The Happiest Ever After by Milly Johnson

 

What if you could write your own perfect storyline...?

The heart-warming, feelgood novel from the much-loved Sunday Times bestselling author, Milly Johnson

Polly Potter is surviving, not thriving. She used to love her job – until her mentor died and her new boss decided to make her life hell. She used to love her partner Chris – until he cheated on her, and now she can’t forget. The only place where her life is working is on the pages of the novel she is writing – there she can create a feistier, bolder, more successful version of herself – as the ­fictional Sabrina Anderson.

But what if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you’d always dreamed of?

After a set of unforeseen circumstances, Polly ends up believing she really IS Sabrina, living at the heart of a noisy Italian family restaurant by the sea. Run by Teddy, the son of her new landlady Marielle, it’s a much-loved place, facing threat of closure as a rival restaurant moves in next door. Sabrina can’t remember her life as Polly, but she knows she is living a different life from the one she used to have.

But what if this new life could belong to her after all?

Title: The Happiest Ever After

Author: Milly Johnson

Published By: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 15th Feb 2024

Links: UK:   Amazon       US:   Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

                                                                         **********

Our Review 

Do you ever get that feeling where you think, I wish I'd thought of that? Well that was my first thought on hearing what Milly Johnson's brand new book, The Happiest Ever After was about. The concept is absolutely brilliant and especially as I now write books myself, I could really relate to it. Even when I read the first couple of lines I was struck by the unique quality of the writing. I honestly think that Milly's writing will be studied by her local university one day and I think she deserves to have a statue of herself in Barnsley where they must be so proud of her.

Polly Potter has a miserable life, her partner shows her no respect, he's cheated on her before and keeps dumping that workbag in the middle of the floor which was peeing me off alot and I could really feel for her there. Also although she is fantastic at her job, her boss is an idiot who takes credit for all her hard work. Talking of hard work, Her husband's sister is a real pushy pain as well who has chosen a horrible dress for her to wear as her bridesmaid. The only things keeping Polly's head above the water are her best mate at work, her partner's son Will whom she loves and her secret hobby. Polly sneaks off to evening classes to do her creative writing course and she's writing a novel. Her protagonist Sabrina is in control of her life and has everything that Polly has ever wanted.

When Polly can take it no more she leaves Chris, heads to the seaside, leaving no forwarding address but after an unfortunate incident she wakes up in hospital with no belongings and memory loss. The only thing she can remember is that her name is Sabrina. See what I mean about a brilliant concept?

Sabrina's world then opens up to a whole new community and she is taken in by a lovely lady called Marielle but due to something that happened in the past, some of Marielle's friends and family don't take to Sabrina. 

I loved Sabrina's journey especially the blank page that was her future that she was able to write for herself. It was heart-breaking as bits and pieces of her life came back to her including traumatic and devastating events and some of the confusion between Sabrina's past and Polly's meant that Sabrina had even more heartbreak to contend with when reality hit home and she had to grieve again.

One good thing about Sabrina's new life was meeting the gorgeous Italian Chef, Teddy who owned his own restaurant which served delectable meals. But when she begins to fall for him I was so hoping for a happy ending at that point but unfortunately everything is upended again when her ex comes looking for her.

This book has shot to the top of my fave Milly Johnson books, they're always jam packed with fantastic story within a story scenarios so there's never a chance to get bored when reading one. I loved Polly/ Sabrina and not sure when I last rooted for a heroine more. I so wanted her to have a happy ending and hers wasn't just happy but powerful too. Another exciting, heart-breaking, evocative masterpiece from Milly Johnson.

As if all this wasn't enough, I was absolutely blown away to see my name in the acknowledgements, of my favourite author. Can you believe that? Thanks so much Milly and please never give up writing.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 20 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 poem and 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 20th novel 'Together, Again' was published in paperback on 2nd March 2023 and is about three estranged sisters convening after the death of their mother in order to arrange her funeral. Freed from the shadow of the overbearing Eleanor Vamplew, the three women come to realise that they have more in common than they could ever have realised.

Milly's website is www.millyjohnson.co.uk. She is on Twitter as @millyjohnson, Instagram as @themillyjohnson, TikTok as @millyjohnsonauthor and has a Facebook page @MillyJohnsonAuthor. She also has a monthly newsletter www.millyjohnson.co.uk/newsletter with exclusive, news, offers and competitions.

Finding Family at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash

 

Family is everything…

For years, Gemma has been running her late mother’s café with devotion, and when an opportunity comes to buy out her next-door neighbour and expand, she jumps at the chance.

She knows she will do her mother proud – keep her legacy going strong – but deep down she knows there’s still something missing.

But sometimes family are those you choose, or those who choose you! With a growing community of supporters cheering Gemma on, will she really spend the rest of her life alone?

And with some new faces at her blossoming bistro, perhaps romance may also be on the cards?

Praise for the Cornish Cove series:

‘Romantic, lovely and moving, a book that left me with a heart full of hope and a face full of smiles.’ Milly Johnson, author of Together Again

‘I absolutely adored it! Hopeful and heartwarming… A 5-star romantic read.’ Sandy Barker, author of Match Me If You Can

'I LOVED it! Gorgeously written with characters you can't help but adore...' Holly Martin, author of The Holiday Cottage by the Sea

'What a sweet summery read and escape to a gorgeous community by the sea... An absolute reading treat.' Sue Moorcroft, author of An Italian Island Summer

Title: Finding Family at the Cornish Cove

Author: Kim Nash

Published By: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 3rd October 2023

Links:  UK: Amazon     US:   Amazon

Waterstones

Our Review

I have read all of Kim Nash’s books and loved every single one but I have to say that this one is my absolute favourite. Kim hasn't just found her writing voice, I would say she well and truly owns it and it's been an absolute pleasure to be a part of Kim's journey and watch her thrive as a writer and see her make her dreams come true.

This book is about Gemma whom I’ve met before in Kim’s previous book Hopeful Hearts at the Cornish Cove which you really should read because it features a lighthouse and another gorgeous couple. 

Gemma is renovating the cafe that she inherited from her late mum and whilst sorting out the building regs she has to allow a fireman in to do a check on the building. Jude (the sexy fireman) is extremely easy on the eye and has not long moved to the area with his teenage daughter Occy. 

Gemma takes a chance on Occy by offering her a job in the cafe and a wonderful relationship is formed. 

Gemma finds herself struggling emotionally when she finds something out about her sister which is particularly heartbreaking for her but she finds that her feelings are conflicted. 

I really loved watching the relationship unfold with Gemma and Occy and Gemma and Jude, swit swoo the hunky fireman. It was also lovely to see the effect that Gemma had on Occy and Jude’s relationship too because whilst they got on most of the time, sometimes they didn’t understand each other and Gemma helped to bridge that gap. 

After sorting through some complications from both Jude and Gemma’s past, including unearthing  secrets that affected both Gemma and her sister, I’m pleased to say there was a gorgeous happy ever after. 

What I found very enriching about this story was Gemma’s love for her late mum and how she was still able to find guidance from her throughout the story in sayings her mum had and in actions that she had done in their lives. I found this to be very close to my heart and it gave me all the feels. 

I can’t wait for Kim’s next book which I’m hoping is also based in Driftwood Bay. 

A multi dimensional love story filled with family, forgiveness and second chances, and did I mention a gorgeous fireman? 

Sincerely

Annette Hannah

About the Author

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. The Cornish Cove series is set in the fictional seaside village of Driftwood Bay in Cornwall and is published by Boldwood Books. 

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger. 

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, binge-watching box sets on the TV, and dreaming of living by the sea! She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

Follow the blog tour here...

