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. 

It was almost a year ago that lovely Justin David at Inkandescent sent me a copy of Bleeding Fabulous by Mark Ward in return for an honest review. As a teenager I babysat a little boy who had haemophilia and I was always terrified he might suffer internal bleeding so I was intrigued to read this memoir. I’m delighted finally to have got round to reading Bleeding Fabulous and am delighted to share my review today.

Bleeding Fabulous was published by Inkandescent on 24th November 2024 and is available for purchase here. 

Bleeding Fabulous 

The story of how a boy came to be infected with blood borne viruses, and in spite of multiple death sentences, lived to become the world’s first ever LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Haemophilia.

‘Faced daily with my own mortality, I chose to live fabulously—each of my fifty-five years has been full of love, laughter, adventure… and feather boas.’

Mark Ward is the founder of Haemosexual—an online support and information resource championing equality, education and better healthcare for everyone with a bleeding disorder, no matter what their sexual orientation. Mark’s battle to secure a public enquiry into the Infected Blood Scandal has led him to places he never expected, and to meet people he never dreamt of.

‘Mark is a survivor, literally, of the HIV visited upon him through contaminated blood, but rather than merely revelling in the simple fact of life, he has heroically dedicated himself to ensuring life remains possible for others.’—Sam Stein KC

This forthright (and fabulous) memoir, recounts the journey of an unlikely lad from Letchworth who grows up to be a renowned and respected rights campaigner.

My Review of Bleeding Fabulous

A memoir.

My goodness. Bleeding Fabulous is exactly that – bleeding fabulous – and I thought it was astonishing. Mark Ward’s writing is candid, honest, and utterly gripping because it reveals the most compelling insight into how a young boy with haemophilia became a man infected with all manner of life threatening viruses as a result of the treatment he received from the very people who were meant to be caring for him.

Having been a young teacher in the early 1980’s when the tombstone A.I.D.S adverts were proliferating, I knew a little bit about the Infected Blood Scandal but here we have the most affecting, personal account that hits the reader right in the solar plexus. The stark brutality and prejudice of those Mark encountered in some health care workers, politicians and employers balanced by the sheer tenderness and support he witnessed from those such as Richard and his Mum, simply leaps from the page. I confess to being slightly ashamed of my casual, naïve, lack of knowledge and understanding into what people like Mark have endured. Bleeding Fabulous might be a hugely entertaining memoir, but it’s important and educational too.

What works so well in Bleeding Fabulous is the insight into the machinations of national and international health, politics, employment and education that is presented by a warm, flawed, sensitive human being who is unafraid to show himself – warts and all. This means that we gain an understanding of a genuine human being rather than a statistic or a briefly read headline. I loved Mark’s passion for air travel, life and his pets, for example, and felt for him every time he was rushed to hospital or suffered another prejudice or knock back because of his sexual orientation or the infections he carried through no fault of his own. The author actually has a wicked sense of humour and whilst he brought a tear to my eye on many occasions, I laughed too. Indeed, Mark Ward engendered several emotions as I went with him on his life’s journey, from despair to hope, fury to joy and all the emotions in between. The author takes the reader on a roller coaster of a trip.

Certainly Bleeding Fabulous isn’t the most literary book I’ve ever read, but I think it might be one of the most touching and affecting. Alongside smashing photos that bring the people in the book to life, Mark Ward’s accessible, no nonsense, style is incredibly impactful. Anyone reading Bleeding Fabulous who is not shocked and horrified by humanity but ultimately uplifted and encouraged by it too, simply isn’t human. Bleeding Fabulous is a must read book and I feel privileged to have done so.

About Mark Ward

Mark Ward is fifty-five years young and lives near Brighton. He was born with severe haemophilia and grew up in Hertfordshire—where he was the first severe haemophiliac to attend a ‘normal’ school, enabling special needs education to be established. At school and in hospital, he was often given other people’s opinions regarding his chosen career in aviation. But this never stopped him from dreaming, and then proving them all wrong: he joined the British Airways Youth Training Scheme at sixteen. He worked within the airline across a variety of departments on the ground and in the air, before his health declined and he medically retired. 

Mark then became the ‘Door Whore’ for G-A-Y at the London Astoria, working with some huge stars and even performing as a drag queen. 

He’s been an HIV and LGBTQ+ activist for over thirty years and has volunteered for charities including Terence Higgins Trust, the West Midlands Lesbian & Gay Switchboard and Open Door in Brighton. 

In 2004, he addressed the World Federation of Haemophilia Congress in Bangkok with his ground-breaking booklet ‘You Don’t Have to be Straight to Take Factor 8’; he was then asked to join the newly-established Tainted Blood Committee in 2006, and has since become an experienced campaigner, media representative and core participant in the Infected Blood Inquiry. 

In 2013 he created the support network Haemosexual for those with a bleeding disorder who identify as LGBTQ+ to provide sexual health education and tackle stigma. 

He’s been an active member of The Haemophilia Society for more than twenty-five years and in 2019, he became the world’s first ever LGBTQ+ Ambassador for Haemophilia.

You’ll find Mark on Facebook and Twitter/X @Haemosexual.

It’s my pleasure today to welcome author S. J. Barratt to Linda’s Book Bag. Suzanne is a middle grade author and as someone late to reading because of my weird sight, I find I’m always enthralled by the books available to children today. 

Let’s find out more:

Staying in with S. J. Barratt

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

Thanks for having m Linda.

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

I’ve brought the second in my series of books for middle grade readers. I’ve brought it to get kids off WiFi and into wildlife!  I remember my childhood, full of walks in the woods with my dog and friends, on our bikes, making camps…  it seems that children these days don’t get much of these timeless activities, so I wanted a story that would promote having simple adventures in a safe place with nature.

Oh yes! You’ve just described my childhood perfectly. I like the sound of this series.

Who would you describe as your ideal reader?

My ideal reader is a curious 9-12-year-old who loves stories that take them somewhere new. Maybe they don’t always get to explore the world in real life—because of family life, circumstances, or simply because they love escaping into books. This story is a way to travel when you can’t, a way to have adventures when you’re stuck at home, and a way to feel powerful when the world’s problems seem too big.

I think escapism is part of the wonderful power of books.

What can we expect from an evening in with Living at the Edge of the World – Spring? 

I’d describe it as an eco-fiction for middle grade, perfect for 9-12s. It’s a standalone story but also the second in a series of four that follow the seasons on a remote island in Shetland, Scotland. The first book is Living at the Edge of the World – Winter and I am currently working on the third which is all about summer and the theme – ocean pollution. 

These sound great. How have the books been received so far?

I like this review:
With its mix of adventure and heartfelt moments, this book makes you want to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and look for a hidden story waiting to be uncovered.

Literary Titan

That’s brilliant.

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

I have brought along some bannocks, which are traditional bread/scones that everyone eats every day in Shetland. 

Anyone who brings food is always welcome Suzanne…

And some Shetlandic reels to listen to…

As soon as you listen to a reel, your feet usually start itching and you want to dance! 

I couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much for staying in with me Suzanne to chat about Living at the Edge of the World – Spring. I wish you every success with it. 

Now, pass me a bannock whilst I give readers a few more details:

Living at the Edge of the World – Spring

Twins Tabitha and Timothy aren’t exactly thrilled when their parents’ globetrotting plans land them on Papala Island, —a windswept, remote corner of Shetland—with their quirky great Uncle Tamhas. Life without Wi-Fi, bustling city streets, or their usual comforts feels like a nightmare. But as they explore the island’s rugged landscape, uncover ancient legends, and connect with the unique community around them, Papala begins to feel less like a punishment and more like a place full of possibilities.

From battling treasure hunters to standing up for the environment, the twins discover that adventure can come in the most unexpected places—and that sometimes, change is exactly what you need.

Published on 20th March 2025, is available for purchase here.

About S.J. Barratt

Suzanne is a writer, hiker, and gardener who creates children’s books inspired by the wonders of nature. Based in Lyon, France, with her family, she feels equally at home in the rugged landscapes of Shetland, Scotland, or the French Alps. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking to new places, chatting with plants, or trying to convince her garden that she’s in charge. Her mission? To ignite young imaginations with the natural world and replace Wi-Fi with WildLife.  

For further information, find Suzanne on Instagram and Facebook, Bookbub and Goodreads. Suzanne is actively looking for reviews of her books.

My huge thanks to Jane Corry for ensuring I received a copy of her latest novel, The Stranger in Room Six in return for an honest review. It’s my pleasure to share that review today.

I had originally been asked to review The Stranger in Room Six by My Weekly, but recent changes mean those reviews are currently on hold until a new Fiction Editor is in place. 

You’ll find my reviews of Jane’s We All Have Our Secrets, Coming to Find You and I Died on a Tuesday here. 

The Stranger in Room Six was published by Penguin on 19th June 2025 and is available for purchase through the links here.

The Stranger in Room Six

You may not know the stranger in room six. But they know everything about you.

It’s been fifteen years since Belinda was convicted of her husband’s murder. Now, she’s ready for her life to begin again, and she’s set on that happening at Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart.

The owner, Mabel, has spent her life here. First as an evacuee during the Blitz and now as the care home’s oldest resident, Mabel has held the secrets of this house for as long as she can remember. Secrets that could kill if in the wrong hands.

But history won’t stay hidden forever and someone is onto them both. Watching and listening from room number six, they’ll stop at nothing to find out the truth.

With a past this dark, is anyone as innocent as they seem?

My Review of the Stranger in Room Six

Belinda’s life is in turmoil.

The Stranger in Room Six is what might be termed a ‘proper story‘. It’s packed with history, intrigue and a wide range of relationships so that it has something for every reader. The way in which the various strands of the narrative are drawn together is so cleverly done. 

I’m not usually a fan of multiple timelines, but The Stranger in Room Six is woven together really effectively and, actually, requires the modern day and 1940s eras in order to illustrate the way history and the actions of the past reverberate through the lives of the characters. 

Both Belinda and Mabel are complex individuals who show that literal truth does not necessarily reflect moral or intentional behaviours. Initially I found Mabel rather naïve, but realised that she needed to have that innocence in order to be malleable and that, in fact, she was very much a child of the era. Both women have secrets, they both do the wrong things for the right reasons and the right things for the wrong reasons. Both face tragedy partly of their own making, and yet neither intended their actions to have the consequences they did. This is a fascinating aspect of the plot

Along with that intricate, engaging and carefully crafted plot, there are thought-provoking themes in The Stranger in Room Six. Family and parenthood are central and I found Belinda’s estrangement from her daughter Gillian very moving. Equally interesting is the impact of the past on our lives. However, I think the most riveting aspect of The Stranger in Room Six is the consideration of revenge, retribution and redemption. This is the kind of narrative that leaves the reader questioning how they might have behaved in similar circumstances. Add in other aspects like marriage, dementia, friendship and trust and The Stranger in Room Six feels like a story to ponder long after the final page is read.

I also found the settings impactful and in many ways, place equates to character as it shapes Belinda and Mabel every bit as the secondary characters do. Belinda’s time in prison feels authentic and disturbing so that the reader cannot help but empathise with her even if she is deemed to be a murderer. I loved the way history has a physical consequence on Sunnyside Home for the Young at Heart – but you’ll need to read the book to see what I mean. It was fascinating how the house reinvented itself over time – just like a real person. 

I thoroughly enjoyed The Stranger in Room Six and it proves that Jane Corry really knows how to craft a drama that reels in her readers and keeps them entirely gripped and entertained throughout. 

About Jane Corry

Jane Corry is a prize-winning author and journalist (Daily Telegraph and women’s magazines) who worked for three years as the writer in residence of a high security male prison. This experience helped inspire her Sunday Times Penguin bestsellers My Husband’s Wife, Blood Sisters, The Dead Ex, I Looked Away, I Made A Mistake, To Tell The Truth, The Lies We Tell, We All Have Our Secrets, Coming To Find You, I Died On A Tuesday and The Stranger In Room Six. She has now sold over 1.5 million copies of her books world-wide.

Jane worked as an RLF Fellow at Exeter University and is a former creative writing tutor at Oxford University. She also writes short stories; features for The Daily Telegraph and speaks at literary festivals all over the world. Many of her ideas strike during morning dog-jogs along the beach followed by a dip in the sea – no matter how cold it is!

Jane is also published by Doubleday in the USA and Canada.

For further information, follow Jane on Twitter/X @JaneCorryAuthor or visit her website. You’ll also find Jane on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram.

It’s such a pleasure to feature the brand new book in the Talbot Saga Series from Allie Cresswell today. Allie has been on Linda’s Book Bag before in posts you’ll find here, and her latest book The Standing Stone on the Moor sounds absolutely brilliant and is out today, 17th June 2025. 

Let’s find out more:

The Standing Stone on the Moor

Yorkshire, 1845.

Folklore whispers that they used to burn witches at the standing stone on the moor. When the wind is easterly, it wails a strange lament. History declares it was placed as a marker, visible for miles—a signpost for the lost, directing them towards home.

Forced from their homeland by the potato famine, a group of itinerant Irish refugees sets up camp by the stone. They are met with suspicion by the locals, branded as ‘thieves and ne’er-do-wells.’ Only Beth Harlish takes pity on them, and finds herself instantly attracted to Ruairi, their charismatic leader.

Beth is the steward of nearby manor Tall Chimneys—a thankless task as the owners never visit. An educated young woman, Beth feels restless, like she doesn’t belong. But somehow ‘home’—the old house, the moor and the standing stone—exerts an uncanny magnetism. Thus Ruairi’s great sacrifice—deserting his beloved Irish homestead to save his family—resonates strongly with her.

Could she leave her home to be with him? Will he even ask her to?

As she struggles with her feelings, things take a sinister turn. The peaceable village is threatened by shrouded men crossing the moor at night, smuggling contraband from the coast. Worse, the exotic dancing of a sultry-eyed Irishwoman has local men in a feverish grip. Their womenfolk begin to mutter about spells and witchcraft. And burning.

The Irish refugees must move on, and quickly. Will Beth choose an itinerant life with Ruairi? Or will the power of ‘home’ be too strong?

**** 

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

The Standing Stone on the Moor is available for purchase on Books, Amazon UK, Amazon US and directly from Allie here. 

About Allie Cresswell

Allie Cresswell was born in Stockport, UK and began writing fiction as soon as she could hold a pencil.

She did a BA in English Literature at Birmingham University and an MA at Queen Mary College, London.

She has been a print-buyer, a pub landlady, a bookkeeper, run a B & B and a group of boutique holiday cottages. She taught literature to lifelong learners but nowadays she writes full time.

She has two grown-up children, three granddaughters, two grandsons and two cockapoos—but just one husband—Tim. They live in Cumbria, NW England.

The Standing Stone on the Moor is her sixteenth novel.

For further information, visit Allie’s website, or follow Allie on Facebook and Instagram.