Tag: Romance Novel

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Lamplighters Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Published March 13th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy

*I listened to this book on Bookbeat. Click here for 60 days free listening with my affiliate code*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!!

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

‘What’s not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?

BUY hERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, delightful, romantic and compelling, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a truly gorgeous debut. And that ending! My heart has still not recovered. I can see why this was voted as historical fiction book of the year on Netgalley last year.

The story follows Evelyn Seaton, who is at home with her mother, Cecilia, when the police arrive one evening and tell them that they must leave their home. Her father has gambled away everything they have and they are there to seize it all. So they go to York to stay with the only family member they have, Cecelia’s Aunt Clara. With nothing to their name, Evelyn decides she must go against her mother’s wishes and get a job, answering an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop. It is in this shadowy bookshop that she meets William Morton, a mysterious and prickly aspiring writer who, like Evelyn, is keeping secrets to protect himself. The pair try to deny their attraction, but when Evelyn’s life begins to fall apart all over again, William is the only one she can turn to. Can they find the courage to give into their true feelings?

Sophie Austin reveals herself as a writer to watch with this magnificent debut. Her storytelling and imagery is so evocative, bringing the world and characters she’s created to life so vividly that it felt like I was walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century York, wandering the shadowy aisles of the bookshop, and living every moment alongside the characters, who are ebullient and memorable. A story about love, secrets and betrayal, Ms. Austin keeps her reader guessing what secrets most of the characters are hiding. I was on tenterhooks trying to guess what they were hiding and wondered what would happen when they were finally truthful with each other and their secrets were revealed. 

Evelyn is a fantastic protagonist. Not only is she likeable and easy to root for, she’s feisty, intelligent, resourceful, determined and fiercely independent. I was rooting for her from the start as she tried to navigate this scary new reality she’d been thrust into whilst also trying to deal with the heartache of her father’s betrayal. Evelyn also comes up against societal expectations from her mother and others that get in her way, but she finds ways to overcome them at every step, intent on making life better for herself and her mother.  Another character I really enjoyed was Aunt Clara. She was snarky, sharp and witty, lighting up the pages in every scene while also offering sage advice to Evelyn and Cecilia. 

As this is a romance, I obviously need to talk about our potential lovebirds. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope, which was masterfully executed by Ms. Austin. There’s an immediate spark between Evelyn and William but they try to deny it and spend their time disagreeing instead. I loved this quarrelsome pair and their verbal sparring. Their will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship created tension and gave me something to root for. Plus, I knew the pay off would be amazing if they did finally give into their feelings. Something I also liked was what a great character William was in himself. He’s enigmatic, complicated and flawed, and I was as desperate to work him out as Evelyn, keeping me rooted to my chair and turning the pages.

A heartwarming and wonderful debut, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Austin.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Harper Collins for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from London, Sophie Austin is a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. Her debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER’S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899. Sophie loves spending time in Victorian England, both in her writing and in her reading, and you can step back in time with her via her website or her Instagram page. When Sophie isn’t writing historical fiction she works as a Senior Creative Writer for a blocky video game writing articles, scripts and more about mining, crafting and surviving

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK REVIEW: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead

Published January 22nd, 2026 by Aria
Domestic Fiction, Romance Novel, Dark Romance, Gothic Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE NEW ROMANCE NOVEL FROM TIKTOK SENSATION ASHLEY WINSTEAD.

‘The Future Saints is not to be missed.’ Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

A band on the brink. A love worth playing for.

When record executive Theo meets the Future Saints, they’re bombing at a dive bar in their hometown. Since the tragic death of their manager, the band has been in a downward spiral and Theo has been dispatched to coax a new – and successful – album out of them, or else let them go.

Theo is struck right away by Hannah, the group’s impetuous lead singer, who has gone off script in debuting a new song-and, in fact, a whole new sound. Theo’s supposed to get the band back on track, but when their new music garners an even wider fan base than before, the plans begin to change-new tour, new record, new start.

But Hannah’s descent into grief has larger consequences for the group, and she’s not willing to let go yet. not for fame or love.

