Tag Archives: book review

Secrets of the Italian Guesthouse by Sue Moorcroft #romance #bookreview

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This is a great start to a new trilogy, The Italian Legacy, by one of my favourite authors. Like her previous series, The Skye Sisters trilogy, this also follows the lives of three very different sisters, who don’t even know each other exist. Each book will follow a different sister’s viewpoint and I’m so glad we got to start with Jade in Italy. It’s a brilliant premise and the hotel is the perfect backdrop for their stories to unfold.

Jade is the sister with the most to lose, but everything to gain if she can accept her grandmother’s dying wish. I felt sorry for Jade who’d grown up at the hotel and loved running it, but was now expected to share it with sisters she doesn’t know.

The male lead Leo was swoonworthy and their past together made this the perfect second chance romance.

There are several story threads running through this book, each intriguing and had me hooked. Some will no doubt unravel as the series progresses. I loved the romance re-sparking between the couple and the three sisters have a great dynamic.

I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Thanks to Netgalley for my ARC copy, which I am very late posting.

Here’s the official blurb

Two sisters she’s never met
A first love who’s impossible to forget…

For Jade, life in Lake Como is la dolce vita. Until her beloved grandmother passes, leaving Jade not just the family’s bustling guesthouse to run, but two life-changing secrets to confront…

The pensione hasn’t just been left to Jade, it’s also been inherited by her sisters – who she had no idea existed. As Erin and Rosalie arrive in Italy, Jade is forced to face the heart-wrenching prospect of sharing her last remaining tie to the woman who raised her.

Jade is desperately trying to hold on to the past, but there’s one person she would prefer to leave firmly behind: her first love, Leo. He’s back in the city that is filled with the memories they once made together. But as Jade fights to take control of her future and her heart, why do all cobbled roads lead back to Leo?

Lose yourself in the first, utterly romantic novel in a brand-new trilogy, filled with new beginnings and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Milly Johnson.

The Little Greek Guesthouse by Lizzie Lee #romance #bookreview

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I haven’t read any of Lizzie Lee’s books before so I was really pleased to win a paperback from the publisher in an Instagram competition. It arrived promptly and I couldn’t wait to read it. The cover is pretty and the blurb intriguing and I was hooked from the first few pages with the mess Nina’s life suddenly spirals into.

Nina’s a great lead and her relationship with her father Theo shines through. I also really love her friend, Heather, the schoolteacher who has a delightful way of avoiding swear words.

Kefalonia came alive and all the people in the little town were wonderful to spend time with.
I quickly became invested in the house renovation and wanted Nina’s dream to become a reality against all the odds thrown at her, including her dad’s stubbornness.
I loved the conservation aspect of this book and the geeky, turned hot enemy to lover dynamic with George. Vassilis, the builder, is another story!

Overall, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to discovering more of Lizzie Lee’s books.

Here’s the blurb

Sun, sea and second chances are on the cards this summer…

At thirty-three, Nina Pappas never imagined she would be back in her childhood bedroom, but having lost her job, her flat and her boyfriend (to her best friend, no less!) in one disastrous day, that’s exactly where she finds herself.

So when her dad, Theo, suggests she join him for the summer in Kefalonia, Nina is more than ready to trade heartbreak for healing – and the concrete jungle for the shimmering Ionian sea. A few sun-soaked weeks under the Greek sky, filled with balmy, thyme-scented evenings and lashings of sumptuous home-cooked food, might just be the reset she needs. And she might even enjoy renovating the house Theo’s inherited if it involves working with the irresistible and brooding local builder…

But island life isn’t all sea views, sunsets and souvlaki. As Nina finds herself clashing with the determined (yet undeniably handsome!) conservationist, hellbent on derailing Theo’s plans, she discovers that starting over is rarely straightforward – and that following your passion is one of the bravest things you can do. That, and recognising real love when it crosses your path…

Escape to Greece this summer in Lizzie Lee’s brand-new uplifting and feel-good read about taking a chance on life and love. Perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Sue Roberts and Jo Thomas.

