Blog tour: Happy Ever After in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

 

Cass Marshall has watched one of her best friends, Greta, fall in love but she knows that her chance for love is well and truly gone. She was badly burned years ago and she is not going back Although...she has always had a bit of a thing for Greta's ex, Mick, but she knows that she could ever act on that attraction. After all, Mick had a reputation for being a ladies man back in the day.

The reality is Cass doesn't have time for romance anyway. Her mother is in a nursing home. Some days she recognises Cass but most of the time she doesn't. And Cass is bearing this burden alone as her sister lives in London. What she doesn't expect that her sister will send her nephew Justin to live with her to get him away from a bad crowd.  The biggest issue with Justin really appears to be that he doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps.

Mick has now accepted that his ex Greta has moved on, so he is throwing himself into his business running a whale watching business. However, he and his brother have responsibility for ensuring that theirdad is getting adequate care, and so he too has a parent in the nursing home.

Cass and Mick keep on running into each other, especially after he offers Justin the opportunity to work with him on the boat. But Mick isn't the only man who has his eye on Cass. Her ex, a successful TV anchor, is back in town and he wants to reignite the relationship which floundered so long ago, and he isn't going to take no for any answer. 

Despite the challenges that are put in their ways, Cass and Mick find a way to begin to explore their feelings, but will their relationship be able to get off the ground?

Once again, there are plenty of familiar characters that we have met over the course of the last 9 books, including Ruby Sullivan who once again has a prediction for our pair.

In some ways it is quite bittersweet to read this final book in the Bellbird Bay series. I followed from Granite Springs to Bellbird Bay and I will definitely follow again to Pelican Crossing! We did take a brief trip to Pelican Crossing in the pages of this book.

This book counts for both new release challenge and What's in a Name Challenge. I am using this for the "double letters" prompt

Given that this is the last book in this series, I thought I would share the links to all the Bellbird Bay reviews I have previously shared 

Summer in Bellbird Bay

Coming Home to Bellbird Bay

Starting Over in Bellbird Bay

Christmas in Bellbird Bay

Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay

Escape to Bellbird Bay

Second Chances in Bellbird Bay

Celebrations in Bellbird Bay

Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

Rating 4/5

About the Book

Happy Ever After in Bellbird Bay

It’s been over twenty years since Cass Marshall’s relationship fell apart, and she returned home to Bellbird Bay. Now, although happy with the success of her beachwear business, Cass often longs for someone special to share her life.

Nursing the wounds of a failed marriage, Mick Roberts has finally accepted his ex has moved on with her life. Determined to avoid his daughter’s attempts at matchmaking, he immerses himself in his whale-watching business.

When family sickness brings the two together, Cass wonders if her life is about to take a turn for the better. But with Mick’s ex-wife also being Cass’s best friend, a seed of doubt emerges.

This doubt intensifies when Cass’s recently widowed ex arrives in town, determined to use any means to drive a wedge between Cass and Mick as he fights for a second chance.

Can Bellbird Bay work its magic again and provide a happy ever after for Cass and Mick, or are they destined to spend the rest of their lives alone?

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Ever-After-Bellbird-Bay-ebook/dp/B0CJ4KYJMH

https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Ever-After-Bellbird-Bay-ebook/dp/B0CJ4KYJMH

About the author –

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing romantic women’s fiction, feel good stories of second chances. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog tour - Celebrations in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

 

If I was to do a count of reviews by author, I think Maggie Christensen would be right up there as one of the most reviewed authors on my blog. I always look forward to reading a new book from her.

This book, Celebrations in Bellbird Bay, is the eighth instalment in the Bellbird Bay series. Bellbird Bay is a magic place, where opportunities for second chance, late in life romances abound!

Sandy Elliott is busy building up her new catering business, Celebrations, when the building burns down. At the same time she gets a call to say that her mother's friend Ruby has had an accident, so Sandy and her daughter head to Bellbird Bay. The plan is to only be there for a few months. While she is there she can continue baking cakes for the local garden centre and even run Ruby's B&B business, just to keep things going while Ruby recovers.

Rob Andrews is a Bellbird Bay local. After leaving the armed forces after a difficult tour of Afghanistan, Rob started Bay Bikes. He is proud of his business, but personally he had closed himself off, sure that he is too emotionally damaged by the things he saw in battle. He suffers from nightmares and can't ever imagine himself letting anyone special into his life.

Small towns being small towns, after initially meeting Rob and Sandy keep on running into each other. Rob is emotionally unavailable, Sandy is only staying in town for a short while, and she doesn't like his beard and tattoos, and yet, there is something between them. The question is will either of them be brave enough to take the first steps to explore the connection

Ruby has always been something of an enigmatic character in the previous books. She appears, makes a subtle prediction for the future, and disappears, leaving everyone wondering what her prediction could possibly mean. Oh, and everyone talks about her cakes. It was therefore nice to get to know Ruby a bit more.

As always, the book is populated with many of the characters that we have come to know in previous books. They are a friendly bunch, and very accepting of newcomers. But don't let that worry you if you are new to the series. Of course, I would always recommend reading a series in order, but there is enough back story here to mean that you would still enjoy this book. 

Do yourself a favour though and read the whole series. The books in this series always transport me to the beach side community! It almost feels like you go and sit at the surf club, and have a beer, watching the people come and go and know exactly who they all are! They are comfort reads for me, guaranteed to make me feel very content once I get to the end of each book! And this one was set around Christmas so it was festive contentedness!!

Needless to say, I will be reading the next book in the series.

Thanks to the author and Rachels's Random Resources for the review copy.

About the book

Celebrations in Bellbird Bay: An uplifting, emotional and festive story

Sandy Elliot is devastated when a fire destroys her new business and doesn’t know how she can go on. When she receives a call from her grandmother’s old friend seeking her help, a trip to Bellbird Bay seems like the answer to a prayer.

Rob Andrews is proud of what he has achieved with Bay Bikes, the business he set up when he returned from Afghanistan. But the memory of his time there still plagues him and has always prevented him from forming any close relationships, afraid his deep-seated guilt and recurrent nightmares would scare off any woman foolish enough to become involved with him.

Upon meeting, it’s certainly not love at first sight. Sandy hates his beard and tattoos while Rob, though attracted to Sandy, doesn’t believe he deserves to find happiness.

But Bellbird Bay is a small town, and their paths continue to cross, making it impossible for them to ignore each other or to deny the attraction between them.

With the festive season approaching, can Sandy and Rob overcome their pasts and enjoy a celebration of their own?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/CelebrationsinBB

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: Second Chances in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

The sun is shining, the surf is up, the beers are flowing at the  surf club.....we must be back in Bellbird Bay! 

When successful hotelier Leo Carlson was a young man, he spent an idyllic summer in the seaside town of Bellbird Bay! There he met a beautiful young woman named Greta and they fell headfirst in love. The plan was that they would live happily ever after. But this was the days before the internet and mobile phones. He returned to the city and lost her phone number. Life got in the way and by the time he could come back he realised Greta had moved on.

Many years later he has the opportunity to buy a hotel in Bellbird Bay and so he decides to return to the town he loved so much as a young man. 

For Greta, seeing Leo again has bought back all sorts of memories. However, her life is complicated. Her daughter has just returned from living in London. Whilst Greta is glad for her to be home, she is concerned because Jo isn't talking about why she has come home after all these years, and she is clearly miserable. He ex-husband, Mick, also seems to be thinking that there might be a chance for him and Greta to reunite.

Greta has built a life for herself in Bellbird Bay after her divorce. She owns a boutique in town and she is pretty content, all things considered. The idea of rekindling a romance with Leo is tempting, but it takes a leap of faith. After all he left her without any explanation before. What's to stop him from doing that again? 

I do enjoy my visits to Bellbird Bay and this was no exception. I enjoyed reading about Leo. I was interested to see some of his work issues. After years of building up his business, he is ready to make changes for Greta, as long as he can convince her to trust him. And as long as his needy ex wife doesn't cause trouble.

Whilst the magic that must be present in the waters of Bellbird Bay does it thing between Leo and Greta, I have realised that it is not only the main characters who feel the effects. Whilst they are not the focus of the story there are often lovely interactions between other characters in the background. There were also more characters introduced in this book who I suspect might get their magic moments in upcoming books in the series. 

And the reader gets their own form of magic - a lovely read which leaves you feeling happy at the end of the book.

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy.

I already know I am looking forward to the next book. Luckily the next one is out in November so it isn't long to wait!

About the book

Second Chances in Bellbird Bay: A captivating story to tug on your heartstrings

Following her divorce, Greta Roberts has found solace running Birds of a Feather, an upmarket boutique in the seaside town of Bellbird Bay. But when a ghost from her past reappears, Greta’s peaceful, single life is sent into a spin.

