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Brides and Bouquets At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

Brides and Bouquets At Cedarwood Lodge

by Rebecca Raisin

I started Brides and Bouquets immediately after finishing the first book in this series, Celebrations and Confetti, as I really love the characters and the feel-good story. This book is another lovely instalment. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The race is on for Clio to have Cedarwood Lodge ready in time for the massive Wedding Expo she has planned to help entice brides into holding a Christmas wedding at the lodge. Of course, this isn’t without its hiccups and at one point it seems like everything is against her. However, she enlists the help of the handsome project manager we met in book one and all is right with the world again.

Honestly, if I was looking for venues to get married, Cedarwood Lodge would be at the top of my list. I got married in April, but a Christmas wedding in such a beautiful setting sounds amazing! The whole set up sounds stunning! How could you not be swept away with the romance of it all!?

I thought it might be weird reading a Christmassy book in April/May, but it really wasn’t. I loved it! It’s beautifully written feel-good fiction at its finest.

I look forward to reading book three but due to other review commitments I haven’t been able to jump straight into it.

** I purchased the kindle edition of Brides and Bouquets on the 27th of April 2025 (Our wedding Anniversary!) after finishing book one **

Snow is falling at Cedarwood Lodge in the second part of the feel-good romance serial from best selling author, Rebecca Raisin!

Dreaming of a happily ever after at Cedarwood Lodge is Clio Winters’ current focus, especially with a winter wonderland wedding expo planned. But with brides coming from far and wide the heat is on for Clio to fulfil everyone’s dream of a Christmas wedding!

It seems like Clio’s new business might be off to a rocky start and surrounded by love struck brides she can’t help but hope for a little Christmas romance of her own…

Cedarwood Lodge is a delectable romance told in three parts – following Clio Winters journey back to her hometown of Evergreen. This is Part Two.

I.C.Y.M.I

Celebrations and Confetti At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin 

Happy reading!

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Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell @EmmaCowellBooks #ARC #NetGalley

Happy Publication Day to Emma Cowell!

OUT NOW!!

Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell Under the Lemon Tree is another gorgeous read by the very lovely Emma Cowell. I have loved every one of her books and, as always, this one is so beautifully written you can’t help but love the perfectly imperfect characters and fall in love with Greece all over again. […]

Under the Lemon Tree by Emma Cowell @EmmaCowellBooks #ARC #NetGalley
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Boo Bear’s Light: An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children by Catherine Ann Russell (Author), Jessica Robin Harkey (Illustrator), Basketful Relief Project (Publisher) #Spotlight #BookReview

Boo Bear’s Light:

An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children

by Catherine Ann Russell (Author), Jessica Robin Harkey (Illustrator), Basketful Relief Project (Publisher)

When Catherine contacted me about reviewing Boo Bear’s Light, I realised that I had purchased the book for my nephew’s daughter last Christmas 🙂

So, I asked my nephew if he would send me a short review….

As a parent the things I’ve loved about Boo Bears light, besides the positive messages of kindness and helping others, is the opportunity to practice letters, sounds with rhymes. The fun of discovering the hidden letters on each page is great to talk about and the shapes of letters are challenging enough even to keep parents searching. My eldest loves finding these and gets super excited when she beats me. When I asked her what she makes of the book she said “It’s one of my favourite Christmas presents. I love it.” Definitely a great book for story time.

Embark On A Wonderful Rhyming Adventure As You Learn the Value of all Living Creatures, Great and Small!

Kindness goes a long way – and when Boo Bear discovers a lost and injured firefly named Jack, he makes it his mission to help his new friend and bring him home to his family. With the help of his supportive parents mama bear and papa bear, Boo Bear embarks on a rescue mission that will light up your day and leave no letter unturned!

Beautifully written by multi-award-winning author Catherine Ann Russell with vibrant illustrations from Jessica Robin Harkey, Boo Bear’s Light shares a heartwarming moral lesson about the transformative power of love, inviting children on an unforgettable journey from A to Z!

Inside the book, you’ll discover:

  1. A Beautiful Rhyming Story that Makes Learning the Alphabet Educational and Entertaining
  2. A Memorable Way to Learn New Rhythms and Words and Expand Your Little One’s Vocabulary
  3. Colourful Illustrations that Ignite Curiosity, Wonder and Spark Your Child’s Imagination as They Hunt for a Hidden Letter in Each Panel
  4. Vital Moral Lessons about the Miracle of Love, Kindness, & Helping Those In Need
  5. A Wonderful Bedtime Story, Classroom Resource, and Teaching Tool For Boys & Girls Ages 0-7

And So Much More…

Ideal for parents & educators who want to raise compassionate children while teaching them essential early learning skills, Boo Bear’s Light will quickly become a treasured part of your bookshelf.