Final thoughts – it’s well worth a read!

The Lost Sentinel wins 3rd in The BooksShelf competition July 2026!

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I’m excited to share my fantastic news…

Being placed in this competition highlights the fact my book is still relevant and I hope about to find some new readers. Here is the review from The BooksShelf team.

“Suzanne Rogerson’s The Lost Sentinel is an ambitious epic fantasy set on the island of Kalaya, where magic is fading, fear is dividing its people, and the search for a new Sentinel could determine the island’s future.
We were particularly impressed by the novel’s nature-based magic system and its exploration of grief, sacrifice, prejudice and responsibility. Tei develops into a sympathetic and resilient protagonist, while the wider cast introduces political conflict, dangerous journeys and competing visions for Kalaya. The relationships between the characters give the story genuine emotional impact. The large cast and multiple parallel storylines require patience before their connections become clear. However, they also create an expansive world and establish several intriguing conflicts for the wider Silent Sea Chronicles.
Rich in adventure, loss and magical intrigue, The Lost Sentinel is a compelling beginning to an epic fantasy series and a deserving Third-Place Fiction Winner in the BooksShelf Writing Contest.
— The BooksShelf Editorial Team”

I love how the review picked up on the natural magic that is so integral to the world of Kalaya and it reminded me why I chose this type of magic system.

The natural world has always been important to me ever since childhood. I was a member of the World Wildlife Fund and collected anything to do with animals. I used to get monthly wildlife magazines and covered my bedroom walls with posters of animals (and the odd pop star!). I’d watch The Really Wild Show hosted by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan every week and wanted to help animals everywhere. I even remember having a WWF sticker album when they were all the rage back in the 80’s. I also wanted to be a vet, but writing is much more my thing now. My love of nature still finds its way into my stories and that couldn’t be more evident than in this trilogy.

It’s surprising how childhood obsessions can shape future decisions and creations.

If you want to see more reviews or pick up the book for yourself, it’s available in ebook, paperback, audio and free to read on Kindle Unlimited (as is the rest of the series).

Amazon universal link

You can also go direct to my book page on Amazon to see my other books.

I’m so proud of Silent Sea Chronicles and I hope it continues to resonate with readers.

Until next time…

#Bookreview Summer at the French Bakery Jo Thomas #ARC #NetGalley

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Thanks to the publisher for my ARC of Summer at the French Bakery.

Blurb

A new adventure is on the menu . . .

Juliet has learnt that life is too short not to chase your dreams. But when she buys an old watermill in France, her tranquil new start is quickly kneaded into something far more ambitious when the local mayor offers her a deal she can’t reopen the village’s derelict boulangerie.

With a formidable rival – the owner of the local bread vending machine – determined to crush her, Juliet faces disgruntled villagers, her own lack of baking skills, and hidden secrets within the mill itself.

But with help from her outspoken neighbour and the charming Tabac owner, Juliet battles to bring back the aroma of freshly baked bread – and with it, the heart of the community.

Can she prove that even the biggest dreams start with just a little pinch of courage?

Mini review

I really loved Juliet’s story. She took a chance walking out on a marriage of 25 years and following her dreams to France.
The water mill she bought and the lovely little village in France where she moved to are both places that came alive and made me want to visit.
Anyone who loves bread will be enchanted with this tale, while I had a real soft spot for a certain Tabac owner who supported Juliet as much as she needed and made a very fitting male lead.
It was a beautiful story of second chances, and there were some emotional moments too. It’s a story I would like to revisit one day.

Suzanne Rogerson’s review of Summer at the French Bakery | Goodreads

BookBub deal for The Lost Sentinel #fantasy #bookdeal

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Yesterday I was lucky enough to bag a BookBub deal for the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

The link to the ad will still be live for a few days, and you can follow me on bookbub too. The Lost Sentinel bookbub deal. They ran with the hook line;

“On an island where those with magic are exiled, a tailor’s daughter must hide her abilities — and find the one who will help save their home. This spellbinding novel kicks off an action-packed fantasy trilogy!”

