The Last Love Song

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis (from Amazon):  Sweeping from the rural coast of Ireland to the glamour of 1960s London, Losing You is a spellbinding story of love and loss from the internationally bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley. Discover this reimagined novel from an author loved by millions of readers worldwide.

She knew she’d love him for the rest of her life. Whatever the cost . . .

All Sorcha O’Donovan knows is life in her small windswept village on the rugged West Cork coastline. When she falls head over heels for handsome local musician Con Daly and he asks her to run away with him, Sorcha knows she has to follow her heart.

Penniless in London, the young lovers soon realize you can’t live on dreams alone. But then Con finally gets his big break, and their lives change beyond all recognition. Suddenly the future looks bright.

But as fame and fortune begins to take its toll, Con and Sorcha must try to hold on to who they truly are, or risk losing what matters most . . .

Long before she became the bestselling author of The Seven Sisters series, Lucinda Riley wrote Losing You as Lucinda Edmonds. This lost treasure has now been reworked and given new life by Harry Whittaker, Lucinda’s son and co-author of Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: What an amazing story. I loved it from page 1. The Last Love Song takes us back to the 1960's and 1980's with so many twists and turns. It is a great rock-n-roll story that includes rags to rich, unknown musician to fame, on top of the world to prison, must read one more chapter type of book.....it is just so good. 

The Last Love Song = The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto (Mitch Album) + Daisy Jones and The Six (Taylor Jenkins Reid).

I loved the Seven Sisters Series and did not realize the Lucida's son finished the series.  I love that he took his mother's novel and modified it to bring us The Last Love Song. 

I read this book in 3 days and I am not a fast reader. I just couldn't put it down. Stayed up too late reading and don't regret it!

Amazing story - it is just so good!

Lucinda Riley was born in Ireland and, after an early career as an actress in film, theatre and television, wrote her first novel aged twenty-four. Her books have been translated into thirty-seven languages and The Seven Sisters series specifically has become a global phenomenon, creating its own genre. 

In 2020, Lucinda received the Dutch Platinum Award for sales of over 300,000 copies for a single novel in one year – an award last won by J. K. Rowling for Harry Potter. In collaboration with her son Harry Whittaker, she also devised and wrote the Guardian Angels series of books for children.

Though she brought up her four children mostly in Norfolk, England, she fulfilled her dream in 2015 of buying a remote farmhouse in West Cork, Ireland, which she always felt was her spiritual home, and this was where her last five books were written.

Lucinda was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and died on 11 June 2021, surrounded by her family.

Harry Whittaker grew up in the 1990s and spent the first few years of his life on the rural west coast of Ireland. The son of the author Lucinda Riley, Harry became a storyteller himself, as an award-winning radio presenter for the BBC and a member of one of the UK’s most renowned improv troupes. In 2019, Harry and Lucinda co-authored the Guardian Angels series for children – four reassuring, timeless stories addressing worries that a small child may have.

After Lucinda’s death in 2021, it was announced that Harry would complete the Seven Sisters series on behalf of his late mother. Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt publishes globally in May 2023.

Harry lives in Yorkshire, England.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

Blind Trust

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis (from Amazon):  In Blind Trust, the third installment in Eckles’s series featuring financier and complex heroine Celeste Donovan, Celeste is mourning the death of loved ones while trying to conjure newlywed bliss. As one of the richest self-made women in the world, she appears to have it all—a penthouse apartment, meteoric business success, and a supermodel’s physique with a mathematician’s mind. Beneath the surface, however, she is haunted by how much she has lost.

Now that Celeste has the opportunity to move on from the turmoil of the past few years, she is committed to eliminating any threats to her new life. But the past comes knocking. Entangled with a global crime syndicate that will stop at nothing for revenge, she cannot turn a blind eye to the destruction it has caused. Though she gives the appearance that she has joined her close friends in an alliance with rogue federal agents, she continues to partner with ruthless characters who move through the shadows.

With secrets surfacing and enemies closer than ever, Celeste must navigate betrayal from unexpected sources. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes no one is safe—and nothing is what it seems.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Oh boy......so much is revealed in this book that I need to be really careful not to give everything away.  Lots of crazy things come out that I didn't expect or ever see coming. 

I love all the characters, suspense, adrenaline, steamy, twist and turns scenes from page 1. A lot of open things from book 1 and 2 come to light, but there are things that leave us hanging too. The epilogue is in Teddy's voice and leaves things wide open for many possibilities (fingers crossed).

This is book 3 of a series and I do recommend reading the series in order.  There is enough background in book 2 and 3 to connect the dots, but there is just so much (in a great way) in this series, I wouldn't want to miss out on anything. 

I absolutely love the first book in the series and was hoping for more.  So happy I got my wish.  Will there a book 4 or a new series with focus on Teddy? I sure hope so!

See my reviews for Trading Secrets and Risky Assets.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND ALL 3 BOOKS IN THE CELESTE DONOVAN SERIES

An Indiana native, Rachael Eckles moved to New York City after law school. There she worked in the finance industry, her inspiration for the elusive Celeste Donovan world. She currently lives in Manhattan, where she is working on her next novel. Rachael donates a portion of her proceeds to local and global programs that empower women and girls through her foundation, Aphrodite Gives.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

Courage and a Castle: A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

Synopsis (from Amazon):  Courage and a Castle offers a unique and compassionate look at the human condition. The book opens with a poignant story about the author’s mother, Mary, near the end of her life and then reaches back to where Mary's memory no longer can. The book explores Mary's strength of character and strong work ethic that served as cornerstones for her future.

Early in her marriage to the love of her life, Mary became the sole breadwinner for their family of eight. Through family tragedies and life-threatening conditions, she met life's challenges with abiding faith, resilience, and kindness. Despite being severely affected by a brain bleed and later Alzheimer's, Mary adapted, and her spirit, faith, and unconditional love remained constant.

A heartwarming, inspirational, and, at times, humorous account of a life well lived, a life that inspired and touched many.

One (or more) Sentence Summary: I really love that Courage and a Castle was a tribute to the author's mother. It is very clear just how strong and amazing Mary was during her life.  She was faced with manage challenges and her love for her family and belief in her faith she was resilient.  It was clear how much Wanita (author) loved her mother and family.  

The book is made up of short stories that reflect on Mary and those close to her and is an easy and fast read.  Every story is packed with meaning.

I have always wanted to write a book as tribute to my mother.  She passed away way too early and I have always wanted others to know just how amazing she was.  I am extremely jealous that Wanita was able to do so for her mother.  Amazing job and I am sure Mary is looking down with such pride.

Encourage others to read Courage and a Castle: A Tribute to a Remarkable Woman!

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

Someone to Hold

    ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

What it is About:  She’s the one woman I can’t let myself want.

Molly McAllister is my best friend’s widow, a single mom trying to keep her flower farm alive, and the last person in this small town who should look twice at me.

I ride bulls for a living. My body’s a battered mess with my heart in even worse shape. I’m carrying enough scars—inside and out—to know I don’t deserve someone like her.

But when she ends up laid up with a broken ankle, I’m the one who shows up to help. I’m supposed to be the guy she hates. Hell, I’ve given her plenty of reasons. Instead, I’m the one carrying her up the damn stairs and flipping pancakes for her twins like I belong in her kitchen. In her life. Her bed.

She thinks I’ve come to take her land. The truth? Every time I look at her, I’m in danger of handing her my heart.

She’s sunshine and second chances. I’m storm clouds and bad decisions.

We’re supposed to be enemies. But the longer I’m in her world, the harder I fall. Fast, deep, and way past the point of no return. If I’m not careful, I could lose more than my heart…I might lose her, too.

If you love enemies-to-lovers, second chances, he falls first cowboy heroes and so much found family goodness, this is your next read. Book 4 of The Skylark Series can be read as a standalone and has a guaranteed HEA.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Another amazing book in The Skylark Series.  We are introduced to Molly and Chase in Someone to Hold.  This is a true enemies to friend romance and includes the wonderful friends from the book club I want to be part of! 

Molly hates Chase due to the comments he made about her in the past.  He made it very clear on her wedding day that he disliked her to her late husband (Chase's best friend), Teddy. Molly injures her ankle and Teddy's mother is going on a long trip "hires" Chase to look after Molly and her twins. Molly is in need of help with the twins and her business (flower farmer).  It is also her turn at the bucket list challenge.  

Her challenge.....say no to moving with her mother-in-law to New Mexico and purchase the family farm.  She wants to stay in Skylark, raise her kids and make her flower business a success.  The challenge did not include falling head over heels for Chase.  

Chase is running from his past as well.  Coming from a family with an abusive father he joined the bull riding circuit and hasn't been home much.  After a career ending injury he is back and wants to settle down in Skylark and run a bull ranch.  One way to get that ranch is to purchase his best friend's family farm. He never had plans on falling for his last best friend's widow and twins.  

Love how Molly and Chase work through their past to come together as one.  

Another must read from Michelle Major!!

See my review for Someone to Have,  Someone to Love and Someone to Tempt

USA Today and Top 5 Amazon Bestselling author Michelle Major writes swoon-worthy stories full of heart, heat, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. When she’s not dreaming up romance, you’ll find her hiking the trails (or avoiding housework) in her home state of Colorado.

Connect with her at her website or come say hi on Instagram (@michellemajorauthor) and Facebook (@MichelleMajorBooks).

Goodreads

BookBub

Amazon

Uncharmed

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

What's it About:  Andromeda "Annie" Wildwood is the perfect witch: she’s sugar, spice, and everything nice. Each element of her life is curated and polished—with some assistance from a carefully created magic potion, of course. She spends her days serving up delicious pastries in her charming bakery, and her best friends are the most popular witches in London.

 

Naturally, Annie’s coven believes she’s the perfect choice to mentor a young teenage witch named Maeve, who has been orphaned and cannot get a handle on her blossoming powers.

 

Maeve is headstrong and stubborn, and she’s different from Annie in every way. When the pair are confined to a crumbling, secluded cabin in the woods—a place where Annie can safely teach Maeve to harness her magic—they form a fast friendship. And when the owner of the cabin shows up unexpectedly—a brooding, handsome warlock—the trio becomes inseparable.

 

Annie may have just found her perfectly imperfect family in her new home-away-from-home. But what happens when the coven declares Maeve ready to be an adult witch, and Annie must return to her real life?

UNCHARMED is a sweet and charming escapist novel that will delight readers of T.J. Klune’s The House on the Cerulean Sea and Sangu Mandanna’s The Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Filled with some fan-favorite romance tropes (grumpy-meets-sunshine, forced proximity, there’s-only-one-bed), and themes of self-acceptance and found family, Wood’s latest

One (or more) Sentence Summary: Cute story (especially in the fall) that transported to a world where witches and magic spells.  However, their world is very much like every other world.  Self-doubt, unnecessary family shame, both true and fake friendships, and selfish and unselfish individuals.  Uncharmed takes us on Annie's journey of self discovery.  Along the way she realizes how good of person she is and there is nothing wrong with her individually. She has so much love to give and truly cares about people in her life.  Proving to others who she is and what she is capable of is part of the journey.  Of course falling in love along the way helps too!  

I enjoyed seeing Maeve, the orphan Annie has been put in charge of evolve into a lovely person and develops her true magic along the way.  Let's not forget to mention Hal, the cowboy who prefers to be alone, that is until he meets Annie.  Loved all his magical animals too! 

I have not read Lucy's first book Rewitched, but have added to my read list.  Perfect book for fall or any time of year.

Lucy Jane Wood is a widely loved online content creator who has over 200K YouTube subscribers and 85K Instagram followers. Her delightful videos cover topics from fashion and lifestyle to home renovation, cooking, and of course, books.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

If It Makes You Happy

  ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

What It's About:  IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY can be described as Gilmore Girls meets thePumpkin Spice Café – but a lot steamier! Set in small-town Copper Run, Vermont, in autumn 1997, Olivia’s first traditionally published novel offers readers a love story that feels like the first sip of a warm, delicious latte on a cold day. It’s a grumpy-meets-sunshine, fish-out-of-water tale of two small-town business owners and next-door neighbors who fall head-over-heels for each other, set in a simpler time before smart phones and internet dating.

