Book Review: You, Me and the Movies by Fiona Collins

Synopsis:
Two people. Ten classic films. A love story you’ll never forget.

Arden has just started university when she meets Mac – and quickly falls head over heels for the handsome, charismatic film lecturer. Their love affair is dramatic, exciting and all-consuming; the sort of thing you only see in the movies.

It couldn’t last. But thirty years later, leading a very different life, Arden is visiting a friend in hospital when she suddenly comes across the man she never forgot. Badly injured in an accident, Mac can only make brief references to the classic films they once watched together: Casablanca, A Star is Born, Pretty Woman among others… and they make Arden remember everything.

The bittersweet memories of their relationship help Arden re-connect with the world in a way she no longer thought was possible. But will a movie-worthy love ever be hers again?

My Review:
I love Fiona Collins books so obviously I jumped at the chance to request her latest book ‘You, Me and the Movies’ when it appeared on Netgalley. Huge thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK and Fiona Collins for allowing me an early read.

Wow! No other words but wow what a story! Firstly this is a completely different genre to Fiona’s other books but I must admit this is my most favourite book of Fiona’s to date. I love that this book took me by surprise, I wasn’t expecting to feel such emotion for the characters and the plot. Long story short this book is simply about two souls connected through their love of movies and proving that it never matters how much time can pass between people, simple references or quotes can bring memories back that was once forgotten.

The story jumps between the ‘then’ and the ‘now’, which Fiona managed perfectly; I never once was lost or felt I had missed anything. The book is written through the eyes of the main character Arden who living in London, separated from her partner with a grown up son and working as an assistant to the locations manager in the Production office of a long running police series called Coppers. During a hospital visit to a friend she comes across her first love Mac Bartley-Thomas who she hasn’t seen for thirty years, here we are transported back to Arden’s University days when she first meets film studies lecturer Mac and they embark on an all consuming romantic relationship.

Fast forward to the present and Mac, badly injured following an accident and no visitors coming by, Arden struggles to walk away so she begins to visit Mac in hospital. Mac’s injuries result in him being unable to communicate, however seeing Arden sparks Mac to reference quotes from classic films that they watched together during their relationship. Quotes that Arden thought had been buried deep down but brings all the emotions crashing back like it was yesterday.

Of course Pretty Woman is one of the classics featured! I will admit I haven’t seen any of the other films mentioned throughout the story which I know is shocking and I will be rectifying that situation soon however it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book as Fiona gives detailed snippets from the films to understand why the quotes were chosen.

These film references are the link that brings the then and the now together within the story.  On the whole Arden's memories are positive and happy but with them also comes painful reminders of an unhappy childhood and a strained relationship with her mother. 

Mac being back in her life helps her to remember the Arden she used to be, helping her to reconnect with the world and opening new doors to opportunities she may have hid away from before now. 

Overall an emotional read from start to finish, I couldn’t call where Arden’s story was going to take me but it really showed how people and situations can really make an effect and leave their mark on your life.  

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Blog Tour Book Review: Bridesmaids by Zara Stoneley

Synopsis:

Meet Rachel, the beautiful bride with BIG plans for the perfect day! The venue is a castle and the dress is designer. It’s just a shame her husband is a rat. 

Maddie and Sally have only one thing in common – they both love the same man!

Beth is a newly single mum with a mystery baby daddy. Surely the father isn’t someone the girls all know?

And then there’s Jane, the glue holding them all together, but being dumped doesn’t make her the happiest bridesmaid…especially with gorgeous flatmate Freddie complicating things. 

Will the bride say, ‘I Do!’? Or will her bridesmaids save the day…and find love along the way? 

The most hilarious, feel-good rom com of the year!

My Review:

Welcome to Publication Day and the first stop on a jam-packed Blog Tour for the wonderful Zara Stoneley’s ‘Bridesmaids’.

I have wanted to read ‘Bridesmaids’ since forever ago when Zara shared a photo of the book cover on social media. For a start a book that has not one but four cupcakes on the front deserves my attention! Wow! I know the saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ but let’s… Beautiful, even without taking a look at the synopsis I knew I wanted to read this and I knew I would simply love it. ‘Four friends, four secrets, a wedding they’ll never forget’ How can you not dive into the pages! 

I love a wedding, everyone does surely…?! Who doesn’t love a wedding involving secrets and gossip though, I would have Pinocchio’s nose if I had said no! Of course we all do. Wedding’s are one of the most stressful times that can create disputes between families and friends, generate money troubles, it can turn you into a weather stalker (you’re just asking for one dry day that’s all!) but what happens when your best friend is marrying someone you know is not their soul mate, it’s not going to be easy sailing that’s for sure! 

I loved this book, it’s pure easy reading, escapism with bundles of humour thrown in too. Although Rachel is the bride to be the book is actually written through Jane’s point of view. Jane, we find out isn’t such a fan of weddings which is totally understandable after her heart was broken after being dumped by her fiancé on her hen night! So you can understand her worries when best friend Rachel breaks the news of her approaching wedding especially when she has a sneaky suspicion that Rachel’s fiancé is a complete toad. But being a good bridesmaid and more importantly best friend Jane is ever supportive, making sure to oohhh and ahhh at the right times throughout every step of the wedding planning. 

I really liked the character of Jane, Zara has created someone who not only is likeable for so many reasons but relatable. I could really see myself in her at times throughout the book, the friend who keeps everyone together no matter the situation, a peacemaker, barrier, reliable and a confidant to all. I felt sorry for her at times too, trying to keep everyone happy, keeping people’s secrets all while battling a dragon of a boss at work and jeopardising her own happiness at the same time. 

We all know life can get in the way of keeping in touch so Rachel’s wedding is a great excuse to bring the girlfriends back together however along with them they bring secrets of their own. Sally and Maddie are both in love with the same man which surely will cause no end of awkward moments during the wedding run up, hen party and the big day itself, especially when the man in question is the best man..! Beth who may not be a bridesmaid but still very much part of the bridal party is a new mum to baby Joe but is keeping schtum over who the daddy may be. All this and the hen party antics haven’t even started! 

Last but no means least is Jane’s gorgeous flatmate Freddie who came to Jane in her hour of need and has continued to be her knight in shining armour. I loved all the scenes that Freddie appeared in, you just know he is one of the good ones that every girl needs in her life whether he is fantasy Freddie who Jane secretly crushes over or reliable flat mate Freddie, you can tell that he is a keeper for sure. 

Overall this book was everything I wanted it to be and more, featuring lots of laugh out loud moments, some shocking revelations that left me gob smacked.. and not forgetting a wedding day no one will forget in a hurry! Bridesmaids is a total must read for this summer..! Buy Buy Buy! Zara thank you for another smashing read! 

Big thank you to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources, Harper Impulse and of course Zara Stoneley for allowing me an early copy and asking me to be a part of this fab Blog Tour! 

Bridesmaids is out now...! Purchase Links Below!

Amazon | iBooks |  Waterstones

...and other good retailers

Check out other stops on this fab Blog Tour!

Author Bio

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. 

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'. 

Where you can find her-

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley

Book Review: The Last Dance by Aimee Brown

Synopsis:

Ambri and Henry have been best friends forever. They've been through the highs and lows of life with each other by their sides. The worst? When Henry's wife, and Ambri's sister, died. Together, they can face it all. Until one night destroys everything.

Two years after he stepped out of it Henry walks back into Ambri's life and she's more than a little shocked. But as old friends fall into even older habits they need to decide whether they can forget the past and embrace their future.

My Review:

Big thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus and Aria for allowing me an early read of Aimee Brown’s new novel ‘The Last Dance’. The front cover caught my eye immediately and I liked the sound of the synopsis, although you could tell straight away that this wasn’t going to be your standard romance story. Being a newbie to Aimee’s books I was excited to get started.

Best friends Ambri and Henry have been each other’s supports since forever until tragedy strikes when Ambri’s sister and Henry’s wife dies. Grief brings them closer together until one disastrous night where their relationship changes forever resulting in Henry walking away leaving behind a broken Ambri.

Fast forward two years and Henry is back in town and wanting to be back in Ambri’s life. With a new girlfriend and home Henry is hoping he can amend the past however Ambri isn’t so sure this can be done. Ambri having had two years to rebuild herself, her confidence, trust and still fighting off the all consuming grief of losing her sister; Henry has a lot of bridge building to be back in Ambri’s life again.

