A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores by Laura Briggs

A Spirited Girl on Cornish Shores
 (A Little Hotel in Cornwall Book 2)

It looks like a perfect Cornish autumn, with aspiring novelist Maisie Clark still finding inspiration as a maid at the historic Penmarrow Hotel.
Between the staff of quirky co-workers, glamorous and unusual guests, and her growing friendship with the charming but mysterious Sidney Daniels, Maisie is living out adventures instead of just penning them in the pages of her would-be novel's growing number of chapters.

And then there's the slight problem of keeping the balance between friendship and 'something more' with Sidney, who's helping introduce her to the village's version of a Cornish Halloween, and has recently taken an interest in Maisie's secret that may change things between them.
But even Maisie’s imagination can't conjure the unusual event this Halloween brings to the Penmarrow.
An eccentric earl has chosen this site to host his lavish birthday celebration that includes a pretty (and perceptive) young psychic whose predictions seem to have everyone on edge — and, to Maisie's delight, the elusive novelist Alistair Davies is rumored to be part of the guest list! But with the earl's bickering relatives and illustrious friends on hand— and more than one ghost of the past waiting to be revealed — it’s anyone’s guess what the festivities will bring before the party is over.

Will the psychic foretell doom for the earl's gathering—and is her ‘gift’ as genuine as it seems? Will Maisie finally meet her favorite author face to face? And, more importantly, what about the romantic sparks that fly between Maisie and Sidney?

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spirited-Cornish-Shores-Little-Cornwall-ebook/dp/B07R59BM53

US - https://www.amazon.com/Spirited-Cornish-Shores-Little-Cornwall-ebook/dp/B07R59BM53

 

I read this as a stand alone, but know I would enjoy stepping back one book and discovering exactly how Maisie found herself at the Penmarrow hotel. All is explained but I would like to experience it along with aspiring author Maisie Clark, now known (sometimes) as Marji Kinnan.
The Halloween season is upon us, although not celebrated in quite the same way as in the U.S..
There are still traditions and games and costumes and a good time had by all ages.
The hotel has been booked fully by one family to celebrate the patriarch's centennial birthday.
He has included some close friends and a psychic. Normal family bickering applies, especially when an inheritance is anticipated. Most importantly to Maisie is the anticipated appearance of a famous author, whom she hopes will help her with her desired career.
The staff of Penmarrow seems to have ample time off to take part in village festivities. Also to have some romantic, or semi-romantic, adventures. One seems to run afoul for porter Riley.

Naturally it seems the psychic's predictions would make up a significant portion of the book, but I found it to be well balanced in all aspects. I enjoyed the characters and the setting and all the village activities as well as the seances and predictions.

I am looking forward to reading more in this series as Maisie discovers more about herself and her own style.

Author Bio

 Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.

Social Media Links –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PaperDollWrites

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurabriggs/

Giveaway to Win one of 3 Cornish themed prizes (Open Internationally)

1^st Prize: A Ross Poldark collectible Knitdark character doll (Open Internationally) –1 winner

Perfect for fans of all-things Cornwall, this Ross Poldark doll with tricorn hat is made by Angela Blay, whose popular Knitdark creations have been featured on The Graham Norton Show. Since each doll is hand made, the Ross the winner receives may vary slightly in appearance from the one in the picture. Readers can learn more about the Knitdarks at Angela's Twitter page @kwerkyknits as well as her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/kwerkyknits

2^nd Prize: A decorative tin T.A.R.D.I.S (Open Internationally) –1 winner

A tin T.A.R.D.I.S similar to the keepsake Maisie is gifted by Sidney in Book 1, A Little Hotel in Cornwall. Designed by Etsy artist KittyConduitt81 and perfect for fans of Doctor Who! Being a unique, hand made item, the final design may vary slightly in appearance from the one pictured. Learn about KittyConduittDesigns on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyConduittDesigns

3^rd Prize: A Kindle/Tablet case featuring cover art from A Little Hotel in Cornwall (Open Internationally) –1 winner

A specially designed case for a Kindle or Tablet featuring the cover art for Book 1 in the series A Little Hotel in Cornwall. The final product's size, texture, and color will depend on the winner's device.

*All 3 winners will also receive a digital copy of Book 1 in the series, A Little Hotel in Cornwall.

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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Tour organized by @rararesources

A GENUINE FIX

A Genuine Fix (An Allie Cobb Mystery) by J.C. Kenney

 

About the Book

 

A Genuine Fix (An Allie Cobb Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series 

Lyrical Underground (July 16, 2019)

Paperback: 194 pages

ISBN-10: 1516108604

ISBN-13: 978-1516108602

Digital ASIN: B07KDWV2RX

Murder takes a page out of a killer’s playbook when literary agent Allie Cobb becomes her Indiana town’s number-one bestselling suspect …

Running the family literary business while preparing for her best friend’s wedding, chairing a park planning committee, and getting her rescue cat to bond with her boyfriend’s golden retriever doesn’t leave Allie Cobb much time for crime-solving. But when the guy who stood her up the night of her high school senior prom is killed and dumped in a pile of mulch, Allie’s suddenly the prime suspect.

