A Christmas Surprise in Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen - #blogtour #bookreview

 

It was a glorious November morning in Pelican Crossing. Rachel Mason gazed out her kitchen window to where, in the distance, she could see tiny figures on the beach and surfers out in the ocean, her mind going to the message which had awakened her in the early hours...

***

The Blurb

Christmas is coming to Pelican Crossing, bringing with it a host of surprises.

Fifty-eight-year-old widow Rachel Mason thought she had her life all figured out – running her quaint Bed and Breakfast, spending time with her grandkids, and keeping her loyal West Highland Terrier by her side. But when her son announces a Christmas surprise, Rachel's world is turned upside down.

Luke Findlay, widowed, retired, and looking to check off items on his bucket list, suddenly finds himself back in his hometown of Pelican Crossing, where he is tasked with temporarily running the local vet clinic.

When the new vet turns out to be Rachel’s teenage crush, and her son’s Christmas surprise is very different from what she anticipated, her life becomes unexpectedly complicated. But then, Luke receives a surprise of his own.

As Rachel and Luke reconnect, sparks fly, and old feelings resurface. But with Luke's impending departure and Rachel's unforeseen responsibilities, can their newfound connection survive?

Fans of heartwarming romances will love this story of second chances and unexpected love.

My Review

This is a heartwarming book that is ideal for the Christmas season. 

I love a book which features characters of mature years. In this book, the narration switches between Rachel and Luke. Luke had been the boyfriend of Rachel's older sister when they were young and she had a huge crush on him. She hasn't given him much thought in the intervening decades but when he reappears in Pelican Crossing it becomes very evident to Rachel that the attraction is still there. When we read the chapters told from Luke's perspective, we quickly realise that their connection is mutual.

Who doesn't like a book with a second-time-around romance? This had everything that I wanted from a book of this genre. It is character led and I really felt as though I knew Rachel and Luke by the time I finished this book.

Set in Australia at Christmastime, I had to keep reminding myself that it was beach weather in Pelican Crossing. Let's be honest, in most Christmas books, it snows. Despite the fact that a white Christmas is very rare here in the UK, it always almost snows in books, and it does add a little magic to the story. So, it took me a little adjustment to imagine Christmas trees and turkeys but accompanied with swimming on the beach. I had to keep reminding myself that this was Australia! However, Christmas is Christmas wherever it is celebrated and it was lovely to read a book in a different setting.

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the setting, the characters and the plot. A second-time-around romance in a beautiful setting with a dog thrown in. This was absolutely my cup of tea and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre of book.

Book Details

ISBN: 979 8580544120

Publisher:  Independently published

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

About the Author:

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

A Little Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan - #bookreview #giveaway #blogtour

 

'Mum, come on.' Lara put her woollen-mittened hand in her mum's as they approached the school's main entrance.

'Welcome to Heatherwood. I'm Mrs Ralston. The assembly hall is this way.'

Lara led her mum down to the assembly hall where the Christmas fair was being held...

***

The Blurb

Can a sprinkle of magic heal broken hearts this Christmas?

With Jacob now at the helm at the cosy Sugar and Spice café, it’s the perfect opportunity for Christmas Spirit Lara to weave her magic.

Fraser is floundering in his new role as headteacher as he grapples with guilt over having to place his beloved mother in a care home, leaving him feeling lost and alone during what should be a joyful time. 

Meanwhile, school janitor Paul is torn between his desire to feel needed and the pressure from his wife to retire, dimming the season’s sparkle. 

Valerie, overwhelmed by the demands of newborn twins, feels she’s not giving her other daughter enough attention. She needs a bit of me time and for her husband to realise the responsibility for the kids falls to both of them.

And Bella, heartbroken after her husband’s shocking request for a separation just a year into their marriage, longs to escape the memories of last year’s perfect Christmas.

Can Lara help them rediscover joy, connection, and the true spirit of the season? 

A heartwarming journey filled with friendship, community, and a dash of holiday magic that promises to transform the lives of those in need of hope this Christmas.

My Review

If you are looking for the perfect Christmas read then you need look no further than this book. There is also a giveaway of a signed copy of the book at the bottom of this post.

I had not even realised that this was the third in the Christmas Spirit series until after I had finished reading this book. Needless to say, reading its predecessors is not necessary to your enjoyment of this book. Having said that, I enjoyed this one so much that I would like to go back and read both A Christmas Spirit and Return of the Christmas Spirit.

There was so much to love in this book. The characters, the plot and the setting all ooze with festiveness. The book is primarily based in a cafe called Sugar and Spice which is run by brother and sister, Jacob and Tabitha. It is the heart of the community and therefore, much of the story revolves around it. Indeed, it is every bit as important as the characters.

It was a quick and heartwarming book to read. I loved all of the characters, but Lara had to be my favourite. The daughter of single mum, Tabitha she is central to the story and also links us to her head teacher Fraser and to Bella, her teacher. 

It is such a warm and comforting book to read. I rarely give books of this genre five stars but this was well worthy of it. I found myself thinking of the characters when I was away from the book and had time permitted I would have gobbled it up in one sitting.

This is the first book I have read by Susan Buchanan. As well as the two books in the series which I have already mentioned, I would love to read more of her work too. I highly recommend this lovely book to read in the run up to Christmas. It would also make the perfect Christmas gift.

Book Details

ISBN: 978 1915589026

Formats:  e-book and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

Purchase Links

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Waterstones

About the Author

Susan Buchanan writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction, usually featuring travel, food, family, friendship and community.

Her books are Sign of the Times, The Dating Game, The Christmas Spirit, Return of the Christmas Spirit and Just One Day – Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. 

As a freelance developmental editor, copyeditor and proofreader, if she’s not reading, editing or writing, she’s thinking about it.  

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the Society of Authors and the Alliance of Independent Authors. 

She lives near Glasgow with her husband, two children and a crazy Labrador. 

When she’s not editing, writing, reading or caring for her two delightful cherubs, she likes going to the theatre, playing board games, watching quiz shows and eating out, and she has recently discovered a love of writing retreats.

You can also find Susan at:

https://susanbuchananauthor.com/

Twitter / X

Instagram

Blue Sky

Giveaway

(just click the giveaway link to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of A Little Christmas Spirit)

Giveaway to Win a Signed copy of The Christmas Spirit and bookmark (Open to UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK 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.

(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

The Beforelife of Eliza Valentine by Laura Pearson - #bookreview #blogtour

When my parents met for the first time, I was watching. They met at a party, in a garden, and my siblings and I were hovering nearby, unseen...

***

You’ve heard of the Afterlife. Welcome to the Beforelife.

There are four of us: Samuel, Lucy, Thomas, and me – Eliza.

We came into being the day Becca Valentine was born. We’ve been by her side ever since. What she doesn’t know yet, is that one day she might become our mother.

Then two men come into her life. Both seeking her heart. And then we realise: everything rests on Becca’s love story. Because one of the men is Lucy and Thomas’s father. And the other is mine and Samuel’s. And there’s simply no way we can all be born.

We all want her to make the right choice. We all want to be born. To hold her hand one day. To feel her stroke our hair. To call her our mother.

Then we discover there is something we can do. We can change Fate. But we only have a single chance each. How would you make sure you were born? And what if doing that isn’t what’s best for the person you already love the most in the world – your mother? 

***

This is such a sweet story, and I enjoyed it very much.

I have previously read Laura Pearson's book The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, which was an equally lovely read. That was a very different book to the one I am reviewing today but both brilliant in their own way.

I can honestly say that I have never read anything quite like this book. It has a uniqueness to it that made it all the more gripping for its novelty. It is the story of four unborn siblings as they observe their mother, Becca, from a different plane, from the time of her birth to the time of their own conception.

Eliza was the main character from this set of four, and the book is written from her perspective. However, we meet many other wonderfully drawn characters also. Becca and her dad were lovely characters. Also, the relationship between Eliza and her brother Samuel was beautifully written.

I was interested to read that the author wrote this based on a dream that she had many years ago, which I guess explains it uniqueness. It is to be applauded that the author could take her dream and turn it into a story that was both easy to read and engaging. 

The book has much to say about how the choices we make impact not only our own lives but the lives of others too. It is story of love, hope and sacrifice. It was heartwarming and left me with a lovely warm feeling inside.  It was a delight to read.

ISBN: 978 1836034452

Publisher:  Boldwood Books

Formats:  e-book, audio, hardback and paperback (currently available on Kindle Unlimited

No. of Pages:  288 (paperback)

About the Author:

Laura Pearson is the author of the #1 bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. She founded The Bookload on Facebook and has had several pieces published in the Guardian and the Telegraph.

