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The Widow's Vow by Rachel Brimble #Review #PublicationDay

  Today's historical fiction takes us to Victorian England and Bath. Published by Boldwood  today on December 16th, A Widow's Vow is the first in the Ladies of Carson Street saga series by Rachel Brimble.   From grieving widow... 1851. After her merchant husband saved her from a life of prostitution, Louisa Hill was briefly happy as a housewife in Bristol. But then a constable arrives at her door. Her husband has been found hanged in a Bath hotel room, a note and a key to a property in Bath the only things she has left of him. And now the debt collectors will come calling. To a new life as a madam. Forced to leave everything she knows behind, Louisa finds more painful betrayals waiting for her in the house in Bath. Left with no means of income, Louisa knows she has nothing to turn to but her old way of life. But this time, she'll do it on her own terms – by turning her home into a brothel for upper class gentleman. And she's determined to spare the girls she sa...

Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange by Jenny Kane #Review


Today I am happy to be featuring Jenny Kane's Midsummer Dreams at Mill Grange on the blog. It was published by Aria on 25th June. 

Thea Thomas needs to get away from her old life... and the interfering ex who won't leave her alone. When she lands a job heading up the restoration of Mill Grange, a stunning Victorian manor, it feels like the perfect opportunity to start afresh.

What Thea didn't anticipate was how hostile the volunteer team, led by the formidable Mable Hastings, would be about accepting new leadership. And with the deadline looming before the grand opening, Thea is in desperate need of more volunteers.

A broadcast appeal on the local news attracts the interest of arrogant but undeniably attractive celebrity historian Shaun Cowlson, who wants to make a TV programme about the restoration. It's hard enough adding one more big personality to the mix –but then her ex turns up as one of the volunteers! What seemed like a dream come true is fast becoming a total disaster! Can Thea find a way to save the manor?

My Thoughts

You are given two romances in this story and both slow burning threads are enjoyable to follow. The setting of a Manor House in Exmoor which is being renovated as a historical artefact, is the perfect background for the range of characters and I found the cast of volunteers to be a lively bunch. Mabel, of course, stands out and adds a touch of humour. You get to see the central characters' insecurities and fears. They are certainly well drawn.

    The writing style is relaxed and easy to get into. With a level of suspense built in as to the fate of Mill Grange and the mystery behind John's behaviour, there is plenty to interest the reader. I also liked the details around the archaeological element and could absolutely visualise the beautiful Manor House and its grounds. The villagers add warmth to the story. This is the first in a series and I can see that there is much potential for future visits.

In short: Fresh starts all round. 
 
About the Author


Jenny Kane is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction series. Her first novel, Another Cup of Coffee (Accent Press), was a Kindle bestseller. The final novel in this series, Another Glass of Champagne, was released in June 2016. Jenny Kane’s Cornish romance, A Cornish Escape, hit No.1 in the Amazon Romance, Contemporary Fiction, and Women’s Fiction charts, and was followed by a sequel, Abi’s Neighbour, Jenny’s seventh novel.

You can follow Jenny here: Twitter |  Facebook

Book links:  Amazon UK  |  Google Play   |  Kobo

Thanks to Jenny Kane, Aria  for a copy of the book and a place on the event.

Check out the rest of the tour.

 

 

Comments

  1. Huge thanks for hosting me today- and for your lovely review. Jenny xx (Posting from my Kay page as Google playing up this end!) xx

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