Showing posts with label Darcie Boleyn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darcie Boleyn. Show all posts

Monday, 17 September 2018

Book Review - Love at the Northern Lights by Darcie Boleyn

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Amazon UK
Title:  Love at the Northern Lights
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 17th September 2018
Rating: 5 Stars


Runaway bride Frankie Ashford hops a plane to Norway with one goal in mind - find her estranged mother and make peace with the past. But when a slip on the ice in Oslo lands her directly in Jonas Thorsen’s viking-strong arms, her single-minded focus drifts away in the winter winds.

When it comes to romance Jonas knows that anything he and Frankie share has an expiration date - the British heiress has a life to return to in London that’s a world away from his own. But family is everything to Jonas and, as the one man who can help Frankie find the answers she’s seeking, he’ll do whatever it takes to help her reunite with her mother.

Now, as Christmas draws closer and the northern lights work their magic Frankie and Jonas will have to make a choice...play it safe or risk heartbreak to take a chance on love.

From its stunning cover, the hilarious first few chapters, and then the way the story develops, well this is just fabulous.   A heartwarming tale taking in a runaway bride, a trip to Norway, finding a parent and even more, discovering yourself too. 

Where do I start in explaining how much I loved this book - when I wasn't reading it I was wondering why, when I was I was hoping the ended would never appear, as I was enjoying the story so much. 

There are many directions and subplots, most of which I didn't predict which just added to the compelling qualities of this story.  There were some fabulous storylines, great writing, beautiful descriptions, some emotion, plenty of laughs and some romance too - I mean what else do you need - and I did I mention it also features a trip to see the Northern Lights, a sexy photographer, a quaint art gallery and a good idea of what Oslo is like in November. 

I would say this is more of a wintery book, perfect to read curled up by the fire, although I may have been just as content reading it in the sun during August! Most of the story is set in November, so its not what I would classify a Christmas book per se, more one that could be read at any time of the year, although Christmas does feature. 

I loved almost all the characters in this, apart from Frankie's grandma, but I could understand her towards the end at least.   I just got such a great feeling reading this that I can't really put into words, and' I don't really want to to comment on the plot as I think its best left to be discovered for yourself. 

This really is a wonderful book to add you your must reads stack for this winter, and its one of my favourites from this author.  

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Wednesday, 18 October 2017

Guest Post - Darcie's Christmas Playlist by Darcie Boleyn - Blog Tour

There’s nothing quite like a good Christmas song to get me feeling festive! Here are some of the ones I listened to while writing Christmas at Conwenna Cove and that I enjoy every year.


1. Maria Carey – All I want for Christmas is You  - Ah a classic song, not my favourite, but I can see why you picked it! 



2. Frank Sinatra – White Christmas  - Who doesn't like a crooner at Christmas, but is this really the best version? 




3. Wham – Last Christmas - My absolute favourite Christmas song, so glad you included it



4. Whitney Houston – The Christmas Song - Oh the Chestnuts song, sorry Darcie, much prefer my Christmas songs more upbeat! 




5. Michael Buble – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - I'll freely admit that I do love the Michael Buble Christmas specials! 




6. Brenda Lee – Rockin Around the Christmas Tree - Upbeat, a classic Christmas song, I always enjoy listening to this




7. John Williams – Somewhere in My Memory – Home Alone Soundtrack - Never heard of this one, I'm sorry Darcie, you will need to convince me its a worthy addition to a Christmas playlist! 


8. Bon Jovi - Please Come Home for Christmas



9. Chris Rea – Driving Home for Christmas 


10. Elvis Presley – I’ll Be Home For Christmas 


Looking at those last 3 choices, I can't help but think people should spend time at home over Christmas! Sorry to disappoint I'm off to the sun this year!

Thank you Darcie for this selection of Christmas music. My favourite is on the list, is yours? 



A heartwarming, romantic and Christmassy novel set in the gorgeous Cornish village of Conwenna Cove.


When Grace Phillips travels to Conwenna Cove to help her parents move there 30 years after their honeymoon in the village, she sees why they fell in love with the place. The festive decorations, carols in the air and constant supply of delicious mince pies certainly make it hard to leave. Grace soon meets local vet Oli Davenport and initially finds him rude, but learning about his passion for animals and how much he cares for his two kids helps Grace to see a softer side to Oli.


