FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS: A heart-warming journey of self-discovery

by Ruth Torjussen 

When her best friend dies of cancer just before her 50th birthday, and other friends move away from their hometown of Stoke, grief-stricken Jenny sinks into a depression that her job as a Marie Osmond impersonator only exacerbates.

Nine months later, while everyone else is moving on, Jenny is still struggling. Despite the love of her family, nothing can alleviate her heartbreak and she dwells on the female-shaped hole in her life.

When newlyweds move in next door, she hopes that the woman over the fence will become a new friend and help get her back on track. But instead she gets Dawn: loud, fat, tattooed and shouting the ‘C’ word within minutes of arriving.

Jenny’s GP suggests starting a course at the local college to bring her out of her reverie. And that’s where she meets Trudi. At last! Someone on her wavelength.

Will lovely Trudi be the friend she has so longed for? Will the creative writing class bring them together and add some much needed happiness to Jenny’s life?

“There are lots of angles in my story, Friends and Neighbours, but my favourite/most topical is the eco one. It’s a story within a story really, Jenny’s journey of self-discovery after the death of her best friend and her failure as a Marie Osmond impersonator, while husband Lonny is prepping the family and their home for climate change.” – Ruth Torjussen

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Ruth Torjussen grew up in Stoke-on-Trent but now lives and works in Brighton as a Shared Lives Carer.
She is a passionate advocate of eating local food grown through regenerative farming as the answer to climate change.

Social media links –

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ruth_torjussen/

FB – https://www.facebook.com/ruthtorjussen

Twitter – https://twitter.com/RTorjussen

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/TorjussenRuth

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Reviews –

“This book made me laugh out loud in many places and shed a tear in others.” – Siobhan Curham, author Clementine and Ruby

5.0 out of 5 stars

“ ‘A joy to read!’….

Ruth Torjussen’s ‘Friends and Neighbours’ is a highly entertaining novel that sparkles with verve and wit.”

5.0 out of 5 stars

“Loved it….

Laugh out loud funny, great characters and really strong narrative voice. Manages to be feel-good and optimistic whilst taking on serious themes that can be related to on lots of different levels – highly recommended.”

5.0 out of 5 stars

“a great read….

I like this book because I’m from Stoke and I can relate to the characters. I’m halfway through and enjoying every minute!”

5.0 out of 5 stars

“Best book ever….

Friends and Neighbours has exceptional pace and energy, and a first-rate narrative that hooks the reader instantly.”

5.0 out of 5 stars

“Poignant and laugh out loud….

This book was such an entertaining read, with such a strong and fresh voice. It’s the perfect book to read right now, as it will have you laughing out loud and keep you thoroughly entertained, plus it really makes you think about the world and what we can do to change things for the better.”

5.0 out of 5 stars

“A very funny book!….

A funny and moving book, written with fantastic pace and energy, had me laughing out loud. Thoroughly recommend.”

Echoes Of Home: A Ghost Story

by M. L. Rayner  

After accepting a generous opportunity to start afresh, Leslie Wills, a young man from Stoke-on-Trent, eagerly begins his long-distance journey to the Scottish Highlands of Elphin, a settled village that sits huddled amongst the dominating mountains. Its people are welcoming, and the beauty of the land is great. But deep within its Highland paths, a location rests hidden from the public’s eye. A location which entices you to learn the truth of its troubled past. But once you bear witness to its sights and sounds, its presences will never allow you to forget.

Uncover the truth, Journeying back to a forgotten time. With a plot full of secrets and suspicion that will leave you longing for answers.

BUY NOW!

Born and bred in the county of Staffordshire. Matt is a keen reader of classical, horror and fantasy literature and enjoys writing in the style of traditional ghost stories. During his working life, Matt joined the ambulance service in 2009, transporting critically ill patients all over the UK. After writing his first novel, Matt was welcomed into the family of Question Mark Press publishing and now dedicates his time on future releases. His hobbies include genealogy and hiking, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma, his children, and his family.

Follow M. L. Rayner….

Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/MLRayner

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/m.l.rayner/

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An unexpected find, great read

“Ghost stories are not really a genre I go to but when the chance came to read this book I started it with an open mind, and was glad I did.
Leslie Wills, Stoke on Trent, only 1 of 5 remaining children at home when his Mum passes, he has no idea what life will bring now and in fact is happy if it brings nothing….however life comes calling via 1 of his brothers, now a property developer who offers him, free, Elphin cottage in the Scottish Highlands…without any hesitation he goes, wondering what he will find
He finds remote Scotland, its beautiful landscape and secretive folk, Elphin Cottage is more ‘out on a limb’ than he expected and he soon finds out the cottage and the one opposite, Clais cottage, have a history, a dark history and it looks like he is going to become a part of it!
An unlikely friendship evolves with Coulls, an old farmer and between them they are determined to put right the wrongs of the past
Fascinatingly told in the present and including lots of interesting ( and at times upsetting ) history of the famines alongside really good descriptive narrative I did really enjoy this book, it wasn’t far-fetched but a good tale of the past now affecting the present day
Reading the acknowledgements made it even better knowing the ‘cast’ had been named from his ancestors and Elphin and the cottage actually exist and the author spent time there as a teenager, the thrill of being an author came through in this acknowledgments and I really look forward to reading more from him ( this was his debut book )
It has to be a 10/10 5 Stars because it was a great read and I enjoyed a genre I expected not to.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book

“I have to admit I have very rarely in my life sat down to read a book. But after living in Stoke on Trent for 40 years and having just moved to Penkridge noticed this book was by an author from Stoke on Trent. Curiosity took the better of me and I downloaded it. I couldn’t put it down, such a great wordsmith he had me hooked. I look forward to any future books Matt. If you can get me to sit and read you have to be an excellent author. Can fully recommend this book love everything about it, keep up the good work.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read,

“Loved the book from start to the end, I imagined Elhine cottage was like a place my son and I had to set up camp due to adverse weather conditions in the highlands. After reading the book I find out that ruined cottage was the place. Great book. Loved the style of writing and the history within the book. Loved the twists, a real joy to read. Look forward to reading many more books by M.L Rayner.”

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Authors, do you have a book which could benefit from additional promotion? Please see my Facebook page for details of my latest giveaway….

What do you have to lose!?

Bird in the Hand

by Ros Rendle 

@ros_rendle

1970, the height of the sexual revolution and independence for young people. Set in Cornwall, Charmian is worried her future is mapped for her and repressive. She craves that freedom and excitement. That’s not quite what she gets.
Bird in the Hand is a story of making decisions for others which reaps heartache. Charmian has two birds and a third on the way. What’s a girl to do? Consequences can be tough. We cannot mould our children to fit our own expectations. Sometimes it’s better to be the familiar stranger. Charmian and her family have much with which to come to terms but it’s ultimately uplifting.
Live, laugh, cry with, and love these characters. Lose yourself in a feelgood holiday read.

Treat yourself to this award winning read now….

About the author….

Ros Rendle was a head teacher previously but is now an award-winning author of contemporary and early 20^th century fiction. She has seven novels either published or about to be. She became an Amazon best-seller.

Inspiration comes from ten years living in France as well as a myriad of ideas from time spent with family and friends.

What with writing, and between dog walking and dancing, though not always at the same time, her hours are filled.

www.rosrendleauthor.co.uk

www.Facebook.com/RosalindRendleAuthor

www.Twitter.com/ros_rendle

http://www.instagram.com/ros_rendle

happy reading 🙂

Tuscan Dreams at the Cornish Confetti Agency: A gorgeously uplifting romantic comedy

by Daisy James  

The Cornish Confetti Agency is heading to Tuscany!

When Lexie Harrington is asked to choreograph a last-minute wedding for celebrity chef Nico Moretti and his fiancée Isla Sanderson, she can’t wait to get started, especially as the event of the year is set to take place at the spectacular Villa Fiore in the glorious, sun-soaked countryside just outside Florence. With its powder-pink façade, green-painted shutters and battalion of life-sized marble statues, it’s the perfect location for the intimate wedding the bride and groom want, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.

With handsome wedding columnist-turned-TV scriptwriter, Theo Barker, by her side, and quirky waistcoat-loving Jasper Curtis in the role of usher, Lexie’s confident that this time she’ll be able to deliver the glamourous, sophisticated, and most of all, hassle-free wedding the happy couple deserve; no pirate patches on family portraits, no confetti-filled hairdryers, and definitely no anchovies crammed into the air vents of the best man’s beloved Porsche.

But this is The Cornish Confetti Agency, and the words ‘straightforward’ and ‘stress-free’ do not feature in the promotional brochure.  So when the Lexie discovers the Michelangelo-esque marble statues modelling a new line in paper thongs, and the groom’s swimwear has been substituted for something a little more risqué, she must once again turn amateur detective and unravel the mystery before the wedding becomes a Florentine fiasco.

A perfect Tuscan wedding?

Is there such a thing for The Cornish Confetti Agency?

A sun-filled, uplifting story perfect for the summer holidays, and the fifth book in the Cornish Confetti series, that can also be read as a standalone.

OUT NOW!

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Praise for The Cornish Confetti Agency:

‘I love the way Daisy combines the romance and the drama with a large dose of humour and the feel-good element. Brilliant – five stars!’ says Ginger Book Geek.

‘Funny, romantic, unexpected, and poignant; this book has it all.’ Five stars, says Penny.

‘Daisy James does it again. Wonderful characters, food so beautifully described you could almost taste it (how did everyone fit into their wedding regalia!!), and fabulous Christmas settings so wonderfully depicted.’  Five stars, says Bookworm.

‘Daisy blends comedy, pathos, emotion, and suspense into a fabulous Christmas read I absolutely loved. Like your favourite Christmas rom-com, Christmas at the Cornish Confetti Agency will cheer you up and make you laugh out loud, and keep you gleefully turning the pages late into the night.’ Five stars, says Julie.

‘Once again, Daisy has created likeable, relatable, fun characters. Her descriptive writing is evocative and atmospheric, allowing the reader to really pick up on the Christmas vibe within the book.’ Five stars, says Karen Evans.

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Instagram @daisyjamesstories

happy reading 🙂

Art and Soul by Claire Huston @clairehuston_author

ONLY 99p/99c until 10th January!

(Free on Kindle Unlimited)

Spread the word and enjoy!

“A sweet, slow burn romance, I enjoyed this book from start to finish.” ★★★★★”

A very enjoyable book you can relax with and escape from it all.” ★★★★★”

A light hearted romance with laugh out loud moments.” ★★★★★

There’s no problem Becky Watson can’t fix. Except her own love life…Struggling single mother Becky Watson longs to revive her career as a life-fixer, working miracles to solve her clients’ problems, no matter how big or small. Since the birth of her two-year-old son she has been stuck preventing wedding fiascos for the richest and rudest residents of the Comptons, a charming, leafy area of southern England known for its artistic heritage. So when semi-reclusive local artist Charlie Handren reluctantly hires Becky to fix his six-year creative slump, she’s delighted to set him up with a come-back exhibition and Rachel Stone, the woman of his dreams. Though they get off to a rocky start, Becky and Charlie soon become close. But as the beautiful Rachel becomes Charlie’s muse, Becky is forced to wonder: will giving Charlie everything he wants mean giving up her own happily ever after? A heart-warming romance about second chances perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Phillipa Ashley and Cathy Kelly.

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Having only set up in June, there hasn’t been a full year to look back on where Bowen’s Book Publicity is concerned. However, I have had the pleasure of featuring some fabulous books, so far, and I thought I would share a little roundup post.

Thank you to all the lovely authors who have shared their books with me during 2020. I hope to work with you all again sometime soon, and I look forward to what 2021 brings.

