Blog Tour: Jane Austen's Best Friend: The Life & Influence of Martha Lloyd by Zoe Wheddon

'All fans of Jane Austen everywhere believe themselves to be best friends with the beloved author and this book shines a light on what it meant to be exactly that. Jane Austen's Best Friend; The Life and Influence of Martha Lloyd offers a unique insight into Jane's private inner circle. Through this heart-warming examination of an important and often overlooked person in Jane's world, we uncover the life changing force of their friendship. Each chapter details the fascinating facts and friendship forming qualities that tied Jane and Martha together. Within these pages we will relive their shared interests, the hits and misses of their romantic love lives, their passion for shopping and fashion, their family histories, their lucky breaks and their girly chats. This book offers a behind the scenes tour of the shared lives of a fascinating pair and the chance to deepen our own bonds in ‘love and friendship' with them both.'

This story consists of 16 Chapters as well as an Intro, these chapters take the reader on a journey through time to Jane Austen's childhood and a friendship so pure that people will envy.  It tells the story of Jane and Martha's friendship right from the start of how they met. 

This book really explores the friendship in detail and is very well written. The book is very detailed and educational on how this friendship possibly affected the way that she wrote. It gives the reader a great insight into how different her writing would have been if she did not have this friendship.

Now let me tell you about the Author Zoe Wheddon. She is a native of Jane Austen's beloved county of Hampshire and lives in a village on the outskirts of the town that she and her husband Matt grew up in. They have three grown up children and a cat called Leia. She co-presents the popular podcast What Would Jane Do and writes articles and book reviews on matters relating to friendship, self- compassion and personal development on her blog. When she is not researching or writing her next book, Zoe can be found in the classroom teaching Spanish and French or singing ABBA songs loudly in her kitchen.

Overall this book was really enjoyable. Though I do have to give a warning that if you have not already worked your way through Jane Austen's collection than this book will leave you wanting to do exactly that. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to know more about Jane Austen. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley*

'First law of magnetism: opposite poles attract.Single mom Vivian has been burned by love once before, and her job as a divorce lawyer has presented enough evidence to convince her there are no good men left in New York City.The worst offender is her new neighbor: Dr. Lucas Keller, a couple’s therapist whose piercing blue eyes and flawless dark hair are just as annoying as his bad temper. But when Luke starts poaching Vivian’s clients by saving their marriages, she makes it her mission to force him out of the building to save her practice. But it’s Luke who gives her the perfect opportunity when he proposes an unexpected bet. With their offices at stake, Vivian and Luke play the field of love in a fierce battle of wits that quickly turns hot and personal, especially when Vivian’s daughter gets involved. Now, taking down Luke has become more than business for Vivian. It’s become a pleasure—and soon, Vivian and Luke will realize how pointless it is to fight the laws of attraction.'

This is the story of two very different people Vivian and Lucas, it is told over 31 Chapters. At the beginning of this story these two characters have no chemistry between them. There is something between them but it is not chemistry. This slowly changes throughout the book, and for the readers this is brilliant to read and watch their chemistry grow.  

Throughout all of Vivian and Lucas's interactions there are funny moments that will leave the reader laughing out loud. So as the title suggests Vivian and Lucas could not be more different. Vivian is a very serious divorce lawyer who likes sticking to a schedule. Whereas Lucas is dependable, interesting and a couple's counsellor. What could be more different when one person's work is to help couple's stay together and the others is to help couples end their marriage. 

Let's tell you a little bit about the Author Camilla Isley who is an engineer turned writer, who quit her job to follow her husband on an adventure abroad. She is a cat lover, coffee addict and shoe hoarder. Beside writing, she loves reading (duh), cooking, watching bad TV and going to movies - popcorn please. She is a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. Camilla is a keen traveller who knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and doesn't want to starve all those frog princes but could really live without them. 

Overall I completely enjoyed this book as it is completely addicting for readers. The ending to this story is completely brilliant. There is also a surprise at the end which readers will love. The way this surprise is done fits with the rest of the book. You can get your copy HERE.

There is also a giveaway attached to this blog tour where you can be in with the chance to win 3 ecopies of the Beach Reads box set. You can enter the giveaway HERE. Don't forget to read the Terms & Conditions: Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: The Duke's Runaway Bride by Jenni Fletcher*

 

'From shopkeeper…

To Duke’s wife

When Beatrix, Duchess of Howden, writes to her estranged husband offering a divorce, she’s stunned when he arrives on her doorstep with a different proposition: a six-week marriage trial! Quinton Roxbury seems cold and inscrutable, but Beatrix gradually realises his rough exterior hides a heavy burden. As their connection deepens, dare she trust him with her own scandalous past and risk the marriage she never knew she wanted?'

