Posted in Blog Tour, Young Readers 5-9

Super excited to share my review for Jana’s Brightly Coloured Socks by Sally Fetouh

My Review

What a fabulous story to encourage young children with regards to acceptance and building.

This story celebrates when Jana achieves an accomplishment and how her friends not only help her celebrate but how she kindly pays this forward through sharing.

Full of positive language, with a few words per page at a good size and brilliant illustrations to help even the most reluctant reader want to keep reading.

A brilliant story that I really enjoyed and would make a fab addition to the reading curriculum to help children understand and accept different conditions from an early age.

Book Blurb

Jana has just learned how to put her socks on all by herself.

Jana also happens to have Down syndrome.
To celebrate her new skill, she gets loads of brightly coloured socks as a gift.

What happens when Jana shows them to everyone at school?

Join Jana on a fun-filled journey as she discovers what it means to be a true friend and the real value of kindness.

This is a heart-warming and beautifully illustrated book that celebrates friendship and inclusion. It encourages children to embrace the differences and similarities within us.

Author Sally Fetouh was inspired to write this touching story by her own daughter who has Down syndrome, feeling it was important for her and other children like her to be able to see themselves in literature. After reading a different story about a girl with Down syndrome to her daughter’s preschool class, Sally says, “The children were so engaged in the story and asked questions. They were very accepting and loving of their friend—my daughter. I left with a heart overflowing with emotion and that inspired me to write my story.”

Socks were deliberately chosen in this story to reference the extra chromosome in Down syndrome. Chromosomes are shaped like socks. Even though we all have chromosomes that make us who we are, we are still all remarkably unique.

Accompanying child activity and educational information sheets available on the author website: http://www.sallyfetouh.com.

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author


It was important to Sally that her daughter and other children like her were able to see themselves represented in literature. The idea came to Sally when she visited her daughter’s preschool to read a story about a girl with Down syndrome. The loving, accepting, and inquisitive responses from her daughter’s classmates inspired her to write a story reflecting these caring friendships.

Sally believes a great book is one that has impactful characters and a story that provides a new experience or perspective to the reader that stays with them long after the book is closed. She hopes that her young readers with disabilities or those who are different in some way will be able to relate to the main character and see a little bit of themselves, while also aiming for other readers to gain insight into the world of Down syndrome and the importance and impact of kindness and friendship.

When she isn’t writing thought provoking children’s books, Sally works as a lawyer and a
photographer. She enjoys being in nature, hiking, and horse riding. She lives with her family in Sydney, Australia.

Jana’s Brightly Coloured Socks is her debut picture book.

Social Media Links


Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sallyfetouh/


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profi
le.php?id=100089048475502


Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/sallyfetouh

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Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Contemporary Fiction

Today I’m so excited to be on the blog tour for The Magic of Sea Glass by Jenny Hale #blogtour #5* #themagicofseaglass @jhaleauthor

My Review

I’m not even sure where to start with this amazing story. I’ve had a bit of a reading slump lately and between some books not grabbing me straight away and a massive lack of time it’s impacted my enthusiasm for reading.

I always love a story by Jenny Hale and this one grabbed me within the first few pages and just yanked me in. I was quickly fully submerged in the story and was keen to find 10 mins to escape so I could keep reading.

We meet business partners Andy and Lauren straight away and quickly learn why Lauren has lost her passion for her job. As Lauren nurses her heartbreak she decides to take a break and head to North Carolina.

A story brimming with friendship, love and heartbreak in equal measures, the characters are beautiful souls and so relatable. As the story progresses you can feel how it is sewn together with many intricate threads that tighten and you keep reading to create a wonderful ending.

Book Blurb

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Summer House, with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming beach read, perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Jill Shalvis, and Debbie Macomber.

After the loss of her fiancé a year ago, event planner Lauren Sutton can’t seem to go on with her choice of career or the life she’d built with her fiancé any longer. Floundering emotionally, she makes a snap decision to sell her half of the business and spend the summer among the sand dunes and changing tides of the Outer Banks, taking care of an old inn in Rodanthe, North Carolina with its elderly owner Mary Everett.

Perhaps the salty breezes of the Atlantic and the warmth of summer sun on her face will help her find her direction. What she doesn’t expect to find is a story hidden away in a string of sea glass that will change her life forever.

And complicating things is local fisherman Brody Harrison. All she’d wanted was to sink her toes in the sand and let the coastal breeze calm her aching heart. But Brody shakes up her plan in ways she’d never imagined.

An uplifting summer escape that will strengthen your family bonds and have you believing in the incredible power of love. If you enjoyed the TV movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Jenny Hale is a USA Today, Amazon, and international bestselling author of romantic contemporary fiction. Her books have sold worldwide, have been translated into multiple languages, and adapted for television. Her novels Coming Home for Christmas and Movie Guide Epiphany Award winner Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses are Hallmark Channel original movies.

She was included in Oprah Magazine’s “19 Dreamy Summer Romances to Whisk You Away” and Southern Living’s “30 Christmas Novels to Start Reading Now.” Her stories are chock-full of feel-good romance and overflowing with warm settings, great friends, and family. Jenny is at work on her next novel, delighted to be bringing even more heartwarming stories to her readers.

When she isn’t writing, or heading up her romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road, she can be found running around her hometown of Nashville with her husband, two boys, and their labradoodle, taking pictures—her favorite pastime.

Twitter: @jhaleauthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jennyhaleauthor
IG: @jhaleauthor
TikTok: @jhaleauthor

Posted in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Historical Fiction

It’s an absolute pleasure to be sharing my review for A Stepney Girl’s Secret by Jean Fullerton @rararesources @jeanfullerton_

My Review

I always love picking up a historical fiction read by the incredibly talented Jean Fullerton. In this new saga we join Prue and her newly relocated family, who have joined the parish with her Dad as the new reverend.

Once again as we step into East London we learn more about roles women took over during the war including the cleaning of train carriages as Prue throws herself into a role as her contribution to the war effort.

I loved getting to know Prue and her family and learning more about her character and her inner resolve and strength.

From the offset she has an amazing attitude and is determined to get her head down and get stuck in, despite her background.

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Prue and her family during this wonderful visit to war torn London.

Book Blurb

East London, 1940. Prue Carmichael never dreamed that she’d end up working at a railway yard. But when her reverend father is called up to Stepney, she and her family are uprooted from their country home for a new life in the turbulent city.
Determined to help with the war effort, Prue signs up for work and soon becomes intrigued by handsome train engineer Jack Quinn. But as the spark between them grows apparent, so does his troubled past – a past that Prue’s mother would certainly not approve of.
In between cleaning train carriages and helping to shelter Jewish refugees, Prue manages to stay busy. But she has more than one admirer, and when Jack is recruited into Churchill’s secret army, a very different suitor begins to pursue her.
As air raid sirens sound overhead, Prue Carmichael is facing her own battle – the fight between her heart and her head . . .
Amidst the ruins of war, will Prue and Jack’s love find a way

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

I was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. The Fullerton family have lived by London docks since the 1830s and all my books are set in and around this area.

East London has changed greatly and many of the old neighbourhoods I knew as a child have changed too, but I endeavour to bring them alive again in my East London stories of love, family and hard times. I feel that it is my background that gives my stories their distinctive authenticity.

I has been shortlisted for and won several awards and regularly undertake writing workshop. I’m fortunate enough to be a guest cruise lecturer and have sailed all around the world talking about East London’s vibrant history. I am married to a minister in the Church of England and have three grown-up daughters.

Posted in Blog Tour, Young Readers 5-9

Check out our latest review for a new children’s release – Caring Conservationists Who Are Changing Our Planet by Kate Peridot

Today we are delighted to be sharing our review for Caring Conservationists Who Are Changing Our Planet, this colourful book is aimed at children age 5-9.

We really enjoyed reading about the wonderful ways in which people have been inspired to pursue careers based on their interests in the planet and learn a little more about them, what their jobs involve and the impact this has on the world around them.

Full of colour, with a great use of words to make it easily understandable for a selection of ages, so you can sit and read with them whilst discussing the wonderful illustrations and helping them see the impact on the world. Daisy really enjoyed this one as although older, she loved the illustrations and details provided for each person that we met and their speciality.

A wonderful book full of facts and helpful information that makes it a wonderful read for all ages.

Book Blurb

Travel around the world and discover the stories of 20 conservationists and the endangered animals they are helping to save, including the orangutang, blue whale, Indian tiger, rhino, honeybee, Komodo dragon and sea turtle. Positive, uplifting and packed full of information, with 20 fun activities for children to try, this book will show children no one is too small to make a difference

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Kate is an author of both fiction and non-fiction children’s books. Originally from London, she now lives with her family in the South of France. She writes wild and adventurous stories about animals, people and STEM that encourages a can-do spirit, a quest for knowledge and a sense of adventure. 

Caring Conservationists (Walker Books) is her first non-fiction children’s books. A further nine books are in production launching between 2023-2025. Find out more about Kate and her books at www.kateperidot.com .

Social Media Links

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x

Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Join me today for my review for Summer Nights at The Starfish Cafe by Jessica Redland

My Review

I absolutely love a book by the amazing Jessica Redland and what an emotional read this was.

This story pulled at the heart strings from start to finish as Hollie and Jake prepare to get married and we get to spend more time with Kerry and her wonderful children.

Throughout this story there are many highs and lows for the wonderful staff of Starfish Cafe, that make you feel emotionally connected. Once again I’ve laughed and I’ve cried as the story has explored many aspects of life and how we all experience the wonderful highs and the heartbreaking lows.

A story rich in wonderful characters and strong storylines and I loved it from beginning to end. I am so sad this was the last one as I just love the characters and beautiful location for these books.

Book Blurb

Welcome back to The Starfish Café for a glorious summer, but with a few dark clouds on the horizon…

A new beginning…

As her summer wedding to Jake approaches, Hollie is excited for their new beginning as a family. But when some unexpected news threatens the future she and Jake had hoped for, Hollie will need to find the strength to overcome heartache once more.

A fragile heart….

Single mum, Kerry, loves her job at The Starfish Café, but behind the brave smiles and laughter with customers there is a sadness deep within. So when someone from her past re-appears in her life, Kerry can either hide away or face her demons and try to finally move on from her heartbreak.

A summer to remember…

For Hollie and Kerry it promises to be an emotional rollercoaster of a summer, but the community at The Starfish Café will always be there to help them through – after all, with courage nothing is impossible…

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland 

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jessicaredlandauthor/ 

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x

Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Today I am super excited to share my review for Summer on the French Riviera by Jennifer Bohnet

My Review

I have been super excited to read this one, after reading Christmas on the Riviera by this author with the same amazing characters late last year and this story did not disappoint.

It picks up a few months after we’ve last seen them as they make the final preparations to relocate to Gabby’s childhood home. As soon as I picked this up, it felt like I hadn’t been away and I absolutely loved getting to know Harriet and learn more about Gabby before she left France.

This story is rich in romance and loss, offering glimpses into the past as well as carving out paths for the future for these lovely ladies. It was lovely to spend time with all of them individually and read more about why Harriet made the decision which led her to be separated from her family.

I can’t wait to pop back and visit them all again, as between the fantastic characters and amazing back drop it’s a wonderful fuzzy read.

Book Blurb

A family reunited after a twenty-year estrangement, will discover secrets that change their lives forever…
The brand new escapist summer read from international bestseller Jennifer Bohnet!



Gabriella Jacques, is happy to be back in her childhood home, Villa Espoir in the South of France ready to embrace fresh experiences with friends new and old and to heal some deep family scars.

Recently widowed Harriet Rogers, hopes to rebuild her family life and reconnect with Elodie, the daughter she abandoned into her mother Gabby’s care to follow her heart. But when an acquaintance from the past seeks her out, Harriet fears a secret
from her past will ruin her plans.

Elodie Jacques, adores her new life in her Grandmothers old home as a freelance journalist. Her relationship with her mother is tense as she struggles to understand why her mother won’t talk to her about the past, as until their past is resolved, there
can be no future.

Will these three women, all living under the same roof after two decades adrift be able to put aside the past and find harmony in the present together?

https://amzn.eu/d/fmfDCCj

Meet the Author

If you’re already a reader of my books welcome, and if you’re just checking out my novels, I hope you find something you like.

