Book Review: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm, by Rebecca Raisin

Secrets…we all have them.

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Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart…

Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…!

But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Tree Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup!

The new standalone novel from bestselling author of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy and The Bookshop on the Corner, Rebecca Raisin.

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Blogoversary Giveaway: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm, by Rebecca Raisin

Secrets…we all have them.

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Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart…

Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…!

But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Tree Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup!

The new standalone novel from bestselling author of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy and The Bookshop on the Corner, Rebecca Raisin.

Release date: 17 July 2015 Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads Continue reading

Happy Publication Day: The Gingerbread Café Trilogy by Rebecca Raisin

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I am SO HAPPY that Rebecca’s delicious Gingerbread Cafe books are out as a trilogy box set today, so if you haven’t read them yet, now really is the time! Full of a loveable cast of characters and yummy foods that will assault your senses through her words, these books are a definite treat! You can read my blog posts about the series here. I read the first book on holiday last year, and loved it so much I rushed into the hotel to wonder around desperately trying to find wifi to download Rebecca’s next two books and read them immediately, so I’m super excited these now come in a perfect box set trilogy!

 Let’s have a look at just what you’re getting…

Monthly Wrap Up: March 2015

It’s been a while since I’ve done a ‘wrap up’ or ‘what I’m looking forward to’ post, so I thought it was about time I got back into the habit! March was such an incredible month, both book-wise and otherwise, that I think it’s worth a wrap-up post (better late than never)!

Bundle of Joy

Of course, the most exciting news of all is the birth of my darling baby brother, Sonnie, earlier this month. This little slice of heaven has stolen my heart and I could not love him more, I’m just smitten! I’m so happy for my whole family and know this new addition will only bring us closer. I honestly just can’t get enough of the little monster – I could just stare at him all day! photo

Rebecca Raisin’s Party

The second most wonderful and exciting thing that happened in March was without a doubt going to Bec’s party in London and getting to meet her and so many of my wonderful bookish friends. I had a bit of a stressful time getting there after a flight delay caused me to miss my train (inducing a minor break down at Gatwick train station!) but eventually i arrived – an hour late – and luckily bumped into Bec and Tay downstairs and recognised them straight away, so I didn’t have to face my fear of having to walk in by myself! I had planned to meet Sharon an hour or so before hand which obviously didn’t happen, but luckily she very kindly saved me a seat at the table with her, Simona, Louise, Candy and Charlotte. It was such a strange feeling, feeling like I knew everyone all so well already, but meeting them for the first time! I quickly relaxed as we all fell into conversation like old friends. After we’d had a good natter and our fill of the delicious cakes and sandwiches served, and had a lovely speech from Bec, we all mingled a bit and moved round, so we had a chance to talk to everyone. I’m just so glad I’ve finally got to meet some of you lovely people who’ve come into my life in the last year, and made such a wonderful impression on me. bookgirls2 bookgirlsphoto-3photo-2photo-4 I was reluctant to leave come the evening, and typically ended up sat in the airport for ages as my flight was delayed yet again, but it was so worth the flying visit. I think we definitely all want to make sure we get together again soon, so Tay, Charlotte and I are looking to plan a bookish picnic in late summer – watch this space! We were all given an adorable goodie bag full of Rebecca Raisin themed treats (the gingerbread man did not last the journey home!) and I honestly can’t wait to get my hands on Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm. Thank you so much Bec, for such a wonderful day.

March in Books

On the whole, March was a pretty great month for books! I really enjoyed Secrets of the Tower as it was so different from most books I read, First Time in Forever and The Day We Disappeared were just WONDERFUL and I finally read Amelia Thorne’s Tied Up With Love, which was so worth waiting for and I loved every second of it so much that I immediately started her first book, Beneath The Moon and The Stars (also amazing!).

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Books Releases to Get Excited About in April

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The Day We Disappeared – April 9th 2015

The Cake Shop In The Garden – April 23rd 2015

The Doris Day Vintage Film Club – April 23rd 2015

Books I Plan to Read in April 

One thing I’ve really noticed lately – and I’m not moaning because I feel hugely privileged to be a book blogger and receive review copies! – is that nearly every book I’ve got for myself, and largely the ones I’ve received as gifts/prizes, are all sitting sad and untouched because I haven’t had a chance to get to them for the last six months. I do prioritise review copies and try to have them read and reviewed for around publication date, but it means my own books have been somewhat sadly neglected, so I have a lot of catching up to do. I’ve caught up on most of my ARC reading now, and left my self a bit more free for some time to hopefully catch up on my own books, which I’m really excited about. I still can’t believe I’ve never read Bridget Jones! That definitely has to change, and hopefully that can start this month. 24483265 23642148 24749530   18498569 23700783227443

What are you looking forward to this month?

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Rebecca Raisin Valentines Interview

Rebecca Raisin is joining me today for a love-themed interview as part of my Valentines celebrations! Rebecca’s Gingerbread Cafe books are some of the loveliest, sweetest books I read last year, and I can’t wait for her to release Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm next month!

