Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain

About the Book

Summer is in full swing when Daisy drives back into Wynmouth in her almost-clapped-out car, having left both her most recent job and the man her parents thought she was going to marry. Coming home could be just what she needs to move her life on.  

At Wynbrook Manor, things are in disarray. Owner Algy isn’t getting any younger, and Daisy’s mum Janet, housekeeper at the manor, spends her days running around after him, while Daisy’s dad Robin, the gardener, has been let down by the person he had lined up to take care of the new cut-flower garden.

As Daisy tries to find her place at Wynbrook and in the village, she’s drawn to summer visitor Josh. But when he turns out to be not the person he appears to be, will the spark between them fizzle out? And with it, the chances of this turning into the best summer ever?

Title:    Best Summer Ever

Author:   Heidi Swain

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 24th April 2025

Links: UK:   Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

Our Review

Daisy shows up at her parents house with her tail between her legs after the end of her relationship.

It doesn't take long before she fits back into acting like the awkward teen she was when last living at home with her parents. She finds herself sulking and feels unable to tell them why she split up with her ex especially as they seem to have already made their minds up that she's failed at something else in life. They can't seem to hide their disappointment in her and Daisy can't wait to leave again. 

She finds some respite when talking to Algy, the owner of Wynbrook Manor who employs both her mum and dad. They both had a very close relationship which was good for Daisy as he didn't judge her like her parents did. He is desperate to show her round his cut flower garden but that place holds bad memories for her so she refuses to go there. She finds herself a little job in the local pub but her timekeeping is not the best and she risks losing that on top of everything else.

When she meets Josh, a handsome American, things start looking up for her, and after a revealing and embarrassing encounter with him in a beach hut they begin to spend a little more time with each other. The community in Wynmouth makes it sound like a lovely place to live but Daisy's plans don't include hanging around especially not underneath her parents watchful eyes. But Algy desperately wants her to work with him and how could she turn down the chance to stay in the gorgeous little summer house in the grounds, I must admit I wanted to move into it myself.

Things seem to go well for a while until secrets are revealed which Daisy finds very unsettling. However I can guarantee that there is a very happy ending.

I loved the little beach cafe where Daisy helped out her friend and the sense of friendship in the community and the humility of Daisy's dad when we finally find out what happened in the flower garden. It was amazing to watch Daisy bloom when she eventually found her calling especially after a lifetime of not knowing where she fitted in. Daisy and Josh are like the missing pieces that bring this whole story together and bring a new lease of life to the Manor.

All in all this story was like a blooming ray of sunshine to warm your heart this summer.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction for Simon and Schuster. She releases two books a year (early summer and winter) and the stories all have a strong sense of community, family and friendship. She is currently writing books set in three locations - the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast, as well as summer standalone titles.

Heidi lives in beautiful west Norfolk. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside, collecting vintage paraphernalia and reading. Her tbr pile is always out of control!

Heidi loves to chat with her readers and you can get in touch via her website or on social media.

Follow the rest of Heidi's blog tour here...

Same Time Next Week by Milly Johnson

About the Book

Welcome to Spring Hill, home to a square of independent shops and cafes, a thriving local community and nearby the newest venture, Ray’s Diner. Here a group of women meet once a week over a cup of something warming. 

Amanda is primary carer to her elderly mother and one of the only women in a male-dominated company. Used to being second-best all her life, is this her time to finally break ranks and shine?

Sky works at the repair shop, patching up old teddy bears, and their owners’ hearts. But her heart beats for the one man who is strictly off-limits.

Mel has been a loyal and loving wife to Steve for thirty years. Then when he goes to his old school reunion, life as she knows it will never be the same again.

Erin is trying to get over a traumatic loss where her guilt weighs more than her grief. Can she find the first step to healing lies in sharing an hour with strangers once a week? 

Astrid is feeling in need of a change and a challenge. But when a fantastic opportunity presents itself, who is around to convince her she is worthy enough to take the risk? 

