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

Who loves a 5* beach read? Check out my latest review for the wonderful Island in the Sun by Kate Frost

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

Wowser what a read! I love books by Kate Frost and jumped at the chance to read this one when it popped up in my emails.

Tabitha is a character I could instantly connect to with her love of animals and music she reminded me of my teenage daughter. It was really easy to get a feel for Tabitha, although we only find out why she is country bouncing constantly as the story starts to develop. I loved the inspiration behind this story and from the first chapter was keen to keep reading and shut out the rest of the world.

When Raff unexpectedly enters Tabitha’s world you aren’t sure which direction the story will take, with them both being as shocked as the other and trying to sum eachother up. Brimming with real life scenarios, compassionate people and beautiful furry companions I was totally invested in seeing if Tabitha could use the time in Madeira to put her demons to rest.

A story rich in beautiful descriptions, sunny skies and loyal friends. If you haven’t already grabbed yourself a copy, don’t waste any time as between the sunny skies and wonderful storyline, you’ll just want to keep reading and it’ll help keep the winter blues at bay.

Book Blurb

Running away is what Tabitha Callahan does best until saying goodbye becomes too hard…

When successful songwriter Tabitha Callahan swaps a summer of sadness for pet sitting around the world, she intends to use the time to heal her broken heart.

Tabitha can’t believe her luck when she picks up a housesit on the rugged and beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira.

The villa is luxurious, the views breath-taking and her charges, a gorgeous but aloof cat and two cute and friendly Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, are perfect companions while she works on some new material and attempts to reconcile her past.

However, her peace is shattered when an unexpected house guest puts paid to her much-needed time alone, forcing her to confront not only her feelings but what she actually wants from life.

New friends and old dominate her time on the island, along with deep-rooted regret and unspoken sorrow.

Will a year of running away be enough to put the past to rest and allow someone new to inch into her heart?

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Kate Frost is the author of several bestselling romantic escape novels including The Greek Heart, and The Love Island Bookshop. She lives in Bristol and is the Director of  Storytale Festival, a book festival for children and teens she co-founded in 2019.

Social Media Links

Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/katefrostauthor 

Twitterhttps://twitter.com/katefrostauthor 

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/katefrostauthor/ 

Newsletter Sign Up:https://bit.ly/KateFrostNewsletter 

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

Advertisement
Posted in 5*, Blog Tour, Young Readers 5-9, Younger Readers

Today I am excited to be joining a slightly different tour as we think about what to get the kids for Christmas. Check out our review for Hound on a Scrounge by Maria Bucci

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

Meet Buddy as he kicks off this interactive story that will have the kids wanting to mimic what he is doing, whilst also learning about the history behind an Afternoon Tea. I can just imagine kids pretending to sit under the table whilst waiting for the next page to be be read and see what their next instruction involves.

With fun images throughout the story, the writing is a great size and is clear to understand making it easy for both adults to read to children at night or for kids to attempt to read themselves. Plus it is a total bargain, making it an absolute steal to add to their Christmas presents this year.

We loved reading this one and have read it a few times and enjoyed it with and without using the illustrations to add extra context and laughter to the story. This story will be great even for the more reluctant readers due to the quirkiness and style in which it has been written and illustrated.

Book Blurb

“Sniff, Snuffle, Sniff!”

“Can you smell the delicious aroma coming from this book?

It’s time for afternoon Tea…Slurrrp!”

Meet Buddy.  He loves food, food and more food.  But he’s not just a hound on a scrounge – Buddy has a wonderful true story about afternoon tea that he would love to share with you.

“I hope you can join me…ooh, but hurry! They’re bringing out the food…Woofety Woof! 

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

I have always loved children’s books and, after studying various picture book courses, I decided to take the plunge and write my own. Hoping to educate and entertain, as well as involve the young reader, my debut also includes a bit of history. When I’m not writing, I enjoy taking the real Buddy hound on long walks and spending time with my family. I also love to bake, sing and paint but sadly, I have not mastered doing all three at the same time!

Social Media Links 

https://www.instagram.com/Mariabucci_author/

Hound on a Scrounge
Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Chick Lit

Today I’m delighted to be sharing my review for the festive Christmas on the Riviera by the wonderful Jennifer Bohnet #blogtour @rararesources @jenniewriter

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I absolutely love books by Jennifer Bohnet and was super excited to pick this up and take a trip to the South of France. What beats a wander around the Christmas markets whilst enjoying the sunshine and a glass of mulled wine.

We get to know the lovely Gabby & Elodie, as Gabby returns to France for the first time in many years and provides Elodie with an insight into how her life was when she was younger.

Set over the Christmas period it is filled with French traditions and the wonderful formation of new friendships. As always I absolutely loved the visit to France and loved this story and characters from start to finish.

Book Blurb

Christmas is a time for family and friends, but will the allure of the French Riviera be able to work its magic?

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for – or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

Available to purchase here

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 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 Blog Tour, Young Readers 5-9, Younger Readers

Today I am super excited to be sharing another superb children’s read with you – Flicker’s Garden Rescue by Jodie Parachini #blogtour #kidsbooks @jodieparachini @rararesources

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I loved this book as soon as I saw it’s bright and colourful cover, straight away it catches your attention. Whilst being filled with bright and colourful images and text which is in an easy to read font making the perfect story to read with a child or for them to practice their reading, whilst reading to you.

The story was easy to understand with a great explanation of how pollination works, which is a great way to start children building their understanding of nature early on.

Daisy really enjoyed this story and loved talking about it afterwards and how she thought her younger cousins would enjoy it.

A great story to grab for Christmas for your younger readers with a positive message and some great talking points about pollination as they start to explore nature.

Book Blurb

Flicker and her friends discover how helping others can be fun.

Queen Bee can’t stop sneezing, so she won’t be able to oversee the pollination of all the fruit and vegetables in the garden this year. Not only does this mean there won’t be a Garden Party, it also means there won’t be any yummy food. Flicker and her friends help save the party–and the food.

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author & Illustrator

Jodie Parachini is an American/British author and editor who currently lives in Hertfordshire, England. Jodie has written fifteen children’s books, including Listening to the Stars, HeroRat!, and Flicker Finds Her Glow. In addition to earning multiple starred reviews for her work, Jodie has been named a finalist in the PBParty competition, the Macmillan Write Now Prize, and the OhZoe Rising Talent Award.


Bryony Clarkson is an English illustrator living in the beautiful Cotswold region of the United Kingdom. She studied textile design at the Royal College of Art, London, before embarking on an eclectic creative career. She now loves to illustrate, creating magical worlds to spark the imaginations of children.

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, Seasonal

Today I am super excited to be sharing some festive fun with my review for The Christmas Trip by Sandy Barker

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I am super excited to be sharing my review for The Christmas Trip, I always love a book by Sandy Barker and this was no exception. I love getting to catch up with Lucy, Chloe and Jules again in this wonderful festive read.

Grab a cup of coffee and a cosy blanket and snuggle down for your Christmas trip with the May Ladies as they celebrate Christmas together and work hard to create the ultimate Christmas experience for everyone. Filled with Christmas decorations, stockings and traditions from all of their families as they combine all of their previous experiences and traditions from Colorado, Melbourne & London.

I absolutely loved this story, it was full of everything that is amazing about Christmas. I love the family time and time spent with loved ones and this story captures it so perfectly and is set in a gorgeous location (even if a hot Christmas doesn’t seem right)

A story that I loved from start to finish and couldn’t wait to find an extra few minutes to keep reading, so I could catch up on the latest developments between the friends and the additional characters that presented themselves throughout the story.

Book Blurb

Another year has passed and it’s Christmas again. This year best friends Chloe, Jules and Lucy are all loved up but living worlds apart.

Chloe is madly in love with her celebrity beau, Archer, but after a whirlwind year in Hollywood’s limelight, she’s desperate to get away and spend some quality time together.

Jules loves her Melbourne life – and gorgeous winemaker Matt – but a crowded flat share has her longing for a place of her own.

Meantime, Lucy is stuck in a long distance relationship, jetting back and forth between Colorado and London to see Will.

When Archer’s plan to whisk Chloe to Paris goes awry, he surprises her by bringing her friends together for a Christmas to remember…

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. 

Sandy lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins. 

The series continues in That Night in Paris and A Sunset in Sydney and there are two more to come in 2022. Her standalone novel The Christmas Swap celebrates her favourite time of the year, and next up is The Dating Game, a laugh-out-loud romcom set in the world of Reality TV.

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/sandybarkerauthor

https://sandybarker.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sandybarkerauthor/

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 Blog Tour, Younger Readers

Today is my turn to jump on the blog tour for the wonderful Dig It, Digby by Jodie Parachini #blogtour #digitdigby @rararesources @jodieparachini

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I absolutely loved reading this book, it was bright and vibrant with brilliant images that weren’t too complicated and suited the theme of the book perfectly.

As soon as I started reading and realised it had a rhyming rhythm, it totally rolled off the tongue and I just kept reading. I love doing the blog yours for younger kids as Daisy always loves to pick up the book and she loved this one too. She loved the images and spent ages flicking through and going back to them.

The words used were perfect for younger children with words written in larger font and bold for extra impact and to allow the children to join in when reading too. I can’t wait to read this with my friend’s little ones, as I just know they will love it and that the concept of dancing trucks will make them roar with laughter.

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Jodie Parachini is a children’s author and editor. She lives in a village in Hertfordshire, England, where she loves swimming, gardening, and taking long, rambling hikes with a smelly dog. She can be found at http://www.JodieParachini.com

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 delighted to be sharing my review for the latest book in the Cornish Midwife Series – Mistletoe & Magic for the Cornish Midwife by Jo Bartlett @rararesources @j_b_writer @boldwoodbooks #boldwoodbookbloggers

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I absolutely love reading this series as the author has got the balance bang on, each time we spend the book with a different midwife and get to know them and their families.

In this story we are with Nadiya and her gorgeous children after she has returned from New Zealand. We get a glimpse into her reasons for returning to Port Agnes and watch as she tries to lay a future out for herself and her children.

These books always grab my attention early as Jo has such a wonderful way of drawing you into the story, so that you feel like you’ve never left the midwives.

I absolutely loved this story and couldn’t wait for an excuse to sit down and keep reading 🥰

Book Blurb

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

But for single mum and busy midwife Nadia, it’s quickly turning into her worst Christmas ever.

Her marriage is over, and whilst her husband has moved on, Nadia finds herself back home, squashed into her mum’s spare room with her two small children. They might not be a perfect family anymore, but Nadia is determined to make this Christmas special for them.

Dr Hamish Spencer totally understands Nadia’s pain. As a fellow single parent, he’s struggling to cope with a rebellious teen daughter and a precocious six-year-old! Perhaps if he and Nadia join forces, they could make this Christmas slightly more memorable for everyone?

The last thing Nadia wants is a new man in her life, but she’d definitely like lovely Hamish as a friend. But Christmas has a way of melting the hardest of hearts and maybe a kiss under the mistletoe could change everything?

Meet the Author

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast. Her first title for Boldwood is The Cornish Midwife – part of a twelve-book deal

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, Contemporary Fiction

Today I am super excited to be joining the blog tour for The Christmas Letters by Jenny Hale

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

What a wonderful story, I always love reading books by Jenny Hale and this was no exception. When Liz returns home for Christmas after 7 years in New York, she is unsure what she will find after the loss of her Nan earlier in the year.

When Liz meets up with Naomi her childhood friend, we start to see glimpses of who Liz was before she became Elizabeth in New York. I was swept up in this story straight away as we revisit traditions including the letters her Nan used to write to friends and family to go with her cookies each year.

I loved the way the plot evolved and loved this story from beginning to end. What beats a Christmas story, based on a farm surrounded by snow and Christmas traditions with a sprinkling of romance.

Book Blurb

From the USA Today bestselling author of Coming Home for Christmas, with over one million copies of her books sold, comes a heartwarming holiday story that’s perfect for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Jill Shalvis.

Elizabeth Holloway’s sparkling world comes crashing down around her when her boyfriend of seven years drops the bomb that he’s leaving her—at Christmas. In an attempt to piece her life back together, she suddenly finds herself seven hundred miles from her New York City home, trudging through the snow, back at her childhood farm in the Great Smoky Mountains.

And she isn’t expecting to meet visitor Paul Dawson with his dazzlingly blue eyes and warm smile, chipping away at her resolve to focus on figuring out who she is and what she really wants in life.

Just when she starts to think things are moving in the right direction, a stack of letters from Elizabeth’s grandmother will change everything she thought she knew about her family and cause a divide between her and Paul that she never saw coming.

Under the glitter of Christmas trees and bundles of mistletoe, Elizabeth uncovers more than she’d ever imagined. Will the Christmas letters strip her of everything she holds dear? Or will they be the biggest gift of the season?

A heartwarming holiday escape that will have you rushing to your loved ones this Christmas. If you enjoyed the Christmas 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 favourite pastime.

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

Today I am delighted to be sharing my review for the Final Book in the series Happy Endings at Mermaids Point by Sarah Bennett

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I was super excited to hear this book was being released as I absolutely love reading books by this wonderful author and I have loved this series.

Over this series we have spent time with Laurie, Ivy and Nerissa and gotten to know these wonderful ladies and their families. In this story it is picked up with Aurora who was in the beginning of the series and now working in America whilst Nick is moving on with his life after completing the warehouse conversion.

I quickly found myself immersed in the story as I remembered these wonderful characters and where we had last left the story. I always find that with books by this author, I just want to keep reading. They always have such a feel good factor about them whilst having the ability to make you laugh and occasionally cry throughout.

I am so sad to have reached the end of this series, but I absolutely loved revisiting Mermaids Point and watching Nerissa marrying the lovely Tom and seeing who would also find their happily ever afters.

Book Blurb

Music sensation Aurora Storm finally has her career back on track, but then she’s caught up in a media storm. Desperate to distract from the story, she enlists the one man she trusts to pretend to be her boyfriend. 

Meanwhile, in the small seaside village of Mermaids Point, Nick Morgan never expected to see Aurora again. When she calls out of the blue needing his help, he agrees at once. It feels like she’s back in his life for a reason, and he’s determined to make the most of it.

Aurora joins Nick and the rest of his family for their festive celebrations and, as the snow falls, Aurora finds herself caught up in the romance of Christmas. But having tasted worldwide fame, can she ever be content with village life? 

Two weeks is all Nick has to prove to Aurora that there’s a happy ending for them both in Mermaids Point.

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.

Social Media Links

Facebook: Sarah Bennett Author | Facebook 

Twitter: Sarah Bennett (@Sarahlou_writes) / Twitter 

Instagram: Sarah Bennett (@sarahlbennettauthor) • Instagram photos and videos 

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SarahBennettnews 

Bookbub profile: Sarah Bennett Books – BookBub 

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, Contemporary Fiction

What better way to end the weekend than with a review for the wonderful Making Waves at River View Cottage by Jennifer Bohnet

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I am a massive fan of books by Jennifer Bohnet and this story is a previous release that was originally known as Call of the Sea and I jumped at the chance to read one that I hadn’t previously read.

We meet the lovely Cassie and her family from the offset as her son Tom is preparing to finish his competitive sailing career with a round the world boat race. I found that I got to know the family and their back story early on and you could see the love of sailing in the family.

I absolutely loved this emotional story as we experienced the highs and lows with Cassie during the boat race and the old feelings that surface whilst she contemplates a new romance. The perfect story to pick up on a rainy day and curl up and lose yourself in.

Book Blurb

Cassie Lewis, a widow for over 20 years has begun to realise there must be more to life.

In-between working at the family boatyard in picture perfect Dartmouth and raising two children, she wonders where the years have gone.

Both her children, Tom and Polly, have inherited their father’s love of sailing and currently Tom is preparing for a gruelling round the world race. When an accident forces Tom to pull out, Polly, to Cassie’s horror, insists she is capable of taking his place.

As Polly prepares for the race, Cassie unexpectedly finds herself with two keen and eligible men vying for her love.

With her BIG 5-0 birthday approaching Cassie knows she has some big decisions to make but will the worry over Polly’s safe return, cloud her judgement?

Originally published in 2003 as Call of the Sea

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Bohnet/100063527178184/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniewriter 

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JenniferBohnetnewsletter 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-bohnet 

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