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Crow Moon by Suzie Aspley#Extract #Giveaway #AMarthaStrangewaysInvestigationBook1

  I am delighted to introduce the first in a new series by debut writer, Suzie Aspley . The atmospheric thriller, Crow Moon was published by Orenda on March 14th. Today I have an extract for you to read and the chance to win a print copy of Crow Moon . Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post. When the crow moon rises, the darkness is unleashed… Martha Strangeways is struggling to find purpose in her life, after giving up her career as an investigative reporter when her young twins died in a house fire. Overwhelmed by guilt and grief, her life changes when she stumbles across the body of a missing teenager – a tragedy that turns even more sinister when a poem about crows is discovered inked onto his back... When another teenager goes missing in the remote landscape, Martha is drawn into the investigation, teaming up with DI Derek Summers, as malevolent rumours begin to spread and paranoia grows. As darkness descends on the village of Strathbran, it soon becomes

Christmas Kisses on Hollywell Hill by Jackie Ladbury #Review

Festive reading continues today with Jackie Ladbury's Christmas Kisses on Hollywell Hill. 


Christmas is coming and actress Kirsty Castille seems doomed to play the front part of Nag, the Christmas pantomime horse, when a surprise audition lands her the lead role as Maria in the Sound of Music.

Even better she bonds with a handsome chef over a piece of squid at her local supermarket, although sadly romance is the last thing on Jake Levy's mind.

He has a Christmas deadline, an ex-wife to mourn and lots of emotional baggage to drag around. He certainly doesn’t have time for romance and even if he did he wouldn’t fall for someone like Kirsty who craves the limelight: been there, done that.

A misunderstanding leads Jake to offer Kirsty a job in his new restaurant and she takes it purely to convince him that she’s the girl of his dreams.

Her charm offensive begins to work but while he’s cooking up a storm she’s secretly sparkling under the spotlight – until her cover is busted.

The fallout is catastrophic, but as they say in Luvvie Land, the show must go on, even if Kirsty is terrified that she's taken her last curtain call and ruined her chance for love.

Read on and immerse yourself in this delightful winter romance as the snow starts to fall and Christmas day becomes a magical reality.


                                                                                     My Thoughts

This is a genuinely funny, contemporary romance. The humour comes not just from funny situations, of which there are many, but also from some of the characters, especially Kirsty. She is an original and slightly eccentric, scatty would- be actress whose quest for love and success takes her to some funny situations. The speed dating scene made me smile, as did her antics with the pantomime horse and her everchanging appearance. She is a likeable young woman who wears her heart on her sleeve and who can see through the trappings of 'stardom'. 

    Jake turns out to be a great contrast to Kirsty. He is damaged by his failed marriage and has deep-seated trust issues. A workaholic, he nevertheless has a charm about him and I found their chemistry to be totally believable. As misunderstandings mount, Christmas fizzes away in the background, giving the story a sheen of sparkle and glitz. An enjoyable read!

In short: A romcom with sparkle.


                                                                              About the Author



Jackie Ladbury writes heart-warming contemporary and historical women's fiction that is always guaranteed a happy ever after. From spending many years as an air-stewardess and seeing that it really is love that makes the world go around, she determined to put the same sparkle and emotion into her stories. Her life is no longer as exotic (or chaotic) as it was in those heady days of flying as she now lives a quiet life in Hertfordshire with her family and two cats, spending her days making up stories and finding excuses not to go to the gym.

You can read my review of Air Guitar and Caviar here.

You can follow Jackie here: Facebook  |  Website  
                                              |  The Write Romantics   |  Twitter

Book links: Amazon UK    |  Amazon US  


Thanks to Jackie Ladbury and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Follow the rest of the tour!
 
 

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