#BlogTour #BookReview #Love&Laughter(andotherdisasters) #EloraCanne

 

Love & Laughter (and other disasters) - A midlife romcom by Elora Canne

Life in Pelican Cove is about to be disrupted when felines and big feelings move into the neighbourhood, along with the newcomers.

Meryl starts having unsolicited feelings for local yogi, Louis, aka Captain Underpants. She valiantly fights the moral dilemma of falling in love ‘at her age.’ However, she's secretly enjoying the new experience, until her grown-up daughter casts doubt in her mind.

In a spontaneous act of defiance, Meryl decides to engage in the friendship of a secret admirer, Gardening Pop, via a local gardening forum as well. They share misguided messages of blooms as their friendship blossoms.

Meanwhile, Louis, Captain Underpants, finds himself in a love triangle of his own, when yogi, Glenda, makes her move on him. Glenda elicits the help of her close friend, Antoinette, and the two go off on a relationship101 Girls Only Weekend Getaway. There, they literally stumble upon sizzling trail guide, Andy. Soon, Glenda discovers she has no need to poach Louis after all.

Will Meryl still be interested in Louis' suave moves? Or, has Gardening Pop plucked at her heartstrings?

This laugh-out-loud romcom novella brings out the best and the worst in the people of Pelican Cove, in a tangle of love and laughter, and other disasters.

  https://books2read.com/u/m00xoV

Elora speaks openly about her relationships across all dynamics. She reveals nuances that expose her insecurities and resultant growth with naïve honesty. Elora shows us how she copes with mother-guilt, people-pleasing and intimacy with an unusual blend of insight, pain and resolution. Her candid disclosures are sometimes sombre, sometimes humorous, always enlightening.

My blog is probably the best to add :

https://creatingsparksthatlast.blogspot.com/2025/03/love-laughter-is-here.html

Also Instagram: https://instagram.com/elora_canne

Excerpt:

‘Look, we’re not getting any younger and a wasted opportunity can’t be revisited.’ Norrie offered.

Otherwise there’s Meryl’s excerpt on one of the promo images if the above one isn’t suitable.

Love & Laughter (and other disasters)

Written By Elora Canne

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews 

First, I want to thank Elora Canne for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

Oh Elora Canne, your book Love & Laughter (and other disasters) was a breath of fresh air compared to the psychological thrillers I am used to reading!! Your book put a koolaid smile on my face, many times gave me a chuckle or two, and gave me an eye opening look at dating when I get older.

Amber Grosjean did an incredible job designing Elora’s cover for her book. It was absolutely stunning and with bright beautiful colors. It was an eye-catching cover that makes you want to know more about the book. 

My heart broke for Meryl who lost her husband Arthur and was conflicted if she should pursue happiness with someone else this late in life. What would her daughter think of this turn of events? Would she approve?

I laughed that she wrote a pro/con list of why she should or should not date him. 

Elora not only let Meryl express her feelings but Louis got to express his anxieties as well that was refreshing to see. 

This is an adorable, cute, fast paced read, one sitting read. 

#BookReview #TheQuietSister #AlexStone #BoldwoodBooks #NetGalley #RachelsRandomResources

 

 The Quiet Sister

Keep your enemies close...your sister closer...

To outsiders, twins Mia and Kate have always been close, like good sisters should be. But in private their relationship is one of jealousy, resentment and bitterness.

Popular and attractive Mia is always the centre of attention, loved by all. Quiet and reserved, Kate is overlooked and underestimated, and has tried to build a life away from Mia and her manipulation. Finally she is happy and content.

But then Mia returns and makes it clear that she wants to be part of her sister’s life again, to have everything Kate has...including her new fiancé Scott.

Kate can’t allow Mia to ruin her life again. She’s done this too many times in the past – always taking things that don’t belong to her.

As old tensions, secrets and lies return, tragedy strikes. And one sister will use the opportunity to live the life she has always wanted…the life she has always deserved.

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

Author Bio – 

Alex Stone is an accountant from the West Midlands, who uprooted her life to pursue her dream of living by the sea and becoming a writer. She is proof that if you stick at it, anything is possible, and is now a psychological thriller author based in Dorset. This beautiful and dramatic coast is the inspiration and setting for her novels.

Alex has a keen interest in psychology, and her novels examine how situations in the past can shape a person for the better and the worst.

Her debut novel, The Perfect Daughter, has been described as; 'cleverly written, powerful, shocking, and totally believable.'

Social Media Links 

Facebook: @AlexStoneWriter

Twitter: @AlexStoneAuthor

Instagram: @AlexStoneAuthor

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alex-stone

The Quiet Sister

Written By Alex Stone

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Alex Stone, Boldwood Books, Rachel’s Random Resources and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this book. 

Never has a Psychological Thriller triggered similar emotions as the main character as it did in Alex Stone’s The Quiet Sister. The similarities of the story were somewhat relatable to what I have been dealing with. Both Chloe and I both lost our father who we were close with. She has a twin and I have an Irish twin (born 11 months apart) who couldn’t be more different from each other. My heart broke into a million pieces when Chole went to her Dad’s place to find out everything was gone, no memory of them were there. 

Usually I can read a book in one sitting but this one It took me longer to finish. Not because it was not a good story-because she is a very good storyteller. Just for me I am still mourning my Dad and this was a little heavy too soon. 

I totally understood how Chloe felt invisible when it came to the sibling rivalry with Mia. 

#BookReview #IfILostYou #SheilaNorton #BoldwoodBooks #RachelsRandomResources #NetGalley

 

 If I Lost You

A heartbreaking read about the bonds between a mother and her child, and how we will do everything to save them...

 

My son George is everything to me, but he’s slipping away, and no one can tell me why.

Every test comes back inconclusive, every doctor leaves me with more questions than answers. I’m terrified – each day brings new fears, and my heart aches knowing how much he’s suffering.

Then Barbara appears – my biological mother, a stranger for most of my life. She’s in poor health, struggling with the weight of her past, and her sudden arrival stirs a mix of emotions in me. Part of me wants to believe she’s here to help, but there’s a wall between us, and I can’t shake the feeling there’s something very wrong.

As George’s condition worsens, I find myself wrestling with doubt. Can I truly rely on Barbara? Will she bring comfort or complicate an already fragile situation? All I want is to protect my son and give him the love and support he deserves. I only hope that I can be the mother he needs before it’s too late. Will I find a way to save him?

A heartbreaking and emotional novel about a mother’s love, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jojo Moyes, and Kate Hewitt.

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

Author Bio – 

Sheila Norton lives in Chelmsford, Essex and part-time in Torquay, Devon. She is the author of over 20 novels, covering several different sub-genres of contemporary fiction. She is now being published by Boldwood Books, writing emotionally-charged family dramas, the first of which, 'A Good Enough Mother', was published on 13 March 2024. Her second book with Boldwood, 'Not Your Child', will be published on 23 September 2004 and explores the themes of coping alone with a child, the benefits of friendship, and attitudes towards women without children.

Sheila was the winner of the Romantic Novelists Association award 2022 for the best Christmas/Winter seasonal novel, with her book 'Winter at Cliff's End Cottage'. This was the latest of several feel-good novels set in Devon. Earlier novels included two books narrated by cats.

Her first novel was published in 2003, and before this, she had over 100 short stories published in women's magazines. She worked for most of her life as a medical secretary, until retiring early to concentrate on her writing.

Sheila is married and has three daughters and six grandchildren. She loves hearing from her readers, and can be contacted through her website (sheila norton dot com) where you can also ask to be added to an email mailing list for updates about Sheila's books and writing life. You can also follow her on Facebook (sheila norton author) and Instagram (sheila ann dot norton).

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @SheilaNortonAuthor

Instagram: @sheilaann.norton

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

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sheila-norton

If I Lost You 

Written By Sheila Norton

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank Sheila Norton, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review. 

WOW!! Sheila Norton wasted no time pulling on my heartstrings in her latest emotionally filled book If I Lost You! I just knew from the heart warming cover and the title that it was going to be a book I needed tissues for and well I was correct in that! If I Lost You captured my full attention in one sitting and loved every minute of it. 

Sheila addresses some very important topics in her latest books that many of her readers may be able to relate to like adoption, meeting your birth mom, and the effects of how childhood asthma can affect the family dynamics. 

I could totally relate to the George and Molly situation as I was in the same boat as they were growing up. Being in and out of Toronto Sick Kids Hospital due to my Hemidystrophy I was always taken out of school for the day to see the Orthopedist. I would get the attention because I was “special” and my other sisters didn’t at the time. So, I can understand where Molly was coming from in this story as I was the George in the storyline. 

