RRR presents... Escape to the Swiss Chalet by Carrie Walker - REVIEW!

Life can sure throw you for a loop, but with today's featured title, you might be rather thankful for that step off course. Ladies and gents, today we're playing host to another tour courtesy of Rachel’s Random Resources and it stars a Contemporary Romance with a dash of Romcom that's sure to please. So, if you're ready, let's hit the slopes as we make way for today's ebook of choice...

Escape to the Swiss Chalet

by

Carrie Walker

About the book...

A SWEET and FUNNY romantic comedy for readers of Sandy Barker and Mandy Baggot.

When your life goes off-piste how do you climb back up the mountain?

Holly Roberts is well-known among family and friends for despising the cold, so no one is more surprised than her when she agrees to pack her bags and move to the Swiss Alps. But after getting her heart broken, spending the winter season working as a sous-chef for wealthy twins Genevieve and gorgeous Luca, is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Verbier is home to millionaires and Holly has never felt more out of place in the snow-capped wooden chalet. Thankfully new friends, chalet girl Liv and chef Xavier are there to be her guide in this new world of après-ski and fondue, and to teach her how to get off chair lifts! And then there is Luca... rich, handsome, kind but what is the catch?

She just wanted to escape her problems but could she get her HE after all?

AMAZON UK

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Omg. I so felt for Holly!

When first we meet, she's in prep mode for her upcoming wedding in a few weeks, and the person that says combining two lives into one household isn't work, has never been through it or helped someone else through it...but I digress.  That work is going to a HEA end goal, so of course it's worth it... but what if it doesn't? What if the person that was the man of your dreams all of a sudden calls it quits? Let me set the scene a little better...*ahem*... he decides to share of all this ON YOUR WEDDING DAY.  Yeah. Anyone else's jaw drop, or maybe you're getting the pitchforks ready to storm the proverbial castle? As well as she takes it, and it's not pretty, I think I'd be way worse... just not certain in what direction 😅. Anyway...

I applaud Holly's plan to regroup, even if it wasn't truly her own idea. I deny the use of common sense when she still kept a shred of hope it'd all turn around, or that keeping in touch in any fashion was the way to go. I grimaced when Luca was working his charm on her because honestly, I just wanted to slug him for being a two face jerk... one moment ALL THE ATTENTION, the next TOTAL DISAPPEARING ACT. There's more to share there, but I'll let you snuffle it out. I laughed at Liv's antics and instant friendship status, and wanted more between Xavier and Holly before there was ever a moment for it to happen.

By book's end, though Holly may not have the best instincts when it comes to guys, she may have just found her best match, once upon THIS time. 

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About the author...

Carrie Walker is a Brummie born rom-com lover with a lifelong passion for travel. She has lived in a ski resort, by a beach, in the country and the city, and travelled solo through Asia, South America and Europe. Her own love life was more com than rom until she met her husband a few years ago and settled down with him and her dog Ziggy in a small pub-filled village in Essex. Writing has long been Carrie’s side hustle, penning columns and features for newspapers and magazines, while working in many other jobs. She has been the CEO of a not-for-profit, a director of a brand agency, the editor of a newspaper in Spain, a radio presenter, a football mascot, dressed up as a carrot for the BBC and now she is writing books. Escape to the Swiss Chalet is her debut novel.

TWITTER

Catch up with Aria Fiction...

 TWITTER | FACEBOOK 

INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (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 WOMAN WITH THE MAP by Jan Casey - REVIEW!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we've teamed up with Rachel's Random Resources to bring you a new release via Aria, an imprint of Head of Zeus books. It's a Historical Fiction novel that takes you in, heart and soul, making you a part of the story for better, or worse. The moment you begin, you won't be able to stop turning pages, or rather flicking epages, as you're engrossed in the lives of a family, a neighborhood, a country as it's torn apart by war and slowly put back together again. Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The Woman with the Map

by

Jan Casey

Aria

About the book...

February 1941

The world is at war and Joyce Cooper is doing her bit for the war effort. A proud member of the Civil Defence, it is her job to assist the people of Notting Hill when the bombs begin to fall. But as the Blitz takes hold of London, Joyce is called upon to plot the devastation that follows in its wake. Night after night she must stand before her map and mark the trail of loss and suffering inflicted upon the homes, families and businesses she knows so well.

February 1974

Decades later from her basement flat Joyce watches the world go by above her head. This is her haven; the home she has created for herself having had so much taken from her in the war. But now the council is tearing down her block of flats and she's being forced to move. Could this chance to start over allow Joyce to let go of the past and step back into her life? An emotional and compelling historical fiction novel perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Mandy Robotham and Catherine Hokin.

--> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---

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I've thoroughly enjoyed my fair share of Historical Fiction titles, but this one falls distinctly in the category of LOVED.

I felt like we truly were a part of Joyce's family, as if she, or a family member, would pop through the doorway and say "Gina, love...where are you off to today" at a moment's notice. I could feel the intensity of the moments as the war drew its dark cloak around them, and the dedication they showed to their duties not only for their community, but their own peace of mind. I mourned for the lives lost of those we barely knew, and those we knew all too well. When Joy and Flo didn't see eye to eye, it felt like we were a third sibling unsure where to throw our loyalties...though I must admit, I stood firmly with Joyce on the whole Vernon issue. When there were moments to celebrate, no matter how small, they felt bright and picture perfect. You could feel the mirth in their midst, the come togetherness making things that much more memorable to help bring a drop of joy to the even darker days ahead.

To think that things like this actually came to pass...uncertainty of your next hour, let alone future; day after day of death and despair; stolen moments turn lifetime memories...and sadly still do, was heart wrenching...but the author wove her spell around us so well that we could see the beauty through the tragedy. The celebrations that happened in spite of it all. The ultimate triumph at the end of so many years of loss. The ability to hang on to ones humanity in the face of true evil. We also see the effects of such loss on the heart, and how it can inadvertently have us drawing into our own protective shells, as it were...and how the kindness of a few strangers reaching out a helping hand can truly propel us towards finding ourselves once again.

That's what this book is truly about. It's one woman's journey through heck and back as she touches so many lives, and is in turn touched by them. It's about how even the most open of hearts can build a wall of protection, and sometimes we need help to tear it back down again. It was a pleasure getting to know Joyce, as well as her friends, family, and fellow colleagues, in both times of joy and times of pain because we know full well the strength of the human heart to pull us through, and the power of love to mend it all again.

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About the author...

Jan Casey's novels, like her first-The Women of Waterloo Bridge-explore the themes of how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period in history, including the present. Jan is fascinated with the courage, adaptability and resilience that people rise to in times of adversity and for which they do not expect pay, praise or commendation. Jan is also interested inwriting about the similarities as opposed to the differences amongst people and the ways in which experiences and emotions bind humans together.

Jan was born in London but spent her childhood in Southern California. She was a teacher of English and Drama for many years and is now a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.

When she is not working or writing, Jan enjoys yoga, swimming, cooking, walking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Before becoming a published author, Jan had short stories and flash fictions published. Social Media

TWITTER

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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!

HFVBT presents... THE GIRLS FROM THE BEACH by Andie Newton - SPOTLIGHT!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for a chance to bring you a SPOTLIGHT on a NEW Historical Fiction title out now via Aria!  From the sound of things, it's definitely not to be missed, so while my reading calendar doesn't allow it's inclusion to read at the moment, I couldn't resist teaming up with this fab group to bring it to you! So, if you're ready, get set, let's READ ALL ABOUT IT...

The Girls from the Beach by Andie Newton

Digital Publication Date: July 8, 2021

Paperback Publication Date: January 2022

Aria Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

'We'd heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies...'

In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now.

When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they're called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes.

Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they're told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses' fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it's a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war.

In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for.

Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | BookBub | Google | Kobo

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Praise for The Girls From The Beach

'One of my favorite books of 2021 and a true must-read for all fans of the genre. It's not just a story of friendship, but a story of patriotism, heroism, and selfless sacrifice in the name of freedom. Absolutely riveting!' – Ellie Midwood, USA Today bestselling author of The Violinist of Auschwitz

'A wild ride of a book, laced with beautifully flawed characters, impeccable research and a story that will make you cry with tears of joy and sorrow. A resounding five-star read!' – Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman

'What a story! The Girls from the Beach took me on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense. The Girls from the Beach is a testimony to courage, integrity and female friendship. And that ending – wow!' – Gill Thompson, bestselling author of The Oceans Between Us

'The Girls from the Beach is a unique and incredibly imaginative story inspired by the nurses who worked on the front line in World War Two. It is action-packed and full of unexpected drama around every turn – I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! Readers who enjoyed Newton's earlier books will be sure to love this one' – Louise Fein, bestselling author of People Like Us

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About the Author

Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Vichy and the author of The Girl I Left Behind. Andie holds a Bachelor degree in History and a Master in Teaching. She would love to say she spends her free time gardening and cooking, but she's killed everything she's ever planted and set off more fire alarms than she cares to admit. Andie does, however, love spending time with her family, trail running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

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Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 9

Nursebookie

Tuesday, August 10

Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Wednesday, August 11

Jessica Belmont

Thursday, August 12

Bonnie Reads and Writes

Friday, August 13

I'm All About Books

Saturday, August 14

Bookoholiccafe

Sunday, August 15

The Cozy Book Blog

Monday, August 16

MTM Reads

Tuesday, August 17

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Wednesday, August 18

Wishful Endings

Thursday, August 19

A Darn Good Read

Booking With Janelle

Friday, August 20

SJ Through the Looking Glass

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

RRR presents... A WIDOW'S VOW by Rachel Brimble - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're teaming up with Rachel's Random Resources for a stop along their current tour featuring a recent release via Atria Fiction.  It's a Historical Romance that has a rather interesting leading lady and leading man, both with pasts, unable to see clearly to a future free from those heavy chains, and in spite of everything, potentially staring love in the face once again.  Sound good?  GOOD...then let's get down to business.  Today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice is...

A Widow's Vow

by

Rachel Brimble

Atria Fiction

About the book...

From grieving widow...

1851. After her merchant husband saved her from a life of prostitution, Louisa Hill was briefly happy as a housewife in Bristol. But then a constable arrives at her door. Her husband has been found hanged in a Bath hotel room, a note and a key to a property in Bath the only things she has left of him. And now the debt collectors will come calling.

To a new life as a madam.

Forced to leave everything she knows behind, Louisa finds more painful betrayals waiting for her in the house in Bath. Left with no means of income, Louisa knows she has nothing to turn to but her old way of life. But this time, she'll do it on her own terms – by turning her home into a brothel for upper class gentleman. And she's determined to spare the girls she saves from the street the horrors she endured in the past.

Enlisting the help of Jacob Jackson, a quiet but feared boxer, to watch over the house, Louisa is about to embark on a life she never envisaged. Can she find the courage to forge this new path? 

A Widow's Vow is the first in a gripping and gritty new Victorian saga series from Rachel Brimble. You won't be able to put it down.

AMAZON  US  |  UK

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This is actually one of only a small few I've read where the leading lady is actually...well to put it delicately, though the book does not mince words...a lady of the night, or rather was, and is forced to be once more.

You see, Louisa was rescued from a brothel by her husband nary four years prior, and until the very day this novel starts, knew kindness, if not love.  She had a roof over her head, no madam to answer to, one man to which she was promised, and her best friend by her side.  What more could a woman want?  Perhaps, the truth...the very beginning of which comes to light when a constable comes calling, dreaded news is delivered, and that new life she'd barely become accustomed to is threatened in so many ways.  Thing is, she and her friend are resilient.  They will do what is necessary to ensure they are never in the same positions they were before...even if that means turning to those tricks of their own volition.  It will be on their terms to ensure their future...but the path before them is dangerous and before long, others are included in their makeshift family.  One with a past not so far from Louisa's own, and the other fighting his way through life as he lets his past dictate his future.  Together, through a seemingly ill advised plan, they will risk it all...including their hearts.

I was actually surprised by how much I loved the characters because the story line was giving me fits along the way.  It's not that I was judging them, they did what they needed to do, and seeing it through their eyes made you respect them more for it, but it's certainly one that if you can't suspend your own beliefs about the subject matter, it might not be a perfect match for you.  That being said, it's handled tastefully, no intimate scenes in actual detail of that nature though again their trade is not minced in words between themselves or simply on the page, as the author chose to focus more on the mental and emotional turmoil it caused the characters having to turn to this in the first place and what darkness first landed them there.

The only drawbacks I experienced where a small hole or two along the story line, a desire for a more complete ending, and a name mentioned that I'm daring to say was probably fixed between the eARC and the final edition.  So ultimately, it was an unusually charming read with a cast you won't be able to turn away from despite your actual feelings about what they carry on at because through their eyes, you can see the greener side of things, the determination to be self sufficient, the desire to not be under another's control, and that in doing what they do, it could possibly afford them those ends.

Recommended for Historical Fiction fans that desire a leading lady with a backbone of steel, a leading man with firsts of fury, and an unexpected sharing of two hearts of gold.

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About the author...

Rachel [Brimble] lives with her husband and their two daughters in a small town near Bath, England. She is the author of over 20 published novels including the Pennington’s department store series (Aria Fiction) and the Templeton Cove Stories (Harlequin).

Her next project is a Victorian trilogy set in a Bath brothel which she recently signed with Aria Fiction. The series will feature three heroines determined to change their lives and those of other women. The first book. A Widow’s Vow is due for release in September and available for Amazon preorder now.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and has thousands of social media followers all over the world. 

To sign up for her newsletter (a guaranteed giveaway every month!), click here.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  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!