A Second Christmas Wish - @KathrynFreeman1 #Review #amreading #Books @ChocLituk

A Second Christmas Wish by Kathryn Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover of A Second Christmas Wish is just so deliciously tempting I defy anyone to resist peeking beneath. The prologue is equally tempting, giving a concise backdrop and a glimpse into Melissa’s marriage to the cold and psychologically controlling dark eyed, Lawrence. It’s beautifully written, one sentence in particular the man utters making you sympathetic to Melissa and her son immediately. Thus hooked, we move on two years to find Melissa now divorced and, not surprisingly, putting love and the hurt it will surely bring aside to dedicate her time to her son, William, who is frightened of his own father and dreadfully shy – no surprise there either.

In hopes of bringing William out of his shell, Melissa encourages him to take tennis lessons and we meet Daniel, a tennis coach, who is everything Lawrence isn’t, and hot to boot. He’s also a bit of a charmer, thus warned off flirting with Melissa. Daniel, however, is smitten and is determined to put a smile back on her face. The question is, can he? The bond between Daniel and William is magical, watching this little boy grow is as heartwarming as our first glimpse of him is heartbreaking. We so want the sparkle of Christmas to be rekindled for him. A Second Christmas Wish really is the perfect story in the run up to the festive season. Grab a copy, curl up and indulge.

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A Second Christmas Wish - @KathrynFreeman1 #Review #amreading #Books @ChocLituk

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A thank you from me! #Readers #Bookbloggers #MondayMotivation #Mondayblogs #Brumblogger

A quick update! I’m so super-pleased to share that Learning to Love has now hit 50 reviews! I was thrilled to bits that the book found a lovely home with Choc Lit. Beyond thrilled to find that people were reading it and genuinely loving it. I hope you’ll indulge me. I can’t resist sharing a snippet: “This story was just perfect. It had times of poignancy and sadness; times of despair and heartache; times of love and lust; a time where the storyline gripped you so much that you couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. It also had some wonderful wit and humour thrown in to balance out the sad times.”  Thank you so much, Adele. I can’t tell you how much that means to be me. Um, actually, I think I already have! KRAFTIREADER Another little gem: “Sheryl should be sponsored by Kleenex, this is a fab book which had tears running down my face.”

Thank you, Tracey, for making me laugh out loud! Excellent therapy. The Reading Shed

If you do read Learning to Love and enjoy, reviews are always tremendously appreciated. I can’t wait for the print book to come out, scheduled for Easter 2017. Did I mention the WH Smith Travel Buyer loved it so much he took a quote from it? Yes, I did shed a little tear. I think I can definitely say the angst of the previous year is firmly behind me.

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places … Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well. Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and in the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs … * Available on all platforms.

In other news, I now have three shiny new contracts for my thrillers! Coming soon from Choc Lit, including my new book, Sins of our Fathers! I’m busy plotting a sequel to that. To which end, I’ve signed up for a forensics course. Hopefully, it will update my knowledge and kick start my brain, which I think is possibly residing behind one of the kitchen cupboards I just installed in my kitchen. I’m a bit battered and bruised after that venture, but one happy little writer.

A huge THANK YOU to all those wonderful readers and Book Bloggers who have supported me. You're all amazing! I hope all is well in your world. Keep safe! Lots of Love,

A thank you from me! #Readers #Bookbloggers #MondayMotivation #Mondayblogs #Brumblogger

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Please Release Me – @RhodaBaxter #Review #amreading #Books @ChocLituk

Please Release Me by Rhoda Baxter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good looking and with bags of potential, Peter is a catch and Sally has snared him. He’s a bit nerdy, definitely naïve, but for a girl who’s determined to shake off her problematic and traumatic past, he’s perfect. Newlywed Sally is about to embark on a new, debt free life. Only she never makes it past the honeymoon, leaving Peter blaming himself for the car crash that results in her comatose state of existence. For info, the author has obviously done her research and the scenes in the hospice are handled extremely sensitively. As Sally hovers between life and death, Peter, too, is in a state of limbo, unable to move forward, unable to grieve the loss of someone who isn’t physically gone. As he keeps up a vigil at Sally’s bedside, Peter comes to know Grace, a volunteer at the hospice, who is attempting to move forward after the loss of her mother and helps Peter take tentative steps to do the same.