It’s been two years since Oli lost his wife to cancer. Though he loves eleven-year-old Amy and five-year-old Tom more than anything it’s hard to be mum and dad. He has no interest in romance until he crosses paths with beautiful and kind-hearted Grace. The sparks fly but both Oli and Grace are holding onto fear about letting someone into their heart.


As the snow falls and Christmas wishes come true can Conwenna Cove work its magic and help Grace and Oli find the happiness they both deserve?

Purchase from Amazon UK

Follow along with the rest of the blog tour



Sunday, 15 October 2017

Book Review - Christmas at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn

Amazon UK
Title: Christmas at Conwenna Cove
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 9th October 2017
Rating: 5 Stars


A heartwarming, romantic and Christmassy novel set in the gorgeous Cornish village of Conwenna Cove.

When Grace Phillips travels to Conwenna Cove to help her parents move there 30 years after their honeymoon in the village, she sees why they fell in love with the place. The festive decorations, carols in the air and constant supply of delicious mince pies certainly make it hard to leave. Grace soon meets local vet Oli Davenport and initially finds him rude, but learning about his passion for animals and how much he cares for his two kids helps Grace to see a softer side to Oli.

It’s been two years since Oli lost his wife to cancer. Though he loves eleven-year-old Amy and five-year-old Tom more than anything it’s hard to be mum and dad. He has no interest in romance until he crosses paths with beautiful and kind-hearted Grace. The sparks fly but both Oli and Grace are holding onto fear about letting someone into their heart.

As the snow falls and Christmas wishes come true can Conwenna Cove work its magic and help Grace and Oli find the happiness they both deserve?


Cornwall, Christmas, Conwenna Cove, Children, Cute animals, Kind hearted humans are all the key ingredients that make up this fabulous book. At times I felt really emotional reading this due to what Oli and Grace have suffered in their pasts, and the rest of he time I was smiling and wishing I was part of the families in the book!

This is a second book set in Conwenna Cove, but it definitely works as a standalone. In fact we don't see a whole deal of Jack and Eve in this story, so if you haven't read the first book it won't affect your enjoyment of this one.  That being said fans of Summer at Conwenna Cove will be delighted to see soe familiar faces, in and around the town. 

To me it isn't Christmas without children, and thus this book wouldn't have been anywhere near as good had it not been for Tom and Amy, who are local vet Oli's kids, and about to have their second Christmas since Linda died.   

Grace is only in Conwenna Cove to settle her parents into Rosehip Cottage, and then intends on going back to Cardiff. Yet as she spends longer in Cornwall, she finds herself drawn to Oli and his family, despite not really wanting to let anyone in. 

Grace's parents are fabulous, I loved the way Simon (her dad) is a great cook, and between them make Oli and his family feel a lot happier. There are great people who aren't without their own heartache, which makes them really relatable too, and I would have loved them as my parents. 

There are some adorable animals in this book, I especially loved Hope, and the family of cats. This really is just a great heart warming book from Darcie Boleyn, and I am hoping that we will see more from Conwenna Cove in the future. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Canelo for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Saturday, 14 October 2017

Book Review - Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn

Amazon UK
Title: Summer at Conwenna Cove
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 15th May 2017
Rating: 5 Stars


In a gorgeous Cornish village, two brokenhearted people fall head over heels. But can the magic of Conwenna Cove heal the hurt of the past? A feel-good summer romance perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Phillipa Ashley and Jenny Hale.

Eve has a glittering career, a loving husband and a future. But a terrible twist of fate means she loses it all, and with nowhere left to turn she flees to her Aunt Mary’s home in Cornwall. The last thing on her mind is romance – until she meets Jack.

Jack has seen the worst things people can do to each other and realised he is better off alone. He settles in Conwenna Cove, and saves his affections for the rescue dogs he cares for. But when Eve arrives in the village he can’t deny his attraction to her.

Eve and Jack are both scared to trust, but when they come together it’s impossible for either to ignore their feelings. Can they put their fear aside and learn to love again?

Summer at Conwenna Cove is an emotional and heart-warming holiday read about being brave enough to take a chance on love.

From the first pages of this book I was drawn in, and by the time the action moved to Conwenna Cove, I was hooked. 

