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Historical Fiction-The Secret Diary-Available Now

When it comes to historical fiction novels, I love reading about new perspectives. Fortunately, I have been on a run of luck in that regard.

The historical, in this case, centers around four friends who worked as gunner girls in England during WWII. I learned a lot about their tasks and about the perspective of smaller towns during the war.

Books set in this period often center around major cities (Berlin, London, Paris), or in the smaller towns of France and Germany. Since a majority of the fighting was in and around the countries of those cities, it makes sense.

But it’s easy to forget that the war was much more widespread and even though there wasn’t actual land combat on a grand scale in England, there was a very real fear of German invasion.

I thought the author did a good job of relating the gunner girls’ lives. A simple diary entry followed by a detailed scene is an effective storytelling method. The chapters are an introduction followed by a tale.

Historical Fiction blog tour schedule
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The diary is Nancy’s (which we know right away) and details her struggle with re-entering society after being de-mobbed. Once again, the author breaks fresh ground, because the difficulty women had after the war is often overlooked.

Come to think of it, that is a major theme of this book. England went to war as one country, but after the war, everything had changed. Societal expectations were the same, but different. And women who had responsibilities in the war were all of a sudden thrust back into traditional roles – but they knew they were capable of more.

I did feel like the “feminist” point of view verged on preachy a few times, but the author stayed just on the side of non-annoying. Nancy’s struggles felt real.

And in a strange way, they paralleled Lorna’s struggles as she tried to figure out her life without her husband. Both women were facing bold new worlds that they had to find their footing in. That was a nice connection between the two eras.

There’s a touch of mystery as well, as Lorna reads the diary and realizes that something must have happened to change the lives of the four gunner girls. I really enjoyed Lorna’s “sleuthing” as she tried to get more answers.

In fact, there is a great balance between the two eras. That’s not always the case. But this one had me eager to get back to each one as they alternated. They were separate stories but cleverly intertwined.

I would definitely recommend this book for a unique perspective on the roles of women in post-WWII England. There is a strong message that strength is in even the smallest things and moving forward is worth the struggle.

Additional Historical Fiction from this author: The Berlin Zookeeper

Facebook: @annastuartauthor
Twitter: @annastuartbooks.

Author Bio:
Anna Stuart lives in Derbyshire with her campervan-mad husband, two hungry teenagers and a slightly loopy dog. Having studied English literature at Cambridge university, she took an enjoyable temporary trip into the ‘real world’ as a factory planner, before returning to her first love and becoming an author. History has also always fascinated her. Anna loves the way that writing lets her ‘try on’ so many different lives, but her favourite part of the job is undoubtedly hearing from readers.

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The Irish Nanny (Taylor)-BoT-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I had high hopes for this book, as it seemed that it would be a unique perspective on WWII on an Irish woman in London. While that is partially true, the larger story is much more than that.

In fact, and to be perfectly honest, the war actually serves as a minuscule backdrop to Rose’s story. It’s there only to provide a couple of plot points and not much else.

That doesn’t mean that the story itself is bad (it’s not). But if you’re looking for heroics in the face of war, or detailed scenes about London in wartime, this is not the place to find them.

I felt like this story was more of a lyrical retelling of a young girl’s journey – one that takes her from her small town in Ireland to places she never dreamed she would visit. If looked at through this lens, the book is highly successful.

I liked how the author used Polly and Rose as the differing opinions on their small town, and I especially liked the message that opportunity finds us when we least expect it. I can’t say more about Polly and Rose’s outcomes without giving the plot away, but it did follow in an orderly telling. The story is very linear.

There were parts of it that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, The Quiet Man. Sure, it might be mostly because of the setting, but I think it’s more that the story seemed like it could be retold in an Irish Pub. There was a quality that just made it float along easily, moving from one part to the next.

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I liked the characters. I thought that Rose was enjoyable, and the author really hit on how a young girl might have felt leaving home and going to a big city. I also liked Bridgy – she was a hoot, and Agnes was also interesting. I didn’t get much of a feel for the third sister. (I actually had to go back into the book to even remember her name – she didn’t figure highly in the story).

Where the story faltered for me was in the details. I never felt like I got a good enough answer for why Alice was the way she was. Raffi just seemed like an impertinent brat. David was a mystery. None of it seemed to jibe together very well. I particularly did not like the resolution for Alice and Raffi. It was contrived and answered no questions.

There were also places where the writing became tedious. I got very tired of reading “darling girl” or “dear child.” It was repetitive and frankly annoying. And don’t get me started on the scenes set in Brooklyn. I thought those were the most manipulative of all.

In fact, upon reflection, it kind of felt like this was Forrest Gump for the Irish nanny population. Rose is buffeted from one “event” to the next and just happens to be there for whatever occurs.

But I did like the messages of hope and resilience, as well as following the path that God may have laid out for you, even if you can’t figure out why that is the case. Rose certainly grew up (as did Polly). It was a sweet story.

Facebook: SandyTaylorAuthor/
Twitter: @SandyTaylorAuth 

Author Bio:

Sandy Taylor grew up on a council estate near Brighton. There were no books in the house, so Sandy’s love of the written word was nurtured in the little local library. Leaving school at fifteen, Sandy worked in a series of factories before landing a job at Butlins in Minehead. This career change led her to becoming a singer, a stand up comic and eventually a playwright and novelist.

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The Rainbow (Schabowski)-BoT-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I feel like I am getting repetitive, but I find historical fiction to be one of the most plentiful genres of books.

Not only are there multitudes of time periods and eras to choose from, but each one of those also has unlimited stories that can be researched and told. It’s a virtually never-ending supply of storylines.

This, in turn, means that there is always something new that can be explored, even in an era that has been used extensively as a setting.

A case in point is this book.

As always, you can read the blurb or other reviews for the gist of the story. What I found most fascinating about it was the level of detail about what happened to the Polish people after the Germans invaded in WWII.

While I thought Isla was an interesting character, there didn’t seem to be a whole lot to her other than as a vessel to get to the story at hand, which really starts when she sees a photo of her grandfather dressed in a German military uniform.

(By the way, you can read between the lines on what the military uniform really is – but I’m writing it specifically vague because I have had reviews censored recently for mentioning certain words in my reviews. Even though that’s what they were called in the 1940s and up until this year, for some reason, they are a bad word that triggers flags now).

But I digress.  

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Isla’s journey to find out the truth behind the photo makes up the plotline that is then enhanced by her encounters with various people who fill in the blanks to her grandfather’s story.

The storytelling is unique, because it is a mixture of letters (“read” in real-time), diary entries (read as flashbacks), and personal memories (read in flashbacks and as a narrative). While it sounds like this may be a mishmash of styles, it is very effective.

I liked how Isla discovered each section of the past. It painted a whole picture of her grandfather because it came from him (in some forms) with others’ memories as well.

The details are rich and plentiful. One of the things that stuck out the most is the mental strain that was put on the people of Poland, specifically the young men. They were indeed between a rock and a hard place.

One thing that really stuck out to me was how the author used the colors of the rainbow to describe certain memories that stood out: the blue associated with Zofia, the red of the blood spilled in war, etc. That was also effective.

I also was struck by the thought that our memories can be demons that make us afraid to remember – but when faced with them later, they can actually show strength and resilience. It’s all a matter of perspective.

Oh, and Isla’s purpose in the story becomes clear at the end. It’s a clever twist, and I appreciated it very much. I would definitely recommend this book for the insight it provides and the rich history it recounts.

Twitter: @carlyschab11

Author Bio:
Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.

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His Other Woman (Voss)-BoT-Women’s Fiction-Available Now

I was left with extremely mixed feelings about this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two-thirds of it.

The author took a unique premise and ran with it. The concept of a loved one going missing while on a trip and the worry that ensues is something that just about everyone can relate to.

I liked how the author balanced between Alanda trying to get through life wondering what was happening with Liam trying to understand his new life.

As always, I don’t want to say too much to give away plot points, so it’s going to get a little bit cagey from here on.

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I did not care for Katya. I felt sorry for her situation with her Uncle Otto, and there were some truly heartfelt moments as she dealt with all of that. Those were very well written and poignant.

However, once things changed within her…situation…I think she showed just how young and selfish she was. I did not like her choices. I thought that they erased everything that I originally felt about her, as her character was on display, and it wasn’t pretty.

In a way, the same could be said for Alanda. I saw what her “twist” was going to be a mile off, so that was not a surprise to me in any way. It seemed contrived, but in an odd way, it also seemed natural, because it would stand to reason somebody could get carried away with the slightest hint of attention and affection.

The last third of the book seemed like the author didn’t exactly know which way to go, so a lot was thrown out there. I suppose it was supposed to show that even what might seem clear cut isn’t necessarily so.

Once again, Katya is done no favors and ended up being unlikeable overall in my eyes. I was glad to be rid of her.

The book does a decent job of answering the question of whether or not people deserve second (or third) chances. And if they do – are those chances worth it?

Sometimes people do need to experience heartbreak and hardship in order to realize what matters the most. That came across loud and clear.

I did like how the author didn’t necessarily wrap everything up in a neat little bow. Life isn’t like that. There was a hint of a promise of something regrowing, but it wasn’t all sunshine and unicorns.

So, to sum up: the first two-thirds were great, and the last third was questionable. But overall, it was a stark look at the futures we make for ourselves and there was a healthy dose of realism throughout.

Facebook:  louisevossauthor
Twitter: @LouiseVoss1
Instagram: louisevoss

Author Bio:
Over her twenty-year writing career, Louise Voss has published books via pretty much every publishing model there is, from deals with major traditional publishing houses (Transworld and HarperCollins), to digital (Thomas & Mercer and Bookouture) and self-publishing. In 2011, she and co-author Mark Edwards were the first UK indie-published authors to hit the No.1 spot on Amazon UK. Louise has written thirteen novels in total, seven solo and six co-written, across psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and contemporary fiction. 

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The Evidence (Slater)-BoT-Psychological Thriller-Available Now

What a roller coaster of a read this one was!

From the opening podcast transcript to the closing thoughts on the bonds between a mother and her child, the author did a fantastic job of keeping the tension ratcheted through a compelling narrative.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of Esme. She seemed high-strung and very much like a helicopter parent. Some of her early reactions to co-workers and her son made me question her stability.

However, I could also see how her demeanor was vital to the other characters’ motivations.

That sentence makes sense in the context of the book.

I never really got a bead on Michelle at all. There were only a handful of scenes with her “in person” before other events occurred. After that, everything came from Esme’s point of view. This made it a little difficult to understand why Michelle did what she did.

Yep, speaking in riddles to avoid spoilers. That’s what you’ll get here.

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I did like how Justine’s actions were questionable. Was she looking to sabotage Esme because of Esme’s control of pretty much everything? Or was she actually trying to help Esme? Justine’s role in everything was explained quite satisfactorily.

Owen was a real piece of work – but once I “met” his mom, Brooke, I realized that there was no other way that he could have been. I did not see that whole plot thread coming at all, and that was a real jaw-dropper!

I did guess something about Simone early on, but as I mentioned, the author did a fantastic job of throwing just enough red herrings and twists in that I wasn’t sure if I was right or not until close to the end.

What I think I enjoyed most about the book was how Esme’s podcasts of interviews with Simone actually mirrored what Esme was experiencing in real life – and Esme only caught glimpses of it herself.

It’s difficult to see situations for what they really are when you’re smack dab in the middle of them. It sometimes takes outside perspective to shine a light on things.

I just now realized that Esme’s gut was telling her that all along. Wow…didn’t put that together while I was reading. Nicely done on that!

I also just realized that there more parallels between Esme/Zach, Brooke/Owen, and Simone/Andrew than I originally thought.

The power of a good book is that it plants enough seeds that you keep thinking and discovering aspects long after you have finished reading it.

I can’t say much more about this book without going into plot details, and I don’t want to do that, because it’s definitely one that you want to experience on your own, without spoilers.

If you are looking for a taut thriller that will keep you guessing, with some excellent observations on the lengths that mothers will go to in order to protect their sons, this should definitely be at the top of your list.  

Facebook: KimLSlaterAuthor
Twitter: @KimLSlater

Author Bio:

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.

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Ten Days (Sherratt)-BoT-Psych Thriller-Available Now

What makes a person a psychopath? Can childhood trauma permanently warp a person’s perceptions? What constitutes revenge…and is it ever enough?

All of these questions came to mind, and most were answered, in this page turning thriller. It’s one that you truly have to experience to appreciate the thought that went into crafting this story.

So, as I hate spoilers, this review is going to seem a little cagey as I dance around specifics to get my own points across.

The method of storytelling was very effective. There was a lot of time jumping and several different characters’ points of view. Some were only one chapter long, but they were vital in the course of the story.

If you read the headings at the beginning of each chapter, you won’t be lost. They are a virtual map of where you should be in the story.

I really liked the characters, both Alex and Eva. I know that sounds odd, as one of them is a super-villain, but that’s part of what made this book so good.

Two people, who each experienced a horrific event as a child, who each took a different path to adulthood. The stark differences were clarified repeatedly without the author hitting you over the head.

The psychopathy of making victims feel how the villain felt was one of the most interesting aspects of the story and really made the book unique.

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The claustrophobia felt by one of the characters was palpable for the reader. I could feel the closed in space, the darkness, the feeling of helplessness. Very atmospheric and another aspect that was very well-done.

There were several “whoa!” moments that I didn’t see coming. In fact, after the prologue, I had an idea in my head, but then the author went in a different direction, and I totally followed along. Turns out my initial reaction was correct. Kudos for that red herring, as it lasted for at least a third of the book!

I did think there were a few things left a bit unfinished. Milly seemed to be extraneous, for the most part. I mean, I get why she was included, but I couldn’t quite grasp what Alex wanted from her, unless it was normalcy.

I guess maybe that’s it.

In the course of relating backstory, the author also gives a voice to other invisible victims – children who suffer from horrific abuse and then get lost in the care system. Even though the story takes place in the UK, the same could be said for the US as well.

It is easy to see how a person, desperate for a normal life and people to love, could become warped and misinterpret any perceived slight as a great wrong.

This is a thriller that was well-written with sympathetic characters (even the psychopath). It kept me guessing, had many surprises, and is an excellent page-turner, perfect for a thrilling summer read.

Instagram: mel_sherratt/
Facebook:  MelSherrattauthor
Twitter:  @writermels

Author Bio:My novels take you to the heart of the crime. I write police procedurals, psychological suspense and crime dramas – fiction with a punch. Shortlisted for the prestigious CWA (Crime Writer’s Association) Dagger in Library Award, my inspiration comes from authors such as Martina Cole, Lisa Jewell, Mandasue Heller and Clare Mackintosh.

To date, I’ve sold 1.7 million books. All sixteen of my crime novels have been bestsellers, each one climbing into the Kindle UK top 10 and I’ve had several number ones. I’ve also had numerous Kindle All-star awards, for best read author and best titles.

I live in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with my husband and terrier, Dexter (named after the TV serial killer) and make liberal use of my hometown as a backdrop for some of my books. You can find out more at my website www.melsherratt.co.uk 

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A Cut for a Cut (Wyer)-Blog Tour-Crime Thriller-Available Now

Just when I think Natalie Ward is my favorite investigator, along comes Detective Kate Young. I thought the introduction of this character in a new series was excellent and was excited to read the second installment.

I expected to be wowed, and boy, was I! No sophomore slump for Kate.

One of the things that I love most about this author’s books is the way the author creates characters who are real. They’re never caricatures or composites or seem fake in any way.

Honestly, when I read her books, I feel like she must have just followed a person around and simply wrote what they did throughout the day. That’s how realistic her characters are.

I also like how they’re intelligent women. They’re not ball-breaking feminists who think they have to be like a man to be respected – they get there on their own merits. But, at the same time, they’re vulnerable and subject to the emotions that go along with being female.

I know that might seem like an odd thing to say, but with gender such a subject of discussion, I think it’s important to recognize that women are unique and what some people may see as weakness may actually be a woman’s strengths.

For example, in this book, Kate is still getting advice from her husband Chris – you’ll know why this is important if you read the first one.

And if you haven’t read the first one, stop reading this right now and go read An Eye for an Eye; it will also give you a better idea of why these books are amazing.

Then read this one. Then you can come back to the review.  