An attraction between these two lonely souls soon grows and Sally is having none of it. I’ll leave you to work it out. I’m desperate not to give spoilers but think ‘Ghost’ and ‘Truly Madly Deeply’ and you have it, but with a difference. I adored these two films and so too I adored Please Release Me. If at first you hate her, when Sally’s secrets are revealed, you can’t help but empathise with her and like her a little. A feisty ghost, a hurting hero, what’s not to love? Definitely recommended.


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Please Release Me – @RhodaBaxter #Review #amreading #Books @ChocLituk

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$200 4th July @Kindlbookreview #Giveaway #amreading #Books #booklover #IARTG #ASMSG

You may have gathered from the fact that I’ve been putting myself about a bit, Learning to Love, my contemporary romance recommended to Choc Lit by WHSmith Travel Fiction Buyer, is here! 

I’m thrilled and hugely grateful to readers and book bloggers, who have given of their precious time and cheered me on endlessly. From sharing shelfies of The Rest of My Life in the WHSmith Travel Fiction stores:

 to reading my latest and posting some truly stunning reviews:

your support has been amazing. What would I do without you? THANK YOU!

As for the cover *sigh*, I cannot thank Berni Stevens and Choc Lit enough. Once again, Berni managed to pluck the image right out of my head. One extremely talented cover artist. Berni, you are a star!

To celebrate, I've joined a group of authors and The Kindle Book Review in the 4th July Giveaway. Winners will be announced on Independence Day! It's easy and fun. If you love reading, click the image below to enter for your chance to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards! The comp runs from 20th June to 4th July.

Sometime help comes from the most unlikely places ...

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs … 

Amazon Link 

Thank you so much once again to all those readers, book bloggers and reviewers, who have made my writing journey so worthwhile.

I hope all is well in your world.

GOOD LUCK and keep safe everyone! 

Lots of love, 

$200 4th July @Kindlbookreview #Giveaway #amreading #Books #booklover #IARTG #ASMSG

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I Don't Want to Talk About it - @janelovering #Review #Book #Bookbloggers #amreading #romance

I Don't Want To Talk About It by Jane Lovering

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I Don’t Want to Talk About it delivers a romance with all of the poignancy you would expect from a Choc Lit read. The title is perfect for this story, which looks at loss and love, the impact of grief on our lives and relationships and our ability to deal with it. Peppered with the perfect amount of humour to make it uplifting, as well as heart breaking, it tells the story of a successful author, who might just be in danger of becoming a one hit wonder if she can’t knuckle down and meet the deadline for her second book. Matters are complicated by the fact that her editor is also now her ex-boyfriend. How could Winter Gregory not break it off with a man who would make her choose between him and her twin sister? There is more to this than meets the eye is all I will say on that subject. You need to read it. Opening in a graveyard …? Uplifting, I hear you ask. Oh yes. As soon as eight-year old Scarlet appears on the scene, with Light Bulb, her very real ‘hobby’ horse and a cherished connection to her lost mother, you can’t help but smile and be as drawn in as Winter was.

The use of social media as a form of communication is extremely clever, allowing us to come to know Alex through his emails and twitter messages. Alex’s grief and guilt over the loss of his sister has manifested itself physically. Alex, Scarlet’s uncle and now her guardian, has developed a stammer, meaning he is not always able to verbalise well and causing Scarlet more problems at school than being a motherless child. Alex is one of the good guys, we feel. How can Winter not be drawn to him? Similarly, through Dan’s emails, we come to see a softer side of the ex-boyfriend. The reference to the epitaphs carved on headstones I found touching and equally clever, giving us glimpses into Winter’s inner character.

To say more would definitely be the classic spoiler. Jane Lovering has given us a heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, defensive, yet caring. Definitely identifiable with, as are all the characters, including Alex’s initially annoying mother. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About it’ is written, as mentioned, with humour and huge sensitivity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Perfect escapism, yet real.

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I Don't Want to Talk About it - @janelovering #Review #Book #Bookbloggers #amreading #romance

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What's she up to now? News, Reveals(!) and RONE Awards. #Romance #Books #Booklovers #amreading

Well it’s been a mad few months and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you to all those lovely people who have supported me and helped me get my book out there! The Rest of My Life, shortlisted for the Lovestories Awards and now available in WHSmith Travel, has had some really fabulous reviews – a little snippet from Lovereading UK’s gorgeous review below, where the book is a Recommended Buy and Read. You can read the whole review here.

The Rest of My Life is also new and notable on Kobo and has just been nominated for the illustrious RONE Award contemporary steamy category at InD’tale Magazine. If you would like to vote, please feel free to click on the link. RONE2016 Needless to say it would be hugely appreciated.

In other news, Learning to Love is almost here! The official release date is June 14 (you can pre-order HERE) and I’m absolutely delighted to now be able to reveal the cover!

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and in the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs … 

Isn’t the cover utterly stunning? I can’t thank Berni Stevens and Choc Lit enough. I just adore it.

That’s it! News to follow soon regarding my thrillers, The Edge of Sanity, Death Sentence, and Sins of the Fathers. It’s early days yet but I think they have found a safe home. Fingers crossed!

Thank you again to all those wonderful readers and Book Bloggers who have supported me every step of the way. I could not do this without you!

Keep safe!

Lots of love,

What's she up to now? News, Reveals(!) and RONE Awards. #Romance #Books #Booklovers #amreading

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What Doesn't Kill You - @Laura_E_James #Review. Compelling, emotional. Loved it! #Books #romance @ChocLituk

What Doesn't Kill You by Laura E. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark Choc Lit. What a wonderfully enticing name for Choc Lit’s new imprint, and the first book in that imprint by Laura E James delivers exactly what I wanted it to, a story with romance at the core, but with complex, hard-hitting threads, running right through it. The author has bravely tackled subjects such as abuse and the devastating impact of living in a dysfunctional, controlling relationship can have, not just on the victim of the abuse, but on the children, which leads us to what might be called ‘teenage’ issues around identity and image. That said, the story is written with huge sensitivity, teenager Tess telling her story in first person. Her pain is palpable, as is her natural instinct to protect her mother, Evie, recently remarried to Griff. The romance aspect is strong. I immediately fell in love with Griff, a good, caring man, whose mission in life is to save people. Griff has suffered loss. He’s also carrying guilt over the death of a friend and Evie knows he could never condone someone wanting to end their own life. Thus the reason for their estrangement. As the story opens, Griff is living apart from the woman he loves, a woman he feels still loves him, and he has no idea why they're separated. Evie cares for his estranged and ill father, and she’s carrying a secret, a heavy burden she knows Griff simply won’t be able to deal with. The beauty of this book is that you are invested in the characters from outset, absolutely, including man’s best friend (no spoilers but there’s an emotional scene around Griff’s dog where you can feel Griff’s heart breaking). You really, really, want it to work out between Griff and Evie, at times you want to shout, ‘tell him!’, but you question with the moral dilemma whether it can. ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’, set in coastal Dorset where you can almost taste the salt from the sea spray, does deal with dark issues, but it’s real. It’s also uplifting because of those very issues. It’s a story of hope. A story of emotional growth. It’s compelling and beautifully written. I loved it.

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What Doesn't Kill You - @Laura_E_James #Review. Compelling, emotional. Loved it! #Books #romance @ChocLituk

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#Giveaway - Signed copy: The Rest of My Life + Choccy Egg! #Books #amreading #Bookboost #tw4rw #LLm

Fancy a double Choc Lit Treat?

