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Living is a Problem by Doug Johnstone #Review #Giveaway #TheSkelfsBook6

  Welcome to the celebrations for the sixth in the Skelfs series . Living is a Problem by Doug Johnstone was published by Orenda on 12th September. I also have the opportunity for you to win a print copy. Details on how to enter are at the foot of this post. The Skelf women are back on an even keel after everything they've been through. But when a funeral they're conducting is attacked by a drone, Jenny fears they're in the middle of an Edinburgh gangland vendetta. At the same time, Yana, a Ukrainian member of the refugee choir that plays with Dorothy's band, has gone missing. Searching for her leads Dorothy into strange and ominous territory. And Brodie, the newest member of the extended Skelf family, comes to Hannah with a case: Something or someone has been disturbing the grave of his stillborn son. Everything is changing for the Skelfs … Dorothy's boyfriend Thomas is suffering PTSD after previous violent trauma, Jenny and Archie are becoming close,

Written in the Stars by Helen Rolfe #Review #TheSkylarksBook2

We are returning to life with the Skylarks with the second book in the series by Helen Rolfe. Written in the Stars was published by Boldwood Books on 19th September. 


A Hidden secret

 Live every day as if it were your last - that's the motto Bess has lived by since her father died unexpectedly. As a critical care paramedic, Bess sees every day just how easily life can be taken away. But carefree living has risks, and as Bess's debts mount, she discovers her actions could have terrible consequences... 

An unexpected arrival 

Nothing gives Gio more joy than his work saving lives in the fire service. And on the days when his call-outs put him in the path of the air ambulance, and one paramedic in particular, things are pretty perfect. Until Gio's world is spun on its head, first by the arrival of his estranged mother on his doorstep, and then by an accident that could put his career on hold indefinitely. 

A new beginning? 

Gio and Bess have always worked well together, but could they be the solution to each other's problems beyond the frontline as well? And will they let their guard down enough to give each other a chance before snow falls over Whistlestop River? 

It's time for the Skylarks to drop everything and take to the skies again in this gorgeous new book from Helen Rolfe, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley and Jo Bartlett.


 

My Thoughts

In the second in the series about the air ambulance service, known as the Skylarks, we follow the story of Bess and Gio. Bess is a capable and highly trained nurse. Gio, her long standing friend, is a firefighter. Bess has never really come to terms with her father's death and iy has affected her quite profoundly. She finds herself in quite a difficulty as an aftermath of her reaction to her loss. She has tried to live for the moment but become reckless. 

Gio has kept his family difficulties close to his chest but has tried to deal with his mother's problems whilst keeping her at arm's length. In this story,you see Gio's relationship with his mother develop as he tries to trust her again. He also has to face the possible end to his work as an active firefighter, following a serious injury which he sustained rescuing someone during a fire. He showed great courage and selflessness and a desire to help others. 

    There is a lot to enjoy in this novel. The Skylarks are a tight community who are friends as well as colleagues. With a slow burn romance and a variety of characters, it is an enjoyable read.


About the Author

 


Helen Rolfe
writes contemporary women's fiction and romantic fiction. She enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.

Helen loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community. Location has always been a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath, Paris and the Cotswolds.

Helen has added Dorset to her list of locations with the launch of Come Fly With Me, set in the fictitious town of Whistlestop River. Come Fly With Me is the first book in Helen's brand new series centred around an air ambulance team, the Skylarks, who take to the skies to save lives.

Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of since she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!

 You can follow Helen here: Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter   |   Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign Up  |  Bookbub

  
 
Thanks to Helen Rolfe, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 
 

 

 

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