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Anyway, back to Kate. Some would see her need to still talk to him as that she is losing a grip on reality, but I think it actually shows the importance of bonds between people and how they can remain strong, even when people are apart. (No spoilers).

The author weaves an intricate story, continuing with the investigation started by Chris that Kate has now picked up. The ins and outs of this plot line are multiple and masterfully related in the context of the immediate investigation.

This one has a personal angle for Kate as well. I’m not going to say much more on it, but in the course of investigating both threads, Kate realizes that the web being woven by certain characters is much bigger than she imagined.

She also realizes that the number of people she can trust is dwindling, which makes for some very tense moments.

As I have mentioned in the past, crime thrillers are difficult to review because I hate to give away any plot points that could ruin the investigation for other readers. At the same time, I want to convey how good a book is and why someone should read it. Quite a tightrope to walk.

I hope that I have done enough to convince you to read both books featuring Detective Kate Young. It’s early in the series and there is still time to get in on the bottom floor. Now is a good time before the through plot gets more complicated, which I’m sure will happen.

Reading this series is like watching a movie, and a great way to spend a few hours of your summer. You won’t want to put it down.

About Carol Wyer:

USA Today bestselling author and winner of The People’s Book Prize Award, Carol Wyer writes feel-good comedies and gripping crime fiction. 

A move from humour to the ‘dark side’ in 2017, saw the introduction of popular DI Robyn Carter in LITTLE GIRL LOST and demonstrated that stand-up comedian Carol had found her true niche.

To date, her crime novels have sold over 750,000 copies and been translated for various overseas markets.

Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing ”Irritable Male Syndrome’ and ‘Ageing Disgracefully’ and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines ‘Woman’s Weekly’, featured in ‘Take A Break’, ‘Choice’, ‘Yours’ and ‘Woman’s Own’ magazines and the Huffington Post.

She currently lives on a windy hill in rural Staffordshire with her husband Mr Grumpy… who is very, very grumpy.

When she is not plotting devious murders, she can be found performing her comedy routine, Smile While You Still Have Teeth.

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The Perfect Stepmother (King)-BoT-Psych Thriller-Available Now

If the definition of a psych thriller is that it keeps the reader guessing until the last pages, then this one definitely qualifies.

The book starts with a tragic event and then immediately goes back in time to the months prior, working its way back to the present event, which occurs roughly halfway through.

It’s interesting, because the backstory section seemed much longer in the actual reading of the book. I was surprised when I went back to the book to check for this review.

I guess that’s a testament to the writing, that something was actually more condensed that it originally seemed to be.

Anyway, the author does a good job of sowing the seeds of doubt about Maria (the title stepmother) right from the beginning. Whether it is from Lily’s (the adult daughter) point of view or a well-placed reaction or thought from Maria herself, there are hints at the underlying secret throughout.

Lily was well-written and the perfect foil for Maria’s secrets. Were Lily’s reservations about Maria legitimate or was she still grieving over her mother’s death? This wasn’t heavy-handed or overdone, but just enough to cast doubt on Lily’s motivations.

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Maria is the perfect embodiment of “if someone is too good to be true….” But the author didn’t make that obvious either. Was she as bad as she seemed to think, or was she being targeted for some unknown reason? Again, lots of little clues but no clear path.

When answers to the questions are slowly revealed, the full backstory becomes apparent, and the author wisely still leaves it up to the reader to determine the fault in the matter. I particularly liked that the author allowed the reader to draw their own conclusions.

A couple of twists felt heavy-handed and I’m not sure they were worthy of the story as they were more contrived than the main current. And the end felt a little cartoonish.

But I did like the growth in the characters – there was a depth to both Maria and Lily that showed their progress as individuals and in their opinions of each other that made them more human.

Also, on a possibly odd note, I really liked Seb. I kept waiting for him to be a typical throw-away character or to be a cad in some way. I won’t say why I liked him, but I want to thank the author for writing him the way he was.

As mentioned, the author does a good job of keeping motivations and reasons for events hidden until just the right moment, which keeps the reader turning pages – making it a great beach read to pass the time.

FACEBOOK:  KarenKingAuthor
TWITTER:   karen_king

Author Bio:

Karen King is a multi-published bestselling author of fiction for both adults and children. She has also written several short stories for women’s magazines.

