Review: Me Too

Nearly forty, Anna has a successful career, a long-term relationship, and a carefully maintained sense of independence. But as time begins to run out, one question becomes impossible to ignore. What if she’s left it too late for the one thing she truly wants—a baby?

Divorced journalist Rob keeps his life free from complications. But when he runs into Anna at a friend’s wedding, he’s caught off guard. The girl he remembers is gone, replaced by a woman who is impossible to ignore.

When Anna makes him an offer, it’s one he can’t quite believe. No strings. No expectations. Just one simple arrangement.

It should be straightforward.

But the closer they become, the harder it is to stay detached. What begins as a practical plan deepens into something far more tender and much more dangerous.

If Anna allows herself to hope, she could lose not only her dream of motherhood, but the one man who has begun to feel like home.

Now Rob has a choice. Walk away…or risk everything for the woman he was not supposed to fall for.

Because some arrangements were never meant to stay temporary.

Review 

  ME TOO: The Millingham Series book two by Katharine Light
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am an advocate for parenting by choice. Whether you've found love and want kids, haven't found love but want kids or don't want kids - I believe your choice should drive the parenting decision. So this was an interesting premise for a story, especially since it also explored Rob's feelings about parenting. Katharine Light is an award-winning storyteller whose ability to understand the human heart and put it on the page makes books feel light, magical and important all at once.

The book title shares an unfortunate overlap with the #metoo movement. I am afraid that meant that I didn't trust poor Rob until the very end. The book is a quiet, older romance about two people who share a longing for family. It is part of a series with the theme of two people finding each other through a shared longing.

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Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ME-TOO-Millingham-book-two-ebook/dp/B0DLXK5FQ1

https://www.amazon.com/ME-TOO-Millingham-book-two-ebook/dp/B0DLXK5FQ1

Author Bio –

Katharine Light was born in Glasgow and lived there until her family moved to Manchester when she was ten. While in her teens, she began writing stories for her younger sister Emma. These mostly centred around a naïve heroine and a 1980s pop star (some would say the hero was modelled on John Taylor of Duran Duran).

She did a degree in psychology at University College London, and after a year travelling, worked in corporate film production for several years, before taking a break to raise her children.

For many years she wrote mainly during the holidays, around her busy work for a local church.

Her first novel Like Me, published in 2023, was shortlisted for The Selfies Book Awards 2024. Her short story My arms are empty which is based on an episode from her second novel Me Too recently won the City University competition City Writes.

She is a director of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, with responsibility for organising their conferences, gatherings and awards ceremonies.

Katharine lives in London with her husband and quite often at least one of their adult children. She loves singing, walking, painting, looking at art, and going to the theatre.

 

Social Media Links –

Instagram/Threads – katharinelightwrites1

Facebook – Katharinelightwrites

 

Social Media Links –

Instagram/Threads – katharinelightwrites1

Facebook – Katharinelightwrites

Review: A Blighter is Bumped Off

The only thing worse than a persistent suitor? A dead one on your lawn.

London, 1892. Alice, Duchess of Stortford, has returned to town determined to enjoy her first Season as a wealthy widow. But instead of balls, flirtation, and whispered gossip, she finds herself besieged by ambitious bachelors—none more persistent than the insufferably smooth-talking Miles Fonthill. When Alice firmly refuses his sudden proposal, she assumes the matter is settled.

Instead, he turns up dead in her garden.

The police are happy to call it a tragic accident. Alice is less convinced.

Why was Miles climbing over her garden wall in the middle of the night? Why had he become so determined to win her favour? And what did he really want?

As Alice begins to dig into Miles’ final days, her search leads her into the glittering heart of London society, where old loyalties run deep, secrets are guarded fiercely, and reputation matters more than truth. But when whispers of the mysterious Order of the Golden Key begin circling dangerously close to her own late husband’s name, Alice realises this death may be far more complicated than one unwelcome suitor meeting an unfortunate end.

And if someone is willing to kill to keep their secrets…this Season may prove positively deadly.

Perfect for fans of feisty female sleuths, Victorian High Society, and secret scandals, all served with a dash of humour and a cup of tea.

A Blighter is Bumped Off (A Duchess of Stortford Mystery): A Victorian whodunnit with a hint of humour by Helen Golden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh this series! It is so wonderfully, eclectically amusing from start to finish. For me, the mystery boils along at just the right pace. It's never too deep nor to complex, but it's also not boring and predictable. I was so happy to see the lovely duchess prepare to leave mourning. She is too colorful for a life of black lace. Of course, when one of her first suitors winds up dead in her garden, the gossip and who-dunnit is afoot! With a remarkable cast of recurring characters, this charming book series will delight readers of historical fiction and mysteries.

