Skip to main content

Featured

See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...
Post a Comment
Read more
Labels

One Summer in Italy by Victoria Springfield #Review #PublicationDay

 

I am delighted to be on the tour to celebrate the publication of One Summer in Italy by Victoria Springfield. It is published today by Boldwood Books on 14th May.


A return to Venice. A friendship rekindled. A time for romance.

Natalie’s landed the opportunity of a lifetime hosting television show 'Luxe Life Swap', but she’s dreading going back to Venice, scene of the school trip that changed her life. The beauty of the floating city and handsome watch restorer Eraldo begin to win her over, however. But then glamorous contestant Cate arrives, the girl who was once plain, ordinary Cathy – the ex-best friend Natalie blames for the night that wrecked her life.

Cate’s swapping The Old Vicarage for two weeks in a Venetian palazzo, hoping she might pluck up the courage to go on the quest she’s been putting off for more than twenty years. Forced to spend time with Natalie, Cate hopes to rebuild their friendship – until Natalie makes a shocking accusation against Cate’s husband. Cate needs to find out the truth but how can she expect Phil to be honest when she’s keeping secrets of her own?


 My Thoughts

 The friendship between Natalie and Cate is central to the story. When Natalie reconnects with Cate, through work, she discovers so much about how they have both developed as adults. The events of their teenage trip to Venice have had a profound effect on Natalie. Cate seems to have reinvented herself and it is through their rekindled friendship that Cate is able to face up to her feelings towards her parents. Phil, her husband, has been her protector all through their marriage but as is revealed through events, he has some deeply buried secrets from his past. 

     Venice is a magnificent backdrop to the story and Natalie sets out to explore it. In doing this, she makes new friendships and there is a gentle romance under the surface. You get the feeling with Natalie that she has missed her true potential and her visit to Venice opens her horizons and gives her the confidence to take a risk.

In short: second chance friendship and new romance

About the Author

Victoria Springfield writes contemporary ‘wish you were here’ evocative women’s fiction set in Italy. Her feel-good books follow unforgettable characters of all ages as they deal with love, loss, friendship and family secrets. Readers can feel the sunshine!

You can follow Victoria here: 

Facebook: @VictoriaSpringfieldAuthor

Twitter: @VictoriaSwrites

Instagram: @victoriaswrites

Newsletter Sign Up 

 Bookbub profile:@VictoriaSWrites

Purchase links 

 

Thanks to Victoria Springfield, Boldwood Books 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!



 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts