Blog Tour Book Review: Facing a Twisted Judgment by K. J. McGillick

Synopsis:
What happens when tunnel vision clouds a police investigation?

Is it true that once you are labeled a person of interest you really are the prime suspect? Can you trust the legal system? Probably not.
After a bitterly contested legal battle over inherited property, the hard-won art collection and its owner Samantha Bennington disappear. Both have vanished without a trace.

When blood spatter is discovered under the freshly painted wall of the room in which two of the paintings were hung, the theft becomes the opening act in a twisted tale of jealousy, revenge, and murder leading to a final judgment for all involved.

As the list of suspects narrows, the focus lands squarely on the husband. Some labeled Samantha’s husband a corrupt attorney, others an opportunist. Either way, he’s in the crosshairs of law enforcement and they are calling him a murderer. But is he the only viable suspect? What about the missing woman’s drug-addicted sister and her convicted felon brother? Both were furious over their loss at court and have more than enough reason to hate Samantha. 

Guilty until proven innocent leaves Alexander Clarke facing a twisted judgment.

My Review:

Welcome, Welcome to my stop on the Blog Blitz for K. J. McGillick 'Facing a Twisted Judgment' A huge thanks to both Kathleen McGillick and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel's Random Resources for asking me to read and review and join this tour, As most people will know my usual reads are chick lit so I jumped at the chance to read something different to my usual and I am so glad I did.

This is the second in a series however like I did, you can also read this as a standalone.  I never felt once that I had missed out on anything from the first book.  This was my first K. J. McGillick and it will not be my last, I have already planned to go back and read the first book.

This thriller, mystery book was a page turner keeping me guessing the whole way through.  Each chapter jumps between two voices, Dalia Grey who works for Bristol's who insures a collection of paintings that have been in the Bennington family and recently owned by Samantha Bennington.  The other character is Alexander Clarke newly married to Samantha and also her attorney who helped her win the art collection through a bitter legal battle with her siblings.

As the Synopsis states Samantha disappears along with the art collection and Alex is at the top of the suspect list.

I really enjoyed following the team and I felt pulled into the investigation along with them finding out whether Alex was the murderer and thief.

Of course I won't give away the ending but just to say I really liked the way it played out however the tiniest part of me felt it was a little rushed and I could have quite easily have kept reading a little more.

All the characters were written well especially on the investigation team, I liked reading how well they worked together trying to solve the puzzle but keeping in some light comedy which I enjoyed.  I also liked reading the relationship between Dalia and Declan the Detective, it was nice to have just a little romance added into the mix.  It was interesting to read Alex's point of view as you don't always get to read the other side of the investigation, although the more I read of him the more I disliked him, there was no sympathy for him during the book.

Of course my favourite character throughout was Mary, What a lady! I really enjoyed reading her scenes, what a fantastic quirky character to write, she deserves her own series!

Thank you again to Kathleen McGillick and Rachel Gilbey for getting me intrigued into the mystery world of all things thriller!

Buy the Book UK!

Buy the Book US!

Author Bio

K. J. McGillick was born in New York and once she started to walk she never stopped running. But that's what New Yorker's do. Right?

As she evolved so did her career choices. After completing her graduate degree in nursing she spent many years in the university setting sharing the dreams of the enthusiastic nursing students she taught. After twenty rewarding years in the medical field she attended law school and has spent the last twenty-four years as an attorney helping people navigate the turbulent waters of the legal system. Not an easy feat. And now? Now she is sharing the characters she loves with readers hoping they are intrigued by her twisting and turning plots and entertained by her writing.

Social Media Links

Facebook

Twitter

http://www.kjmcgillick.com/ 

Book Review: Summer at Skylark Farm by Heidi Swain

Synopsis:

Amber is a city girl at heart. So when her boyfriend Jake suggests they move to the countryside to help out at his family farm, she doesn't quite know how to react. But work has been hectic and she needs a break so she decides to grasp the opportunity and make the best of it.

Dreaming of organic orchards, paddling in streams and frolicking in fields, Amber packs up her things and moves to Skylark Farm. But life is not quite how she imagined - it's cold and dirty and the farm buildings are dilapidated and crumbling.

But Amber is determined to make the best of it and throws herself into farm life. But can she really fit in here? And can she and Jake stay together when they are so different?

My Review:

My second book by Heidi Swain and what a fabulous feel good book this was.  To start how beautiful is the cover, it really does capture what the book is all about.  It was lovely to revisit another part of Wynbridge and to pop back to the Cherry Tree Café, catching up with Lizzie and Jemma, I am a huge fan of when authors include snippets of past characters, I always struggle to let them go after finishing a book!

I loved Amber, down to earth and quite simply the nicest character you could ever meet in a book.  A City girl with a high flying career at her fingertips she decides to shake things up when her boyfriend Jake (hotttiieee) asks her to relocate to the countryside to help out on his family's farm.  Swapping high heels for wellington boots Amber grabs farm life with both hands and with heaps of determination to make the best of it.

Home on the farm is cold, dirty and tougher than Amber had imagined, however the warm welcome from Jake's spinster Aunt Annie more than makes up for it. Annie, what a fun character she was!  Annie is everything you imagine an aunt to be, warm, loving, feisty and fun.

Amber settles into farm life pretty quickly, rolling up her sleeves and getting on with the numerous jobs on the farm, making new friends and feeling part of the family however as we know nothing stays rosy in Wynbridge!  Amber feels that Jake is keeping secrets, secrets she is sure that everyone else is in on apart from her and she is determined to find out the truth.

When the secrets are exposed threatening to ruin the loving home Amber has made for herself, will Jakes past break their relationship?

Heidi's books give you that warm fuzzy feeling and twice now I have finished her book with a massive smile on my face.  This book has everything you need, a beautiful farm, family, friends, romance, a few twists and turns, cake competitions (yes please!) and lastly it features a chicken named Patricia! LOVE!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress by Vicky Nolan

Synopsis:

You’re a 15-year-old schoolgirl who has big dreams of becoming a pop star, and then one day you get your lucky break. Polydor records sends you to Copenhagen to make pop music - to make you a recording artist. You get back home and your future is looking brighter than ever – until the High Court writ hits the door mat – you’ve fallen out with your management and they have decided to sue. No, this isn’t a dream, this is now Vicky Nolan’s reality and fast becoming a nightmare, and all while still at school at the sweet age of sixteen.

Read about the trial, the family, Hollywood, London town, the glamour, the dog (eh?) and most importantly, the music. Curiouser and curiouser?

We always talk about ‘making it’ and fulfilling your dreams. The question is, what if you don’t? What happens next? Ultimately, this book speaks about life and family; its hopes and disappointments, Its ups and downs. Scrapbook of an Unfound Songstress is in some way a story that speaks to us all, because in the end, the best stories are always true.

“I’m living my life as consequence of yesterday.

And all of my choices compliment my life today.

There may have been times I could have gone and lost my way,

I could have, I would have, I should have, I don’t care – I’m here now.”

My Review:

When I was contacted by Vicky Nolan to read and review her book I jumped at the opportunity.  It's been a while since I have read a non-fiction diary type book and it made a lovely change to my normal reads and the book by far passed my expectations.

This book is a well thought out scrap book of a young girls hopes and dreams of being a singer and an inside view of the music business and the highs and lows that follow.  From reading other music autobiography type books I already had an idea of how difficult it can be to be heard and reach stardom but it was interesting to read Vicky's view of it all and how it affected her and her family.

From Manchester to Hollywood to even Essex!  I really enjoyed reading all the descriptions of the places Vicky visited throughout the journey.  Even the visit to Basildon 'Bas Vegas' in Essex made me laugh as only living close by myself I could easily picture the place.  

As the synopsis states the journey isn't all plain sailing and Vicky's management decides to sue.  Before starting this I did think it would have featured more of the court case itself but that didn't spoil anything.  There was a good balance throughout between the court case, Vicky getting closer to her dreams and her childhood memories which I thoroughly enjoyed reading especially that she starred on stars in your eyes, I used to watch that as a child myself religiously so it was great to read.

As well as reading Vicky's journey we get an insight into why the book was written in the first place.  Music! I really liked that some of her song lyrics were featured throughout.  Her lyrics are beautiful and after reading the story you get more of an understanding of the meaning behind the lyrics which then took me to a You Tube binge of watching Vicky perform, her songs are catchy and soulful and Vicky has a truly wonderful voice.

This book is an enjoyable read of an inspirational lady!  I would recommend this book to a YA audience and to people who want to break into music.  Thank you Vicky for sending me a copy to read and review!



Buy the Book!

Blog Tour Book Review: What Happened to Us? By Faith Hogan

Synopsis:

Carrie Nolan is devastated when she is dumped by Kevin Mulvey after more than a decade without even a backwards glance! On reflection, she has sacrificed her own long term happiness establishing their critically acclaimed Dublin restaurant and pandering to his excessive ego.

Meanwhile Kevin can't believe his luck. Valentina, their new waitress is a stunner, the kind of girl that turns heads when she walks in a room and surprise, surprise she has chosen him! He is living the dream!

Carrie seeks solace from a circle of mismatched friends who need her as much as she needs them. Jane, who struggles to run the pub on the opposite side of the street, Luke, who has stopped drifting while his father settles in a nearby nursing home and Teddy, a dog who asks for nothing more than the chance to stay by Carrie's side.

With Christmas just around the corner, all is not quite as it seems and a catastrophic sequence of events leads to the unthinkable...
How far do you need to fall before you learn the true value of family and friends? And is it ever too late to start again...



My Review:

Welcome to my stop on Faith Hogan’s blog tour for her new book ‘What Happened to Us?’ I am so excited to be part of a jam packed tour and share my review with you all!

Thanks to NetGalley and Aria Fiction for allowing me a sneak peek of this wonderful Autumnal story about friendship, family and love. I’m ashamed to say this is my first ever Faith Hogan book and I am sure I have missed out on some great reads. 

The story follows Carrie who has just been dumped by Kevin (we hate him by the way…!) not only has she been dumped without a second thought but Kevin leaves her for a younger woman, here we meet Valentina a Columbian waitress who works at the restaurant Carrie and Kevin co own in Dublin. Awks! 

First off, all of the characters are so well written, I liked them all apart from a few who I really disliked and after reading the synopsis I am sure you will know who I am talking about… ‘cough Kevin cough!!’ Of course my favourite was Carrie who by the way is the most nicest character I have ever met in a book. I really did feel sorry for Carrie when Kevin paraded his new romance in her face and she still had to work with him, how she kept her calm throughout the breakup of their relationship and still kept it business as usual at the restaurant I do not know! I salute you Carrie Nolan!

With Christmas soon approaching Carrie turns to some new friends for support. Jane who owns the pub across the road from the restaurant and also Luke who she happened to meet only by chance one evening. Oh and Teddy, cannot forget to mention Teddy a gorgeous dog who Carrie finds on the street and becomes Carrie’s confidant and shadow. 

Both Jane and Luke have their own troubles which Faith touches on throughout the story. Luke a Historian back in town visiting his dad who has just moved into a nursing home and Jane, elderly and living alone in the pub she shared with her husband who has past; she finds herself feeling vulnerable, sad and very lonely. Thankfully both Carrie and Luke rally round to help fill the void for Jane and bring life back to the pub while learning some surprising secrets along the way. 

I think the three of them came together at such a great time and were huge supports for each other, I really liked reading the scenes where the three of them were together.

Stopping briefly back to Kevin, Faith wrote his character perfectly. He came across as a very weak, pathetic man who actually relied on Carrie more than you first thought. Both characters Kevin and Valentina were portrayed so well that you have this dislike for them while reading which shows how well written they are. I won’t spoil the story for you but I love that Carrie stands up for herself and doesn’t let them run her out of her life and if anything gives her the opportunity to find the time to do all the things she loves in life, one of which is investing more time in her blog. (Love a blog!) 

Ok so the story is a little predictable in parts but I never mind that in a book, a thoroughly enjoyable story from start to finish a book I would recommend to friends and family best read indoors on the sofa in happy clothes under a blanket with a big mug of tea and a constant flow of biscuits! Brilliant!

Make sure to purchase your copy today! 

Kobo | iBooks | Amazon

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour! 

Author Bio

Faith was born in Ireland and currently lives there with her husband, four children and two fussy cats.  She gained an Honors Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate from University College, Galway.  She was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair - an international competition for emerging writers.  When she's not writing, she's an enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger.

Follow Faith!

Twitter: @gerhogan

Facebook: @faithhoganauthor

Follow Aria!

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter:@aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Blog Tour Book Review: No One Cancels Christmas by Zara Stoneley

Synopsis:
It’s the most magical time of the year, and for travel agent Sarah it’s also the busiest! But this year one man threatens to ruin Christmas for Sarah’s customers – Mr Grinch, Will Armstrong.

The Shooting Star Mountain resort is a magical place, and Sarah has fond memories of Christmas here as a little girl – visits to Father Christmas, husky rides in the snow and hot chocolate by a roaring fire. But as the resorts new owner, Will refuses to play snowball or to deck the halls with anything remotely resembling tinsel!

With customers complaining their Christmas is ruined, Sarah decides it’s up to her to convince Scroogey Will just how magical Christmas can be….

But getting Will into the Christmas spirit is hopeless – he is Bah Humbug personified! But as Sarah gets to know him better, she realises that underneath all the gloom is a man struggling with a pain of his own.

With the big day approaching, Sarah realises that the magic and sparkle can wait. This year, she’s going to spend Christmas day with someone special her very own Mr Scrooge…

My Review:
Yay! It’s my stop on Zara Stoneley’s ‘No One Cancels Christmas’ Blog Tour. Welcome... Welcome...! I was super excited to be able to join the tour and for an early preview of the much awaited read so huge thanks to Netgalley, Harper Impulse and Rachel Random Resources.

Congratulations Zara on a fabulous festive read! I absolutely Loved it! (I just knew I would!)

The main character is Sarah who works at her Aunt Lynn's travel agents along with her best friend Sam. Now if you have read Zara’s other book ‘The Wedding Date’ (and if you haven’t, then where have you been! You need to order it now it’s soooooo good!!!) but if you have read it you will recognise Sam, I nearly jumped up and down when I saw that Sam was featured. I absolutely adore when authors include past characters, it’s like catching up with an old friend finding out how they are doing and what they are up to.

Now, we all know that no Christmas story is complete without a Scrooge or a Grinch... in walks Will Armstrong, new owner of the Shooting Star Mountain Resort and I must add the hottest Scrooge I’ve ever read about!! After complaints come flooding through, bad reviews of frosty welcomes and Christmas festivities being non existence Sarah decides its her obligation to visit the resort and stay there herself and try to convince Will to bring back the Christmas magic that was once there long ago when Sarah last stayed as a child.

I really enjoyed reading about Sarah, such a fun and outgoing character. Zara always has this ability to create such lovely characters that are realistic and loveable. Characters that feel like life long friends that stay with you even after finishing the book. Even characters that show up briefly or have a small part have a back story that help build the plot. One of my favs has to be Ruth! What a hoot she is!

Getting back to the story, can Sarah hold onto her fond memories of the place and help bring festive cheer to save Christmas for the holiday makers staying at the Shooting Star Mountain Resort, or will he be forever a humbug?!

I loved reading the scenes between Sarah and Will, they both have some hidden secrets from their past that have brought them to the place they are now. I loved the bond that develops between them and how close they become to trust and open up to one another, the humour and sarcastic comments between them were spot on. Look out for some festive Zumba! Ha!

I’ll admit I couldn't guess where the story was heading, With quite a few surprises, twists and turns throughout it certainly kept you on your toes and kept me glued to the book for the last few chapters. Isn’t that just the best thing about reading a good book, being so involved in the story that just for a while it can make you forget the real world, work, chores oh the dreaded ironing can wait!

I really hope there is a follow on or Sarah is featured in another book because I’m nosey and I just want to know what she’s up to now! Ha!

This book is the perfect festive read, lots of fun, humour, family, love and friendship it has everything! It even has M&S mince pies (who leaves home without them!) Well done Zara! It was a pleasure to read 'No One Cancels Christmas'!

Make sure to purchase the book today!

You won't be disappointed! 

Amazon UK or Amazon US

Check out the other stops on the Blog Tour!

Author Bio

Born in a small village in Staffordshire, I wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when I grew up. After many years, and many different jobs, my dream of writing a bestseller came true.

I write about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hope that my tales make you cry a little, laugh a lot, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

I now live in a Cheshire village with my family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Where you can find her-

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

The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond

Synopsis:

Because love is always worth the risk . . .

It's New Year's Eve, and Gemma and Spencer Bailey are throwing a house party. There's music, dancing, champagne and all their best friends under one roof. It's going to be a night to remember.

Also at the party is Caitlin, who has returned to the village to pack up her much-missed mum's house and to figure out what to do with her life; and Saffron, a PR executive who's keeping a secret which no amount of spin can change. The three women bond over Gemma's dodgy cocktails and fortune cookies, and vow to make this year their best one yet.
But as the months unfold, Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin find themselves tested to their limits by shocking new developments. Family, love, work, home - all the things they've taken for granted are thrown into disarray. Under pressure, they are each forced to rethink their lives and start over. But dare they take a chance on something new?

My Review:

I picked this book up by chance in my local library and I'm pleased I did, after reading a few reviews I knew I had picked a fab read.

The book kicks off at a house party, New Year's Eve and hiding out in the kitchen are three women who have just met for the first time.

Gemma the hostess of the party, happily married to Spencer living in their new house with their two children.
Caitlin an old school friend of Spencer's who has returned to the village to sort her mums house who sadly passed and to figure out what's next in her life.
Saffron a PR executive taking a break from life, staying in the cottage next door to Gemma, with no one to greet her and with no help when the electrics go out decides to pop next door to seek help.

The three women brought together by the party, bond over dodgy cocktails, fortune cookies and making New Year resolutions.

The three main characters were likeable from the start, the storyline too was very easy to get into and believable. We follow the three women throughout the year, each chapter switching to each character. I always enjoy books that are written this way, reading each characters point of view always gives you that extra insight into their mind.

Over the next few months Gemma, Saffron and Caitlin face change and they are forced to adapt to their new situations. Throughout the changes, struggles and opportunities arise for the three women and they are all made to rethink their choices in life.

I felt that the story was to teach us that change although sometimes can be daunting, it can always be a good thing and helps us to learn, be brave and take risks and to take the positive out of any situation.  However much you plan things never go the way they should!

Throughout this review I know I haven't gone into depth about the storyline itself, with a few secrets and twists I would hate to give away any spoilers and ruin it for others. I would class this book as a feel good read, although the story hits some tough times for each character, the close friendship they form is really heart warming and made me think of my own support network and how grateful I am.  Lovely read and I recommend! 

Buy the Book!

Book Review: The Cherry Tree Cafe by Heidi Swain

Synopsis:
Lizzie Dixon's life feels as though it's fallen apart. Instead of the marriage proposal she was hoping for from her boyfriend, she is unceremoniously dumped, and her job is about to go the same way. So, there's only one option: to go back home to the village she grew up in and to try to start again.

Her best friend Jemma is delighted Lizzie has come back home as she has just bought a little cafe and Lizzie's sewing skills are just what she needs to help get it ready for the grand opening.

With a new venture and a new home, things are looking much brighter for Lizzie. But can she get over her broken heart, and will an old flame reignite a love from long ago...?

My Review:

So I will let you into a little secret, I have never read a Heidi Swain book before.  I know what you are all thinking... what a shocker!  So I decided to start from the beginning and read her debut novel 'The Cherry Tree Cafe' I LOVED it!!  I mean seriously why have I never read her books before, I have been missing out on some fantastic reads! 

'The Cherry Tree Cafe' is a total feel good book packed with friendship, love, crafting and of course CAKE!  What's not to like!

We meet Lizzie, out for a romantic dinner thinking her boyfriend Giles was about to propose when in fact she gets dumped, being dumped on any day of the year is gutting but it's poor Lizzie's birthday and to top it off Giles didn't even remember!  Oh Giles what a sleazebag he was totally in love with no one but himself, he decided he wanted to get back with his ex Natasha.  Natasha we soon realise was the girl he had left at the aisle just before he met and romanced Lizzie.

Lizzie had moved to London, changed her hair and style all for Giles, but without him in her life now Lizzie decides its time to pack up and head back home to Wynbridge.  This is where we meet her best friend Jemma, her husband Tom and daughter Ella, thankfully Jemma comes to her rescue and lets her stay with them saving her from having to move back home to her parents.  

Lizzie soon finds out that she isn't the only homeless one camping out on a friends sofa, she meets Ben (Hottie Alert!) Ben, a close friend to Jemma and Tom and also an old school crush of Lizzie's. Eeek!  Is also bunking down at theirs however we don't know why, of course Jemma and Tom are in on the secret but as a true friend to him they do not let on to Lizzie which drove me mad during most of the book as I just wanted to know his secret!!!  Of course I wont tell you and let you find out for yourself, I guessed completely wrong and my god I was so wrong!  What a secret!

Jemma and Tom have recently bought the little village café and asks Lizzie for her help in refurbishing in time for the grand opening in return Lizzie is offered to stay in the cosy little flat above the café.  The café is transformed and Lizzie's passion for needlework and craft come to light, something she hasn't done or thought of for quite a while but becomes so popular in the café with the locals that Jemma decides that Lizzie should hold a crafting session to bring in business.

Business is booming in the café and the crafting sessions are super popular, but then Ben's big secret is let out the bag and Lizzie soon realises that everyone knew but her.  After cutting off her friends and feeling lost an opportunity arises back in London could this send Lizzie packing back to the big smoke? I wont tell you of course!