I currently live in Brittany but I have three places I often refer to as ‘home’: Devon, Brittany and the South of France. Having lived in all of them I know certain areas like Dartmouth, Finistere, Cannes well and they are the places where I like to set my stories.

My stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before.

Happy Reading! Love, Jennie xx

Many thanks for popping by and reading our review. Have a wonderful day!

Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Today I am delighted to be celebrating publication day with a review for Never too Late by T.A Williams #nevertoolate #publicationday @rararesources @tawilliamsbooks

My Review

Well as I’m sure you know by now I’m a massive fan of T.A Williams so I jumped at the chance to join this blog tour and read his latest release

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Italy, you are once again taken on a wonderful discovery of the beautiful sights and delicious culinary delights.

As soon as we met Stef, I just knew I’d love her and really enjoyed getting to know her and her back story. A story that contains many triggers, yet it is written with sensitivity and the result is an amazing selection of characters who we get to know throughout this wonderful stay in Italy.

Book Blurb

A second chance to realise her dreams…

A classically trained pianist, Steph works as a recording engineer for a small studio when she’s offered the job of a lifetime – travel to the Italian Riviera to help world-famous band, Royalty, record their reunion album after a decades-long hiatus.

Steph could definitely do with the distraction. Her boyfriend – who also happens to be her boss – is increasingly unreliable and erratic, and she’s awaiting news from her doctor after a recent biopsy. So an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy is the perfect escape.

What she doesn’t expect is an instant connection with Rob, the son of Royalty’s lead singer. With her career – and her heart – at a crossroads, what path will Steph follow?

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x

Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Today I’m super excited to share my review for A Change of Heart for the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett #blogtour #boldwoodbloggers #rachelsrandomresources @j_b_writer @boldwoodbooks @rararesources

My Review

What a corker of a read!

I’ve loved reading this series and spending time with the lovely Ella. This story was an emotional read for me due to personal connections to the story line but it was so well written and the feelings and responses so on point that despite a few tears as I read I loved it.

As always we get to revisit some of our firm favourites through the IVF support group and midwifery unit, plus we are introduced to some lovely new characters too. Featuring a couple of weddings, lots of births and a christening it’s guaranteed to tug at the heart strings!

Book Blurb

A forever love…or a future dashed?

Midwife Ella Mehenick can’t wait to marry the love of her life, Dan Ferguson. They have both waited so long for their perfect day, and they know their future together will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of. But when Ella suddenly and unexpectedly collapses – all plans are put on hold.

Dan just wants Ella to get better, but Ella, so used to caring for others, struggles to accept she needs care herself. She doesn’t want Dan to give up everything for her and suddenly the life they dreamed of seems to be slipping through their fingers…

Once rock solid, Ella and Dan suddenly seem further apart than ever before. Can they find a path back to their happy ever after or will Ella’s change of heart risk everything they love?

Meet the Author

Hello and Welcome!
Thanks so much for looking at my books on Amazon. I write warm-hearted and uplifting stories of friendship, family, community, and love.

My stories are set in two locations, on the beautiful Cornish Atlantic Coast and in Kent’s Garden of England. It’s that sense of community that makes these settings so perfect for my novels.

Friendships, and particularly women supporting other women, are integral to my stories, be they midwives, business owners, or mums who meet at the school gates to share the highs and lows of life. There’s always a rollercoaster ride but, no matter what, there’ll also be a guaranteed happy ending to put a smile on your face by the time you reach that final page.

The readers who’ve chosen my books have made all of my writing dreams come true. I really hope you’ll decide to join them, take a break and enjoy getting lost in a feel-good story, with characters who’ll soon feel like old friends.

Thanks again for stopping by, Jo xx

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x

Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Super excited to share my review for Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn by Jessica Redland #rachelsrandomresources #blogtour #boldwoodbloggers @rararesources @jessicaredland @boldwoodbooks #healingheartsatbumblebeefarm

My Review

I am a massive Jessica Redland fan and jumped at the chance to read her new release. A wonderful story where we meet new characters and get to spend some time with some well loved characters from Hedgehog Hollow as well.

Barney takes centre stage for this story and although we’ve met him through Fizz, this is where we get to know about the history of the farm and see why he now feels he’s ready for a shot at love.

This story is brimming with love and friendship and it was one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading from beginning to end.

Book Blurb

Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets – and resident young farmer, Barney.

While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn – a farm that has been in his family for generations – he’s struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.

So when his sister, Fizz – desperate for Barney to find his soulmate – sees an advert for Love on the Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. After all, he isn’t meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won’t be picked anyway…?

Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

A warm welcome to my author page! Thank you for visiting.

I live in Scarborough on the stunning North Yorkshire Coast in the UK. My home inspired the creation of the fictional seaside town of Whitsborough Bay where I set some of my books. The Hedgehog Hollow series takes readers to a gorgeous countryside setting on the Yorkshire Wolds.

I live with my husband, our teenage daughter and sprocker spaniel, Ella. I’m a stationery addict with a notepad obsession who loves chocolate (although it doesn’t love me), hedgehogs, 80s music, collectible teddy bears and lighthouses.

My career has mainly been in HR as a trainer and recruiter. I had a brief detour into retail to set up and manage my own specialist teddy bear shop and started writing my debut novel on quiet days in the shop.

In June 2020, I became a full-time author. I’m so very grateful to anyone who has bought or borrowed my books in whatever format, helping me fulfil a long-held dream of writing full-time. I still can’t believe I get to spend every day chatting to my fictional friends and making stuff up.

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x

Posted in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Grab your suitcase as we take a trip to Tuscany with our review of Tilly’s Tuscan Teashop by Daisy James

My Review

I always love getting my hands on a new release by Daisy James and this book did not disappoint. As Tilly reluctantly heads off to sunny Tuscany after disaster has struck at home to spend time in her sisters Teashop we get to know a grief stricken Tilly who is stuck and struggling to move on after a couple of years of trauma.

As the Tuscan sun begins to work its magic we are introduced to a selection of amazing characters, who start to form friendships with Tilly as she helps out in the Teashop. With wonderful themed teas, cakes and nails, alongside a whole selection of delicious ice creams, this is a story that you just want to keep reading as Tilly spends her time off exploring and thinking about her next steps when her sister returns home.


A book that I loved from the first few chapters and was reluctant to put down. In the recent gloomy January weather, this story was the perfect anecdote. You just can’t beat a trip to somewhere hot with an amazing selection of food and picturesque views.

Book Blurb

Welcome to Tilly’s Tuscan Teashop, the first book in a brand new series from the author of the Hummingbird Hotel and the Cornish Confetti Agency series.

When photographer Natalie Nicholson’s beach hut studio – and everything she’s spent the last two years working on – is destroyed in a fire, she doesn’t think things can get any worse. Until she sees her boyfriend Josh Clarke on Instagram frolicking on a palm-fringed Balinese beach with a fellow cabin crew member.

Devastated and heartbroken, she heads to Italy to help out at her sister’s English teashop in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where she encounters sun-dappled hilltop villages with attractive terracotta bell towers, cobbled piazzas housing world-famous art and architecture, and a national fixation with getting from A to B as quickly as possible whether in a glamourous Ferrari, a scarlet Vespa, or a snail-like ape.

With handsome local filmmaker-cum-waiter Matteo Ferretti on hand to guide her, can Tilly learn to ditch her workaholic ways and embrace the Italian pursuit of la dolce vita? Or will she miss out on her chance at a happy-ever-after?

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Daisy James loves writing stories with strong heroines and swift-flowing plotlines. She especially likes to create sunshine-filled settings in exotic locations – the Caribbean, Tuscany, Cornwall, Provence – so she can spend her time envisioning her characters enjoying the fabulous scenery and sampling the local food and drink.

When not scribbling away in her peppermint-and-green summerhouse (garden shed), she spends her time sifting flour and sprinkling sugar and edible glitter. She loves gossiping with friends over a glass of something fizzy or indulging in a spot of afternoon tea – china plates and teacups are a must.

Daisy would love to hear from readers via her Facebook page or you can follow her on Twitter @daisyjamesbooks, or on Instagram @daisyjamesstories.

Social Media Links – Twitter   https://twitter.com/daisyjamesbooks

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009889775019

Many Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation to join the blog tour. Please remember to like and share to help spread the book love

Thanks for visiting Love the Smell of a Book today and I hope you have a great day!

Daisy & Kel x