Can these women find the answers to their worries, acceptance, courage, support here? Join them at the same time next week to find out…

Title:  Same Time Next Week

Author:  Milly Johnson

Published By: Simon & Schuster 

Publication Date: 27th Feb 2025

Links:   UK:   Amazon   WHSmith: Hardback   Paperback  Waterstones  Hardback   Paperback

Our Review

Well first of all this book got me right away and had me crying just at the dedication because I know that Milly has really been through it lately and as usual she has poured her heart and soul into every word of this story. The emotions are so strong they're almost tangible.

Same Time Next Week follows five women who are brought together in a friendship group in the hunky Ray's Diner. They meet weekly and as they navigate their way through life, whether that be through the menopause, illness or having a cheating bastard husband, these characters are certainly put through the mill but they soon come to realise they are not alone and they find a strong friendship with each other but there are still plenty of people to hiss and boo at on their behalf.

Milly has a magical touch to creating characters and getting you to embrace and champion them right from the word go. It was brilliant to watch their layers peel away and get to the nitty gritty of what makes them tick and as each one manoeuvres their way through life's journey and overcomes their individual struggles you just want to cheer for them. The themes of the story were so unusual and interesting and I loved how the chapters moved forward with updates on each of the main characters as you were left on tenterhooks with each one.

I think we can safely say that everyone got absolutely what they deserved in this brilliant book and Milly's unique humour, insight into the human psyche and her ability to see the extraordinariness of seemingly ordinary, everyday people will have you laughing, crying and raging all in one chapter. 

Heart-breaking, emotional yet tremendously uplifting, Milly has woven her magic once again in between the pages of another compelling read.

Sincerely

Book Angel x 

About the Author

Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 22 novels, 4 short story ebooks, a book of poetry and a Quick Reads Novella ('The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe') and was an erstwhile leading copywriter for the greetings card industry. She is also a poet, a professional joke-writer, a newspaper columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker.

She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016, the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015, the Romantic Novelist Association Outstanding Achievement award in 2020, the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2021 and the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration to the County of Yorkshire in 2022.

She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire.

Her 22nd novel 'Same Time Next Week' out 27th Feb 2025 is about five women all negotiating big changes in their lives. Will coming together in a friendship group at the new Ray's Diner help them overcome what fate throws at them? Full of blueberry pie and cookies (don't blame me if you start craving them) 

Do check out Milly's website - it's easy to find if you search for her name. She has a monthly newsletter with insider info, competitions and even birthday celebrations.

Follow the rest of the tour here...

Simon & Schuster UK TeamBATC 2025 Showcase

 Wow what a fabulous day and I can't believe it's been ten years since I went to my first ever Books and the City Showcase and met my favourite author Milly Johnson, it was Heidi Swain's (another fave of mine) debut at the time and I'm lucky enough to have attended every single one since. 

L - R    Milly Johnson, Me and Linda Hill

The afternoon of the TeamBATC2025Showcase started with lunch with the fabulous Milly Johnson, did I mention she is my favourite author? and my lovely blogger friend Linda Hill, we chatted for hours and put the world to rights. Milly signed my copy of My One True North for me, it's very special as it has my quote in there which I'm thrilled about. She also very kindly gave us one of her Same Time Next Week planners and pens which we were thrilled with. Thanks Milly. xxx

We then strolled down to Simon & Schuster head office where there were a lovely group of bloggers waiting.

Then we were met by the fantastic hostess with the mostest Sara-Jade Virtue,

Brand Development Director at S&S who led us up to their offices. We had a snack table which included delicious Lola's Cupcakes and lots of prosecco and cocktails on offer too. 

I had a cosmo which was delish. It was lovely to mingle with blogger friends and I met Caden Armstrong, owner of Book Lovers Bookshop in Edinburgh which is the first bricks and mortar Romance bookshop in the UK.

Me with Caden Armstrong

There were lots of cheers as the eight fabulous authors came into the room. In order from left to right, Eva Verde, Julie Haworth, Kate Lord Brown, Laura Wood, Lizzie Huxley Jones, Lucy Vine, Milly Johnson and Sophie Loxton.