  • What’s your dream date?
    Hmmm, good question! I adore Paris, so when I think of a dream date it would have to be there! A stroll along the cobbled streets, a meander around the iconic bookshop Shakespeare and Co, before dinner somewhere romantic, and maybe a show? Just being in Paris would be gorgeous!
  • What’s the worst/most embarrassing date you’ve ever been on?
    When Ashley met me at a hotel in the City I stepped out of the elevator and strode to the busy bar where he was waiting. As I walked in, the skirt I was wearing, sort of a fancy sarong, came untied so I was standing with just my knickers on. Not cool. Not cool at all!
  • What’s your favourite Valentine’s gift you’ve ever received?
    A memorable one was Ash coming home with some gorgeous presents, and said to get dressed up because we were going out for dinner. Once I was all ready to go I walked outside to find a sparkly silver limousine parked there! We were driven up to King’s Park where you can see the view of the city at night-time and of course there was some nice cold bubbles on hand to toast with! It was a great night!
  • What’s your favourite thing about love?
    My favourite thing is having that one person who knows everything about you. They’re the first person you run to when you’re happy, sad, and everything in between. I love that, especially now that I’ve had children, to share that kind of love, like we’re a team, is really special.
  • Can you describe what love means to you in three words?
    Love is everything.
  • What is your favourite memory of your wedding day OR what would be a detail of your dream wedding?
    We’re happily living in sin, but my dream wedding would be in Vegas, being either married by Dolly Parton herself or an impersonator! I heart Dolly! And it would be so much fun!
  • What is your favourite romance novel?
    Chocolat by Joanne Harris…Roux, oh God I loved him!
  • Who is your favourite romance author?
    Kristan Higgins
  • What is your favourite romantic film?
    Love Actually
  • What inspires you to write romantic fiction?
    The happy ever after! I adore that we can write about a world where we get what we want, and while there are ups and downs, love always wins!

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Secrets at the maple syrup farm

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm is out next month, and you can pre-order now!

Amazon USAmazon UKGoodreads

Secrets…we all have them.

Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart…

Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…!

But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Tree Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup!

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rebecca raisin

Rebecca writes romantic comedies for Carina UK.

Connect With Rebecca

TwitterFacebookGoodreadsWebsite – Amazon UKAmazon US

Valentines Weekend Celebrations

Hey lovebugs!

Now, as a book worm obsessed with Romance novels, it probably comes as no surprise that I am a totally hopeless romantic! I love everything about love and romance. And while, yes, I know, Valentines is a totally commercialised blah blah blah blah…you know what? I love it. I don’t care. Ultimately, it’s an excuse to spend a totally lovely, romantic day with someone special. What’s not to love? The truth is, even though we can be romantic and lovely and make an effort every single day for the ones we love, we often don’t. So what’s wrong with having one day a year where you make a special effort and celebrate your love in style?! Even in past years when I’ve been single, I’ve spent amazing Valentines Days with friends, where we’ve always had a great laugh celebrating our friendship.

So in the spirit of things, I have a very special love-themed weekend planned here which I am SUPER excited about as I have a whole bunch of amazing guests on the Book Nook! I’ve added a ‘Valentines Weekend’ tab in the menu up there, so you can go straight to all the latest lovey dovey stuff 🙂

Here’s what I’ve got in store for you:

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Friday 13th February

Holly Martin Valentines Interview

Jennifer Gilby Roberts Guest Post

Jenny Hale Valentines Interview

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Saturday 14th February

Claudia Carroll Valentines Interview

My Favourite Romances Post & Giveaway

Amelia Thorne Guest Post

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Sunday 15th February

Fiona Gibson Valentines Interview

A.L. Michaels ‘My So-Called Love Life’ Blog Tour Review

Rebecca Raisin Valentines Interview

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Pretty darn amazing, huh? Thank you SO MUCH to all my amazing guests for taking part in the Valentines Weekend celebrations here on the Book Nook – you’re all stars!

My Yearly Round-Up: 2014

In July 2014, I decided two things. 1) I was actually going to start writing a book like I’ve been saying for years, and 2) I was going to start a book blog, to keep me inspired. So I set up this blog, created a twitter account, and joined Goodreads. I think I can safely say that these are 2 of the best choices I have ever made.

Excited as I was, I could never have imagined just how amazing an experience this would be, and how many wonderful people I would ‘meet’. I’m so thankful to all of you for your wonderful support and friendship.

And, most excitingly of all, on November 30th 2014, I completed the first draft of my first book. Words cannot describe the feelings of accomplishment and pride (and relief!) that came with writing those two little words: The End.

So, here is my yearly round up for 2014, or at least the latter half of it.

Books read: 72
Pages read: 19,531
Blog Posts: 131

Pieces of You Ella Harper

Most Emotional Read: Pieces of You, Ella Harper
My Review

This book had me in tears within the first few pages – it is both beautiful and tragic.

LOVE LIES AND LEMON CAKE
Funniest Read: Love, Lies & Lemon Cake, Sue Watson
My Review

This was my first Sue Watson read, and I quickly fell in love with her laugh-out-loud writing.

Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Cafe

Christmas Wedding at the GBC

Favourite Series: The Gingerbread Cafe books, Rebecca Raisin
My Reviews

The Gingerbread Cafe books are simply delightful, with some of the loveliest and warmest characters I’ve read about.

love me for me
My Favourite Book of 2014: Love Me For Me, Jenny Hale
My Review

Probably the most perfect book I’ve ever read. Genuine, sincere and simply wonderful.

So, all in all, a pretty amazing year! Thanks again for all your kindness and support so far, and here’s to a wonderful and prosperous 2015.

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Christmas Corner Guest Post: What Christmas Means to Me, by Rebecca Raisin

Thank you for inviting me here today, Paris!

What Christmas means to me…

It’s no secret Christmas is my favourite time of year! Hence writing books centred on that time! There’s something completely magical about the season, and it’s even better celebrating it from October onwards… Continue reading