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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...

Yellow is for Sunflowers by Kathryn Freeman #Review #TheFriendsBook1

 

Here is another great romcom by Kathryn Freeman to brighten up the season. I am delighted to be taking part in the celebrations for Yellow is for Sunflowers, which is the first in a new series, The Friends..

 
Dean Baxter was everything a sensible thirty-two-year-old teacher should avoid. Five years younger, cocky, with a playboy reputation. Oh and guardian to Tom, one of her most promising students. But Lia was a rebel at heart.

Lia Stapleton was everything that was out of reach for an uneducated garage mechanic who’d made too many mistakes. Cambridge-educated, gorgeous and from a well-heeled background, she was his brother’s teacher. But Dean couldn’t resist her.

As Dean and Lia’s tentative relationship begins, can it survive Tom’s disapproval, her parents’ interference. And the dangerous return of his past.


My Thoughts

I always enjoy Kathryn Freeman's style of writing and the relationships which are portrayed in her books. In particular, her male central characters can be unexpected heroes and have several layers to their story which gain your sympathy. Dean is certainly not your usual choice of male protagonist but as you get to know him and realise how his background has affected him, he becomes much more understandable. He is also a great example of not taking someone at face value as often his actions can be misinterpreted until you recognise his vulnerabilities.

    Family relationships are also complicated. Dean and Lia have complex relationships with their siblings. Dean has had to take on the role of father as well as brother. Lia's twin, Grace, seems to be as different as you can imagine and this leads Lia to show her insecurities. Both Lia and Dean have some close friends who are supportive where their family have not been. This is  a lively romcom, full of opposite characters and some interesting episodes.  It is well up to standard for this author and such an enjoyable read.

In short: opposites attract 

About the Author

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to write a book. It may have had something to do with my obsession with reading romance. Real life interfered and I headed off in a different direction – into the world of science, becoming a pharmacist before joining the pharmaceutical industry. I did end up writing, but it was about disease and medicines. Decades later, I’m finally doing what I always wanted to do.

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), all the romance in my life is in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.


You can follow Kathryn here:  Website  |  Facebook   |  Twitter
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Book links: Amazon UK   |  Amazon US  
 
Thanks to Kathryn Freeman and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
 
Check out the rest of the tour!
 

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