At my last check this morning I’ve sold in the US, UK, Canada and Australia

The Lost Sentinel sold 244 KENP 450

The Sentinel’s Reign Sold 73

The Sentinel’s Alliance Sold 44

Book rankings 7 in CA store for Sword and Sorcery

45 in US store for Action and Adventure fantasy.

And in the top 100 in the UK ,US and Canada.

I’ll keep you posted on the stats at the end of the month. It’s good to have a written record of how these ads perform as a way to judge whether they still have an impact. And maybe my data will help you decide if it’s worth paying the big money for ads in the future. It all depends on your goals – mine is to re-spark an interest in an older series and show off the new cover and blurb.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and wait to see what has happened by the end of April.

If you’d like to help, the book will be on sale until 28th April. Any shares of my posts and sales will help give the rankings a boost.

The Lost Sentinel universal link

And with book 2 also at 99p, the complete series is available for under £6.00.

Thanks for reading and following my author journey. If you have any advice or wisdom to share please do. Or if you are just starting out and want to talk things through, don’t be shy in asking for help.

Book review Swept Away by Beth O’Leary #romance #tuesdaybookblog

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I was lucky enough to have Beth O’Leary come to a town near me and take part in a talk and Q&A about her recent book – Swept Away. It was an enjoyable evening, made all the better because I loved the story.

Thanks to Staines Library and Waterstones book shop in Staines for running this event.

I really enjoy seeing authors talking about their books, especially as an author myself. It’s eye-opening to see how their process differs from mine and I enjoy getting an insight into the publishing process from their experiences.

Blurb for Swept Away

Lexi is looking for no-strings-attached fun.

Zeke is looking for love.

Neither of them were looking for a one-night stand to become their one and only lifeline.

But when they wake up after an unforgettable night together, the houseboat they stayed on has been swept out to sea. There’s no signal, no steering and no sign of rescue.

And as the waves pick up and supplies run low, Zeke and Lexi realise there’s much more on the line than their new relationship.

***

I love this cover. It’s colourful and perfect for the story.

My Review

The main characters Lexi and Zeke are loveable but with flaws and scars from the past they are both struggling to deal with. They meet for a one-night stand before things take the most unexpected turn. I started reading this without even reading the blurb so, I was as shocked as they were when they looked outside and found themselves floating out at sea.

I was able to get in both of their heads as the story is written in first person from both Lexi and Zeke’s viewpoint. They share alternate chapters, so it’s never confusing who’s head you’re in and I found it an immersive and page-turning experience. It was also nice to have an older woman / younger man dynamic to the relationship.

I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that although it may sound like it could be a very static storyline as two characters are trapped on a boat out at sea, there was no boring moments. In fact, there were plenty of life and death moments to keep you reading. It’s very much a love story at heart, and there were secrets to be revealed and past hurts to face up to and to heal from.

I loved the twist, which broke my heart at first, but the end couldn’t have been more perfect.

I hope my vague review has intrigued you enough to check out this book. I’m so happy I read Swept Away and highly recommend it.

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Thanks for reading.

You can find all my social links on linktree

Book Review Christmas at the Cat Cafe by Jessica Redland #romance

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Well, this book just wowed me. I have to say it was probably one of the best books I read in 2025, though technically I finished it at the beginning of 2006.

Blurb

It’s the most wonderful time of the year on Castle Street, and there’s a paw-some new business opening….

It had always been Tabby’s dream to work with cats and an inheritance from her beloved nanna has finally made that a reality. Idyllic Castle Street in Whitsborough Bay couldn’t be a better place for pastry chef Tabby to open a cat café with her boyfriend, Leon.

