Bad Company on Coronation Close

 

It is not often that I am sad after finishing a book.  I sure was after this one.  I love reading Lizzie Lane's books.  I have read all the books in this series.  I have lost quite a bit of sleep reading them.  I had to stay up very late to finish this one.

The women of Coronation Street are so different.  They created a family, of sorts. They look out for each other.  They cry together in bad times. They celebrate in good.

The second generation of these women are now making decisions for their futures.  I am worried that a couple are headed for real trouble.  You can see it coming.  

I have to read the next installment to find out the outcome.  

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

#rararesources

#blogtour

Bad Company on Coronation Close

A heartwrenching and inspiring World War Two saga of friendship, courage and love in the face of danger! Perfect for fans of Rosie Goodwin and Jean Fullerton. 💔

With the men still away fighting, the women keep the home fires burning - some more than others…

Bristol 1942

Following the death of her controlling husband, Margaret Routledge is no longer the downtrodden church mouse she once was. Now she’s the talk of the Close, frequenting seedy pubs and clubs where men gather to pick up good-time girls. It seems Margaret is past redemption until she sees neighbour Jenny Crawford’s headstrong 16-year-old daughter Gloria on the arm of a man of ill repute, and her motherly instincts return.

By contrast, Jenny's eldest, land girl Tilly, has a heart of gold, but trouble brews when she helps a vulnerable mother and child with a dangerous past.

A wayward daughter only adds fire to Jenny’s personal problems, which she chooses to keep to herself in the hope that they will go away.

Meanwhile, Thelma Dawson has landed herself a promotion, but will it conflict with her ongoing romance with Peter van Luntzen – and where is he? Will he come back and make good on his promise?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/BadCompanyonCC 

Author Bio – 

Lizzie Lane is the author of over 50 books, including the bestselling Tobacco Girls series. She was born and bred in Bristol where many of her family worked in the cigarette and cigar factories.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: @baywriterallat1

Instagram: @baywriterallatsea

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/LizzieLaneNews

Bookbub profile: @baywriterallatsea

Marrying the Matchmaker

 

After a couple of great matches in the Shanahan Family,  Bellamy knew he was close to becoming the official Matchmaker of the county. His father was ready to hand over the official records.  But his father had one more request.  

Zaira loved to write but had to keep it secret from her parents.  Her friend, Bellamy, knew she wrote for the newspaper under the guise of being a man.  Bellamy hid his artistic talent from his father. They also hid their feelings for each other.

A sweet final story of the Shanahan Match Series. I have really enjoyed the books. Each book was very entertaining.  I loved the characters and I sure love Jody Hedlund's books.

I received this book from the author to review.

About the author

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

The Belle of Chatham

I have been so impressed by everything by Laura Frantz.  Her attention to historical detail is amazing. This story drew me in at once. I love history.  This book is about the American Revolution- 1777. It brings the citizens' hardships during this time to life.

Mae left everything she knew to marry Rhys.  Rhys was an American General. He was often not at home. She never knew if he was coming home, alive or injured.  She prayed for his safety. She prayed for his return.  This is the life of the soldier's wife. 

Her sister was so unlike Mae. She was angry. She was spiteful. She found ways to sabotage the cause. She was in a dangerous place.

I loved the book. I really enjoyed getting to know Mae and her friend, Lucy.  Lucy came from a different social class than Mae.  But none of this mattered during times of war.  They pulled together and accomplished what seems impossible. They were closer than sisters.

Enjoyed every minute of reading this.

About the author

Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State. Her bestselling, award-winning novels have been translated into various languages. Visit her website and sign up for her newsletter.

 

The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane

 

Three co-workers who became very close friends. All trying to make it day by day, with hopes of better days ahead.

Amanda, Bethan and Maisie doing what they can to improve their lives.  All three struggling at the uniform factory.  Changes are coming that will have a major impact on their lives.

I love the friendship between the girls. They were brave and supportive of each other. It's amazing what they had to do to survive.  But survive, they did. 

#blogtour

#rararesources 

I received this book to review from Boldwood.

The Market Girls of Petticoat Lane

🪡 With the world at war, three women stitch hope into every seam…🪡

In the bustling heart of London’s East End, Maisie, Amanda and Bethan work long hours at the uniform factory. The pay is poor, the shifts relentless and the bombs fall far too close for comfort ­– but these three women refuse to give in to despair.

For when not at the factory, the girls spend their days on the markets of Petticoat Lane, trying to source material in order to make dresses ­– doing their best to bring any small amount of joy in these troubled times.

When a chance encounter leads them to a bundle of parachute silk, they decide to think bigger. And so, with needles in hand and a dream in their hearts, they begin sewing a beautiful wedding dress in secret.

But in wartime, secrets don’t stay hidden for long. And when Amanda uncovers seedy goings on at the factory, all of their livelihoods may be on the line…

A page-turning tale of friendship, courage and a chance for a better life. If you loved The Library Girls of the East End, be the first to read Patricia McBride's brand new series!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TheMarketGirls 

Author Bio – 

Patricia McBride is the author of several fiction and non-fiction books as well as numerous articles. She loves undertaking the research for her books, helped by stories told to her by her Cockney mother and grandparents who lived in the East End. Patricia lives in Cambridge with her husband.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @patriciamcbrideauthor

Instagram: @tricia.mcbride.author

Newsletter Sign Up: bit.ly/PatriciaMcbridenews

Bookbub profile: @patriciamcbride1

Shared Secrets For the Homefront Nurses

 Oh the heartache! The drama.

The nurses continue their friendships during the time of war. Each are so different from each other but they are so very close.  The support they give each other is very rare.

Veronica carries the heartache of her mother's illness.  And the secret she holds.

Sylvia loves Jesse but he has changed.  And not for the good.

Kathy keeps a wall up so she won't get further hurt.  But Jeff stirs something up in her that she can't ignore.

Freda is on to bigger things and leaves all that she loves behind.

An interesting story that can pull at your heartstrings. I enjoyed the story.  And you will, too.

About the author

Rachel writes WWII friends and family saga novels set in the beautiful city of Bath (just a short 30 min drive from where she lives!)

She’s the author of 35 novels, including the Amazon bestselling Home Front Nurses and Shop Girls series. The fourth book in the Home Front Nurses series, Shared Secrets for the Home Front Nurses releases on 13th February 2026 and Rachel will debuting a brand new saga series in September 2026, currently entitled the War Orphans.

When Rachel isn't working (which isn't often!), she loves walking the English countryside, reading and completing jigsaw puzzles in front of the TV while watching a period or crime drama - preferably a combination of the two!

Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm

Rosie Clarke does me in everytime.  I have read her previous books plus this series.  I am amazed how she writes such fantastic characters.

I am a big fan of WWII fiction.  This story is a continuation of a loving family trying to survive during this time. Pam, the matriarch of the family, does everything she can to keep her family together.  

Young Susan is in college studying to be a nurse. She finds love and is hopeful for her future.

John, scarred by battle, has no hope for the future. 

Artie was tempted to lose everything by the flirty land girl.

Tom leaves his family and the farm that he loves to serve his country.

I loved the book.  You will, too!

#blogtour

#rararesources

Tears and Fears on Blackberry Farm

Nothing is ever easy on Blackberry Farm!

Cambridgeshire – 1944

Pam Talbot dedicates her life to keeping those who live and work at Blackberry Farm fed, safe and sound as Artie holds the fort whilst brothers Tom and John are away on national service.

Still reeling from the death of her beloved husband Arthur, Pam makes a rash decision in Arties’s favour which backfires causing him to neglect his duty on the Farm. Now Artie is struggling to run two farms and to add to his woes a new land girl sets her sights on him and won’t take no for an answer.

John is transferred to convalesce in Sussex but is struggling to come to terms with his life changing injuries and new life. Can Sister Jane help him find peace and see a brighter future?

Tom, still on active duty, is ordered undercover in his army unit to discover a traitor. Tom’s life hangs in the balance if his secret mission is exposed. Can Tom find the traitor and be granted the honourable discharge he so craves?

The Talbot’s are never far from trouble and tragedy – maybe their luck is about to change – or maybe not...

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/TearsAndFears

Author Bio – 

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose books include Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Social Media Links –  

Twitter: @AnneHerries

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RosieClarkeNews

Bookbub profile: @RosieClarke

A Winter of Changes

This is the continuing saga of Wilma and her Amish family.  They are an extremely close family and very loyal to each other. 

Decisions are being made as to Iris' future. Matthew is finally settling down after years of indecision.   Adaline and Jacob finally reached a decision.

Wilma's granddaughter, Tabatha drives me nuts.  She sounds as though she has ADHD.  She is always up to something. She doesn't think through the possible consequences of her actions. She's gone to far this time.  

It has been a pleasure to read this series.  Clean stories. Wonderful characters.

#SamanthaPrice

#blogtour

Samantha Price is a USA Today bestselling author of Amish romance and cozy mysteries. Raised in the Brethren faith, she writes with a heartfelt understanding of the Amish way of life.

When she’s not writing, Samantha enjoys quiet moments at home with her rescue cat and her fluffy white dog, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Snowy from the Ettie Smith Amish Mysteries.

Find a full downloadable and printable Series-Reading-Order at: SamanthaPriceAuthor dot com

Hope For The Future

Not long ago I read the first book of this series - Echos of the Past.  I was so enthralled by the plot line.  I loved the characters and was happy to see that this book continues the story. 

1930s Scotland. The three children of Weem and Jess Lowrie are making their way in the boating business. Times could be difficult. Choices had to be made to secure their futures.  

James was the oldest. He loved carrying on the family fishing business.  The sea called his name. He had many regrets and was only really happy when he was out at sea.

Bethany always wished that she could be at sea. But she was a woman.  And women stayed on land taking care of their spouse and family.  She kept her secrets and did everything she could to protect her son.

Innes was different. He was happy on land. He loved his wife and family.  He was the happiest of the three.  He did have a greater family life which Bethany and James did not.

A lot of drama. Excitement. Tears.

I absolutely loved it.

#blogtour

#rararesources

I received this book from Boldwood to review.

Hope for the Future

Can a family escape its dark past to find happiness?

Buckie, Scotland 1918

Brothers James and Innes Lowrie return home to their wives and families after the war, Innes working for a shipbuilder and James returning to sea and the family's fishing business. Sister Bethany Pate and Innes have sons and heirs to go into the family business, but James does not. Innes takes in orphaned Etta Mulholland, adding to his already large family.

In 1931, as the new generation take the helm and pursue various careers in Buckie’s fishing industry, some are content to take on the roles their parents have chosen for them, while others rail against these strictures. Adam Pate longs to join the man he knows as his uncle, James, as a fisherman, while his mother wants him to study at university and to find a life far from the danger of discovering dark family secrets.

Trouble brews when Etta Mulholland begins work as a herring gutter, guided by her cousins, but new relationships set various family members against one another, and the family’s fortunes are threatened by external forces and the sea itself.

Is there light and happiness ahead for the hardworking families of Buckie or will discord from the past weave into their futures.

Storytelling at its best, Evelyn Hood is the original bestselling Scottish saga writer 💫

Previously published as A Sparkle of Salt

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/HopefortheFuture

Author Bio – 

The Sunday Times bestselling author of 28 published novels, Evelyn Hood had a variety of jobs, including being a journalist and a poultry farmer. She was a full time writer, best known for her family sagas, set mainly in her home town of Paisley (Renfrewshire) and on the Clyde coast, where she also lived.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16YScQLN3J/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Instagram: @evelynhood52author 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evelyn-hood 

The Match Factory Girls

Loved it! Love, Love, Love!  Very informative as I knew nothing about making matches and the danger it involves.

How could you not love Amelia Spencer? She found herself in a bad way.  She was determined to survive.  With the help of new friends, she had the chance.

There were parts that were gloomy and sad.  I couldn't believe how her parents treated her.  

I enjoy books from and about different periods of Britain. It was entertaining and informative.  I would recommend it.

Thanks, Boldwood.

Echos of the Past

What a mess!  Weem, their father,  is gone, but the mess he created continued on.  His three adult children suffered the consequences of his actions.

I couldn't put this book down. The drama. The heartbreak. The Shock.  Just wow!

Jess wants what all mothers want.   She wants her children to be happy. She wants them safe.  But one night the unthinkable happens. Life will never be the same after that. It can't. 

Be aware. I wouldn't rate this book PG.  There are some racy storylines.  

I received this book from Boldwood Books to review.

#rararesources

#family drama

#blogtour

Echoes of the Past

Can a family thrive after the death of a domineering patriarch?

Buckie, Scotland 1912

One year after Weem Lowrie’s death, his wife Jess and children are still living in his shadow, bound by the strict decisions he imposed when he was alive.

Eldest son James and his sister Bethany are trapped in marriages arranged to bolster the value of the family’s fishing business. Youngest son, Innes, struggles with the memory of his father’s disapproval over his failure to become a fisherman.

James longs to take over as skipper of the family fishing boat, The Fidelity, rather than working for his uncle. Bethany dreams of escaping from her role as a wife and stepmother to two young children and Innes longs for acceptance and respect from his siblings and to be seen as a man. But pursuing these aims only seems to invite new conflict into their lives.

And when Jess’s childhood sweetheart returns to Buckie, his attempts to help the family using his wealth and influence seem destined to cause even more chaos.

Storytelling at its best, Evelyn Hood is the original bestselling Scottish saga writer 💫

Previously published as The Shimmer of the Herring

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/EchoesofthePastBook

Author Bio – 

The Sunday Times bestselling author of 28 published novels, Evelyn Hood had a variety of jobs, including being a journalist and a poultry farmer. She was a full time writer, best known for her family sagas, set mainly in her home town of Paisley (Renfrewshire) and on the Clyde coast, where she also lived.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16YScQLN3J/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

Instagram: @evelynhood52author 

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/evelyn-hood 

Jodie Wolfe- Courting Love

Three entertaining stories that I was given the privilege to read.  

An Angel for the Cowboy

Picking a Bride for Paul

Wooing the Cook

I love reading story collections.  I was super excited to get this collection to read.  I love reading Jodie Wolfe's books.  I can't pick one story over the others.  All three are great.

AN ANGEL FOR A COWBOY

Essie Love had the responsibility of caring for her younger sisters.  How was she going to keep a roof over their heads?

PICKING A BRIDE FOR PAUL

Paul asked his good friend, Teddy Love, for help in finding a bride?  Can Teddy do this even though she has romantic feelings for him?

WOOING THE COOK

Kitty Love avoided Noah at all costs.  She can't forget how he treated her when they young.  Noah needed a cook but he needed Kitty more.

I highly recommend picking up a copy.  Clean, romantic stories that are a pleasure to read.

I received this book from the author to review.

#blog

#JodieWolfe

About the author

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHL) and has been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Live the Adventure Letter. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. In addition to writing, Jodie sings in her church choir and is a voracious reader. You’ll often find her praying for snow in Pennsylvania. :)

Look for Jodie on her website, Facebook, Pinterest, and MeWe.