Leo Carlson has built an empire of hotels and resorts but has never forgotten the perfect summer he spent in Bellbird Bay in his teens. When the opportunity to purchase a hotel there arises, he finds it difficult to pass it up.

Meeting again, Greta and Leo are quick to discover they are different people from the young couple who kissed on the beach and vowed to love each other for ever. Beset with challenges which threaten to keep them apart, can Bellbird Bay work its magic and provide these two with a second chance at love?

 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/seondchances

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

 

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog tour: Escape to Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

Ali West has spent her whole working life in academia, teaching about women’s rights. When one of her students accuses her male professor of inappropriate advances, Ali is shocked at the university’s reaction, and even more shocked when it is suggested that she might need to take some time off.

Neil Simpson has issues in his career too. He has been inadvertently implicated in a financial scandal at the prestigious boys school where he is principal. Although he has been cleared of any involvement, his reputation has been affected and he has been directed to take paid leave until the matter goes to court.

Both Ali and Neil find themselves in Bellbird Bay. Ali comes to visit her brother, Adam, who has recently settled with his new partner. Neil and his daughter, Bronte, come to stay with his father, Harry, who runs the local bookstore. Lucky he does return to Bellbird Bay because it turns out that Harry is having some health issues and is going to need some support for a while.

Both of them are looking at what comes next for them in terms of their career. Neither of them are looking for love, but Bellbird Bay has something of a reputation for being a town where love comes to those who least expect it.

I have reviewed multiple books by Maggie Christensen now. I always look forward to reading the next book in her series. There are many recurring characters from previous books in the series, but they don’t get in the way of the current story. Bellbird Bay sounds like a really great place to live. Sun, surf, good people. What more do you need?

I really enjoyed this instalment in the series. I liked that both Neil and Ali were escaping, not just one of them. Both of them are navigating the challenges that face you when you are in a new place. For Neil, he is returning to the place where he grew up, but he was never one of the surfie guys, so he has past acquaintances rather than close friends. Ali has her brother, but they were separated during childhood and had only recently been reunited, so there is work to be done there.

One aspect I really liked of this book is Neil’s daughter Bronte. She is young, only around 20, and she is struggling to find a direction in life. Her mother is ambitious for her, pushing her into university courses that she isn’t really interested in. When she comes to town, she finds her own direction, one that is different from the one her mother would want, but one that she can call her own. The reason why I really liked Bronte is that, on occasion, some of the grown kids in the previous books are sometimes a bit annoying in their selfishness.

As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of this series, and this author. I think she is the author I have read the most books from over the last two or three years. I am already looking forward to the next book. And the one after that. And after that. You get the picture.



Check out other stops on the tour to see what they thought.



Rating 4.5/5



Thanks to the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for the review copy

About the Book

Escape to Bellbird Bay: A heartwarming story of second chances

When successful university lecturer Alison Wells’ life unexpectedly falls apart, she follows in her brother’s footsteps and escapes to the coastal town of Bellbird Bay on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Neil Simpson loves teaching and his position as principal at a prestigious boys’ school in Brisbane. But when scandal rocks the school, and he learns his father’s health is failing, he has no choice but to return to his hometown of Bellbird Bay.

Determined not to be a burden to her brother and his new partner, Ali is considering her options when her world and Neil’s collide. Having avoided commitment all her life, Ali is unprepared for the force of her attraction to the man who is trying to come to terms with the upheaval in his own life.

As fate conspires to keep them apart, can this small town work its magic on these two lost souls?

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Bellbird-Bay-heartwarming-chances-ebook/dp/B0BN9HQD8F

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Bellbird-Bay-heartwarming-chances-ebook/dp/B0BN9HQD8F

About the author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!



Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen
https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen
https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: Finding Refuge in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

I normally wouldn't do two blog tours so close together but when one is for a book in Maggie Christensen's Bellbird Bay series, there was no way that I wasn't going to say yes!

We met Bev Cooper in the first book in the series, when her friend Ailsa and brother Martin met and fell in love. Bev is the owner of the local garden centre, everyone's friend, and yet no one, not even her brother, know her deepest darkest secret. And it is this secret which is the reason why Bev has always closed herself off to the possibility of love.

Iain Grant has recently moved to Bellbird Bay in a bid to try to give his son, Bryan,  a new start. Bryan's wife has recently died, and since then Bryan has understandably been struggling emotionally leaving Iain to shoulder a lot of the responsibility for his granddaughter Mia. 

When Bryan starts working at Bev's garden centre, she can't help but be reminded of someone from her past, which is causing some angst for her. The other thing that is causing some turmoil for Bev is opposition to her plans to make part of her garden centre into an intimate wedding venue. 

Bev needs help understanding the bureaucracy and also with dealing with the opposition to her plans, Given Iain's previous career, he volunteers to assist and so Bev and Iain start to spend time together. Slowly they begin to begin to open up to each other, although when Iain's ex wife turns up in town that definitely throws a spanner in the works.

All the while, Bev can't help but revisit the events of her past and wonder how those events will link to her future.

This is another entertaining entry in the Bellbird Bay series. It was great that Bev has got her chance at happiness after spending so long on the sidelines watching the people around find happiness in new relationships.

This story did take some very interesting twists and turns, although I do feel like there was at least one s part of the past story that was not quite explained to my mind. Maybe I missed it! It is minor but It has kept me still wondering.  I guess that means that I was invested!

Rating 4/5

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy

About the book

Thirty-five years ago, tragedy forced Bev Cooper to cut short her university studies and seek refuge in her hometown of Bellbird Bay. Today, as the owner of the thriving Pandanus Garden Centre and Café, Bev has moved beyond the past and is happy in her solitary existence.

​

Following the tragic death of his son’s wife, Iain Grant takes early retirement and moves with his devastated son and granddaughter to the peaceful coastal town of Bellbird Bay hoping it will provide the change of scene they all desperately need.

​

When Iain’s son accepts a position at Bev’s garden centre, the pair find themselves drawn into each other’s lives. But as they begin to enjoy an unexpected attraction, issues from the past threaten to derail their growing relationship.

​

Will the healing atmosphere of Bellbird Bay work its magic and provide a second chance in life, or will Bev find it too difficult to put the past behind her and enjoy her own happy ever after?

​

A heartwarming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

 

About the Author –

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up Scotland, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

 

 

Social Media Links –

Facebook           https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor

Twitter                https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33

Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

Instagram          https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

Bookbub            https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen

Website              https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

Blog Tour: Christmas in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

It's always a pleasure to spend time in the small country towns that Maggie Christensen has created and Bellbird Bay is no exception. And Bellbird Bay at Christmas, even better.

When Libby Walker and her husband planned their sea change move, they had no idea that it would be only Libby who actually made the move.  A couple of years on, Libby is mostly settled. One thing that she knows she  has no interest in is men. Which is lucky, because her daughter has just separated from her husband and is spending the summer in Bellbird Bay while she sorts out her life.

Adam Holland is only in Bellbird Bay for a few weeks. He needs to fulfil a promise to one of his best friends to spread his ashes in his home town on Christmas Eve. Adam has avoided commitment his whole life, and this trip is well timed to give him some space from the woman he has been seeing. It  is also giving him a chance to clear his mind. Adam is a successful author, albeit somewhat reclusive,  but the longer he spends in Bellbird the more he realises that what he really wants is to take his writing in a different direction. Now he just has to convince his agent that his established fan base will follow him with his new character.

When Libby meets Adam, her daughter Emma makes it clear that she would disapprove of any type of romantic entanglement with any man, but seemingly especially Adam. Libby enjoys spending time with him though and that is the first time she has felt anything since her husband died.

With so many difficulties  navigating the complexities of the relationships on the peripherals, can Adam and Libby give themselves time and space to explore their growing feelings. Of course, the course of true love never runs smooth.

My only slight issue is really with Emma. I love reading these mature romances where older people meet and fall in love. I do sometimes find the older children a bit irritating and selfish. Having met my husband when we were older, I am well aware that it can be a bit difficult. A couple of days ago we were having a conversation with my son who lives with us. We were talking about this and he asked what would happen if he said that he disapproved now, bearing in mind that Robert has been living with us for 5 years. My response was that he could move out but he would have to leave the dog!

So many Christmas books are set in the Northern Hemisphere where Christmas means snow and darkness, for us it is about warm weather and if you are lucky sand and surf, and this book really gives a taste of that.

I really enjoyed spending more time in Bellbird Bay and I am already be looking forward to the next book!

Rating 4.5/5

Thanks to Rachel's Random Romance for providing a review copy of this book.

About the book:

Christmas in Bellbird Bay

Libby Walker never imagined she’d be moving into the dream house she and her husband had purchased for their retirement as a widow. Intent on making a new life for herself in the quiet coastal town of Bellbird Bay, Libby’s life is upended by an unexpected call from her daughter.

Adam Holland’s unhappy childhood and broken home has left him scarred. Content with the life he has built for himself as a journalist and author of political thrillers, Adam arrives in Bellbird Bay to fulfil the deathbed request of an old friend.

When Libby and Adam meet, there is an initial attraction. But Libby is grieving for her late husband and trying to help her daughter sort out her life, and Adam has no intention of forming a relationship, wary of commitment because of how his family was torn apart.

Will the peace and tranquillity of Bellbird Bay help these two move on from old hurts and make this a Christmas to remember, or will events conspire to keep them apart?

A heartwarming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

 

Purchase Link - getbook.at/ChristmasinBellbirdBay

About the Author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/maggiechristensenauthor
https://twitter.com/MaggieChriste33
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8120020.Maggie_Christensen

https://www.instagram.com/maggiechriste33/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-christensen?list=about

https://maggiechristensenauthor.com/

 

Blog Tour: Starting Over in Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

 

I am running very late with my post for this tour, so my apologies are due to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and Maggie Christensen. The reason I am late is because I was moving house.

Cleo Johansen also moved but for far different reason than I have. Cleo and her daughter Hannah moved to the beachside town following the death of her American born husband Stan. Together Hannah and Cleo had built a life together, but now Hannah is moving out of home into a share house and Cleo is feeling a bit lost.

One of the men that Hannah is going to share a house with is Owen, the son of Will Rankin. Will runs a surf school on the beach for people of all ages and abilities and is something of a local legend. When one of his students takes more than a shine to him, a mutual friend suggests that he pretends to be involved with Cleo to deter her. But what happens if all that does is antagonise the woman?

At first Cleo is reluctant but the more time she spends with Will the more she likes him, but she's not sure about moving forward with a relationship. 

There is a lot going on in this book. There's an environmental fight to save a pristine bay that is home to nesting turtles from a high rise development,  there's a stalker, there's some missing girls which is sparking safety fears in the town and then there is the mysterious American woman who has a connection to Stan. And when some of these events threaten to get in the way for Will and Cleo, they need to decide if what they have is worth fighting for.

It is always a pleasure to get lost in the towns that Maggie Christensen creates. Her books are easy, pleasurable reads which feature older characters taking a chance for happiness when it comes their way! The town is full of people who you could easily imaging spending a fun night around a dinner table or at a pub or even just having a chat with as you wander around town.

I am already looking forward to the next book in the series!

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the review copy of this book.

Rating 4/5

About the book

Starting Over in Bellbird Bay

Following the death of her husband, Cleo Johansen and her daughter moved to Bellbird Bay determined to make a new start. Having carved out a new life, Cleo is shattered when a shadow from her husband’s past throws their lives into disarray.

Will Rankin has lived in Bellbird Bay all his life. Now widowed, the former surf champion runs the local surf school and enjoys a close relationship with his son. Content to lead a single life, the appearance of an undesirable stranger is quick to upset his peaceful existence.

While neither Will nor Cleo is interested in forming a new relationship, an unexpected attraction surfaces when a mutual friend suggests they spend more time together.

Set against a background of sun, sea and sand, can Cleo and Will find a way to move forward together?

A heart-warming tale of family, friends, and how a second chance at love can happen when you least expect it.

Purchase Link - getbook.at/StartingOverinBellbird

 

About the Author

After a career in education, Maggie Christensen began writing contemporary women’s fiction portraying mature women facing life-changing situations, and historical fiction set in her native Scotland. Her travels inspire her writing, be it her trips to visit family in Scotland, in Oregon, USA or her home on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Maggie writes of mature heroines coming to terms with changes in their lives and the heroes worthy of them. Maggie has been called the queen of mature age fiction and her writing has been described by one reviewer as like a nice warm cup of tea. It is warm, nourishing, comforting and embracing.

From the small town in Scotland where she grew up, Maggie was lured to Australia by the call to ‘Come and teach in the sun’. Once there, she worked as a primary school teacher, university lecturer and in educational management. Now living with her husband of over thirty years on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, she loves walking on the deserted beach in the early mornings and having coffee by the river on weekends. Her days are spent surrounded by books, either reading or writing them – her idea of heaven!

 

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