As you might know, because I’m thrilled to bit and can’t stop shouting about it, The Rest of My Life will be on the shelves at WH Smith Travel at Easter! The official print release date is April 7 (if you’d like, you can pre-order here). BUT!! How do you fancy winning your very own signed PRINT copy, along with an irresistibly moreish Thornton’s Easter egg to suck while you’re reading those sexy, sassy, heart-wrenchingly juicy bits?

Hit the Rafflecopter and GO for it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A special thank you to lovely readers and Book Bloggers for your wonderful support. I couldn’t have made it without you!

Keep safe!

Lots of love,

#Giveaway - Signed copy: The Rest of My Life + Choccy Egg! #Books #amreading #Bookboost #tw4rw #LLm

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Easter Choc Lit Treat: The Rest of My Life at WHSmith Travel #Romance #Books #BookLovers

It’s almost here!

Just in time for Easter, The Rest of My Life will be on the shelves at WH Smith Travel! How fabulous is that? The official print release date is April 7 (you can pre-order here). Thanks to the lovely people at Choc Lit and wonderful WH Smith Travel Book Buyer, Matthew Bates, though, you can grab your copy now. After the odd bazillion years writing, this author is one happy little bunny. I won’t even need chocolate to make my Easter complete. Well, perhaps just a little bit.

If you happen to spot it on your travels, I would love you to post a pic to Twitter or Facebook. It might take me a while to get around all the stores – and then I’ll probably be arrested for loitering.

On the subject of print books, I had a lovely surprise in the post today: my Large Print books. They are absolutely gorgeous. It’s taken me a while. There have been some wonderful ‘ups’ and a few low ‘downs’ but I finally got there.

In other news, Learning to Love is now proof read and will be released in May! I don’t have an official release date or cover image yet, but you can take a peek of the video here.

I would LOVE your feedback (it’s one I’ve agonised over. I think it’s okay, but …)

That’s it. Oooh, apart from my latest thriller, Sins of the Fathers, is at submission stage. Thank you so much to those people who advised me on the title over on Jeera’sJamboree. Sins of the Fathers was favourite, as you might have gathered. 

A special thank you to lovely readers and Book Bloggers for your wonderful support. I could not do this without you!

Keep safe!

Lots of love,

Easter Choc Lit Treat: The Rest of My Life at WHSmith Travel #Romance #Books #BookLovers

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The Rest of My Life - BLITZ DAY & #Giveaway Tour Hosts! #ASMSG #BookBoost #Reading #Books

The Rest of My Life - BLITZ DAY AND #Giveaway

I’m putting myself about a bit! I hope you’ll all bear with me. Um?? I have a fab PROMO BLITZ DAY AND GIVEAWAY hosted by BROOK COTTAGE BOOKS! It’s happening right now!

The Rest of My Life

Recommended by the WH Smith Travel Fiction Buyer

Shortlisted for the LoveStories Awards 2015

A Being Anne’s Book of the Year 2015

Reviewed the Book’s Top Ten Reads 2015

 The Rest of My Life - When is it time to stop running?

“You can’t run away from commitment forever … ”

Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset – preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…

Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realises that everything about Adam spells trouble – but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.

And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behaviour – or is the road to destruction a one-way street?

Have you seen the fabulous reviews? Grabbed your copy yet? Check it out at fabulous TOUR HOST spots below!

A HUGE THANK TO ALL THE LOVELY HOSTS TAKING PART! 
BeingAnne
Celtic Connexions
FictionDreams
All Things Bookie
Rereading Jane Eyre
Crooks on Books
AJ Book Review Club
Judith Barrow Blog
JoLambert Books
Linda'sBook Bag
RachelBrimble Romance
HywelaLyn
TheBook Review Cafe
BrookCottage Books
Shelly Back Books
TheLilac Diaries
Authors and Readers BookCorner

Good luck and keep safe all!

Lots of love,

The Rest of My Life - BLITZ DAY & #Giveaway Tour Hosts! #ASMSG #BookBoost #Reading #Books

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Books News & Best Wishes! #SundayBlogShare #Books #Readers #BookBoost #ASMSG

Wow! Well, what a year. I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and that the New Year is a healthy happy one for everyone. Just before Christmas, I had a lovely surprise! The Rest of My Life, shortlisted for the 2015 Love Stories Award and CURRENTLY ON KINDLE SALE at just 99p, is coming soon in Audio and Large Print! For a story I wasn’t so sure about (I mean can anyone really love a self-confessed womaniser, seemingly hell bent on a road to destruction?), the reception has exceeded my hopes and inspired me to write on! Thank you to all those lovely readers and Book Bloggers who have read the book and loved it! Thank you also to Choc Lit Publishing and Matt Bates at WH Smith Fiction for believing in Adam as much as I did.

GOLD winner in the Authors Database 2015 Cover Contest!

I now have two new contracts with Choc Lit – LEARNING TO LOVE comes soon! – and am manically editing others for submission. Definitely all good news on the book front therefore! For info, The Rest of My Life goes on tour in February. There will be #giveaways! If you prefer a print copy of the book, that comes on April 7^th! You can pre-order here. Needless to say, I’ll be ordering mine.

In other news, my psychological thrillers, TheEdge of Sanity and DeathSentence, also go on tour in February, around which time I hope to be releasing the sequel to Death Sentence, Mantrap. We’ll see how it all pans out. Or should I say, pens?

That’s it! I’ll go away before I bore you to tears!

Keep safe all!

Lots of love,

Books News & Best Wishes! #SundayBlogShare #Books #Readers #BookBoost #ASMSG

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#Christmaswishes Beautiful #Giveaway w/ @sherylbrowne – #restofmylife #ASMSG #IARTG #BookBoost #LLm

The Rest of My life, recommended by the WHSmith Travel Fiction Buyer and recently at #2 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid Women’s Romance Fiction Best Sellers List, has been shortlisted for the Love Stories Awards 2015!

To celebrate, I’m sharing a little Christmas cheer early by giving away a beautiful love bird key pendant and a FREE e-copy of any one of my other books. To be in with a chance of grabbing your prize, check out the #restofmylife Rafflecopter comp below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

As a special pre-Christmas treat, anyone leaving a review for the The Rest of My Life on Amazon is also welcome to choose an extra FREE e-copy of one of my other books. Simply message me on Twitter @sherylbrowne or Facebook with the Amazon link.

**Rafflecopter runs from November 11 to November 25. Please note: books to choose from are Somebody to Love, Warrant for Love, A Little Bit of Madness and Learning to Love. Sheryl’s Thrillers, The Edge of Sanity and Death Sentence, are available in exchange for an honest review**

The Rest of My Life

“You can’t run away from commitment forever … “

Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset – preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…

Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realises that everything about Adam spells trouble – but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.

And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behaviour – or is the road to destruction a one-way street?

http://lrd.to/rest-of-my-life

A little message from me:

As some of you may know, I’ve had a bit of stressful year this year with my partner’s health issues. I would just like to say a HUGE thank you all those lovely people who have supported me and made my writing journey so worthwhile.

I hope all is well in your world.

GOOD LUCK and keep safe everyone!

#Christmaswishes Beautiful #Giveaway w/ @sherylbrowne – #restofmylife #ASMSG #IARTG #BookBoost #LLm

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Book News! Plus #Giveaway #BookBoost #ASMSG #IARTG #Books #tw4rw #LLm

Hi everyone, 

Well, what a mad few months. I might have mentioned the release of my contemporary romance THE REST OF MY LIFE from Choc Lit … once or twice. Did I also mention it reached the dizzying heights of #2 on the Amazon Top 100 Paid Women’s Romance Fiction Best Seller List? No? Oh. Well, I am a bit shy, y’know.

I am now super-pleased to share that The Rest of My Life has been shortlisted in the Best Romantic Ebook category for the Love Stories Awards 2015! Winners to be announced at the Love Stories Award event in London (please click on the Love Stories link to find details). As the Romantic Novelists’ Association Winter Party is also in London later that day, I’m seriously considering new shoes.  The cover for the book, designed by the uber-talented, Berni Stevens at Choc Lit, is also a semi-finalist at AuthorDatabase, Books & Top Charts. Finalists announced on 18th November. Wish us luck!

“You can’t run away from commitment forever … “

Needless to say, after a year that started quite stressfully due to my partner’s health problems, I am absolutely thrilled and immensely grateful for the support of readers, book bloggers and lovely members of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and Love Stories Awards. I think 2015 may end slightly better than it started. Phew!

And in other news … my contemporary romance LEARNING TO LOVE has now been contracted! The book was also recommended to Choc Lit by the WH Smith Travel Fiction buyer who told me he loved it so much he took a quote from it. I think I owe the man big time and simply can’t thank him enough.

"Exploring the Fragility of Love, Life, and Relationships"

Bear with me – I can’t resist sharing a little reviewer feedback

Learning to Love is a romantic adventure novel dealing with loss of a loved one and betrayal, and does so in a manner that lifts it far above an average 'chick lit' romance. Amazon Reviewer

This book goes on my top ten reads of all time! Nikki’s Books4U

It’s about family, as beautifully chaotic as they can be, and it’s about overcoming the obstacles life throws your way and finding love in the right place. It’s an addictive, gorgeous read. 

Reviewed The Book

Finally, because I’m either passionate or bonkers (possibly the latter), I’m still hard at it, busy editing other books for submission at the request of Choc Lit and working hard on two new books: a contemporary romance and a psychological thriller. The sequel to Death Sentence (title suggested by a Chief Constable, no less) 'MANTRAP' comes soon! Watch this space!

"He's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?"

Meanwhile, I have a GIVEAWAY!

If anyone is thinking of purchasing The Rest of My Life, now is your chance to grab a free copy of ANY OF MY OTHER BOOKS WHEN YOU DO! Simply send me proof of purchase via email, Twitter (@sherylbrowne) or my Website contact form and I will send you an e-copy of a book of your choice.

Thank you so much again to all those lovely people who have supported me and made my writing journey so worthwhile.

I hope all is well in your world.

GOOD LUCK and keep safe everyone!

Lots of Love,

Book News! Plus #Giveaway #BookBoost #ASMSG #IARTG #Books #tw4rw #LLm

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#Books #Review : The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay - beautifully, haunting intelligently written #LLm

The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Silent Touch of Shadows was my final holiday read and it definitely left me with book withdrawal symptoms. Time slip and historical novels are not generally my first choice – and now I have no idea why that would be. This author has definitely convinced me I must read more. Set in the present and fifteenth century Kent, the story centres on Melissa, a genealogist attempting to move on with her life and provide for her daughter after an acrimonious divorce. That her ex-husband has a family with the ‘other woman’ and a baby on the way, is a nice touch, I think. Truly, this is the final hurt when you’re trying to let go of the memories you once thought were precious to you both. Melissa, on moving into an Ancestral home at the invite of her aunt, finds herself haunted by troubling dreams, all the more disturbing when the essence of the man in those dreams, a handsome knight pleading for her help, lingers when she wakes. Jake, local vet and single father, who bears a striking resemblance to her tortured knight, is also disturbed by frighteningly real dreams, the subject of his being Sibell, who after the death of her young husband is forced to move back home, where her abusive father is adamant she will remarry a much older man, thereby improving the family status and fulfilling her daughterly obligations. Sibell’s heart though now belongs to another: Roger, our tortured knight.

The switch between present day and sixteenth century is done seamlessly and quite beautifully. At no point did it jar, thus allowing the reader to engage fully with the characters. Obviously, that these troubled souls were haunting our modern day couple meant that there perhaps wouldn’t be the ‘typical’ happy ending and there is an incident that is quite emotionally jarring. One pauses to digest but the pieces fall into place and you begin to realise what our lost spirits might need to allow them to rest in peace. I have to say, I’m in awe of the research, both historical and in regard to the genealogy aspect. This is a beautiful, haunting, intelligently written romance. If you’ve shied away from historical, I would highly recommend The Silence of Shadows. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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#Books #Review : The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay - beautifully, haunting intelligently written #LLm