I have read all 4 of these stories and I imagine I will be a fan of the next four, too. They are light, breezy, witty and intriguing. If you are in your cozy mystery era, these deserve a spot on the book list.

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Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blighter-Bumped-Duchess-Stortford-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0FWC6CBLC

https://www.amazon.com/Blighter-Bumped-Duchess-Stortford-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0FWC6CBLC

About Helen Golden

Helen Golden spins mysteries that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.

With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.

Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.

If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.

 

​Follow Helen Golden

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/helengolden_author

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

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

https://twitter.com/HelenGoldenAuth 

Review: The Wordsmith's Guide to Authentic Dialogue

A Wordsmith's Guide to Writing Authentic Dialogue: A Practical Handbook for Crafting Natural, Character-Driven Conversations by Elizabeth M. Hurst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This has become one of my favorite series on the craft of writing. Once again, the author demonstrates a deep understanding of writing and publication. The first chapter boldly declares "dialogue is not conversation" - and writers should immediately feel both seen and held accountable. There is so much practical help in these guides. It's not just a what, it's a how-to - and a good one at that. There are beautiful books full of the philosophy of writing that will inspire you - this one will help you fix what you wrote after all that inspiration so that it's interesting to someone else, too. Overall, highly recommended manual on perfecting your dialogue. If you want to write, this one needs to be a bruised and broken tome on your shelf. Use it - or bore us all with unnecessary conversation.

I was a little sorry that the exercises got shuffled to the end of the book. I liked having them at the close of the chapter where they were freshest on my mind. I felt honor-bound to complete them when they were staring me in the face.

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Purchase Link - https://geni.us/AuthenticDialogue

Author Bio –

Elizabeth was born and bred in the picturesque harbour town of Whitehaven in the northwest of England, where the long, wet winters moulded her into a voracious reader of fiction to escape the dismal weather.

In 2016, Elizabeth set up her freelance editing and proofreading business, EMH Editorial Services. In 2018, she quit the corporate world and concentrated her energy full-time towards her love of the written word.

Elizabeth has published timeslip novellas (the Lost Souls series) and a stand-alone novel, A Light Shines in Darkness, based on Blessed Angelina of Marsciano. She is also the author of The Wordsmith’s Guides, a series of nonfiction books on the craft of writing.

Elizabeth now lives with her husband in the warm and sunny south of France, where the wine is cheaper than the water, and the cats spend their days hunting lizards and dreaming of the birds that roost on the roof.

 

Social Media Links –

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMHurstAuthor 

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

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lizhurstauthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-m-hurst/

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lizhurstauthor.bsky.social

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14332807.Elizabeth_M_Hurst

 

Review: Nero the Hero

 

Prepare to meet your new favourite superhero as Nero the Hero reveals his secret! 

Nero is no ordinary dog. This miniature schnauzer has a beard, a bark, and a secret. When danger strikes, he transforms into Nero the Hero, a powerful protector with extraordinary abilities.

Alongside his human, twelve-year-old Jack, Nero dives into fast-paced adventures filled with mystery, heart, and just a touch of fun. But when Jack makes a brave mistake and finds himself in real danger, Nero must face his greatest challenge yet to save his best friend alone.

Perfect for readers aged 8-12, this highly illustrated chapter book blends action-packed fantasy with an engaging, accessible style, making it ideal for reluctant readers and confident young bookworms alike. With short chapters and dynamic illustrations, Nero the Hero is a thrilling start to a children’s fantasy series about friendship, bravery, and daring rescues.

Fans of Claude and The Hounds of Penhallow Hall will love this action-filled adventure starring a heroic dog and the boy who believes in him.

From the author of the popular Magical Mister Mishkins series, Samantha Mattocks introduces a bold new hero first seen in The Magic of Mister Mishkins. Beautifully illustrated by Gerda Smit, this is a story full of adventure, loyalty, and the power of believing in something extraordinary.

Review

Nero the Hero is an adorable book perfect for early readers. My 6-year-old son is very into the Puppy Place series and anything dog-related on Netflix, so he grabbed this readily from me. He loved self-appointed superhero Nero and his boy, Jack. I loved all the ways that they showed a dog bring love and goodness into the world of children.

If your kids have every made you watch Super PupZ or Paw Patrol, this should be a great summer book. It's available digitally and the artwork was bright and colorful on our iPad. The writing level is appropriate for early readers. It has a few challenge words but is mostly very comfortable for a reader that can handle Magic Treehouse or the Puppy Place series independently.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nero-Hero-1/dp/106824271X/

https://www.amazon.com/Nero-Hero-1/dp/106824271X/

Author Bio – Samantha Mattocks is best known for her highly illustrated Middle Grade books in The Magical Mister Mishkins series. Her words have transported readers across all her work to another place, one filled with magic, inspiration, dreams, and more.

An award-winning journalist and author, Samantha lives in Norfolk. She owns The Arabian Magazine, a beautiful publication that celebrates the Arabian horse. She was on MasterChef UK in 2019.

Social Media Links –

Insta –  https://www.instagram.com/samanthamattockswrites/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samanthamattockswrites

Review: A Cornish Escape

 

When a catastrophe threatens Ellie's business there's a puzzling mystery to solve, and Gertie steps in to follow the clues. Love and romance are the very last things on Gertie's mind right now. But while she's risking her safety helping to hunt down the culprits, could she also be in danger of losing her heart?

Review

Rosie Green writes such delightful stories.  This cozy romance checks all her elements - a cheerful love story, a happy little seaside town, and a little bit of mystery. The mystery drives the plot, but it isn't a strong whodunit and you won't need a notebook to track any details. Like the other books in Little Duck Pond Cafe series, this story is light and uplifting. It will renew your faith in love and community. 

Gertie and Jonah have been featured in other Little Duck Pond Cafe books. The series may feel overwhelming at 46 books. Each is an easy comfort read, perfect for camping trips or lazy Sundays on the porch. I haven't read every book in the series and I don't feel lost wherever I jump in. So don't feel like you have to read 45 books before this one - or dive in and have a book-happy summer.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FRM5QNMQ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRM5QNMQ

 

Author Bio – Rosie Green is the author of the popular Little Duck Pond Café series, set in the fictional village of Sunnybrook. Watch out for lots more café drama and romance in 2026, including ‘The Secrets of Midsummer Cottage’, which will be published in July.

Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green88

https://www.instagram.com/rosiegreen_author/

Review: No Chance

 

A romantic comedy of missed chances, awkward encounters, and one unforgettable trip across Europe. In the summer of 1985, Will Evans sets off interrailing with one goal: win the heart of Ruby, the girl he’s been hopelessly in love with since university. But with bad timing, bad jokes and a rival named Tom Bellows, Will’s chances are slim. As they journey through cities, cultures and chaos, Will must navigate more than train timetables - like growing up, letting go and learning what love really means.  Funny, heartfelt, and painfully relatable, No Chance is a nostalgic coming-of -age story for anyone who has ever loved too hard, too soon

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Chance-Gareth-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0FWDDT9BT

https://www.amazon.com/No-Chance-Gareth-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0FWDDT9BT

No Chance by Gareth Alun Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a charming romance-and-a-little-more story that really hit me in the feels. It's the European train trip I dreamed about in my twenties, complete with the almost-missed romance. I laughed, cringed and cried at this well-paced growing up story that really nails what it feels like to be completely at a loss when everyone thinks you've got it all figured out.

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Author Bio – Gareth Alun Thomas was born in Dinas Powys, just outside Cardiff but now lives in Blackwood in the Welsh Valleys. He has worked for over 34 years for the NHS as a Biomedical Scientist and has recently retired but returned to work part time. Working less hours, Gareth finally had time to write his first novel, No Chance, something he always wanted to do. When his parents passed away Gareth and his brothers had to clear their house and came across old diaries he had written when he travelling with 5 friends across Europe on an interrail ticket. Using this diary as a template, Gareth finally wrote and completed his first novel, No Chance. Gareth has been happily married to Amanda for over 30 years and they have 3 children 2 girls and a boy. In his spare time Gareth enjoys walking the dog, travelling and playing the guitar as well as cooking for the family.

Social Media Links – Facebook Gareth Alun Thomas, X @garethalun5, Instagram garethalun5.

Promo: Time of My Life

 

How far would you go to change your life?

When Eliza Woods sees an advertisement for someone’s whole life for sale – their house, car, all their belongings, even their clothes and cat – not to mention a trial-run in their job and an introduction to their friends… she decides it’s fate.

Grabbing a different life with both hands is exactly what she needs. Even if 26-year-old Carrie’s wildly-social life and job in a bar couldn’t be more different from Eliza’s quieter existence.

As for Carrie, she’s heading off to Greece, desperate to run away from everything she’s familiar with in England. The two women message each other after the deal has gone through, with Eliza excited to go for cocktails with Carrie’s friends before her first shift at her new job.

What Carrie doesn’t tell her is why she put her life up for sale. And what Eliza doesn’t tell Carrie is that she’s about to turn 75. And that isn’t her only secret…

Don’t miss this absolutely brilliant, escapist read. Available now!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheTimeofMyLife

The Time of My Life Is currently available for only 99p!

Author Bio –

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by Darley Anderson Agency & Associates. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 one of her novels won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award. Currently Samantha writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction for Boldwood Books. She seeks to raise a smile, and make a reader feel they are not alone with the challenges of life.

 

Social Media Links –  X – https://x.com/SamTongeWriter

Instagram – samanthatongeauthor

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor