Book Review: Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow

Synopsis:

Welcome to Love Heart Lane…

When Flick Simons returns to the cosy village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away. As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

My Review:

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for allowing me to read and review this wonderful story by the amazing Christie Barlow.  Ahhhh my squishy heart is all full of love for this book right now!  

The book cover is a welcome delight to gaze at during these cold winter months! I am a huge fan of Christie's books and without even reading the synopsis I just knew straight away I was in for a treat.

The story features Flick who after hearing some sad news decides it's time to return to her home village of Heartcross situated in the Scottish Highlands.  The journey to Heartcross for Flick is an awful one through a winter storm and waiting on the other side of the bridge to the village are painful memories that Flick would rather not face especially one man in particular, Fergus Campbell.

As a reader we are not aware of Flick's past and the pain that comes with visiting Heartcross but it soon becomes clear and it just made me warm to Flick so much more.  I really liked the character of Fergus too, a quiet and mysterious character but you could totally tell that behind the barriers he puts up deep down there is a soft, caring and loveable side to him.

After a destructing winter storm which passes through the village causing chaos and leaving behind a broken swept away bridge that connects the village to the main land.  The villagers have to work together to ration food and keep morale up while they wait for help in the form of a temporary bridge to be constructed.

Flick uses this distraction to help her settle back into village life making new friends and mending past friendships that she left behind when she moved to London.  When the snow disappears and it's time for Flick to leave her homely village again, does she want to and will she?

I absolutely adore this story, I love Christie's fabulous writing and how she can make you feel so involved in village life and have you feeling like have known the characters forever.
I enjoyed all the little twists and heart warming moments.

This is most definitely one of those books that you rush through to get to the end and before you know it you are there but you haven't mentally prepared yourself for the story to end and leave the village and all the lovely people there but it's ok because we can return to Heartcross real soon in Christie's next instalment 'Foxglove Farm' YAY! I am counting down the days for this and June cannot come quick enough!

  

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Book Review: Love Punked by Nia Lucas

Synopsis:

When her life is irrevocably altered by a post-Rave tryst on her mother's floral patio recliner, Erin Roberts’ long-standing relationship with Humiliation takes her down a path that's not so much 'less well trodden', more 'perilous descent down sheer cliffs'.

Armed with a fierce devotion to her best friend and the unrequited love for the boy she might have accidentally married at age seven, when Erin falls pregnant at sixteen, life veers off at a most unexpected tangent.

Her journey to adulthood is far from ordinary as Erin learns that protecting the hearts of those most precious to you isn't balm enough when your Love Punked heart is as sore as your freshly tattooed arse.

Whilst raising football prodigies and trying not to get stuck in lifts with Social Work clients who hate her, Erin discovers that sometimes you have to circumnavigate the globe to find the very thing that was there all along.

My Review:

I was very fortunate to be asked by Nia Lucas to read and review 'Love Punked'.  

Slightly different to my usual reads, however after reading the synopsis I was intrigued and wanted to read more!

Blimey! I was gripped! Constantly trying to fit in a few pages where I could...  This read is highly addictive, down to earth and very funny and although it is based on a very serious subject of Teen pregnancy the humour and one liners Nia brings to the story is simply faultless.  Lets just say I cannot look at an Argos patio recliner in the same way! Ha!

I warmed to Erin immediately, loyal, trustworthy, dependable.  Erin is the type of friend that every girl should have.  I loved reading the story from her point of view, a young sixteen year old growing into an independent young lady and mother.  I also loved the closeness she had with her family and the support she received from them was heart warming.

Going back to the fantastic writing of Nia, this book was a rollercoaster of emotions, some pages would have me howling in laughter but at other times the story would turn a 360 and have me nearly in tears.  Loved also the references to the 90's they made me chuckle and cringe at the same time! Some of the outfit choices! What was the 90's thinking! Ha!

I remember feeling desperate by the end of the book wanting to get through the pages to find out how it ended and what lay ahead for Erin.  I wasn't disappointed though, I absolutely loved the ending and it left me with a huge smile on my face.  I really hope Nia brings out a follow up to Erin and the whole gang, I still think about the characters and often wonder what they are up to now. 

Thank you Nia for asking me to read your wonderful book I very much enjoyed it!

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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!



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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

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! 

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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.  

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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!

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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: 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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Book Review: Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland

Synopsis:

Single mum Robin Wilde adores her six-year-old daughter and loves her job as a make up artist's assistant. She has a wonderful best friend and an auntie who is bonkers, yes, but loves her to the moon and back.

But Robin has a secret. Behind the mask she carefully applies every day, things just feel ... grey. And lonely. She struggles to fit in with the school mum crew. Online dating is totally despair-inducing, and she worries every day about raising her little girl with self-confidence, courage and joy.

What Robin longs for is someone (over the age of six) to share with - someone who's always on her team. 

After 4 years (2 months, and 15 days!) of single-mum-dom, it's time for Robin Wilde to Change. Her. Life. 

Exciting new opportunities are about to come Robin's way ... Perhaps a man, perhaps the chance of a lifetime ...

What will Robin do with the possibilities she creates for herself? And what potential will she unlock if she takes the leap?

My Review: 

I have seen this book pop up on Amazon and book shops so much and I’m now kicking myself as to why I hadn’t read it before now! 

I booked tickets to see Louise Pentland for her book tour to promote her new novel and the sequel to Wilde about you (Wilde About the Girl) so I decided now was the perfect time to read it (also helped that it was on an offer on Amazon for only 99p! Whoop!)

I’m pleased I can now say I have read it, I really enjoyed it!  The book features Robin Wilde, she’s a single mum to her six year old daughter Lyla and a part time makeup artist’s assistant. 

As you know from the description above, Robin has her struggles with being a single parent, not so much the struggles of parenting itself, more the feeling of being alone without a partner or adult conversation after Lyla had gone to bed or stayed at her dad’s, even the school meetings or dinners where Robin was the single one between many couples.

I struggled at times with those moments, I found it difficult to read those sections when Robin was negative and sad but just because I didn't enjoy those parts doesn’t mean those feelings are not important to the story, they play a massive part and this book is a very honest and down to earth account of one woman's journey through motherhood and it opened my eyes to how easy people can hide their true feelings.

Robin's feelings of sadness and loneliness made me want to be her own personal cheer leader and jump up and down with pom poms and give her the support to get her through the blue times.

The sad times were a massive contrast to the happy bubbly Robin which appeared more often by the end of the book (phew!) I liked this Robin a lot, she took some risks and was brave to put herself out there and sometimes the risks paid off.

I loved the relationship between the characters, specifically between Robin, Lyla and Auntie Kath.  Being close to my own mum I really loved the scenes with Robin and Lyla, they are Team Wilde and Lyla was Robin's number one fan.  I loved Auntie Kath, although slightly eccentric you could totally feel the love she had for Robin and would do anything for her niece. The story shows that although you could feel the loneliest person in the world there is always someone there to be on your side and root for you, you just have to let them in!

I think I will leave this review here, I won't tell you whether Robin gets her happily ever ending, I will leave that for you to find out.  

I am really looking forward to reading her follow on 'Wilde About the Girl' It's always nice to catch up with old characters and I am sure it is as good as the first! 

Top tip, don't read the synopsis of the follow up otherwise it gives away a few spoilers! Although unlike me you probably have read this by now!

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Book Review: Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow

Synopsis: 

New home.. New life. New beginning. Love affairs can blossom in the most unlikely places...

When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it's time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there's an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom...

But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? 

As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems...

My Review!

First off I wanted to say what a beautiful cover this book has, really does invite you in for a perfect read for a sunny day! This book has everything you need for a feel good read but it had lots more that I just wasn't expecting.

We follow Kitty who after sadly loosing her mum has ended up in Staffordshire after inheriting Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother. A grandmother she didn't even know existed! 

Kitty who is now the owner of a chicken farm soon gets to work and finds out life on a farm is a lot harder than she first thought especially after having a disastrous first day where Paddy the rooster stole her homemade cheese and pickle sandwich!

I really liked all the characters in the book, Tom and Jeannine who work on the farm, Jeannine's brother Robin and Lucinda who owns the local bakery and makes the most delicious cakes ever! Oh and not forgetting Dotty!! 

I loved the community and how welcoming everyone was to Kitty, Bluebell Lodge was described so well that it made me wish it was a real place that I could visit, especially during the annual Easter egg hunt!

I really enjoyed the scenes between Kitty and Tom, the 'will they' 'won't they' had me on the edge of my seat and throughout many of their scenes I wanted to knock their heads together. 

As Kitty gets involved with the farm she soon finds out more about her grandmother, and after coming across a hidden diary written by someone unknown to Kitty called Violet, she decides to work her way through the pages to uncover hidden secrets about her family and who the mysterious Violet could be. 

On many occasions throughout the book my jaw would drop after another bombshell would hit, sometimes when reading you can see the twists coming or you look out for them but I must say I didn't find that to be the case with this story there were quite a few secrets jumping out that I had to stop and think about it all to piece the jigsaw together. 

This is another brilliant story from Christie Barlow, it had everything you need, humour, love, family and a few twists thrown in for good measure.

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Book Review: Some Kind of Wonderful by Giovanna Fletcher

Synopsis:

When the love of your life says you're not The One, who are you?

Lizzy and Ian have been a couple since the first week of university. Now, after celebrating a decade together, everyone thinks they're about to get engaged.

Instead, a romantic escape to Dubai leaves Lizzy with no ring, no fiancé and no future.

Lizzy is heartbroken - but through tears, she sees an opportunity. This is her moment to discover what she's been missing while playing Ian's idea 'better half'.

But how much has Ian changed her, and who should she be without him?

Determined to discover who she is at heart, Lizzy sets out to rediscover the girl she was before - and, in the meantime, have a little fun...

My Review: 

I really enjoyed Giovanna's latest book, I heard some great reviews and being a huge 'Billy and Me' fan I knew I was in for a treat! 

This story follows Lizzy, who dreams of being next to walk down the aisle with her boyfriend Ian who have been boyfriend and girlfriend for like forever. Every Christmas, birthday, holiday or a general Friday night Lizzy is waiting and hoping that Ian will get down on one knee and declare his undying love by proposing and making Lizzy his future wife. 

After a holiday in Dubai ends in disaster, Lizzy's hopes and dreams are crushed when Ian doesn't declare his love but instead decides Lizzy is not The One for him and that they should split up. 

Coming home to their empty flat they once shared with happy memories of their travels together, Lizzy makes the journey back to Essex to her parents, back to her childhood bedroom, back to her Bananarama cd's and Take That posters. (It could have been worse... Lizzy could be sleeping on a treadmill after her sister Michelle's old childhood bedroom was turned into a gym!) 

Going through the boxes from her childhood a time before university and Ian, Lizzy tries to discover whether she was always destined to be the person she is today or that her relationship with Ian has lead her to be the Lizzy she is. 

I really liked Lizzy and following her on her journey of rediscovery, mixing back with old friends, meeting new friends and reconnecting with her family. I think Giovanna had the right mixture of characters and they all had a little story of their own along the way. 

I did feel the book ended far too quickly than I hoped it would, I felt that Lizzy had so much more to give to the story so I am really hoping Giovanna brings out a follow up as I would love to check in with Lizzy and all the other characters. 

This book was warm, funny and entertained me throughout, I especially loved all the Essex mentions, being an Essex girl myself I loved that Lizzy spent her clubbing days in Dukes, Chelmsford! 

Thank you Giovanna for a fab read, please bring Lizzy back!!



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