** Blog Tour ** Invitation to Italy- Victoria Springfield

I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the blog tour for ‘Invitation to Italy.’

Abi is distraught when her ex-husband Alex takes their twelve-year-old daughter, Chloe to spend the summer with his glamorous fiancée Marisa and her parents at their home on the beautiful Italian island of Procida. Persuaded by her best friend to book a holiday at the island’s Hotel Paradiso, Abi finally meets the woman she’s been avoiding for so long. Will the two women’s strained relationship survive the summer?

One-time teenage swimming sensation, Loretta, has run the Hotel Paradiso since leaving Capri broken-hearted. When childhood friend Salvo comes to stay, Loretta is forced to confront her past and the fears that have kept her away from the water for forty years. But just as she finds the courage to open her heart, she discovers all is not as it seems with Salvo…

It’s a summer of new beginnings for Abi and Loretta – and one they will never forget.

Take a trip to Italy with Victoria Springfield for a summery getaway any time of the year!

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invitation-Italy-Victoria-Springfield-ebook/dp/B0CF4S132C

https://www.amazon.com/Invitation-Italy-Victoria-Springfield-ebook/dp/B0CF4S132C

Author Bio – Victoria Springfield writes contemporary women’s fiction immersed in the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy. Victoria grew up in Upminster, Essex. After many years in London, she now lives in Kent with her husband in a house by the river. She likes to write in the garden with a neighbour’s cat by her feet or whilst drinking cappuccino in her favourite café. Then she types up her scribblings in silence whilst her mind drifts away to Italy.

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/VictoriaSwrites

https://www.instagram.com/VictoriaSWrites

https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaSpringfieldAuthor

Review-

What an absolute treat to be transported to Italy from the comfort of the pages of a book!

Having previously visited the area around Naples and the isle of Capri, the smaller island of Procida was unknown to me but it came alive in this wonderful tale of second chances.

I loved the parallels between the characters of Abi and Loretta, despite them being from different generations, and watching them grow and learn to explore their feelings as the plot progressed.

I immediately warmed to Bill’s character and loved how, despite him seemingly having avoided new romance previously, he was so at ease in Abi’s company.

I liked the inclusion of Chloe’s storyline as it resonated not only in Abi’s insecurities about her parenting but also in Chloe’s attempt to adapt to new family situations and the teenage angst of fitting in with peers.

The descriptions of Italy made me yearn to return; from the idyllic surroundings and historical features to the sumptuous descriptions of local delicacies and wine, it was a real treat for the senses.

This was one of those books that once you’ve picked it up, you don’t want to put it down and I agree wholeheartedly with the tagline that it’s a perfect read for a summery getaway at any time of year.

With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Orion Publishing for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Further stops can be found here:

** Blog Tour ** A Kiss in Kashmir- Monica Saigal

I’m delighted to be one of today’s stops on the blog tour for ‘A Kiss in Kashmir.’

Sharmila, a painter entering the autumn of her life, had gently set aside hopes of love after a heart-wrenching loss. In Kashmir to orchestrate her daughter Alina’s wedding, Sharmila never anticipated that the universe was crafting a different plan—one of second chances and unexpected love.

She crosses paths with George, a professor of Indian art history and a kindred spirit bearing the weight of lost love. Together, they explore Kashmir’s lush valleys, snow-draped mountains, clear lakes, and ancient shrines. A fragile romance quietly blossoms, gently guiding their hearts toward a future neither dared to dream of.

Is it possible for a single glance to kindle a connection, or for one to find a soulmate twice?
Yet, as their burgeoning love blooms, a startling revelation threatens to cut their story short. With the breathtaking beauty of Kashmir as its canvas, “A Kiss in Kashmir” is a touching story of love, loss, and second chances.

 Purchase Links

Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Kashmir-Timeless-Tale-Love-ebook/dp/B0CPX8FLQB

Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kiss-Kashmir-Timeless-Tale-Love-ebook/dp/B0CPX8FLQB

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-kiss-in-kashmir

Author Bio –

Equal parts storyteller and globe-trotter, Monica Saigal (Bhide), is an award-winning author, accomplished literary coach, and educator who transcends countless borders—chronological, geographical, religious, and economical—to inspire her readers. Born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East, and now residing outside Washington, D.C., she currently serves as a corporate storyteller for one of the world’s leading professional services companies.

Monica writes in a variety of genres and has written best-selling short story collections and heartwarming love stories, as well as acclaimed memoirs and cookbooks—Eat Your Books chose Monica’s memoir, A Life of Spice as one of the top five food memoirs of 2015 and Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi picked Monica’s Modern Spice as one of the “Best Books Ever” for Newsweek in 2009. Her novel, Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, is a book club favorite and inspired the NPR café in Washington, D.C., to serve up creations inspired by her protagonist chef. Her much anticipated upcoming novel, A Kiss in Kashmir was released in February 2024.

