Today it’s Publication Day for ‘Summer At My Sister’s’!

So a little promo is always helpful, and my review will be for a later date!

Synopsis

Twin sisters. One scorching summer.

A bucketful of secrets.

Diana’s life is perfect. Her twin sister, Josie’s – not so much. 

Diana has a rich and successful husband, two talented youngsters and an adorable dog. She always looks as if she’s stepped from the cover of a magazine. Her immaculate second home by the sea, for idyllic summers with her perfect family, was actually featured in one.
 
Josie has a messy, compact flat, dates, but not relationships, and she can’t even keep a houseplant alive. She moves from job to job, goes clubbing with her friends and often looks as if she’s fallen through a hedge.

Although Josie loves Diana deeply, each year she declines the invitation to spend the summer with her sister. Or any other family holiday. Because Josie has a secret.
 
But is Diana’s life so perfect? Or is she also hiding something? When secrets are revealed this summer, everything will change. Josie could finally have the life she’s always wanted … if she’s brave enough to take a chance.

Purchase Link – mybook.to/SummeratmySisters

About The Author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn’t always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers and has a readers’ group in which many have become good friends. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at www.emilyharvale.com.

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats that like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

I am not ready to say goodbye yet!!!

Synopsis

Change is in the air as wedding bells ring out in Merriment Bay

Cat’s determined to propose to Amias. Well, it is a leap year so it’s fine for women to do the asking, and besides, it took him eighteen years to tell her how he felt. She’s not going to wait for him to pop the question. All she needs to do is find the perfect time and place.

Kyra’s fallen for Francis Raine, who seems happy to flirt and exchange banter but hasn’t actually asked her out. Does he reciprocate her feelings, or is he this way with every girl he meets? There’s only one way to find out. She’ll ask him on a date … as soon as he returns to Merriment Bay.

Mary’s leaving Devon Villa after a lifetime spent in the house. She’s never lived alone so it’s both an exciting and a terrifying prospect. But change is good, isn’t it? Perhaps it’s time she tried a few other new things too.

The Devon women want to move on to the next chapters in their lives. And as Viola Devon used to say before she died, “The only one who can write your own life story as you want it, is you.” Although Viola’s didn’t work out too well. Will Cat, Kyra, and Mary have better luck with theirs?

My review

After eighteen years, Cat and Amias are finally happily together. But Cat does not want to wait any longer and wants to marry Amias as soon as possible.
So instead of waiting for him to pop the question, she takes matter in own hands and starts planning her own proposal!

Also Kyra is having some troubles concerning love… she has fallen in love with Francis Raine. And even he flirts with her all the time, he keeps her at a distance when she starts getting too close.

And even for Mary there is something in the air… she is leaving Devon Villa so she is excited to start a new chapter!

I
JUST
LOVED
IT!!!

This next chapter was exactly what I wanted to happen to the Devon – women!

I loved reading about Cat and all her doubts, Kyra and her stubbornness and Mary and her willing to change for the better.
From the very start I was stuck in the book, and I couldn’t put it away.

The fears Cat was having, were so recognizable. She knows that Amias loves her, yet there is always that nagging feeling all of us recognize.
But Amias proves to be just perfect… not just for Cat, but overall!
I have to admit although, I had a few laughs too, when the both of them were afraid to express some of their feelings and then Kyra had to come at the rescue, taking matter in hands!

And Kyra… she is so determined, a bit stubborn, yet so loveable… when she is ready to face her feelings for Francis, she won’t let his fear put her off, but she makes it clear she is worth taking the risk!

Through the whole series all the women made a change, became stronger, more courageous and being together at Merriment Bay, they became the better version of what they already were.

All the pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place now and I read the ending with a sweet smile on my face!

It was lovely to read the entwinement with the Wyntersleap series and even if I loved all the characters before, I even love them more after this book.

How an unexpected pregnancy becomes more life-changing than expected!

Synopsis

Midlife crisis? What midlife crisis?

At forty-four, Cynthia Smart is exactly where she wants to be. Almost.