#BookReview #Childrens #WhatIfLilPeterWhatIf #PeterValdezIII #TasheLaine #MeiMeiLeonard #SkyebluePress

 

A Thought-Provoking Story About Choices, Dreams, and the Power of Every Moment.

After a storm leaves their park in ruins, Lil Peter and his friends are more interested in fun and games than in helping with the cleanup—until their school principal makes them an unexpected offer. It’s a challenge too captivating to ignore, one that sparks wild ideas, big dreams, and exciting possibilities.

But as their imaginations run free, something still doesn’t feel quite right. What are they missing?

Packed with humor, heart, and an eye-opening discovery, What If, Lil Peter, What If? will inspire young readers to dream boldly, think deeply, and realize the greatest gift they have to make a difference is... themselves.

Perfect for kids ages 3-10, parents, and educators looking for a meaningful story with an empowering message. This book invites young minds to dream big, think deeper, and discover the magic hidden in everyday moments.

Also in the Lil Peter series:

● Get Up, Lil Peter. Get Up!

● You Can’t Quit, Lil Peter, You Just Can’t

● Teamwork, Lil Peter, It Works

● Pick Me, Lil Peter, Pick Me

● Small Things, Lil Peter, Make A Big Difference

● Smile Lil Peter, It’s A Gift

● Your Word, Lil Peter, Is Your Word

● Be True, Lil Peter, Be You

● Hold On, Lil Peter, Or Let It Go

● What If, Lil Peter, What If?

Bios:

Peter Valdez III and his wife, Tasche Laine (a multi-genre author), collaborated on their first children’s book, Get Up, Lil Peter. Get Up!, to pay tribute to Peter’s grandfather. The oldest of 29 grandchildren, Peter was nicknamed ‘Lil Peter’ to differentiate him from his father and grandfather. Each story in the series is told with a message or lesson that affected Peter’s life as a child and grounded him as an adult.

Peter was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with Tasche and their pups, Story and Page. He still enjoys playing soccer every chance he gets.

To find out more about Tasche and her other books, visit her website at taschelaine.com.

Mei Mei Leonard is an Oregonian illustrator and animator. She graduated from PNCA (Pacific Northwest College of Art) in 2020 with a BFA in animation.

Although her work is primarily digital, she has a great fondness for traditional pencils and inks. She enjoys fairytales and general childhood whimsy in the things she draws, but is not one to shy away from serious topics.

Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/what-if

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228640057-what-if-lil-peter-what-if

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/lilpeterbooks 

https://www.facebook.com/lilpeterbooks

  

What If Lil Peter What If?

Written By Peter Valdez III and Tasche Laine

Illustrated By Mei Mei Leonard 

First, I want to thank Peter Valdez III, Tasche Laine and Mei Mei Leonard for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review. 

Peter Valdez III, Tasche Laine and Mei Mei Leonard are back again with their 10th children’s book What If?  Lil Peter What If? I have been with Lil Peter’s journey throughout this series and see him grow up in his books. This one out of all of them is by far my favorite. It has so many important messages that are not only great for children but adults as well. For me personally there was a special message at the end of the book that I took away from it. 

This book will get your kids thinking and expanding their mind about the bigger picture out there. Maybe it could form a discussion at home between you both at home. 

Not only has the story grown but Mei Mei’s drawings have evolved with the characters as well. As I have said before, the three of them make a great team. I look forward to seeing more adventures in the future! Congrats on your 10th book! 

#Bookouture #MyHusbandsChild #AlisonRagsdale #Bookouture #NetGalley

 

When I find a little girl standing on my doorstep, I don’t know what to do. But as I take her small hand in mine, she whispers words that will change my life. ‘Mummy said you’d look after me.’

Ever since her husband left her for another woman, Cora has been trying to put her life back together. But when she hears he started a family, her heart breaks all over again. And so, when the doorbell rings late one night, the last person Cora expects to find is her husband’s child.

The little girl is shivering, clutching her baby brother’s hand. With no other choice, Cora ushers the children into her home. As she settles them by the fire, she tries to work out what happened. But as the days pass and her phone calls go unanswered, she realises the children’s parents have vanished without a trace…

Over the following weeks, Cora grows to love the children as if they were her own. And as she tucks them into bed each night, pressing a kiss to their foreheads, her heart feels fuller than she ever could have imagined.