Social Media Links –

Website: https://monicasaigal.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mbhide

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.bhide1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicasaigalbhide/

Review-

“Kashmir has a way of getting deep into your soul, and once it does, you never want to let go.”

What a wonderfully evocative and captivating story! It had me yearning to visit to sample this piece of paradise for myself, such was the beauty of the depiction of the landscape and culture.

This is a tale of love through tragedy, family history, and a blend of cultures coming together in harmony.

The tagline ‘a timeless tale of love’ is especially apt. The narrative felt historical in places but was brought to the present day with current dates at the beginning of chapters and the mention of pandemic. It truly feels as though it could have been written for any time.

The warmth of the Kashmiri welcome for Sharmila and Alina is a delight, as is the open hospitality shown towards them and the blessing bestowed unconditionally upon them fosters a real sense of belonging.

Art is a prominent theme throughout; George is a professor of Indian art history, Vikram a painter and teacher, Daneen talented in textiles and Sharmila a talented artist and this helps to weave the narrative and characters together.

It’s no surprise to read the author has written several cookbooks of her own, as the mouthwatering descriptions of the traditional Kashmiri dishes are tantalising and authentic.

This is up there as one of my favourite reads so far this year.

With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.

Further stops can be found here:

** Blog Tour ** Second Chances- Miriam McGuirk

I’m delighted to be able to share an extract as part of the final day of the blog tour for ‘Second Chances.’

Second Chances is a touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, UK, following the intertwined lives of the residents who live on the same road.

At the heart of the story is Molly—kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie.

But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly’s new life takes an unexpected turn.

As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances.

The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it’s never too late to make a change.

Second Chances is a poignant, multigenerational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith.

Purchase Link – www.books2read.com/Miriam

Author Bio – 

Born in Dublin, there has been a constant thread of writing and storytelling running through Miriam’s life. She proudly nurtures her ability to tell stories thanks to her Irish heritage. 

Miriam lives in the historical town of Rye, East Sussex with her husband, Chris, spending time in her Writing Cave where only her characters join her.

When not writing, Miriam enjoys reading, cooking, sea swimming, and walking along the healing coast.

Social Media Links –

Follow Miriam on www.miriammcguirk.com 

Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/MiriamMcGuirkAuthor

Twitter  https://twitter.com/Miriam_McGuirk  

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/miriammcguirk1/

LinkedIn – https://uk.linkedin.com/in/miriam-mcguirk-34418742

YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/MiriamMcGuirk

Extract-

Ch20

Boudie, a younger and the more vibrant sister to Florence, is desperate for them to rekindle their relationship. She has invited Florence to come and visit at her Boutique B&B. Separated from each other when her father insisted Florence leave India and live with him in England at his parent’s farm. Excitable Boudie reminisces on their past. 

‘Heading up the marble staircase, she walked into each bedroom and plumped up the cushions on the newly made beds and chairs. She heard her part-time help hoovering at the far end of the corridor.

Her thoughts rambled to her sibling. How might I persuade Florence to stay for a few days?

In her opinion, Florence never seemed to need people in the same way she, herself, relished good company. She assumed time had touched her sister, following the imposed separation from her and her mother after their father brought her to Tamshire. Boudie considered her father’s frequent comparisons between her and Florence.

“Why can’t you be like your sensible sister?” he would ask.

“Because I’m not my older sister,” she would tell him, trying to remain chirpy as she responded. “I’m your second daughter. Why can’t you accept each of us as we are?” She wondered what her father would think now. It seemed she had become the sensible one and Florence had turned into the animated one.

She’d been struck by Florence showing signs of being more spirited, following a recent conversation.

“A miracle has happened,” Florence exclaimed. “We have a new neighbour and since her arrival even grumpy old me feels upbeat. The community and I have joined her ‘Karma and Calmer Yoga for the Young at Heart’ on Thursdays up at the church hall.”

Boudie could not remember when her sister had shown such fervour.

“Until we began to take these classes, we had no idea what it meant to become bendy. Our yoga teacher plays us mystical music in between instructions and that helps us stretch our bodies. Since we started yoga, we stand up straight, breathe into our stomachs, and tip our toes as if our lives depended on it. I know you and Molly Mulligan would hit it off. You have similar attributes. You’re both outgoing and happy.”

Boudie enjoyed hearing the eagerness in Florence’s voice.

“Of course, you are not as young as Molly, but like you, she is filled with contagious energy, and everyone loves her.”

Boudie had looked up to her sister, but she had been torn away from her. She wondered if they could rebuild the closeness they once shared.

A cloak of anticipation enveloped her as she stepped into her bedroom suite. She knelt by her bed, reached underneath, and plucked out a pile of faded parchment letters—untouched for years—out of a pink box. Emotions began to stir within her.

Systematically, Florence had written from Tamshire to her and their mother. Like a wave of recordings in ink, memories of her sister’s old life appeared. She settled on her bed and gathered one thick package of envelopes wrapped in a satin bow. She untied the knot, and the letters scattered onto the duvet.’

With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.