Tag: reviews

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

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

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

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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

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

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 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

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

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

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

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 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

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

Today I am super excited to share my review for Christmas Miracles at Hedgehog Hollow by Jessica Redland

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

I was super excited to pick this book up as I’ve absolutely loved the Hedgehog Hollow series. Jessica Redland is one of my favourite authors to pick up and lose myself in.

This visit to Hedgehog Hollow is our last visit and whilst reading this story was tinged with sadness at being the last, the story soon grabs you and makes you want to keep reading.

Filled with drama from the offset, I was soon totally oblivious to the world around me as I just kept reading about the drama surrounding those at Hedgehog Hollow.

This story does contain potentially triggering subjects, which were sensitively handled throughout. I highly recommend grabbing a copy so you can see how the final trip to Hedgehog Hollow pans out for all of its wonderful residents and what beats a story set at my favourite time of year.

Book Blurb

It’s the countdown to Christmas at Hedgehog Hollow Wildlife Rescue Centre, and everyone is gearing up for a festive season to remember…

It should be the most wonderful time of the year for Samantha and Josh as they prepare for the arrival of their first baby. But life at Hedgehog Hollow rarely goes to plan and the pair are faced with adversaries, old and new, and unexpected challenges to overcome.

Fizz’s job at the heart of the rescue centre is a dream come true but her personal life is more like a nightmare. With her love life a disaster and her past about to dramatically catch up with her, she needs the love and support of her Hedgehog Hollow family more than ever.

As the snow falls over Hedgehog Hollow, will Samantha and Fizz find the Christmas miracle they need to overcome their heartache and find happiness?

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/JessicaRedlandAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland 

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

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jessica-redland 

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, Publication Day

Today I am super excited to be sharing my review for A Chance in a Million by T.A Williams

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

My Review

A wonderful story that instantly captured me and made me eager to keep turning the pages. I loved meeting Jane and joining her as she embarked on a new job in Italy far away from her demons.

Veronica is a lovely character that you warm to quickly as her story starts to unfold and her family starts to come into the picture.

Set against a gorgeous sunny backdrop in scenic Italy, filled with gorgeous descriptions that make the scenery come to life. A story that will warm your heart and make you want to keep reading.

Grab yourself a copy and get cosy as you are transported away from a wet autumn to sunny Italy.

Book Blurb

Fate brought them together, now it’s up to them to make it work…

Having left the army to recover from a traumatic experience, Captain Jane Reed is on her way to Venice to assist Lady Veronica Cooper, a world-famous writer who has lost her mojo. Plagued by grief and sleepless nights, Jane soon finds a kindred spirit in Veronica, coping with her own loss after the death of her husband.

When the two relocate to Veronica’s villa in the countryside to escape the summer tourists, Jane meets the rest of the Cooper family – including Veronica’s brooding son, David. With his own tragic past, David has resigned himself to a life of solitude. Jane finds herself determined to bring joy back into his life, even if it means finally spilling her secrets.

Can Jane and David help each other heal, and find love in the process, or are some scars too deep to treat?

Available to purchase here

Meet the Author

I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

The fact that I am now writing escapist romance is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations, even if travel to them is currently difficult.

Social Media Links

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

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