Portobello Book Blog

Five French Hens sounds like an absolute hoot of a book and one I am disappointed not to be able to fit into my December reading list. I am delighted, though, to be able to share an extract from the novel with you today, thanks to the publishers Boldwood Books. The author Judy Leigh has … More #AuthorInTheSpotlight plus read an #extract from Five French Hens by Judy Leigh @judyleighwriter @BoldwoodBooks

First of all, how absolutely gorgeous is that cover? That is such an idyllic Christmas scene, that I’d just love to go to the chateau! This is Poppy’s first Christmas with her new man Leo, her life having changed dramatically since last Christmas, and she’s spending it with him at his chateau in France. I … More Christmas at the Chateau by Lorraine Wilson #shortstory #bookreview @Romanceminx @onemorechapter

The main character in this book is Jane, an investigative journalist who broke a huge story earlier in the year but at the cost of her relationship due to all the hours she had put into the story. Still trying to avoid her ex in the office, she is sent on an all expenses paid … More A Gift in December by Jenny Gladwell #bookreview @hodderbooks #festivereading

Around this time, many book bloggers start sharing their Top Ten reads of the year. But I’m not going to do that, I just can’t! There have been too many wonderful books this year that I haven’t managed to whittle it down to a Top Ten or anywhere near it really. And of course, there … More My favourite books of 2019 – Part 1 – January to March #topreads @annegriffin_ @mhairiMcf @SpainJoanne @sewelliot @lumsdenrich @janeoconnor100

Izzy’s Christmas Star is a story which features a zumba instructor, a rock star and as, you can see from the front cover, a lot of Santas! Izzy is a student who leads some zumba classes to supplement her student loan. Seth is the lead singer of successful rock band Scarlet Gryphon. When the two … More Izzy’s Christmas Star by Berni Stevens #bookreview @ChocLitUK @Berni_Stevens1

This book has been calling to me from my to-be-read pile for some time and finally with today being publication day, I have my review to share with you. And let me tell you, the book was well worth the wait! It’s the story of Allie, a research scientist, who by chance discovers an old … More Messy, Wonderful Us by Catherine Isaac #publicationday 5* #bookreview @catherineisaac_ @simonschusterUK @TeamBATC

I’m delighted to be joined by Heleen Kist today and to take part in the blogtour for her latest book, Stay Mad Sweetheart. I read Heleen’s debut novel, In Servitude, and surprised myself by really enjoying it even though it was much darker than my usual type of reads! You can read my review of … More #TenThings about Heleen Kist #author of #StayMadSweetheart @RedDogTweets @hkist #EverydaySexism #MeToo