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!   

Strangers in the Car - C.M. Ewan

Grand Central Publishing is the home of author C.M. Ewan's latest book.

Ewan is a new read for me......but he won't be the last! He describes his work as "I write nerve-shredding thrillers about ordinary situations gone wrong -- the kind of thing that could happen to any of us! I don't know if there is a name for this style - but I really like it!

In this novel, Ben and his partner, are caught up in bad weather.  Here's the thing...would you let a woman, man and their baby in your car? On a back, dark, wet road. Abi has something she needs to tell Ben. He's got a kind heart...and that's all I'm going to give you.

I love the quick turns of the plot. The characters will change their behavior as well. Enjoy! 

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 World at Home by Ginny Kubitz Moyer

THE WORLD AT HOME is Ginny Kubitz Moyer's wonderful historical love story from She Writes. A description is below:

"San Francisco in 1944 is a bustling place, a revolving door of soldiers and sailors passing through on their way to the war in the Pacific. Twenty-year-old Irene Cleary, however, is not going anywhere. Although she’d love to travel, the seamstress shop she inherited from her mentor keeps her firmly rooted in the only city she’s ever known. She pours her energy into dressmaking and volunteers for the war effort by dancing with servicemen at the USO.

But Irene’s life is transformed when she designs a gown for Cynthia Burke, the socialite whose new marriage to Max, a handsome Chicago businessman, is the talk of the Nob Hill elite. As Irene is drawn into the Burkes’ glamorous, troubled orbit, and as she becomes absorbed in making costumes for the first American performance of a ballet called The Nutcracker, she finds herself on the threshold of exhilarating, perilous new worlds . . . and the most surprising discoveries of all will be the ones about herself...

San Francisco in 1944 is a bustling place, a revolving door of soldiers and sailors passing through on their way to the war in the Pacific. Twenty-year-old Irene Cleary, however, is not going anywhere. Although she’d love to travel, the seamstress shop she inherited from her mentor keeps her firmly rooted in the only city she’s ever known. She pours her energy into dressmaking and volunteers for the war effort by dancing with servicemen at the USO.

But Irene’s life is transformed when she designs a gown for Cynthia Burke, the socialite whose new marriage to Max, a handsome Chicago businessman, is the talk of the Nob Hill elite. As Irene is drawn into the Burkes’ glamorous, troubled orbit, and as she becomes absorbed in making costumes for the first American performance of a ballet called The Nutcracker, she finds herself on the threshold of exhilarating, perilous new worlds . . . and the most surprising discoveries of all will be the ones about herself..''

..an affecting tale of an orphan seeking fulfilment and love in 1944 San Francisco....Moyer expertly weaves in flashbacks to Irene’s hardscrabble time in the orphanage, her excitement at USO dances, and poignant details of what happened with Johnny....an evocative picture of life during wartime.

ginnymoyer.org—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“…An engaging home front war novel….”—KIRKUS REVIEWS

BIO:

GINNY KUBITZ MOYER is a California native with a love of local history. A graduate of Pomona College and Stanford University, she’s the author of the novel THE SEEING

GARDEN, which won Silver in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award in Historical Fiction. Fiction; the novel A GOLDEN LIFE, a Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of 2024. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two sons, and one rescue dog. Learn more at ginnymoyer.org.

The Bridesmaid A Novel by Cate Quinn

The Bridesmaid is the latest book from Cate Quinn.

A wedding is a joyous event. Some are simple affairs and others are circuses. And the elite? They own the whole island. Adriana is the bride and she has asked for a number of her schoolmates to be her bridesmaids. Holly Stone is one of those people, but she has her own agenda…… as do others.

Keep track of who is speaking at the top of each chapter. If you don’t, you’ll wonder who’s talking. Each of the bridesmaids as well as our bride has a voice and a chapter or two.

The plot is busy and will keep you guessing. I wonder if some of the characters were taken from reality! Quinn keeps the tension tight up to the final page. I really liked Holly and her skill set. It was really fascinating to hear what she does. Maybe we’ll see her in another book.

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow - Kelley Armstrong

 

The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is new from Kelley Armstrong.

Now, I always have a good look at the book's cover before diving in. Try it - what do you see? Does that give you a idea.....

No matter what Kelley Armstrong writes. I've enjoyed the range and style of her pen!

The Haunting of Payne's Hollow gives us everything we need for this story. A dysfunctional family, the death of the patriarchal head, the squabble over his money and his land. Bu there's more to be seen... 

I actually started the book on Halloween Eve on the porch and more than one parent asked what I was reading on Halloween's Eve. 

Here are the first three chapters to try! 

Sharp Force - Patricia Cornwell

I love this long running series from Patricia Cornwell. I was thrilled to see a new entry called Sharp Force.

It's Christmas Day but there’s no rest for chief medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, and her team. There is another group and they’re working just as hard to push their own agenda. I don't know how Kay says nothing! Well, she's got a great voice in her brain.

I absolutely am amazed at how the crimes are solved with a body left to tell the tale.

The fire is stoked up when three people are attacked by a ghost. Which is not probable - is it?

I like how Cornwell moves the lives of her characters forward. I’ll be interested to see how Al is used in the next few books. This one caught me off guard so much more than I thought. 

Well written, addictive and just a great read! Watch for this! SCARPETTA soon to be a streaming series starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis.   

The Killer Question - Janice Hallett

The Killer Question is Janice Hallett's latest novel.

I always look at the covers and see what I might find out about the story waiting for me.

Have you ever gone to pub night and/or played quiz with your team? I have once or twice. It was actually great fun. But there are those who take things a little bit closer to their hearts - literally ....

Janice Hallett gives the reader an absolutely wonderful plot. There is no way a reader will before come up with the answer to whodunit !

Now's what I love - the book is written in clever epistolary! Through quiz categories, phone messages, email correspondence and more.

Janice Hallett is such a talented writer. I will eagerly await her next book!

The Sister's Curse - Nicola Solvinic - Blog Tour!

 

The cover of Nicola Salvinia's new novel, The Sister's Curse caught my eye. What is swirling in the water? And what about the curse? On sale today!!

The story: There’s something in the water in Bayern County…

Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she’d finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. But when she rescues a boy from drowning—his body marked by strange symbols—she's pulled into an investigation unlike any she's ever seen. More bodies soon surface, all linked to the Kings of Warsaw Creek, the town’s wealthiest and most powerful men—and all bearing the same eerie signs.

As a string of ritualistic drownings rocks her small town, Lieutenant Anna Koray must unravel a case tangled in myth, murder, and long-buried vengeance—all while haunted by her own legacy as the daughter of a convicted serial killer.  Dark forces may be at work in Bayern County, and Anna must separate legend from truth before she becomes the next to vanish.

From the author of The Hunter’s Daughter—an acclaimed debut named “the best thriller” on the TODAY show and a Best of the Year pick by Amazon—comes a chilling supernatural mystery steeped in Slavic folklore. THE SISTER’S CURSE is an atmospheric blend of psychological suspense and slow-burn horror, perfect for fans of The Marsh King’s Daughter, Simone St. James, and A Flicker in the Dark.

Nicola Solvinic holds a master’s degree in criminology and has worked in and around the criminal justice system for over a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives."

On my teetering list to read... 

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective - Jo Nichols

I started The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective after dinner one night. And stayed up way too late - I just couldn't put it down!

We meet the folks who live in the six cottages, including Mrs. B. She owns the cottages and has a relationship with each person.  Except for the dead body found on the grounds of the cottage. And what about that latest resident....

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective has the feel of a cozy mystery. And it is. We (the reader) are aware of their personalities, lives, thoughts, hopes, fears and more. Can you solve the case?

I love the epistolary bits used by Nichols. The group meets online. And the comments are quite funny. Quirky is the word for this book and characters. I quite enjoyed it all! Thanks so much Jo Nichols.

 

The Armchair Detectives - Matt Dunn

I find I am reading more and more 'cozies.' They are relaxing despite the bodies and baddies! How to pick one? For me it is usual the cover. I liked the bright red and the image had a cane and slippers of this one.

This is the first in a series - The Armchair Detectives by Matt Dunn. Where do you think the tale might be set? Retirement and care home? You're right!

Martin is our lead character and his sidekick is Albie. Martin is sure that there is crime afoot..... 

I liked Martin but as the book progressed, I grew tired of listening to him repeating for Albie. Martin's daughter was a bit wooden to me. I would like to have seen a woman in a larger role that Barbara was.

The crime was clever. It will be interesting to see where and what happens in the next entry.

This may be a trigger for some and a learning opportunity for others ... a medical condition is described. 

  

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.

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews!

Brand-new from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews! The Queen of the Summer Read is back with her first novel in two years!

 

Maeve and Therese Dunigan are sisters—but the two have been estranged for years. They could not be more opposite: Maeve, a rule-follower and Therese, a rebel. But when their mother’s death brings the family back together, the two find that they have inherited a painting—one that could be worth millions and could save each of them from their respective wolves at the door. The only issue is the painting might be a fake and the only way they can solve the problem is to find the original. This means a road trip—to Ireland, to their family roots, and to a mysterious crime that occurred years ago. 

With tensions simmering, the two hit the road and find themselves on twisty lanes, in colorful villages, at local pubs, and with handsome men whose gift of the gab is surpassed only by their charm. Can Maeve and Therese find the real painting, remove a family curse, solve a cold case, and actually survive without killing each other? Join Mary Kay Andrews on a road trip that will entertain you for miles.

#CoverReveal! Behold ROAD TRIP by NYT-bestselling author @marykayandrewsauthor. The mega-bestselling queen of the beach reads is back and she’s crossing the pond next summer with rolling hills, hot men with accents, and a trip to Ireland two sisters might not survive.

 Mark your calendars and start planning your Summer 2026 reading early. ROAD TRIP will be in stores everywhere on June 2, 2026 from @stmartinspress. Pre-order NOW!

https://bit.ly/SMPRoadTrip

#summerneverendswithmka

Down Cemetery Road - Mick Herron

Oh wow! I had seen the NetGalley mention of the CWA Gold Dagger winner Mick Herron's debut novel. 

I looked at the premise of Down Cemetery Road and thought yes - I like what I see. Two women fill the leaders role. Each has their own set of skills. I think I'm a bit more Zoë Boehm than Sarah Tucker.

The plot takes some inspiration from current events and government actives. 

Often I find that some books would be excellent as an audio books. That's the case with Down Cemetery Road. The narrator was narrated by Alix Dunmore. She has a clear speaking voice. She's created voices that are recognizable for the listener. She captures the dangerous, emotion and more of Herron plotting. A great tale and a great presentation.

The Wrong Sister - Claire Douglas

Woohoo! A new book from Claire Douglas - The Wrong Sister.
 

I adore domestic suspense novels. There are so many ways that a story can unfurl. A stranger trying to get into a family, or someone try to get out. Or both?...

Another must 'haves' are twists and turns! I really enjoy being surprised! Is it a clue, truth or lies?

There's one of every kind of personality populating the pages of The Wrong Sister.  Tasha is the one I was drawn to. Douglas does a great job with creating other players. And a hard to crack whodunnit!

Another great read from Claire Douglas! I'm looking for her next book.

A Baby for the Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin

A Baby for the Home Front Girls is the fifth and final book in Susanna Bavin's wonderful series. You could read this as a stand alone as well.

Manchester. 1942.

Sitting down with one of Bavis’s books feels like getting caught up with your friends. A core group have been in every book and some come and some go. But each one has their own story to tell. In this book, a blanket is found on the steps of a building. With a small infant inside….

The war is still raging and again Bavis details the bombings the crashes and so much more. The war is a character on its own.

I’m fascinated by how women made something last a little longer, come up with recipes to fit what they do have to eat and amongst all this, they have fun. Keep Calm and Carry On.

I’m sad that the series is ending, but I’m looking forward to Bavis’s next series. A Bookworm's World was one of today's tour stops. See below for what other bloggers thought. 

The Battle of the Bookshops - Poppy Alexander

If the word 'bookshops' is in the title - then I want to read it! I worked many years as a bookseller.

Poppy Alexander bring us a wonderful tale in her latest book, The Battle of the Bookshops.

Jules is back home as her Aunt Flo can't manage the one hundred year family store. Jules has to make it work! She is doing okay until someone else opens a new modern book store....

Karen Cass was the narrator. She a great job in presenting Alexander's work. I find sometimes that I become more enamored of the story when listening. That was the case in The Battle of the Bookshops. Cass created believable voices that easily let the listener know who's talking. Cass uses her voice to easily depict the emotion, anxiety and ..... I'll let you find out wins the Battle!

The Art of a Lie - Laura Shepherd-Robinson

I found author Laura Shepherd-Robinson a couple of years ago with her previous novel, The Square of Sevens. I was thrilled to see that she had a brand new book called The Art of a Lie.

The author takes us back England 1749. This isn't a time frame I usually read -  but there's not a Royal to be found. Instead, our lead character is Hannah who runs a confectionary shop with her husband. They're not making much, but a new recipe for something called Iced Cream could help. (YUM!) 

But her husband I missing. And those who say that they can help her? They are referring to themselves.

Everyone has their own agenda. And given the year this is set in, Hanna has to 'behave'. She is dismissed 'as only the wife'. Literally every last character is a liar. Can you find the truth?

I loved the deep look at the setting, the society, a woman's place, the  skullduggery and more. 

Shepherd-Robinson kept my attention from first to last. I encourage you to read the author's notes at the  end of the books. They're fascinating. Read an excerpt as well. 

The Devil's Advocate - Steve Cavanagh

Have you read Steve Cavanagh already? I've read three of his books so far and will absolutely be reading the others.

Why do I like his books so much? I'm a fan of suspense fiction, legal battles, and twists and turns. Cavanagh bring those three things together again in The Devil's Advocate. 

That cover catches your eye - with the font and the colors used. But it is the one sentence that seals the deal. 

"He's won every trial...because he's planned every murder." Creepy eh?

There's a group that work for and with lawyer Eddie Flynn. It's easy to 'meet' the supporting cast. You can easily jump in without having read any of the previous books.

I hope you enjoy them as well!