RRR presents... THE VILLA OF DREAMS by Lucy Coleman - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we've got another Rachel's Random Resources tour coming your way featuring the latest release by author Lucy Coleman.  You may remember that I reviewed another book by this author earlier this year by the name of Summer in Provence, which I very much adored, so my expectations were quite high going into this one.  Did the story live up to my hopes, my dreams?  Let's find out AND get you between the pages to see if this may just be your next must read...

The Villa of Dreams

by

Lucy Coleman

About the book...

'Beautifully written, comforting and utterly uplifting, Lucy Coleman’s stories are the perfect tonic when life is a little grey.' Holly Martin

Seren Maddison left behind a rainy Britain to follow her dreams and live and work in Lisbon. The vibrancy, the beautiful scenery and the sunshine, made her fall in love and she knew, instantly, that it would be her forever home.

International artist Reid Henderson has homes in Lisbon and London. Following his painful divorce, his dream is to turn his luxurious home into an art school and gallery.

When Seren and Reid first meet there is an instant attraction, but they are both people who have been hurt, and each have dreams that are so far apart, they aren’t even on the same page. 

Can they enjoy one summer of happiness together, as life bestows a gift of memories to cherish for the rest of their lives? Or is their destiny to chart a path into the future, in a home where dreams can come true?

Seren and Reid may be about to discover that love is as much about what you are prepared to give up, as what you are prepared to keep hold of.

Let Lucy Coleman transport you away to sun-drenched Portugal where true love really can conquer all, and home is where the heart is. Perfect for all fans of Trisha Ashley, Holly Martin and Sue Moorcroft.

AMAZON

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Once upon a time, there was a girl wanting to break free from her family's hold.  Once upon a time, a young woman took her future into her hands and said THIS is what I want...THIS is what I need.  Once upon a time, that same woman discovered just where she belonged, and though it may not have looked exactly has she had pictured, the true beauty of life as in art is in the eye of the beholder...and this one was working on a masterpiece.

Seren was an absolute doll.  She was stronger than she thought, more able than some might have guessed, and lived each day not only from her mind, but her heart.  She did not love easily, but when she did it was completely.  She put her passion for life into her work, both at the gallery and at home with her metalwork.  Speaking of metalwork, I love the fact that this unexpectedly medium was what held her creative heart.  As Reid pointed out, it's not something you would have guessed and yet, it didn't make it any less possible, or her work any less moving.  When planning the event for the gallery, she put her creative side to work, meshing things together that were not formerly thought of with much success...but that's not to say there weren't pitfalls along the way.  Some were regarding the project, while others involved her heart in unexpected ways.  Seeing her work her way through the culture, the shocking revelations, and the unexpected turn of events, was like watching a master painter at work.  She took time to understand who was ultimately constructing the work, accepted those things she could not change, and made adjustments when surprises made themselves known...making the ending THAT much sweeter.

In the end, it was a definite jewel that deserves it's time in the sun, and while Provence still holds my heart, it was a pleasure to walk with this one, hand in hand, as we moved towards an unforeseeable future that was no less mesmerizing.  Recommended read for Women's Fiction fans as well as those that like a good Contemporary Romance, heavy on the story and inner soul searching.

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About the author....

Lucy Coleman is a #1 bestselling romance writer, whose recent novels include Summer in Provence and Snowflakes over Holly Cove. She also writes under the name Linn B. Halton. She won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award and lives in the Welsh Valleys.

SITE  |  BOOKBUB

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!

RRR presents... SUMMER IN PROVENCE by Lucy Coleman - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're teaming up with the ever fabulous Rachel's Random Resources to bring you another FABULOUS tour set to whisk you away to places you've only dreamed, with characters you won't soon forget.  That's right, my friends, this is one for the wish or to-read list and it's the perfect escape from whatever life is throwing your way.  Ready, set, let's take a gander the GORGEOUS cover gracing today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

Summer in Provence

by

Lucy Coleman

About the book...

Is a change as good as a rest?

When married couple Fern and Aiden have a windfall, their reactions could not be more different. While Fern is content to pay off their mortgage and build a nest egg before starting a family, her husband is set on traveling the world.

Fern’s not much of a back-packer so, before she knows it, the idea of a ‘marriage gap year’ takes shape. And, as Aiden heads off to the wilds of Australia, Fern chooses the more restful Provence for her year out.

Set amidst the glorious French scenery, Château de Vernon offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of normal life, and Fern agrees to help out in return for painting lessons from the owner – renowned, but rather troubled, painter Nico.

 As their year unfolds in very different ways, will the time apart transform their marriage, or will it drive Fern and Aiden even further apart…

Let Lucy Coleman whisk you off on a heart-warming, sun-drenched and magical French adventure.

AMAZON

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This is the story of two people finding themselves in the most untraditional way possible, and while the ultimate goal may have been bringing them closer together, the outcome may have been the biggest unknown of their married lives.

When I first started reading this one, I admit...I was enchanted by the cover.  I mean, just look at it!  It's simply gorgeous, and that gave me warm feelings about the story I was about to entertain.  When I began getting to know Fern and Aiden, I was curious...just what was going on with this couple who seemed to have distance in their hearts?  Then the windfall happened, and I considered their problems, if money bound, would be banished...but things went deeper than that.  There were wounds on one side that while never intended, still existed, and the restlessness that built within them came bursting out in an exasperating rush. 

A gap year?  In a marriage?  I was beyond flabbergasted...actually, I was probably AS flabbergasted as Fern, but with a lot more words coming out of my mouth regarding the whole idea.  I mean, who DOES that?  Who truly loves the other person, but wants to step away from them for a year?  I get he had wanderlust, and I get she had a fear of flying that inhibited that in some fashion, but my word!  I was just blown away.  Then, things started happening, at least for Fern, because the viewpoint we truly get the clearest image of is through her eyes, and it was...enlightening.  She found herself in so many little ways, and unlocked so many larger doors that were creating obstacles, while lifting several pieces of the world from her weary shoulders...my mind circled back to the original suggestion/steps that created this "opportunity".  Would it be a good idea?  Or would the changes they were both bound to experience not simply drive them apart, but make it clearer as to why they seemed to be growing in that direction anyway? 

It was a conundrum, and I could only stay along for the ride to find out just how things played out.  Along the journey, we meet so many souls seeking their own solace, understanding, and new beginnings that one can't help but be moved by not only their stories, but the steps they've taken to find their paths again.  The tortured artist, the unheard youth, the guilt ridden heart, the haunted widow...all of them, good, giving, and kind hearted people, just needing to find a connection, along with their own voices once again.  It gave the story a true feeling of togetherness, and provided a wonderful fullness to everything experienced.

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About the author...

From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says 'it's been a fantastic journey!'

 Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels - including Summer on the Italian Lakes, Snowflakes over Holly Cove, The French Adventure and A Cottage in the Country. She is represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she's not writing, or spending time with the family, she's either upcycling furniture, working in the garden, or practising Tai Chi.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her 'rock', Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she is an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the SoA and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

CHANCE TO WIN...

...a signed paperback of 'A Springtime to Remember'

and a Boldwood Tote bag!

 (Open INT)

*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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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 for pre order, 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!