A Scottish teashop in Napoli

 

A Scottish Teashop in Napoli

A tender and funny novel that combines the best of Scottish and Italian culture with the joys of female friendship and a cast of characters reminiscent of Jenny Colgan and Sophie Kinsella.

When Lucy's childhood sweetheart stands her up on their wedding day, leaving her alone on a plane eloping to the tropical location of his choosing, their dream – now feeling like just her dream - of their bairn filled future disappears in a heartbeat (or the time it takes for her to listen to the rambling drunken voicemail he left calling off the wedding).

In Naples, Elena is recently widowed and struggling to keep her husband's family's beloved and centuries old mozzarella factory afloat, whilst running her language school and bringing up their son. At risk of losing both businesses- and adding even more disruption to their life - she advertises a job and hopes for the best.

The stars seem to align and Elena and Lucy, each suffering from a very different sort of loss and loneliness, set about trying to lift the struggling business and each other.

A charming, tender and funny novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of letting go and the joys of eating pasta!

Purchase Links

https://bedfordsquarepublishers.co.uk/book/a-scottish-teashop-in-napoli/ 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scottish-Teashop-Napoli-Jane-Lambert-ebook/dp/B0DNDFHJSB/

https://www.amazon.com/Scottish-Teashop-Napoli-Jane-Lambert-ebook/dp/B0DNDFHJSB/ 

Author Bio – Jane Lambert was brought up on the west coast of Scotland, studied Modern Languages at Stirling University, then taught English in Vienna. Her love affair with Italy began when she married an Italian chef from Naples. Her debut novel, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL, was published by HarperCollins in 2018 and inspired by her rollercoaster transition from globe-trotting cabin crew to aspiring actor.

Social Media Links – [X twitter] @JaneLambert22 / Jane Lambert | Facebook                               [Insta] @janealexandralambert

My Review

A lovely story that warms the cockles of your heart as you follow the lives of two strangers who become friends. Both Elena and Lucy are feeling alone for different reasons but as their friendship

 develops, they each discover a new zest for life. Set between Scotland and Naples, this book gives the reader the best of both worlds. Tenderly written and can thoroughly recommend.

The Cruise Club

 

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood romcom full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment. Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she's about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/CruiseK

Author Bio – 

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including THE CRUISE, the #1 best-seller that has captivated readers and cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, THE CRUISE CLUB, is set to make waves when it launches in 2025.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.

Social Media Links – 

www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

X: @CarolineJames12

Bluesky: CarolineJamesAuthor

My review

Having read the first book and really enjoyed it, I had no hesitation in picking up the second. Cruise entertainer, Dickie, is back and just as full of life along with some new cruisers. Although Carmen is the main character, it's her mum Betty who grabs the reader's attention - for all the wrong reasons. Betty is manipulative, demanding, rude and controlling so it's a miracle nobody pushed her overboard. 

I enjoyed watching Carmen's transformation, as she gains in self-confidence, not only about her writing but also in herself.

Dastardly Dickie is up to his old tricks but manages to redeem himself at the end. With some naughty goings-on and a mystery to solve, this book is funny, life-enhancing and a damn good read.

Not my Greek wedding

 

She might not be the bride, but could this wedding be the start of her perfect future?

Mia is reeling from a breakup with her fiancé. And now her best friend Tasha is getting married on the beautiful Greek island of Santorini – where Mia once planned on having her own wedding.

Arriving at the resort, Mia’s breath catches at the sight of the sun-soaked terrace and vases overflowing with pink and white blooms. And with guests like local hunk, Christos, walking around like statues of Greek gods come to life, there’s even more to celebrate… so Mia promises to put her own heartache aside and make sure everything is perfect for Tasha – especially as she’s the Maid of Honour!

But with embarrassing speeches, champagne corks popping everywhere, and guests getting caught up in the energetic Greek dancing, there are too many problems to tackle alone. If she opens her heart, can Mia and Christos make sure the day runs smoothly, and could she even start her own new love story in Greece?

This absolutely gorgeous and unputdownable beach read is perfect for fans of Kate Frost, Mandy Baggot and Holly Martin. Pack your bags and get ready to be swept away to the stunning beaches of Greece!

 

Author Bio:

Sue Roberts lives in Lancashire with her long term partner Derek and has had a lifelong love of writing, encouraged by winning a school writing competition at the age of 11.

She always assumed that ‘one day’ she would write a book, always having a busy household and a job, the idea remained firmly on the back burner but never forgotten.

The inspiration for her first novel came to her on a holiday to a Greek village. Her daughters had left home and suddenly the time had come to write that book!
https://www.instagram.com/suerobertsauthor/
https://twitter.com/suerobertsautho

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Sue Roberts here: https://www.bookouture.com/sue-roberts

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0F4KD2C6Bsocial

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

My Review

There are a lot of things to like about this book, for me the descriptions of stunning Santorini really evoke the island bringing back many memories. In the beginning I loved the descriptions of the tavernas and the delicious food but to be honest, after a while I was hoping for something more.

I think the problem is that as a reader I didn't really warm to either of the protagonists. That, together with a very light plot, meant that it just lacked a bit of conflict. Fortunately, things improved towards the end and I enjoyed the book, mainly because of the setting and the writing. With this book, it is not so much of working out what will happen but engrossing yourself in how it happens.

Perfect if you're looking for a beach or summer read set on a sun-drenched Greek island.

The Island of hopes and dreams

 

The Island of Hopes and Dreams

When the beginning of the end is just the start…

Newly single Lola Wild has had her fill of well-intentioned matchmaking friends. Her best friend Mirabel’s hen weekend highlights all that’s wrong with Lola’s life and she knows something has to change.

With Mirabel’s luxurious wedding in Sardinia fast approaching, Lola is looking forward to switching off, spending time with her friends and keeping her non-existent love life off everyone’s agenda.

Meanwhile, fellow wedding guest Rhys Strickland has his own problems. So when a chance encounter brings Rhys and Lola together they decide to help each other out.

To the idyllic backdrop of white sand beaches and azure bays, they bond over shared heartache, and friendship blossoms as they attempt to navigate the hurt and hard truths of past relationships.

Opening up their hearts and embracing change might be the last thing they expected, but what if a holiday of make-believe can turn into something real?

A heart-warming and uplifting story of vulnerability, self-renewal and finding love when you least expect to.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheIslandof

Author Bio – 

Kate Frost is the author of several bestselling romantic escape novels including A Greek Island Escape, and An Island in the Sun. She lives in Bristol and is the Director of Storytale Festival, a book festival for children and teens she co-founded in 2019.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @katefrostauthor

Twitter: @katefrostauthor

Instagram: @katefrostauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KateFrostNewsletter

Bookbub profile: @KateFrost

My review

I loved being transported to Sardinia and Kate Frost captures the essence of a place so well that if you haven’t already visited, it will jump onto your bucket list.

The characters are skilfully drawn and the hurt Lola feels after being in a controlling relationship, will resonate with many readers. The classic fallout symptoms of guilt, shame and not being able to trust again are all sensitively dealt with and I enjoyed watching her blossoming relationship with Rhys.

Kate is a skilled novelist who offers an escape to a sun kissed island, a perfect summer read.

Beside the turquoise sea

 

Beside the Turquoise Sea

Now her children have moved out, Edie has begun to feel lonely in the home she shares with her husband. She hopes returning to Crete, where she and Ralph spent their honeymoon, will help heal the growing rift between them.

And when Edie stumbles upon the website for the Villa Ariadne, with its breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings, it feels like the perfect place to spend a week together, along with their closest friends Mac and Hannah. But then, Edie invites a fifth guest: her feisty, independent colleague Jessica, with unexpected consequences.

It's clear from the moment they arrive that the villa is special, and under the golden Greek sun, Edie hopes to rekindle the relationship she’s felt slipping away from her. But when conflict arises between two of her fellow guests, will Edie be prepared for revelations that could change her life forever?

Purchase Link 

https://mybook.to/BesidetheTurquoiseSea

Author Bio – 

Emma Burstall is the bestselling author of women’s fiction, including the Tremarnock series. Emma studied English at Cambridge University before becoming a journalist for local and national newspapers and women's magazines. She lives in London and has three children.

Social Media Links 

Facebook: @emmaburstallauthor

Twitter: @emmaburstall

Instagram: @emmaburstall

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/EmmaBurstallNews

My Review

Really enjoyed this book, which embraced all the beauty of a Greek island yet with an undercurrent of suspense. The setting is wonderful but I particularly enjoyed the relationships between the characters and how the dynamic shifts during the course of the story. The book also deals with some difficult themes such as domestic  violence, which are treated with sensitivity by the author.

Great setting, great characters superbly told. 

Bookbub profile: @EmmaBurstall

The Santorini writing retreat

The Santorini Writing Retreat

Secrets make the best stories…

Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/SantoriniRetreat

Author Bio – 

Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction with a kernel of truth at its heart. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in beautiful places and the stories they hide.

Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary stories are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests, and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives. Her latest book, The Santorini Writing Retreat, is her first set in Greece.

In addition Eva has written two Second World War dual timeline romances, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter. All her books are published by One More Chapter, a division of Harper Collins.

Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EvaGlynAuthor

Twitter: @JaneCable

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evaglynauthor/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-glyn

My Review

So far I've enjoyed all of the author's books and this one is no exception. In fact, it's probably one of my summer favourites. The location of Santorini is perfectly depicted, giving the reader a real feel for the place. Each of the characters brings with them their own problems and I loved how through friendship they all manage to find a way through. I also like one of the characters from a previous novel making an appearance and linking this book with Croatia. 

The book deals with some difficult issues of self confidence, trust and guilt, and these are treated in a way that has the reader empathising with all the characters. 

All in all a delightful story and I enjoyed every page.

Joyful June Journeys

 

Joyful June Journeys

Chrissie is escaping to the Greek Retreat to avoid some of the issues her parents have left her to deal with at home. She hopes that visiting a new location will give her a different perspective and help her to find a way forward.

The Greek island of Kynos is an idyllic hideaway, offering its visitors the space and time needed to truly appreciate the traditional hospitality. The locals are always friendly and ready to entertain their guests, while the daily activities offer many different ways to explore the island and its heritage.

Chrissie is hoping The Retreat will help to focus her mind and stop her procrastination, but will she become distracted by the friendly locals? 

The Greek Retreat is a trilogy of standalone tales full of sunshine, surprises and love.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DPL9T6VH

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPL9T6VH 

Author Bio – 

Stephanie writes contemporary fiction in the form of novels, novellas and short stories and her books explore a wide range of life’s challenges, dreams and responsibilities. The stories are all character based, so she has fun expressing each unique personality and the reasons behind their actions in a setting which always has a strong sense of community.

She published the AEGEAN SUN series of books as a fly-on-the-wall vision of life in a Greek resort during the summer season, the CHRISTMAS ON THE CLOSE series is set in a British suburban cul-de-sac over the festive period and the GREEK RETREAT trilogy is planned for publication in 2025.

Stephanie lives in Lancashire where, apart from reading and writing, she loves gardening and cycling and is a huge fan of the soaps Emmerdale and Neighbours.

Social Media Links – 

Twitter / X https://x.com/StephanieWoodGR 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/StephanieWoodAuthor/ 

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/stephaniewood.bsky.social

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8198175.Stephanie_Wood

My Review

A delightful story of a summer romance set on a beautiful Greek island. I loved the descriptions of the retreat and the characters that Chrissie encounters. We follow her journey in real time as each chapter marks a day of her holiday. 

it's a very light-hearted book so great for the beach or garden. My only criticism is that Chrissie really doesn't have a huge obstacle to overcome. Having been handed a house by her parents, she is worried about how to change it. For many readers this is unlikely to resonate as a hardship or challenge, especially since she isn't on bad terms with her parents.

This aside, it's an enjoyable read and I'm happily looking forward to the next one.