


Title:   The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove
Author:  Kim Nash
Series:  Cornish Cove #4
Publisher:  Boldwood Books
Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   293
Date of Publication:  October 28, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

Escape to the beautiful coast in this heartwarming romance

Dare to dream big…

When Nancy opened her dream bookshop overlooking the golden sands and shimmering waters of Driftwood Bay, she may have taken on a little too much. She might know all about books, but doesn’t know the first thing about business! She did however, want to do something meaningful with the inheritance money she got from her beloved Aunty Theresa.

When Dennis, visiting grandson of one of her dearest friends, offers to help, Nancy knows she can’t say no. Dennis is a high-flying businessman, with a fancy London job and a successful banking portfolio to prove it.

Trouble is, he makes the worst first impression. Nothing short of an insufferable know-it-all, Dennis takes every opportunity to remind her how out of her depth she is.

But Nancy knows her strengths, and just as much as she needs Dennis, he needs her too. There’s plenty she can teach him, and the more she shows off her world of Driftwood Bay, where the pace of life is slower and the morning sunrises are the most beautiful thing you can witness, perhaps they could become more than just business partners?

An utterly gorgeous romantic read set by the beautiful Cornish coast, perfect for fans of Phillipa Ashley and Heidi Swain.


MY THOUGHTS:
 
Although starting off in the red, Nancy has achieved her dream of opening her own bookshop. However, Nancy is more than a bit short of business acumen, so she has her work cut out for her. When a man named Dennis comes to Driftwood Bay, he sees Nancy’s struggles and offers her his business expertise. Since he is the grandson of one of her dear friends, Nancy agrees to accept his help. 

Even though Dennis can definitely offer Nancy the benefit of his experience, the two get off on the wrong foot, and definitely don’t see eye to eye. As they are seemingly opposites in every way, I loved the romance that bloomed between them. 

With the friction between Nancy and Dennis, this book could be a tense read at times, but it certainly made me smile more than once. I loved the story within a story and could not take my eyes off of the screen of my Kindle. I love how Kim Nash easily pulled me into the story. Equally wonderful and heartwarming, this is a book that I highly recommend. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, feel-good, romantic fiction.

She lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is Head of Publicity for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk
.
Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases. Your e-mail will not be shared with anyone else and you will only contacted about Kim's books.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel with Hera Books and came out in April 2019. Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published in September 2019. Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and will be published on June 4th 2020.

You can read Kim's Blog here: www.kimthebookworm.co.uk


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Tuesday, October 22, 2024

BLOG TOUR - One Last Prayer



DESCRIPTION:

She races home, her young son clasped tightly to her chest, glancing over her shoulder at every face she passes. She reaches the safety of her home, closing the door behind her. Little does she know the danger that awaits her inside…

When local vicar, Sally, packs away the brightly coloured toys and dog-eared books left over from a morning parent and toddler group, her heart pounds as she discovers a note left behind:

‘Help me.’

Sally knows the mother who sat in that spot. Rushing to Nell’s small house nearby, her feeling of dread grows. Her frantic knock goes unanswered. Inside, she hears Nell’s one-year-old son Alfie crying, but still Nell doesn’t come.

Running to the back of the house, Sally’s breath catches at the sight of Nell’s lifeless body laid out in the garden.

When police investigate the young mother’s tragic death, rumours start to spread. Some say Nell had enemies. Some say she wasn’t telling the truth about who she really was. And some say she was running from a dark past.

With reports of a mysterious figure seen watching Nell’s house, it’s clear whoever took her life is close by. And when a break-in at the church ends with a brutal attack on Sally, the vicar who found Nell’s body, it’s clear that this killer isn’t finished yet…

Fans of Angela Marsons, Cara Hunter and Clare Mackintosh will absolutely love this gripping new thriller from Carla Kovach. Addictive from the first page, and with a jaw-dropping twist, you won’t be able to put this down!



Title:   One Last Prayer
Author:  Carla Kovach 
Series:  Detective Gina Harte #16
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages:   369
Date of Publication:  October 16, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Sally, a local vicar, is straitening things up after a church service. Finding a note that says “Help me God” is truly jarring. She was just talking with a young mother named Nell and is sure it was Nell who left the desperate note. 

Sally rushes to Nell’s home, only to find her dead body with her infant son Alfie now left alone. Sally is now caring for him at the vicarage while Detective Gina Harte searches for both the killer and any other family that Alfie might have. As Gina digs more into the case, she begins to see a pattern, a pattern that just might reach into the past. 

As is usual for murder cases, things take a turn, leaving clues but bringing Gina and her partner Jacob no closer to finding the killer. All the while, Gina is secretly experiencing tight pains in her chest, but determinedly ignores them as she races to find the killer. 

What a compelling read! This thrilling book was utterly impossible to put down and as the conclusion reached a crescendo, an opening is left for the next book in the series, and definitely left me wanting. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Carla Kovach is a USA Today bestselling author from the UK and is published by Bookouture, Sphere and Boekerij. Her DI Gina Harte series has been translated into Dutch.