It’s insulting enough that gambler, drunk, and all-around lowlife Georgie Alonso was found on the site of the memorial park honoring Allie’s deceased father. Now she’s fighting to clear her name and hold off a rush to judgment. But politics, decades-old secrets, and a slew of high-profile suspects make dangerous bedfellows as the eve of the park’s grand opening draws nearer. She’ll have to nab a killer soon, before her storybook life gets a bad ending …

 Allie returned home to Indiana (in the previous book) for her father's funeral and found herself solving the murder of her best friend's father. She decided to stay and take over her own father's Literary Agency. Taking over a business, as much as starting a new one, takes time and patience and focus. Things Allie soon find take a lot of effort.
Allie is also becoming involved in community affairs, such as helping on a Mayoral campaign, working against a man she has a complicated relationship with already. They must work together to complete a community park to be named after her own father and that of her best friend.
All aspects of this book are intertwined, as are the clues and red herrings presented. You don't need to have read the previous book to follow along, but I enjoyed A Literal Mess and am sure you will also.
All the cozy mystery must haves are included.
As if that is not enough tension, aforementioned best friend, Sloane, is moving in with Allie's brother as they prepare for their wedding. Much is happening as this plot flows quickly forward.
What else could go wrong?

We all know not to ask. Taking her celebrity kitty out for a walk, to check on the new park status, the pair uncovers a dead body. The police chief is Allie's former brother-in-law and the victim was not a well liked person. As is often the case, the police are more concerned with closing the case than finding a true, guilty party and need it wrapped up before election time. 
Allie makes a convenient top suspect. Her only hope is to solve the crime before time runs out.

Great friendships and wonderful community characters. All the things we love in a fun, cozy mystery.

About the Author

J.C. Kenney grew up in a household filled with books by legends Agatha Christie and Lilian Jackson Braun, among many others, so it was no surprise when he found himself writing mystery stories. When he's not writing, you can find him following IndyCar racing or listening to music. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, two sons, and a cat who is the inspiration for Ursula in the Allie Cobb Mysteries.

Author Links Website - https://www.jckenney.com;
  Twitter - https://twitter.com/JCKenney1;
  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JCKenney1;
  Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/JCKenney;
  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/j.c.kenney/

  Purchase links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
  July 18 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
  July 18 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog - REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
  July 18 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
  July 19 – The Avid Reader - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
  July 19 – Ascroft, eh? - AUTHOR INTERVIEW
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  July 20 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST
  July 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
  July 20 – The Book Diva's Reads - CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
  July 20 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
  July 21 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
  July 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
  July 21 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
  July 22 – I'm All About Books – GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
  July 22 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW
  July 22 – Baroness' Book Trove - SPOTLIGHT
  July 23 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW
  July 23 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
  July 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

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The Summer of Going Topless by Liz Davies Cover Reveal

The Summer of Going Topless

Candice Summerville is invisible. No one seems to notice her - not really. 

Heck, she often doesn’t notice herself, except for her monthly scrutiny in the mirror to check on her body’s steady slide towards middle age.

But when her ancient, practical estate car is consigned to the scrap heap, Candice falls in love with a cute, purple convertible, and from that moment on her life begins to take on a whole new meaning. Strangers wave at her and people stop to talk, and suddenly she isn’t invisible any longer.

Life seems to be looking up, especially when she meets silver fox and handy-man, Paul.
There’s just one fly in the ointment, one thing she that has her second-guessing herself.

Is it the car that Paul sees - or is it her?

Purchase Links:

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V72XKWP 

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V72XKWP

Publication Date: 22^nd August

Author Bio –

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it. 

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

LEG UP

Leg Up (Lark Davis Mysteries) by Annabelle Hunter

About Leg Up

 

Leg Up (Lark Davis Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 

Independently Published (June 1, 2019) 

Print Length: 165 pages

Digital ASIN: B07R5GVW3X

A severed leg with no body? Check. A disturbing lack of coffee? Check. A murderer bent on revenge and a hot cop using her as bait? Double check.

Larklyn Davis moved to the small picturesque town of Barrow Bay, California, needing a new start on life. She found the perfect cottage house, almost the perfect distance from her ex-husband, and built the perfect stable for her dressage business. But when a severed leg suddenly appears on her front porch, her life takes a turn for the absurd.

As more clues pile up, and the killer not content to leave Lark alone, she’s forced to take things into her own hands. One problem: the hottest detective she has ever seen is convinced she is involved. Detective Brecken Wilson looks like he should be in a movie, not glued to Lark’s side, waiting for the other leg to drop.

There’s not enough coffee in the world for Lark to deal with this crime, the detective who stirs things she hasn’t felt in years, and a matchmaking town, intent help her find the happiness she doesn’t want.

 A dismembered body should not make one smile or leave one laughing, but that is exactly how the population of Barrow Bay responds to the 9-1-1 call first thing in the morning. 
And this book will keep you snorting with laughter as the body parts continue to be delivered.
A fast paced, FUN read to cozy up to and enjoy.
Lark Davis moved to be closer to family after her divorce and the tragic loss of her parents.
She shares custody of her seven year old daughter and has to worry about the implications of having body parts arriving on her front porch with regularity. Barrow Bay seemed so charming and safe and "normal" during her past few months living there. She is learning that even when everyone knows your secrets often before you do, there will always be somethings kept hidden.
Who seems to have something against Lark and is capable of sending her threatening messages in so violent a way?

While the actual crime is disturbing and of a violent nature, the mystery and the events will continue to keep you smiling as you turn pages. A small town with very few eligible bachelors, which Lark doesn't think has any implications for her, since she is not interested in romance, suddenly has a few very handsome imports. And one big secret turns out to be manipulating Lark into being an unwitting accomplice!

Snarky sarcasm rules the day and we also get a fun peek into a crime writer's mind.
I would very much enjoy spending time around a table at an author's convention with Annabelle Hunter.

About Annabelle Hunter

Annabelle Hunter is a stay-at-home mom and an avid fan of classic mystery shows and dressage. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two children, and too many animals.

Author Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CozyCrazyFun/
  Twitter: @cozycrazyfun
  Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/CozyCrazyFun/
Website: annabellehunter.com

Purchase Link - Amazon - Kindle

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
  July 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
  July 15 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW
  July 16 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
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  July 17 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
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The Unfinished Garden by Barbara Claypole White

The Unfinished Garden

A love story about grief, OCD, and dirt 

Tilly Silverberg is rebuilding her life with her young son, Isaac, one potted-up plant at a time. 

Since her husband’s death, gardening has become her livelihood and her salvation. Hiding out in the North Carolina forest, she wants only to be left alone with Isaac and her greenhouse.

New to the area, successful software developer James Nealy needs a garden. On a solitary mission to reclaim his life from irrational obsessions and relentless compulsions, he has a plan: to conquer his greatest fear. Dirt. One glimpse—or two—of Tilly’s garden, and he knows she holds the key. But when he asks her to take him on as a client, she refuses.

After a family emergency pulls Tilly and Isaac back to her native England, she’s quietly happy, because nothing has changed in her childhood village. Or has it? Her first love is unexpectedly single, her mother is scheming, and her best friend is keeping secrets. Then James appears on her doorstep.

Tenuous at first, but gradually taking root, James and Tilly forge an unlikely bond. As they work together to rescue a garden choked by neglect, they unearth each other’s secrets, each other’s fears, each other’s hopes—and maybe, a shared second chance.

"Claypole White does not merely write about people with mental illness—she inhabits them.”  Lee Smith, New York Times bestseller author

“Claypole White’s gift is her ability to put us into the troubled minds of her characters in a way that helps us not only understand them but fall in love with them as well. We discover that while their minds may be different from ours, their hearts are the same.” Diane Chamberlain, New York Times bestselling author 

“A fabulous debut novel, The Unfinished Garden easily earns Romance Junkies’ highest rating of five blue ribbons and a recommended read status for its unpredictable originality! So good!” Romance Junkies





“The Unfinished Garden is a powerful story of friendship and courage in the midst of frightening circumstances … I highly recommend this wonderful love story.” Bergers’ Book Reviews 


“Claypole White ... conveys the condition of OCD, and how it creates havoc in one’s life and the lives of loved ones, with style and grace, never underplaying the seriousness of the disorder.” Romantic Times

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/The-Unfinished-Garden-Audiobook/1094056715

US - https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Unfinished-Garden-Audiobook/1094056715?

Poignant yet heartwarming, this is a story about coming to terms with our own self perception as well as learning to accept others. It is about second (and third) chances we give ourselves as well as those who impact our lives. Each life is touched by great sadness but does it have to keep us stuck? If one is willing to move forward, is it possible? Or are there some circumstances that are too great to survive?

The words and phrases themselves are beautiful in this well written and intriguing tale. 
The characters have a depth and a presence that make you want to know more and you find yourself pulling for them not only to find love but to heal. 

While this is a Harlequin publication, this is not your mother's light romantic read, nor is it a bodice ripper. A rare volume of substance awaits you. This is an undiscovered gem.

Author Bio – Bestselling author Barbara Claypole White writes hopeful family drama with a healthy dose of mental illness. Born in England, she works and gardens in the forests of North Carolina, where she lives with her family. Her novels include: The Unfinished Garden, which won the Golden Quill for Best First Book; The In-Between Hour, a SIBA Okra Pick; The Perfect Son, a Goodreads Choice Awards Semi-finalist; Echoes of Family, a WFWA Star Award Finalist; and The Promise Between Us, a 2018 Nautilus Award Winner.

Barbara is an OCD advocate for the nonprofit A2A Alliance, which promotes advocacy over adversity. To connect with her, please visit www.barbaraclaypolewhite.com 

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraClaypoleWhite

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/barbara-claypole-white

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778132.Barbara_Claypole_White

https://twitter.com/bclaypolewhite

https://www.instagram.com/bclaypolewhite/?hl=en