We were then treated to each author giving us a little pitch before reading from their books, from there we had a Q and A session with the authors and Molly Crawford who is Editorial Director at S&S. 

The books all sound absolutely amazing and there was lots of laughter in the room so I have a feeling they are going to be very entertaining.

We were then given the most fabulous goody bags and instructed to help ourselves to the book table as well which is a symphony to book lovers ears. 

The authors very kindly signed our books and it was lovely to get to speak to them, some who've been there a while and some new ones.

Then like Cinderella at the ball the clock strikes and alot of us have to leave to catch our trains, as ever the time goes far too quickly, I then walked to the station with fab bloggers Julie Boon and Dawn Crooks. Thank you so much to Sara-Jade who was presented with a gorgeous bouquet by Publishing Director, Clare Hey for all her hard work. 

Thanks also to all the Books and The City Team and all the fabulous authors and bloggers etc. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone again.

I unpacked my goody bag and just look at this sensational array of books. Can't wait to read them all.

For details and links of the above books please see below

Them Girls by Eva Verde 

   

       Bea's Book Wagon by Julie Haworth

 

   The Golden Hour by Kate Lord Brown

   Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood

   Reality Check by Lizzie Huxley Jones

   Book Boyfriend by Lucy Vine

   Same Time Next Week by Milly Johnson

   Wild About You by Sophie Loxton

If you would like to read my very first ever blog from the very first ever Team BATC Showcase then click here.

Love

Sincerely

Book Angel x

Wife Mother Liar by Sue Watson

About the Book

She’s perfect. Too perfect…

Wife: For twenty-five years, my husband and I have been the ideal couple. I’m shy, but he’s always been the life and soul of the party, a charmer, so I didn’t worry the first time I caught him a little too close to my best friend, Wendy.

Mother: Then our darling son says he’s taking Wendy’s daughter to prom, the girl I never trusted because she’s too much like her mother. As I snap photos of them, I have a smile plastered on my face, but inside my head I’m screaming at him to stay away from her.

Liar: As flashing lights slice the darkness around our home, my worst nightmare comes true with the shocking news that one of our children is dead. And I can tell my husband, my best friend are both lying about where they were. But none of their secrets compares to mine.

And nobody knows just how far I’d go to protect my family…

Title: Wife Mother Liar

Author: Sue Watson

Published By: Bookouture

Publication Day: 10th January 2025

Links: UK: Amazon

Our Review

 I managed to read this fast paced thriller in one day because I simply could not put it down. 

Jill and Wendy are next door neighbours and have been best friends for years along with their husbands Tim and Robert. 

When Jill’s son and Wendy’s daughter's friendship becomes a little closer they go to the prom together but tragedy strikes and only one of them returns. This sets off a catastrophic series of events when the mother of the dead child (I’m not saying which one because I don’t do spoilers,) is determined to find out exactly what happened as she doesn’t believe it was an accident. 

The bereaved mum invites the other to stay in a cottage for a weekend so they can retrace their children’s footsteps at the place where things began to go wrong and to get their friendship back on a firm footing, or so she says. Things get quite creepy around the cottage as the old landlord appears and makes them feel uncomfortable. The setting sounded absolutely amazing especially with the view of the stars. It was such a shame because the weekend could have been an amazing bonding experience but distrust kicked in and put an end to any hopes of that especially as one of the mums had an ulterior motive and was prepared to kill to get what she wanted.

However things don’t quite go to plan for the grieving and vengeful mother and as she eventually learns the truth she also unearths more secrets and lies. 

This page turning thriller will have your heart pounding as you race through the twists and turns of the story to get to the truth and you will not be disappointed.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Sue Watson was a journalist on national magazines and newspapers before becoming a TV producer with the BBC.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists.

Originally from Manchester, she now lives with her family in leafy Worcestershire where much of her day is spent writing and procrastinating. Her hobby is eating cake while watching diet and exercise programmes from the sofa, a skill she’s perfected after many years of practice.

Follow Sue on Twitter @suewatsonwriter and Instagram @suewatsonbooks.

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Sue Watson here: https://www.bookouture.com/sue-watson/

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

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