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A Holiday Romance In Ferry Lane Market by Nicola May

Jul25

Cover Reveal

A Holiday Romance in Ferry Lane Market

When soap actor Sabrina Swift loses her way due to a public scandal, she packs up her life, heads to Cornwall and randomly finds herself running a Christmas gift shop in the quaint and quirky Ferry Lane Market.

Changing her looks and identity to keep her anonymity, the newcomer starts to make friends and enemies as she walks a frosty path in the established community.

And as rumours start circling that the outside market is going to be shut down, Sabrina is not only ensconced in an unexpected love triangle but is also faced with a difficult decision that could alter both her life and those of the inhabitants of Hartmouth forever.

Charming characters and a beautifully written setting make for a delightful and uplifting tale that explores themes of self-discovery, belonging and the importance of following your heart.

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All Change At The Beach Hotel by Francesca Capaldi

Jul20

Stepping Up

All Change At The Beach Hotel by Francesca Capaldi is a comprehensive account of life at the beach hotel during World War I.

War removes so many men from their places of work. The women have to step into their shoes. They are all very competent and prove their worth.

We see the plight of an unmarried mother who believes she is alone in her shame. However, the women rally around her and see the baby as a gift and a blessing, as they offer their love and support.

The reader hears a little about life at the Front. My heart sank as the offensive at the Somme was mentioned as there was only one way that was going to end.

A character has broken free of the hold of her family over her. Jealousy and lies pull her back into the fold until the truth is laid bare.

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A Killing At Smugglers Cove by Michelle Salter

Jul12

Capturing The 20’s Atmosphere

A Killing At Smugglers Cove by Michelle Salter is an entertaining historical cosy crime novel. It is part of An Iris Woodmore Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action takes place in 1923 at Dawlish on the south Devon coast. The light-hearted tone is reminiscent of Miss Marple as the amateur super sleuthing kicks in.

World War I is over but still some secrets remain as people are forbidden to talk of wartime exploits due to the official secrets act. It does not stop Iris Woodmore trying to sniff out a story!

As remains are found in Smugglers Cove and then another body turns up, the residents wonder if they could be linked. The local police seem to be decidedly lacking in their investigations as Iris Woodmore decides to dig deeper.

The roaring twenties are in full swing. There is a gaiety at times as people try to put the war behind them.

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This Child Of Mine by Emma-Claire Wilson

Jul12

Incredibly Beautiful

This Child Of Mine by Emma-Claire Wilson is a simply beautiful contemporary tale that will tug at your heart. Tissues will be needed.

The story is told in the first person from the point of view of the leading lady. We can ‘feel’ her pain and her fears. We understand her tears.

Receiving the best and the worst of news on the same day, is enough to tear anyone apart. We see a rift appearing as a character decides to take control of the only thing she can – her choices. Life moves from ‘our’ to ‘my’, and as it does, journeys of isolation begin.

On our hardest days, we need not travel alone, as those who love us will journey beside us, if we let them. “Grief is a path best walked in company.” We can never take away the pain but we can hold hands and walk together.

There has been much loss in the lives of both leading characters. “We were falling apart, in separate places.” In our hurt and pain, we sometimes pull away. The hurt and pain that we are pushing down, never goes away, it is just hidden. Those who know us, offer tea, sympathy and “the I get it hugs and the it gets easier smiles” – except it doesn’t get easier, we just learn to cope – or not.

We witness a character drowning in guilt. Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.

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