The Airline Girl by Lizzie Page is today's book on tour!

"Audrey dreams of a life of adventure, even as she plans for a future as a homemaker. But when an unexpected opportunity promises a world of new experiences, will Audrey grab it with both hands – or stick to the path she’s always been on…?

England, 1947: In the rubble-filled streets of post-war London, nineteen-year-old Audrey is devastated to lose her job when the men return from war. But her mum needs her more than ever since she was injured in the bombings, and her beloved fiancé Martin wants her to focus on building their life together, so her future seems set.

Yet Audrey can’t help but wonder if there’s more to life than keeping a home and raising a family. And when she hears about a chance to train as one of England’s first airline stewardesses, her heart leaps. The problem is, Martin doesn’t want his wife working, and the airline itself insists that no married women need apply…

But there’s still a year until the wedding and Audrey’s mum insists she must seize the opportunity of a lifetime. And while hiding her engagement from her new bosses and the women training alongside her feels shameful, it’s nothing compared to the joy and pride she feels in the skies.

So when Martin insists they bring the wedding forward, her heart cracks at the idea of giving up her new life to be firmly grounded in London. She has a choice to make. Abandon her dreams?

A wonderful story that will keep the reader enthralled. The author Lizzie Page, has taken us back with events, changing mores and I'm curious to see where their lives will land!   

Winter Wishes for the East End Girls - Jean Fullerton - blog tour!

Jean Fullerton's new book is Winter Wishes for the East End Girls. This is the second entry in the this series. What is it about?

"East London, 1942: With the war still raging, can the East End Girls help bring comfort and joy to their friends and neighbours this Christmas?" 

This is a time I love to read about - 1942. The middle of a war. Life, death, sacrifice, love, loss and 'just keep showing up''. I like to see how they 'make do' and use what they can find.

Now, there's so much more to this story. You'll find a lot of characters  - some to like and some to dislike.

It's a wonderful read and I look forward to catching up with the East End Girls. (Perfect for a Christmas gift!)

Hello and a warm welcome!

I’m Jean Fullerton, and I’m so pleased you’ve found your way to my website. I hope you’ll have a good browse and discover more about me and the stories I love to tell.

A little about me:

I was born into a big, bustling East End family and grew up in the lively streets around the Tower of London. That rich background is at the heart of my novels, bringing real East London spirit and authenticity to every page.

I absolutely adore my native city—especially the East End—and it’s a joy to write stories that celebrate its warmth, grit, and charm.

Thanks Jean! See what others think on the Blog Tour!

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn ---- Blog Tour

New from Matt Dunn - The Armchair Detectives 

What's it about...?

"They might be over the hill but they’re far from six feet under and now there’s a murder to solve!

Meet Martin Maxwell. As a former government operative, at eighty-four-years young he always pictured a retirement sipping shaken-not-stirred martinis on a far-flung island. But in need of some care after a new hip, he finds himself at Twilight Lodge on the decidedly cloudy English coast.

From the outside, it’s a picture-perfect place to recuperate. But when popular resident Elsie dies unexpectedly, Martin suspects foul play. She’s the third death in less than two weeks and always had a clean bill of health. Armed with a walking stick and his trusty notebook and pen, Martin decides to investigate.

While nobody believes him – death is an inevitable part of care home life after all – Martin is convinced something sinister is afoot. With his wheelchair-bound sidekick and former nemesis Albie in tow, they begin questioning the residents. Soon they learn that there are several suspects in the frame.

When they discover Albie’s love interest Barbara is in the killer’s sights, Martin knows time is running out. Will Albie’s heart be broken forever, or can they battle the effects of old age and each other, outwitting a murderer before it’s too late?"

"An absolutely hilarious and heartwarming cozy mystery perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Only Murders in the Building."

"Matt Dunn is the author of numerous novels, including the bestselling The Ex-Boyfriend’s Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award and the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), A Day at the Office, 13 Dates (shortlisted for the RNA Romantic Comedy of the Year), and At The Wedding (an Amazon Kindle #1 bestseller). He’s also written for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, and The Sun. Previously, he’s worked as a professional lifeguard, fitness-equipment salesman, and most recently, an I.T. head-hunter (where his success in re-writing other people’s CVs made him think he might have a talent for fiction), but he prefers writing novels for a living."

 

                                                   See what other book lovers thought!

 

A Very Bookish Murder -- Dee MacDonald Tour!

A Very Bookish Murder is the third entry in Dee MacDonald's series

I like to have a cozy book when I've had a long day and just want to 'escape' with some amateur sleuths. Maybe I can solve the whodunit before the last page is turned? (I didn't!)