As well as novels, she has also written stage and screenplays.

Social Media

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BLOG TOUR - Her Deadly Rose


DESCRIPTION:

The girl’s lifeless body lies next to a scattered bouquet of crimson roses, the petals around her head like tiny pools of blood. Gripped in her hand is the note that came with the flowers, sent by someone who wanted her dead.

When champion figure skater Michaela Glover returns to her hometown of Woodbridge for a special performance, Detective Amanda Steele is part of the cheering crowds. But when Michaela is discovered dead in her dressing room after the show, Amanda is the first to investigate the shocking scene.

There is no sign of foul play, and the room is overflowing with flowers from Michaela’s adoring fans. But Amanda’s heart stops at the sight of a few roses tied with black ribbon and a note that reads “You’ll be sorry”. And when forensic tests reveal the ribbon was laced in something Michaela was deathly allergic to, Amanda is certain this is cold-blooded murder.

Desperate for a lead, Amanda dives into Michaela’s life to find out who could possibly want this sweet girl dead. She soon discovers that despite having a glittering future ahead of her, Michaela had a troubled past, and was surrounded by people jealous of her success.

When someone close to Michaela is discovered brutally murdered, Amanda is terrified there could be yet more innocent victims to follow. Can she uncover the twisted killer’s identity before they strike again?

A completely gripping crime thriller that will have you racing through the pages! Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Robert Dugoni and Rachel Caine.


BUY LINK: 


Title:   Her Deadly Rose
Author:   Carolyn Arnold
Series:   Detective Amanda Steele  #12
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:   Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   324
Date of Publication: October 18, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

Amanda has just enjoyed a night at an ice show with her daughter an and her friend. Sadly the night ended in tragedy. After the show, up-and-coming ice skater Michaela Glover was found dead in her dressing room by Amanda. Amanda and Michaela’s Aunt Patty had headed backstage so that Amanda’s daughter could meet the rising ice star.

Patty is devastated, and Amanda is numb. Another life lost. And a young life at that. The case begins slowly, gaining more and more traction, as Amanda and her partner Trent’s search for the killer reveals possible suspects for the murder. Meanwhile, there is more tension in this story than the case they are trying to solve. Amanda and Trent are working hard to push away the strong and undeniable attraction that is between them. They spend an insane amount of hours working together as they hunt down killers. More than that, things in Amanda’s home life just might be on shaky ground. 

What an intriguing, multi-layered story. I felt like I was riding alongside Amanda and Trent as they were vigorous in their search for the killer. Then, Amanda’s emotions throughout the story were raw and real, and it was impossible not to connect with her. Having read this series from the very beginning, drawing close to Amanda and the issues that she faces in her personal life most definitely makes me a compassionate reader. Admittedly, feeling so strongly for Amanda put a lump in my throat more than once - in this book, and in some of the other equally strong books in this series. 

I am eager to see where things go with Amanda going forward. She is a remarkable character with a strong sense of justice, all while never once losing her human side. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

Social Media
Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/carolyn-arnold 

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Monday, October 21, 2024

BLOG TOUR - Keepsakes from the Cottage on the Loch


DESCRIPTION:


Sitting at the edge of the loch, Tara clutches her heart-shaped pendant as the sunset turns the sky pink. The person who gave it to her once danced with her on the shore. But then he left for good. And now she can never share her secret…

Tara Ballantyne hasn’t been home to Loch Cameron since her childhood sweetheart and fiancé Ramsay Fraser suddenly broke her heart. She’s certain the secret she’s kept ever since is why he left without saying goodbye. But when her mother Dotty has a fall, Tara knows she must return to help her family with their guesthouse.

Dotty has never been able to understand why Tara left the village in the first place. And on an errand for her mother at the local farmer’s market after another row, Tara is stunned when she runs into Ramsay. His deep, achingly familiar voice sends butterflies spinning through her stomach as they make plans to catch up. Could now be the moment to tell him her secret?

Then Tara sees Ramsay holding the hand of a little girl with a crooked smile just like his. Even if Ramsay still holds on to the other half of Tara’s gold pendant, it looks like he’s moved on for good. And she still can’t confess what she did all those years ago…

But seeing Ramsay again makes her mother light up, and Tara realises Dotty has missed him too. And as she comes to understand her mother more than ever before, Tara wonders if she’s been running away for all the wrong reasons. Will Ramsay always be the one who got away? Or if Tara finally opens up, will she find happiness in the village?

Escape to the Scottish Highlands in this emotional, page-turning second chance romance by USA Today bestselling author Kennedy Kerr! Fans of Debbie Macomber, Rachel Hanna and Mary Alice Monroe will adore it.


BUY LINK:

https://geni.us/B0D54FW6SWsocial 


Title:  Keepsakes from the Cottage on the Loch
Author:  Kennedy Kerr
Series:  Loch Cameron Book #6
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Women’s Fiction; Romance 
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages: 246
Date of Publication:  October 15, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars 

MY THOUGHTS:

Tara has returned to her home in Loch Cameron as her mother is laid up after a fall. Tara will be taking over her mother’s duties at their hotel until her mother gets back on her feet. Going home won’t be easy for Tara as she is constantly reminded of her broken heart. Tara grew up with Ramsay Fraser and the two eventually fell in love with him. Sadly, Ramsay broke her heart and she still has not gotten over him.

Imagine Tara’s shock when she runs into Ramsay and finds that he has returned to Loch Cameron. Tara and Ramsay danced together for years and were really going far but everything suddenly stopped. Ramsay is eager to talk to Tara, but she has more than one strong reason for avoiding any chat with him, even though her heart breaks more and more. 

What a sweet story of a second chance romance. The path to the reconnection was not easy for Tara and Ramsay. I love the stories in this series, although each book can be read as standalone novels. However, for a good immersion into a sweet story, readers cannot go wrong with the previous books in the series. Loch Cameron and its residents have won a place in my heart and I look forward to revisiting the village through the pages of this series in the future.

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  

Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets. She has a very cuddly cat called Twinkle who spends her days sleeping: Kennedy aspires to having Twinkle's nap schedule one day.

Kennedy also loves cooking and baking all types of food, which is almost as much fun as eating it. Her favourite foods include (but are not limited to) Indian food, Victoria sponge, breakfast pastries with coffee and sushi. The only thing she's not particularly keen on is artichoke, and she'd eat it, anyway.

Author Social Media Links

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/kennedy-kerr

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Thursday, October 17, 2024

BLOG TOUR - Two Broken Girls



DESCRIPTION:

Sweat trickles down the girl’s spine as she dances around her bedroom. The curtains blow open and a gust of hot, humid air comes through the window. She has no idea she is being watched from the street below. The dainty chain around her neck will soon be his. Another keepsake. His second broken girl.

On the banks of the River Rothay, as the first rays of sunshine hit the fast-flowing water, Melody Carrick’s body lies lifeless, red strangulation marks where her gold cross necklace used to hang. Detective Morgan Brookes is certain the killer was surprised by early-morning dog walkers, and she won’t rest until she unearths the evidence she needs to stop his next attack.

But before Morgan has a chance to attend the post-mortem, seventeen-year-old Paige Evans rushes into the police station claiming her stepfather Alan kidnapped her best friend. He has an old wooden box full of jewellery that she believes are trophies. Morgan’s blood runs cold: Melody’s necklace is tangled up in the chains.

Morgan races to Alan’s home, but on the way, she spots a young woman stumbling out of a nearby forest. She’s not Paige’s missing friend. Disorientated, with ropes cutting into her wrists and tears running down her face, the girl claims to have been abducted and then suddenly set free. By a man who looks nothing like Alan.

Chasing the most twisted killer of her career, can Morgan discover the connection between these terrible crimes? With two girl's lives already in ruins, can she find the latest innocent victim this monster has hidden in time?

BUY LINK:

Title:   Two Broken Girls
Author: Helen Phifer
Series:  Detective Morgan Brookes #13
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Mystery & Thrillers
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   317
Date of Publication:  July 2, 2024
My Rating:   5 Stars

MY THOUGHTS:

DC Morgan Brookes is on the case in one of the fastest paced books that I have read in a long time. Tragically the body of a teen girl named Melody is discovered. As Morgan and her team search for answers, Morgan really feels for Melody’s mother. 

Shortly after, another teen enters the police station and is only willing to speak directly with Morgan. Has another girl gone missing, and what does this insistent teen know? To add to the strangeness of both the murder and the claim of another missing girl, Morgan literally runs into another victim, almost. However, Morgan must quickly ascertain whether or not she is the other teen girl that might be missing. 

There are some books impossible to put down and Two Broken Girls is just that book Although the serious case of the first body possibly being tied into the other recent crimes, this book offers more. There is a wonderful sense of camaraderie between Morgan and her team, and this gives this excellent 13th book in a remarkable series an extra touch. 

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Helen Phifer is the Bestselling writer of the hugely popular Annie Graham, Lucy Harwin, Beth Adams and her current series featuring Detective Constable Morgan Brooks published by the fabulous Bookouture.

She lives in the busy town of Barrow-in-Furness surrounded by miles of coastline and a short drive from the glorious English Lake District.

Helen loves reading books that scare the heck out of her and is eternally grateful to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, James Herbert and Graham Masterton for scaring her senseless in her teenage years. Unable to find enough scary stories she decided to write her own and her debut novel The Ghost House released in October 2013 became a #1 Global Bestseller.

She has written over twenty books in various genres and you can follow her over on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/helenphifer/

Or find her over at www.helenphifer.com


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