Will one week in Greece change their lives for ever?

Chef Maria is running a successful cookery school in her home village of Petalidi, Greece – but she is also running from the secrets of her past.

Food journalist Kayla thought this was going to be just another work trip. But right before she leaves for Greece, she discovers that her whole life is built on a lie.

Jewellery-maker Alessandra has always lived according to her own rules – despite what it has cost her to do so. But she has just had some devastating news.

As these three very different women come together at the house in the olive grove, unlikely friendships blossom and a season of self-discovery begins. Will the sumptuous flavours, sapphire waters and golden sands of Greece give each of them the answers they so desperately seek?

The House in the Olive Grove

by Emma Cowell

My review

Having read and loved One Last Letter From Greece by Emma Cowell, I was very much looking forward to reading The House in the Olive Grove. I have not been disappointed as it is the most gorgeous read!

I have never been to Greece, but I felt like I was there as I read this book. Petalidi sounds like the most gorgeous place and the food sounds divine!

Maria is a lovely character. Imagine living somewhere so beautiful and running a successful cookery school from your home. Getting to cook and eat delicious food as a job sounds amazing. Tie that in with meeting new and interesting people. It really does sound like a dream come true. Her life isn’t without sadness and troubles though. I did really feel for her.

Maria’s most recent clients, Kayla and Allesandra, are both intriguing characters. Chalk and cheese would be an understatement! They don’t get off to the best start, but that is before they get to know more about each other. I loved how their friendship develops.

I enjoyed the relationship Maria shares with her sharp, straight talking, mother. I admire Maria for staying true to herself although I was hoping she’d find love as much as her mother was.

I loved Maria’s relationship with her bees too. I’d love a beehive in my garden.

All three ladies have their crosses to bare and there are some heart-wrenching scenes throughout this story. It’s heart-breaking at times, but so very heart-warming for the most part.

The House in the Olive Grove is a story of friendship, love, courage, acceptance, and hope. I LOVED it!

**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my review copy via NetGalley**

Available now

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading! 🙂

A new dark, twisty psychological suspense by bestselling author Caroline England, author of Betray Her and My Husband’s Lies.

Katy Henry is lost and lonely. A single mother, plagued by fatigue and anxiety, she rarely has time for friends. But when she encounters Sibeal Matthews, all this changes. Sibeal is everything that Katy is not: assured, headstrong and charming.

Katy soon finds herself pulled out of her isolation into a fierce friendship. But Sibeal is not all that she seems. Tragedy haunts her, and for all her feistiness, she is startlingly dependent on her brother, Gabriel. And when her life begins to spectacularly unravel, Katy is swept up in the storm.

As Katy fights to protect herself and her son, it’s not just Sibeal who threatens to endanger them – Katy’s own past starts to rupture. Who can Katy trust? Can she even trust herself?

Check this out!….

Watch this space for the forthcoming blog tour!

Available to pre-order now!

Biography:

CWA Dagger shortlisted Caroline England is known as the ‘Duchess of dark domestic noir’. Her psychological suspense thrillers are BENEATH THE SKIN, the top ten ebook bestseller MY HUSBAND’S LIES, BETRAY HER, TRUTH GAMES and THE SINNER. THE STRANGER BESIDE ME will be published on the 3rd August 2023.

Caroline also pens gothic-tinged psychological thrillers as CE Rose. Stand alone THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS was followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER’S EDGE, THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE and THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE.

Both CE and Caroline write multi-layered, dark and edgy ‘domestic suspense’ stories that delve into complicated relationships, secrets and the moral grey area. Drawing on her days as a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer, she loves to create ordinary, relatable characters who get caught up in extraordinary situations, pressures, dilemmas or crime. She admits to a slight obsession with the human psyche, what goes on behind closed doors and beneath people’s façades. She also enjoys performing a literary sleight of hand in her novels and hopefully surprising her readers!

Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazengland1/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cazengland1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-england-35888064/

AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B009UQC1YS

Happy reading! 🙂

Detective Sarah Noble investigates a dark case in the town of Slayton.

It began with the whispers. In the woods, in the park, and always at night. Then they came into town, down dark alleys, and in the shadows. Before long there was a knock on the door.

When the couple were found dead with their faces frozen in horror, the black-eyed children were nowhere to be seen. Until it happened again.

Detective Sarah Noble will need all her intuition – and some help from young Elliott Carter – to crack a case where nothing is as it seems.

The Night Whispers (A Slayton Thriller Book 2)

by Caroline Mitchell 

My review

It was great to be able to dive straight into The Night Whispers after reading and thoroughly enjoying book one in this series, The Midnight Man. This series and Sarah Noble are fast becoming another one of my favourites.

There is an unusual case to solve in this book. A disturbing and seemingly motiveless murder which looks like it may be connected to an unsolved case from some years before. How though!? Sarah and the team certainly have their work cut out with this one.