But when Leon leaves her in the lurch, the pressure mounts for Tabby. With Christmas fast approaching, she has to open the café on her own – a daunting prospect, especially when she’s been hiding her health issues from the ones she loves.

Faced with local resistance to the café – and somebody seemingly determined that she won’t succeed – Tabby will need her friends, family and cats more than ever to recover her broken Christmas spirit and pull together for a Christmas miracle.

Will the cat café bring the festive joy to Castle Street as Tabby had hoped or will it be a cat-astrophe? And can the magic of Christmas on Castle Street mend Tabby’s broken heart as well as her business?

My Mini Review

I loved every moment spent with Tabby and her trials with both her health, heartache and opening a very special cat cafe. The slow burn romance, friends to lovers trope and lots of furry friends made for the purrfect festive reading!

I really enjoyed the friendship and chemistry between Tabby and Tom, and loved their cute nicknames for each other; Tabby-cat and Tom-cat. The cats were all stars of the story as well.

Learning about Tabby’s chronic heath condition was interesting and felt completely believable and integral to the storyline. At no point did I find it too much, it made the story more interesting and made the relationship between Tom and Tabby even more special. I loved their connection. I shed tears quite a few times reading this book, Jessica is a master at getting to you feel the character’s emotions.

It really was a top read for me and I highly recommend it.

Check it out on Amazon.

Book Review A Mistletoe Miracle Emma Jackson #romance #romcom

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I know it’s not Christmas time anymore, but I still enjoyed reading this festive story. Well, actually I loved this book and it led to some late nights staying up reading.

Blurb

A Mistletoe Miracle is the cosy festive romance from best-selling author, Emma Jackson, guaranteed to have readers feeling the joy amidst the chaos of Christmas, and the heady rush of falling in love.

Heartwarming and hilarious, get ready for a generous sprinkling of snowflakes, mayhem and kisses…

Nestled in the sleepy, snow-covered village of Holinton, the Everdene Hotel should be the ideal setting for a perfect Christmas… But for Beth, returning to her childhood home looking for a chance to heal in peace after a disastrous break-up, it’s more of a fiasco than a festive fantasy.

With her mum stranded in a blizzard and most of the hotel staff off sick, Beth is forced to take the reins, impress a mystery hotel reviewer, and figure out if her attraction to Nick, the very grumpy – and very gorgeous – pilot who is staying for the holidays, is the real deal or a rebound headed for disaster.

Between mince pie emergencies, deadly decorations, and two dozen disgruntled guests, Beth needs to find a miracle under the mistletoe if she’s going to survive this Christmas…

Perfect for fans of Laurie Gilmore, Heidi Swain and Tarah DeWitt.

Mini Review

I loved the story of Beth and Nick, from the way they literally bumped into each other, right up to their last moment on the page together.

Beth has to cope with running the hotel when her mother is stranded miles away because of the snow. She does an amazing job of juggling a dozen tasks at once and still somehow manages to find the time to fall for one of her grumpy guests.

The festive feel to the story lifts your spirits any time of year. And as the blurb states so perfectly, there are plenty of mishaps to keep everyone, especially Beth, on their toes.


I’m pleased to find out there will be a sequel following two of the other guests, though I shall miss the Everdene Hotel and all of Beth’s antics.

This is my first read by Emma Jackson and it won’t be my last!

5 star read!

Check it on Amazon here.

Audiobook tour wrap up for A Little Christmas Magic #shortstories

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Happy Christmas Eve everyone!

Yesterday was the last day of the Audiobook tour run by Love Book Tours. It’s been great to read the reviews and pick out little snippets to share here. I’ve loved seeing how my stories have resonated with people and how reviewers have picked different favourites for their own reasons. With a book of 8 stories, it shows me that I’m doing something right!

Book A Holic 17 “I loved the different themes within this collection – although all festive – each one showed what the festive period really means to different people in different situations – reminding us to think of others at this time of year too.”

caits reading nook “I enjoyed the hopeful themes of each of these stories and how they feature multiple generations.”

amornia carlton “This was an incredibly beautiful listen for the holiday season! The title is absolutely perfect and fitting. The collection of short stories really is an examination of different kinds of ways that Christmas – or life in general, but during the holiday – can be magical.”