Always By Your Side by Julie Haworth

WINNER OF THE ROMANTIC NOVELISTS' ASSOCIATION KATIE FFORDE DEBUT NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2023.

'A warm, romantic story about community, friendship and following your heart, Always By Your Side is a feel-good delight, I adored it!' HOLLY MARTIN

'Always By Your Side engages the reader from the very first page, and immerses you into the lives of Rose and her aunt, in the delightful setting of Blossom Heath. I loved it' PATRICIA SCANLAN

When school teacher Rose loses her dream job at a London primary school, her self-confidence takes a knock. Worse still, her stockbroker fiancé, Ollie, sees it as the perfect opportunity for her to join his firm, which only adds to the feelings Rose has that their relationship might be coming to an end.

 An unexpected phone call, and an elderly aunt who’s taken a fall, means Rose must drop everything – including Ollie - and return to Blossom Heath, the Sussex village she grew up in.

 With no job to rush home to, Rose decides to stay in Blossom Heath for the Summer, trading London for the idyllic countryside. Here Rose finds herself reconnecting to the village life of her childhood in more ways than one, including falling head-over-heels for local farmer, Jake.

So when her London life comes calling, Rose is faced with an impossible choice… to return to the high-pressure life of her past, or embrace the joy of a new life in the country.

​Bursting with romance and charm, Always By Your Side is the perfect uplifting Summer read for fans of The Switch and Rescue Me, from an exciting new voice in women’s fiction.

                                                                       ***

Title: Always By Your Side

Author: Julie Haworth

Published By: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 9th August 2022

Links:  UK:   Amazon     US:   Amazon 

Waterstones    WHSmith

Our Review

I loved the title of this book straight away as my auntie bought me a charm saying 'Always By Your Side' for my birthday. So when I read that it was a woman who goes to look after her auntie I knew that I had to read it. 

Rose Hargreaves is a much under valued teacher at a school in London. That is, she was until her horrible boss sacked her. Luckily that meant she was able to go to Blossom Heath, ( I just love that name) to look after her auntie Jean whilst she recuperated in hospital. 

Rose is soon embedded in to the heart of Blossom Heath, makes lots of friends and rescues a beautiful little dog called Scout, she even gets a temporary job in the local primary school.

Her fiancé Ollie is not happy with the move she’s made and Rose soon finds that she had an awful lot of decisions to make, especially after meeting handsome farmer Jake. 

This charming story really captured me early on and I was desperate to know what happens to Scout and whether she gets a happy ever after or should that be Yappy ever after. 

Blossom Heath sounds like a wonderful place to live with lots of lively characters and a couple of villains thrown in for good measure. It was lovely to see the community come together to help Rose when she needed it the most and there were definitely a few scary moments there where I wasn’t sure if things would work out. To my relief everything worked out just fine.

Heartwarming, cosy and just lovely. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Julie Haworth writes uplifting stories about friendship and community, bursting with romance and charm, from her home in the bustling city of Chelmsford, Essex. Her debut novel, Always By Your Side, is being published by Simon & Schuster in August 2022. Julie is still pinching herself that she’s realised her lifelong dream of becoming a published author!

When she’s not busy writing or running her copywriting business, Julie can mainly be found shopping, drinking ridiculous amounts of coffee and hanging out with her two rescue cats. Julie is also a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Society of Authors.

Julie loves to chat with her readers and you can find her on Twitter @jhaworthauthor or over on Instagram @juliehaworthauthor

Shooters by Julia Boggio

Stella Price is determined to become a successful wedding photographer, even if it means learning from Connor Knight, a wedding shooter with sexy rock star status and an ego to match.

Burned by an affair that ended her last career, Stella should know better than to get entangled with Connor during a residential course in a romantic French chateau. But while his arrogance turns her off, his talent turns her on.

Their clashes lead to a whirlwind of passion, but Stella struggles to frame a future with a man who’s come to distrust “happily ever afters” and hides a softer side behind his image. Can Stella learn from her past mistakes and teach Connor about real love before he disappears from the picture?

