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Abby returns home to Ireland, homeless, jobless and dumped by her fiance. Her family know about the collapse of her employer’s business but she can’t find the words to tell them that she is now single and needs to find somewhere to live. Things are further complicated by a chance encounter with an old friend, Luke, who could be more than just a friend but he still thinks she is engaged…

The Rebound is a warm romantic comedy about the ups and downs of love and life.

Abby is literally at rock bottom. She arrives in Ireland to stay with her sister who she does not get on with. Work is in short supply and she is nursing a broken heart. Her former next door neighbour Luke has flourished into a hunk but is keeping his distance as he thinks she is engaged.

Abby knows she has to be brave and tell everyone the truth but the sibling rivalry with her sister, the romantic tension with Luke, and her general feeling of despair keep her silent. However, the writing style is light hearted and this keeps a softer tone to the book despite Abby’s obvious worries about her future.

I felt that the relationships were easy to relate to and understand, bringing the characters and plot to life. Miscommunication as well as lies by omission lead to comedic circumstances which thwart the romance of the two main characters.

The Rebound was an enjoyable novel which interweaves romance and gentle comedy.

The Rebound book description:

A newly single girl. A tall dark handsome stranger. What could go wrong?

It’s 7 a.m. on a Monday morning and Abby Reynolds isn’t where she wants to be. She wants to be in her beautiful loft apartment in Manhattan, drinking a coffee with her fiancé.

Instead, she’s heading back to the childhood home in rural Ireland she swore she’d never return to, with some big old secrets. Namely that she’s suddenly found herself unemployed, homeless, and absolutely 100% single.

She’s feeling all out of luck. Until the first person she meets after she touches down is an absurdly hot guy called Luke, who offers her a lift home. Gazing deep into his sparkling emerald-green eyes, Abby knows instantly that he’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off everything. The perfect rebound.

It’s a flawless plan. Until the next day, when Abby realizes who he actually is. Not just a stranger. He is, in fact, Luke Bailey, aka the boy next door. Luke Bailey who—so help her God—she’s pretty sure she once shared baths with, back when they were kids. Not that she can allow herself to imagine him in a bath now, not without blushing from head to foot.

And judging by the smirk on his face, the same Luke Bailey who’s known exactly who she was the whole time… And who, like everyone in the village, still thinks she’s a high-flying New Yorker… who’s getting married next year.

Abby is certain getting under Luke will help her get over her ex. But the truth is stopping her. Can she admit to everyone back home that she’s single and has lost everything? Because, if she wants the boy next door, she may just have to…

The perfect feel-good romantic comedy that will make you laugh until you cry and fall completely in love. Fans of Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, and Emily Henry won’t be able to put this down!

Author Bio:

Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland. She has a degree in Popular Literature and the only prize she ever won for writing was at the age of 14 in school (but she still cherishes it.)

She lived in London for a few years where she worked in Publishing and the non-profit sector before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.

https://twitter.com/CatWalshWriter

https://www.instagram.com/catwalshwriter/

https://catherinewalshbooks.com/

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09MFVZ58Lsocial

Apple: http://ow.ly/iHfi50HO2B7 Kobo: http://ow.ly/oA3550HO2B8 Google: http://ow.ly/6zNt50HO2B6

1942 Sophie Scholl begins university and quickly becomes involved in the publication of secret leaflets which undermine the Nazi regime. 1943 Sophie and her brother have been caught by the Gestapo. Will they reveal their secrets…?

The White Rose Network is an historical novel set in the 1940s in Germany. It is based on a true story so I read with trepidation, aware of the eventual outome.

Sophie is portrayed as an incredibly bright and intelligent woman. However, it is her bravery and determination that really shine through the book. Alongside her brother and friends, she tries to subvert the Nazi regime by inspiring others to passively resist.

The book uses chapters set in 1942 to show how Sophie joins the White Rose and participates in their printing and distribution activities. It then skips ahead to 1943 and her interrogation by Robert Mohr before returning to the previous year again. Robert is portrayed almost sympathetically as he attempts to make Sophie deny any involvement and save herself.

Sophie is frequently underestimated by her interrogator but also by her friends and family. Her youth and gender give her an air of vulnerability that belies her passionate and determined personality. The passion is inspirational and makes her seem very human, creating an emotive pull for the reader.

The White Rose Network is a tragic but beautifully written book: a wonderful tribute to the brave souls it describes.

