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Escape for Christmas by Phillipa Ashley | #bookreview | @RandomTTours @PenguinUKBooks @PhillipaAshley – Portobello Book Blog
You'd think someone who used to run a year-round Christmas shop and who has cats called Jingle and Belle would absolutely adore Christmas wouldn't you? Well, Sophie used to until her relationship fell apart spectacularly at Christmas. She's built a new life for herself running Sunnyside Guest House in the Lake District and decides to…
Edinburgh: Our Storied Town by Donald Smith | #nonfiction #edinburgh #history #bookreview | @lovebookstours @kellyalacey @LuathPress – Portobello Book Blog
When I was offered the opportunity to take part in the book tour for Edinburgh: Our Storied Town, I jumped at the chance. As someone who is Edinburgh born and bred, I know my city to be full of stories and couldn't wait to find out more! Huge thanks to Kelly Love Books Tours for…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Lisa Darcy #author of Christmas Actually | @BloodhoundBook @LisaDarcyAuthor – Portobello Book Blog
Today's festive #ThreeTwoOne takes place in Australia so it's a summer based story not winter like most of the other books I've been featuring. Lisa Darcy is answering my questions about her novel Christmas Actually. Tell me THREE things about your latest book Summer: A hot Australian summer, where even the rich and glamorous…
WWW Wednesday 20th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm just finishing off Edinburgh: Our Storied Town for my spot on the blogtour on Friday. My Kindle read is We Three Kings by Kristen Bailey. I'm not loving my current audiobook Lovelight Farms by BK Borison but I know it's been hugely popular so I'm sticking with it for…
Top Ten Tuesday 19th November 2024: Ten Books of Christmas | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog #10BooksOfChristmas – Portobello Book Blog
I'm combining two different challenges this week: Top Ten Tuesday and Ten Books of Christmas This week's topic: Ten Books of Christmas As I mentioned above, I'm combining Top Ten Tuesday (but not sticking to this week's theme) with the Twenty Books of Christmas Reading Challenge hosted by Jodie @ That Happy Reader. Since many publishers…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Rita Herron #author of The Ice Sisters | @Bookouture @RitaHerron – Portobello Book Blog
For today's festive #ThreeTwoOne I'm joined by author Rita Herron. She's talking about her wintry thriller The Ice Sisters, the latest in her Detective Ellie Reeves series. TELL ME THREE THINGS ABOUT YOUR BOOK The Ice Sisters is an intense, suspenseful read which brings you back to the world of Detective Ellie Reeves. This story…
The Real Mackay by Helen Graham | #LBThistorical #bookreview #Edinburgh #theatre | @HEGrahamWriter @MatadorBooks @LoveBooksTours @KellyALacey – Portobello Book Blog
At the start of Book Week Scotland it seems appropriate to feature a book by a Scottish author about a real Scottish historical figure who happens to be her ancestor. I'm pleased to be re-sharing my review for The Real MacKay by Helen Graham today as part of the booktour organised by Kelly Lacey. Helen…
Great British Bake Off Challenge #booktag #bookchallenge #BakeOff 🍰🎂🥞 – Portobello Book Blog
I saw on Joanna's blog (Over The Rainbow Book Blog) that she had taken part in a Great British Bake Off Challenge. I absolutely love this programme so I just had to join in! Before I watched it I couldn't see the attraction in watching people bake but it's a brilliant programme. I get so…
Hope Never Knew Horizon by Douglas Bruton | #bookreview | @PressTaproot – Portobello Book Blog
Having read a wonderful review of Hope Never Knew Horizon from fellow blogger Mairead - you can read that here - I was delighted to accept a copy when the author Douglas Bruton got in touch. The book comprises three stories told in alternate chapters which are all linked in some way by hope. One…
Celebrating 25 novels from Sue Moorcroft! Spotlight on The Christmas Promise | @SueMoorcroft @rararesources @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
With huge apologies to Rachel and Sue for this being late (it's been a bit of a week!), I am delighted to be taking part of the celebrations marking 25 novels by Sue Moorcroft. I unfailingly enjoy Sue's books and it's a privilege to be part of this special celebration. Last week I reviewed her…
The Viscount and The Thief by Emma Orchard | #regencyromance #bookreview | @rararesources @EmmaOrchardB @BoldwoodBooks – Portobello Book Blog
I saw Emma Orchard when she was taking part in a panel on Regency Romance at the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival earlier this year. It was so interesting hearing how her love of she Georgette Heyer's books were the inspiration for her own writing. I hadn't read any of her books before so when I…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Kirsty Ferry #author of Mirrors of the Past | @Kirsty_Ferry @JoffeBooks @ChocLituk – Portobello Book Blog
Joining me today is one of my favourite authors, Kirsty Ferry. I haven't managed to fit in her latest book so I'm pleased she's agreed to tell us a bit about Mirrors of the Past today through my #ThreeTwoOne questions. Tell me THREE things about your latest book Mirrors of the Past is book five…
WWW Wednesday 13th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm reading The Viscount and the Thief by Emma Orchard which is for my spot on the blog tour on Friday. I've just started listening to Lovelight Farms by BK Borison. I'm rather late to the party with this one as I know it's been a social media sensation! What…
