I almost never read a book series, but the one exception is always, always, the Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw books by M. W. Craven because, quite simply, I think they are fantastic. Consequently, I was thrilled to receive a copy of the latest book, The Final Vow. My enormous thanks to Kirsteen Astor for sending it to me.

The Final Vow is published by Constable on 14th August 2025 and is available for purchase through the links here.

You’ll find my reviews of the other books in the series here.

The Final Vow

An invisible killer with a 100% success rate. No one is safe. Not even those closest to Washington Poe . . . 

A shooting at Gretna Green. A bride is murdered on her wedding day, seconds after she slips on her new ring. It’s brutal and bloody but she isn’t the first victim and she won’t be the last. With the body count now at 17, people are terrified, not knowing where the sniper will strike next.

With the nation in a state of panic, the police are at a loss and turn to Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw – the only team who just might be able to track down a serial killer following no discernible pattern and with the whole country as his personal hunting ground. Can Poe and Tilly stop an unstoppable assassin, who never misses his mark and never makes a mistake? Or will he find them before they find him…

My Review of The Final Vow

The country is terrorised by a crack shot sniper.

Oh for goodness sake! How am I supposed to review The Final Vow without spoilers? I just want to say, ‘Look. The Final Vow is brilliant so buy it’, but that hardly constitutes a review…

The story opens with such impact that, even if I had wanted to stop reading, it would not have been possible – partly because of the dramatic and emotional scene, and partly because I refused to accept what that scene told me. My free will had been removed by the author and I had to know the full story as M.W. Craven leads us back through the events arriving at that opening point. I genuinely couldn’t settle to anything else in life because of the siren call of this narrative.

And what a story it is. As ever with a Washington Poe narrative, the plotting is sheer brilliance. There are thrilling twists and turns in The Final Vow as might be expected from the genre, but it’s the attention to detail, the meticulous research and the uncovering of worlds the reader cannot otherwise comprehend that is so impactful. Here, in one example, we also receive a glimpse into the murky underbelly of political Machiavellian tactics whilst being thoroughly entertained. There’s so much relating to humanity in general; themes of loyalty and friendship, integrity and trust, as just as few examples, that The Final Vow can be read time and again and the reader will find something new to uncover.

I loved the dark humour that ameliorates the tension and intensity of emotion because it also adds more understanding of Poe’s character and I thoroughly appreciated how we learn more about him as a man in The Final Vow. Similarly, the intellectually invincible Tilly has a more vulnerable side explored. The effect is to draw the reader further into the story and hold them captivated. There’s a deep and troubling insight into character psychology (but again I can’t say more for fear of spoilers) that is breath-taking. The psychological aspects of the story are multi-layered. Each character, regardless of their position on the spectrum from good to evil, is complex, realistic and terrifyingly relatable. Even the sniper’s rationale for multiple murders, whilst abhorrent, is entirely understandable. And the most innocuous individuals are shown to be capable of underhand, duplicitous or dubious behaviour – as are we all in real life.

But it’s even more than that too. There’s such a surprising quality of emotion in the writing that elevates The Final Vow above being merely a fantastic thriller into a true work of genius. Here we find the complete range of human experience from love to despair, hatred to loyalty and everything in between. There is also rather a love letter to Cumbria through the descriptions of landscape that feels just right and totally convincing. 

Despite the vagueness of my review (for fear of revealing too much and spoiling the read for others) I cannot stress enough what a triumph The Final Vow is. It’s a stunning thriller and whilst it can be read as a stand alone book, I’d urge any reader to start at the beginning of this series as it is the gradual getting to know Poe and Bradshaw that means The Final Vow has such impact. I absolutely loved it – even if I was put through the wringer reading it! 

About M.W. Craven

Multi-award-winning author M.W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle. He joined the army at sixteen, leaving ten years later to complete a social work degree. Seventeen years after taking up a probation officer role in Cumbria, at the rank of assistant chief officer, he became a full-time author. He is an instant Sunday Times bestseller and, for his Cumbria-set Washington Poe series, a recipient of the 2019 Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger, the 2022 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year 2023. The series has now been translated into twenty-nine languages.

For further information, visit Mike’s website or find Mike on Instagram, Twitter/X @mwcravenuk and Facebook.

My huge thanks to Rhiannon Morris at Harper Collins for sending me a copy of Bad Influence by Rosie Nixon all those months ago. It’s my pleasure finally to share my review of Bad Influence today.

Bad Influence is published by HQ on 14th August 2025 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here. 

Bad Influence

Crushing it online…crashing in real life

Following an eventful stint styling Manhattan’s elite, Amber Green is back in London and ready to style her biggest client yet.

Superstar influencer Mandy Sykes is all-American and all-wrong for her new Surrey surroundings. Desperate to endear herself to the British upper crust, and to win likes from a new fanbase, the brash celebrity tasks Amber with providing all the smoke and mirrors she might need.

With only twelve weeks to prove her worth – and to earn the bonus which will secure her dream flat with her steady boyfriend, Rob – Amber’s biggest challenge is to keep her flats firmly on the ground.

But when your new boss has a private life as colourful as her designer wardrobe, and a brother-in-law whose ridiculously good looks can’t help but catch your eye, it becomes hard to tell who’s a genuine influencer, and who is simply a bad influence…

My Review of Bad Influence

Having recently been made redundant, Amber Green is thrilled to be appointed as stylist to social media influencer Mandy Sykes. 

Bad Influence is a cracker of a summer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think what works so well is the level of authority with which Rosie Nixon writes as she comes from the world of fashion and so her depiction of Amber’s life feels authentic and true.

The plot is fast paced and enormously entertaining. There are moments of drama, or humour and of emotion so that there really is something for every reader. 

I haven’t read the other Amber Green novels and there’s absolutely no need to have done so to enjoy Bad Influence but I really need to catch up! Amber is a truly modern heroine. She’s a brilliant blend of calm and level headed pragmatism sprinkled with moments of sheer panic so that she’s witty and engaging. I thought her first person viewpoint was perfect. Anyone who has had to convince themselves as much as others that they are capable in their role will find her incredibly relatable.

I have a horrible feeling that Mandy Sykes is realistic too, in spite of what might seem outrageously unreasonable behaviour and demands at times. I loved the way reading about her gave me an insight into a world I would never otherwise experience. There’s a sense of The Wizard of Oz as the reader gets a glimpse behind the curtain of celebrity so effectively.  

 I also thoroughly appreciated Amber’s boyfriend Rob. He’s very much in the background of the story, but he provides consistency at the same time as being a catalyst for Amber’s thoughts and actions. As his narrative thread gradually unfolds, he adds both warmth and depth to the story.

And there is real depth here alongside the light-hearted entertainment. Themes are profound as Rosie Nixon explores loyalty, trust and media manipulation. The world of media influencers is laid bare (both physically and metaphorically!) highly convincingly so that Bad Influence makes the reader glad to be ordinary.

I thought Bad Influence was a perfect beach read. The clothes, the glamour, the reality of celebrity life, all combined with humour, romance and true-to-life people make it huge fun, totally engaging and fabulously entertaining.  I really enjoyed it.

About Rosie Nixon

Rosie Nixon has a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion related, having held senior positions in glossy magazines including HELLO!, Grazia, Glamour and Red. 

Born and bred in London she now lives in Surrey with her two boys, her husband and two cats. 

For further information, visit Rosie’s website,  and find her on Instagram. 

I’m so pleased to welcome Andrea Christodoulou to Linda’s Book Bag today as her debut book sounds exactly my kind of read! I’m delighted Andrea has agreed to stay in with me and I would like to thank Graeme Williams for putting us in touch with one another.

Let’s find out more: 

Staying in with Andrea Christodoulou

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Andrea and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

I’ve brought along my debut novel, It’s All Greek To Me, which is a romantic comedy blending Greek island escapism and a UK setting. 

And I understand it’s publication day so congratulations! Give me a quick elevator pitch for It’s All Greek To Me.

It highlights Greek culture alongside comedy, romance, and a relatable main character working out what to do with her life.  Think Bridget Jones vs My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

That sounds perfect. Why Greece for a setting?

The book was inspired by my half Greek, half English upbringing from having a Greek-Cypriot Dad and English Mum, and also my general love of the Greek culture!

What can we expect from an evening in with It’s All Greek To Me?

You can expect plenty of laughs, an abundance of delicious Greek food and an unexpected romance as we follow Ismeena Eliades trying to navigate through life alongside her crazy Greek family! 

I love the sound of this narrative. How has it been received so far?

A recent reviewer wrote ‘A joyous story of family – and not just any family, but a big fat Greek one! – that’s filled with heart, heaps of food and a good dose of (Greek) comedy.’ 

That’s lovely. I think Greek culture has its own particular quality don’t you?

Growing up I’d always been quite fascinated / amused / baffled by the Greek culture and their ways.  One example of this that I mention in the book is going to Greek church where the priest sings throughout the entire service, and on occasion you have to kiss his hand at the end of mass in return for some Greek bread (handy if you skipped breakfast!).  When I set out writing the book I ultimately wanted to shine a spotlight on the culture and give people a knowledgeable insight into their way of life, but with a comedic twist.  Hopefully I have achieved that!

I bet you have! What else have you brought along and why have you brought it? 

Greek food is mentioned throughout the book, which was inspired by my yia-yia (nan) who was the best cook, so I’ve brought along one of my favourite home-made dishes of hers – dolmades. They are vine leaves stuffed with succulent rice and meat and just melt in the mouth.  Yum!

Yum indeed – reminds me of the very first holiday as a married couple my husband and I went on almost 42 years ago…

And to wash them down I’ve brought a bottle of Cyprus’s finest ouzo – Yamas! 

Yamas! Thanks so much for chatting with me about It’s All Greek To Me. I think it best if you pour the ouzo (a little water in mine please) and I’ll give Linda’s Book Bag Readers a few more details about the book:

It’s All Greek To Me

Ismeena Eliades has hit a life stalemate. She’s bored of her job as an administrative assistant in the stuffy corporate legal world, fed up of her dried-up love life, and tired of drinking away her thirties. And then there’s her mum and her never-ending ploy to marry Isme off to a ‘Good Greek Boy’ (preferably with a healthy bank balance).

It’s time for a life reboot. But just as Isme sets off on a much-needed summer holiday for some sun, sea and solace, she learns that her mum’s motivations for matchmaking go beyond Greek tradition – and when a family emergency brings responsibility to her door, a marriage proposal materialises that could solve all of their problems …

It’s All Greek To Me is available for purchase here.

About Andrea Christodoulou

Andrea Christodoulou is born and bred in Liverpool but is of Greek heritage as her dad was born in Cyprus. She hopes her first novel will give readers some insight into her beloved ancestors and a few laughs along the way. Andrea lives in Liverpool with her husband and their two children, Rosie and Theo. When she isn’t glued to her laptop, you’ll find her sweating her bum off in the gym or on a run or endlessly picking up bits of play doh or loom bands off the floor very kindly left for her by her two beautiful (but painfully messy) children. Andrea particularly enjoys writing humorous fiction, creating a world where readers can switch off from everyday life and get lost in the lively characters and funny family dynamics which she creates.

For further information, follow Andrea on Twitter/X and Instagram.

It’s my very great pleasure to welcome Tim Walker’s brand new protagonist, Arthur Whitty to Linda’s Book Bag today.

In the interests of complete honesty I must admit that lovely Tim provided the questions for Arthur today as life was simply too complicated for me to do so. Tim has appeared on the blog on other occasions here.

Before we see what Arthur has to tell me, let’s find out a bit about the book he appears in – The Trials of Arthur Whitty which is available for purchase here.

The Trials of Arthur Whitty

This novella is the story of plain old Arthur Whitty, a man whose dreams are never dull and whose vivid imagination and sense of humour carries him through a series of sometimes challenging situations. Arthur has retired to a pair of slippers and jigsaw table in a quiet cul-de-sac in Berkshire, England. He walks his dog, Max, and lets his mind wander to a series of dreams in which he is more daring, skilful and adventurous that his real-life humdrum self. He is an irritant to his orderly wife, Emilia, and has succumbed to irksome cancer treatment following a run-in with skin cancer.

Once a date has been set for corrective surgery, Arthur sets his mind on organising a real-life adventure – a bucket list trip to Machu Picchu in Peru where he finds peace and a calming of the spirit. Arthur’s bullish nature carries him through a series of situations but there is little the retired couple can do about the onset of dementia. But Arthur is well supported by Emilia and their daughter, Holly, as the family rally round to make his declining years as comfortable as possible. And there’s always escape to his secret world of risk, responsibility and danger.

The author has drawn on personal experience and observations of elderly men in a support group he helps run for Men’s Matters charity in Windsor, Berkshire. Half of all royalties from the sales of this book will be donated to Men’s Matters, who support older men by encouraging social interaction and connecting them to health and wellbeing support services.

Doesn’t that sound great? Let’s see what Arthur has to say for himself:

An Interview with Arthur Whitty

Linda: Hello Arthur, and welcome to Linda’s Book Bag. You’re the subject of a new book, the Trials of Arthur Whitty. Firstly, I’d like to hear a bit about yourself.

Arthur: Thanks for inviting me onto your blog, Linda. I’m just an ordinary chap, really. I worked as an accountant for thirty-five years before having to retire a few years early owing to a combination of osteo-arthritis in the hands, and a skin cancer diagnosis that needed surgery. It robbed me of my energy, you see. I’ve also got early onset dementia to add to my growing list of ailments. I have a theory that it’s a consequence of having had radiotherapy treatment to my head. No smoke without fire. Quite honestly, I feel like I’m falling apart. I live in quiet retirement with my wife, Emilia, in a suburban close, and enjoy going for walks with my dog, Max. I should also mention, we have a daughter, Holly, now a university student.

Linda: I’m sorry to hear about your health problems, Arthur. It’s been said that you’re a bit of a Walter Mitty character, with an active imagination and a tendency to slip into life-like day dreams, sometimes to escape the nagging of an overbearing wife. Is there any truth in this?

Arthur: Hmmm. Yes, I suppose so. I do have a rather active imagination and the slightest prompt can set me off into an imagined parallel existence. I suppose I like to imagine myself as someone more interesting, daring and successful than plain old me. As for an overbearing wife, I think that’s a bit harsh on Emilia. She’s a loving partner who is a domestic goddess and I’m happy to submit to her superior organisational skills. But since I retired, she has been trying to fill my days with tasks that previously had remained gloriously undone. My escape mechanism is to take Max, our dog, for a walk. Sometimes twice a day.

Linda: Are any of your secret adventures based on actual events?

Arthur: Popular culture in its broadest sense feeds my imagination – films, TV programmes, books, plus some documentaries. I went to New York City for a work conference once and this experience, added to exposure to popular US movies and shows, have fed into some fantasies. And yes, I have watched The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that you referred to earlier which must have had a subliminal impact. But my bucket list adventure in Peru, only a few years ago, when I climbed up a rocky footpath that came out above and behind the famous Machu Picchu site, was an unexpected wonder that exceeded the scope of my imagination.

Linda: Did the older men’s support group you joined help in any way, and are you still attending?

Arthur: Yes, at first I was a bit sceptical about it, but after a couple of weeks I had become familiar with the cast of characters and started to enjoy their company. Water finds its level, and aging men have much in common to complain about. They have general knowledge quizzes to exercise the brain which does me some good as I’m finding my memory is becoming more and more unreliable.

Linda: Thank you, Arthur, and good luck with the book. I guess the overall theme is that growing old presents a whole new set of problems and challenges, and we’re all heading in that direction. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us – I found the book both funny and touching at times. I applaud your unshakable spirit and wish you well with your ongoing battle to retain your memories and independence.

About Tim Walker

Tim Walker is an independent author living near Windsor in the UK. Born in Hong Kong in the Sixties, he grew up in Liverpool where he began his working life as a trainee reporter on a local newspaper. He went on to attain an honours degree in Communication Studies in South Wales before moving to London where he worked in the newspaper publishing industry for ten years.

In the mid-90s he opted to spend a couple of years doing voluntary work in Zambia through VSO, running an educational book publishing development programme. After this, he set up his own marketing and publishing business in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, then managed a mineral exploration company before returning to the UK in 2009.

His creative writing journey began in earnest in 2014, as a therapeutic activity whilst recovering from cancer treatment. In addition to short stories, he researched and wrote a five-book historical fiction series, A Light in the Dark Ages. The series connects the end of Roman Britain to the story of Arthur in an imaginative narrative. It starts with Abandoned, then Ambrosius: Last of the Romans; Uther’s Destiny; Arthur Dux Bellorum and Arthur Rex Brittonum, the last two books charting the life of an imagined historical King Arthur.

More recently, he has written a dual timeline historical novel set at Hadrian’s Wall, Guardians at the Wall. His two books of short stories, Thames Valley Tales and London Tales combine contemporary and historical themes and are now available as audiobooks. Somewhere along the way, he co-authored a three-book children’s series with his daughter, Cathy, The Adventures of Charly Holmes.

For further information, visit Tim’s website or find him on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.

There’s more with these other bloggers too:

My enormous thanks to author Georgina Moore for ensuring I received an early copy of River of Stars, and to Becky Mansell and/or Philippa Cotton for sending me a finished copy. I so loved Georgina’s debut The Garnett Girls (reviewed here) that I was thrilled to receive River of Stars and am delighted to share my review today.

River of Stars was published by HQ on 3rd July 2025 and is available for purchase through the links here.  

River of Stars

Jo hasn’t seen Oliver since that magical, life-changing summer when their idyllic island paradise was shattered. Growing up on Walnut Tree Island, they were everything to each other, defying a feud that fractured their families decades before. If first love runs deep, Jo and Oliver’s ran like the river itself, fast and true.

On Walnut Tree Island, love affairs and secrets come and go like the tides. Once the pulse of a flourishing 1960s music scene, it’s where Mary Star fell in love with a young musician about to hit the big time, only to be left with a baby and a broken heart. Mary has made the island a haven for two generations of Star women, raising her daughter and her granddaughter, surrounded by the river, supported by a bohemian, artistic community.

But Oliver’s return to the island after years away throws everyone into a frenzy. The threat of change is coming to paradise. And for Jo, Oliver’s return opens the wounds of a love she thought she had lost for ever…

Beautifully written, featuring a cast of magnetic characters, River of Stars is the captivating new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Georgina Moore.

My Review of River of Stars

Life for all on Walnut Tree Island is about to change.

Oh yes. This. This is exactly my kind of read. River of Stars is an absolute triumph and I adored it.

I’m not usually a great fan of dual timelines, but the history surrounding the past on the island, Mary’s youth and Jo’s present simply could not work without both eras being presented so effectively and so affectingly. The desperate sadness of how we are controlled by others, how easy it is to lose sight of ourselves and our dreams, and how the past ripples through the years to shape and mould our present is depicted achingly beautifully. I was deeply moved as well as entertained by River of Stars. 

The quality of Georgina Moore’s prose is stunning. It’s intense, beautifully written and steeped with longing, passion and emotion. Descriptions thrum with clarity and realism and yet create a magical, almost dreamlike texture, that underpins the story. The sense of place is intoxicating, putting the reader so firmly at the heart of Walnut Tree Island it is as if they are living there amongst the other inhabitants.

I thought Jo was a fantastic character. She is arrogant, bossy and confrontational whilst equally being vulnerable, broken and, despite her partying and popularity, essentially lonely, so that she is relatable for any reader.  Her relationship with Oliver feels authentic and simultaneously desperately sad and yet imbued with uplifting possibility. Their deep connection feels as if it is possibly one of the most romantic relationships I’ve read, despite their years apart and their seeming animosity.

What works so well in River of Stars is the underlying truth of flawed humanity. It feels like a narrative written by an author who understands the very essence of who we are. There are no cliched or idealised people here, but rather real individuals who make mistakes and face the challenges of life in their own unique ways. Walnut Tree Island is a microcosm of the wider world.

And it is those challenges the characters face that make River of Stars so mesmerising and compelling. Georgina Moore looks at how we are shaped by our past, how family and duty impact our lives, and how we can lose sight of what really matters. Jo’s abandonment of her painting following her experiences in Florence, for example, made me yearn for life to improve for her. 

I thought River of Stars was simply glorious. It explores all facets of family, community and love to perfection. Personal reasons meant I have been unable to read recently, but this superb, sensitive and enthralling narrative drew me in completely and restored my joy in reading. It’s one of my books of the year. 

About Georgina Moore

Georgina Moore grew up in London and lives on a houseboat on the River Thames with her partner, two children and Bomber, the Border Terrier.  The Garnett Girls was her debut novel and is set on the Isle of Wight, where Georgina and her family have a holiday houseboat called Sturdy. Georgina’s new novel River of Stars was published on 3rd July and is inspired by the legendary Eel Pie Island and its colourful history as a rock and roll haven in the 1960s, and by her own life on the river.

For further information, follow Georgina on Twitter/X @PublicityBooks or find her on Instagram and Bluesky.

I’ve been a bit quiet on the blogging front recently whilst Mum was so poorly and following her recent death so it feels somewhat poignant that the book I am reviewing today has grief as one of its themes.

My enormous thanks to Isabel Williams at Harper Collins for sending me a copy of The Secrets of the Harbour House by Liz Fenwick all those weeks ago. I’m delighted finally to share my review which was written some time ago!

The Secrets of the Harbour House is published by HQ on 17th July 2025 and is available for purchase through the publisher links here. 

The Secrets of the Harbour House

When Kerensa is sent by her father’s auction house to catalogue a neglected house overlooking the sea in Newlyn, Cornwall, it’s a welcome escape. Once the home of two female artists, Harbour House is a treasure trove, but one painting in particular catches Kerensa’s eye – a hypnotically sensual portrait of a beautiful young woman which dominates the hallway.

Captivated and intrigued, Kerensa finds herself piecing together the enigma of Bathsheba Kernow, a fiercely talented young artist who left St Ives almost a hundred years before, eager to escape a society that wouldn’t understand her, and her sweeping journey from the underbelly of Paris to the heady luxury of Venice, where a chance encounter would change her life for ever, drawing her into the most dangerous and forbidden of love affairs.

For Kerensa, still reeling with a grief of her own and facing an uncertain future in love, Harbour House will have secrets that will change her life too, and in ways she could never have imagined…

My Review of The Secrets of the Harbour House

This story has absolutely everything a read wants in order to be completely captivated. There’s art, travel, history, mystery and deep, deep passion that thrums through the pages of The Secrets of Harbour House, making it utterly compelling. 

The plot is crafted with obvious care and I loved the story, but even better was the writerly depiction of time and place and the exquisite artistry of description. I know Liz Fenwick is a painter as well as an author and this shines through her writing because every description is so vivid and beautiful.

Obviously, secrets are at the heart of the narrative. It’s not possible to mention them all for fear of spoiling the story, but I’d defy any reader not to be enthralled. There are secrets because of attitudes to sexuality, there are professional, political and family secrets, and, even more importantly, there are secrets we keep hidden deep within us, about ourselves and our lives. I found this aspect hugely thought provoking.

I loved the touches of real historical figures, dates, and accuracy because they lent an authenticity to the narrative. The inclusion of Hitler, Mussolini and Marlene Dietrich provide a veneer of threat that heightens the reader’s awareness of the danger Sheba and Katherine place themselves in. 

With Kerensa and Sheba dominating the narrative voice through their first person accounts set in the two timelines, we get to know, understand and love them thoroughly. Through their lives, Liz Fenwick illustrates how history can repeat itself and she depicts both feminism and toxic masculinity to perfection. This is not just a story that entertains, but rather one that strips back the veneer of society and reveals the frequently duplicitous and murky reality beneath it with pinpoint accuracy. 

I loathed Paul with such a visceral passion that I had to read the parts where he was present in small doses. He raised my blood pressure far too high! Simon too is a prime example of privileged masculinity that tramples the finer feelings of those deemed socially or intellectually inferior. I’d have given anything to crawl into the pages of the book and spend half an hour with each of them…

But for all the consummate story telling, creation of character and beautiful settings of Cornwall and Venice, it was the depth of emotion in The Secrets of the Harbour House that I found so mesmerising. The author engendered such strong reaction in me as a reader that I experienced a huge range of emotion from loathing and rage to compassion and sadness. This is a story that reverberates long after it is read.

Sumptuous, sensual and sizzling with tension, The Secrets of the Harbour House is a book not to be missed and I loved it. It’s one of my books of the year.

About Liz Fenwick

Called ‘the queen of the contemporary Cornish novel’ by the Guardian, Liz Fenwick is the author of nine books, including The River Between Us which won the Popular Romantic Fiction Award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association. She lives with her husband and two mad cats near the Helford River in Cornwall. When not writing Liz is reading, painting, knitting, plot walking, and procrastinating on social media.

For further information, follow Liz on Twitter/X @liz_fenwick, Instagram @liz_fenwick, and Facebook and visit her website.

I’m a huge fan of cruise holidays, having cruised all over the world to places like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Japan, Indonesia, Europe and so on. Equally, I’m a huge fan of Caroline James, who has featured here on Linda’s Book Bag many times – both as an uplifting and joyous writer and as a generous and supportive person. Consequently, it gives me enormous pleasure to celebrate Caroline’s latest book The Cruise Club by hosting a guest post from her today.

(And don’t tell Caroline, but I have chosen The Cruise Club as one of my The People’s Friend Paperback Bookshelf books for July!)

The Cruise Club is published in paperback today, 3rd July 2025, by Harper Collins imprint Avon and is available for purchase through the links here. 

The Cruise Club

Because the best adventures are still to come…

Escape to the sun with the #1 bestselling author of The Cruise in a feelgood rom com full of romance, fun and mischief, which will sweep you away to the azure waters of the Mediterranean with every turn of the page…

Set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance – and just a little bit of mischief…

Cosy crime writer Carmen Cunningham is in trouble. Her inspiration has vanished, her deadline is looming, and her meddling elderly mother Betty consumes her every waking moment.

Hoping to revive her creativity, Carmen books a dream cruise, featuring workshops with her literary idol, Ruskin Reeve. It’s the perfect plan – until Betty insists on tagging along…

However, as the Diamond Star sails through sun-soaked ports and magical Mediterranean islands, Carmen finds the escape she needs as she discovers new friendships, and unexpected sparks with the grumpy, but charming, Ruskin.

But mischief is afoot on board the ship, with talk of items going missing and a secret club that’s got everyone talking… Will the cruise reignite Carmen’s writing muse or plunge her into the biggest plot twist of her life? Because, as she’s about to find out, anything can happen at sea…

Escape this summer on a holiday like no other, where fun and frolics are the order of the day! 

All aboard – the three authors I’d risk a lifeboat with!

Romcom author Caroline James picks her perfect fantasy cruise companions.

Bring the books, banter and a few bottles of bubbly…

I love a cruise, especially the charm of a smaller ship where you don’t need a satnav to find your cabin, and the crew remembers your name. Not that I’ve anything against larger resort-style ships where there’s always something for everyone to enjoy. But for me, the charming coastal towns that a smaller ship can slip into, the tucked-away fjords and less touristy gems capture my heart.

Let me take you on a little journey aboard my fantasy cruise ship, where my imagination runs wild. I’d love to introduce you to the three guests I’d invite on this dream voyage – not just for their talent and fame but for the laughter, conversation and unforgettable memories they’d bring to the high seas…

 

Jeffrey Archer

Who wouldn’t want to be a dinner table guest alongside an author with such a colourful past?

This former politician’s life story could fill the pages of a thriller all on its own. He’s the master of fictional tales, and with his knack for spinning stories, Jeffrey Archer would keep us captivated for hours. From serving time in jail to topping best-seller lists, I’d love to sit back and engage with the man who created so many brilliant and inspiring stories. Jeffrey Archer’s life story is controversial and resilient; hearing it first-hand would be as captivating and fascinating as the fiction he’s given us.

Milly Johnson

Ah, a cruise with Milly…

I can’t think of a more delightful companion for a peaceful afternoon on deck. Milly writes with such warmth and humour that time spent with her would be like stepping into one of her heartwarming novels. A proud Yorkshire woman, she brings northern charm into every conversation. Her books are full of relatable women, raw emotions and stories that resonate with many. I can imagine our deep discussions on love, life, and friendship – maybe over a slice of cake or two. If we decide to head inside for a quiz, I’d want Milly on my team. I’m sure she’d smash it with her knowledge and banter. From writing greeting cards to best-selling novels, Milly is super inspiring, and I know I’d leave the cruise filled with a zillion ideas for my own future stories.

Keith Floyd

The late great ‘Floydy’…

In another life, I was a media agent representing celebrity chefs. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Keith Floyd, many of my chefs did, and they all spoke of him with reverence and respect. Keith Floyd influenced me greatly throughout my life, and he was a culinary rockstar to me. If Floyd was on my fantasy cruise, there would be spontaneous cookery demos on deck, flambé disasters in the galley, and gourmet meals whipped up with whatever he could find in port. Shore excursions would take on a new slant as he dodged the tourist traps to head straight to the nearest backstreet bistro to discover what the locals were eating. Floyd would never be alone with a wine glass glued to his hand, drawing passengers to his energetic, hilarious company. No ordinary chef or traveller, Floyd was a brilliant author whose cookery books were eloquently written and full of rich stories with humour and a genuine love for food adventure.

Thanks to lovely Linda for letting me spend time with you on her wonderful blog.

Happy fantasy cruising, everyone!

I wish you all many hours of joy, whether you’re at sea or ashore,

lost in a good book or enjoying the company of unforgettable friends.

With love,

Caroline xx

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It’s my pleasure to host you Caroline and happy publication day. What brilliant guests – especially, for me, the wonderful Milly Johnson whom I’m proud to call a friend. I think we should pack our bags, book another cruise and invite Milly along, don’t you?

About Caroline James

Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, including The Cruise, the #1 best-seller that has captivated cruise ship passengers worldwide, earning its reputation as Girl Power for the Over-Sixties! Her eagerly anticipated follow-up novel, The Cruise Club, is set to make waves too.

As an entertaining and charismatic public speaker, Caroline brings her unique blend of humour, insight, and inspiration to the stage. With talks that blend behind-the-scenes glimpses into the hospitality world and her journey as an author, Caroline guarantees to enthral audiences with sessions like A Glimpse Beneath the Celebrity Chef Apron or It’s Never Too Late to Get Published.

Caroline’s vibrant storytelling stems from her colourful career. Before becoming a full-time writer, she carved out a fascinating path in the hospitality industry, owning a charming country house hotel and a lively pub. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider’s perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. When she finally turned her focus to writing, she discovered her true calling, penning best-selling novels that have garnered her legions of fans.

When she’s not writing in Venus, her cosy holiday home on wheels, Caroline enjoys tranquil walks with Fred, her lovable Westie, and refreshing swims in a local lake. As a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, the SoA, ARRA, and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists, Caroline is a passionate advocate for the written word and a champion of life-long creativity.

For further information, visit Caroline’s website, follow her on Twitter/X @CarolineJames12 and find Caroline on Facebook and Instagram.

When one of your favourite authors has a new book coming and you’ve been a character in another of their fabulous stories, then, regardless of the trials of life, you simply have to participate in the cover reveal. So it is with Emily Stone and I’m thrilled today to participate in sharing details of her brand new book Yours For The Season. My huge thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me to participate.

You’ll find my review of Emily Stone’s Always, in December here, of One Last Gift here and of Home Again For Christmas here.

Let’s find out more:

Yours For The Season

This Christmas, in the romantic Scottish Highlands, a white lie and a fake-dating proposal between exes snowballs out of control in the brand-new festive romance from Emily Stone.

Christmas with your ex and his family in a cosy cottage in the snowy Scottish Highlands? It’s the last place Mel imagined spending the holidays. But when her ex-boyfriend Finn shows up on her doorstep, only months after inexplicably dumping her at his sister’s engagement party, asking her to pretend to his family they’re back together, she agrees – on one condition. Mel can publicly dump Finn at the end of the week and show him just how it feels. But with Finn’s mother set on making this Christmas picture-perfect, can Mel and Finn keep up the act without falling back into old feelings? As their white lie snowballs out of control, and the ice between them starts to thaw, Mel must decide if she really wants their romance to be just for the season – or something more… 

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Doesn’t that sound simply fabulous? I can’t wait to read Yours For The Season.

Yours For The Season will be published by Headline on 9th October 2025 and is available for pre-order here.

About Emily Stone

Emily Stone is the author of five bestselling festive romance novels, including Always, in December. Her novels have been translated into eleven languages. Emily has lived in many places over the years, including London, Wales, Cornwall, Germany and Mozambique – before finally settling down in Bristol, where she spends most of her free time with her two rescue ponies. Emily Stone is the pen name for Becky Hunter, and she also writes speculative romance under her own name, Emily loves connecting with readers. You can find her on Instagram at @emstonewrites – she’d love to hear from you!

You’ll find all these other bloggers are equally excited about Yours For The Season too:

I’ve considered lovely Barbara Havelocke a personal friend for some years so it gives me enormous pleasure to take part in the cover reveal for her brand new book Estella’s Fury. 

I loved Barbara’s first book in this gothic, historical thriller series – Estella’s Revenge – and you’ll find my review here. 

Let’s find out about Estella’s Fury:

Estella’s Fury

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Doesn’t Estella’s Fury sound fabulous?

Published by Canelo’s Hera on 13th November 2025, Estella’s Fury is available for pre-order here. 

About Barbara Havelocke

Barbara is an international bestselling author, whose psychological thrillers have topped Amazon and Kobo. Her writing career started in journalism, interviewing the real victims of crime – and the perpetrators. The realistic, complex characters who populate her fiction reflect this deep understanding. When not writing, Barbara is found walking her two dogs, Scamp and Buddy, or taking photos of wildlife.

You can find out more about Barbara by visiting her website and following her on Twitter/X @BCopperthwait. You’ll also find Barbara on Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook.

It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome back lovely Patricia Furstenberg to Linda’s Book Bag today. Patricia has featured here many times before but it’s been far too long since she appeared.

Today we are discussing her brand new book When Secrets Bloom, so let’s find out more:

Staying in with Patricia Furstenberg

Welcome back to Linda’s Book Bag Patricia and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me once again.

Thank you so much for having me back, Linda. It’s always a pleasure to visit Linda’s Book Bag. Your passion for stories and tireless support of authors is truly inspiring. I’ve been a long-time admirer of your blog and I’m delighted to return for another sweet chat.

That’s so kind of you. I know you have a brand new book out so tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it? 

Thank you for asking, Linda. This evening, I’ve brought When Secrets Bloom, my new release. It’s an historical fiction novel set in 15th-century Transylvania over three winter days; mist clings to people’s breath and secrets root deeper than the winter freeze.

And it’s out today! Happy publication day.

I chose this book because it’s a story that took many years to take shape to finally bloom in four books. The first one, When Secrets Bloom, follows Kate Webber, a German Saxon healer caught between duty and suspicion, love and survival. At its heart lies a question I kept returning to: What if the secrets we carry could either heal or destroy, depending on who learns about them?

Given my life at the moment, When Secrets Bloom sounds essential reading. Tell me more! 

The book promises to immerse the reader in superstitions and secrets, but also in light, the kind that flickers through wooden windows and from ancient beliefs, but also from the hearts of those who refuse to surrender to silence. 

At its centre is Kate, a German Saxon healer in 15th-century Transylvania, a woman as rooted in the land as the herbs she gathers (taught by her mother) and the legends she believes in (educated by her father). When Kate defies her husband’s command and saves yet another mother and child, the price is more than her safety. It’s her name, her past, and her future. Accused of witchcraft she can either stand against suspicion or release a secret that refuses to stay buried.

This is a story where local superstition and medieval science (sometimes grossly misunderstood) brush shoulders: the whispers of strigoii (the local undead) mix with the first printed pages coming off Kronstadt’s wooden press. In many ways, the novel is a quiet homage to women who heal, remember, and endure, who hold communities together while history watches elsewhere.

I’m always fascinated by women in historical fiction. But why did you choose Transylvania for your setting?

Kronstadt is the old name for Brasov, one of Transylvania’s biggest cities. Transylvania holds an enduring place in my heart. My mom is from there. I grew up listening to its stories and I was lucky to visit and touch the old stones of its fortresses. So writing about Transylvania isn’t a choice, it’s a return. A return to my roots and to a past that still speaks if you know how to listen.

And yes, Vlad the Impaler lingers at the edge of these pages. Not as the figure of fear, but as a memory, a mentor who once taught Kate to read a wound as one reads a map. He doesn’t appear, not yet. But he is there; in every choice Kate makes, in every lesson she recalls.

This sounds brilliant.

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it? 

I’ve brought along a small field of crocuses in bloom. They hold a quiet but powerful meaning in When Secrets Bloom. For Kate, they are more than flowers; they are memory made visible. A childhood gift from a silent sweetheart (one she’ll meet again), a symbol of rebirth and resilience and a thread that ties her dangerous present to a moment of innocence long gone. The crocuses appear only briefly in the story (although they made it on the book cover), but their presence lingers, just like the people we carry within us, even when they’ve vanished from sight.

That aspect of presence feels very pertinent in today’s world. Were there any other reasons for choosing them?

The crocus is one of the first flowers to brave the frozen Transylvanian soil and also the last to wither in the face of autumn frost, as Spring and Autumn crocuses. Much like Kate herself, they bloom when few others dare. 

Historically, crocuses grew wild across the Carpathian hills, prized not only for their fragile beauty but for the saffron they sometimes yield. Golden threads used in healing, dyeing, and rituals lost to time, their duality, fragile and strong, fleeting and enduring, mirrors the quiet resilience at the heart of this story.

I think I’ll be looking at crocus blooms differently in future…

And because no evening on Linda’s Book Bag is complete without a sweet delight, and no historical fiction book is complete without a taste of the past, I’ve also brought Turkish delight. Soft, sweet, dusted with nostalgia. It’s a nod to Vlad Dracula, whose youth was forcefully shaped in the heart of the Ottoman Empire where apparent sweetness and sharp strategy often walked hand in hand. It’s easy to forget, before the legend hardened around his name Vlad was a young boy forcefully held at the Ottoman court. Here, he learned their ways, tasted their food, and adapted their knowledge to survive.

Oo! I didn’t know that. And Turkish delight is one of my favourites. You can come again!

So, tonight, flowers for memory and sweets for diplomacy. Both can be dangerous. And both can be beautiful. I’m a big fan of symbolism, Linda. When Secrets Bloom offers not just a glimpse into the past, but a quiet conversation with it. Some stories ask to be read. This one, I hope, will also be remembered. 

I hope so too Patricia, and it certainly sounds as if it will be. Thank you so much for coming back to the blog to tell me about When Secrets Bloom. I think it’ll be an intriguing and mesmerising read. 

Thank you so much, Linda, for welcoming me back to Linda’s Book Bag. It’s been a joy to share When Secrets Bloom with you and your readers and to bring along a little taste and scent of the world behind its pages. Your support of stories and storytellers means more than I can say. Heartfelt thanks.

My pleasure! Now pass me some Turkish delight to celebrate today’s publication of When Secrets Bloom and I’ll give readers a few more details:

When Secrets Bloom

Transylvania, 1463

Some secrets heal. Others kill.

Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband’s command and steps into danger — for life, not reputation.

When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate’s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth — rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty.

Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar’s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined.

Kate and Moise’s fates, as well as the map’s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them.

Published today, 27th June 2025, When Secrets Bloom is available for purchase (at a bargain price I might add) here.

About Patricia Furstenberg

Patricia Furstenberg is a writer of historical fiction inspired by the forgotten corners of the past, where truth and legend entwine. With a medical degree and a heart rooted in Transylvania, her stories often explore resilience, hidden truths, and the quiet strength of women and dogs. She is best known for her war fiction Joyful Trouble, Silent Heroes and the new and enchanting When Secrets Bloom.

For further information, follow Patricia on Twitter/X @PatFurstenberg and Facebook or visit her website.