Copper Run, Vermont, 1997: The leaves are changing colors. School is back in session. The locals are decorating for Halloween. The most inviting scents are wafting from the bakery. And a taxicab delivers an out-of-towner and her dog to the local inn.

 

When big-city advertising executive and recent divorcee’ Michelle arrives at the bed-and-breakfast that was her mother’s retirement project, she can hardly appreciate the glories of a New England fall. Michelle is grieving her failed marriage and the unexpected loss of her mom. With her life crumbling around her, Michelle suffers one more blow when she agrees to take a leave of absence from her job at the ad agency in Seattle to handle things at her mother’s small-town inn in Vermont. 

 

Michelle doesn’t know the first thing about running an inn. So, when her very helpful, very attractive, single dad of a next-door neighbor offers to give her some hospitality lessons, Michelle agrees. It’s not long before this stubborn city-dweller finds herself falling for small-town living… and for her hot neighbor.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  I would love life in Copper Run. I don't think I could run an inn, but everything else about the town and the people in If It Makes You Happy, made it a town I would love to be part of. I really liked Michelle and her journey. How hard is it to go from married life in Seattle as well as a successful executive in advertising to losing your mother and moving across country to temporarily run her inn while your sister finishes school. 

There is also Cliff, the single dad neighbor who is also owns the local bakery. His two daughters, Emily and Brittney, draw you in as well.  They are at such different stages in their lives and Cliff does an amazing job with both of them.  Of course Michelle fits right in too.  

I also loved that it was set back in 1997. I don't tend to read a lot books set in the 90's (not sure if it is not a popular timeframe or I just don't stumble upon them) and really enjoyed it.  I was a young adult and coming into my career during that time frame and could relate to Michelle. 

Very enjoyable book and I will be on the look for more books written by Julie Olivia!

Julie Olivia writes cozy love stories filled with humor, spice, and close friend groups that feel like a warm hug. She is a roller coaster fan, avid romance reader, and rainy day enthusiast.

Julie lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and their very opinionated pets.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email:

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club

   ~ I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Never miss out on future posts by following Seaside Book Nook.

What the Book is About:  NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Two sisters living on Martha’s Vineyard during World War II find hope in the power of storytelling when they start a wartime book club for women in this spectacular novel inspired by true events, from the New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls.

“A dreamy beach book that also sizzles with tension . . . another winner by one of the best historical fiction writers around.”—Fiona Davis, author of The Stolen Queen

2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She’s come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible.

1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows both in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war . . . before it’s too late?

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  What an amazing story.  I loved absolutely everything about it. I was transported by to 1942 on Martha's Vineyard and pulled in the story from page one.  The back story of the troops on the beach, the mysterious man who washes up on the beach, the women in publishing from New York really brought the story of Cadence and Briar come full circle. 

Visiting Martha's Vineyard is a bucket list summer vacation of mine.  Reading The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, makes me want to book a trip today.  Someday, I will make it there!

I can't wait to read Lilac Girls and I am not sure how I missed it when it was published.  Martha has 3 other books that I have added to my "to read list"; Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters and The Golden Doves.  

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a must read book! 

Martha's debut novel LILAC GIRLS, about socialite Caroline Ferriday and her fight to help a group of concentration camp survivors, became an Instant NY Times bestseller in 2016 and went on to sell over two million copies. Once the paperback stayed on the NYT list for fifty-four weeks, and became published in fifty countries she wrote two more novels: LOST ROSES about Caroline's mother, and SUNFLOWER SISTERS about her great grandmother, which also became Instant NY Times best sellers. Her latest novel, THE GOLDEN DOVES, which returns to WWII, arrives in bookstores April 18th, 2023. 

Martha grew up in Massachusetts and now splits her time between Connecticut and New York City. 

You'll find more info about the incredible, true stories behind all of her books at her website: http://www.marthahallkelly.com, on Instagram: @marthahallkelly, Facebook.com/marthahallkelly, Twitter: @marthahallkelly and on her ever-changing Pinterest page.

Amazon 

Get new posts by email: