Hello everyone! Welcome to the first post of Indie Recommends Indie in 2022! Ariel and I are hosting a romance reading challenge this year and I am super excited to begin this series with some indie romance recommendations! A lot of my guest authors have recommended romance in SFF but today, Abigail (Abi) Yardimci will be sharing mostly her favorite contemporary romance with some bonus recommendations in fiction and historical romance! Let’s meet Abi and then read on for some fantastic reads.
Abi, thank you for joining me for this series! It was so much fun to read Life is yours and interview you about it a couple years back – time flies! Tell me and my readers a bit about yourself. 🙂
Hi everyone! I’m Abi and I’m an indie author of feel-good fiction with a little bit of romance and a whole lot of soul. I enjoy creating down-to-earth characters and scratching the surface of my own everyday life to find the underlying magic that connects us all.
I am the author of the uplifting Life Is Yours trilogy, which reveals how one woman unwittingly transforms the grief and torment of heartbreak into the most magical year of her life.
I’m originally from the North East of England (a Geordie girl!) and now I live in Devon by the sea with my Turkish husband and two terrifying kids. I get my kicks from mindfulness, creative living and chocolate.
Do you primarily read indie books or big publishers books as well?
Since I became an Indie author myself, I am rapidly discovering the wealth of quality books out there by independent writers. Up until about six months ago, I would say I read almost 100% big-house-publishers, mostly just through a lack of knowledge or access to the Indie market. Now I’m about 50/50 and I’m so glad about it.
Abi’s Indie Recommendations
Highland Games by Evie Alexander
Genre: Romance / Romantic Comedy
Published: 2021
Series (#1)
Welcome to Kinloch, and the hottest winter Scotland’s ever seen.
Zoe’s always played it safe, just as her parents wanted. But when her great-uncle dies and leaves her a ramshackle cabin in the Scottish Highlands, she decides it’s time to change her life.
Upping sticks seems like a good idea in her cosy London flat, but the reality is very different. There’s no electricity or running water, the roof leaks and there’s no front door. If that wasn’t bad enough, she’s moved up in the depths of winter and her scorching hot neighbour wants her out.
Rory’s got a fifty thousand tonne problem. If he can’t make Kinloch castle profitable, he’s out of a job. He needs a clear head, but there’s someone living in the cabin he saw as his own and she’s turned his world upside down.
Rory needs Zoe out of Scotland, and out of his life. The trouble is, she has no intention of leaving.
Let the games begin…
Why I Loved It:
I’m not always a massive fan of romance (even though I quite often write it into my own books), but I not only liked this one, I LOVED it!
I am half Scottish and spent all of my childhood holidays in the Highlands so this book made me very reminiscent of its cutesy little post office and cold, starry nights with breath curling like cotton in front of your face.
The main characters, Zoe and Rory are adorable but also super cool and believable. The romance that blossoms between them is realistic but also hot and exciting . . . I thought the raunchy scenes were totally justified – relevant to the story and the characters, exhilarating and touching.
The story is crafted beautifully and the narrative is tied up in a satisfactory way BUT I know this is not the last we will hear from this fantastic author, and I’m glad because these characters left me wanting MORE!
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who likes believable, grounded characters who are also very funny
- Anybody who loves a steamy scene or two
- Anybody with a cheeky and / or British sense of humour
Just Friends in Vegas by Lucy Keeling
Genre: Romance / Romantic Comedy
Published: 2021
Series: Friends #3
Is love always a losing game?
When Mya is with Smithy, it feels like her eyes are constantly rolling. His wheeling and dealing charisma charms everyone but her. Well, that’s not strictly true – Mya is only human after all, and there’s no doubt the man is hot with his suits and swagger. It’s just that Smithy knows Mya’s secret, and she’s not sure she can trust him to keep it from their group of friends.
As they immerse themselves in the glamorous and mysterious world of ‘The Suits’, growing closer as a result, Smithy has to question whether his time with Mya is destined to become a case of ‘what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ …
Why I Loved It:
This book was just a massive big ball of fun. Romance, female empowerment, the bright lights of Vegas – honestly, what’s not to like?
I loved reading about how Smithy and Mya responded to the glamorous setting of Vegas, the unavoidable competitiveness they had to embrace during the poker tournament and how their brief but lust-filled history simmered beneath the surface of all their interactions. The story line was fast-paced and fun but the love story was sweet as well as smouldering – a perfect balance that kept me reading all the way through.
Having read the first two books in the series, I also enjoyed being reintroduced the characters I’d met before and seeing how they slotted into Smithy and Mia’s bright and sparkling world. I loved how Mya’s secret occupation was finally revealed and that she could kick ass at Poker as well as any of her male counterparts.
I don’t know if I’ve ever had so much fun reading a book – my kids had to tear me away from it so I could have some dinner! It is a fantastic addition to the Just Friends series by Lucy Keeling, as I also loved the first two books.
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who enjoys fun and frolics and the seductive, sparkling setting of Vegas.
- Anybody who likes their characters to have a real sense of depth as well as fun
- Anybody who enjoys fun and games with a twist of romance
The Cake Fairies by Isabella May
Genre: Foodie Romance
Published: 2019
Standalone
“Nigella in a novel.” – HEIDI CATHERINE
1960’s Somerset is no fun for cousins Polly and Annabelle Williams. Mourning their non-existent love lives, and the mundanity of village life, their only pleasure is baking – until a chance encounter has them magically transported to the bright lights of London… in 2019!
Promised a chance of love, first they must teach the people of the future about the simpler pleasures of life by becoming Cake Fairies. Over the course of a year they set off on a delectable tour of the UK, dropping off cakes in the most unexpected of places and replacing the lure of technology with much sweeter temptations.
But will their philanthropical endeavours lead them to everlasting love? Or will they discover you can’t have your cake and eat it?
The Cake Fairies is the fifth novel by fantastical foodie author, Isabella May.
Why I Loved It:
I was completely enthralled by the bold and zany concept of this book. Cakes, time travel, romance and a kindness challenge like no other.
I’m a sucker for a fortune-telling moment so I loved it when Annabelle and Polly got drawn to a certain mystic-looking tent at Glastonbury. Something crazy just had to happen, so when they were hurled forwards in time to embark on a kindness challenge put upon them by the crazy fortune-teller, I knew fun would ensue.
The whole story was a quirky quest to find true love and alter the technological addictions of 2019 whilst also finding some truth and compassion in their own relationship. The two women have to navigate the demons of their past as well as the fears for their future whilst they complete their challenge. I loved how the story visited all different parts of the UK (I got really excited when they got the North East!) but that their hearts ultimately led them back home to Glastonbury.
This book delivers humour, heart and delicious storytelling – I’m so glad I chose it.
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who enjoys having their taste buds tingle whilst reading
- Fans of Joanne Harris
- Anybody who likes bold, outlandish storylines and is prepared to give the author a chance to show just how well those stories can captivate and enthral.
Instructions For Falling In Love Again by Lucy Mitchell
Genre: Romance / humorous fiction
Published: 2019
Standalone
What would you do if your late husband left you a list of instructions on how to fall in love with someone else?
Pippa Browning is faced with this exact dilemma, three years after the death of her husband, Dan. Buried at the bottom of a drawer are a collection of notebooks full of Dan’s advice on how to live without him.
Pippa’s notebook is red and contains his instructions on how to fall in love again.
But Dan doesn’t just want Pippa to fall in love with anyone – Dan’s crazy suggestion is that Pippa should date his handsome friend, Mikey Stenton, a known thrill-seeking ladies’ man.
Reluctant to follow Dan’s advice, Pippa enters the world of dating. She embarks on a humorous journey of self-discovery, with the help of her children and two best friends.
It isn’t long before Pippa is finding it hard to ignore Dan’s instructions and Mikey Stenton.
Is Mikey really the man that everyone thinks him to be? Or was Dan right, and Mikey’s simply been misunderstood?
An uplifting and heart-warming story about friendship and finding love, the second time around.
Why I Loved It:
The concept of this book is really touching from the off. A young woman’s husband has died prematurely and she is left with a broken heart as well as a family to bring up. However, it is far from depressing – this book is light, uplifting, humorous and a real tonic for the soul.
I really enjoyed the idea that a lost husband could leave instructions on falling in love to his grief-stricken wife. The story moves along swiftly and Pippa finds herself in many relatable situations concerning grief, parenting, love and friendship. I particularly enjoyed hearing the voice of the husband who’d passed away provide inspiration and encouragement for his most loved and treasured people left behind. I could really understand how Pippa had fallen in love with him in the first place, but also that his love for her ultimately leads to her finding her happy place again.
It showed beautifully how it’s still possible to move on with a legacy of a loved one firmly wrapped around the heart. A fab debut novel.
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who enjoys a soulful storyline with lots of emotional depth
- Anybody who appreciates comic relief from serious topics
- Fans of well-crafted happy endings
Among the Olive Groves by Chrissie Parker
Genre: Historical / Travel Romance
Published: 2014
Standalone
Elena Petrakis adores living on the Greek island of Zakynthos. When World War Two looms her way of life is threatened. Left with no choice she joins the island’s resistance to fight for what she believes in; her family, her home, and her freedom.
Decades later, thousands of miles away in the Cornish town of Newquay, Kate Fisher prepares to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, but her joy is fleeting when she learns she is adopted. Abandoning life in England, Kate flees to Zakynthos, where she is forced to acknowledge a life she has struggled to come to terms with, one that will change her future.
From the beautiful crystal turquoise seas of the Ionian Islands to the rugged shores of the Cornish coast, ‘Among the Olive Groves’ is a story of love, bravery and sacrifice.
Why I Loved It:
Among The Olive Groves is a beautiful story told through a dual timeline, of love, loss and courage.
I really enjoyed this book because of the engaging characters and beautiful settings, but also because the duel timeline is so artfully woven. Reading about Kate and Elena in their two different eras and countries, and knowing that they would somehow be intertwined as the story went on was totally compelling and kept me turning the page.
I thought it was a sweet romance story at first but soon discovered it had much more to it than that. The chapters are laden with fascinating history, admirable bravery, undeniable love, complex ancestry and riveting mystery.
Having spent some time on Greek islands myself, I really enjoyed picturing the crystal seas and rustling olive groves. I fell in love with the place all over again, as well as the charming characters and captivating story. This book left me feeling wistful and satisfied all at the same time.
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who enjoys storylines that span across generations
- Fans of wonderful descriptive prose painting a picture of setting, time and place
- Suckers for multi-generational narratives with plenty of tear-jerking moments
The Enlightened Spaniel: The Cat With One Life Left by Gary Heads
Genre: Spirituality / Buddhist Fiction
Published: 2020
Series (#2)
This is the story of two springer spaniels and their unrelenting quest towards enlightenment. Supported by their trusted companion The Bookshelf, and guided by an unwavering belief in the teachings of the Buddha, they undertake to discover the truth surrounding the reincarnation of the Buddha’s dog. The story takes an unusual twist when a mysterious cat arrives. The cat, Amara, believes he has used eight of his nine lives and is suffering from anxiety and uneasiness. He has travelled from afar to find Half-Sister in the hope that she will teach him to live in the present moment and therefore enjoy his final life on planet Earth. However, it soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems, and that Amara holds a secret that Half-Sister must unravel if the truth is to be revealed. The Enlightened Spaniel – The Cat with One Life Left is a charming story that winds its way down a path filled with ancient wisdom, humour, and compassion for all living beings.
Why I Loved It:
This lovely story about two spaniels and their crazy quest to become enlightened in the ways of the Buddha is the perfect antidote to frantic, modern life.
This book is the second in a series. I have read the first book, but I think I enjoyed this one even more. The new characters were particularly enticing (who wouldn’t love a scraggy cat claiming this life to be his ninth and absolute last? Or a bookshelf who’s a bit up himself and eager to spout his wisdom to anyone who’ll listen?). The spaniels are, as ever, funny and endearing and their mission to find enlightenment is pretty admirable. I particularly loved the meditation sessions held with all the unruly neighbourhood cats – it reminded me of every time I’ve ever tried to get my kids to sit still! We could definitely learn a thing or two from these dogs and their inner search, which I think is pretty much the point.
Thoroughly recommended for anyone who loves animals and / or wants a gentle but informative introduction to mindfulness.
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Anybody who wants to learn more about mindfulness but needs an easy way in
- Fans of spirituality mixed up in fantastic fiction
- Dog lovers with an open mind and an open heart
A Winter Haven by Margaret Amatt
Genre: Romance / Contemporary Romance
Published: 2021
Series (#1)
She was the one that got away… Now she’s back.
Career-driven Robyn Sherratt returns to her childhood home on the Scottish Isle of Mull, hoping to build bridges with her estranged family. She discovers her mother struggling to run the family hotel. When an old flame turns up, memories come back to bite, nibbling into Robyn’s fragile heart.
Carl Hansen, known as The Fixer, abandoned city life for peace and tranquillity. Swapping his office for a log cabin, he mends people’s broken treasures. He can fix anything, except himself. When forced to work on hotel renovations with Robyn, the girl he lost twelve years ago, his quiet life is sent spinning.
Carl would like nothing more than to piece together the shattered shards of Robyn’s heart. But can she trust him? What can a broken man like him offer a successful woman like her?
Why I Loved It:
This is such a fab love story based on the idea of ‘the one that got away’.
The book is atmospheric, wistful and cosy – the perfect read on a cold, winter’s day. I really enjoyed meeting Robyn and understanding all the reasons why she was leaving her high-powered job in Manchester to go back to her native Isle of Mull in Scotland. The reception she receives is nowhere near as warm as she might have liked, except for an old flame called Carl who still can’t get her out of his head.
With family struggles to navigate, a haunted past that just won’t leave them alone, and a future that seems bleak in both of their eyes, I was eager to keep turning the page and find out just how Robyn and Carl could make everything alright. The dialogue is snappy and the story moves on apace so I was never bored, rather always wanting just one more chapter . . .
If you like relatable characters, romantic settings and guaranteed happy endings then you’ll love this book, the first in the Scottish Island Escape series. I’ll definitely be reading more!
I’d recommend this book to . . .
- Readers who love a guaranteed happy ending
- People who like to cosy up and get all the feels from their stories
- Lovers of romance for romance’s sake – and in the most beautifully evoked settings
Abi’s Book Spotlight
Feel-Good Fiction / Contemporary Romance
Published Nov 2021
New Year’s Eve is in full swing. Jess and Lindy have met by chance and already they’re sharing a bottle of wine in a cosy Turkish restaurant. Lindy is hooked on a story Jess is telling, but midnight is coming and happy endings aren’t always guaranteed . . .Â
​After Jess returns from the trip of a lifetime high on hope, ambition and new love, she’s ready to take on the world. She shuts down her business, cuts ties with her ex and announces to everyone the old her is gone.
​But a violent encounter rocks her world and her past comes crashing back to haunt her. With a childhood demon to forgive, a long-distance relationship to navigate and that final layer of self-love to uncover, can Jess dig deep and put the final pieces in place before midnight comes knocking?
Readers who enjoyed Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and anything by Jojo Moyes would like this book.
Readers can get a FREE book of my poems called ‘What About Now’, rooted in mindfulness and fired by love – by signing up to my readers list at www.abigailyardimci.com
I also do weekly, Thursday Night Live videos on my Facebook Author Page at 8pm (UK time) – everyone is welcome to join in with bookish joy, random ramblings and creative shenanigans. You can also find me on Twitter @AbigailYardimci and Instagram @abigailyardimciauthor. My website is abigailyardimci.com.
Did you add any books to your TBR today based on this post? Tell us in the comments!
Thank you so much for hanging out with Abi and me. I found a bunch of recommendations for my romance challenge. I hope you got some ideas too!
If you are an indie or small press author who is an avid reader and wants to be featured, sign up using the form on the Indie Recommends Indie home page. This is a fantastic way to bring attention to fellow indie authors as well as your own book. 🙂
Banner Photo of library by Alfons Morales on Unsplash
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