For fans of Daisy Jones and the Six and In Five Years, this is a love story – just not the one you’re expecting.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

The Future Saints is a band in freefall. They have been struggling since the death of their manager almost a year earlier. The night that record executive Theo Ford meets them they are playing a gig at a dive bar in their hometown and bombing. The record label doesn’t hold out much hope and has sent Theo to ensure the band deliver their obligated next album and then cut them loose. Theo is immediately captivated by lead singer Hannah Cortland, the impetuous broken beauty who is falling apart both behind the scenes and on stage. But that brokenness turns out to be a secret weapon when the band goes off script and debuts not only a new song, but a whole new sound. It goes viral and suddenly the band are thrust into the spotlight. The pressure is on to cash in on their new fame and make that new album a runaway hit. Will Hannah’s grief derail their dreams? Or will she find a way to let go?

This book was nothing like I expected but it was also everything I didn’t know I wanted. Ashley Winstead is a magnificent storyteller who has crafted a mesmerising, raw and poignant story about grief, sisterhood, friendship and love that also gives us a glimpse into the crazy truth of the music industry.

There is a dynamic cast of characters who are fun to read and easy to root for. It didn’t matter that their lives were a million miles away from anything I know, they still felt familiar and deeply human. However, my greatest takeaway from this story is the emotions that bleed from every page. I went through all the feelings my heart has still not recovered. It’s moving, heartbreakingly raw, compassionate and messy. And I couldn’t get enough.

A glorious and stirring story that will linger long after reading, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Aria for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley Winstead is an academic turned bestselling novelist with a Ph.D. in contemporary American literature. She lives in Houston with her husband, three cats, and beloved wine fridge.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Readalong

READALONG REVIEW: So, I Met This Guy… by Alexandra Potter

Published January 29th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, Adventure Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

So, I Met This Guy . . .

Well, isn’t that how every love story starts? But how does it end – a happily ever after? Or with the discovery that the supposed love-of-your-life has stolen your life savings and your home, trashed your heart and demolished your self-esteem?

Maggie is barely fifty years-old, and she’s not one to give up on herself. So when she meets Flick, a young reporter who realizes this story could be the big break she’s been looking for, they set off to catch him as he goes on the run across Europe. After all, she’s got nothing left to lose, right?

But as the pair embark on the road trip of their lives, unexpected twists, hidden secrets and hard truths are revealed. And as an unlikely friendship begins to blossom, they realize it’s not just about finding the guy, it’s about finding themselves . . .

From the author of the mega bestseller Confessions of a Fortysomething F##k Up comes another laugh-out-loud novel full of wit, wisdom . . . and women who have had ENOUGH.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

‘So, I met this guy…’ The phrase that is the start of love stories. Of someone’s happily ever after or biggest regret. When Maggie met Theo C. Stratin she thought she’d found ‘the one’, but it soon became a nightmare when he wiped out her life savings, her home, her trust and self-esteem. When journalist Flick hears Maggie’s story she realises that this could be her big break and convinces a reluctant Maggie to speak about her experience and track down Theo, the pair embarking on a trip across Europe to catch the con man before he can find another victim. 

Warm, witty and full of heart, this was a joy to read from start to finish. A comfort read with action, emotion, comedy and drama thrown in. I’m ashamed to say that this is my first time reading one of Alexandra Potter’s books, but it certainly won’t be my last. Her writing enveloped me, the characters leapt from the pages and I was rooting for Maggie and Flick at every step. The locations come alive in vivid detail, making me feel like I was walking the streets of Rome, partying in Ibiza or hiking in Spain. Potter is also skilled at writing emotion that cuts like a knife and goes straight to your soul, making me feel everything alongside the characters. I was all-in and lost myself in this enthralling cat and mouse chase across the continent. And amongst all of that Ms. Potter has also woven important issues into the narrative, highlighting not only romance fraud, but topics such as coercive control and poverty.