In a couple of years, she’ll be the CEO of the company she’s spent her most of her adult life working in. For now, though, she’s still busy shimmying up the greasy pole of corporate business. She’s single, carefree, and independent, and nothing can stop her getting what she wants and deserves.

Until she discovers she’s pregnant.

Determined to have her cake and eat it, she’s convinced that having a baby will make little difference to her life, and that she will be one of those women who can hold down an incredibly demanding job and also be a perfect mother.

But as her pregnancy progresses and her life slowly falls apart, she has the sneaking suspicion that Max Oakland, the new guy on the block, is out to steal her dream job. That she’s terribly attracted to him doesn’t help, nor does the fact that he’s devilishly handsome, appears to be a really nice fella, and is good in a crisis.

When she gradually comes to realise that something has got to give, what she doesn’t want it to be is her heart.

My review

Cynthia Smart has almost achieved her goal in life at the age of forty-four. So when after an insignificant one night stand, she discovers she is pregnant, she is determined to not let this pregnancy interfere with reaching her goals.

But soon she discovers that a pregnancy does not go how she wants it to go, and that not everything will follow her minutious planning.

And to make things even more complicated, she fears that her new colleague Max is after her dream job AND she finds herself attracted to him!

The thing I loved about this book is how naive Cynthia appears to be. Yes of course, she is a smart woman (pun NOT intended) otherwise she wouldn’t be where she is in her career. She is a focused woman when it comes to get that so much desired promotion, yet she manages to be gullible when she finds out she is pregnant.

Who doesn’t dream of a pregnancy that goes exactly how you want to? And how many get that? Exactly, almost nobody does…

So each time when Cynthia’s plans do not go as expected, I had to have a little laugh!

But I also have to admire Cynthia… Even if it’s an unexpected pregnancy, she makes the best of it, and she is trying to find the best solution.

And the further the pregnancy goes along, she starts to get her priorities right. She realizes that the path she was following will not make her be a good mother, so,she starts to think about what would be best for her and the baby.

And even more admiration the way she kept Max at a distance! She feels the attraction (and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t feel the same!) yet she does not give in. Talking about having the right priorities!

But Max… Max oh Max oh Max…

If he would be real, like hell I would keep him at distance like Cynthia did! He is kind, thoughtful, and does whatever he can to help Cynthia out. Even if he has a few secrets, he is even my perfect guy!

He wants what’s best for Cynthia and the baby and is even providing solutions for her!

This is a beautiful book about having the biggest surprise in life, making the right choices and not thinking about only yourself. It made me laugh several times, yet there were tender sweet moments in it too, but even moments I just wanted to knock some sense into Cynthia!

So sit back, enjoy this story, love every bit of it, have a few laughs and fall in love with each character!

Who of your close friend could be capable of murder?

Synopsis

Someone is about to die… Someone is about to lie…

At the intimate house-warming party for her glorious ‘grand design’, Kathleen confides in her best friend Beth that she is terrified of one of their close friends, but daren’t reveal which one. The guests are a tight-knit group, but Kathleen is convinced one of them is dangerous.

The next day Kathleen’s body is found at the foot of a cliff and Beth must face the sickening truth that she may have been killed by one of their trusted friends. With little help from the police, Beth’s decides to seek answers.

All the friends have secrets they are desperate to hide, but only one of them is ready to kill to keep theirs safe…

The House Party is set on the Isle of Wight – insular,claustrophobic, and with nowhere to run. Mary Grand has written a heart-stopping novel of secrets, betrayal and desire, perfect for fans of Louise Candlish and Lucy Foley

My review

A house – warming party should always be a fun occasion. Yet Beth finds out that her friend Kathleen is terrified. And not just a random fear, but real fear of one of their close friends, also present at the party.

When Kathleen’s body is found the next day at the foot of a cliff, Beth suspects that one of the friends acted out and killed Kathleen.
And when the police doesn’t provide the needed help, Beth starts seeking out the truth by herself.

But the more she digs, more secrets come out, and each friend becomes a suspect…

This story gave me the chills… your friends should be people you could trust without a doubt. So when Kathleen is murdered, I understood Beth, that she wanted to know the truth…
But every reader of a thriller knows that looking for a killer by yourself is always a risky business.

Beth is determined to find out why Kathleen was so terrified and who would have a reason to kill her. But facing your friends, and throwing accusations around, is a recipe for targeting yourself.
Yet Beth is stubborn, and does not let fear take over. She wants to know what happened to Kathleen, no matter what.

Initially Beth came over as a quiet lady, but this determination made me realize how much she truly cares about her friends and how she wants justice.

It’s a slow story, giving indications that every character has had the possibility and reason to be the culprit.
The secrets that came out, confused Beth and me too, as it was a possible reason for murder. And thinking that one of your friends would be capable of something so disgusting, is not something you want to think about.

This book gives you goosebumps, seeing the ugliness of people. It shows you that some people are wearing a mask, and hide their true selves to even their friends. It makes you doubt of the honesty of those around out.
But there is also the message that those who truly care about you, will do whatever they can for you. And that real friends can see beyond the end of your nose.

Determined to make it on your own, but do you have to?

Synopsis

It’s springtime at The Vineyard in Alsace, a new season and a new beginning

After being abandoned by her partner when she falls pregnant, Lottie Schell goes home to live on The Vineyard in Alsace, where she has started a new relationship with the estate’s winemaker, Thierry. Now about to give birth, Lottie’s determined to raise her child and to provide for them both on her own without having to depend on anyone else.

Thierry Bernard is still dealing with his grief and guilt following the death of his wife two years earlier, for which he blames himself. When he meets Lottie, the instant attraction he feels towards her gives him hope that he can move on from the tragedy of his past, as long as he can tell Lottie the truth of what happened.

When circumstances force Lottie and Thierry closer together, they both find it hard to compromise – she’s proudly independent and he’s fiercely protective – and they’re both wary about trusting someone new with their heart.

Can Lottie and Thierry take a chance on each other, move on from their pasts and start over?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again with this romantic read set in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.

My review

Lottie Schell thought she had find the love of her life. But when he leaves her after she announces she is pregnant, Lottie finds herself alone.

She wants to start all over, and what better place to do that than in Alsace with her sister?

But the vineyard is more than just a place to find herself again… she finds herself attracted to Thierry. Despite their attraction and all the time they spend together, Lottie does not want to be dependent of another man and she wants to make it on her own.

Is it true that love comes when you least expect it? And will Lottie accepts the helping hand Thierry is offering?

First of all, it was lovely to be at the vineyard again!

When Lottie arrived there, I was curious to see how she would adapt while so many things were changing for her.

I admired her courage, because it’s not easy to just start all over again. If you’re starting over being just you it can be a nightmare, but doing it while being pregnant, well…

Lottie got her heart broken the hard way, so now she is adamant to just make it on her own. And yes, she has moved to the vineyard where her sister is living also, but she doesn’t want to be burden to anyone.

She wants to make it on her own, and refuses any kind of help. She wnats to show she can do it alone. In a way, her determination is admirable, but sometimes also frustrating for the reader. Especially when the help comes from Thierry…

Thierry wants to help Lottie every way that he can, but unfortunately he is against a very stubborn woman.

Instantly I loved Thierry… how he is always there for Lottie, caring for her baby, it’s not something every man would just do.

Yet somehow he even pushed my buttons! He does everything with the best intentions, of course, but knowing Lottie, he should have known that some of his help would not be fully appreciated.

The further we get to know Thierry, the more his troubled past is coming out. And when it was all revealed, my heart just broke for him. The loss he had to endure, and the way it happened, just terible…

Yet he is manning up during the story, for Lottie’s stake… what a man!

The beauty about this story is how it flows easily. Once you start reading it, times flies by.

Each character has its own personality, with flaws and strengths. And yet each and every one of them are growing to the better version of themselves, even if sometimes they are afraid of taking that leap of faith.

A story in a beautiful setting, with stubborn, independent people, finding their place in the world. Characters wanting to keep their ‘freedom’ but realizing that asking for help is not a proof of weakness.

Each character stole a piece of my heart!

Synopsis

Pride meets prejudice – can love blossom?

Beautiful young widow, Lady Eliza Wyndham, is determined never to remarry after a disastrous first marriage. The undeniable attraction that fizzes between her and Major Nathaniel Overton terrifies her. She rejects his advances.

With his pride badly dented, Nat vows to forget Eliza until he finds her in danger from an old adversary of his army days. His protective instincts are stirred and he steps back into her life, but will Eliza be prepared to accept his help?

My review

Lady Eliza Wyndham is a young widow, enjoying her freedom. Because of her first awful marriage, she is determined to never fall in the same trap again.
So when she literally bumps into Major Nathaniel Overton, she gives him the cold shoulder.

Despite every effort, their paths seems to cross more and more. And the attraction only grows. But when Eliza seems to be in need of help, Nathaniel shows his protective instincts. Will Eliza easily accept his help? And will there be listened to the attraction, even is Eliza is determined to keep her independence?

This story was a story that gave me mixed feelings. Not that I didn’t enjoy  the story, but I just went from cheering for Eliza for claiming her independence, to wanting to slap her for being so stubborn about it!

Eliza hasn’t had a happy first marriage, so under no circumstances will she marry again with just anybody.
And when she meets Nathaniel, she is certain that he just wants her fortune. So instead of being the kind and sweet Eliza we’ll get to know, she is cold, distant and even rude towards Nathaniel.

And Nathaniel… he is just the sweetest man around! He has his heart on the right place, even if he is not good at expressing his feelings.
He also has to live with the prejudice of other people, because his family has a reputation… Yet he proves that the people are wrong…
He finds it also hard to keep up with the farce of society. Despite he wants to be accepted by society, he does not want society to change him.

When Eliza and Nathaniel are together, I was frustrated at Eliza’s initial behaviour. I understood her feelings, but Nathaniel did not just deserve her treatment. And I was proud of Nathaniel, instead of giving in and cause a fight, he stayed calm and just decided to keep away from her.

But in time of need, the real heroes stand up. And when Eliza is on the receiving part of unwanted attention, Nathaniel steps in and does whatever he can to protect her. Also because he knows what future Eliza would await if she should just give in.

This story made me swoon all over Nathaniel. Despite everything he remained the true gentleman he was. And I was happy when Eliza started to see it too!

A beautiful story about if you find the right man, it wouldn’t mean giving up your independence but sharing it. And that you have to trust your heart even if it failed you once. And that true love can overcome all your fears!

Oh and also that evil people will eventually get what they deserve!

There is no such thing as a boring village…

Synopsis

Summer 1952.

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, but Charity Nicholls is bored of her quiet life in a tiny English village where nothing ever happens. Other than her nagging, marriage-obsessed mother, all she has to fill the time are her dreams of becoming a writer, and the Sleuthing Club – the mystery-reading book club she attends every week.

But everything changes the day her father receives a poison pen letter.

With the help of the Sleuthing Club, particularly handsome Henry Taylor, Charity is determined to find the culprit. But when people start dying and the police arrive, led by the infuriating Inspector James Lawrence, her little village becomes a hotbed of crime.

Can Charity find the murderer before anyone else dies?

Perfect for fans of Helena Dixon and T E Kinsey.

My review

In 1952 Charity Nicholls is tired of her boring life in a tiny village when nothing ever happens.

But this all changes when her father receives a poison pen letter. And as Charity is attending every week the Sleuthing Club, she is certain that she will be able to find the writer of such nasty untrue things.

The whole situation deteriorates when people start dying and more poison pen letters appears. Yet Charity is determined to find the culprit and hopes that the help she gets from Henry Taylor will be the start of something more…

If you’re looking for a cosy mystery, with a stubborn young woman like Charity, this is what you need.

Charity wants more from her life, and she hopes to be able to move to London, which is definitely more exciting than the village where she lives now.
She is also in love with Henry Taylor, and she hopes he will notice her…

She is curious and cannot stand injustice… so when her beloved father receives a letter full of lies, she makes it her purpose to find the nasty person who wrote it.
She has a nose for solving crimes, and even manages to be more clever than the police! She is actually the one who notices a death was not a natural cause but actually murder…

What’s going on in the village is a real mystery, as there was no apparent sense in who received letters and why some people were murdered.
I had no clue, so I was happy that Charity was asking herself the same questions I was having. Although I must admit I don’t know if I would be so persistent as she was. I understand the police that sometimes they were fed up with her 😁

A lovely story to read about a curious woman who finds herself suddenly in a more exciting place than thought. Finding out the truth seems to be real venture yet the determination is admirable!

Again a book by Emily Harvale I adored!

Synopsis

Wyntersleap series – Book 3
Not everyone at Wynter House is thrilled about this wedding.

Secrets have been revealed and new relationships begun. Now it’s time to look to the future. Neva and Rafe are in love and so are Adam and Hazel. Jo’s love life leaves a lot to be desired, although Gavin could remedy that.

But Rafe’s grandmother, Olivia still hopes that something will tear Rafe and Neva apart. Hazel’s new assignment means nursing someone back to health … and there’s history between them. And Jo’s receiving texts from her ex-fiancé.

Then Rafe’s first wife, Pippa – the woman who broke his heart, unexpectedly arrives. And she’s even more beautiful and irresistible than Rafe remembers.

When everyone is looking to the future, will the past prove to be too strong?

There will be a wedding at Wynter House … but who will be the bride and groom?

My review

Neva and Rafe are happily in love even if Rafe’s grandmother Olivia is still hoping for something better for Rafe.
And also the latest additions to the family (Cat and Kyra) and not really welcomed by Olivia…

But when Rafe’s ex – wife suddenly appears, Neva is afraid she will Rafe to Pippa. And even the other couples or want to be couples are facing some struggles…

I don’t know how she does it, but Emily Harvale wrote again a beautiful chapter in the Wynter House saga!
As usual, I started reading and I found myself between friends.

Rafe and Neva are just the perfect couple, and even if they know that it’s going a bit fast, they know their feelings are the real thing and their love will endure everything

But when Pippa appeared, I must be honest, I was so disappointed in Rafe’s behaviour. I understand that once you loved that person, and those feelings are hard to ignore, but just NO RAFE, YOU DID NOT BEHAVE IN THE RIGHT WAY!
Right then I was totally agreeing with Neva…

And the way Neva was facing even Olivia, I found right there and then my inner cheerleader!

Yet I enjoyed reading how the family was coping with all the changes. Despite everything on their plate they were still the people I fell in love with from the very start.

It was funny to read about Jo and her attempt to being seen by Gavin. Yet something is lingering out there, and I promise, you won’t see that coming! Even I was surprised, and even if it wasn’t what I wanted to happen, somehow it was perfect anyway.

Only 1 tiny remark about Adam… I didn’t like how his storyline went, so I hope that he’ll get what he deserves anyway! (I hope I’ve not put a spoiler here!) I sense that there is so much more about him than we know, so I truly hope he will get his own story (hint hint Emily! 🤣)

But so nice to read about my friends in Wynter House and Merriment Bay again! And lovely to see how these storylines entwined to a perfect mix and made me love these books even more!

Age is just a number…

Synopsis

Homeward Bound features 79-year-old grandfather George, who didn’t quite make it as a rock star in the ‘60s. He’s expected to be in retirement but in truth he’s not ready to close the lid on his dreams and will do anything for a last chance. When he finds himself on a tour of retirement homes instead of a cream tea at the seaside his family has promised, it seems his story might prematurely be over.

He finds the answer by inviting Tara, his 18-year-old granddaughter, to share his house, along with his memories and vast collection of records. She is an aspiring musician as well, although her idea of music is not George’s. What unfolds are clashes and unlikely parallels between the generations – neither knows nor cares how to use a dishwasher – as they both chase their ambitions.

My review

George is recently widowed, and despite his son – in – law’s efforts to get him in a retirement home, he is happy with his current living accommodations. He knows that once he moves out, it will be his last home and has to say goodbye to his huge collection of vinyl records.

The solution comes from his granddaughter Tara. She suggests to move in with him, while she is studying at college. That way she can keep an eye on him, and she doesn’t have to rent another place.