MacDonald has a lead character in Ally McKinley that is clever, curious and likeable. There are a number of supporting folks from the village. Queenie from the village makes me laugh. And Ross is lovely. I feel like I am catching up with old friends. Ally is offering her B&B group of writers attending a retreat. (I also want to own Ally's historical building.) All is good until.....I'm sure you know what happens next.....make a cuppa and enjoy.

Aged 18, Dee arrived in London from Scotland and typed her way round the West End for a couple of years before joining BOAC (forerunner of BOAC) in Passenger Services for 2 years and then as a stewardess for 8 years. She has worked at the BOAC when they had the franchise.

Dee has since relocated to BOAC, where she spent 10 years running B&Bs, and only began writing when she was over 70! Married twice, she has one son and two grandsons.

The East End Girls - Jean Fullerton - Blog Tour!

Don't you love coming across the first book in a new series that you just know you're going to enjoy it? I did! The East End Girls is Jean Fullerton's new book. It's set in 1942 East London, Britain.

I really enjoy WW2 historical fiction. But it's not all fiction. Our lead character is Effie Weston. She is one of a number of women who are learning how to launch a Barrage Balloon. I did not know about the Balloons before this book - it was fascinating.

I quite like Effie as a lead character - she's intelligent and determined to support the war effort. There's a good number of supporting players as well. I mostly enjoyed them. But...there is always a bad apple. It will be easy to find them. And of course - a romance!

The settings are well described and easy to imagine. The mind sets, the shortages, the mores, and the attitudes of the citizens are very well written. The realties are there.

I really enjoyed The East End Girls. I'll be looking for the second book! Check what other bloggers thought below.

Born and bred in East London, Jean was a District Nurse by trade working throughout East

London. She has published twenty-three sagas, including the popular World War Two Ration Book series, which, like all her books, is set in East London. Jean has also written her autobiography A Child of the East End , about growing up in post-war Stepney and Wapping. She is currently working on first book of her new four book WW2 series.

A Wedding for the Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin

A Bookworm's World is happy to be a stop on today's tour.

A Wedding For the Home Front Girls is the 4th entry in Susanna Bavin's wonderful series - The Home Front Girls.

The series is set in 1941 Manchester, during WWII.

Opening up the latest book in the series is like sitting down with old friends and getting caught up.

The setting is written so well. The danger, the loss, the moments of joy and the camaraderie. Everyone is doing their part to win the war. Women have taken on jobs that no one could have imagined. They’re stalwart and determined to play their part. Life goes despite the war. And actually, the number of weddings has increased!

The core group of characters moves and changes throughout the books, but there’s threads that tie it all together. I really enjoy this group of friends. The details of life is just as interesting. What can you substitute? What can you do without? Keep calm. And carry on.

I’m very much looking forward to the next in this series. Can’t wait to see what’s going on with the girls!

"Susanna Bavin writes stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. She has written 4 standalone sagas and a WW2 trilogy, The Home Front Girls. She also writes as Polly Heron (The Surplus Girls 1920s saga series) and Maisie Thomas (The Railway Girls WW2 saga series, and The Wartime Hotel WW2 saga series).Susanna Bavin writes stories with strong female characters, set in times when women needed determination and vision to make their mark. She has written 4 standalone sagas and a WW2 trilogy, The Home Front Girls. She also writes as Polly Heron (The Surplus Girls 1920s saga series) and Maisie Thomas (The Railway Girls WW2 saga series, and The Wartime Hotel WW2 saga series)."

Check out what other readers have to say!

Murder of a Suffragette - Marty Wingate

Marty Wingate's new book - Murder of a Suffragette. This is the 4th in the London Ladies' Murder Club series. (But you don't need to have read the previous books to enjoy this latest.)

I was not aware of the difference between Suffragette and Suffragist until I read this book. The first were 'deeds not words' and would use violence, but the latter eschewed violence. In 1918 women thirty and over gained the vote, but both groups are trying to get the vote for women 21 and up. This is an interesting time and setting to use for the book.

Mabel is the lead character and I really enjoy her curiosity, her tenacity, and determination. She works for the Useful Women  Agency. She is booked to be the secretary of this large meeting of women, but finds herself back in an investigation when a body is found on the grounds of the large manor. There is a plethora of suspects to choose from. 

The supporting cast is just as engaging as Mabel. They've been in the first books and Wingate keeps their lives moving forward. And what every cosy read needs a dog or cat. Gladys the dog figures into the plot. And a cosy needs some romance as well! I really enjoyed this latest and am looking forward what Wingate has in store for characters. See what you think - read an excerpt.

"Marty Wingate is a USA Today best-selling author of both mysteries and historical fiction. Marty enjoys weaving humor into her books and creating characters—from quirky and loveable to sinister and duplicitous—that leap off the page. Before embarking on her series about the London Ladies Murder Club with Bookouture, Marty published three contemporary cozy mystery series (the Potting Shed, Birds of a Feather, and First Edition Library books). She has also published two standalone books of historical fiction and found stories of the past to be compelling. She’s delighted to combine her penchant for both mysteries histories to bring her readers more satisfying stories. Marty currently resides near Seattle, Washington." You can find Marty at her web page, on Facebook as well as on X.

Murder at an English Pub - Alice Castle

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog for Murder at an English Pub.

I have a fondness for cozy mysteries. And I'm always on the lookout  for new series. My latest find is Murder at an English Pub by Alice Castle - and this is book one in a new series!

"Retired doctor Sarah Vane moves to Merstairs, she has no idea that the quaint seaside town isn’t quite as friendly it seems, and something sinister is bubbling under the picturesque surface…"

 

Sarah doesn't have a lot of faith in the constabulary of this small villager. Sarah is curious by nature and can't help but launch her own investigation into the crime. She is helped (or perhaps hindered) by her longtime and somewhat scatterbrained friend Daphne. I quite like Saras as a lead character. And let's not forget Hamish - her black Scottie dog.

Sarah meets the villagers one by one and endeavors to interview them without it appearing so. There's a broad bunch of residents that could be the culprit. But just as Sarah thinks she has the answer - new information is uncovered. I think Castle does a great job of keeping the reader guessing right through to the last pages. 

Castle has created a detailed setting in Merstairs that appealed to me. Especially her little cottage.

And given that this is a cozy, it's best read with a pot of tea, a quilt on your lap and a dog at your feet. I'll be watching for the second book in this series. 

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Her latest cozy mystery, set in fictional seaside town Mersta s, stars retired GP Sarah Vane. It will be published in July by Bookouture, who also publish Alice's nine-book Beth Haldane Mysteries series set in south east London. Alice also writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle.

Website:https://alicecastleauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.castle.355

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AliceMCastle

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/alice-castle.

Murder in a Country Village - F.L. Everett

Murder in a Country Village is the second book in F.L. Everett's wonderful Edie York Mystery series.

What makes it such a wonderful series? Well, all the elements that I quite enjoy are there. Set in the years of WWII, the keep calm and carry on attitude, a plucky female protagonist, a mystery, a crime, an excellent crew of supporting characters - and a dog.

Manchester, London England. Edie is the local newspaper's obituarist. Which is good, but what she'd love to be is a crime reporter. On a ramble with her friend Ethel, they come across a body - and it's someone Ethel knows. Accident or deliberate?

Edie just can't help herself - she starts asking questions. And soon enough, DCI Louis Brennan is called upon. 

I really enjoy this type of investigation. Answers, clues, secrets and more are found by interviews, conversations, hunches and instinct. So much more interesting than DNA matches etc. 

Edie is such a great lead character and the reader can't help but behind her. Urging her on and sometimes shaking your head at some of her choices. But, it's her curious nature, her kindness and zest for life that makes her such a great protagonist. The supporting cast from the first book return - Lou, Annie her roommate, Lou's friend Arnold and Marple the dog. Everett gives her players personal lives that move forward. Yes, there's some romance afoot for some. 

Everett has done a really good job of bringing her setting to life. She gives us detailed locales, food, businesses, the war and much more.

The first book, set the place and introduced the characters. With this second entry there's much more to the crime, the investigation and the characters. See for yourself - read an excerpt. I will be watching for the third book! 

Murder in the Blitz - F. L. Everett

F.L. Everett's new book, Murder in the Blitz, ticks all the boxes in one of my new favorite storytelling styles. Such as...set in the WWII years, a plucky female protagonist, a mystery, a crime, an excellent crew of supporting characters, a devious culprit and more. 

Manchester 1940. Edie has worked at a local newspaper for the last five years. She yearns for something more than being a typist and tea maker - such as the crime beat. But, she'll take the chance she's been offered and she'll give it her all. After all, being an obituarist, is a step closer, isn't it? And yes, Edie's path does indeed cross that of a crime... 

Edie is easy to like and get behind. She's tenacious, determined and has a good heart. But - she's more than a little naïve sometimes. (I wanted to point out certain people and their behaviour to her!) Her roommate Annie is a good sidekick character. I hope that she, and the two other supporting characters are back in the next entry. I think the door is open for a burgeoning relationship - or two. 

Everett captures the 'can do, keep calm' attitude of war time England. Lots of detail cements the mental image I created of the setting. 

The mystery is a good one and suitable for the time. The path to the aha moment is easier for the reader to see I think. Edie is a few steps behind. But that's the fun of cozy mysteries, isn't it?

This is the first book in a planned series - the Edie York Mysteries. I'll be watching for the second book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Murder in the Blitz.