All the characters were written so well, believable, likeable (apart from a few...), and totally down to earth and fun that by the end they felt more like friends than just characters in a book.

Like I said earlier, this book does not disappoint, it's brilliant, a real page turner with hidden twists and turns throughout.  

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Alice of the Rocks Part One by E. Graziani

Synopsis:

“Promise that you will come back.”

Born in 1495 and raised in 2012, Alice Ferro’s life has been anything but normal. The only problem is, she doesn’t know it. As a 17-year-old in 2029, she has an ideal life, complete with loving parents, the latest technical gadgets, and a summer vacation in Italy. Upon arriving in Florence, sensations of surreal memories begin to surface, leaving her puzzled and confused. 

Knowing that reconnecting with his lost love could be dangerous for both of them, but willing to take the risk, Claudio Moro seeks out Alice in her new world. His very existence in 1512 is at stake! Having been accused of both treason and murder, he needs Alice to help clear his name and redeem his family’s honour. The question is, will Alice remember their love and care enough to leave her perfect future to redirect his doomed past?

My Review:

A big thank you to E. Graziani for letting me read her debut novel ‘Alice of the Rocks’. This read was a little different to the usual books I go for but it didn’t disappoint! This is a great story of adventure, time travel and romance.

The story focuses on two time periods:

Florence in 1512. Elise a scullery maid working for the Medici family is one day confronted by two courtiers and thankfully saved by Count Claudio Moro. 

Florence in 2029. Alice is on holiday with her family visiting her home town where she meets Claudio who is working at the villa she is staying in. 

Now first off, I am rubbish at knowing any history so I could be completely wrong but I felt that the book was well researched and I enjoyed reading all about Florence and its history. The story was very cleverly put together, how it jumped back and forth and connecting the two time periods. I never once found the story confusing, E. Graziani is fantastic at putting all the pieces of the puzzle together so well to produce a well thought out plot. 

Going back to the story and in 1512, Elise and Claudio grow close however the love they have for one another is not permitted and after trying to escape together Claudio is accused of treason and murder. Having to part, Elise ends up running for her life with guards out for her arrest, she arrives at the door of Leonardo Da Vinici (who Claudio had been an apprentice for) desperate and alone she asks him for safety. 

Fast forward to Alice in 2029, she starts to encounter some déjà vu moments where certain places trigger long lost forgotten memories that she struggles to understand and feelings for Claudio start to develop. Claudio takes a risk and comes clean to her on why he is there, the déjà vu moments and the connection she feels towards him. Claudio must try and convince her that she returns to 1512 with him to prove their innocence.  Will Alice leave 2029 and her life for him?

Like I said before, the story is very clever and the characters are so likeable, the relationship between both Claudio and Elisa and Claudio and Alice are so lovely to read. 

This story is set in beautiful Italy, includes romance, science fiction, history and the one and only Leonardo Da Vinci if you need escapism then this book is ideal! I know there is a follow up to this story which I will definitely be reading!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: Watermelon by Marian Keyes

Synopsis:
On the day she gives birth to her first child, Claire Walsh's husband James tells her he's been having an affair and now's the right time to leave her.

Right for who exactly? Exhausted, tearful and a tiny bit furious, Claire can't think of what to do. So she follows the instincts of all self-respecting adults in tricky situations.

. . . And runs home to Mum and Dad.

But while her parents are sympathetic, Claire's younger sisters are less so. Helen wants to share the new toy (she means baby Kate). While Anna is too busy having out-of her-head experiences.

So when James slips back into her life, desperate to put things right, Claire doesn't know whether to take a chance on a past she feared she'd lost forever or face an uncertain future of her own.

But is she as on her own as she really believes?

My Review:

I admit I have only read a couple of books by Marian Keyes, one of which is the fourth book from the Walsh family series (Anybody out there) After seeing Marian at a book signing, the Walsh family were spoken of a lot and I felt like I had missed out on some fantastic stories. So I got straight down to my local library (libraries by the way are the best places!) decided it was about time I started back at the beginning and read Marian’s debut novel, which is the first book in the Walsh family.

I love that the first chapter takes you straight into the story, Claire minutes after giving birth is content and full of happiness, a loving relationship with a great husband, perfect home, good job and her first baby a beautiful daughter. Can it get any better than this… Of course not, it’s all downhill from now on. As her husband James suddenly announces in the hospital that he no longer loves her and that his been having an affair! I can now confirm James is the worst!

Poor Claire… with her marriage in tatters, a newborn baby and a body that she doesn’t recognize as her own she catches the next flight back home to Dublin to her dysfunctional family. Here we are first introduced to the Walsh family! What a family they are!

I read some reviews before starting where people have remarked on Marian’s ramblings throughout the book but I really liked this, I liked reading Claire’s inner thoughts and musings and getting an insight into each character of the family and stories from their childhood. It always helps me to set the scene and picture it! But I know that’s not everyone’s cup of tea!

Back in Dublin, Claire takes refuge to her bed to recoup only to fend for her baby daughter, here we witness Claire at her lowest, going through what you can only describe as mourning, and the stages from sadness to anger.

Thankfully Claire pulls through and takes back control of her life, no longer feeling worthless and knowing she and her daughter deserve better than James.

Here she meets Adam, a friend of her sister Helen; Adam is younger, shy and very very cute! Adam takes an interest in Claire and they hit it off from their first meet. After bumping into each other away from her family you could clearly see an interest for them both. I felt that the attention from Adam was exactly what Claire needed to give her the confidence and the boost to feel like her again.

I guess I should speak about James at some point…! We hate him by the way, what a horrible man… I won’t spoil for you with what happens between Claire and James, as you know from the synopsis James does return to Claire most probably realizing that the grass isn’t always greener. Few scenes when he returned made me angry which shows how well Marian writes her characters, James was written very cleverly the way he could change Claire’s confidence in herself. Anyway enough about James!

I liked the ending of this story, it wasn’t exactly how I imagined it planning out, the story is a little predictable so the end part did throw me but that’s what’s great about Marian Keyes, she always does like to keep you on your toes.

Despite the sad storyline and the situation Claire was in, the story was full of humour and comical moments which I really enjoyed. I cannot wait to get started on reading the rest of the books from the Walsh family.

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Book Review: One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk

Synopsis:
Annie Higgins has given up on love: she’s too busy trying to get her tiny business off the ground. Infuriated by the advertising agency across the hall making fun of her job, Annie accepts their crazy challenge – to make a random stranger Instagram-famous in just thirty days.

And even when they choose Dr Samuel Page PhD, historian and hater of social media, as her target, Annie’s determined to win the bet – whether Sam likes it or not.

But getting to know Sam means getting to know more about herself. And before the thirty days are out, Annie has to make a decision about what’s really important…

My Review:
Hand’s up I am a massive fan of Lindsey Kelk! I was so eager to get my hands on her latest book ‘One in a Million’, even better I got to purchase it on the paperback publication day and meet her in person courtesy of Waterstones along with Giovanna Fletcher and Paige Toon! (Yay!) It was a fun evening of book chat and Lindsey as always is so nice to meet… Even when I was a stuttering wally..! Doh!

This book has everything you need, bundles of humour, likeable characters, romance, friendship and a cat called Wellington.

We meet Annie who works all hours running her own agency involving social media. Being a big fan of social media this story was already a firm fav… Like Annie my phone is the first and last thing I check of a day, never going too long without checking my phone, a constant scroller on social media and never letting my battery fall to below 50%.

After the guys at the advertising agency across the hall (Martin and Charlie) make fun of Annie’s business they decide to set her a challenge to make a stranger instafamous. Challenge accepted! Annie needs the instagram account to reach 20k followers within a month, but when faced with her chosen target Dr Samuel (NOT Sam) Page, historian, badly dressed and an all time hater of all social media this challenge may be harder than she first thought.

Unfriendly and slightly haughty (my new fav word by the way) Samuel is the complete opposite to Annie, hater of all social media, badly dressed and recently dumped by his girlfriend Elaine he doesn’t jump at the chance to become an Instagram influencer. After Annie’s words of persuasion and promises of getting his girlfriend back by enrolling him into boyfriend bootcamp, Samuel agrees to help Annie win the bet.

With help from her friends and work colleagues, Annie sets to work on her mission to get Elaine back for Samuel while creating his instagram profile. Restyling Samuel, changing his bad boyfriend habits, posting history facts and booking him into dance classes… Annie is well on her way to winning, or is she?
Of course there are some bumps along the way, it wouldn’t be a Kelk story if it was all smooth sailing!

The book is a great read (I didn’t expect anything less) with laugh out loud one liners like ‘show me on the croissant where he touched you’ this book is a modern day social media rom com that you should all purchase especially as it’s  currently only 99p for eBook!

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Book Review: Burning Moon by Jo Watson

Synopsis:

Chase your dreams. Dance under the stars. Fall in love at the festival of Burning Moon.

WARNING: Being jilted at the altar in front of 500 wedding guests can lead to irrational behaviour, such as going on your honeymoon to Thailand alone.

On the way to paradise, symptoms may include getting arrested, setting yourself on fire, turning up on a 'Missing Poster' and going viral.

Side-effects may include desert island stranding, star gazing and jungle trekking.

Recovery will lead to partying the night away at Burning Moon festival - and falling in love with the person you least expect...

My Review:

After reading and enjoying 'Love to Hate You' I had to read more of Jo Watson's books, starting off with Burning Moon!  

First off, how beautiful is the cover of the book, I know we all shouldn't judge books on their covers but when a cover is this pretty I'm going to.  

Burning Moon is a fantastically funny romantic story featuring Lilly... We meet Lilly on her wedding day, surrounded by friends and family, dressed in white and ready to walk down the altar to her husband to be.  With just one problem, the husband to be has vanished.  That's right poor Lilly has been jilted.

With the groom gone AWOL, Lilly decides to honeymoon it alone to Thailand!  With an adventure in front of her and not short of some disasters along the way, Lilly meets mysterious Damien who shows her the true Thailand experience.  Damien is not her usual type in fact the complete opposite but by meeting Damien, Lilly soon discovers a different side to herself.  

I really liked Lilly, she was lots of fun and I loved experiencing her Thailand adventure's through Jo Watson's fantastic descriptions, making me feel like I was there.  

What's not to love about this story?  Set in a beautiful part of the world, likeable characters, adventure and some romance chucked in.  This is the perfect romantic comedy book you all need to read!

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Book Review: The Plus One by Sophia Money-Coutts

Synopsis:

The Plus One [n] informal a person who accompanies an invited person to a wedding or a reminder of being single, alone and absolutely plus none 

Polly’s not looking for ‘the one’, just the plus one… 

Polly Spencer is fine. She’s single, turning thirty and only managed to have sex twice last year (both times with a Swedish banker called Fred), but seriously, she’s fine. Even if she’s still stuck at Posh! magazine writing about royal babies and the chances of finding a plus one to her best friend’s summer wedding are looking worryingly slim. 

But it’s a New Year, a new leaf and all that. Polly’s determined that over the next 365 days she’ll remember to shave her legs, drink less wine and generally get her s**t together. Her latest piece is on the infamous Jasper, Marquess of Milton, undoubtedly neither a plus one nor ‘the one’. She’s heard the stories, there’s no way she’ll succumb to his charms…

My Review:

I kept seeing this book pop up online so I decided to give it a read, the synopsis is right up my street and I'm glad I did so big thanks to Netgalley for an early sneak peak!

We meet Polly Spencer whose best friend Lex is getting married and she needs a plus one!  Single and nearing her thirties she's not on the lookout for 'The One' but a plus one to the wedding would do... for now!

Some of the stories Polly covers for her job as a writer for Posh! Magazine were ridiculous, the avocado one making me LOL!  However one of the stories she takes on leads her to meet Jasper, Marquess of Milton who lives in a fancy castle, Jasper is constantly in the press and Polly is about to get an exclusive interview into the real Jasper and his family.

After a weekend away staying at the family castle, Polly gets to know the real Jasper behind the paparazzi cameras and she believes the press have it wrong about him and his family.  Jasper takes an interest in Polly which surely can only end badly, right?  Even though Polly knows all the stories and has even been told first hand of his charms by her work friend Lala.  Will she fall for his romantic side?!  I'll leave that for you to find out.

I loved the close relationship Polly has with her mum, how honest they were when speaking and the conversations between the two really made me laugh.  It reminded me of my relationship with my own mum and the way I can speak to her like speaking to a friend.  It was really nice reading some of the scenes between the two ladies.

I also liked the friendships Polly has built over the years, Lex and Bill being the closest two.  I liked the fact that Sophia gives a little background information on their first meets, it really does help to bond to a character no matter how small or large their part is in the story.

Although a little predictable at times which I honestly don't care as it's nice to see where the author is going with the story, I also love when I can say 'I guessed it right!' when I finish!  This is a perfect summer read for when you need a little escapism, it's funny with some heartwarming moments.  

Congratulations Sophia on your debut novel, waiting patiently for your next book!

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