This is the story of Quinton and Beatrix, a pair that know what they want individually but what each of them wants does not exactly match up. The story is told over 26 Chapters including a Prologue and Epilogue. The Prologue is brilliant as it gets the reader intrigued right from the get go. It is also the third book in the 'Regency Belles of Bath' series. Check out my review of the second one HERE.

The book jumps straight into the story which is brilliant, as it keeps the reader gripped and wanting to find out what happens next. The book is easy to get stuck into and readers will find soon find themselves flying through the chapters. 

The two characters themselves could not be more different. Beatrix found a life in Bath and very much wants to keep her independence and freedom. Whereas Quinton wants to avoid any scandal. throughout the book there are some brilliant character interactions. Not only between Quinton and Beatrix but also between them and other characters. 

Now let me tell you a little bit about the Author Jenni Fletcher, who was born in Scotland but now lives in Yorkshire. She writes historical romance novels ranging from the Roman to late Victorian eras. While at Cambridge and Hull she studied English and has been nominated for 4RoNA awards. Winning for Short Romantic Fiction in 2020. Jenni teaches Creative Writing at a University in the North of England. Her favorite hobbies include baking and of course Reading.

Overall I completely fell in love with the story of Quinton and Beatrix. Everything in this book appeals to me as a reader.  If anything this book makes me want to read the first book even more. It also makes me want to see where the story goes next. The Epilogue on this book actually gives the reader a hint to who the next story is about. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley*

 

'One dog. Two strangers. An unfurgettable romance.

Wanted: someone nice, normal and trustworthy to housesit a beautiful cottage in the Lake District while the owner is away on a business trip. Must like dogs.

Wanting to escape from crap bosses and useless boyfriends, Becky jumps at the chance of the perfect escape – rest, relaxation and dog-sitting a very cute pooch called Bella!

But looking after Bella comes with a catch, namely gorgeous, brooding, Chris Hemsworth-worthy Ash James, who claims Bella is his dog and will stop at nothing to get her back!

Becky’s not about to hand over lovely Bella to any Tom, Dick or Ash.  She’s determined to watch every move Ash James makes…even if it gets her very hot under the collar.'

This is the story of Becky, Ash and Bella the dog, these three characters really give an readers a great story to dive into. Their story is told over 27 Chapters that will surely fly by. It is intriguing from the start. It gets the readers interested and curious about Becky's life and where this story is going to take her. 

The descriptions in this book are truly on point, they really go into so much detail that the reader is able to imagine the scenery. Not only that the descriptions somehow make the giggle worthy content even better. Now a warning these giggle worthy moments will make you the reader giggle out loud. There is no little giggle's in this book. 

Now let me tell you about the Author Zara Stoneley, who is the USA today bestselling author of the Wedding Date. She was born in a small village in the UK and wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs her dream of writing a bestseller came true.  She writes about dreams, friendships, love and happily ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little and occasionally say 'ahhh'. Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron. Zara's bestselling novels include 'The First Date', 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Overall this book is so easy to get involved in, to the point that this reader spent some time reading and didn't realize that they had read 22 Chapters in one sitting. This story keeps the readers on there toes wondering what Becky will do. Also this is a unique story in the way that this reader has never read a story like it.You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Blog Tour: What Now? by Shari Low*

 

'Twenty years ago, Carly Cooper went on an epic quest to track down all the men she’d ever loved and lost in the hope that one of them was her Mr Right.

Now, two decades and two teenage sons later, she thinks she might have got it all wrong.

As the years have passed, lots of things have changed, leaving Carly asking ‘What Now?’

With a divorce and an empty nest on the horizon, Carly sets off once more to Los Angeles with her band of trusty girlfriends, to find the carefree, wild and adventurous Carly Cooper that she used to be.

On this latest quest, Carly discovers a few home truths and has to decide If her marriage is worth saving or is there a new happy-ever-after out there, just waiting for her…'

So Carly Cooper is back and better than ever in this sequel to What If? (my review on that can be found here). This book is made up of 34 Chapters as well as a Prologue and an Epilogue. The Prologue (as well as the rest of the book) helps catch the reader up, so whether you have or haven't read the first one you can still read this one. Though I highly recommend reading the first one. 

From the absolute beginning of this story it is engaging and really draws readers in. Making them want to know how this story will progress. Like the previous book, this one also has songs attached to every chapter, meaning you have a built in playlist of songs to listen to when reading along. As the chapters pass readers will also get a look into the past as it is mentioned. These jumps in time are clearly labelled and it is clear to the reader when you are in the past and when you return to the present. 

One thing readers should be aware of because this did happen to me is that you will get caught in the 'one more chapter' lie to yourself. I certainly found myself saying 'one more chapter' before I went to bed. I stopped reading at around midnight having read 10+ chapters. Readers will be drawn into the story to the point that they won't notice time passing or the chapters changing. 