This is another fast-paced read. Creepy, mysterious, tense, and full of suspense. Ticks all the boxes for me! I can’t wait to read book three.

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading! 🙂

Best friends…

Until one night changes it all!

In this Billionaires for the Rose Sisters story, top criminal defence lawyer Brendan is used to getting everything he wants. The only thing he can’t have…? Best friend Hannah Rose. Until one night forbidden passions are unexpectedly ignited and the barriers they put in place years ago are impulsively put aside. Now, determined to recover their friendship, Brendan tries to forget about their spontaneous encounter—until Hannah reveals it had consequences…

Consequence Of Their Forbidden Night (Billionaires for the Rose Sisters, Book 2)

by Rachael Stewart 

My review

I make no secret of the fact that I LOVE Rachael Stewart’s books. I knew I was going to love Consequence of Their Forbidden Night and I wasn’t wrong.

I read and loved book one of the Billionaires for the Rose Sisters series, Billionaire’s Island Temptation, recently so I couldn’t wait to read Hannah’s story. And, what a beautiful story it is! Even though I did want to knock some sense into her at times. Brendan too occasionally, although their reluctance to let their guards down is understandable given the circumstances.

There’s not much I can say about this book without spoiling it for those who haven’t read it yet, other than to say that it is a gorgeous story of friendship and love with stunning characters. The chemistry between two of them is off the chart. Two words, kitchen counter! (WOW!) What more can I say!? Treat yourself, you won’t regret it!

**Many thanks to the lovely Rachael Stewart for my review copy**

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading! 🙂

‘I remember the day I died quite clearly.’

Blackhall Manor has witnessed many dark crimes, long before five teenage girls break in to play the Midnight Game. It was supposed to be a game, but only four girls come home.

Detective Sarah Noble has just returned to the force, and no one knows more about Blackhall Manor than her. Except perhaps Elliott Carter, who is only seven but has seen things in his dreams most adults could never imagine.

It’s a case that will bring them together and shake Sarah to her core. Will she be ready to meet the Midnight Man?

The Midnight Man (A Slayton Thriller Book 1)

by Caroline Mitchell 

My review

After adding The Bone House to my NetGalley list I realised it was book three in the Slayton Thriller series, so I had to bump books one and two to the top of my reading list. I’m so glad I did!

The Midnight Man is a brilliant read. A cracking start to a new series!

Detective Sarah Noble has returned to work following an obviously traumatic ordeal which we don’t learn about straight away. She’s restricted to light duties and her colleagues, overall, could never be accused of offering her a warm welcome back to the team. This intrigued me immediately.

There’s no time to settle in before a case forces Sarah to confront her past.

I can sort of understand the fascination of a game in a creepy old house to teenagers, although I would have been too much a chicken at that age to take part in anything of the sort. I know how powerful peer pressure can be though. Unfortunately for the teenagers of Slayton, The Midnight Game proved to be far more dangerous than they could ever have imagined.

This book had my attention from the very first page and held it to the end. It’s a fast paced, creepy thriller, full of suspense, and intriguing characters whose stories I was eager to learn.

I warmed to Sarah immediately and I look forward to seeing where her story takes her next. I already have The Night Whispers downloaded.

Treat yourself

Happy reading! 🙂

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature.

On the first Friday of each month I like to look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.

Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts!

Big thanks to those who join in regularly 🙂

Here are my reviews from May 2022 + a link to previous May FBFs….

Have you read any of the above?

Yet More Adventures of Poppy and Amelia

by Maddy Harrisis and Misha Herwin 

Poppy and Amelia have six whole weeks of the summer holidays to spend with their friends. Or that is the plan. But nothing works out as expected. Even before the bell rings on the last day of term things start to go wrong.
Why isn’t their magic working? Why isn’t Will talking to Poppy? Is someone, or something blocking their spells?
For answers the two apprentice witches have to face hungry vampires, battle an evil witch and uncover the darkest of family secrets.

OUT NOW!

All profits from sales of “Yet More Adventures of Poppy and Amelia” will go to Leukaemia Research and here is why…. Posy Miller, Misha’s daughter and Maddy’s aunt, died of the disease aged 31. Treatment has come a long way since early 2000 but they want to do anything they can to raise money for research so that one day a cure can be found.

I’m sure you’ll all agree that this is a more than worthy cause.

Please share this post to help spread the word!

Hopefully, everyone who sees it will buy a copy (or a few!).

They make excellent gifts!

New to the series? Don’t forget to check out books one and two….