I have previously reviewed The Girl On The Platform, The Girl in the Striped Dress, The Violinist of Auschwitz, The Girl Who Escaped From Auschwitz and The Girl Who Survived by Ellie Midwood.

The White Rose Network: Based on a true story, an unputdownable and utterly heartbreaking World War 2 page-turner

1943, Germany: “I won’t be able to live if anything happens to you,” she whispered into his ear as they said goodbye, not knowing if they would ever see each other again. The White Rose Network brings to life the incredible true story of Sophie Scholl––one of history’s bravest women, who risked everything to lead a revolution against darkness.

Sophie was born to be a rebel, raised by parents who challenged the brutal Nazi regime. Determined to follow in their footsteps, she leaves for university, defying Hitler’s command for women to stay at home.

On her first day in Munich, Sophie’s brother Hans introduces her to his dear friend. When she meets Alexander, with his raven-black hair and brooding eyes, she knows instantly that she isn’t alone. There are more courageous souls like her, who will fight against evil.

Together, and with others who also refuse to back down, they form the White Rose Network. In an underground vault, Sophie and Alexander conspire in whispers, falling in love as they plot against Hitler. Promising her heart to Alexander is the most dangerous act of all––with each risk they take, they get closer to capture.

As snowflakes fall on a frosty February morning, Sophie and her brother scatter Munich University with leaflets calling for resistance: “We will not be silent; we will not leave you in peace!”

But their lives hang in the balance, with the secret police offering a reward to anyone with information on the White Rose Network. It is only a matter of time before the Gestapo closes in… And when Sophie is imprisoned in an interrogation room, staring a Nazi officer in the eye, will she take their secrets to her grave? Will she sacrifice her freedom for love?

Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be completely gripped by this heartbreaking and addictive page-turner. This inspirational tale shows that, in the face of evil, giving up is not an option…

Buy links

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09LMG41YFsocial

About the author

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 14 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, “The Girl from Berlin.” Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material. She feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their two dogs.

Author social media

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/EllieMidwood?_rdr

Instagram: @elliemidwood

Website: http://elliemidwood.com/

Don’t Look Back is a prequel short novel about the back story of Sheriff Jenna Alton from D. K. Hood’s Kane and Alton series. It is less than 200 pages and very fast paced but good quality so you’ll race through it, enjoying every page!

Jenna is the new identity of agent Avril Parker. She went undercover in a drugs cartel, putting up with abuse and heartache from her violent and dangerous husband. When he moved on to child trafficking, she gathered evidence and fled after the court case. Threatened by her father in law, her life was in danger…

Now she is in hiding and establishing a new life for herself following plastic surgery and a new name. She arrives in Black Rock Falls to take on the role of deputy and finds herself involved in a domestic abuse case immediately. Jenna swears to protect abuse victims based on her own experience but this puts her at odds with others in the community.

The writing is incredibly good and the plot action happens at breakneck speed. As a fan of the main series, it was fab to go back in time and see Jenna’s beginnings and learn the truth about her past. Danger follows Jenna and there are dramatic twists and plenty of glorious tension as the plot unfolds.

Don’t Look Back was a gripping book and I loved seeing Avril’s transition into Jenna and her first case in her new hometown.

I have previously reviewed books 4-13 in the series: The Crying Season, Where Angels Fear, Whisper in the Night, Break the Silence, Her Broken Wings, Her Shallow Grave, Promises in the Dark, Be Mine Forever, Cross My Heart and Fallen Angel.

MEDIA PACK

Book: Don’t Look Back

Author: D.K. Hood 

Pub Day: Feb 8th 2022

Buy Links: 

Author Bio and Social Media 

Rob, Drew and Lauren are on vacation by the lake. Their neighbour is a reclusive writer whose wife is missing. Last year there was an unexplained drowning of another woman. Could Lauren be in danger?

The Lake House is the first book in a new detective series although Chris Bailey doesn’t appear until a quarter of the way through.

The beginning of the book sets the scene for the complicated love lives of Rob and Drew, both in love with Lauren who is dating Drew but feels attracted to Rob. I found this trio very interesting as the relationships intertwine and had no idea how the complication could be resolved. It certainly didn’t seem like a detective story for the first third of the book.

The chapters begin with snippets of perspective from the killer which increases the tension and anticipation. We see that he is responsible for a death but no details except for the men hearing a scream and Lauren witnessing something odd. Detectives Bailey and Carter arrive to investigate the disappearance of Glenn’s wife and follow up on an unsolved cold case from the previous summer.

I liked the way that this book was driven by characters other than the lead detective. We were not bogged down in his personal life which allowed me to focus on the investigation and try to guess connections and outcomes.

The Lake House was an intriguing murder novel and I look forward to the next book in the series.

THE LAKE HOUSE BLURB:

Two missing women.

One unidentified victim.

A witness who may have seen too much.

Lauren Mathews, while lounging on the shore, sees a man lugging something heavy into a boat the morning after she and her friends hear a strange cry ring out across the lake in the dead of night.

Detective Chris Bailey is stumped. He’s trying to solve the mystery of a drowning with an unidentified victim. But with no leads, he’s getting nowhere. And now, at the same lake, two more women suddenly have gone missing.

Chris suddenly finds he has an array of murder suspects but no bodies. At the center of it seems to be a young woman, Lauren Mathews. He doesn’t know what role she plays, but he does know she is of interest to at least three of the men under suspicion.

But a pattern is emerging. Another body surfaces.

The killer will stop at nothing to stay hidden. But as he draws closer to unravelling the mystery of the dead women, Chris begins to fear Lauren will be next on the killer’s list.

KATE WATTERSON

Kate Watterson is a national  bestselling suspense author. Among her works are the popular Ellie MacIntosh series following a homicide detective and her partner, the irreverent but razor sharp Jason Santiago. Kate also writes as award-winning Emma Wildes, and as A.C. Alexander.

She lives with her husband in the scenic hills and woods of Brown County, Indiana. She has three children, a spooky little black cat named Jack, and a ferocious (but lovable) dog named Tim. She loves nature, solitude, wild turkey and deer wandering through her front yard, and to hear from readers. Feel free to contact her at kwatterson6@gmail.com.

Contact Kate:

Email: kwatterson6@gmail.com

Website: https://www.kwattersonauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kate-Watterson-407012076059001/

Twitter: @kate_watterson

Holly and Zach seem to have the perfect marriage but behind closed doors it is something different.They have a new baby but Holly is desperate to escape her unhappy life. Zach has a hold over her so Holly is trapped…

The Marriage Secret is a domestic psychological thriller set in America. There is a significant crime element to the novel, especially in the second half of the book.

Zach is relentless in his abusive campaign of control and fear against Holly in the opening half of the book. I found this often difficult to read as it was quite implacable with sinister danger lurking. We then discover some of the hold he has over her and the balance of power begins to shift.

The book begins with a diary entry which gives hints about the future. But the majority of the book is written from the third person perspective of Holly, showing the insidious ways that Zach takes over her life and emotionally abuses her. The opening chapter about the birth of their child is very unpleasant as the terror is so vividly described.

There were major plot twists along the way, significantly at the end. I had various potential scenarios playing out in my head and loved how the author kept me guessing which outcome would be correct.

The Marriage Secret was hugely entertaining and had me completely hooked.

The Marriage Secret: An utterly unputdownable psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist

He married me despite my darkest secret. But am I safe now that I know his?
From the outside, my marriage to Zach was perfect: dream home, a perfect baby girl and passionate, all-consuming love. When we met, I confessed my darkest secret to him and he never judged me for it. Instead, he vowed to always protect me whatever the cost.

But as I cradle my gorgeous baby, I have to accept that the husband who used to be my everything, has changed. At first it was little things: expecting me to keep to a strict schedule, picking out my clothes for me. Now, he controls every aspect of my life: from how much money I have, to when I leave the house and who I can see.

One fateful night, a young woman is found murdered and Zach is a potential suspect. Turning towards me, a look of warmth returning to his eyes, he swears he’s innocent, and I realize there is only one solution. If I agree to be his alibi, he will keep my secret and our daughter can grow up in a loving home. In that moment, I do what any faithful wife would do: I stand by him.

But I know deep down, only one of us will make it out of this marriage alive.

A completely unputdownable and twist-filled psychological thriller from USA Today bestselling author Carey Baldwin. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Marriage and Gone Girl will be totally addicted to The Marriage Secret.

Buy links:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B09M79VMSKsocial

Apple: http://ow.ly/onLU50HB94c

Kobo: http://ow.ly/4Crc50HB94g

Google: http://ow.ly/L07x50HB94e

About the author

By day Carey is a dedicated pediatrician. By night she’s a USA Today bestselling and award winning author of edgy suspense. In addition to her MD, Carey also holds a PhD in clinical psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.

Author social media

Twitter: @careybaldwin

Instagram: @authorcareybaldwin

Website: https://www.careybaldwin.net/