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#Books #Review : Too Charming by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 - intriguing, riveting #romance #LLm

Too Charming by Kathryn Freeman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defence barrister Scott Armstrong is way too charming. Suave good-looking, a lady-killer image and far too many notches on his bedpost, he’s definitely someone single-mum DS Megan Taylor should avoid. Not easy when Scott, smitten by the feisty woman who is the complete opposite of those he prefers his short-term relationships with, pursues her with relentless determination to win her over. Megan has been there though, charmed by just such a man. She’s adamant, for her daughter’s sake as well as her own, she won’t go through the pain of that kind of heartbreak again. Throw the fact that Scott and Megan are on opposite sides, Scott defending the villains Megan has worked hard to bring to justice, and you have a cauldron of frustrated emotion waiting to spill over.

Scott, though, is not the emotion abuser Megan is convinced he is. The author does a fabulous job of peeling away the layers, giving us glimpses of his past until we see the whole of the man whose charm is in fact the suit of armour he hides his vulnerabilities behind. I particularly loved the way Kathryn Freeman handled Scott’s backstory. How, you can’t help but wonder, can such a successful, handsome, smooth-talking man have had anything but the odd blip in his life? No spoilers, but aside from the fact that Scott is naturally, instinctively caring of Sally, Megan’s daughter, his tragic family history is what makes him so determined to make sure even the lowest criminal gets a fair trial.

There are hiccups along the way, a crime case which brings that history and all of Scott’s vulnerabilities to the fore and slowly we see these two coming to see each other’s perspective. Scott begins to understand Megan’s determination to put the bad guys away. Megan realises that Scott’s own heartbreak is what drives him. Can she open her eyes to the fact that he truly loves her though? Can she open her heart? You’ll have to read to find out. If you want an intelligent, riveting romance with a difference, this book is it.

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#Books #Review : Too Charming by Kathryn Freeman @KathrynFreeman1 - intriguing, riveting #romance #LLm

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THE REST OF MY LIFE – A beautiful #Giveaway #tw4rw #Books #IARTG #BYNR #BookPlugs

Did you notice I’m touring? In the capable hands of Brook Cottage Books, The Rest of My Life is on its final leg of a five day tour. Did you manage to catch the reviews, leave a comment? It’s not too late! August 7 is the very last day – and the prizes are … Well, let’s put it this way, I’m reluctant to part with them.

THE PRIZES!

First of all, we have a gorgeous handmade red rose in a bottle with a scrolled tied message: The Rest of My Life. No spoilers, but the single red rose does feature in the story, which Adam delivers with his usual, not-quite-got-it-right style.

Secondly, we have this beautiful handmade ceramic flower pendant.

Aren’t they divine? Yours for grabbing. Just check out my Twitter feed @sherylbrowne or check out the Brook Cottage Books Tweets for The Rest of My Life @BrookCottageBks

With huge thanks to Brook Cottage Books and all of those lovely bloggers who have worked so hard for me, here’s a wee snippet of two of the stunning reviews so far:

“When I finished this book I told Sheryl her book had left me with a smile on my face, and she told me that my smile was probably there because of Adam. OK, that’s true up to a point – but this was also a really fantastic read, sheer enjoyment from beginning to end that I bet you won’t be able to put down either.” Being Anne…

“There are some fantastic sex scenes in this book, although I’m not 100% positive whether it was the heatwave while I was reading this, or the scenes that were making me hot and bothered! I loved The Rest of My Life, and I finished it with a huge smile on my face.” Rachel’s Random Reads

I’ll leave you with the blurb. I hope you get chance to take a look at some of the other reviews and take part in the Giveaway.

The Rest of My Life

“You can’t run away from commitment forever … “

Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset – preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…

Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realises that everything about Adam spells trouble – but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.

And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behaviour – or is the road to destruction a one-way street?

Keep safe all!

Lots of love,

THE REST OF MY LIFE – A beautiful #Giveaway #tw4rw #Books #IARTG #BYNR #BookPlugs

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