Thursday 31 October 2019





Devon and Hell : Four Seasons By The Sea by Karen Wheeler-Biography/Memoir

Karen  has bought a house in Devon and has been staying in a holiday let until contracts
can be exchanged. She then finds a worrying sign that there may be rats- one of her
major phobias and does everything she can to get out of the transaction but it is too late
and the house is hers. She refuses to stay in the house and whilst looking around for an
alternative, bearing in mind this is the few days before Christmas, luck strikes in the form
of a phone call from her brother who is flying back as he lives abroad. The news is that
their mother has been sectioned. A mother that never loved them and made their lives
rather difficult to say the least. I loved the line “ she is a black belt in verbal abuse” and
sympathised with many of the things Karen had experienced as a child. Despite this
Karen still wanted to right by her mother- something I admired. Meanwhile the house
needs work seemingly one thing after another, a court case is looming and not a word
has been written of her next book which her accountant is pressing her to do as the
finances won’t look after themselves. I really enjoyed this- a look at life with its ups
and downs, sorting out more trash than a dustman whilst being able to still smile
at the world even though wanting to scream and shout. A wonderful highly
enjoyable read with a smile.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

Devon and Hell Four Seasons by the Sea ‘If I could describe my reading experience it would be like the first time on a roller coaster,
expecting a dreamy idyllic ride but ending up emotionally charged and exhilarated’ [Review by Amazon Top 500 Reviewer Originalisa] Blurb One woman, one dog and a disastrous move to Devon. Throw in an estranged mother who has just
been diagnosed with dementia and the result is a brilliantly written comic memoir with more
ups and downs than the South West Coastal Path. This is not your usual tale of ‘I moved to a chocolate-box cottage by the sea and lived happily
ever after’. Instead, it is a powerful and gripping story of relocation – and a maternal
relationship – gone wrong. Ultimately this is an uplifting, feel-good story as Karen triumphs over adversity and finds new
peace following the death of her mother. Synopsis After eight years of living in France, Karen Wheeler returns to live by the seaside near Budleigh
Salterton on East Devon’s Jurassic Coast. Plum Tree Cottage, with its full set of cottagey
credentials – climbing roses, old Georgian floorboards and a dove-grey Aga – is a classic
case of love at first sight. But the disasters begin before she has even moved in. Wheeler is left reeling when Plum Tree Cottage reveals a very unwelcome surprise. She
then receives the shocking news that her mother – a cold and cruel woman from whom
she has been estranged for most of her life – has been sectioned. Living the dream by the sea rapidly descends into a living hell with each day bringing a new
onslaught of domestic and mother-related disasters. Convinced that her cottage is unlucky,
Wheeler consults Harsh Jain, a practitioner of vastu shastra – the Hindu equivalent of feng
shui. Back comes a report that would have most people not just moving their gas stove – which
Wheeler discovers is ideally placed for ‘burning up blessings’ – but sticking their head in it.
Harsh predicts that the cottage will bring a host of problems and ‘unwelcome surprises’.
The doom-laden report finishes by warning the author – who is planning to walk the
Jurassic Coast Path – to ‘Please be avoiding high places’. One by one, Harsh Jain’s predictions come true – in surprising detail. Wheeler is forced
to face up to the childhood she has long tried to ignore and is literally taken to a cliff
edge before the book’s end. But then, in a heartwarming twist, she makes a surprising
discovery that changes everything. Author Bio Karen Wheeler is a former journalist and national newspaper fashion editor who has
successfully published five comic travel memoirs about her life in France, starting with
Tout Sweet: Hanging up my High Heels for a New Life in France, which made it to #1 in
Amazon’s travel writing book chart. She wrote for the Financial Times for over fifteen years and is a former fashion editor of
the Mail on Sunday. She studied Modern History at Kings College, London University and
worked briefly at Sotheby's art auctioneers before embarking on a career in fashion journalism. During her career she has interviewed many of fashion's top names including Tom Ford, Karl
Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein. Her work has also appeared frequently in Vogue
Japan, You magazine, the Daily Mail and Sunday Times Style. Originally hailing from the north of England, Karen is one of the many ex-pats now returning
to the UK – as she points out the food is much better here. She has run holiday cottages,
knows the Farrow and Ball colour chart inside out, never turns down a glass of pink
champagne and lives near Budleigh Salterton in East Devon with her boyfriend and her
dog Biff. You can read more about her life at www.toutsweet.net – the blog she started while living
in rural France; and follow her on Twitter at @mimipompom1 Karen has great interview experience and is available to write feature pieces. Earlier this year the Daily Mail published a moving feature on her relationship with her
bipolar mother: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6676089/Writer-shares-
story-cruel-childhood-reluctant-deathbed-visit.html High quality selection of images available to illustrate her story. Contact her directly at Karenwheeler1@gmail.com Target Market Devon and Hell will appeal to fans of Eleanor Oliphant, as well as the armchair renovators who
enjoy watching Grand Designs, Homes by the Sea and Amazing Spaces and to the large number of Brits who are moving to the coast or
taking ‘staycations’ in the UK. Devon and Hell is set in Lympstone, an aspirational and newly
fashionable area of Devon, which was recently shortlisted in Penelope Keith’s C4 series,
Britain’s Best Villages: Village of the Year 2017 and recently saw the opening of Lympstone Manor, by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines. Book Format Information Devon and Hell: Four Seasons by the Sea is the omnibus version of a four-part series of mini
e-books, launched earlier this year as Dream Cottage: Four Seasons in Devon and released
in accordance with the seasons. All of the books were designated Amazon ‘Hot New
Releases’ and made it into the top five in travel writing. Devon and Hell: Four Seasons by the Sea will be released in e-book format on 28th October
2019, £9.99, by Sweet Pea Publishing. The print version will be published in October 2020. Full Review by Amazon Top 500 Reviewer Originalisa “Karen Wheeler has written a four-part series guaranteed to grip you to the end.
Reading this seizes the imagination, opens up a sense of wonder and excitement as this
powerful page-turner sucks you in big time. I felt all of my emotions were supercharged
in a way I never truly imagined when I first encountered this fabulously well written
book. If I could describe my reading experience as an analogy it would be like the first
time on a roller coaster, expecting a dreamy idyllic ride but ending up emotionally
charged and exhilarated. Bring on the next three parts!”