Author: Julia Boggio

Title:  Shooters

Publication Date: 11th March 2023

Published By: Home By Midnight

Links: UK:  Amazon          US: Amazon

Our Review

I absolutely loved this book, it was just laugh out loud funny, sassy and sexy.

Stella Price has had an awful time both in her professional and private life so she decides to embark on a Wedding photography course to learn from the very best, Connor Knight.

After turning up to one of his talks at a conference she realises that she must do this at whatever the cost but a series of events block her until thankfully she finally manages to get there and that's where the adventure begins as she heads to France. Connor notices her straight away and he challenges her to be the best she can be, along with some eccentric and interesting characters they have a blast on the course but when they get back other complications kick in to keep them apart. Stella realises she's fallen for him despite trying her best not to but he has other ideas and girlfriends it seems. Stella is just wonderfully flawed and very funny at times, the sort of person you would want to be friends with. Despite going through lots of ups and downs you can rest assured that there is more than one happy ending in this book.

Having seen Julia's impressive marketing campaign for Shooters I could see her fantastic sense of humour and personality really shine in this book as well as the knowledge of photography as Julia used to be a photographer. The writing is fast paced and mature which is very impressive for a debut novel. I look forward to reading the next book by this author which I believe is called Chasing the Light and you can pre-order your copy here.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Originally from New Jersey, Julia moved to London in her early twenties. She worked as an advertising copywriter until discovering her love of photography on a 6-month trip around South America. She started a wedding photography business which received some great PR when her own Dirty Dancing-themed wedding dance went viral on YouTube. She appeared on Richard & Judy and The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she danced with Patrick Swayze. In 2009 she opened a luxury portrait studio and has photographed everyone from the Queen to Queen, the band. After 15 years as a photographer, she returned to her first love: writing. Julia Boggio books focus on strong female characters with real, complicated lives, delivered with humour and feel-good factor. You can sign up for her newsletter at JuliaBoggio.com. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

The Beach Holiday by Isabelle Broom

A somebody. A nobody.

A love story waiting to be written . . .

All aspiring novelist Honor has ever wanted is to be successful. It's the only way she can impress the father who abandoned her, the boyfriend who gave up on her, and the nagging voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough.

Still, wanting to tell a story is not the same as having a story to tell, and Honor knows she needs to find a new source of inspiration.

When she's invited to spend a summer abroad in The Hamptons, Honor realises it could be the dream setting for a book, especially when a chance encounter provides her with the perfect leading man.

But blurring fact and fiction is a dangerous game, and Honor soon discovers that writing her way to success might come at the expense of her own happy ever after . . .

Title: The Beach Holiday

Author:  Isabelle Broom

Published By: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication Date: 22nd June 2023

Links:  

UK:  Amazon   US:  Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

Our Review

I have literally travelled the world with Isabelle Broom, well in a literary sense I have anyway as her books are set in such beautiful destinations all around the globe.

Despite loving all of them I think this was one of my favourites. I was excited to read this book from the moment I saw Isabelle was on a research trip in the Hamptons and she was in Montauk where the brilliant TV series The Affair was based.

Honor had a difficult relationship with her father made even more awkward because he was a famous action author and she an aspiring romance author. When she goes to visit him for the summer they go to the Hamptons and that is when her adventure begins. Her cycle ride is brought to an abrupt stop when she crashes into the extremely hunky Cellan who says he's a stunt man. The meeting with him inspires her to write although she daren't show her father because of his previous criticism.

As she and Cellan keep bumping into each other they develop a friendship which for various reasons isn't easy for either of them as they find it hard to trust people.

I loved all of the exploring of the beautiful area as Honor finds her way round and the fun days on the beach and in the hotel. They eventually discover that someone cant be trusted and I felt so sorry for Honor when the public find out who she is and make horrible comments online and she is accused of something extremely hurtful. It highlights the toxicity of social media and of someone trying to live their life out of the public eye.

This beautiful slow burn relationship was a delight to read about and I just loved everything about it. Isabelle Broom at her very best with this perfect summer read.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Isabelle Broom was born in Cambridge nine days before the 1980s began and studied Media Arts in London before a 12-year stint at heat, the UK"s top celebrity magazine. Always happiest when she's off on an adventure, Isabelle travels all over the world seeking out settings for her escapist fiction novels. Currently based in Suffolk, where she shares a home with two dogs and approximately 467 spiders, Isabelle fits her writing around a busy freelance career and tries her best not to be crushed to oblivion under her ever-growing pile of to-be-read books.

Find Isabelle on Twitter @Isabelle_Broom, Instagram @Isabelle_Broom_Author, Facebook/IsabelleBroomAuthor and on YouTube/IsabelleBroomAuthor, where she hosts a weekly author interview series called Hello (Again). To learn more about her books, view location galleries, read excerpts and sign up to her monthly newsletter, visit her website www.isabellebroom.com

The Book Lovers' Retreat by Heidi Swain

One long summer. One perfect setting. Can fiction inspire real life…?

Sometimes a book grabs you by the heart and grows to mean everything to you. That’s what Hope Falls is to friends Emily, Rachel and Tori. So, when they get the chance to spend a whole summer at the cottage in Lakeside where the film adaptation was located, they know it is going to be the holiday of a lifetime.
Spending six weeks away will give them a chance to re-evaluate their life choices. For Emily to decide which way her career will go – the safe route, or the more risky creative option? And for Rachel to decide whether to move in with her partner Jeremy. Then Tori has to drop out at the last moment, and her space is offered to another Hope Falls afficionado, Alex.
But when Alex turns out not to be who they expected, the holiday takes an unforeseen turn. And as the summer develops, so does their friendship. Could this be where they uncover their future selves, find love in all its forms and where their lives will change course forever…?

Title: The Book Lovers' Retreat

Author: Heidi Swain

Published By: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 13th April

Links: UK:  Amazon      US:  Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

Our Review 

Omg I cannot believe this is Heidi Swain’s 16th book especially as I met her when she’d just had the offer for her first book The Cherry Tree Cafe and those years have flown by. I’ve loved every single one of them so far but this one is by far my favourite and I just had goosebumps when I read the ending as it was so beautiful. 

 As soon as I heard the title of this book I knew I was going to love it and then when Heidi talked about the concept of it I simply adored it. 

The thought of being able to rent out a house that was in a film of a book is just amazing and brilliant and I can just imagine Hallmark wanting to bash Heidi’s front door down with film offers for this book. 

Em and her friends Rachel and Tori have had this holiday booked for years, they are all ardent fans of both the book Hope Falls and the movie based on it so when the time comes they are beyond excited. 

Up until Tori’s Dad puts a stop to their plans by not letting Tori go. 

Em and Rachel have to decide whether to cancel or choose someone from the waiting list of fans to share with them. 

The person they choose is not quite what they were expecting and their carefully arranged plans begin to fall apart. 

They eventually meet Connor, the handsome pub landlord and they all become great friends. 

As they reenact scenes from the book they become aware of their own failings and wishes and even though none of them quite believe in themselves enough they gain strength from the belief that their friends have in them. 

I don’t want to give too much away because spoilers but this book is so uplifting and gorgeous and you will not want to put it down. Em’s creative project is just genius and beautiful and I loved the way her creations helped bring about comfort. 

Watching the friendships withstand hardships and troubles and come out stronger than before was inspiring and watching the love story between two of the characters blossom and grow was gorgeous. 

Uplifting and emotional, a story of friends sticking together through thick and thin with a large helping of love and new beginnings. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x 

About the Author

Heidi Swain is a Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling author who writes feel good fiction with heart 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 different locations - the Fenland town of Wynbridge, Nightingale Square in Norwich and Wynmouth on the Norfolk coast.

