August Book Reviews Part 2! @Danantion1 @RituBhathal @JoyYorkAuthor @Lizzie_Chantree #bookreviews #whattoread #mustreads #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter

My Perfect Ex

by Lizzie Chantree

A fun romantic read where the heavier subject of mental health is woven into it. Poppy is hardworking and is trying to get her business going while her boyfriend, Dylan, is more laid back with his company. Also, Dylan has a reputation of being a lady’s man. These issues push doubt into Poppy’s mind about her relationship with Dylan. Although Poppy loves her job and Dylan, her friends encourage her to give her business partner, Jared, a chance, since he is more like her. Poppy’s powerful side is how she steps up to help others, and her pods are a version of that. There is some miscommunication, jealousy, and hidden motives mixed in, which add depth. I enjoyed the friendship between Poppy and her assistant, and her devotion to those she loves. Poppy has some important lessons to learn who to trust and where she can offer forgiveness. A read I can recommend for those who love romantic stories.

Genuine Deceit

by Joy York

Reagan comes home after her grandmother was killed during a house robbery in this fast-paced mystery. Her best friend, Mattie, enlists her ex-seal brother-in-law, Aiden, to look after Reagan when she can’t be there. It’s soon apparent Reagan needs some help since another burglary follows the first. There is a slowly developing relationship between the two as they uncover clues that only add more questions about what happened. Some old play jewelry may be part of the answer, while it becomes apparent that someone wants something in Reagan’s grandmother’s house. Reagan not only runs across old pictures she’s never seen before but begins to piece together her family’s history. There were many twists, and I kept reading to see what would happen next. The end had a surprise that I didn’t see coming. The story was packed with several side stories and shifting suspects. A layered whodunit with a touch of romance and friendship. This is a fun read for all mystery lovers.

Marriage Unarranged

by Ritu Bhathal

“Marriage Unarranged” is a charming romantic story that completely hooked me. Aashti found out her fiancé had been unfaithful to her, so she called off the wedding. Seems simple enough, but it wasn’t as acceptable in her community to break off engagements. So, after much consideration, Aashti, her two brothers, and her best friend decide to take the trip to India that was to be for her wedding shopping. Told through several points of view, including her ex-Ravi, added a lot of depth and insight to the story. My favorite part, though, was learning more about the Sikh culture in Britain and India. Although it seemed like their customs were old-fashioned, the family was always there for each other. It was wonderful how much unconditional love Aashti had, including from her very overprotective brother. This was a journey where Aashti finds not only her way after being devastated by her loss, but her strength. Developing relationships were an important part of the traveling group’s growth and the trip through India was vivid with images and experiences that shined through the pages. A marvelous story that I found hard to put down and I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next.

Knuckleheads

by Daniel Antion

“Knuckleheads” is a unique and compelling read that focuses on two boys growing up in the late sixties and seventies. Zach and Billy have found a bonding friendship in their differences from other children their own age. Zach has dreams which he can go into, and Billy knows the future outcome of events, but not how they come to that ending. Billy struggles in school and has a label for his supposed lack of intelligence. He is moved into another school for such children. Zach is put into therapy and learns to just say what is expected of him. Their abilities and how they had to deal with them were my favorite parts of the story. I love the connection between the boys and the gifts they were given, but unfortunately, no one was ready for them. They had to hide what they really were. This was a time of not only war and civil unrest but when computers were in their early stages before they were common in households, yet they captured the boy’s attention—especially Billy. Lots of good details went into not only the town, people, and the computers. Zach’s father owns a bowling alley and both boys work there while Zach tried to learn to control going into his dreams. The bowling alley brought back a lot of good memories of when I grew up, it was the place to go,  just like in the story. Zach is retelling the story of his childhood to his daughter Abbie, about him and Billy. So, father and daughter would comment on the story as it went along. A great debut that is a prequel of stories to come. I am looking forward to reading the next book to find out what happens next!

I only post my 4 & 5-star reviews. If I don’t like a book, I won’t finish it. It doesn’t feel right leaving a review, in that case:) Life is too short not to enjoy every book you read!

Embrace your inner child this summer, read a book! D. L. Finn

Upcoming Release, “My Perfect Ex” by Lizzie Chantree! @Lizzie_Chantree #preorder #newrelease #romance #satirefiction #writingcommunity #whattoread #readersoftwitter

Today I’m thrilled to have Lizzie Chantree here today to share her upcoming release, My Perfect Ex (Cherry Blossom Lane. Book 1.) I have my copy ordered, and plan to read it over vacation 🙂

BLURB

The brilliant new romance from the author of, The little ice cream shop by the sea.