Top Ten Tuesday 12th November 2024: Destination Titles | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Destination Titles This week's topic was suggested by Rachel @ Sunny Side and it's destination titles. In other words, titles with the names of places in them which can be real or fictional. I really enjoyed looking back through my books to choose my ten books this week. I decided to choose…
A Little Place in Prague by Julie Caplin | #romanticfiction #bookreview | @JulieCaplin @0neMoreChapter_ @rararesources – Portobello Book Blog
I'm so pleased to be rounding off the blogtour and sharing my review for A Little Place in Prague by Julie Caplin today. How gorgeous is that cover? Doesn't it make you want to book yourself a winter trip to Prague immediately? And once you've read it, you'll long to go even more! Thanks to…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Donna Ashcroft #author of A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands | @Bookouture @Donnashc – Portobello Book Blog
Joining me today to answer my #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions about her festive novel A Christmas Romance in the Scottish Highlands is author Donna Ashcroft. I love the snowy scene on the front cover - makes me hope once again for a white Christmas! Tell me THREE things about your latest book My book includes elements…
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore | #bookreview | @0neMoreChapter_ – Portobello Book Blog
The Dream Harbor book series has been everywhere on social media but for some reason up till now, I hadn't got around to reading it. When I noticed the first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Café, was available to borrow through my Amazon Prime membership, I thought it was a good opportunity to…
A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft | #romanticfiction #bookreview and #giveaway | @SueMoorcroft @rararesources @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
I'm delighted to be taking part in the blogtour for A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft. This is Sue's 25th book which is amazing - congratulations Sue! Sue visited the blog on publication day to take part in my Festive #ThreeTwoOne feature - you can read that here. And next week I'll be…
Living Is A Problem by Doug Johnstone | #crimefiction #Edinburgh #bookreview #Skelfaholic | @OrendaBooks – Portobello Book Blog
The Skelf women Dorothy, Jenny and Hannah have been through a lot in the last five books of this series and Doug Johnstone isn't letting them have an easy life in Living Is a Problem either. If you haven't read any of the books (first of all, why not?) then you need to know that…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Sue Moorcroft #author of A Skye Full of Stars | @SueMoorcroft @AvonBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
Today I'm delighted to welcome a favourite author Sue Moorcroft to answer my #ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions about her festive novel A Skye Full of Stars (yes, I'm singing the Coldplay song too!). This is the second book in Sue's Skye Sisters series and I'm on the blog tour for it on Saturday so watch out…
WWW Wednesday 6th November 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I started my first Christmas read of the year last night, A Skye Full of Stars by Sue Moorcroft. Sue will be my guest tomorrow on my Festive #ThreeTwoOne feature then I'll be reviewing the book on Saturday. I'm still listening to the latest Shell House detectives book, The Death…
Top Ten Tuesday 5th November 2024: Books with trees on the cover | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Books with trees on the cover This week Jana has asked us to come up with ten books with a particular item on the cover and we could choose whatever item we liked. I would have loved to have chosen books with fireworks on the cover since it's Bonfire Night but could…
The Sea House by Louise Douglas | #bookreview | @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @LouiseDouglas3 – Portobello Book Blog
The Sea House is the third in a series set in Brittany in the seaside town of Morranez, featuring the Toussaints detective agency. I haven't read the first two but it didn't stop me enjoying this book immensely. I now want to go back and read the others to find out more about Mila and…
Festive #ThreeTwoOne with Michelle Vernal #author of Saving Christmas at the Little Irish Village | @Bookouture @MichelleVernal – Portobello Book Blog
Yes it's that time of year where my #ThreeTwoOne feature turns festive and for the next 8 weeks or so I'll be chatting with authors about their festive releases. Kicking us off today is author Michelle Vernal whose new book is Saving Christmas at the Little Irish Village. Tell me THREE things about your latest…
#ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Alice May #author of The Mid-life Trials of Annabeth Hope | @rararesources @AliceMay_Author – Portobello Book Blog
This is one of the last regular #ThreeTwoOne features this year before I move to the festive edition next week. Today Alice Hope is answering my questions about her latest book, The Mid-life Trials of Annabeth Hope. Thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for having me as part of the tour. Tell me THREE…
#6Degrees of Separation for November 2024: from Intermezzo by Sally Rooney to The Lighthouse Bookshop by Sharon Gosling – Portobello Book Blog
I haven't read the starting book this month, Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, but it led me to think immediately of another book with the word intermezzo in the title. Coda, Fantaisie and an Intermezzo is by a local author Grahame Howard and includes three short stories which are all connected by music. Music leads me…
The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove by Kim Nash | #bookreview | @rararesources @BoldwoodBooks @KimTheBookworm – Portobello Book Blog