(ARC and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(author photo courtesy of her website)

(all opinions are my own)

An Invitation to Seashell Bay by Bella Osborne - #BookReview #blogtour

'Mind the gap,' said the voice over the underground tannoy as more people squeezed into the already full carriage and Nancy felt like sausage meat being squeezed into the already full carriage. Today was a blooming big day for Nancy. Big didn't really cover it. It was more of a make-or-break kind of day. One of those pivotal points in life. What Nancy didn't know was whether it would be wall-to-wall celebrations or the day her life turned to absolute poo. It all hinged on whether her little fledgling business properly took off or nosedived into a puddle, but she wasn't going to let that stress her out. Whatever happened she wanted to look back on today and at least know she'd done everything she could to seal the deal.

***

One ambitious businesswoman.

One irresponsible heir. 

A deal that will turn both their lives upside down… 

To grow her craft business, Nancy is in desperate need of two things: help and money. So when a potential investor she’s looking to impress recommends an assistant, she jumps at the chance to secure both.

Freddy Astley-Davenport is a notorious playboy with zero work experience. He’s poised to inherit his family’s estate in sunny Seashell Bay – but only if he can hold down a job for six months first. His plan is to take the assistant role in name only, then do the least work he possibly can.

Nancy has other ideas, though, and the pair butt heads from day one. However, as they argue, sparks begin to fly, and they soon discover exactly why opposites attract…

An absolutely escapist, funny, feel-good summer romance. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

***

This is the first book by Bella Osborne that I have read, and I am certain that it will not be my last.

I really enjoyed reading this light-hearted and humourous romance. It captured my attention from the very first page and I was completely invested in the story.

Nancy and Alice are housemates and both of their stories are being told alongside one another. The main characters, Nancy and Freddy were a delight to read, and Alice's story added another dimension to the book. Ms. Osborne possesses a sound understanding of her characters and as such they are portrayed with realism and thus come alive on the page.

I appreciated the way it was not as predictable as some novels of this genre. I do not want to give anything away so suffice to say that what I anticipated happening at the beginning was not the case.

The book delivered a lot. It is a heart-warming story that was a delight to read, has a cute child and a dog and cat to add to the story. What more could I ask for from a novel? It was entertaining and a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book.

ISBN: 978 0008587970

Publisher:  Avon

Formats:  e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  384 (paperback)

Purchase Link - Bookshop.org*

About the Author:

Bella has been jotting down stories as far back as she can remember but decided that 2013 would be the year that she finished a full length novel. Since then she’s written nine best-selling romantic comedies, two best-selling bookclub reads and won the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year Award.

Bella's stories are about friendship, love and coping with what life throws at you. She lives in Warwickshire, UK with her husband, daughter and a cat who thinks she’s a dog. When not writing Bella is usually eating custard creams and planning holidays.

For more about Bella, visit her website at www.bellaosborne.com or follow her on social media.

Purchase Link - Bookshop.org *

(book and all info. courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)

(all opinions are my own)

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

Maybe It's About Time by Neil Boss - #Bookreview #Blogtour @WriteReadsTours @iamneilboss #maybeitsabouttime #neilboss

 

The concourse at Waterloo Station was rammed as Marcus Barlow emerged from the warm cocoon of the Underground like a pupating moth. Thousands of Monday evening commuters were awaiting their fate at the hands of South Western Trains. He took his AirPods out of their case. For years he had resisted, insisting they looked like hearing aids. Now they were as much a part of his uniform as his Cartier cufflinks and Ferragamo tie.

His smartphone came to life. A picture of his family taken the previous year on holiday in the Maldives. Four tanned bodies, squinting into the sun waist-deep in a turquoise ocean. A happy picture taken at a happy time...

***

Two people trapped in their different worlds. One by wealth and one by poverty. Twenty years working for The Firm has given Marcus Barlow everything he wants but has taken his soul in return. Finding a way to leave has become an obsession.

Claire Halford’s life hits rock bottom when she is caught stealing food from Tesco Express. Left alone by her husband with two small children and an STI, her suicide music is starting to play louder in her head.

A chance meeting brings them together. As a mystery virus from China starts to run riot across the country, their world’s collide and they find they have more in common than they knew.

Set in the early months of 2020, Maybe It’s About Time is a story about the difficulty of changing lives for the better. Starting as a funny and satirical view of the egocentric world of professional services, it gives way to a heart-warming story of an unlikely friendship that rejuvenates Marcus and Claire, giving them both hope for a better future.

***

There is something original about this book, and it kept me completely hooked. Set during the run up to, and during the pandemic lockdown it was so much more than a novel of 'unprecedented times'. 

There were some marvellous characters in this novel. The main characters, Marcus and Claire were both well drawn and utterly believable. However, the author does an equally good job with the secondary characters. I loved Mr Mahoney and Claire's other neighbours. Equally, Marcus' family were well portrayed.

I laughed at the way Marcus' colleagues were depicted as soulless human beings and it was a joy to see him come to understand his role within this. It was no surprise to discover that Mr. Boss has worked in the corporate sector and I suspect that much of himself is reflected in Marcus.

The novel is about self-evaluation, and questions what constitutes a family. It was also about friendship and how it can occur in the most unlikely of places and situations.

It is a fairly lengthy novel at just over 500 pages but it was worth every page and I flew through it. It was both heartwarming and funny whilst dealing with a serious subject. I did not anticipate the ending, and I cannot wait to read the sequel when it is published.

ISBN:  978 1803135038

Publisher:  Matador

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  552 (paperback)

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

About the Author:

Neil retired from a career in the corporate world in November 2019 with three objectives. To travel around the world and fly fish in the most exotic locations, to play his electric guitar better and to write a novel that he could be genuinely proud of. The pandemic and lockdown in March 2020 put his first two objectives on hold leaving him no option but to start writing. Two and half years later, Maybe It's About Time, his first novel, was published.

As a piece of work, he is incredibly proud of it. It makes him laugh and cry in equal measure. He is even more proud that readers seem to be enjoying it just as much and it is getting great reviews.

Travel and fly fishing has now started again, his guitar playing is improving and a sequel to Maybe It's About Time is planned to start in 2023!

Support Independent Bookshops - Buy from Bookshop.org *

*Disclosure: I only recommend books I would buy myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains an affiliate link from which I may earn a small commission.

(book provided courtesy of The Write Reads)

What Eden Did Next by Sheila O'Flanagan - #BookReview

Darling You,

I went to the beach before sunrise this morning and stood at the water's edge, allowing the softest of waves to break gently over my feet while I wriggled my toes deeper into the cool, damp sand. When a whisper of breeze kissed the back of my neck, I took a deep breath and stretched my arms as high as I could over my head before exhaling slowly and lowering my arms again.

It was a perfect moment.

And then, as the sun peeked over the horizon, I felt the ache of your absence and I wished you were at my side.

***

Five years after the death of her firefighter husband, Eden knows better than anyone that life can change in an instant. Now, instead of the future she had planned with Andy, she has Lila - the daughter he never got the chance to meet. And instead of Andy, she has his family.

Then Eden meets someone. Someone she knew before Andy, before Lila, before the tragedy. Someone who reminds her of how she used to be. But Andy's mother has other plans. And Eden is facing an impossible choice. One that could tear a family apart . . .

Honest and emotionally gripping, What Eden Did Next is an irresistible, sometimes heart-breaking, ultimately joyful, novel of love, loss - and finding your own way to happiness.

***

It has been about a decade since I last read a book by this author. I am not even sure which titles I read, and as this was before I began the blog or using Good Reads to record my thoughts on what I read, I have no way of checking. All I remember is that I enjoyed reading them.

So, it was lovely to reacquaint myself with Ms O'Flanagan's work. It did take me a little while to get into this book. Plot wise, nothing seemed to be happening. However, what the author was cleverly and carefully doing was laying out the thoughts and feelings of the main character, Eden, and I am so glad that I persevered with it as it is well worth reading.

It is very much a character driven novel and Eden was a delight to read about. She is caring and considerate of others despite having been widowed very young. Eden still chooses to see the best in people and in life in general. As a reader it was impossible not to become engrossed in her character and her circumstances.

Even though Eden is a rounded and well portrayed character, the author portrays the secondary characters with equal diligence and detail. I loved Elizabeth, who Eden is caring for, and Lila and Poppy were delightful children to read of.

Although this novel is about grief and how to move on, it is ultimately a heartwarming and uplifting story that gave me a little satisfied tingle as I read the final page. I absolutely will not be leaving it another decade before I read another book by this very talented author.

ISBN: 978 1472272676

Publisher: Headline Review

Format: e-book, audio and hardback

No. of Pages: 464 (hardback)

About the Author:

What Eden Did Next is Sheila O'Flanagan's 30th book to be published. When her debut novel, Dreaming of a Stranger, was first published twenty-five years ago, she never imagined that it was the beginning of such an amazing writing journey.

She was born in Dublin and has always lived there.