Poppy Marlowe, a mental health advocate, moves into Cherry Blossom Lane to escape her past and build a future with her gorgeous, but troublesome, boyfriend, Dylan.

Dylan lives in the house across the street. But his reputation as a heartbreaker is legendary and Poppy reluctantly decides that she must walk away to protect her heart.

Poppy’s friends think she is perfect for go-getter Jared, who’s ready to step into Dylan’s shoes and whisk her into his glamorous world.

Taking a chance on happiness is harder than Poppy imagined. Can she let go of her past and allow herself to fall in love with the same man again, or should she step into the limelight and walk towards a dazzling life with someone new?

A deliciously romantic story of friendship and second chances at love. Scroll up and one-click to lose yourself in the Cherry Blossom Lane series, today.

My Perfect Ex is the first book in a series of exciting romance novels set in Cherry Blossom Lane, by Lizzie Chantree.

All of Lizzie’s books are uplifting, heart-warming romance stories, featuring stunning locations and new characters.

Begin an irresistible romance today!]

My Perfect Ex. Book 2 and 3 coming soon!
The little ice cream shop by the sea. Book 1A seaside escape.
The little cupcake shop by the sea. Book 2. A love triangle, by the sea.
If you love me, I’m yoursA small town/ high drama, love story.
The woman who felt invisibleA story of second chances at love.
Finding Gina. Set by Bluebell Manor and full of love.
Babe DriveA secret millionaire, island romance.
Ninja School MumA mistaken identity, friends to lovers, romance.

Reader’s thoughts:

‘I have bought another book from this author and started reading it immediately – such exceptional writing.’

‘Take a few scoops of family drama, drizzle it with some hot men, scatter some sprinkles of misunderstandings along with a wafer of romance, and you get Lizzie Chantree’s new novel, The Little Ice Cream Shop By The Sea.’

‘Rarely has a book held my heart in it’s hands the way If You Love Me I’m Yours has. An incredibly uplifting romantic story that has had me laughing and crying over and over again.’
‘If this was a TV play I would have been shouting at the telly and weeping ‘discreetly’ – I loved it – SUBLIME – 5 stars.’

‘Lizzie Chantree writes lovely romance novels and her latest is no exception. Her strengths lie in creating wonderful characters, beguiling settings and simple but effective story lines.’

‘A stonkingly good escapist read! A sundae of a story full of romance, mystery, community, friendships, determination, humour & following your dreams. Lizzie Chantree’s mouthwatering new book (for its flavours as well as its male characters!) had me gripped from page one.’

‘If sexy, well-written holiday romances with sultry, feisty ladies, smouldering Alpha males and writing that has oodles of attitude and flair are your thing, then pop this one in your suitcase/Kindle then lay back with something long and cool close to hand and the time will just fly by in the most entertaining way imaginable.’

‘Pure escapism!’

‘I was recommended this book by a friend as I am very loyal to Freya North & Lisa Jewell… I’m a bit of chick lit fan!!! By the end of the first chapter I was completely gripped…This is a really compulsive read and not easy to put down.’

About Lizzie

 I write sizzling romances and am an enthusiastic inventor, businesswoman and artist. I founded my first company at the age of 17 and have been creating products and driving my family mad ever since.

I live in Essex, with my gorgeous family and I sit in my rooftop studio daydreaming of new stories about quirky businesses and the romantic escapades of the women who run them. My books are full of romance, laughter and uplifting storylines.

I appeared on Sky News, ITV Lunchtime News, This Morning, The Gloria Hunniford show, The Big Breakfast, BBC’s Worldwide Radio Service, amongst others for becoming one of Fair Play London’s Female Innovators for inventing Runaway Spray, a ‘ladder’ stop spray for hosiery.

I host a book group on Facebook, called Lizzie’s Book Group where authors and readers can chat abut their love of books and discover some new writers. We also have regular marketing posts and chats for authors, where readers help with advice on what they like to see from authors and what attracts them to pick up one book over another. Feel free to join the group!

Every Monday night, I run a networking hour on Twitter, (8-9pm  @Lizzzie_Chantree), where I mentor creatives across a broad range of industries and we chat about ideas, news and offer support to each other. To join in, check out this link: #CreativeBizHour

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