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/10/06/bowens-book-publicity-website-launch/

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/10/09/promotions-to-date-with-alison-lingwood-malhavardwriter-drjeffallan-sherrielowe2-annap1228-jancoledwards-mishaherwin-janetstock12/

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/10/10/where-the-silent-screams-are-loudest-a-missing-girl-a-serial-killer-eleven-long-years-by-john-pye-cathedraloflies/

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/10/31/the-awesome-adventures-of-poppy-and-amelia-by-maddy-harrisis-misha-herwin-mishaherwin-penkhullpress/

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/11/12/the-drop-of-death-dci-chris-timothy-book-8-by-alison-lingwood-outnow/

https://bowensbookpublicity.com/2020/12/09/the-rejuvenation-trilogy-by-byddi-lee-byddi/

A big thank you to all who have supported the above promotions.

Keep sharing the book love!

Bowen’s Book Publicity is proud to promote….

Truth Games: the gripping, twisty, page-turning tale of one woman’s secret past

By Caroline England

Instagram @cazengland1

Twitter @CazEngland

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/

Stunning . . . dark undercurrents and sinister twists’ AMANDA ROBSON

‘Her ability to conjure the detailed ordinariness of everyday domestic life makes her writing all the more powerful when she evokes psychological menace and dramatic plot twists.’ The Daily Mail

She tries hard to be the perfect mother, the perfect partner, the perfect daughter – but Ellie never seems to get it right.

When an old friend from university re-enters their lives, dark memories from Ellie’s past begin to resurface.

As Ellie starts to unravel some shocking and sinister realities, she realises that she must choose between keeping the family she loves – and facing the truth.

From the Top Ten ebook bestselling author, this twisty psychological thriller will have you hooked from the first page to the last jaw-dropping twist.

Praise for Caroline England:

‘A twist that I didn’t see coming!’ T. M. LOGAN

‘Kept me gripped’ B. A. PARIS

‘Incredibly twisty . . . deliciously satisfying‘ CLAIRE ALLAN

‘A taut, tantalising thriller’ SHERYL BROWNE

‘Truly terrific!’ MARTINA COLE

Currently ONLY £1.99 on #Amazon #Kindle

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5.0 out of 5 stars Twisty and intruiging

Really enjoyed this – although found it a bit disconcerting! Ever thought you knew someone and then found out you had no idea? This book is like that. Great page turner and enjoyable main characters. It’s a book that you want to get back to when you have to put it down.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great page-turner, with twists I hadn’t imagined.

An intriguing read with characters whose mysteries are revealed bit by bit all the way through the book. I was an emotional wreck by the end. Loved it.

Bowen’s Book Publicity is proud to promote….

The Marquess’s Christmas Runaway (Reluctant Brides Book 3)

By Josie Bonham

Max, Marquess of Hargreaves, is in urgent need of a wife. Searching for a bride is a daunting prospect with seven sisters all eager to help.

Finding the sort of bride he is likely to be happy with won’t be easy for the man who defied the rules of gentlemanly conduct by breaking his betrothal a decade before. Careful parents will look at him askance after that scandal and he dreads being trapped by another woman only interested in his wealth and position.

Desperate to escape a forced marriage, Georgie Sherborne runs away from her guardian on a snowy morning days before her twenty first birthday. Max rescues her and offers marriage to save her reputation and solve his problem. The marriage starts well but the odd attitude of Max’s housekeeper towards Georgie makes him wonder if he has been trapped after all.

Stolen kisses, a Christmas Eve wedding and the joy of a traditional family Christmas all feature in this heartwarming Regency romance.

Perfect for readers of Mary Balogh, Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen.

Available now on #Amazon #Kindle

ONLY 99p!

Find out more about Josie Bonham, and her books….

www.josiebonhamauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/josiebonhamauthor/

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**REVIEW COPIES AVAILABLE**

Josie Bonham has e-book review copies of The Marquess’s Christmas Runaway available for Book Bloggers.

If you would like to read, and review, then please drop Josie a message….

https://www.facebook.com/josiebonhamauthor/

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HAPPY READING! 😊

Praise for Josie Bonham’s Reluctant Brides series….