Heidi lives in beautiful south 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 heidiswain.co.uk/ or Twitter @Heidi_Swain

Only Love Can Hurt Like This by Paige Toon

Neither of them expected to fall in love. But sometimes life has other plans.

When Wren realises her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover.

On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is still struggling to move on.

Wren hopes that spending the summer with her dad and step-family on their farm in Indiana will help her to heal. There, amid the cornfields and fireflies, she and Anders cross paths and their worlds are turned upside-down again.

But Wren doesn't know that Anders is harbouring a secret, and if he acts on any feelings he has for Wren it will have serious fall-out for everyone.

Walking away would hurt Wren more than she can imagine. But, knowing the truth, how can she possibly stay?

Title: Only Love Can Hurt Like This

Author: Paige Toon

Published By: Penguin

Publication Date: 27th April 2023

Links:   

UK:  Amazon      Waterstones     WHSmith

US:  Amazon   

Our Review

Now where do I begin to unravel the emotions I felt whilst reading this book.

Wren finds herself staying with her Dad and step mum and step sister in America after she goes through an upsetting break up with the man she loves. Whilst there she has to figure out the dynamics of her family and once again she feels as thought she's on the outside looking in and not quite sure where she belongs. She soon gets used to the simpler way of living and begins to form a strong bond with her sister which is different to the one she had before now that they're both grown up. On a night out they meet two brothers and Wren is fascinated with one of them in particular called Anders. Their paths cross multiple times and when Wren decides to renovate an old Airstream, ( I had to look this up and it's a shiny steel camper van,) she finds at her dad's house, Anders wants to help her.

The setting sounds idyllic, surrounded by peach groves and a lake to swim in, the writing was very atmospheric and I could almost smell the peaches and feel the dry dust in the air when the weather got hotter. The story flows at a leisurely pace with a real slow burn between the characters. 

Both Wren and Anders have had their hearts broken in different ways and they seem perfect for each other but guilt and heartache strive to keep them apart.

It's really hard to describe what happens without giving spoilers so I'll just say that I was floored by something which I really wasn't expecting and which I think tested the characters to their limits. The emotions run high and it seems impossible for them to escape the shackles that are holding one of them back. Its such a heart-breaking scenario which brings up all sorts of dilemmas.

Deeply emotive with a twist that will break even the hardest of hearts. I loved this book so much, easy to read and impossible to forget.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Hello! Thank you so much for visiting my author page. I write emotional love stories featuring flawed characters who sometimes find themselves in impossible situations. If you pick up one of my novels, I hope that you will experience every emotion along with my characters, from love, passion and grief, to heartache, happiness and hope. I certainly feel it all when I'm writing. I can't wait for you to discover my heart-breaking new novel, Only Love Can Hurt Like This, when it's released, but in the meantime, please check out my other books, and if you enjoy them and would like to drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram @PaigeToonAuthor. You can also sign up to my newsletter The Hidden Paige via paigetoon.com. Lots of love, Paige x

Together Again by Milly Johnson - Paperback release

Sisters Jolene, Marsha and Annis have convened at their beautiful family home, Fox House, following the death of their mother, the tricky Eleanor Vamplew. Born seven years apart, the women are more strangers than sisters.

Jolene, the eldest, is a successful romantic novelist who writes about beautiful relationships even though her own marriage to the handsome and charming Warren is complicated.

Marsha, the neglected middle child, has put all of her energy into her work, hoping money will plug the gap in her life left by the man who broke her young heart.

Annis is the renegade, who left home aged sixteen and never returned, not even for the death of their beloved father Julian. Until now.

So when the sisters discover that their mother has left everything to Annis in her will, it undermines everything they thought they knew. Can saying their final goodbyes to Eleanor bring them together again?

