Reviews of Books by Sue Moorcroft, Faith Hogan, Janice Preston and Lisa Hobman

As well as writing books, I also read and review the work of other authors. I thought this week that I would share a few reviews from my recent reads by Sue Moorcroft, Faith Hogan, Janice Preston and Lisa Hobman.

Under the Italian Sun by Sue Moorcroft

Avon Books UK published 13 May 2021

A sun-baked terrace. The rustle of vines. And the clink of wine glasses as the first cork of the evening is popped…

Welcome to Italy. A place that holds the answer to Zia-Lucia Costa Chalmers’ many questions. Not least, how she ended up with such a mouthful of a name.

When revelations close to home turn Zia’s world upside down,she realises the time has come to search out the Italian family she’s never known.

But as she looks for answers, she can’t help but notice Piero, the vineyard owner next door – a distraction who may prove difficult to ignore…

This summer, join Zia as she sets out to uncover her past. But can she find the future she’s always dreamed of along the way?

My review 5 Stars

I think this is one of my favourite Sue Moorcroft books to date (and I’ve read them all). The hero of the book, Piero is fanciable just from Sue’s words on the page. Zia, the heroine, has a lot going on with her complex family dynamics and the fact her ex-boyfriend is best buddies with her best friend’s husband. Add into this an interesting and complex plotline spanning across England and Italy and there is plenty to keep you guessing. Can’t wait for the next Sue Moorcroft novel already!

Buying link here

The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club by Faith Hogan

Aria & Aries published 6 May 2021

Three women, three different stages of life, united by one thing: the chance to start again. 

When Elizabeth’s husband dies, leaving her with crippling debt, she must turn to her friend, Jo for help, who calls in her daughter, Lucy to run the village surgery. Leaving her city life, and past demons, behind, Lucy is determined to make the most of her fresh start. 

As life slowly begins to resemble something normal for the three women, Jo’s world is turned upside down when she receives some shocking news. 

In search of some solace, Jo and Elizabeth find themselves enjoying midnight dips in the freezing Irish sea. Here they can laugh, cry and wash away all their fears. As well as conjure a fundraising plan for the local hospice; to take a dip in the nip… 

An emotional story about taking chances, finding new friends and living life to the full.

My review Five Stars

Loved this book on so many different levels – the characters and the challenges they face. I didn’t think I would like a book being written from so many different points of view, but it was seamless and added to the story. He doesn’t even feature in the novel, but I wanted to bop Elizabeth’s late husband on the nose, especially towards the end of the book. I was praying for Lucy’s son, Niall to make the right choices, shed tears over Jo and Dan. I want to go and stay in Dan’s rented house on the hill and take part in the Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club. Great book and it made me want to search for the author’s other stories.

Buying link here

The Cinderella Heiress: 2 (Lady Tregowan’s Will)

Mills & Boon Historical published 27 May 2021

(Yes I got an advance copy)

She’s inherited a fortune

But will she realize her true worth?

Claiming her inheritance in London will help Beatrice Fothergill escape her bullying, belittling half brother. When her carriage overturns, dashing Waterloo soldier Jack Kingswood comes to her aid–setting her pulse racing! In return, believing her new fortune can help the injured veteran rebuild his life, Beatrice proposes a convenient marriage. But is this all she can offer–or dare Beatrice believe she’s worthy of more?

My review Five Stars

I devoured this book. At one point I slowed down with my reading as I didn’t want the story to finish. The baddies are bad, the hero is lovely and I could easily put myself in the heroine’s position. Contains a trade mark Janice Preston seduction scene. Can’t wait for book three of the series.

Buying link here

Dreaming Under An Island Skye by Lisa Hobman

Boldwood Books published 23 February 2021

After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon. 

Devasted, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.

Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life. 

During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences. 

Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?

Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

My review Five Stars

I loved this book and wanted to make my own escape to the Isle of Skye! The author tackles some difficult issues – bereavement, depression, divorce, children of divorce, but in a way that carries you along wanting the characters to find their happiness. Believable characters especially the hero, Reid and the heroine, Juliette. Evin and Chewie the dog wormed their way into my heart. A lovely escapist read.

Buying link here

I hope that you enjoyed my reviews of these four super books! Mx

Thank you for visiting my blog – Morton S. Gray – Author. I hope you enjoyed this post. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Summer at Lucerne Lodge was published as an eBook on 20 April 2021 and now available as a paperback too – Amazon Check on my Choc Lit author page for other options here 

International Bestseller Christmas at the Little Beach Cafe published as an eBook, audio and paperback – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook Books, Google Play and Choc Lit for other options.

Bestseller Sunny Days at the Beach is now available as an eBook, audio and paperback – Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook Books, Google Play and at Choc Lit for other options.

Christmas at Borteen Bay is available as both an eBook and audio download – Amazon Kindle, Audio, Apple iBooks, Kobo and Choc Lit for other buying options.

The Truth Lies Buried is available from all eBook platforms – Choc Lit, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Apple iBooks and also as a paperback and audiobook.

The Girl on the Beach published by Choc Lit is available as a paperback and from all eBook platforms –Amazon Kindle, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Barnes and Noble and Google Play.