I can’t write this review without mentioning the characters. Charismatic, relatable and real, they could be any one of us, which is part of this book’s charm and what makes it resonate so strongly. Maggie could be any one of us. When we meet her she’s lost everything and had her life and soul destroyed by Theo and I loved watching her rediscover not only her strength, but her self-belief. Something she might not have found again without Flick. I loved their friendship. I loved that it was mutli-genterational and how much they learned from one another. And I can’t talk about this book without mentioning Birdy, a wealthy older lady they meet on their travels. Birdy was my favourite character and I am going to need a book all about her. I am not going to spoil anything, but after reading this you’ll understand why.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and Bookbreak for the invitation to take part in the Readalong and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alexandra Potter is the bestselling author of numerous bestselling novels, including CONFESSIONS OF A FORTY-SOMETHING F**K UP which is now the basis of a major TV series. These titles have sold in twenty-five territories and achieved worldwide sales of more than one million copies, making the bestseller charts across the world.

Born and raised in Yorkshire, Alexandra lived for several years in LA before settling back in the UK. She currently lives in London with her Californian husband and their Bosnian rescue dog.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons

Published May 8th, 2025 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new retelling of the life of one of the most captivating and misrepresented female figures in history.

Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story.

Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself.

But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation – though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.

Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history?

A powerful, unmissable new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

We’ve all heard of Cleopatra. But how much of what we know about her is true? It’s time to meet the woman behind the myth in this sensational retelling.

Egyptian Princess and the Pharaoh’s favoured daughter, Cleopatra grows up knowing one day she will rule. As a child she enjoys spending time hiding amongst the scrolls in Alexandria’s great library with her beloved slave Charmain, who had been by her side since they were infants. She vows that one day she will write her own story and be part of history. When her father dies, he wills that Cleopatra co-rule with her selfish brother, Ptolemy, so the two are married. But as the new Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, Ptolemy is plotting to take the throne for himself. The power of Egypt is behind him, but all hope is not lost. When Caesar arrives from Rome, clever Cleopatra realises he could be the key to her salvation. But he could also cost her everything. Will Cleopatra be able to save her life and her throne?

Atmospheric, immersive, enthralling and heart-poundingly tense, this is a mesmerising tale of love, loss, family, danger, betrayal and female empowerment. From the compelling opening lines I was held in Natasha Solomon’s thrall. Expertly written and meticulously researched, she brings one of the most represented women in history back to life in vivid technicolour. The time and love that has gone into this story is evident in every word and it was a joy to read. It’s a story I haven’t stopped thinking about in the months since I’ve read it, lingering long after turning that final page. 

The Cleopatra I knew before reading this book was pretty one-dimensional and her story was only told through the lens of the men in her life. When I thought of her I thought of Caesar, beauty and milk baths. But there is so much more to her and I am glad I’ve finally discovered it. She was an intelligent, fierce and complex woman who feels truly alive in this book. Natasha has breathed new life into a fabled character, showcasing her in all her splendour. I adored Natasha’s Cleopatra and feel honoured to have met her on these pages.

Phenomenal, vibrant, sensuous and transportive, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women who deserve to be remembered. And don’t skip the fascinating author’s note at the end.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Manilla Press for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natasha Solomons is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Natasha lives in Dorset with her children. She also works as a playwright and screenwriter.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Published September 25th, 2025 by Harvill Secker
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Holiday Fiction, Festive Fiction, Christmas Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the classic Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling Author

‘Uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball’ Naomi Kelsey

As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers of Merrywake have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.

Reimagining each of the traditional carol’s gifts, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

In the run up to Christmas I’ve been all about the festive reads. And in the final few days of the countdown I decided to immerse myself in the gorgeous, heartwarming and enthralling, The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

This book is a collection of seasonal stories that reimagine each of the gifts in the eponymous traditional carol as a Christmassy tale based on a delightful and compelling cast of characters that includes a Viscount and Viscountess, their children, friends and staff. There are weddings, a ball, a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited years after a misunderstanding tore them apart, a child found in the woods who won’t tell anyone her name, a trio of sisters who are competing to marry a handsome but dastardly duke, a grieving father, and a soldier making his way home after way. It is an inspired choice that Ms. Stokes-Chapman pulls off with finesse, intricately weaving together each of the stories to create a picture of a merry Regency Christmas in an English village. I loved all of the characters and stories, but especially enjoyed Staves three and five. 

Exquisitely written, atmospheric, poignant and joyful, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas spirit and would be a great gift to find under the tree. Highly recommended.

Rating: 🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢#

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Stokes-Chapman is a bestselling author of historical fiction, known for writing specifically in the Georgian era and marrying meticulous research with rich lyrical prose, often with a Gothic bent.

Her debut novel Pandora was an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into 16 languages. A loose reinterpretation of the Greek myth Pandora’s Box set in eighteenth-century London, it tells the story of aspiring jewellery artist Dora Blake and her encounter with an ancient vase that her tyrannical uncle is desperately keen to keep secret. Her second novel The Shadow Key – a Gothic tale set against the mysterious Welsh landscape of 1783 – was released in April 2024. A short story collection in the vein of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer was published in September 2025 with a third and fourth novel, The Constellations and The Moth Farm, to follow.

Born in 1985, Susan grew up in the historic city of Lichfield before moving on to study in the coastal town of Aberystwyth, where she graduated with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. She is a SoA Cymru Committee member and lives on the Cambrian Coast in Wales, UK.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren

Published August 26th, 2025 by Hot Key Books
Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Romance Novel, Fairy Tale, Magical Realism

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A gorgeous romantasy of angels and curses, which will break your heart and mend it again. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Stephanie Garber.

‘A TRUE DELIGHT – VIVID, FRESH AND GRIPPING’
Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Strange the Dreamer

Heartbreak is always devastating, but for Sare it’s life-threatening.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken four times, and a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

Then her mother dies unexpectedly,and Sare begins to question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But Sare’s heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming relationship poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm. And now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare’s destiny and they don’t like their plans being overturned.

Will Sare unravel the secrets of the past before the curse claims her forever?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

“Love is a four-letter death sentence for someone like me, cursed to die of heartbreak.”

For teenager Sare Silverbirch heartbreak isn’t only devastating, it’s life-threatening. She’s had her heart broken four times already, but a curse means that a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Sare begins to question where the curse came from and wonders if there is a way to break it? These questions take her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer, who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But their blossoming relationship puts her fragile heart, and her life, at risk. Can Sare unravel the secrets of her curse before it claims her forever?

Lush, lyrical, heartrending, illuminating and whimsical, The Book of Heartbreak is a folkloric story of cursed hearts, star-crossed lovers, long-buried secrets and wayward ethereals. Told with emotion, humour, romance and enchanting prose, Ova Ceren’s singular voice showcases her as a talent to watch in this unforgettable debut. An exploration of love, loss, heartbreak, trauma and forgiveness that is expertly interwoven with Ottoman history, Ova transported me to Istanbul so vividly that I could feel the sun on my skin. The world-building,  imagery and plot are fascinating, vibrant and evocative, making the world she created feel so real that I could imagine it all happening. And I loved that between each chapter she included excerpts from books or documents, correspondence and emails from celestial administration that ramped up the curiosity and tension. 

I loved the eclectic cast of characters in this book. Sare was likeable and easy to root for. When we meet her she has just lost her only parent and faces losing her own life if she has another heartbreak. That is a lot for a 17-year-old to be going through. And although she will be free of the curse if she reaches her 18th birthday without another heartbreak, it comes with a steep price that she isn’t sure she’s prepared to pay. I felt for Sare and was cheering her on at every step. Her emotions were palpable and I was living in fear of her last heartbreak, just as she was. Leon is also likeable and easy to root for, and I loved the chemistry between him and Sare. But the character I had a real soft spot for was Manu, Sare’s celestial guide. Funny, flamboyant and charismatic, she leapt from the pages as  she delivered insight into the curse, humorous warnings and advice.

Beautiful, sparkling and magical, this mesmerising debut is a real treasure. I can’t wait to see what Ova writes next.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ova Ceren writes bittersweet tales of heartbreak and magic, often inspired by Turkish and Ottoman folklore.

Blessed (or perhaps cursed) with a mathematical brain, she earned a degree in Computer Science and a master’s that led her into a career in IT, taking her from Türkiye to Britain. After years of wrestling with algorithms in corporate jungles, she finally eloped with a debut novel instead.

Ova now lives in Cambridge, UK, with her husband, son, and a spirited flock of runner ducks.

She is also the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok channels @excusemyreading.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: The Christmas Book Club by Sarah Morgan

Published October 23rd, 2023 by HQ
Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, Domestic Fiction, Festive Fiction, Christmas Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Could this Christmas be the start of a whole new chapter?

A long-lasting friendship

Every year, Erica, Claudia, and Anna reunite for their book club holiday. They’re bonded by years of friendship and a deep love of books, but there is still so much they keep from each other…

A perfect Christmas escape

At the cosy Maple Sugar Inn, Hattie specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true, but this Christmas all she wants is to survive the festive season. Between running the inn and being a single mother, Hattie is close to breaking point.

The start of a brand-new story…?

Over the course of an eventful week, Hattie sees that the friends are each carrying around unspoken truths, but nothing prepares her for how deeply her story will become entwined in theirs. Will this Christmas be the end of the book club’s story or the start of a whole new chapter?

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Every year, best friends Erica, Anna and Claudia reunite for their book club holiday. This year they are getting together near Christmas, and Erica has chosen the cosy Maple Sugar Inn in Vermont for their getaway. The Inn is run by Hattie, a widowed single mother who specialises in making her guests’ dreams come true. But between motherhood and running the inn, there is little time to do anything than simply try to survive the festive season. The friends arrive at the Inn, and over the course of the next week secrets are revealed and all of their stories will become entwined in unexpected ways…

I love a cosy Christmas story, so when the SquadPod voted for The Christmas Book Club as our December Book Club pick I was thrilled. I’ve heard so many good things about Sarah Morgan’s books and have many of them on my TBR, so this was the ideal excuse to finally read one of them. And now I’m wondering why I waited so long. A delightful and uplifting story of love, friendship, family, grief and the changes that life throws our way, The Christmas Book Club is festive perfection. Sarah Morgan knows how to keep her readers turning the pages, delivering a story that is funny and entertaining but also has moving and emotional stories woven into every facet. 

One of the highlights of this book for me were the compelling characters and the depictions of family, love and friendship between them. I especially loved Hattie, the Inn’s proprietor, and her young daughter Delphi, but each of the characters had me enthralled and I was rooting for each of them. The will they/won’t they romance between Hattie and Noah was also gripping and I was cheering them on throughout. 

So if you’re looking for a warming festive story to read whilst snuggled under a blanket with a hot chocolate this year, this is the book for you.

Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Sarah Morgan is a USA Today and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of romance and women’s fiction. She has sold over 25 million copies of her books and her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe.

Sarah lives near London, England and when she isn’t writing or reading, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking or riding her mountain bike.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: The Household by Stacey Halls

Published: April 11th, 2024 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Thriller, Historical Thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE CAPTIVATING NEW NOVEL, SET AGAINST CHARLES DICKENS’ HOME FOR FALLEN WOMEN

‘Absorbing . . . Halls weaves together the elements of her story with great skill’ Sunday Times
‘Compelling and richly detailed’ Good Housekeeping
‘Captivating’ Woman
‘Meticulously researched and compelling’ Red
‘Keeps the reader enthralled’ Prima
‘Exquisitely written . . . full of heart and hope’ Fabulous

NOT ALL WHO ARE FALLEN WANT TO BE SAVED

London, 1847. In a quiet house in the countryside outside London, the finishing touches are being made to welcome a group of young women. The house and its location are top secret, its residents unknown to one another, but the girls have one thing in common: they are fallen. Offering refuge for prostitutes, petty thieves and the destitute, Urania Cottage is a second chance at life – but how badly do they want it?

Meanwhile, a few miles away in a Piccadilly mansion, millionairess Angela Burdett-Coutts, one of the benefactors of Urania Cottage, makes a discovery that leaves her cold. Her stalker of ten years has been released from prison, and she knows it’s only a matter of time before their nightmarish game resumes once more.

As the women’s worlds collide in ways they could never have expected, they will discover that freedom always comes at a price . . .

The Household is the new novel from the award-winning, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars, The Foundling and Mrs England. Set against Charles Dickens’ home for fallen women and inspired by real figures from history, it is Stacey Halls’ most ambitious and captivating novel yet.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

The house she was promised, is the first clean page in a new book for girls like her . . .

London, 1847. Martha arrives at Urania House, a house that she has been promised is a new start for girls like her. Martha is the first resident at Charles Dickens’ new house for fallen women and is soon joined by other girls hoping for a fresh start. A place of refuge and reformation, the project and its location are a closely guarded secret and the girls are forbidden from discussing their lives before they arrived at the house. 

On the board of governors is Angela  Burdett Coutts, London’s richest woman. But as the house opens Angela’s world is upended when Richard Dunn, the man who has stalked her for a decade, is released early from prison. Angela knows it won’t be long before his nightmarish games begin again and she’s terrified. Trying to put her worries aside, Anglea becomes increasingly invested in the lives of the girls at Urania, especially Martha. And soon, their lives collide in unexpected ways. Are they prepared for the price they must pay for freedom?

Atmospheric, immersive and beguiling, The Household is another masterpiece from the pen of storyteller extraordinaire Stacey Halls. It’s no secret that Stacey is one of my favourite authors ever, and one of the nicest, too, so I am always excited when she releases another book. She just gets better every time and this one was close to knocking her debut from its spot as my favourite of her books.

I love books based on real events and real people so this was right up my street. Although, before this book I had no idea that Charles Dickens opened a house for fallen women. Expertly written, perfectly paced and acutely observed, this evocative story leaped from the pages  Stacey’s meticulous research is evident on every page, bringing Victorian London to life through every word and the smallest of details. I truly felt like I’d stepped into a time machine and emerged in my favourite era. And then there’s the characters. Every one, however big or small, is richly drawn, charismatic and memorable and I was completely invested in their lives. I had a real soft spot for Martha, Angela and Josephine, and Richard was a deliciously creepy villain who sent chills down my spine. Stacey had me completely in her thrall and I devoured this book in under a day.

This is a story about women. About the hardships they have endured and the ways in which they have learned to survive. These aren’t the meek and weak women that Victorian society would like them to be. Nor do they suffer in silence. These women are strong, determined and courageous. I loved these women, especially Martha, Josephine and Anglea, who are three of our narrators. They put me through the emotional wringer but I loved their stories and the sisterhood they shared. And knowing that Angela is based on a real person also made her even more fascinating to me, and I really enjoyed the conversation between Stacey and Sophia Money-Coutts, who is one of Angela’s descendants, at the end of the audiobook. 

Absorbing, accomplished and utterly mesmerising, this is a must-read for anyone who loves well-written historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you to Manilla Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Stacey Halls was born in 1989 and grew up in Rossendale, Lancashire. She studied journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and has written for publications including the Guardian, Stylist, Psychologies, The Independent, The Sun and Fabulous.

Her debut novel, The Familiars, was published in 2019 and was the bestselling debut hardback novel of that year, won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the British Book Awards’ Debut Book of the Year. Her subsequent novels, The Foundling and Mrs England, were also Sunday Times bestsellers. The Household is her fourth novel.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

*The purchase link in this post is an affiliate link

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Blog Tours book reviews

BLOG TOUR: Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage by Kim Nash

Published October 31st, 2025 by Boldwood Books
Romance Novel, Domestic Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Nautical Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Set against the sparkling shores of Cornwall☀️, this BRAND NEW heartwarming, uplifting and gorgeously romantic tale of second chances is perfect for fans of Veronica Henry, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley. ✨

When life gives you heartbreak 💔, sometimes it also gives you a second chance… 💕

When Tom Sullivan returns to the quiet village of Sandpiper Shore, Emma can hardly believe her eyes. She hasn’t seen him since they played Romeo and Juliet in their school play – a lifetime ago, before real heartbreak, and long before she ever imagined life as a widow.

The last thing she wants is to relive the past, especially with someone who once made her teenage heart flutter. But when Emma agrees to put on a charity pantomime to raise money for the air ambulance service that helped her late husband, she’s thrown firmly back into Tom’s path.

As rehearsals begin and the local community rallies around her, Emma finds unexpected joy in bringing people together – and a surprising connection with Tom that feels far too real to ignore. Maybe it’s time for Emma to become the leading lady in her own life, not just for the show, but for herself.

Full of warmth, humour and heart, this is a story about letting go and discovering that it’s never too late to take a chance on love.

While this novel is set in the same village as the other books in the Sandpiper Shore series, it can be read as a STANDALONE

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Emma Montgomery is trying to move on with life following the sudden death of her husband, Ben. Along with her friends Jo and Michelle she runs the Lonely Hearts Club, a group for singles wanting to make friends, and has agreed to organise the local pantomime to raise money for the air ambulance. But Emma gets a huge shock when at a meeting about the pantomime who should appear but Tom Sullivan, Emma’s first love who she hasn’t seen since they played Romeo and Juliet in their school play. To Emma’s dismay, he still makes her heart flutter just like he did when they were teenagers. But Tom broke her heart and she’s not looking for a man, so Emma is determined they will just be friends. But can she resist what her heart seems to want?

There is nothing better at this time of year than an uplifting romcom. And this book certainly fits that bill. Charming, warm, and witty, this was a joyful festive read and exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Kim Nash writes with heart and humour, expertly immersing you in the lives of her charismatic characters. And while there was laughter from the start, this is also a lot of depth to this story as Kim explores difficult topics such as coercive control, particularly the complex emotions that accompany it, and delivers an an evocative and moving portrait of grief and self discovery that reminds us all to believe in ourselves and take the opportunities life brings our way. 

But what’s most important in a romcom is the romance. You need characters who seem destined for each other and make you root for their happy-ever-after. This is something Kim delivers perfectly. I loved Emma and Tom. Not only were they great characters in their own right, but they had a compelling and tragic history and an undeniable chemistry that is still there over three decades later. These are people who make you believe in soulmates and I was rooting for them to find happiness again with one another despite the obstacles in their path. 

Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage is the perfect romcom to escape with this festive season. Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours, Anne at Random Things Tours, Rach at Random Resources and Zoe at Zooloos Book Tours for the invitation to take part in this tour and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kim Nash is the bestselling author of uplifting, heartwarming, romantic, feel-good fiction. She has wanted to write books since she was a little girl. Her other dream, is to live in a home that has a view of a golden sandy beach and the sea sparkling in the sunlight. Until that dream comes true, she’ll continue to write second chance romances about women who live or move to the seaside on her behalf.

Life Begins at the Cornish Cottage, the second book set in Sandpiper Shores, is out on 31st October 2025 and is available to pre-order now.

One of her greatest writing achievements is to be nominated for the Kindle Storyteller Award in 2020, and she was delighted when Claudia Winkleman had read her book and said it was ‘Totally warm and absolutely lovely.’

She lives in Staffordshire with her son Ollie and English Setter rescue dog Roni, is Author Community Director for publisher Bookouture (a division of Hachette UK) and, as an avid reader, started her career in the publishing industry as a book blogger.

When she’s not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog at Cannock Chase, reading and binge-watching TV. She’s also quite partial to a spa day, lemon drizzle cake and a gin and tonic (not all at the same time!)