Together, Again is the story of truths uncovered and lies exposed, of secrets told – and kept. It is a novel about sister helping sister to heal from childhood scars and finding in each other support, forgiveness, courage and love.

Title: Together Again

Author: Milly Johnson

Published By: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 29th September 2022

Now out in Paperback 

Links:  UK:   

Amazon           

Waterstones

WHSmith

Our Review

I always start my reviews by saying that Milly Johnson is my favourite author so I will first of all reiterate that whilst I try and formulate the words to describe this fabulous book.

Together Again, the title got to me straight away when I first heard it as it holds a promise of an emotive read for me and it certainly lived up to those high expectations.

To put it simply I have fallen in love with three amazing women in this book; Jolene, Marsha and Annis have all been through so much in their childhoods and the repercussions have affected their lives in completely different but harmful ways. A line from the book struck me as they described themselves as three only children because their age differences meant that they had nothing in common with each other and by the time Annis had reached sixteen she had run away from home and only came back for her mother's funeral.

As they spend time in Fox house they get to know each other again and their relationship as sisters slowly begins to grow. The sisters could never quite figure out why their mother couldn't seem to love them but it helps them in a way to become closer to each other. 

This book is a cocktail of shattered dreams, painful secrets, heartbreak, revenge and new beginnings. It takes the reader on a journey through some dark places, interspersed with Milly's trademark humour, then gallops along at a frantic pace where you will be cheering our three heroines on as they reach the next stage of their lives. I loved the twists and tangles of all of their lives, including Sally the neighbour who had been the keeper of one of the devastating secrets. Milly Johnson is a whizz at skilfully weaving the intricacies of the story together. Although the story features very dark themes, this book left me feeling satisfied, uplifted and joyful and I'd love to find out what happens next for these wonderful characters.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 20 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 poem and 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 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 20th novel 'Together, Again' is published in hardback on 29th September and is about three estranged sisters convening after the death of their mother in order to arrange her funeral. Freed from the shadow of the overbearing Eleanor Vamplew, the three women come to realise that they have more in common than they could ever have realised.

Milly's website is www.millyjohnson.co.uk. She is on Twitter as @millyjohnson, Instagram as @themillyjohnson, TikTok as @millyjohnsonauthor and has a Facebook page @MillyJohnsonAuthor. She also has a monthly newsletter www.millyjohnson.co.uk/newsletter with exclusive, news, offers and competitions.

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

Seven Exes by Lucy Vine

Esther is out with her two friends, bemoaning her lack of relationship, when she finds a magazine from the noughties. Seeking comfort – and a laugh – she turns to the dating advice only to find an article that feels a little too close to home. According to the journalist, there are seven people a woman will date before finding the one:

The First Love, The Work Mistake, The Friend with Benefits, The Overlap, The Missed Chance, The Bastard and The Serious One. 

Her friends laugh but Esther realises each of her exes fits these roles perfectly. Deciding that she’s mistaken her true love in the reject pile she decides to contact each of her exes to find out which is the one that got away...

Title: Seven Exes

Author:  Lucy Vine 

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 25th May 2023

Links: 

UK:    Amazon    US:   Amazon

Waterstones

Our Review

As soon as I heard the concept of Seven Exes told by the author herself in the Books and the City 2023 showcase, I was hooked. So much so that I started reading my copy on the train journey home and it immediately pulled me in with its sheer joy and hilarity. 

Esther decides that she needs a man in her life to be fulfilled, she’s worked hard all of her life and feels it’s time to settle down. One night in her seedy local pub she reads a magazine article which described the seven kinds of relationships you normally have in life and that your true love is amongst them, you just have to revisit them to see if there’s something you missed. So Esther embarks on a plan to root out her seven exes and find her one true love. 

I absolutely loved Esther she is the funniest, most self deprecating and  flawed heroine. She gets herself into a few scrapes as she goes back to the previous men in her life and it doesn’t take long to figure out why some of them became her exes but some of them are lovely. 