I loved the descriptions of Conwenna Cove, and more importantly of Mary and Jack. For Eve has retreated to her Aunt Mary's house, after things get on top of her at work. What she wasn't counting on was that Mary now has a tennant, Jack, and that he would be an ex-marine with a soft side to him 

He is working in a greyhound rescue centre, and I fell in love with Gabe, and I wasn't the only one. Gabe is a greyhound who needs to learn to trust, a bit like the humans in this story.  

This was a great story of learning to love and trust again, to follow your instincts, and of a summer in a Cornish seaside location. 

This is easily Darcie Boleyn's best book so far,  I can't put my finger on exactly why I loved it so much, but perhaps its because there were things in all the main characters that I could relate to easily.  I loved Mary, and even she has a love interest on the horizon, while Jack had many hidden depths, while Eve was coming to terms with many things in her life, once she gets past denial. 

I loved seeing how Jack and Eve's story would pan out, whether they would get together or whether Eve would go back to Bristol permanently.  There are some funny scenes too including one involving mayonnaise and one where Jack doesn't realise his own strength wile knocking on a door. 

I really enjoyed this book, and am already looking forward to reading the Christmas edition of Conwenna Cove! 

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily

Monday, 31 July 2017

Book Review - Love at the Italian Lake by Darcie Boleyn - Blog Tour

Amazon UK
Title:  Love at the Italian Lake
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 31st July 2017
Rating: 4 Stars


Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realizes her life is going nowhere. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move.

When Sophia – quite literally – bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realize they’re both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards.

But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets. Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe’s romance – or will they find love at the Italian lake?

I'll freely admit that it was the cover that completely seduced me into reading this book, its simply gorgeous and makes me feel as though I am on the shore of an Italian Lake. Well its a good thing the cover had that effect as the book is set in Lake Garda, in summer and the story is every bit as lovely as the cover. 

The book opens on a bit of a cliche, although Sophia's reactions aren't as passionate as you may have thought, and she uses it as an opportunity to change her life a bit. Which is why a while later, she decides to visit her Nonna in at small town in Lake Garda to reevaluate her life. 

All of Joe and Sophia's early meetings are really enjoyable, especially as they seem to spark off accident proneness in each other, which leads to some quite funny situations.  Initially I wasn't sure if the leads had much chemistry but towards the end I was really rooting for them. 

Both are only planning to stay in Italy for the summer, and over the course of the summer there are family secrets to be revealed, sight seeing to be done and potential new friendships and of course Italian Food! One of my favourite scenes was the descriptions of the various types of Italian pastries at a market stall, which just made my mouth water. 

Love at the Italian Lake is exactly what is says in the title, a love story set around Lake Garda, which was really enjoyable to read. 

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 





Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Guest Post - Five Favourite Things about writing Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn - Blog Tour

My five favourite things about writing Summer at Conwenna Cove were:

(1) Building complex main characters. Eve is a strong yet vulnerable heroine. She’s been through some tough times yet tried to stay on top of things. She struggles with losing control, but when she realises that she can rely on other people, we see a whole new side to her character emerge. Jack has been through his own trials and it was important for me that his point of view came across too. He’s strong yet gentle, talented and vulnerable, and I wanted him to be happy after all he’s experienced. Life is tough in many ways, but when we have a chance of happiness, we have to grab it with both hands and hold on tight.

(2) Weaving the romance into the story. Summer at Conwenna Cove is a story about dealing with the things life throws your way and becoming stronger because of it. Eve and Jack both grow because of their experiences and because of their feelings for each other. In particular, the story is about Eve’s journey as she accepts that there’s more to life than she’s tried to believe up to this point. I wanted the story to follow Eve’s growth, as well as her rollercoaster of emotions as she gently falls in love.

(3) Creating the Cornish village of Conwenna Cove. I had so much fun with this! I even drew a map of the village so I’d know where everything was. I wanted to bring the village to life, so I described the setting in plenty of detail, and hopefully, readers will enjoy visiting Conwenna Cove as much as I did.

(4) Writing about greyhounds. As a greyhound mum, I care a great deal about these beautiful, gentle creatures. I adopted my girl, Freya, from Greyhound Rescue Wales, and the rescue sanctuary in the novel is based on Hillcrest in Ammanford, where Freya came from. The employees and volunteers of GRW work tirelessly to care for the hounds and they deserve recognition for the wonderful work they do.

(5)    Developing the character of Aunt Mary. She’s caring and generous, funny and wise, and I have to admit to weaving some of the loveliness of my own granny into her character. I hope you enjoy reading about her!

Thank you so much for sharing Darcie. I look forward to reading the book especially now I know there are greyhounds in it!



Eve has a glittering career, a loving husband and a future. But a terrible twist of fate means she loses it all, and with nowhere left to turn she flees to her Aunt Mary’s home in Cornwall. The last thing on her mind is romance – until she meets Jack.

Jack has seen the worst things people can do to each other and realised he is better off alone. He settles in Conwenna Cove, and saves his affections for the rescue dogs he cares for. But when Eve arrives in the village he can’t deny his attraction to her.

Eve and Jack are both scared to trust, but when they come together it’s impossible for either to ignore their feelings. Can they put their fears aside and learn to love again?

Summer at Conwenna Cove is an emotional and heart-warming holiday read about being brave enough to take a chance on love

Information about the Book
Title: Summer at Conwenna Cove
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Release Date: 15th May 2017
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Canelo
Format: E-book


Author Information

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.

Author Links



Tour Schedule

Monday 15th May

Tuesday 16th May

Wednesday 17th May

Thursday 18th May

Friday 19th May

Saturday 20th May

Sunday 21st May

Monday 22nd May

Tuesday 23rd May

Wednesday 24th May

Thursday 25th May

Friday 26th May

Saturday 27th May

Sunday 28th May

Friday, 11 November 2016

Book Review - A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas by Darcie Boleyn

Amazon UK
Title: A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: 7th November 2016
Rating: 4.5 Stars


Lucie Quigley hates Christmas. It’s the time of year when everything goes wrong in her life. So this year, when she’s asked to be a bridesmaid at her friend Petra’s Manhattan wedding, she jumps at the invitation to escape the festivities.

Dale Treharne has been best friends with Lucie for as long as he can remember. He’s used to looking out for his oldest friend and when she asks him to be her plus one, he can’t seem to find a reason to refuse. Instead, he sees it as a way to help Lucie get through what is, for her, the most miserable time of the year.

In New York, as the snow starts to fall, Lucie and Dale start to realise that their feelings run deeper than just friendship. But can they overcome their pasts, and make it a very merry Manhattan Christmas?

Another enchanting book from the talented Darcie Boleyn, and probably the third or fourth book I have read set in New York at Christmas this year alone. However this is definitely a good contender for Christmas in New York book of the season, as it follows the story of Lucie and Dale, childhood best friends. 

Lucie though is not a fan of Christmas with good reason, which is hinted at throughout the book, and finally revealed. Dale loves Christmas and when Lucie asks if he will accompany her to New York over Christmas, so she can be a bridesmaid, he doesn't hesitate to say yes. 

The only slight flaw in the plan is when Dale lets his parents know he won't be coming over for Christmas, because of Lucie, they make a massive assumption about the pair, that leads to a spiralling set of lies. 

What starts and looks like your general light hearted Christmas book, evolves around mid way into something that is very compelling to read, and has a bit more depth to it and plenty of strands of storylines. 

The overwhelming thought I will take from the book is just what a thoughtful and romantic sort of guy Dale is. He is the ultimate boy next door sort, and seems to always be there just as Lucie needs him.  Lucie is the sort of girl who although she hates Christmas, she is willing to try a bit harder this year just to make her friend happy, and slowly her heart starts to melt towards the season. 

There are some classic New York moments in this, and I especially loved the description of the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre, as well as the carriage ride around Central Park .These are things I only ever see in books, but hope one day I will get to experience for myself, but until then I am happy to lose myself in festive fiction such as this very enjoyable book. 

Thank you so much to Canelo and Netgalley for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion. 

Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Guest Post - Darcie Boleyn's Top Five Christmas Films - Blog Tour

No Christmas would be complete without movies. Each year I have my favourites that I watch over and over again.

Here are my top five festive movies:

#1 has to be National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Growing up I watched this movie with my Dad every year and every time he would belly laugh until the tears rolled down his cheeks. It has such good memories for me and these days I watch it with my husband and children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=decUIVkZ4GI
#2 is Home Alone – This movie is a classic. I loved it as a child and my children love it, especially my son. It never ceases to amuse us all and the ending sees me in tears every time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4qLXp2kX3k

#3 is It’s a Wonderful Life – A beautiful movie that always reminds me to appreciate what I have and, again, that makes me cry!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewe4lg8zTYA

#4 is The Grinch – I just love that wicked green guy with his bah humbug attitude and I’m always moved by his turnaround and acceptance of the error of his ways.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD0m9t4WHEQ

#5 Die Hard – I can’t believe this was made back in 1988! Its exciting action scenes featuring the fearless, wisecracking Bruce Willis AKA John Maclane and its messages about family values get me looking forward to Christmas every year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TQ-pOvI6Xo

Thank you Darcie for sharing with us your top Christmas films. I believe it or not have only seen The Grinch from that selection, so will have to take your word for the others. 


Lucie Quigley hates Christmas. It’s the time of year when everything goes wrong in her life. So this year, when she’s asked to be a bridesmaid at her friend Petra’s Manhattan wedding, she jumps at the invitation to escape the festivities.

Dale Treharne has been best friends with Lucie for as long as he can remember. He’s used to looking out for his oldest friend and when she asks him to be her plus one, he can’t seem to find a reason to refuse. Instead, he sees it as a way to help Lucie get through what is, for her, the most miserable time of the year.

In New York, as the snow starts to fall, Lucie and Dale start to realise that their feelings run deeper than just friendship. But can they overcome their pasts, and make it a very merry Manhattan Christmas? 

Information about the Book

Title: A Very Merry Manhattan Christmas
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Release Date: 7th November 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Canelo
Format: ebook


Author Information

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.

Author Links

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

Book Review - Something Old, Something New by Darcie Boleyn - Blog Tour

Amazon UK
Title: Something Old, Something New
Author: Darcie Boleyn
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Netgalley
Publisher: Carina
Publication Date: 16th May 2016
Rating: 4 Stars


Will you marry me…again?

When Annie Thomas agrees to give her ex away at his wedding to his boyfriend, she thinks she’ll be fine. With her three children at her side, she can handle anything. Then she finds out her gorgeous first ex-husband Evan Llewellyn is flying in from his glamorous life in New York to attend as well!

An unexpected pregnancy ended their relationship and as she stumbles through the ups and downs of life as a working single mum – helping everyone else find a happy ending along the way – Annie refuses to believe their old and incredibly hot spark can still exist.

It’s only when she and Evan are forced to face up to the past together that they’ll discover if they can have their own happily-ever-after too!

Although I thought the start of the book was nice, and perfectly pleasant, it took ages for the characters and story to really get a grip. I was still wondering if the book would ever works its magic and then I find myself welling up with tears at various places, and the emotion of various situations started to get to me. 

I think if anything this book my be a good example of "second book syndrome", it really didn't feel as good as the author's first, and I just wonder if it had been rushed a bit, as although it was enjoyable, it felt quite like a lot of other books on the market. 

However by the end I loved every person in Annie Thomas's family, from her ex husband number 1 Evan, and dad to their 17 year old Janis. I loved Dex who is Annie's second ex husband, and that his wedding to his new husband is key to the story. Dex is also father to the youngest children in the family 6 year old Henry and 4 year old Annabelle who is adorable. Add in next door neighbour Cassie, two dogs with rather unfortunate names and you have a brilliant modern family unit. 

There are many moments to raise a laugh, and some that you will just go ahhhh at. The children are all well described and you can definitely tell they seem realistic for their ages, and Janis strikes me a sensible young woman for the most part. 

The question of  course on everyone's lips is whether Annie and Evan still have anything between them, as they both seem oddly unsettled at the thought of each other dating other people. I did though find it hard at times to connect to Evan, and I am disappointed that he was the main man in this book. 

Something Old, Something New has great chapter headings, a generally light hearted feel to the story and is a fun read. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Carina for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.




Author Bio: 


Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.

Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcieboleyn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Darcie-Boleyn
Blog: https://darcieboleyn.wordpress.com/

Blog: https://pinkinkladies.wordpress.com/darcie-boleyn/



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