But when her ex-husband’s wife reappears, Cora senses she isn’t telling the truth about why she abandoned her children. And when Cora’s ex-husband returns, claiming the children aren’t safe with their mother, she faces an impossible choice. Should Cora believe him or the children’s mother? And should she trust her instinct that something is terribly wrong?

An utterly compelling and heartbreaking story about motherhood and a devastating family secret. Readers who love Kate Hewitt, Jodi Picoult and Diane Chamberlain will be totally captivated by this deeply emotional novel.

Alison Ragsdale is an Amazon bestselling author, and two-time IPPY Award winner. She writes emotional, contemporary fiction novels with a touch of Scotland. Her books are described as heart-wrenching tales of family dynamics and relationships.

Alison lived and worked in eight countries before settling in the USA. She now lives near Washington D.C., with her husband and super-spoiled dog. She loves to read, spend time with family, throw parties with bagpipers involved, watch So You Think You Can Dance, and cook comfort food.

Join her mailing list and be the first to hear about her new book releases at www.alisonragsdale.com

https://www.facebook.com/authoralisonragsdale/

https://www.instagram.com/alisonragsdalewrites/

https://x.com/AlisonRagsdale

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Alison Ragsdale here: https://www.bookouture.com/alison-ragsdale

Buy Link:

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0DPHTC719social

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

My Husband’s Child

Written By Alison Ragsdale 

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews 

First, I want to thank Alison Ragsdale, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review. 

My Husband’s Child by Alison Ragsdale is a heartwrenching, poignant and compelling book and beautifully written. The storyline was so exceptional and addicting that I binged read it til the wee hours into the morning. 

My Husband’s Child I feel would be perfect for book clubs and book discussions because there are so many important life lessons and messages in this book that can be discussed. Not only that but the family dynamics of the storyline I feel there could be some heavy discussions within the groups. 

In My Husband’s Child the character I most liked the most and could relate to was Cora. She wanted to become a mother but never had the opportunity. Until her ex husband and his wife ups and abandons their two kids and leaves them with Cora. Seriously, who does that?! Turn not only Cora’s life upside down but those two innocent kids that don’t know what is going on. 

Needless to say there is a lot of family drama in My Husband’s Child. This is one story that took me on an emotional rollercoaster where I was literally yelling and screaming at my Kindle because some of these characters pissed me off. 

There were some very tender and sweet moments between Cora and the kids that just melted my heart. 

My Husband’s Child is one of those books that the storyline will stay with you way after you finish reading the book. This has to be on your tbr list for sure. 

#Booksontour #MessageDeleted #KLSlater #Bookouture #NetGalley

 

When I read the message from my best friend Leona, I sense the danger screaming from every word.

 

Can’t speak. Don’t text or call. Please just come.

 

I race to her house, thinking about the circle of bruises I saw on her wrist days earlier. But when she opens the door, Leona is smiling, her husband’s arm tightly around her narrow shoulders, her little girl’s laughter echoing from the living room.

 

She says she never sent me a message and she’s fine. And when I look at my phone, the message is deleted.

 

But six hours later, the police are at my door. Leona and her family have disappeared, their dinner burned, blood all over the kitchen.

 

My best friend and her beautiful family are missing. I was the last one to see them alive…

 

A completely gripping and addictive thriller from the number 1 ebook bestselling author K.L. Slater, Message Deleted will have you glued to the pages until the very last twist. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Freida McFadden.

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.

 

Author social media:

 

Website

https://klslaterauthor.com/

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/KimLSlaterAuthor/

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/klslaterauthor/

Twitter URL

https://twitter.com/KLSlaterAuthor

 

Message Deleted 

Written By K.L. Slater

Review By Heidi Lynn’s Book Reviews

First, I want to thank K. L. Slater, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review. 

K.L. Slater is back with another twisted psychological thriller in Message Deleted to add to your TBR list. This was a story that was written creatively out of the box.

For me Message Deleted didn’t draw me in right away which I was disappointed by. Usually, I love a book that grasps my attention right away and hooks me so I can’t stop reading the book. For me it took a few chapters to start getting faster paced. However, when it did boy did it, 

Of all the characters in this book Ash was my least favorite one. He just rubbed me the wrong way because of the way he treated Leona. 

My heart was with Saffy when she just went through something horrific moments prior to a big job interview. I think I would have reacted the same way that she did.

Message Deleted has a lot of wicked twists, turns, action scenes and some violence thrown in.