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Under a Spanish Sky by T A Williams #Review

  Under a Spanish Sky by T A Williams was published by Boldwood Books on September 26th. It has   previously been  published as Chasing Shadows   Out of darkness, light will shine... Amy Hardy once lived a life full of colour, but a tragic accident has turned her world to shadows. Determined to embrace her new life, Amy sets off on the famous Compostela pilgrimage, hoping to find light in the darkness and a new path. Accompanying her on her journey is Luke Patterson a man whose own troubled past casts dark shadows over his life. He’s hoping that guiding Amy will be a distraction from his own troubles. But as Luke and Amy travel through the stunning scenery of Northern Spain, following in footsteps of those travellers before them, they feel a connection to each other. And as their bond grows, a love story from the distant past emerges before them, forcing them to confront their own secrets, pain and feelings for each other. Can a story of courage and bravery...

Little Village Library by Helen Rolfe #Review

 I am delighted to return to Helen Rolfe for her latest contemporary romance, The Little Village Library which was published on February 6th. You can read my reviews of some of her other books here: Christmas Miracles at the Little Log Cabin  |  Christmas at the Little Knitting Box

It takes a village...
 
Cloverdale is known for its winding roads, undulating hills and colourful cottages, and more recently, its Library of Shared Things. Need a ladder, a hedge trimmer or a waffle-maker? You can borrow it from the Library of Shared Things.

Single dad Adam is doing a good job of raising his daughter, Zoe, whilst burying his past and moving forwards. When he agrees to run a mending workshop at the Library, new friendships start to blossom.

Jennifer is a volunteer at the Library. When her younger sister Isla moves back to Cloverdale after their mother dies, Jennifer finds herself wondering whether Isla is hiding something.

And when Adam's daughter Zoe makes a startling discovery, it's time for the people at the Library of Shared Things to pull together and help one family with its biggest challenge of all. 

This is a novel with community at its heart. It's about the kindness we can find when we least expect it and the bonds we can form when we're not even looking.

The Little Village Library is a heartwarming story about kindness, community, and new beginnings, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Rachael Lucas

 

My Thoughts

There is a tremendous sense of community in this novel, which does not just come from the setting in the Library. The inhabitants of the village have their own stories too, but you come to appreciate that though they may be very different people, they all have a sense of fellowship in common. Adam, Viola, Jennifer and Viola all have some deeply buried secrets which are hinted at quite strongly. There are some dark issues hidden in the past and you are left for much of the story trying to figure out exactly what has happened. Nevertheless, despite the seriousness of past events, you do not lose the warmth of the story as Adam's family begin to settle into the village.

     I particularly enjoyed getting to know Isla and finding out what was at the bottom of her relationship with her sister. She is a breath of fresh air in the village. Jennifer seems to be the lynch pin between all the characters and you get a good sense of how alienated she is at the beginning and anxious to reconnect with her family and friends. The relationships between the parents and the children/ teenagers add another layer to the stories and there are some wry observations on 'life with a teen'. 

 In short: A delightful read with a solid heart. 

About the Author

Helen J Rolfe writes romantic fiction and contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community.

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries where she thinks her readers might like to escape to.

Helen J Rolfe also writes for Orion Books under the name Helen Rolfe.

Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia and it was there that she finally turned to what she loved and studied writing and journalism. She spent a while freelancing for women's health and fitness magazines, volunteered with the PR department of a children's hospital where she wrote articles and media releases, and eventually began writing fiction in 2011. And now, she thinks she may just have found her dream job.

Helen currently lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and their children.

You can follow Helen here: Website
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Book links: Amazon UK
Thanks to Helen Rolfe, and Tracy Fenton of Compulsive Readers for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
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