My favourite part of the book is that while Esther discovers things about the exes she also discovers a lot about herself and I really felt for her whilst she went through a period of self hate when she realised that she hadn’t been all that nice a person sometimes. But I think it’s something we all go through especially as we grow up and look back at our younger selves, I’m sure we’ve all got those cringe moments if we dissect everything we’ve done in the past. 

The seven exes mission eventually takes its toll on Esther’s life as she becomes obsessed with it and other parts of her life suffer from neglect. 

I’m happy to say I got the ending I’d hoped for and I think the lesson I take away from this book is to forgive my younger self for any stupid decisions I made too as they all lead us to where we are now and make us into the person we are today. 

Esther learnt so much about herself which was such an uplifting part of the book. 

I can totally see this as a film like Bridget Jones crossed with a grown up version of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. 

Seven Exes is a breath of fresh air, hilarious, poignant and a total joy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Lucy Vine is a writer, editor and columnist. She's also the best selling author of Hot Mess (2017), What Fresh Hell (2018), Are We Nearly There Yet? (2019) and Bad Choices (2021)

@lecv

www.lucyvine.co.uk

Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove

 

Love is in the air and the festive season is just around the corner at the seaside town of Muddleford.

Nellie is happily settled in her gorgeous clifftop home. Her favourite evenings are those spent at her beach hut, cozying up under a blanket with her fiancé. There’s nothing quite like spending time together under the twinkly stars - complete with a delicious hot chocolate and her dog Norman sprawled on their feet.

But she can’t help feeling that there’s still something missing.

When Nellie meets Esme, a mysterious visitor to Muddleford, the pair of them come up with a plan to raise money for the local animal shelter, leading to the grand finale - a Christmas Ball.

But Esme’s keeping a secret about Nellie’s past that promises to throw her whole world upside down.

Will this be Nellie’s perfect Christmas for the first time in forever? Or will it turn into her worst nightmare – one that she’ll never forget?

Sometimes you have to go back to go forward.

A gorgeous festive read to curl up by the fireside with, for fans of Heidi Swain, Jessica Redland and Beth Moran.

Title: Snowflakes Over Muddleford Cove

Author:  Kim Nash

Links:  UK:  Amazon   US:  Amazon

Our Review

A beautiful Christmas story filled with love, family secrets and friends. What more could you ask for from a festive book?

I loved my return to Muddleford Cove which is an idyllic setting overlooking the sea. The beach hut sounds so cosy with spectacular views and is just the perfect romantic spot for Nellie to curl up with Jack as they watch the waves roll in and out. 

I loved the previous book in this series Moonlight over Muddleford Cove and it was so lovely to see the characters in the next stage of their lives. There were a lot of laugh out loud moments in this book mostly down to Nellie’s best friend Shivani who was just hilarious and the sort of best friend everyone should have. She has always got Nellie’s back but she also gives her a gentle push in the right direction when she needs to and cheers her up when Nellie is feeling low. 

There is so much that happens in this book which keeps your interest at all times especially when Nellie meets Esme and discovers her secrets. 

Nellie goes on a wonderful journey with lots of ups and downs when she has to revisit parts of her past that upset her a great deal but I’m happy to say that everything works out wonderfully in the end. 

Snowflakes, friends, families and lovers all make this the perfect read to cosy up with on a cold winters night. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Sign up to Kim's newsletter at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

Kim Nash is an author of uplifting, funny, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction and has wanted to write books since she was a little girl.

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Digital Publicity Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk.

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading, writing and binge-watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

Amazing Grace was her debut novel which came out in April 2019.

Escape to Giddywell Grange is Kim's second novel and was published in September 2019.

Sunshine and Second Chances is Kim's third novel and was published in June 2020.

Moonlight Over Muddleford Cove is her fourth book and was published in March 2021.

Connect with Kim on Social Media here:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimTheBookWorm/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/Kim_the_bookworm

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kimthebookworm