Book Review: The Crow Trap By Ann Cleeves

Series: Vera Stanhope Book #1
Paperback  560 pages
Publisher: Pan Books; New Edition edition
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1509815899

The Crow Trap is the first book in Ann Cleeves' Vera Stanhope series - which is now a major ITV detective drama starring Brenda Blethyn, VERA. Three very different women come together at isolated Baikie's Cottage on the North Pennines, to complete an environmental survey. Three women who each know the meaning of betrayal ...Rachael, the team leader, is still reeling after a double betrayal by her lover and boss, Peter Kemp. Anne, a botanist, sees the survey as a chance to indulge in a little deception of her own. And then there is Grace, a strange, uncommunicative young woman, hiding plenty of her own secrets. Rachael is the first to arrive at the cottage, where she discovers the body of her friend, Bella Furness. Bella, it appears, has committed suicide - a verdict Rachael refuses to accept. When another death occurs, a fourth woman enters the picture - the unconventional Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope ...Also available in the Vera Stanhope series are Telling Tales, Hidden Depths, Silent Voices and The Glass Room. Ann Cleeves' Shetland series (BBC television drama SHETLAND) contains five titles, of which Dead Water is the most recent.

Review: An Early Wake By Sheila Connolly

Series: A County Cork Mystery (Book 3)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: February 3, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425252531

Pub owner Maura Donovan may have Irish kin, but she doesn’t seem to have the luck of the Irish. Who could have foreseen that bringing live music back to Sullivan’s Pub would lead to a dead musician?

Summer is ending in County Cork, Ireland, and with it the tourist season. Expat Maura Donovan is determined to keep Sullivan’s Pub in the black as the days grow shorter—but how? When she hears that the place was once a hot spot for Irish musicians who’d come play in the back room, she wonders if bringing back live music might be Sullivan’s salvation.

As word gets out, legendary musicians begin to appear at the pub, and the first impromptu jam session brings in scores of music lovers. But things hit a sour note when Maura finds a dead musician in the back room the next morning. With a slew of potential suspects, it’s going to take more than a pint and a good think to force a murderer to face the music.

My Thoughts: 

What a pleasure it is to cross the pond and return once again to Sullivan's Pub and it's array of endearing characters!  In this third installment of the County Cork Mysteries by Sheila Connolly, American expat, Maura Donovan is slowly getting settled into her new role as Pub Owner but there's a long music history behind Sullivan's that Maura quickly discovers.  Bringing back the music to Sullivan's is just what Maura needs to keep Sullivan's afloat, but when a dead musician is discovered in the Pub will the taps quickly run dry at Sullivan's?  Filled with unexpected twists and turns throughout, "An Early Wake" is sure to please cozy mystery fans.  I absolutely adore the cast of characters, particularly Old Billy and Bridget; the two old-timers who always seem to be in the know of everything happening in Leap.  And of course, Maura's love life seems to be blossoming unexpectedly with not one, but two, potential suitors! Who will win her heart?  This is by far one of my favorite cozy series and I'm looking forward to the next installment, "A Turn For The Bad". FIVE Stars.

Books In The County Cork Series:

Review: Keep The Home Fires Burning By Anne Bennett

Paperback, 554 pages
Publisher: Harper Torch
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0007359195

A moving and gripping drama as one family struggles to survive through the strains of the Second World War The year is 1940 and Bill and Marion Whittaker live happily with their five children in a terraced house on Albert Road in Birmingham. But when Bill enlists to fight in the Second World War, the family are plunged into poverty. Marion is forced to pawn all her worldly possessions and decides to take in two lodgers, Peggy Wagstaffe and Violet Clooney. These two lively girls bring some light relief to the family and bring with them Peggy's handsome brother Sam - who catches the eye of Marion's sixteen-year-old daughter, Sarah. 1944 and the war grinds on. Disaster strikes with an explosion at the local munitions factory, leaving Sarah badly disfigured. Then news arrives that Sam has been blinded in action. Can these two injured souls help each other to repair not only their physical but emotional scars? And will Bill return to the safety of family and home?

  My Thoughts: 

This was one of my many online purchases from the Book Depository in the U.K.(yes, they offer free world wide shipping too!)  As a fan of the PBS series, Home Fires, I've been constantly searching for similar books set against the backdrop of World War 2 Britain.  In "Keep The Home Fires Burning," Anne Bennett has  created a remarkably gripping story of one family's struggle to survive and persevere during the war years.  The author has certainly done her research and brings a great deal of historical accounts into the story that swiftly takes the reader back in time to that particular period filled with apprehension, fear, and the will to keep moving forward.  She also provides the reader with the perspective of being a devout catholic family living in Britain during this period as well.  The Whittaker family will capture your heart and stay with you long after the last page has been read as the experience the tragedies of war and the ever-present love that holds them together throughout the years.  "Keep The Home Fires Burning" is an emotionally charged story with well-developed characters and a gripping plot...keep the tissues near by!  I enjoyed every page of this and I'm looking forward to reading other novels by this amazing author! FIVE stars.

Review: There'll Be Blue Skies By Ellie Dean

Series: Beach View Boarding House - Book #1
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Random House UK
Publication Date: August 1, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0099560461

Review: London Belles By Annie Groves

Series: Article Row Book #1
Print Length: 451 pages
Publisher: Harper; Reprint edition
Publication Date: March 31, 2011
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0007361505

London Belles is a tale of four very different young women thrown together by war. Finding freedom and independence – as well as love, passion and heartbreak – for the very first time, a unique bond is formed as the hostilities take their toll on Britain.

Four lives. One war that will change them all.

When tragedy strikes, Olive is forced to seek lodgers. Three girls come knocking at her door, each in need of a roof over their heads.

Sally has left Liverpool to work as a nurse in London and when she arrives she is a shell of her former self. Where once stood a vivacious, sociable girl, now stands one plagued by homesickness and a betrayal that is devastatingly fresh in her mind.

Dulcie is living the high life in the West End, a world away from her home in Stepney. Working at Selfridges gives her access to the most fashionable clothes and makeup, but at home she is the black sheep of the family; always second to her sister. So she decides it's time to make a bid for freedom.

Agnes grew up in an orphanage, having been left on the steps as a new-born baby. But with war looming, and the orphanage relocating to the country, she must now seek out a job and lodgings. But with change comes exciting new opportunities, worlds away from the life she's known…

As the women prepare for war, all of their futures hang in the balance. Soon their lives will change irrevocably and the home that binds the London Belles is no longer the sanctuary they once sought.

My Thoughts:

Fans of the PBS series, "Home Fires: and "Mr.Selfridge", are sure to be delighted with this first installment of Annie Groves' "Article Row" series!  As Britain begins to prepare for the inevitable invasion of German forces, Olive and her daughter, Tilly, find themselves taking in boarders in order to make ends meet.  With the addition of Sally, Dulcie, and Agnes, number 13 Article Row quickly becomes more than a boarding house as Olive proves there is love in her heart for just one daughter. As each young woman struggles with her own personal issues, they are quickly bonded by the threats of war.  Annie Groves is an amazing storyteller and manages to capture the reader with extremely well-developed characters. I was immediately captivated by this cast of characters who soon felt more like old friends.  The insight into the preparations for war and everyone doing their bit to assist in the efforts makes for an intriguing and emotional journey into the past.  Keep in mind this is just the first novel in the series, so don't expect the story to come full circle by novel's end...after all it's really just the beginning and what a beginning it is!  I can't wait to read the next installment, "Home For Christmas".  A wonderful beginning to what is sure to be a wonderful series! FIVE stars.

Books In This Series:

Review: Martha's Journey By Maureen Lee

Print Length: 301 pages
ISBN: 075287666X
Publisher: Orion
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Language: English

A powerful First World War story of a woman's quest for justice, from the bestselling author of NOTHING LASTS FOREVER and THE LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL.

Liverpool 1915. Martha Rossi lives in a tenement with her husband and their five children. Despite working all the hours she can, the family don't have much to get by on. When Martha's fourteen-year-old son, Joe, proudly enlists to fight for his country just to earn his mother an extra shilling, Martha is horrified. She realises the government is turning a blind eye to the scores of young boys who are joining the army. Despite her pleas and protests, Joe is dispatched to France within weeks.

Unbeknown to them all, Joe's act of selfless heroism will have huge implications for Martha and all the family. As the dreaded telegrams begin to arrive from the front in France, mothers' hearts are broken across the country. Spurred on by grief of her own, Martha Rossi begins a quest that will take her right to the doors of No. 10 Downing Street. Martha's journey there will be a tough one, but with courage and the support of her friends and family, it will be the most important undertaking of her life.

My Thoughts:

In Maureen Lee's novel, Martha's Journey, the character, Martha Rossi, and her unwavering devotion and determination will remain within your heart long after the last page has been read!  Burdened with the responsibility of being the sole wage earner in the midst of poverty and caring for her children, Martha Rossi's life is anything but easy.  However, she wouldn't change any aspect of her life if she could just have her son, Joe, home safe and sound. Martha proves there is no greater strength than a mother's love for her children.  Although his intentions were admirable, Joe quickly finds himself face to face with the ugliness of war that no one should ever have to bear witness to, especially not a fourteen year old boy from Liverpool.  Filled with tragedy, triumph, and a cast of characters that will quickly find a way into your heart, Martha's Journey, is sure to appeal to any reader. I was quickly pulled into this book and found it difficult to put it aside...and of course, a box of tissue was close at hand!  Maureen Lee is a truly gifted storyteller and one that I look forward to reading more from in the very near future. FIVE stars.

Review: The Holiday Courtship By Winnie Griggs

Series: Texas Grooms (Love Inspired Historical)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: December 1, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373283393

A Wife by Christmas...

As Christmas approaches, Hank Chandler is determined to find a wife to mother his sister's orphaned children. When schoolteacher Janell Whitman offers to help him with his niece and nephew, she seems to be the perfect match—but she won't accept his proposal. Instead, she insists she'll find him another bride before the holidays.

Janell moved to Turnabout, Texas, to put her past behind her and focus on her future—one that doesn't include marriage. But while she plays matchmaker and cares for Hank's children, she loses her heart to the two youngsters…and their adoptive father. If Janell reveals her secrets to Hank, will he still want her to be his Christmas bride?

Launch Day Blitz & Giveaway: One Wild Winter's Eve By Anne Barton

Series: A Honeycote Novel (Book 5)
Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455551821

ONCE YOU'VE HAD A TASTE OF SCANDAL...

As the Duke of Huntford's sister, Lady Rose Sherbourne follows the rules of well-bred society. Always chaperoned. Never engaging in unseemly behavior. Well, except for that one summer, years ago. And yet she's never been able to forget that handsome stable master or the stolen moments they shared. She's always wondered what might have happened if he hadn't disappeared without a word... Now she's about to find out.

YOU CAN NEVER GO BACK

Charles Holland never expected to see Lady Rose again. And yet the years haven't lessened his devotion—or his desire—in any way. Despite their differences in class, Charles cannot stop himself from wanting to possess her. But as they uncover one intimate secret after another about her family, they realize that, this time, their love may come at a very dear price...

About Anne Barton 

Anne Barton began swiping romance novels off her mom's bookshelf as a teenager, so when she had the chance to spend a semester in London-home to her favorite heroes-she packed her bags and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.

Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anne found her way back to writing the stories she loves and in 2011 won the Romance Writers of America's Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband (who, sadly, is not a peer of the realm-but a great guy nonetheless) and her three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute-but-impractical shoes, and caffeinated beverages of all kinds.

Author Website * Twitter * Facebook

Excerpt:

 “What are you doing?”

The voice was authoritative, rich, and deep. And hauntingly familiar.

She turned, hiding the letter behind her. She made a clumsy attempt to shove the drawer shut with her bottom but only succeeded in bumping the desk, which rocked on spindly legs. The man must be a servant. If she could manage a haughty tone, she could probably talk her way out of the situation. But she’d never been particularly good at haughty. Her face burned.

“I was looking for something.” She looked at the man, hoping he wasn’t half as intimidating as he sounded, and froze.

Dear God. It couldn’t be.

“Rose?” He blinked, clearly as stunned as she, then quickly corrected himself. “Lady Rose?”

“Charles.” The sound of his name on her lips was surreal. She’d thought that her feelings for him had withered, dried, and blown away like dead leaves.

She’d been wrong.

Review: Snowflakes On Silver Cove By Holly Martin

Series: White Cliff Bay - Book #2
File Size: 1461 KB
Print Length: 300 pages
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: October 30, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B014T4W7BM

Libby Joseph is famous for her romantic Christmas stories. Every December, readers devour her books of falling in love against the magical backdrop of the Christmas season. If only Libby believed in the magic herself…

Struggling to finish her current novel, Libby turns to her best friend and neighbour George Donaldson to cheer her up. But George also needs a bit of support himself. Nervous about getting back into the dating saddle after splitting from his wife, he and Libby strike a deal. She will teach George how to win over the ladies, and Libby will in turn be inspired to inject her novel with a good dose of romance.

As Libby and George explore the beautiful White Cliff Bay on a series of romantic Christmas-themed dates, Libby finds herself having more fun than she’s had in ages and…discovers feelings that she never knew she had for George.

But is it too late? Will George win someone else’s heart or can Libby act like the heroine in one of her stories and reach for her own love under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Snuggle up with a piece of Christmas cake and mulled wine, and spend the festive season at White Cliff Bay. You won’t want to leave! Christmas at Lilac Cottage also out now.

My Thoughts:

In this second installment in her White Cliff Bay series, Holly Martin once again serves up a wonderful romance sprinkled with several laugh aloud moments and a generous offering of holiday magic! I absolutely loved returning to the quaint village of White Cliff Bay and meeting up once again with its many endearing characters.  It's quite apparent to everyone in White Cliff Bay that Libby and George were meant for each other....well, everyone but George and Libby.  The best of friends, Libby and George are completely at ease with each other and accepting of each others' quirks and differences with all the makings for a long-term relationship.  As Libby agrees to help George work his way back into the dating scene after the heartbreak of a failed marriage, Libby quickly finds herself falling in love with her best friend.  But are these dates with George merely "practice runs" or are they truly falling in love with each other?  Holly Martin's wit and humor makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read that had me laughing to the point of tears on several occasions.  I enjoyed the style of continuity in which Martin interwove characters and events found in Christmas At Lilac Cottage.  She effectively takes the reader back to the same period in time with a new romantic focus.  Very well developed and extremely enjoyable! FOUR stars.

Review: The Bargain By Jane Ashford

Print Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: August 5, 2014
Language: English
ASIN: B00KM5F828

 

A scientifically minded nobleman
Lord Alan Gresham is the sixth son of the Duke of Langford and, as such, has been allowed to remain at Oxford to pursue his scientific studies. When the prince regent asks him to debunk the "ghost" of a dead actress haunting Carlton House, he cannot refuse, and is forced back to the Society he deplores. But upon meeting the daughter of the alleged ghost, his calm, logical investigation is disrupted.

Learns the breathless chemistry of desire
Ariel Harding doesn't believe in ghosts, but she's determined to investigate this haunting. Her mother recently committed suicide, and Ariel is desperate to find the reason. She'll work with Alan because he has access to Prinny's resources, but she never dreamed she'd make a perilous bargain with a man who's as maddeningly arrogant as he is confoundedly attractive...

Review: The Amish Midwife By Patricia Davids

Series: Lancaster Courtships
Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication Date: October 20, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-10: 037387992X

An Unexpected Family...

Amish midwife Anne Stoltzfus is used to late-night visitors—but she's shocked to find reclusive bachelor Joseph Lapp on her doorstep with a baby in his arms. Their neighborly quarrels are pushed aside when Joseph explains that his sister has left her daughter in his care—and Joseph needs Anne to be her nanny. Soon they're bonding over baby Leah, and the love they feel for her is healing them both. When Joseph makes an offer of marriage, Anne's painful past resurfaces and she's unsure of what to do. But taking a chance could mean love—and family—are waiting just across the fence.

Review: The Girls From See Saw Lane By Sandy Taylor

File Size: 1063 KB
Print Length: 326 pages
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: December 4, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B015EC6VPG

Brighton 1963. Mary Pickles and I walked along the street with our arms linked, looking in shop windows. We were best friends and together we were invincible.

Dottie and Mary forged a friendship over a bag of penny sweets when they were eight years old. They’ve shared everything together since then – the highs and lows of school, family dramas, hopes and dreams and now, at seventeen, they’re both shop girls, working at Woolworths.

As they go out in the world in pursuit of love and happiness, the simplicity of their childhood dissolves as life becomes more complicated. The heady excitement of first love will consume them both, but the pain of unintentional betrayal will test their friendship in ways neither of them could ever imagine…

My Thoughts:

In her debut novel, The Girls From See Saw Lane, Sandy Taylor has proven herself to be a very talented and gifted storyteller with an immense insight into family, friendship, love, and forgiveness.  Dottie Perks and Mary Pickles, living in the seaside resort village of Brighton in East Sussex, England, develop a friendship in childhood that carries them well into early adulthood. They share their hopes and childhood dreams and become ever more inseparable as the years pass.  But can this friendship endure an unintentional betrayal and the resulting heart-ache that follows? Is forgiveness possible while they still have the time together to do so?  This is one of the most endearing, yet heart-breaking, novels that I have encountered in quite some time and will certainly not soon forget.  Taylor's writing style is a treasure to behold with her ability to draw a reader into the story in a very intimate manner.  I felt as though Dottie's and Mary's characters were so well-developed and quickly felt as though I were visiting with old friends.  Witty and humorous dialogue written with such ease truly brought this story to life and swept me away between the pages.  Filled with unexpected twists and turns, you'll want to keep the box of tissue nearby! This is the first installment in the Brighton Girls Trilogy and the second novel, Counting Chimneys, is scheduled to be release in the Spring of 2016...and I can't wait for this next installment! FIVE stars...easily!

This title is scheduled for release on December 4, 2015 in e-book format. However, it is currently available to pre-order for only 99 cents (For US readers)! At this price, it's more than worth it and if your a fan of historical fiction or women's fiction, I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

Review: Sealed With A Loving Kiss By Ellie Dean

Series: Beach View Boarding House #9
Format:  Paperback 416 pages
Publication date 13 Aug 2015
Publisher Cornerstone/ Imprint ARROW BOOKS LTD
Publication City/Country: London United Kingdom
ISBN10 1784750913

This is the gripping new Second World War novel from Sunday Times Top Ten bestselling author of While We're Apart.

After the death of her parents in a bombing raid, Mary Jones discovers a secret in the pages of father’s diaries. Her search for the truth brings her to Cliffehaven on the south coast.

Here, she finds work at the Kodak factory, sifting through the Airgraphs which are being sent from all over the world by the men and women in the armed forces, and by their loved ones. All the while she longs for news of her own sweetheart, fighting in Europe.

With the help of Peggy Reilly and her family at Beach View Boarding House Mary starts to build a new life for herself.

But events that happened eighteen years before still echo, and should a promise Peggy made then be broken, it will have a devastating affect not only on Mary, but them all…

My Thoughts:

This was my first encounter with the Beach View Boarding House series by British author, Ellie Dean and I absolutely loved it!  Set within England during the tumultuous period of WW II, Ellie Dean has created an emotionally gripping story with endearing characters that quickly captured my heart.  As an American reader new to this particular genre of British sagas, I was immediately drawn into the daily impacts of WWII; Black Outs, Air Raids and personal Gas Masks quickly became a way of life during this period, as well as food rations and everyone serving the war efforts in anyway possible. Peggy Reilly's Beach View Boarding House quickly becomes  a refuge for those being evacuated from the bombings of London and serves as the heart of this series.  In this particular installment young Mary Jones arrives in Cliffehaven in search of a long hidden truth revealed within the pages of her father's diary.  Filled with unexpected twists and turns throughout, I found myself unable to put this book down and found myself wanting more!  Ellie Dean is a wonderfully talented story teller and one that had me reaching for the box of tissue on more than one occasion. As an American reader, I must admit some of the wartime acronyms were unfamiliar to me but didn't affect the overall story in anyway, in fact, I found myself googling and researching a bit and learning a great deal.  And although this is the ninth installment in this series, it reads quite well as a stand alone novel but if you're like me you'll certainly want to read the remaining books in this endearing series.  I highly recommend this with FIVE stars!

  Disclaimer: In accordance with current FTC Guidelines, please let it be known this book was received from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

   
Books 1-9 in the Beach View Boarding House Series: There'll Be Blue Skies Far From Home Keep Smiling Through Where The Heart Lies Always In My Heart All My Tomorrows Some Lucky Day While We're Apart Sealed With A Loving Kiss   

For US readers, only titles 1-8 are currently available in Kindle format as well as paperback from Amazon, however, this particular novel in the series can be purchased in paperback format through the Book Depository. (Personally, I would recommend beginning with the first in this series, There'll Be Blue Skies, although book 5, Always In My Heart is currently on sale for $1.99). If you're interested in the paperback formats for any of these titles, I highly recommend looking at The Book Depository.  Since they're based in the UK, often times their prices are cheaper and they offer free shipping worldwide as well. 

These titles are also available as Audiobooks from Audible.com.  I listened to a couple of samples and I'm quite tempted to try a couple of these in audio format as well. (I'm quite smitten with the accents of the British narrators which only bring these novels to life even more!)

Review: Christmas At Lilac Cottage By Holly Martin

White Cliff Bay Series Book #1
File Size: 1165 KB
Print Length: 297 pages
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: September 25, 2015
Language: English
ASIN: B013I80HAS

Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen.

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded.

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore…

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of?

My Thoughts:

Holly Martin's romance novel, Christmas At Lilac Cottage, combines British wit and humor with romance and holiday goodness to create an enchanting love story sprinkled many laugh aloud moments. Set within the small coastal village of White Cliff Bay where everyone knows each other and gossip runs rampant,  Penny Meadows suddenly finds herself falling in love with her new neighbor and tenant, Henry, giving a whole new meaning to "love thy neighbor."  But is this new found attraction simply physical yearning or is it quite possible these two endearing characters are falling in love?  Holly Martin's writing is absolutely wonderful!  Filled with so much humor and tender emotions, I found myself laughing aloud on several occasions and at other times I was reaching for the box of tissues.  With endearing characters and a very well-developed story line with unexpected twists and turns, I found it quite impossible to put this aside (I practically read this in one sitting!) This was my first encounter with Holly Martin and I just simply can't praise her enough.  She is certainly a very gifted and talented story teller that I look forward to reading more from in the very near future. Christmas At Lilac Cottage is sure to warm your heart this Holiday season! FIVE stars!

Christmas At Lilac Cottage is now available in both Kindle and Paperback formats.  However, the e-book is currently on sale for $2.99 (regularly priced at $11.99) For my UK followers, this is also available  in both formats from Amazon UK. The Kindle format is priced at £1.99 .  A wonderful bargain and one that I highly recommend this Holiday Season!


Disclaimer: In accordance with current FTC Guidelines, please let it be known this book was received through NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Review: The Last Chance Christmas Ball By Mary Jo Putney, Jo Beverley, Joanna Bourne, Patricia Rice, Nicola Cornick, Susan King, Anne Gracie and Cara Elliott

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617739235

Christmas 1815. Upstairs and downstairs, Holbourne Hall is abuzz with preparations for a grand ball to celebrate the year’s most festive—and romantic—holiday. For at the top of each guest’s wish list is a last chance to find true love before the New Year…