But 2 oh so different generations are bound to clash. Slowly the both of them are finding common grounds, despite their differences…

I found this a sweet, sad story.

I felt so sorry for George. He is of a certain age, so it’s obvious that the people near him worry about him. Yet he is not incapable of taking care of himself. And when he visited those awful retirement homes, well, I couldn’t see him in there…

He is also a man living in the past… he had the chance to become a famous musician, but due circumstances this chance passed. And he somehow still regrets that he didn’t have lived that life. So when an opportunity comes, he grabs it with both hands.
I sensed immediately there was something dodgy, but I understood him doing it anyway, because what if it would be his last chance anyway?

And Tara is young, and in a relationship with a man with let’s say a rather peculiar taste in music. Living with her grandfather isn’t easy, as they both have to change their ways and have to take each other wishes in account.
Yet sometimes I had a feeling that Tara didn’t know herself what she wants from life and she just goes with the flow.

I felt sorry for the both of them, as they both were not happy with their current situation. Toby, Tara’s dad, was often the cause of making it even a sadder story. The way he treats George and even his own wife and daughter, was just nasty…

The sweeter parts were when grandfather and granddaughter were bonding over music. The music was a way to rediscover each other and made the both of them realize what their possibilities were and that chasing your dreams is always worth taking a chance.

It’s not only a story about the ‘old generation vs the young generation’, but mainly about family. No matter what happens, family always sticks together. And that even if you like different genres, music can bring people together, no matter how different you are.

Investigating the murder of a colleague is never easy.

Synopsis

Meet Zoe Finch, West Midlands Police’s newest Detective Inspector. She’s outspoken, ambitious, and damaged. And she’s working a case that could make her career, or cost her everything…

Fresh from the success of the Canary investigation into depravity and corruption at the highest levels, Zoe has attracted attention. Not least from Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson.

But when Jackson is brutally murdered on the night of his retirement party, Zoe is dragged into a case that’s deeply personal.

All the evidence points to the victim’s downtrodden wife, who has secrets of her own. But Zoe begins to suspect all isn’t as it seems. Could Jackson’s death be linked to the Canary case? And what is her new boss, DCI David Randle, hiding?

Seeking out the truth will force Zoe to confront her own past and put her career, and her team’s lives, on the line.

Deadly Wishes is a gritty crime thriller perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Caroline Mitchell, and the BBC’s Line of Duty.

My review

Zoe Fish is the newest Detective Inspector of Wes Midland’s Police. When Assistant Chief Constable Bryn Jackson is brutally murdered just before his retirement, everyone is looking to find the culprit as soon as possible.

But Zoe has a reputation and that reputation is used against her during the investigations. Yet Zoe is determined to find out the truth and figure out of Jackson is linked to the Canary Case.

Zoe is an example of how the Police should work… wanting to figure out the truth and not being afraid to find some dirt.
Her heart is at the right place, and she treats her colleagues equally. It’s not because she is higher in rank that she suddenly is someone else and treats her people like plebs. She still respects them and knows what the strengths of each one of them has.
But this doesn’t mean she cannot be strict when she has to be.

I also was left a bit astonished how people would dismiss Zoe and dislike her because of her past. They wanted her to do some less important tasks, but here Zoe’s determination got in the way. She does not like to be put aside and want to work actively to get the case solved as soon as possible and putting the real culprit away.

Yet the further I got into the story I got faced with the problem that not everybody in the Police has the same method.
It becomes rather quickly clear that Bryn Jackson is not the good guy in this story. His death makes things more complicated when looking for the murderer.
He was not the husband people would expect and he has more secrets hidden.

For me it was rather easy to dismiss some people, because I just couldn’t see them doing it. Yet I found myself wondering who it was…
It’s easy to say who didn’t do it, but to find the one who did, and have the proof is not an easy task.

Until the very end I had no clue who was guilty or involved. And when the truth came out, I somehow was not that surprised, yet I was anyway… I guess my subconscious knew it all along but it didn’t come to surface.

Zoe is someone to admire, a good person in a deceiving ugly world. I’m eager to see what other adventures are awaiting her!