Monday, February 28, 2022

RRR presents... THE LIFE YOU LEFT BEHIND by Debbie Howells - REVIEW!

Hi guys! 
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 


Today, we’re on tour with Rachel’s Random Resources as we shine the book review spotlight on a Women’s Fiction title available now via Boldwood Books. It’s a story that will take you to the depths of sorry, loss, and emotional darkness...only to show you that the light can still be found. Ready or not, here comes today’s ebook of choice and blog tour guest... 



The Life You Left Behind 
by 
Debbie Howells 
Boldwood Books 


About the book... 

Two strangers. 
One missed flight. 
It only takes a moment to change a life. 

One year ago Casey Cassidy was happy. She had great friends, a wonderful teaching job and a busy life - until with one missed flight, everything changes. 

One year later Casey knows what it means to find that once-in-a-lifetime love people dream of. But when Ben leaves, her heart is shattered. 

Left facing a year of firsts without him, piecing her life back together seems impossible. But then a friend offers her a home in rural France. 

In the solitude and emptiness, Casey needs to comes to terms with what’s happened and find a way to move forward. She has no idea where that will take her one year later... 








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Let me preface everything I’m about to say with a few indisputable facts… 
...this was a deeply emotional story that draws you in to its very soul… 
...you’ll get to know the characters on the page as well as you do those you hold dear off the page… 
...the author’s descriptive ability will transport you to every gorgeous environment visited around the world, so much so, you’ll be looking for the stamps in your passport. 


Now, with all that said, let me say a few other things that may not be perceived as having a positive experience with the story. First and foremost, for most of the story...about 80% of the ebook to be a bit more precise...I was entirely upset. For those of you that don’t want even a hint at a spoiler, skip this part, but I’ll do my best not to reveal anything either direction with too much clarity...which is almost exactly the problem I was having with the book. For that large chunk of the story, you’re left in a lurch...did Ben DIE or simply LEAVE? I mean, it’s not that I wanted him to be literally gone from this, or rather that, plane, but there were so many passages that were inconclusive, to me at least, that I was having trouble getting behind my feelings for Casey’s plight. I didn’t know if she was literally in mourning, or mourning an emotional loss. 

Second item on the list of not-popular-things-to-mention….this is an IMMENSELY SAD story. Don’t get me wrong, I get the “find your way” vibes, and actively followed Casey’s journey out of darkness, and while there were cracks that let in the light, overall I wasn’t left on an emotional high, but rather a low. To me, it was almost to the point of suggesting a trigger warning for those that suffer from depression, or perhaps are empathetic in the extreme. I’ve read sad stories, in fact, I’ve had a recent run of them for some reason or another, but they’re the ones that have me crying between the pages...this one simply left me drained. 

So yeah, I enjoyed the story as a whole, appreciating the beauty the author wove into a tale, and the skill with which she takes us back in time, while keeping us grounded in the present. I loved the characters and all the colors they brought to the page, both personality wise and through their own histories. It was great to see a love so all consuming and quick to mature, as well as the downside when together is no longer an option. I still had the issues I had with it, but perhaps some of them were simply my own desires projected on the author’s story. Perhaps those were the very things she wanted to keep “secret” until the right moment, or the emotions she wanted to steep the reader in to truly take on the pain that some people actually go through in life. Give it a read, and let me know what you think! 




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About the author... 


While working as long-haul cabin crew in her twenties, Debbie trained as a pilot and qualified as a flying instructor. But as the mother of two small children, she wanted a career she could fit around them and started a wedding flower business, Country Flowers. For thirteen years, Debbie created the natural, seasonal designs she became known for to venues throughout the South East. 

It was towards the end of this time she started writing, in a notebook in the shade of her garden on her days off, self-publishing three women’s fiction novels, the third of which, Wildflowers, almost but not quite found her a literary agent. 

Pursuing her dream of a traditional publishing deal, she went on to write her first psychological thriller, the Sunday Times bestseller, The Bones of You. Four more have followed including the e-book bestseller The Vow, but it’s another long-awaited dream come true that her women’s fiction novels have now found a home with Boldwood. 



FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  BOOKBUB



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Friday, February 25, 2022

RRR presents... BROWN EYES by Frances Ive - SPOTLIGHT + GUEST POST!


Hi there! 
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 


Today, we welcome Rachel’s Random Resources as we help shine the BOOK SPOTLIGHT on a title that shows the breakdown of a life from two vantage points...one of which is rather unexpected, but I’m certain rather enlightening...and the true power of HOPE. Ladies and gents, join me as we take a closer look at today’s title in the spotlight and then get a little more on the topic of communication from the author herself…. 



Brown Eyes 
by 
Frances Ive 


About the book... 

A watchful eye as a marriage falls apart. The phone call, the rows, and the split are all observed by the family Labrador. He knows the habits and senses the moods of his beloved family members. Seeing them unhappy and hurting each other is unbearable. Where did his perfect life go?

Her marriage to Phil in crisis, two children at the challenging teenage stage, and a close friend in peril, Meriel’s world is falling apart. She finds solace in the arms of another man, but is this the answer for her? It is her stubbornness that threatens the family’s future together, until a major loss has a life-changing effect on her. A sliver of hope returns.

Like a fly on the wall, Benji the dog sees it all.

Narrated by both the dog and Meriel, Brown Eyes is a novella (a short read) written by the author of Finding Jo and Give and Take with a Capital G & T. 







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Communication is key in relationships

by Frances Ive, author of Brown Eyes


Meriel and Phil in Brown Eyes had hit a very bad patch in their marriage and were splitting up. Like many marriages or relationships they had been together for some time, but they were not communicating before or after the crisis happened. In fact, their innermost thoughts were never revealed to each other, so resentment and apathy had built up. Meriel’s friend Tania told her,


Deep down I feel that you love each other, and I find it really hard to see you throwing away the life you have together with love, that is so rare to find for anyone.’

Why was it that Tania always got right to the heart of the matter and knew exactly what to say? She was completely right, of course we loved each other. I knew that deep inside, but what could I do?

I have this block, this inability to say to him, ‘I was wrong. Let’s give it another go. I forgive you. Forget the past. Let’s start anew.’

I just couldn’t do that.



Don’t we learn that communication is key to all relationships, whether personal or business? Communication in the workplace is often the subject of courses, but does this mean that people are any better at communicating with their loved ones? Today’s children may learn more about relationships than anyone did in the past, but this is theory. How often can they put this into practice in personal relationships? It’s quite common to be worried about saying how we feel and keep it inside or tell other people, but not the partner.

Expressing feelings and being listened to are so important as is appreciation for each other. Of course, it’s human nature to take those close to us for granted. It is not until something happens and they are no longer there, that we realise how much they mean to us.

There are many reasons for lack of communication between couples. Fear of losing a partner, worry about seeming needy, or just an inability to speak your own truth can be why it seems to be so difficult, even for people who communicate well at work. There are also those who don’t give any thought to how they interact with their partners and carry on regardless, as they always have throughout their lives.

When something goes seriously wrong, they may not have a strong enough foundation to prevent the relationship falling apart. When it seems like there is no hope and the only answer is to separate, can it be pulled back from the brink, especially when both partners have met someone else? Can the deeply hidden love resurface and bring the couple to their senses?

Meriel and Phil don’t hate each other – quite the opposite, they love each other, but they find it hard to find a way out of the mess they have created. They have two children, and a family Labrador, Benji. The children are not happy with the situation, nor is the dog and we know this because he is a co-narrator. He knows their habits and their moods, and he observes everything, but despairs at human behaviour. He can see his perfect life falling apart and the family splitting in two. The sheer frustration is that he can’t do anything about it, even though he tries.

Eventually, it takes a sad event for the couple to start to pick up the pieces of their marriage in earnest. The need to swallow pride and cut through stubbornness is essential, as well as communicating with each other. Can they save their relationship?




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About the author... 


Frances Ive: A career as a journalist/PR led to health writing for UK nationals newspapers and consumer mags. Out of the blue I was inspired to write my first novel, Finding Jo, which I self-published in January 2021. Brown Eyes is my 2nd novel, written a few years ago. It was inspired by our black Labrador Benji. Before Finding Jo, I previously had only non-fiction books published, including One Step Ahead of Osteoarthritis (2019), a positive approach to staying mobile. 


TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK |  INSTAGRAM  |  SITE



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to author Frances Ive for the great guest post. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Tuesday, February 22, 2022

RRR presents... JUST THE WAY YOU ARE by Beth Moran - REVIEW!

Hello, hello!
Fancy meeting you here for another bookish post on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!


Seriously though, for those that tuned in earlier today, we've already had one blog tour visitor, but, as promised, today is a two-fer and this is the two in the "fer". This time around, we're going with a Contemporary Fiction title that easily fits into Romance, Women's Fiction, or even the Chick Lit sub-categories with ease...and fans of ANY of the genres will be most delighted. Don't believe me? Well then, let's get this show on the road! Ladies and gents, the next title in the spotlight and blog tour guest is...


Just The Way You Are
by
Beth Moran


About the book...

A novel about friendship, romance and learning to love yourself - just the way you are.

When Olivia Tennyson – or Ollie to her friends – was sixteen, she wrote a Dream List of all the things she wanted for her life, including a happy marriage and a family. But at twenty-nine, Ollie is single, living at home with her over-protective and manipulative mother, and is feeling like her dreams are getting further out of reach.

It’s time for a change.

It’s time to take matters into her own hands.

Without telling her mum, or more importantly, asking her permission, Ollie finds the perfect place to start her new life. End Cottage has a duck-egg blue front door, a garden that leads to acres of forest, and definitely counts as her dream home.

Now all Ollie has to do is complete the rest of her list and find out who she really is, before she can imagine any romance coming into her life. After all, how is she going to find her dream man in the middle of a forest…






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I identified with Ollie SO very much it was SCARY. I mean, I REALLY got her...her family ties, the desire to run the other way, the stunted life, the chance at a new direction...it was just spot on reality. Of course, I don't have a Dream List like she did, although I'm loving the sound of it, nor a hunky Forest Ranger to randomly pop up at the darndest moments, but always in the nick of time either, but who knows what the future holds? *ahem* Anywho, enough about me, let's get back to Ollie...

I adored her character, I felt for her life, and I was rooting her on like a cheerleader on a spirit stick power trip. She DESERVED her chance. She NEEDED to find her own way. She WANTED to be there for others, but had to find a balance that kept alluding her. She was the best of leading ladies you could hope for...and the friends she made along the way were just as memorable too! It was great how she recognized Diamante Butterfly's GREATNESS by her chosen pastime and reading selection. It was wonderful how she kept at Ebenezer and wouldn't let him simply keep in the dark. It was heartwarming when she reached out to Leanne despite the tough exterior. The progress she made with her mother, and Aunt was commendable. Her dedication to finishing the list on her terms, even with the miscommunications along the way about her desires for the actual end of the No Man Mandate, was inspiring...and hey, the realization that she didn't have to wait for someone else to make that list come true was absolutely grand! Yes, she wanted to share it with someone...and she sorta gets to anyway...but it wasn't a stopping point that held her back. She was a force and in the end, all was right with the world.

SO, do I recommend this one? Oh yeah...a thousand times and then some, for a weekend read to get better acquainted with yourself or someone else you might recognize in the mix, and a story you won't soon forget. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to reach through the pages and hug a few people, while slapping a couple of others, but you'll react, and that's something all stories should strive for.




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About the author...


Beth Moran is the author of four novels, including the bestselling Christmas Every Day. She regularly features on BBC Radio Nottingham and is a trustee of the national women's network Free Range Chicks. She lives on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest.


FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM




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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... THE MARQUESS OF YEW HOUSE by Lotte R. James - REVIEW!

HI there!
Welcome back to another bookish day, here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

It's another two-fer today, as in TWO tours will be gracing my site, both of which are courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources. What can I say? She's got some AMAZING tour opportunities, so if you're a blogger like myself, check her out; if you're an author or publisher, see what services she offers to get your titles out in the blogosphere. Anywho, enough random promo on my part, let's get to the book!


First up, a Harlequin Books release in the favored Historical Romance genre from an author I've not previously read, but I'm always on the lookout for new favorites to add to the list! We're back in Scotland...I know, I go from never-reading-Scottish-stories to all-Scottish-all-the-time...and this time, we've a man of mystery, so to speak; perhaps better put, the man has a mystery in his past, and a future that is just as shrouded in doubt, that there's no way to clearly see how it'll all turn out. Sound delightful? Oh, but IT IS! Ready or not, prepare to meet the Marquess in today's ebook of choice and blog tour guest...


The Marquess of Yew Park House
by
Lotte James
Mills & Boon | Harlequin Books


About the book...

A brooding marquess
And a mysterious widow

On the outside Henry Spencer, Marquess of Clairborne, has it all: title, fortune and dashing good looks. Inside he’s haunted by nightmares. Seeking sanctuary at his Scottish estate, his peace is disturbed by a new tenant, widow Genevieve de l’Omont. Her beauty and spirit lead to a growing desire that distracts him from his troubles, but as he unravels a mystery from his past, he discovers Genevieve has secrets of her own…







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From the moment we meet little Elizabeth, our hearts are sold. Her innocence, her joy, her utter bewilderment by the beauty of life despite all she's seen (though we know not of that quite yet) is on display in her open face, and merely contained by her inquiring questions. She depends on her mother, Genevieve for love and well being, but she looks out for her as well even though she is but a child. When her mother crosses paths with the Marquess, it's far more caution displayed than anything else, for she's had a life she doesn't wish to discuss, and is seeking to forge a new future without entanglements. Unintentionally, she's sharing the same proverbial boat with Henry Spencer, the Marquess, because he's come to his remote estate to escape his responsibilities and find himself again without entanglements as well. So, you can see where this is going, right? When we're not looking for love is when it most often finds us...

Trust me, it's not love at first sight, or rather acknowledgement of it because they are both so set on their own paths, neither can fathom how they would cross. Watching Genevieve realize that opening her heart again to the right man doesn't mean falling under his power and control...with some no so gentle nudges from her daughter and her own companion. Seeing Spencer try to respect her wishes, while falling victim to her loveliness, both inside and out, was...memorable, to say the least. Witnessing him regain the memories he never knew he lost and figure out what that means for his life going forward was inspiring...though I was hanging on the edge to see if everything would come together for that dreamed of HEA.

In the end, it was another memorable trip to Scotland with characters I'll hold dear...and a new series (and author!) for me to explore! So, what ARE you waiting for? The review is done! Now it's YOUR TURN to grab a copy and experience it first hand!




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About the author...


Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she's not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.






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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Monday, February 21, 2022

AWARENESS TOUR: Leaf and the Tree by Bruce Nemovitz - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we welcome The Children's Book Review as we share the AWARENESS TOUR featuring a Children's Picture Book that shares the importance of everyone in a rather unique way. If you would be so kind, keep reading to discover more of this beautifully illustrated tale as we shine the book spotlight on...



by
Bruce Nemovitz
Illustrated by
Ani Ghosh
9781952483257
Book House Publishing


About the book...

Follow the wondrous and challenging life of our friend, the leaf, living alone and happy and confident that only he controls his surroundings and his good fortune. Then one day, Mother Nature teaches a lesson we all can learn from.

Through the journey in this heartfelt book, you will gain a new appreciation when taking a walk past your favorite tree. Our friend, the leaf, is given a gift of knowledge and understanding about the beauty and wonder of the world around us.








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This is the story of how one little leaf that believed itself to be all alone in its life struggle discovers there are so many other factors at play, so many others its life depended upon without him even knowing.  He sees the beauty in his own existence as well as in the relationship they have with each other.  From the big mighty oak to the roots that support it, from the water that runs clean by its side giving it much needed nutrients to the sun shining down and making it all come together, this little leaf...and readers...learn that life isn't just a battle of one, but a battlefield of many.  They learn that no one leaf, or person, goes through this world alone, not could they make it all by their lonesome.  There are always other things, other people, other forces at work that make it all work, thus the beauty of life...and the beauty of this story.

The rhyme and meter make the words catchy for little minds that may wander while the illustrations draw the eye to explore all the other creatures displayed on the pages that also contribute to this life cycle in their own ways.  You'd be hard pressed to look away from the scenes as they change from summer to autumn for the simple reason that the color palette is beautiful, but also because we're watching the life and times of leaf as he matures as all living things must.  He grows from innocent awe and wonder to informed and wise all within a few pages, but its enough for the lessons learned to last his lifetime...and a beautiful reminder to all those little leaves out there simply trying to understand the world, and find their place in it.




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ABOUT THE AUTHOR...


Author Bruce Nemovitz has written two other books. He has been a full-time Realtor for over 43 years in the Great Milwaukee area. The first book is called “Moving in the Right Direction”, A Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. His second book, also related to the senior real estate market is called “Guiding Our Parents in the Right Direction”, A Children’s Guide to Helping Mom and Dad Move From Their Long-Time Home.

Bruce’s passion has always been with children. He has two daughters, Dara and Karra, who blessed him with seven grandchildren! Bruce wanted to leave a message for the next generation who are living in a world divided. This book offers a message of hope and togetherness, that we are all connected to one another and to nature.

Bruce has won several awards in his field of real estate. Bruce has been a monthly contributor for over 12 years with 50plus Magazine in the Milwaukee area. He has written several articles related to the challenge of seniors moving from their long-time homes. He works with his wife of 48 years, Jeanne.






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Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Leaf & The Tree, autographed by Bruce Nemovitz!


Three (3) winners receive:
An autographed copy of The Leaf & The Tree







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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



RRR presents... UNFORGETTABLE by R. E. Loten - EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!


Hi guys! 
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 


Today, we’re playing host to a stop along the Rachel’s Random Resources tour starring a story with a love triangle, and we all know those never end well for everyone. *dun dun dunnn * So, let’s take a closer look between the pages of today’s blog tour guest and title in the spotlight to see just how it all goes down... 


Unforgettable 
by 
R. E.  Loten 


About the book... 

There are first loves and there are last loves. But what happens when they overlap? 

Tom Blythe falls in love quickly. He fell for Olivia the first time they met. The same thing happens when he meets Grace. The problem is: Tom is still in love with Olivia. 

Pulled in two different directions, Tom has a choice to make. He knows he’s unhappy, but is that enough for him to forget the vows he made? Both women have difficult pasts and Tom is desperate to help them, but at what cost? 

Can he let Olivia go and commit his future to Grace? Or will the pull of the past prove too strong? 





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~~~   EXCERPT   ~~~


This extract comes from the opening section of Tom and Grace’s story. Tom has been struggling and he has gone for a drive and ended up in a public garden. This is his first encounter with Grace and shows he’s just as awkward as a 30-something as he was at 18, when it comes to talking to women.


My study of the bee had lifted my spirits briefly and it was with a marginally lighter step that I followed the map’s suggested route and made my way towards the ramp to enter the water gardens.

My first impression of it was that it looked like the external set of one of the Hollywood musicals that Olivia loved so much and the thought momentarily lifted my spirits. As I walked along, I found myself singing, Stereophonic Sound from Silk Stockings under my breath, but the song brought tears to my eyes, so I stopped.

A huge weeping willow hung low over one of the ponds at the centre of the grounds, the feathery fronds of its yellow-green leaves tickling the placid surface of the water, sending gentle concentric circles rippling outwards every time it dipped and bobbed in the breeze. Through the gaps between the fringed branches, patches of brilliant blue sky peeped cheerily, defying an observer to be miserable in the face of its unrelenting positivity. I was surrounded by hundreds of shades of green, punctuated by splashes of pinks, purples, oranges, yellows and reds, all competing for my attention, the colours clashing violently, cymbals vibrating after a short, sharp rim shot. Ducks disturbed the smooth surface of the water, diving down from the sky like nature’s Stukas, honking angrily at each other, squabbling over their food, the will to survive present, even in a setting where they were well cared for. If they were to lose the fight, it would not be through lack of effort on their part at least.

It was like walking into a colourised photograph; the colours were too bright, too intense to be real and a gnawing headache began making its presence felt. It pricked at my temples, an internal itch I couldn’t scratch, sending pointed pin pricks of pain darting through every nerve in my head. White jagged streaks of light seared across my field of vision. I had half decided to just return home to the grey, uninspiring tepidity that awaited me, where I would be safe from this dangerous onslaught of life, when I rounded a corner and saw her.

In an instant, I was surrounded by a comforting cocoon of warmth. The headache, which only a moment earlier, had been threatening to invade, now retreated, grumbling, to lurk in the shadows; I was protected from its attack and it didn’t like it, but it was powerless in the face of the feelings that flooded through me. They swept away everything in their path.

I was acutely aware of everything around me. The delicate beat of the butterfly’s wings, a throbbing pulse of delight revelling in the freedom of flight. Bees buzzing past, accompanied by the lower pitched drone of another insect I couldn’t identify. Muffled sounds were clarion calls; the soft scuffle of feet through grass, the truncated click of a camera shutter and the murmuring voices of other visitors discussing the different species of hydrangea.

Above her head, a single strand of gossamer thread from a spider’s web stretched like a flea circus tightrope between a Larch and a Swamp Cypress; fragile but strong. A rope drawing me inexorably towards her, even as I stood paralysed, rooted as firmly to the spot as the trunks of the trees around me.

The rays from the sun bounced off the red curls that crowned her head, reflecting off the lenses of the purple-rimmed glasses that were perched precariously on the end of her nose. A long, slim finger reached up unselfconsciously and pushed them back up to their rightful place, purple glittery nail polish winking and blinking, playing hide and seek with the sun.

She had a book propped up on her crossed legs, a thick, weighty looking thing that seemed too heavy for her slender frame. I studied the cover, trying to make out what she was reading, but all I could see were the big blocks of colour that decorated the cover. It was clearly an academic book of some kind; No novel would have such a bland cover, I thought, Not if it ever wanted to be picked up and read.

She shifted her position on the bench, transferring the weight of the book from one leg to the other, smoothing the knee length skirt back down, before resuming her study of the page. Soft tendrils clustered around her temples and she twisted a longer curl around her index finger, a slight frown creasing the gap between the well-defined brows.

I ran a hand through my hair, scared to acknowledge the familiar feeling, unsure of what my next action should be and the movement must have caught her attention, because she lifted her head and removed her glasses, peering across the pond to see what had distracted her. I knew the moment she saw me because a slight smile of acknowledgment flickered across her face. I returned the gesture with interest, not deterred in the least by the instant return of her attention to the book and suddenly, I knew exactly what I needed to do. I crossed the narrow wooden plank that divided the two main bodies of water and made my way towards her bench.

Hi,’ I came to an abrupt halt to one side of where she sat.

She looked up, shielding her eyes from the sun. A puzzled frown half-formed then fell away.

Hello.’

For a moment, we occupied the awkward silence. I felt it forming around me, tying my tongue into tangled knots, then I shook it off, reminding myself there had been a purpose for the interruption of my walk.

It’s so beautiful here, isn’t it?’

She nodded, the irritated frown warring with the polite smile; the battle for supremacy playing out across the pale face.

Yes.’ A long pause, during which I did not move. ‘That’s why I come here. It’s somewhere quiet to read my book.’







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About the author...


A former teacher, Ruth’s first writing memory is for her writer’s badge in Brownies but her MA in Creative Writing probably trumps that. One of the founders and editors of the digital literary and visual arts magazine, Makarelle, she has been published in various anthologies and is usually found in her study, mainlining coffee and frantically pinning editorial notes onto a noticeboard. In November 2019, Ruth was appointed Writer In Residence at Brightlingsea Lido. Although she has written a number of books for children and teenagers, this is Ruth’s debut novel for adults. 


SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK   |  INSTAGRAM



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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...
...a signed paperback copy or a kindle version of Unforgettable!
 (UK Only) 

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize. 



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Friday, February 18, 2022

RRR presents... A LAIRD FOR THE GOVERNESS by Catherine Tinley - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we welcome back Rachel's Random Resources (*waves*) and Harlequin Books / Mills & Boon as we feature the latest Historical Romance from author Catherine Tinley! I've read several of her previous releases and have yet to be disappointed; the same holds true for this one. Random note, this is the second story I've read recently that has taken place in or around Scotland. A new trend for me? Eh, the jury is out on THAT matter...not a fan of the kilts, nor my favorite accent (*giggle*)...but I will say that I agree with Ms. Gray from the agency, they definitely know how to raise their men! Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...


A Laird for the Governess
by
Catherine Tinley
Mills & Boon | Harlequin Books


About the book...

A penniless governess
And the dour Laird of Ardmore

Lydia Farnham must travel to a remote Scottish island to work for widower Alasdair MacDonald, who doesn’t trust her or her unconventional teaching methods! Yet as his daughter flourishes, so, too, does the intense connection between Lydia and Alasdair. Only she should know better than to fall for the handsome laird when it could leave her without a job, or a home…






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This was a story that could have taken a wrong turn very easily as the author made our fair leading lady a bit more fair than usual, which is where most of her struggles stemmed from. However, the humbleness she built into her character, the integrity she had, the awareness of this personal trait and yet desire to not be known by that in the slightest, all went MILES in making me like her all the more for her heart, her determination, her ability to understand others, and her willingness to get her hands dirty (so to speak). THAT'S what made Lydia truly remarkable, and in the end, all of those attributes and more are what reawaken the dormant and distrusting heart of our Scottish laird. Speaking of him...

Alasdair was what I'd call an acquired taste. When we first met, I wanted to throttle him. Seriously, I wanted to shrink his highland best in the sun, and leave it as the only possible option for him to wear simply to annoy him. For someone that prided themselves on being benevolent, and caring for those in his care, he sure had an ICE BLOCK on his shoulder in regards to our Sassenach. Given his history, we get it...eventually...but SHE didn't know anything about all that and to hold it against her simply because of her background, her heritage? Yeah, definitely not on the upside of things. Time, and circumstances start to bring him around to a new way of thinking, but what really helps turn the tide is her actions, her growth, and...his daughter!

Although a Historical Romance it may be, that doesn't mean love doesn't flourish in other relationships as well...from his darling, high spirited daughter (LOVED HER!) to the other souls in his care among the younger generation. There is an ingrained spirit of everyone belonging, everyone having a place and receiving the respect they deserve. It was wonderful to witness...even when Lydia was on the outside looking in...and heartwarming when the circle expanded to eventually include her.

All in all, it's a story you won't want to miss from an author who knows how to wield her craft. Historical Romance fans, take note!




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About the author...


Catherine Tinley is an award winning author of historical romance. She writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her first book, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while Rags-to-Riches Wife won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2021 as well as the 2021 HOLT Medallion for Best Historical Romance.

She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, cats, and dog and can be reached at catherinetinley.com, on facebook, twitter, and instagram.






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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...
1 of 2 signed copies of A Laird for the Governess 
(1 x UK/Ireland Winner, 1 INT Winner)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.




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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!