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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...

Only for Christmas by Tracy Corbett #Review

 

Today we have a gorgeous festive romance from Tracy Corbett. Only for Christmas was published by Canelo on September 28th. 


One month to pretend... or one month to fall in love?

How do I turn down an overly keen colleague I have zero interest in dating? Should I:

1.            Stammer and bluster my way through every excuse in the book

2.            Accept and then immediately turn in my resignation letter, change my number and leave the country

3.            Allow my hot, new, doctor neighbour to step in and pretend to be my boyfriend

The answer: there are no right answers.

But option 3 is happening and I’m fake dating Lucas just to survive my work Christmas party without any further unwanted advances.


 My Thoughts

 This is an entertaining read which has all the flavours of the festive season, with a touch of humour, but beneath the surface, some darker themes of coercive behaviour and bullying. Sarah  has tried to protect her heart by shutting herself off from the possibility of romance but you sense that she is a vulnerable and lonely character despite the veneer she presents to the world. I particularly liked the humour, found in her adopted dog, Fred, and also through the reactions of Lucas' nephews. You also meet Sarah's neighbour, an old lady who is also lonely and vulnerable but who covers it up with bluster.

    Lucas emerges as a kind and generous character, with a sense of family ties. Utterly dependable, you recognise that he is just what Sarah needs. Her work colleagues can see this as well. As the fake dating arrangement evolves, you see Sarah and Lucas' friendship blossom. Lucas, as an American in London, sees the country and the Christmas customs through an outsider's eyes which lends itself to the story. If you are looking for a light romcom with a festive touch, you will enjoy this romance.

In short: festive romance with likeable characters

About the Author

As well as writing novels, Tracy’s written several short stories, pantomime sketches and magazine articles. Tracy describes her writing style as modern tales of romance, with engaging quirky characters, who overcome adversity, grow as people and conclude in satisfying optimistic endings. When she’s not writing, she enjoys amateur dramatics, gardening and sewing. She works part-time for a local charity.

You can follow Tracy here: X (Twitter)  | Facebook   |  Instagram

Book links: Apple  |  Kobo   |  Amazon UK  |  Google

Thanks to Tracy Corbett, Canelo and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

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