Kim also runs a book club in Staffordshire and organises local and national reader/author events.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the review from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: Never Tear Us Apart by Rowan Coleman

Published July 3rd, 2025 by Hodder Books
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Fantasy, War Story, Time Travel Fiction, Contemporary Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Welcome to my review of this mesmerising story. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part, and to Hodder Books for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A spellbinding tale of love, strength and sacrifice from the Sunday Times bestselling author. Based on the gorgeous island of Malta in WWII, this is a story about the power of fate, and how sometimes, in order to find yourself – and to find love – you must first lose everything else. . .

Fate has brought them together. Will time tear them apart?

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2025

Named after a star, war correspondent Maia knows how to find the brightest stories – the tales of survival and strength – hidden amongst the dark realities of combat.

Now, travelling to Malta to visit her estranged father, with one more chance to build a relationship with her last remaining relative, she’s here to find her own story: never having found somewhere – or someone – she can call home, she’s desperate for answers that might show her where she truly belongs.

But when she arrives on the beautiful mediterranean island, she realises her long-lost family is full of more secrets than she could possibly have imagined. . .

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1942

Maia wakes up to find herself on an island under siege, a city in ruins – and knows she must have been sent here for a reason.

Who has she been sent to save? Or is it Maia herself that needs saving? And just when she’s finally found what she’s been seeking . . . will time separate them forever?


Perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Santa Montefiore and Dinah Jefferies.

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MY REVIEW:

Breathtaking, moving and unforgettable, Never Tear Us Apart is a truly special book that has stolen a piece of my heart forever.  A dual timeslip novel, it follows war correspondent Maia Borg, who we first meet in 2025 when she is visiting Malta, the place her estranged father, David, was born. It is her first time here but Maia soon finds that she feels like she’s coming home. But one day while visiting a temple, Maia faints and wakes in an unfamiliar place. This place is dark, noisy and airless. And she quickly realises she is in a shelter while bombs fall around them. It is 1942 and Malta is under siege from the Nazis and their allies. At first she thinks it’s a dream or that her PTSD is giving her hallucinations. But over time, as she takes multiple trips between timelines, Maia starts to believe that her presence in both places is real. But why? What has she been sent back for? As she makes friends and begins to fall in love, Maia realises she has finally found a place she truly belongs. But just as that happens, something threatens to take it all away…

Rowan Coleman is an author whose books are on my autoread list and I’ve always had a soft spot for her historical fiction stories most of all. So I couldn’t wait to read this book. I had high hopes but was unprepared for the beauty of this book and the emotional rollercoaster I was about to embark on. This book really should come with a warning! Exquisitely written, cleverly choreographed and filled with vivacious characters, you can feel how much of Rowan’s heart and soul has been poured into this story. She made Malta come alive on these pages, transporting me to a place that has been on my bucket list for decades. I felt like I was taking every step and feeling every emotion alongside Maia. As a fan of history and historical fiction, I appreciated Rowan’s meticulous research and loved all of the history in this story. It was fascinating and I love how she allowed us to learn alongside Maia and experience her joy at understanding more about this country and her heritage. It has definitely made me even more eager to pay a visit and see these places for myself.

This book has a bit of everything: history, romance, drama, mystery and sci-fi, all merged together in perfect harmony to create a story I never wanted to end. I also didn’t want to leave these wonderful characters behind. I was so invested in their lives and was rooting for Maia at every step. I was on the edge of my seat, especially as we got to the final third of the book and the stakes got even higher. The sense of apprehension, urgency, tension and foreboding was palpable, leaping from the pages and setting my nerves on edge. I couldn’t have put this book down even if my house had been on fire. 

A mesmerising story that demands to be read, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rowan Coleman is the internationally bestselling and award winning author and screenwriter of sixteen novels including THE MEMORY BOOK, THE SUMMER OF IMPOSSIBLE THINGS and THE GIRL AT THE WINDOW.

A life long Bronte fan, under the Bronte inspired pen name Bella Ellis, Rowan also writes the Bronte Mysteries – a carefully researched series of novels that imagine that before they were were famous the Bronte Sisters were amateur detectives. THE VANISHED BRIDE and THE DIABOLICAL BONES and The RED MONARCH are out now.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.