The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove is the fourth book set in Driftwood Bay but don't worry if you haven't read them all (or any of them) as they are all standalone novels. Each focuses on a different main character although of course, if you are familiar with the series, you will be pleased to…
The Many Ghosts of Donahue Byrnes by Laura McLoughlin | #bookreview | @bwpublishing @_lauramclo – Portobello Book Blog
Well it's Hallowe'en today and what better day to share my review of The Many Ghosts of Donahue Byrnes? Ghosts aren't just for Hallowe'en of course, so don't think you've missed your chance to read this one! My thanks to Black & White Publishing for my digital review copy from Netgalley. First, let's find out…
WWW Wednesday 30th October: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I'm still reading Hope Never Knew Horizon by Douglas Bruton as I got a bit distracted last week by ghost stories! I'm also reading Kim Nash's The Bookshop at the Cornish Cove. I've also started listening to the latest in the Shell House Detectives by Emylia Hall, The Death at…
13 Cornish Ghost Stories | #bookreview #Cornwall #ghoststories | @MabecronBooks – Portobello Book Blog
I've been saving this book for spooky season and with the clocks having just changed, it's been a perfect book to curl up with on the longer, winter evenings. There were some authors in this collection who are familiar names to me such as Kate Riordan, Jane Johnson, Emma Cowell and Liz Fenwick but most…
Will you take up the Bonfire Night #GuyFawkes #bookchallenge? #booktag #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
Last year I made up a Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night book tag challenge. With just a week to go till 5th November, I'm sharing it again and hope that it might inspire some others to have a go! As many of you will know, November 5th is Bonfire Night in the UK, which is also known…
Top Ten Tuesday 29th October: Hallowe’en Freebie | #TopTenTuesday #amreading #bookrecommendations #TuesdayBookBlog – Portobello Book Blog
This week's topic: Hallowe'en Freebie Well it's very nearly Hallowe'en and I hope everyone who enjoys this spooky season is geared up to have fun on Thursday. This week's topic is a Hallowe'en freebie and I've chosen books which, on some level, feature ghosts, witches or death. Cornish Ghost Stories - review coming tomorrow Voices…
Estella’s Revenge by Barbara Havelocke | #historicalfiction #bookreview | @canelo_co @herabooks @BCopperthwait @RandomTTours – Portobello Book Blog
I read Barbara Havelock's Estella's Revenge earlier this year when it was published in hardback. It's just come out in paperback and isn't that new cover just lovely? Slightly unsettling perhaps but lovely nonetheless. I am familiar with the author as Barbara Copperthwaite, writer of best-selling thrillers. This book then is a bit of a…
#ThreeTwoOne quickfire questions with Surinder Jolly #author of Tsunami of Greed – Portobello Book Blog
I'm pleased to welcome Surinder Jolly back to the blog. He has previously told us about his debut novel Indian Whispers and you can read about that here. Today he's talking about his newest book Tsunami of Greed which was published in September. and answering my #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions. Tell me three things about your…
The Spark by Holly Miller | #bookreview | @hodderfiction – Portobello Book Blog
I throughly enjoyed reading Holly Miller's latest novel The Spark. I knew from a previous book of hers, The Sight of You, that she creates unlikely or impossible scenarios and makes them completely believable. In The Spark, Neve believes that the spirit of her partner Jamie has transferred into the body of another man, Ash.…
First Line Friday 25th October 2024: 13 Cornish Ghost Stories | #FirstLineFriday | @KateRiordanUK @MabecronBooks – Portobello Book Blog
Today I'm sharing the first few lines of a short story from the 13 Cornish Ghost Stories collection which is described as 'a chilling anthology of new Cornish ghost stories, featuring tales from the cream of current Cornish storytellers'. This is from the first story, The Blind Spots, which is by Kate Riordan. The lane…
#ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions with Justin Newland #author of Midnight of Eights @JustinNewland53 @BookGuild – Portobello Book Blog
I’m very pleased to be joined by author Justin Newland again today. He’s here to answer my #ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions about his novel The Midnight of Eights which is due to be published on Monday. That's such an intriguing title - more about that later! Justin joined me earlier this year to talk about the…
WWW Wednesday 23rd October 2024: what am I reading? | #WWWWednesday #amreading #bookrecommendations – Portobello Book Blog
What am I currently reading? I've just started reading Hope Never Knew Horizon by Douglas Bruton and I'm dipping in and out of 13 Cornish Ghost Stories which is a collection of spooky tales by various authors set in and around Cornwall. No new audiobook this week as I'll be away for a few days…
#ThreeTwoOne quick-fire questions with Ann Burnett #author of The Last Journey – Portobello Book Blog
I'm so pleased that Ann Burnett is joining me today to talk about her memoir The Last Journey. This book sounds like a very moving read but also one which will be important in educating people about dementia. I'm including a link to an extract from the book further down the page so please do…
Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway | #spythriller #bookreview #JohnLeCarré | @RandomTTours @Harkaway @VikingBooksUK – Portobello Book Blog
I'm delighted to be helping to kick off the book tour for Karla's Choice by Nick Harkaway. Although, actually, it's my husband who is reviewing this book as he is a big fan of John le Carré's novels. Nick Harkaway is John le Carré's son. Karla's Choice is the missing link, if you, like between…