There are so many things I love about this book, from the storyline to the characters. Aimee writes beautifully bringing the characters to life, Ambri and Henry being the main characters were likeable (although after Henry making such a huge mistake it did take me a little while to warm up to him again!) As we know Ambri and Henry loose someone they both love, grief and dealing with those feelings were a huge part of the story which was written well, the book was well balanced and the use of humour between the characters was a regular occurrence and gave some light relief from the heartache both Ambri and Henry were feeling.

Another big bonus was getting to read the story through both Ambri and Henry’s eyes, I always say how much I love when authors do this. It gives you that extra insight into their feelings and reactions to situations and towards each other, it helped me to understand their grief a little more and their emotions, it also made me want to bash their heads together knowing their inner thoughts!

Ambri, I could quite easily see myself being friends with, I love how passionate she is about food (I am a huge foodie myself, who isn’t?!) and I love that her job is to blog about up and coming restaurants. Yes Please! I liked that Aimee wrote a character that didn’t have her stuff together in life, she didn’t know where she was headed with her job and she wasn’t sure whether her current boyfriend was ‘the one’ it made Ambri a lot more real and believable.

Henry… What can I say, he is the character you want to dislike but you just can’t help but fall a little bit in love with. Like I said above, I had to get through a few chapters before warming up to him but I couldn’t not. He of course like everyone, is doing the best he can to get through the grief that consumes him, unfortunately he makes some mistakes along the way which you want to hold against him but deep down you know his a good guy and he proves this by all the things he does for Ambri.

The story at times was a little predictable, but you will know from my other reviews that I never mind that in a story, I welcome knowing where it will lead as most of the time I am already willing the storyline to head that way so I am never disappointed and can finish the last page with a smile on my face. I have to admit though I wasn’t ready to finish this story, I wanted it to carry on for a little longer, I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Ambri and Henry.

I am so pleased I read this wonderful, heartwarming story between two people who sadly lost a loved one but learned to survive and keep living and like the synopsis states embrace their future.

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Dear Mrs Bird by A J Pearce

Synopsis:

London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted. 

But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?

My Review:

Wow! I was not expecting to feel so in love with a book as I do for ‘Dear Mrs Bird’ You will not be disappointed I can assure you. After reading and enjoying ‘The Street of Broken Dreams’ by Tania Crosse I was quite intrigued to read more books set during the war, so after a book chat with a friend she recommended ‘Dear Mrs Bird’ I made a mental note to add this to my never ending to be read pile and get to it at some point this year but I happened to come across it during a library visit. I couldn’t just leave it there could I?! So I picked it up and my gosh I am so pleased I did. 

1941 World War II London, Emmeline (Emmy as we get to know her as throughout the book) wants nothing more than to be a Lady War Correspondent for the Evening Chronicle. What she does become (after a mix up with the job advertisement) is a typist for Henrietta Bird, a famous agony aunt for a magazine called ‘Woman’s Friend’. Emmy although a little glum due to the mix up, takes it all in her stride and decides to give the job her all and make the most of the opportunity. 

‘Keep calm and carry on’ the well used British phrase popped up in my mind every time I opened this book. While bombs were being dropped and loved ones were away on duty people had no choice but to carry on. Anxious family members, women whose husbands, boyfriends, brothers and son’s were out at war wrote into ‘Woman’s Friend’ for guidance, advice and comfort however Emmy soon realises that Mrs Bird with a heart of stone is a tough one to crack. Refusing to answer let alone read letters from desperate women with socially unacceptable problems Emmy struggles to rip their letters up and throw away leaving Emmy struggling against her heart and mind knowing she would be breaking the rules but not able to sit back while they are ignored. Emmy decides to go with her heart and write back in secret, of course thinking no harm will come of it but of course we know life is never as simple as that. 

I warmed to Emmy from the first page, her character was really likeable, witty and caring. As well as working she was also a volunteer at the local fire department as a telephone operator and reading about the firefighters gave you an insight into what life would have been like during those times. Of course times were hard and I was a fool to think this story was just about an agony aunt page in a woman’s magazine, but in fact the story takes a sudden turn which I won’t spoil as my friend didn’t for me. That point in the book (and you will know when you come to it) grabbed me and for a few chapters I was glued to the pages hoping my commute into work was delayed just so I wouldn’t have to step away from Emmy even for a few hours. 

This is a charming read, capturing my heart and staying with me for quite a few days after finishing. I can usually leave characters in the pages of a book after finishing but not Emmy, I often thought about her, even after a week had passed and I was onto my next book, she always stayed in my mind. 

I recommend Dear Mrs Bird to everyone, it’s beautifully written, the characters are a joy to read about and the story is enjoyable, humorous and utterly moving.

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Book Review: No Place Like Home by Maxine Morrey

Synopsis:
Ellie Laing has a very good reason to want to stay single: her last relationship put her in danger. And she’s worried that while the physical scars will heal, the emotional ones never can. So, travelling to Kansas for her best friend Sandy’s wedding, Ellie’s in need of some time alone. And Sandy’s brother Ben’s rural and idyllic ranch seems like the perfect place for it.

Ben comes with his own baggage – a failed marriage in his past, and a big question mark over his future – and he knows the feelings he had for Ellie belong firmly in the history books. But, sitting on his porch with her, he’s never felt more at home.

Both of them swore they were better off alone… yet is it possible that two broken hearts could come together to heal?

My Review:

LOVED this! I have read a few of Maxine's books and they are my go to when I want an easy feel good read that keeps me up into the early hours. There is nothing better than a book that grips you from the first page and this is one of them! 

This story has everything, friendship, family, love and healing. It covers serious issues of domestic violence which Maxine writes really well, I will admit I didn’t enjoy reading this section (who would? I know..) but it is an important part of the plot. The story focuses on Ellie’s survival and learning to trust and love again. 

After a traumatic time Ellie agrees to head back to Kansas to stay with her best friend Sandy and use the time to heal. Sandy and Ellie have been friends since they were children when Ellie and her family lived in Kansas, even after returning back to the UK Ellie and Sandy's friendship remained solid. I really enjoyed reading the story through Ellie’s eyes, a rollercoaster of emotions jumped out of the pages, following Ellie's journey to rebuild her confidence and let go of the pain.

Lead guitarist in a successful country band is Ben but to Ellie he will always be Sandy’s brother. Recently divorced Ben is trying to figure out his life as a single man again. Hearing of Ellie being back in Kansas brings back all those feelings from long ago that he thought he had buried away. I know I say it after every book but Ben is my new favourite…! Ha! Maxine created a wholesome, loyal and kind character in Ben, a family man who although is famous is also grounded and we thank you Maxine for him!

This book was everything I knew it would be and more, I loved the friendship between Sandy and Ellie, the closeness of their relationship was nice to read. I loved the humour that was used throughout the book, the scenes between Ellie and Ben were my favourite, the chemistry between them was at times sizzling and sweet and other times sooo frustrating I wanted to jump into the pages and knock their heads together.  Maxine's descriptions of Kansas made me want to be there, sitting on the porch of a beautiful ranch enjoying homemade lemonade with a singer cowboy! Don't mind if I do...! 

This is a heartwarming read, focusing on rebuilding yourself, learning to trust and love again and letting people into your life. Maxine’s style of writing is fantastic, I love the balance of a nitty gritty storyline, with an easy read romance and not forgetting some great humour thrown in too.  Don't stop writing Maxine! 

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Book Review: The Truth About Love and Dogs by Lilly Bartlett (Michele Gorman)

Synopsis:

Four little words, uttered by her husband…
‘Oh my god,’ he gasped into her shoulder. ‘Shannon!’
There’s just one problem: her name isn’t Shannon.

Rewind six months and Scarlett and Rufus aren’t in the honeymoon stage anymore so much as the honey-should-we-bother phase. Desperate to get their sparkle back, Scarlett has plotted, planned and waxed more than any woman should have to, but none of it is working. Which makes it very hard to start the family they want.

At least her business is going strong, even if her marriage isn’t. She and her best friend spend their days tangled up in dog leads and covered in fur. Scarlett is the fairy dogmother, training hopeless pets like compulsive eater Barkley, impulsive Romeo Murphy and bossy Biscuit. Meanwhile, her best friend walks the dogs and pines for the man who doesn’t know she exists. Thank goodness the women have each other.

If only Scarlett could work out how to get her marriage back on track. But Rufus isn’t sharing his feelings with her. He is, though, sharing with her best friend. Her best friend, Shannon.

My Review:

Firstly a big thank you to Michele Gorman (Lilly Bartlett) for asking me to read and review 'The Truth About Love and Dogs' This was an enjoyable read which didn't take me long to get through, it was difficult to put down and I raced to the end as I was desperate to know how the story would unfold.

The story is based around three main characters, Scarlett who runs a dog business called 'Ruff Love' along with her business partner and best friend Shannon and Rufus, who is married to Scarlett but also best friends with Shannon.  So after reading the first three lines of the synopsis you can understand my eagerness for reading this book so fast!

I was laughing out loud right from the off when someone turned up in the park thinking 'Ruff Love' was some sort of sex club! Ha! The dog training group scenes were fun to read and I loved each of their personalities, the dogs as well as the owners!  I loved how caring Scarlett was towards the dogs also the friendships she builds with the owners made for some really nice scenes to read.

As well as being a romantic comedy with lots of humour this book touches on a very serious subject which I won't let on and let you find out for yourself.  I didn't expect this so I was quite surprised but for me it really made the book and I thought the balance throughout worked perfectly and kept the book light hearted even during the more serious chapters.  The writing style was perfect, making me feel all sorts of emotions for the characters.  

Overall this book has everything, comedy, love, friendship, dogs, crushes thrown together with those real life problems that we have to adult through.  I would recommend this book to friends and family for sure!

As this was my first Lilly Bartlett book I am excited to get reading her other books as I am sure I won't be disappointed! 

Thank you again Michele!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Dusting Down Alcudia by D.A Nelson

Synopsis:

When top archaeologist Nina Esposito finds a famed treasure hunters’ journal, she knows it will lead her to a lost Roman necklace.

But when an ex and a rival archaeologist come on the scene, things suddenly get complicated as the pair compete for her heart. 

Added to the mix is a shady local billionaire who will stop at nothing to snatch the jewels from under her nose.

Now she has to navigate through her confused feelings and find the necklace before anyone gets hurt. Failure just isn’t an option.

My Review:

Firstly a massive thank you to Dawn Nelson for reaching out and asking me to read and review her fantastic book! I of course said yes and waited by the door for the postman to deliver it!

As a young child Nina would listen to her father telling her tales of long ago about a girl named Aelia.  The love of her life left for war but before he did, he presented her with a necklace so she would not forget him.  After hearing that he had been killed in battle, Aelia had died there and then from a broken heart.  To this day no one knows where Aelia and the necklace lie.  Even though Nina had heard this story over and over she always willed her father to share them, fascinated on where the necklace could be hidden.

Nina Esposito, an archaeologist working at the British Museum.  All grown up but never forgotten the tales of Aelia, comes across a journal belonging to a treasure hunter.  Combing through the journal in the hopes that it may lead her to the lost Roman necklace.  Nina decides to take action and find the treasure herself.

Of course, this story isn’t that straight forward! Nina’s adventures take her to Mallorca to a small town called Alcudia.  Mix that with a local billionaire, a rival archaeologist oh and an ex of Nina’s and you have yourself a juicy story!  

This read has everything you need for pure escapism.  The descriptions of Mallorca were on point making me feel like I was on the adventure with Nina.  I loved that the book included a little romance too as well as the fast paced action, keeping me on my toes with a few twists thrown in for good measure.  

Nina is most certainty the female version of Indiana Jones!

'Dusting Down Alcudia' has already been lent out from the library of Hannah!  

I cannot wait to read more of Nina's adventures!  Fab read!

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Book Review: The Street of Broken Dreams by Tania Crosse

Synopsis:

A poignant story which will tear at your heart strings. 

Summer 1945. The nation rejoices as the Second World War comes to an end but Banbury Street matriarch, Eva Parker, foresees trouble ahead. Whilst her daughter, Mildred, awaits the return of her fiancé from overseas duty, doubts begin to seep into her mind about how little she knows of the man she has promised to marry. Or are her affections being drawn elsewhere? Meanwhile, new neighbour, dancer Cissie Cresswell, hides a terrible secret. 

The end of the conflict will bring her no release from the horrific night that destroyed her life. Can she ever find her way back? Under Eva’s stalwart care, can the two young women unite to face the doubt and uncertainty of the future?

My Review:

I was thrilled to be asked to join Tania Crosse's Blog Tour to reveal an exclusive extract from her new novel 'The Street of Broken Dreams' You can read the extract and check out my Blog Tour stop here.

When I read the synopsis for this book I did worry whether I would enjoy the story.  As you may know I am a glittery, hearts and roses, happy ending kind of girl and this was not my usual at all, totally out of my comfort zone. BUT I am so glad I did read this, WOW it's a beautiful and emotional story which I have not stopped talking about to friends and family and anyone else that will listen to me!

I didn't realise until half way through that this is the second book in the series, the first being 'The Candle Factory Girl'.  However this book can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel as if I had missed out on any background or story and of course I went straight to Amazon and purchased the first book and I'm sure I will go on to purchase more of Tania's beautiful reads!

This story focuses on two families who become neighbours just as the Second World War comes to it's final days.  History is not my strong point however I do find it really interesting and so this was the perfect way to get a little insight into the past and what went on as WW2 was coming to an end.

The Parker family the long term residents of Banbury Street, welcome the Cresswell's with open arms.  Eva Parker, is a wonderful character and one that I would expect to read about during that period.  Eva is the head of her family and pretty much the leader of the street, nothing much gets past her, but that's not because she is a busy body but because she is a warm, friendly and trusting neighbour who people turn to for advice and comfort.

I love that the Parker family accepted the new neighbours as if they were long lost family members.  The Cresswell family are a great addition to the street and it doesn't take too long before Eva takes them all under her wing.  I  loved that the two girls Mildred and Cissie formed a special friendship even  after being forced together by their mum's, I'm sure people can relate to this and most probably been through the same growing up!

Tania has a fantastic way of bringing characters to life, I felt emotionally connected to them all throughout the story, feeling their struggles, pain and happiness too.  This story was certainly a roller coaster of emotions which stayed with me long after finishing.  

Now I must warn you that the opening few pages and in actual fact my extract from the Blog Tour is quite a gritty emotional scene which I found difficult to read however it is a crucial part to the story.

For obvious reasons I don't want to go into too much detail on the story line so I will leave it there so as not to spoil it for you.

This book captured my heart, took me out of my comfort zone and transported me back to a time full of hope, healing, family, friendship and love.

Thank you so much to Tania Crosse and Aria Fiction for asking me to read this inspiring story.

Buy the Book!

Blog Tour Book Extract: The Street of Broken Dreams by Tania Crosse

Synopsis:

Summer 1945. The nation rejoices as the Second World War comes to an end but Banbury Street matriarch, Eva Parker, foresees trouble ahead.

Whilst her daughter, Mildred, awaits the return of her fiancé from overseas duty, doubts begin to seep into her mind about how little she knows of the man she has promised to marry. Or are her affections being drawn elsewhere?

Meanwhile, new neighbour, dancer Cissie Cresswell, hides a terrible secret. The end of the conflict will bring her no release from the horrific night that destroyed her life. Can she ever find her way back?

Under Eva's stalwart care, can the two young women unite to face the doubt and uncertainty of the future?

Extract from the book!

It was only when the pain ripped up into her body that she was snapped back to her senses. It was so intense that, for a second or two, her mind was stunned and oblivious to all else. Then she realised what was happening, and the horror and humiliation speared into her. She opened her mouth to scream, but a sweaty, iron hand came tightly over her face. She was suffocating, gasping for breath, the fight to stay alive greater than the terror of the monster thrusting into her. She felt herself passing out. The end had come. And she welcomed it.

‘Ya leave her alone!’ was the next thing she heard, the outraged voice of the other GI, the one she believed was black, who’d been knocked unconscious and kicked for good measure. 

‘Too late,’ came the smirking reply. Laughing, nauseating. Just above her. His weight no longer pinning her down, though the pain still burned inside her.

‘What! Ya don’t mean ya’ve...? Ya filthy bastard!’ 

‘Now don’t ya go mentioning this, ya dirty nigger,’ the other voice, from further away now, threatened. ‘One word an’ I’ll put ya on a charge, an’ it won’t just be for insubordination. In fact, I’ll say it was you who did it. That’ll get ya hanged an’ ya’ll regret ever openin’ ya mouth!’ 

‘Jeez, what the hell’ve ya done? Ya can’t just leave her—’ 

‘She was asking for it, walkin’ alone at this hour. So come on. An’ not a word or ya’ll regret it!’

All went quiet then but for the scuffling of feet. Somehow, the girl found the will to lift her head. She could just make out the silhouette of a taller man dragging the protesting, struggling outline of the other soldier away down the deserted street. 

Footfall fading. Then silence. Her head fell back and she sank down into soft, comforting blackness.