The Awesome Adventures of Poppy and Amelia

Further Adventures of Poppy and Amelia

**As with book three, all profits go to Leukaemia Research**

***Bowen’s Book Publicity is promoting this book free of charge***

A country in the shadow of war. A love that burns through the decades…

Mia Ferris’s heart has always belonged in Spain. Every childhood summer was spent at her grandfather’s hacienda, riding together amongst the olive trees or listening to his stories of the past. So when she learns that he has fallen from his horse, she knows that she belongs by his bedside – even if it means leaving behind her life in London, and her new fiancé.

But as Leonardo fights for his life, and Mia to save the family home from financial ruin, secrets begin to emerge that tell a different story of the past – a terrible history that begins with a boy running for his life over the Andalusian hills, and ends with a forbidden love that only war can destroy…

As Mia untangles the passions and betrayals of the past, everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Can she heal the wounds of the past, and face the truth of her own heart?

A sweeping novel of passionate love, betrayal and redemption, set against the turmoil and tragedy of the Spanish Civil War.

Shadows Over the Spanish Sun

by Caroline Montague

My review

Shadows Over the Spanish Sun is a truly captivating read.

It begins in April 2000, in Andalucia, where a tragic accident leaves an elderly Leonardo in a critical condition.

I was hooked!

Back in London, Leonardo’s Granddaughter, Mia, prepares to fly out to Spain, with the rest of her family, to be with him.

Mia is a likeable character who obviously has a very close relationship with her grandfather. She has made a life for herself in London and is preparing to marry her fiancé, but all must be put on hold until her grandfather has recovered. Little does she know just how much his accident is going to change her life forever.

I have so loved following Mia’s story, and Leonardo’s as he reveals to his granddaughter the secrets of his past. A difficult and heart-wrenching past which is painful for him to revisit, but which impacts Mia more than she could know. They have such a special relationship which is only strengthened by the truth.

This is such a heart-warming story with more than a fair share of sadness. I never realised just how brutal the Spanish Civil War had been. I can’t even imagine what these people must have gone through during this time, and since.

This novel is ultimately about true love, friendships, and family. I found it to be utterly compelling. I can’t recommend it highly enough and I look forward to reading Caroline Montague’s other books.

**Many thanks to Caroline for my signed paperback copy of Shadows Over the Spanish Sun**

Treat yourself

I.C.Y.M.I

Happy reading! 🙂

Hi, and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature!

On the first Friday of each month I like have a look back at the books I was reading during the same month in previous years, since starting my blog.

Please do join in if you have the time. I’d love to see your posts!

Thanks to all who join in regularly 🙂

Here are my reviews from April 2022 + a link to previous April FBFs….

Have you read any of the above?

The perfect life. The perfect home. But at what price?

Introspective Ruth Parker is desperate for love and attention. Overlooked as a child by her cold and critical mother, her pain manifests in loneliness and a crippling lack of self-esteem. When glamorous actress ‘Aunt’ Vanessa, her mother’s childhood friend, shows an interest in her, Ruth basks in the blinding light of her attention.

Once Ruth escapes to university in London, Aunt Vanessa invites her to Wilton Place, her stunning Belgravia residence. As she blossoms under Vanessa’s guidance, Ruth finds herself torn between student life and the hypnotic, luxurious confines of Wilton Place. Belgravia wins out, but when Ruth explores the gloomy attic of her new home and finds a hidden, locked door, she discovers that Vanessa is hiding the darkest of secrets from her childhood, secrets that threaten everything Ruth knew about her own mother.

How far will Ruth go to find the truth – and how much does she really want to know?

The Attic at Wilton Place

by CE Rose 

My review

The Attic at Wilton Place is a brilliant read. One that kept me guessing and wondering about it when I wasn’t reading it. I couldn’t wait for bedtime to see what would happen next.

Ruth is an interesting character. I still can’t make my mind up if I liked her or not but as her story progressed, I certainly came to understand her better. Ruth has a lovely Dad, but she has an odd relationship with her mother. Her mother is a hard character, difficult to relate to, but I knew there must be some reason behind her behaviour towards her daughter. This kept me intrigued. It also made it easier to understand Ruth’s adoration of her Aunt Vanessa and why she puts up with her on/off attention. I did feel quite sorry for Ruth.

Again, I knew Vanessa must have her reasons for her flaky behaviour, but she does come across as though she only wants to spend time with Ruth when it suits her. This made me feel sorry for Ruth even more. The poor girl doesn’t seem to know where she belongs. Her visits to the big posh house sound idyllic, but she still seems extremely lonely. She never seems to have her aunt’s undivided attention for very long.

I wish I could talk more about this book without giving anything away.

Quite a sad story really and one with an underlying tension throughout. It made me feel a bit on edge as I read it. As truths are revealed I came to understand why.

If you love a book with fascinating characters and complicated relationships full of dark secrets, you will love this book. It certainly kept me glued to my kindle.

**Many thanks to Caroline England for my review copy**

OUT NOW!

Follow, like, and share the book love with the awesome bloggers supporting this fabulous blog tour….

happy reading! 🙂