Desperate Ground - LJ Morris- Cover reveal 



Book Description:

When the secrecy of a nuclear weapon agreement is thrown into doubt, a disgraced intelligence operative is recruited to find out if the deal is still safe…
Ali Sinclair, wrongly convicted and on the run from a Mexican prison, is enlisted to infiltrate her old friend’s inner circle and find the evidence.
The only people on her side are an ex-Cold War spook and the former Royal Marine that was sent to find her. Together they discover that the stakes are much higher than anyone knew, and the fate of the world is at risk…
But when you live in the shadows who can you trust?  


Author Bio:


L J Morris is an author with a lifelong love of books and storytelling that he developed as a child. He spent most of the 80s and 90s serving in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer and now lives in Cumbria, with his family. He currently works within the defence industry and continues to write at every opportunity.
His short stories have appeared in several anthologies including Volumes 1 & 2 of Best-selling author Matt Hilton's anthology series ‘ACTION: Pulse Pounding Tales’.
Other anthologies he has appeared in include ‘Happily Never After’, ‘Wish You Weren’t Here’, and ‘Liminal Time, Liminal Space’ where one reader described his tale ‘True Colours’ as “Riveting and powerful
His first novel ‘Desperate Ground’ was published in May 2018 and attracted good reviews.
Social Media Links:




Wednesday 30 October 2019

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Christmas at Wynter house- Emily Harvale-Holiday Fiction **GIVEAWAY ****
Neva is spending Christmas with her family having left her flat and her best friend.
She is intending on starting her own business. The family of her parents, sister and
husband and daughter have taken a cottage in Wynstersleap. On her way down Neva
literally bumps into Adam Wynter who she takes an instant liking to. when she later
meets his brother Rafe her temper flies and she even blames him for the bad
weather! When the weather goes from bad to worse, the family have to decide
whether to stay or go and staying is the most likely and safest option until the
only place to go is Wynter house- the home of Adam and Rafe. Christmas spent
in a Dowton abbey setting is rather more than an education. Especially for an
eight year old who is fascinated with ghosts and zombies! I really enjoyed this
but did think that at time Neva was pushing things rather with her brusqueness.
An easy, uplifting seasonal story of life and love and how things can turn out
rather differently from how you ever expected them to be. One to leave you
with a smile and thoughts of mistletoe, log fires and that warm
Christmassy feeling. 
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog




Christmas at Wynter House
After a frosty welcome, things soon heat up at Wynter House.

Neva Grey is looking forward to spending a quiet Christmas with her family in the cosy cottage they’ve rented in the picture-postcard village of Wyntersleap. Nestled between rolling hills and a gently burbling river, it’s going to be idyllic.

Except it’s not. Torrential rain causes the river to burst its banks and the quaint little village isn’t quite so cosy with water lapping at the doors. Add to that a power cut and a sudden blizzard and Christmas is looking bleak ... until gorgeous Adam Wynter invites them all to Wynter House.

Although not everyone is happy to share the ancestral home. Adam’s elder brother, Rafe is less than pleased. Their grandmother, Olivia extends a grudging welcome. And for Carruthers, the oddly arrogant butler, unexpected guests are a Christmas surprise he could do without. Especially one as troublesome as Neva’s eight-year-old niece.

But something’s not quite right at Wynter House. What is Rafe intent on hiding behind the locked doors of the old barn? And what really happened to his first wife? It’s a good thing Neva has a sense of humour. She’s going to need it this Christmas at Wynter House.

This is book one in the Wyntersleap series but it can be read as a standalone. The Wyntersleap series is interlinked with the Merriment Bay series and several characters appear in both series.
Purchase Link - mybook.to/WynterHouse
Author Bio
Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers' group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA and the RWA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.
Social Media Links –  https://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalewriter
https://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale
https://www.instagram.com/emilyharvale

Giveaway to Win Christmas at Wynter House themed cushion (size 18 x 18 inches) a Wrendale Designs Christmas shopping pad and a Yankee Candle tealight holder and Winter Glow tealight (Open INT) (please note this is NOT organised by Nickis book blog)
*Terms and 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.
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Tuesday 29 October 2019


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BAD SEED by Jessica Eames -psychological thriller

Nicola was married to Charlie. When he died she had to move having found their
finances were not as healthy as she might have thought. She now lives in the annex
of the house of Charlie’s stepbrother Ben and his wife Fiona. Nicola has a daughter-
Sarah. When Nicola starts to get odd messages and it appears that someone has been
in her home she is rather spooked, even more so that they might know her secret-
something she has never told anyone but is to do with Charlie. As this progresses
she leaves a message for Sarah to come and see her as she feels at least that her
daughter ought to know the truth. She has been suffering from what she thought
was the beginning of the menopause and so when she appears pale and withdrawn
the others put it down to this until she collapses. Who knows the secret and can
Sarah find out the truth? A book that kept me turning and the grey matter active.
I thought I knew whom the perpetrator was and was wrong even though I
changed my mind! A well written, clever, interesting read. 
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog


Friday 25 October 2019



The Last Days Of Rabbit Hayes- Anna McPartlin-Literary fiction

Ok so I am late to the party for this one. So late I almost want to apologise to the host
and bring flowers. The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes is one of those titles that any bibliophile
knows and has probably read. My curiosity got the better of me and I bought the book.
I eased myself into the pages and was very soon inveigled into the life of the Hayes
family and their situation. I’m not giving a synopsis as a. most of you have read it and
b. there are enough reviews with it out there so this is just my thoughts on an iconic
read. I loved Rabbit and Molly and Davey and the rest. Each with their own strengths
and each with their own weaknesses which came out through Rabbit being where she
was. Oh to have had a mother like Molly! A strong determined woman with such a
sense of humour (even if she did say inappropriate things at times). A true classic, a
book to smile and shed a tear at. Not always at the obvious but at the love and
kindness of others at the perfect time. A hug in a book.

Thursday 24 October 2019


Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello by Daisy James- womens fiction
Izzy works as a designer however a short while ago she took a trip to Italy and fell in
love not only with the country. She loves Luca and is helping him run courses at Villa
Limoncello whilst he and some friends are renovating it. Luca seems a little distant
so she is not sure what is going on and he wopn;t be drawn on the matter. The course
gets underway for a choir who each morning are either cooking or crafting. Their
leader Nick is rather a bully and Izzy catches him having a go at several of the
members of the choir. When a plant pot falls rather close to Nick’s head she wonders
if someone has a different agenda. I learnt something from this book -apart from
having to keep looking up the wonderful baking goodies mentioned. There are
recipes at the back including how to make Lemoncello. Yum! I learnt  that I am a
locavore- someone who eats locally sourced food as much as possible. I really
enjoyed reading this. SOmething that little bit different. Of making the most of
your life, even through the difficulties that life may throw at us, to follow your
heart and most of all do what makes you happy which isn’t always what is
expected of us. Although the recipes and crafts are seasonal this is a book
that could be enjoyed any time of year. A wonderful uplifting read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

Christmas Secrets at Villa Limoncello Escape to Villa Limoncello… where dreams come true in the most unexpected ways. With Christmas around the corner, Izzie Jenkins is ready to kickstart the new ‘Snowflakes
and Christmas Cakes’ course at Villa Limoncello with chef and business partner, Luca Castelotti. However, secrets are stirring with their latest guests and when nasty accidents keep
befalling the group it looks like Izzie will have to turn detective once more to protect
the Villa’s fledgling reputation. On top of all this, Izzie’s been offered the job of a
lifetime – back home in Cornwall. Will she be coming home for Christmas, or will
Tuscany work its magic to keep her at Villa Limoncello with Luca? Purchase Links UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Secrets-Villa-Limoncello-feel-good-ebook/
dp/B07TKJ4NMX US - https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Secrets-Villa-Limoncello-feel-good-ebook/dp
/B07TKJ4NMX



Author Bio – Daisy James is a Yorkshire girl transplanted to the north east of England.
She loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. When not
scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends
her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with
friends over a glass of something pink and fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon
tea - china plates and teacups are a must. Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her
on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks or on Instagram @daisyjamesstories. Social Media Links – Facebook https://www.facebook.com/daisyjamesbooks/ Twitter @daisyjamesbooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisyjamesstories/





Tuesday 22 October 2019

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The Wife’s Revenge by Deirdre Palmer-suspense Thriller 
Fran works at a veterinary practice as  receptionist. Her husband Hector is self
employed and they have three children. She is receiving gifts from an unknown
person- a cake with a lot of chilli in and a huge basket of flowers along with a
mystery caller. There is no indication of whom they are from and Fran is mystified.
Tessa is married to Ben whom Fran had a very short fling with around two years
ago. Fran ended the relationship and regrets the whole thing. Ben was more
enamoured and said he was in love with Fran. They occasionally bump into each
other and Fran does her best to avoid Ben and any interaction. The chapters are
told mainly between the two women Fran and Tessa.Some of their children go to
school together and so their paths inevitably cross. This is one of those reads that
can put a chill through you. You know something is going to happen and even may
already have happened but not who and why. A cleverly told and thought out plot
with that air of mystery and characters that you take to- or not as the case may
be! (I’m not giving anything away!). A captivating, eerie read in a good way. 
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/

or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog

The Wife’s Revenge Sometimes the lie is safer than the truth. Fran made the biggest mistake of her life when she had an affair with Ben. Both families
live in the village of Oakheart; their children are friends. Fran’s guilt shadows her days.
But it’s no more than she deserves, or is it? At least she’s managed to protect her
husband, Hector, from the harsh truth. But for how long? Tessa has left her troubles in the past and now has the perfect life. Ben might have his
faults, but his life has not been easy. They need each other, and Tessa will do whatever
it takes to eliminate any threats to her marriage. Threats from women like Fran. A cliff overlooks a disused chalk-pit. The locals call it High Heaven. It’s a place of secrets.
And it’s where Oakheart newcomer Maria died. When Fran discovers a link between
Maria and Ben, disturbing questions arise to which she has no way of knowing the answers.  Faced with an ultimatum from Tessa, time is running out for Fran. She’s scared, every
minute of every day. But where does the real danger lie? Purchase Links US - https://www.amazon.com/Wifes-Revenge-Deirdre-Palmer-ebook/dp/B07X3KJ523/ UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wifes-Revenge-Deirdre-Palmer-ebook/dp/B07X3KJ523/


Author Bio – I live in Brighton with my husband and a tabby cat called Chester. After a career in public
sector admin, most recently at the University of Brighton, it was time to stop dreaming
about being a writer and actually do something about it! Fast forward to the present,
and now I’m both traditionally published and self-published, with five women’s fiction
novels under my own name, and five ‘cosy’ reads, writing as Zara Thorne. I’ve also
published a book of short stories, most of which were previously published in The
People’s Friend magazine. ‘The Wife’s Revenge’ is my first foray into the
psychological suspense genre. Social Media Links – http://deirdrepalmer.com/ https://www.facebook.com/deirdre.palmer.735 https://twitter.com/DLPalmer_Writer

The Note

The Note- Andrew Barrett- 5* A short story written in the first person by CSI Eddie Collins. Eddie is the sort of bloke who calls a s...