The music, the gentle harmonies, the crescendos, were playing again, she was dancing, spinning, her body moving with such grace, her arms floating. But her foot wasn’t working properly. She couldn’t do it. Sean frowned at her and she shook her head...

She was staring blindly at the moon. Not a sound. Not a breath of air. What was she doing there? And then she tried to move. 

Her entire body seemed racked with pain, reality flooding back with all the might of a sledgehammer. Falling, her ankle on fire. And then she remembered. The men. Yankee soldiers. And she knew what had happened as something struck deep inside her like an arrow.

The brutal howl that escaped her lungs and cut through the still night was that of a wounded animal. And it wasn’t just the physical pain. The degradation, the shame, the vile humiliation of the heinous act that had been committed against her. She wanted to scream it away, rip it out of her. But she couldn’t. It was all a blur, but it had been done, and couldn’t be undone.

Oh, dear God, it was a nightmare. Couldn’t be real. Mustn’t be real. But she knew it was. With a tearing moan, she curled up on her side and waited for it all to go away.

Author Bio

Delaying her childhood dream of writing historical novels until her family had grown up, Tania eventually completed a series of published stories based on her beloved Dartmoor. She is now setting her future sagas in London and the south east.

Follow Tania!

Twitter: @TaniaCrosse

Facebook: @TaniaCrosse

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Book Review: The Summer of Chasing Dreams by Holly Martin

Synopsis:

Eva is quite content with her life in London. In her job as a cover designer, she works at home, and often in her cosy pyjamas. She's happy to stay in her safe little world and not explore much outside of it.

She is the opposite of her mum, a free spirit who craved finding adventure and thrills in all corners of the world. But on the day her mum’s will is finalised, Eva finds a list of all the dreams her mum wanted to achieve in her life. Things she never did because she fell pregnant with Eva.

Eva decides these dreams will not go unfulfilled - she is going to be brave and complete them for her mum. As Eva has no experience travelling the world, she hires a guide to go with her on this holiday.

Gorgeous but rude Thor Anderson is not the person she would choose to accompany her on this journey, but somehow she gets stuck with him. As they discover the world together Eva starts to think he might not be as bad as she first thought. She is swept away by Thor's kindness and mischievous sense of humour. But will it be a simple holiday romance or could this wonderful adventure lead to so much more?

My Review:

Holly Martin is becoming one of my favourite authors, you just know you're in for a treat when you pick up one of her books.  The cover for 'The Summer of Chasing Dreams' is beautiful and inviting so naturally I jumped at the chance to read this when I was offered an early preview.  Thank you Holly!

I really loved the character Eva Blue, shying away from adventure Eva prefers to be in the comfort of her home snuggled in her pyjamas rather than jet setting around the globe. At the time we meet Eva sadly her mum has passed away, her mum a total opposite of Eva, would think nothing of jumping on a plane to explore the four corners of the earth. 

Being back in her mum's home in the loft she stumbles upon a box full of paper strips, each strip containing dreams that her mum wished for but didn't get to fulfill.  Eva knowing she was the reason her mum didn't get to tick these dreams off as she fell pregnant with her, Eva decides now is the time that these dreams will come true and she will complete each and every one in her mum's memory.

With her round the world ticket booked and her suitcase packed for all sorts of adventure.  Eva is ready to start ticking off some dreams.  However standing at the airport waiting for her guide to meet her, she is surprised when Thor Anderson appears complete with rucksack on his back.

Her first impressions of Thor were that he was rude and arrogant but as they travel the world together she soon sees a different side to him, funny, caring and of course a hottie (it wouldn't be a Holly Martin book without one!!)  Eva and Thor cover the globe completing her mum's bucket list but Eva soon feels more for her travel companion and worries whether he feels the same, is it just a holiday romance or is he her forever.

I really enjoyed reading all the places they visit, the descriptions were on point and made me feel like I was there.  I loved reading that they stayed on Hamilton Island a place I visited myself on my honeymoon and it made me want to go back!  It was lovely to witness the difference in Eva throughout the story, finding her sense of adventure and not shying away from taking risks and simply just enjoying to live in the moment.  

Holly's books are addictive, packed full of humour, friendship, family, love with just a little bit of heat.  This has to be one of my favourites of Holly's so far and I would love to revisit the characters as I feel Eva's story has only just begun.

Buy the Book!