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this engaging Regency read

This is a confident and well written debut novel. I loved this story of how Eliza reluctantly falls for the tall, ex-army Major Overton. Both bring bad previous experiences to their encounters and have to overcome their initial prejudices before they can see each other in their true light. I loved this gripping and engaging story of the slow unfolding of their romance. The excellent period detail is subtly woven into the background and I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you could want from a Georgian-era romance!

This has everything you could ask for from a cracking Georgian-era romance. A feisty heroine, a dashing hero recently retired from the army, the glitter of London high society, and a dastardly villain casting a shadow over the growing romance at the centre of the story. Highly recommended for fans of the genre!

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for historical romance fans

This is another fantastic Georgian-era love story from Josie Bonham. I really enjoyed this slow-burn romance with both beautiful countryside and London settings both high evocative of the period. The characters are attractive and interesting, and you quickly root for Kitty and Luke to be happy. Another must-read for historical romance fans!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic regency period romance

The Viscounts Convenient Bride is a well written, slow burning regency period romance that at times followed a similar pattern to the first book but, that did not detract from the story or my enjoyment at all.
Although this is the second book of the series, and some of the characters feature in the first book, all the characters are strong, loveable, and well developed enough for it to be read as either part of the series or a stand-alone novel.
There were some good twists that kept you guessing but deep down you knew that the two main characters Luke and Kitty were meant for each other and that they would get their happy ever after.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable easy read that I struggled to put down. I can’t wait for the next in the series now.

Bowen’s Book Publicity is proud to promote….

The Rejuvenation Trilogy

By Byddi Lee

Rejuvenation Book 1 (The Rejuvenation Trilogy)

The Melter War has left the Earth’s surface devastated, leaving humanity to survive on what little land is left between the Scorch Zones and the rising oceans, where towering subscrapers dot the dystopian shore lines.

Bobbie Chan is a doctor caring for the ultra-elderly in one such subscraper when she notices a mysterious, new disease afflicting her patients; some show signs of age reversal before a catastrophic, and often fatal, cardiac arrest strikes.

Bobbie begins to wonder if she is witnessing a bio weapon in full force. A Melter attack? Are they destined to finish the war they started?

Belus Corp, the ‘savior’ of humanity during the Melter War whisk the afflicted away; including Bobbie’s grandmother. But Bobbie is terrified. The ‘Rejuvenees’ are getting younger but they are also becoming increasingly aggressive, uncontrollably so.

Bobbie begins a race against time to rescue the Rejuvenees and uncover their true enemy.

BUY NOW!

http://smarturl.it/RejuvenationOne

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Find out more about Byddi Lee, and her books….

www.byddilee.com

Byddi Lee (@Byddi) / Twitter

Byddi Lee (@byddilee) • Instagram photos and videos

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Review (via Amazon UK)….

5.0 out of 5 stars Rejuvenation: Where fact and fiction merge!

If you need a gripping read, then look no further than ‘Rejuvenation’ by Byddi Lee.
The dystopian plot is set in a not too distant future, in our very own surroundings of Belfast, Armagh and the Mountains of Mourne. The Melter Wars have altered life as we know it, but Byddi’s carefully crafted new world, and her unique brand of storytelling will sweep you along on its journey as she creates a stable platform for a solid plot and strong characterization.
You will feel for these individuals on a personal level. The lead character, Bobbie, carries our concerns on her strong shoulders, and yet there’s a vulnerability to her that strikes a chord when it comes to family, especially her younger sister, and her feisty grandmother.
The importance of family in this story, especially the elderly in the community who are prone to this ‘viral attack’, is particularly relevant and poignant as we find ourselves living through a real-life pandemic in 2020, and the most unprecedented of global times, where our elderly are indeed the most vulnerable in society.
The science behind this fiction gives us something gritty to chew on and mull over, but begs of us questions that keep us guessing, even right at the end, leading us beautifully towards book two. Cannot wait Byddi. Simply cannot wait!
Thankyou Byddi Lee for giving us ‘Rejuvenation’.