Currently published by Bookouture and Headline. Karen has recently signed a two-book deal with Bookouture to write psychological thrillers. The first one will be out in November, and the second one in 2021. She is also contracted to write three romance novels for Headline, which will be out in 2021 and 2022

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The Woman with the Blue Star (Jenoff)-Blog Tour-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I’ve made no secret about how much I love learning new things from historical fiction novels. This one certainly fits the bill.

The blurb gives part of the background, so it’s no secret to say that Jewish families hiding the sewers of Krakow, Poland during WWII is a truly unique setting.

It actually felt like “it should have been obvious” – the sewers of Paris were hiding places for several different revolts and revolutions, so people escaping an oppressive regime would naturally head there.

I found the character mix to be interesting as well. Sadie and her family were very different from the other Jewish family who hid with them and they had a lot to learn from each other.

Ella’s life on “the outside” should have been lovely (by comparison) but she had her own troubles dealing with her evil stepmother…who also happened to entertain Nazis.

I suppose each of the girls had their own troubles – although Sadie’s could have meant the end of her life.

The story skims along, switching periodically between Ella and Sadie. There isn’t much to say about it really, except that the author does a good job of illustrating their similarities and differences, which explain why the two girls strike up an unusual friendship.

Buy Links can be found underneath author information

Honestly, there’s depth in terms of the weight of the responsibility of the families, and the sheer terror that led them to a horrible place. But there’s not a lot of thinking to do to reach the conclusion that when faced with the unimaginable, people will do what they can to survive.

I will say that an expected twist was not surprising to me – I guessed it early on. I also thought that the wrap up of characters seemed rushed. There were people who played pivotal rules, but once their parts were finished, they weren’t mentioned again until a quick recap at the end.

I would have liked a little bit more depth to that, only because they had been so important earlier.

But no matter – it was an informative and engaging read and I would recommend it.

Facebook: PamJenoffauthor/ 
Twitter: PamJenoff 
Instagram: pamjenoff/ 

About the Author:

Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the NYT bestseller The Orphan’s Tale. She holds a degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her JD from UPenn. Her novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She lives with her husband and 3 children near Philadelphia, where she teaches law.

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The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club (Hogan)-Blog Tour-Fiction-Available Now

There is something raw and primal about allowing ourselves to be one with nature. To experience it without barriers or reservations. It can be cleansing and exhilarating.

That’s what Liz, Jo, and Lucy discover in this insightful novel about letting go of the old and facing the (sometimes daunting) new.

Each of the women have something that has caused their lives to be in turmoil (you can check out blurbs to find out what those are) and one by one, they discover that throwing themselves into the ocean helps them cope with their troubles.

It sounds a bit Greek tragedy, actually, but it makes perfect sense in the context of the book.

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Waterstones: https://bit.ly/32SOgWP

This was a simple, pleasant, read that didn’t require a lot of thought process to understand, so there’s not a lot to unpack in the plot itself. It’s very straightforward.

One of the messages that I got from the book was that problems in life don’t have to be faced alone. Sometimes having an outlet, whether it’s a person or event or ritual, can help keep a positive perspective.

I think Liz benefitted from this the most. While Lucy and Jo certainly had impactful issues, there weren’t the lies that went along with Liz’s problem. That made it extra hard for her to cope. It was fortunate that Jo and Lucy were around to support.

The setting itself was charming – who doesn’t love a seaside Irish village? Because of Lucy and Liz’s situations, I was reminded of Doc Martin (and yes, I know that the show takes place in England, but there were enough similarities that it was often brought to mind).

If I had to say anything negative about the book, it would be that it was fairly predictable. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Sometimes being able to just go along for the ride without any twists and surprises is just what is needed. Allow yourself to take the journey with Liz, Jo, and Lucy. If you don’t overthink it, you will find this novel to be a relaxing beach read.

About the author

Faith Hogan is an Irish award-winning and bestselling author of five contemporaryfiction novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favorites, Net Galley HotReads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women’s fiction which isunashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.

She is currently working on her next novel. She lives in the west of Ireland with herhusband, four children and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She’s a writer, reader,enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger-except of course when it is raining!

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