So, vamoose! Kick up the zeal! Dive on in and let the adventure begin!

Happy reading!

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#FlashbackFriday May 2025

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 the previous year during the same month.

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

A big thank you to those who already join in regularly! xx

Here are my reviews from May 2024 + a link to previous May FBFs….

Reluctant Bride’s Baby Bombshell by Rachael Stewart @rach_b52

The Evil That Was Done: (Secrets of Redemption Book 3) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) @MichelePW

As Good As Dead: Book 3 (A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder) by Holly Jackson @HoJay92

No One Saw a Thing by Andrea Mara @AndreaMaraBooks

The Summoning (Secrets of Redemption Book 4) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek) 

Lisbon ’41: Amongst the spies and the intrigue of wartime Lisbon lies a deadly secret. (The Lisbon Novels Book 1) by Malcolm Havard @MalHavardWriter #NewSeries #BookPromotion @BoBookPublicity

The Reckoning (Secrets of Redemption Book 5) by Michele PW (Pariza Wacek)

The Long Way Home by Audrey Howard 
#FlashbackFriday May 2024

Happy reading!

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Celebrations and Confetti At Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin 

Celebrations and Confetti At Cedarwood Lodge

by Rebecca Raisin 

Celebrations and Confetti is an excellent start to the Cedarwood Lodge series. I take my hat off to Clio for taking on such a massive challenge, although I can totally see the appeal. It sounds amazing! I love her commitment to the project, and I love her relationship with her friends, and colleagues.  She has a difficult relationship with her mother. A grieving mother who seems to carry a secret relating to Cedarwood. A secret she seems unwilling to share with Clio which strains their relationship further. It’s very intriguing and I hope we find out more about that.

Cedarwood is part of a small community and Clio is determined to bring it back to life with many celebrations and happy occasions. Will she leave herself any time for a bit of romance though!?

A very enjoyable read. I’ve already bought book two and started it. I’m finding myself quite invested in these characters.

** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle edition of Celebrations and Confetti on 23rd November 2016 **

Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen. Turning it into the perfect destination for big celebrations, weddings and parties has brought her back home, but Cedarwood Lodge is in need of a lot of tender loving care.

Perhaps all the work will be the perfect distraction from the real reason she had to leave her glamorous New York life behind.

Will coming home be the best decision of her life… or her biggest regret?

Cedarwood Lodge is a delectable romance told in three parts – following Clio Winters journey back to her hometown of Evergreen. This is Part One.

Happy reading!

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Where They Found Her by Kimberly McCreight 

Where They Found Her

by Kimberly McCreight 

Molly Anderson is a delicate character who has suffered tremendous loss. She is a mother and a reporter for a small publication. She usually covers the arts but when a body is found in the woods near to the university, she is tasked with the most difficult report she’ll ever have to work on. Her husband is understandably concerned about the effect on her mental health, given her history, but Molly is determined to see it through. Little does she know just how this case will change her life forever!

Where They Found Her is a compelling read with twists and turns galore. As the truth was revealed I was shocked, sickened, and my heart went out to Molly as well as others involved in such traumatic circumstances.

** According to Amazon I purchased the Kindle edition of this book on 21st November 2018 **

Motherhood hasn’t come at all easy for Molly Anderson. But she’s finally enjoying life as mother to five-year-old Ella and as Arts reporter for the small but respectable Ridgedale Reader. That is, until a body is found in the woods adjacent to Ridgedale University’s ivy-covered campus. This is a discovery that threatens to unearth secrets long buried by the town’s most powerful residents, and brings Molly to two women who are far more deeply connected than they have ever realised.

Happy reading!

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The Assassination of a Nobody (The Lisbon Novels Book 3) by Malcolm Havard @MalHavardWriter #PublicationDay #Promotion @BoBookPublicity

OUT NOW!

The Assassination of a Nobody (The Lisbon Novels Book 3) 

by Malcolm Havard 

In the shadowy streets of Lisbon during World War II, secrets are currency and trust is a luxury few can afford. Dinis Lopes, a man with a past as murky as the city’s fog, finds himself entangled in a web of espionage, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. As he navigates the treacherous waters of wartime intrigue, Lopes must confront his own demons and make choices that could alter the course of history. “The assassination of a nobody” is an exciting story full of suspense. Every choice matters, and each character has secrets.

New to the series?

Find all the books in the series here…. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D239LSMD?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin

Happy reading!

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The Assassination of a Nobody (The Lisbon Novels Book 3) by Malcolm Havard @MalHavardWriter #BookPromotion @BoBookPublicity

The Assassination of a Nobody: Fourteen people are dead. Lopes is determined to find out why (The Lisbon Novels Book 3) 

by Malcolm Havard 

In the shadowy streets of Lisbon during World War II, secrets are currency and trust is a luxury few can afford. Dinis Lopes, a man with a past as murky as the city’s fog, finds himself entangled in a web of espionage, betrayal, and unexpected alliances. As he navigates the treacherous waters of wartime intrigue, Lopes must confront his own demons and make choices that could alter the course of history. “The assassination of a nobody” is an exciting story full of suspense. Every choice matters, and each character has secrets.

Pre-order now!

New to the series?

Find all the books in the series here…. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D239LSMD?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tkin

Happy reading!

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Mother’s Boy by Patrick Gale 

Mother’s Boy

by Patrick Gale 

Mother’s Boy is another beautifully written novel by Patrick Gale. I was absolutely blown away by A Place Called Winter which was my first experience of this author. I have since added all his books to my TBR list.

Mother’s Boy is based on the true story of poet, Charles Causley. I hadn’t heard of Charles Causley previously (I have now added one of his poetry collections to my Wishlist), but I found his story fascinating. He is an interesting character. One I found quite difficult to warm to initially though, if I’m honest. He’s quite standoffish which seems like an odd thing to say, but I can understand why he is why he is. He lived in a time when he couldn’t be free to be who he really was, without fear of arrest.

After the untimely death of his father at such a young age, it is just him and his mother, Laura. Laura is a very warm character. Resilient, and hardworking, doing whatever she needs to do to provide for her son. I really liked Laura, and my heart went out to her. Charles is desperate to escape Launceston at his first opportunity, which I found sad for Laura, but understandable from the young Charles’ perspective. When another world war looks imminent, he signs up with the Navy as a coder. He’s an intelligent boy with much to offer. Away from his mother and his hometown he feels more able to explore who he really is. This isn’t without caution though. Charles grew on me more as his story progressed and I felt so sad for him in the end.

This is an inspiring character driven story full of love, loss, and sacrifice. A beautiful portrait of a mother and son relationship. A bond unbroken and one which endures.

** I bought the paperback edition of Mother’s Boy on Publication Day, 13th May 2022 **

Laura, a laundress, meets her young husband when they are both placed in service in Teignmouth in 1914. They have a baby, Charles, but his father returns home from the trenches a damaged man, already ill with the tuberculosis that will soon leave Laura a widow.

As a new war looms, Charles signs up for the navy as a coder. His escape from the tight, gossipy confines of Launceston to a more colourful life in action sees him blossom, as he experiences the possibility of death, and the excitement – even terror – of a love that is as clandestine as his work.

Happy reading!

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Keep Her Secret by Mark Edwards @mredwards

Keep Her Secret 

by Mark Edwards

I thoroughly enjoyed Keep Her Secret, despite wanting to knock some sense into Matthew. I really liked him. I have no idea what he sees in Helena (apart from her looks). I really didn’t warm to her at all. When she confesses her secret to him, I was willing him to run away as fast and as far from her as he could. That wouldn’t make for a very exciting story though, would it!

Some people seem to do some crazy things for love, whilst those of us on the outside are looking in thinking what on earth are you thinking! Helena seems to hold some kind of spell over Matthew. So much so his common sense seems to evade him.

Helena made me nervous throughout the story. I couldn’t make my mind up if I believed anything she said. Who knows what trauma and abuse can do to a person though. She is certainly more than a little unhinged.

There are a few characters throughout this story who make some extremely questionable decisions too. There are many “you have got to be kidding me” moments. They make this a highly entertaining read in my opinion.

Fast paced, with short chapters, it kept me intrigued to the end. An unnerving conclusion kind of makes me want to know what becomes of Matthew and Helena. I hope he came to his senses, but I’m thinking probably not! Lol!

Mark Edwards is, and will remain, one of my favourite authors.

** This was our Bookstagram April Buddy Read. It was my choice on this occasion. Thank you to Lucie, Zoe, Leanne, Lee, and Lou for joining in with my month’s read **

After twenty years apart, Matthew and Helena have rekindled their college romance and are away in Iceland on their first holiday together. Swept up in the romance on a mountain hike, one moment they are taking the perfect photo, the next Helena is hanging from the cliff edge…

Terrified, Matthew almost misses Helena’s sudden and shocking confession—but what he hears chills him to the bone. And when Helena reveals the full truth Matthew is horrified, not only by what she’s done, but why she did it. Does he really know her at all?

His shock turns to horror when, back in England, they discover that someone not only overheard Helena’s confession but plans to blackmail her. Now Matthew must decide whether to go to the police or help Helena keep her secret—and as events spiral out of control, how far is Matthew willing to go to protect his ‘perfect’ girlfriend?

Treat yourself

Happy reading!