East Yorkshire bookworm “The audiobook contained stories of love, family, hope and reunions. I think my favourite was Poppy’s Christmas Wish.”

Pixies book blog “The voice actor if these stories really pulled you in, a very soothing voice. It caught me hookline and sinker!”

bookwormwhitlock86 “…a beautiful selection of fun, magical, festive and unique short stories perfect for Christmas.”

For the last time this year I get to share the blurb for A Little Christmas Magic.

From a much-loved family pet that goes missing to a neighbour in need.
Chance meetings and the kindness of strangers.
Overcoming trauma to help others and being prepared to make sacrifices.
A father rushing to get home to his kids in time for Christmas.

Dive into a short and sweet story to get you in the festive spirit.


Eight Stories

Poppy’s Christmas Wish
Last Minute Dash
Driving Home for Christmas
The Honeymoon Period
A Christmas Toast
The Last Train Home
The Wrong Post
Taking Care of Belle

Available as audiobook, ebook, paperback and hardback on Amazon.

If you’re struggling on Christmas Eve, why not stick on the audiobook and let Colette’s soothing voice help you through your preparations.

Have a good one, everyone.

Check out my socials on Linktree

Review catch up for A Little Christmas Magic and the #Audiobook tour

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I’ve been so busy at work with the end of the year preparations, but I’m finally able to share the latest review snippets of the audiobook – A Little Christmas Magic;

Simplyburiedinbooks says “It’s filled with emotion and empathy, and each story feels relatable and endearing…”

Sherleysreadingcorner “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒐𝒎𝒆 was my absolute favorite of the eight short stories. Elliot and Athena’s story was the sweetest. I really hope they get a full-length novel someday. Their love story would make the best romance read.”

Piggindani_reads shared a mini review of each story and finished with “Overall rating ~ 4.6 rounded up to 5 because it was a wonderful experience and the narration was perfect.”

Melisbookreviews “…cozy Christmas short stories that are perfect for the season to read, or in my case listen to, with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.”

livinginmyownprivateworldwithbooks “The narrators were perfect for the stories as they added depth to the characters, really brought the different personalities of the people featured throughout all the stories and made me emotional as I listened, even laughing out loud at some points and shredding tears at another. Overall, it was a wonderful mix of magical Christmas moments, and I would recommend it to everyone.

Cypruscornerreads “All the stories show warmth and kindness, but some also grief and other difficult issues, but all are written sensitively and show the very best of human nature. Definitely one to listen to while preparing for Christmas time.”

jrw1904 – Booky Charm “…I have to say, this collection of stories couldn’t have a better name! I’ve had my faith in Christmas restored as each story is a like a big hug followed by a warm mince pie.”

Dave Chats Books shared some really great feedback about the narrator. “Narrator Colette Davis-Kerwin delivers a beautifully measured performance that enhances the charm of the story and brings the book to life. Her narration is expressive, and warm, giving each character a distinct voice while maintaining a comforting, storybook tone and it’s this that gives each story it’s unique character and keeps you listening throughout. In my personal opinion the perfect choice for narrator of this book.”

Dave also says “You can’t help but smile as you’re listening to this and that smile will stay long after you finish, if you need an injection of Christmas spirit then this audiobook is the injection you need.”

There are some great graphics shared with these reviews on Instagram as well, so it’s worth clicking the link and checking them out.

***

My thoughts – I knew Colette was the perfect narrator right from the first sentence of her audition. I’m really pleased she agreed to work with me on this project.

These lovely reviews really help me remember why I do this crazy thing called writing and sink so much of my time, heart and soul into it!

I’m still catching up with reviews, so I’ll be back soon!

A Little Christmas Magic

Audio sample for A Little Christmas Magic