Skip to main content

Featured

Arden by G D Harper #Review

  We start 2025 by visiting the sixteenth century and meeting two remarkable people from the time, one of whom happens to be William Shakespeare. Arden by G D Harper was published on October 1st by Ginger Cat .   The astonishing untold story of Shakespeare's first play Alice Arden, idealistic and wealthy beauty, burnt at the stake for killing her husband, the former mayor of Faversham in Kent. But was she really the one responsible for the most scandalous murder of the sixteenth century? William Shakespeare, England’s greatest playwright, born thirteen years after Alice’s execution. Why does his first-ever play, written about this murder, not bear his name? This is a story of two people – one reviled, one revered – whose fates become linked in a tale of corruption, collusion and conspiracy. Based on historical documents and recently published academic research, Arden unveils shocking new evidence about the murder of Thomas Arden and reveals, for the first time...
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman #Review #ScottishEscapesBook6

 

Today we are visiting Scotland again in the Scottish Escapes series, The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman. It was published by One More Chapter on January 31st. You can read my reviews of others in the series here: A Secret Scottish Escape. |  A Scottish Highland Surprise   |  The Cottage in the Highlands | A Scottish Country Escape

 
Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

My Thoughts

This has been an enjoyable series and with the addition of an ailing bookshop which needs to be put back on its feet, it doubly appeals. Lexie has returned to her childhood home, licking her wounds after being passed over at work. Family is a big part of this story and she finds herself coping with a difficult situation. which affects all her family. Knowledgeable about books and publishing, Lexie seems the perfect person to revitalise Book Ends. Only the grouchy Tobias seems to stand in the way of her plans. As the sparks fly, you see Lexie show her pragmatism as she picks her battles wisely.

    With the enemies to lovers thread, there is plenty to keep your interest as the story develops. Others in the community add light and colour to the story. Lexie emerges as a caring young woman who is not afraid to admit she may have got a few things wrong. This is an entertaining series and with the beautiful setting, you don't feel that it is misnamed. 

In short: escapist and uplifting


About the Author

Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie's tenth novel.

You can follow Julie here:  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram |  Website

Book links: Amazon UK  |  Amazon US 


Thanks to Julie Shackman, One More Chapter and Rachel of Random Things Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out the rest of the tour!


 

 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment