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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

Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn by Jessica Redland #Review

 

Today we have the treat of a new standalone novel by Jessica Redland. Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn was published by Boldwood Books on January 24th.

Welcome to Bumblebee Barn, home to wonderful animals, stunning views and spectacular sunsets - and resident young farmer, Barney.

While Barney loves his life at Bumblebee Barn - a farm that has been in his family for generations - he's struggling to find someone to share it with. The early mornings quad biking through muddy fields and the long hours looking after the crops and animals are proving to be a deterrent to finding love.

So when his sister, Fizz - desperate for Barney to find his soulmate - sees an advert for Love on a Farm, a new reality TV show to help farmers find love, he has nothing to lose by applying. Afterall, he isn't meeting anyone suitable down the traditional route and surely he won't be picked anyway...?

Thrown into the chaos of reality TV, Barney could never have expected that his whole life would be turned upside down, with buried secrets to be uncovered and his heart on the line. With his family and friends rooting for him, could the magic of Bumblebee Barn heal his broken heart and help him find love on the farm?


 My Thoughts

This standalone novel is a delight to any fans of Jessica Redland as you get to check in with some familiar characters and a few gorgeous rescued hedgehogs. Bumblebee Barn turns out to be just as lovely and you can totally visualise the animals and the fields. Barney is a sensitive and family minded young man but his lonely life on the farm highlights how isolating farm life can be. I enjoyed meeting Amber and her family and the subplot of her sister tied in well with the themes of the story. Family and loyalty is very important but her treatment in the past by ambitious staff has had far reaching effects on her whole family. 

    This is a story which spans the generations and Barney feels a real link to previous generations. It is interesting to see how Fizz, his sister,  who is featured in previous stories at Hedgehog Hollow, is getting on and to see how events in her childhood have affected her whole family, especially her grandfather. Family, caring, working hard and being truthful about what you want in life all are important in the story. I am hoping for a return to Bumblebee Barn- we shall see!

In short: great characters, friends and family


About the Author

 

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

 

You can follow Jessica here: Twitter   |  Facebook   |   Website 
   |  Instagram  |  Blog   |  Bookbub   |  Mail list sign up
 
Book links: Amazon UK 
 
Thanks to Jessica Redland, Boldwood Books and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.  
 
            Don't forget to take a look at these great bloggers!
 

 

 

Comments

  1. Thank you so much for joining the blog tour for Healing Hearts at Bumblebee Barn. I'm delighted you loved Barney and Amber's story. And, good news, we're hoping to bring out a sequel next year. Reader response has been so positive and everyone seems to want more so their wish is my command! x

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