Now let me tell you a little bit more about the Author Shari Low, she is the #1 bestselling author of over 25 novels. This includes One day in Summer, My Month Marriage and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Shari currently lives near Glasgow. 

Overall I enjoyed this book immensely. I completely gobbled up Carly's story and the antics that she and her friends got up to. The ending is perfect, exactly what the reader will want and really wraps the whole book up with a pretty box. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

Blog Tour: The Viscount's Unconventional Lady by Virginia Heath*

 'The notorious Viscount And the most gossiped-about lady… After years as a diplomat in the Napoleonic wars, Lord Eastwood is reluctant to return to London society. His scandalous divorce has made him infamous, not to mention cantankerous! To halt the rumour mill, he should marry a quiet noblewoman – instead it’s bold, vibrant artist, Faith Brookes, who’s caught his attention. They are the least suitable match, so why is he like a moth to a flame…?'

This is the story of Faith Brookes and Lord Piers Eastwood, two characters who on the service may seem different but emotionally they are the same. Their story is told over 25 Chapters and is the first one within the brand new series called 'The Talk of the Beau Monde'. If this book is anything to go by then this will be a brilliant series. 

One thing to note when it comes to this book is that it is intriguing from the very first page. It will draw the reader in until they want nothing more than to find out how the story progresses. The chemistry between the two main characters is obvious to the reader as well as the characters themselves, though they may try to deny it. 

The detail included in this book leaves readers with little doubt that the Author has well researched this era. There is so much detail provided to the readers that they have a full grasp of the events that are going on.  

Faith as well as her sisters Hope and Charity are very unique characters. One aspires to be an artist, another a writer while the last one is a performer. The reader is provided with alot of information regarding the Brookes sisters, to the point that if you do not fall in love with Faith you are bound to fall in love with one of her sisters. 

Let me tell you a little bit about the Author Virginia Heath. When she was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she would make up stories in her to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories got more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace her insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

Overall this book is filled with giggle worthy moments, moments that will leave the reader smiling to themselves. That's not to say it didn't have those moments that leave the reader feeling all the emotions. The book leaves its audience wanting more and hoping that Faith's Sisters Hope and Charity get their own stories within this series. You cant get your copy HERE.

 There is also a giveaway attached where you have a chance to win 2 e-copies of The Viscount's Unconventional Lady. You can enter the Giveaway HERE. Don't forget to read the Terms & Conditions: Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Until Next Time

Emma

XX

 

Review: Art & Soul by Claire Huston*

 

'There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life…

Struggling single mother Becky Watson longs to revive her career as a life-fixer, working miracles to solve her clients’ problems, no matter how big or small. Since the birth of her two-year-old son she has been stuck preventing wedding fiascos for the richest and rudest residents of the Comptons, a charming, leafy area of southern England known for its artistic heritage.

So when semi-reclusive local artist Charlie Handren reluctantly hires Becky to fix his six-year creative slump, she’s delighted to set him up with a come-back exhibition and Rachel Stone, the woman of his dreams.

Though they get off to a rocky start, Becky and Charlie soon become close. But as the beautiful Rachel becomes Charlie’s muse, Becky is forced to wonder: will giving Charlie everything he wants mean giving up her own happily ever after?'

This is the story of Becky and Charlie, which is told over 53 Chapters. What interesting chapters they are. From the very beginning of this book readers will find themselves intrigued and interested. Not only by the characters but also by the things that are revealed later in the story. The readers may start with questions but throughout this book they will all be answered. 

This book is not just seperated by Chapters, but the author has also used the chapters to move the months on. Don’t worry though it is done in a way where the reader doesn’t feel like they have missed anything. 

Throughout the book the point of view switches between both Becky and Charlie meaning the reader is given a very full picture of what is going on, not only in the story but also the characters heads. As well as this the author also allows the reader to find out more about the more background characters and not just the basic information. 

The characters of Becky and Charlie themselves could not be more different. Becky is a single mum who is very organized, where Charlie is a bit of a mess. This story is well written, with chapters that vary in length. Some are quite long while others are short. This difference is brilliant for readers as the changing lengths mean that sometimes they fly through the chapters while others take a little longer. It is also full of moments that will leave readers laughing out loud. There are many mentions of cake, which will leave the readers wanting the recipes, well at least this reader wants the recipes.

Overall I loved the story. Something unique about this story is that the romance is more of a slow burn instead of an intense quick burn. This story was absolutely amazing and I am very happy that I did not miss this book. It can be described as a brilliant mix of love, art and cake!This feature is very refreshing for this reader. You can get your copy HERE

Until Next Time

Emma

xx