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!

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!

  

Buy the Book!

Blog Tour Book Review: Only When it's Love: Holding Out For Mr Right by Olivia Spring

Synopsis:

Alex’s love life is a disaster. Will accepting a crazy dating challenge from her friend lead to more heartbreak or help her find Mr Right?

Alex is tired of getting ghosted and dumped. After years of disastrous relationships that started and ended in the bedroom, Alex is convinced she’s destined to be eternally single. Then her newly married friend Stacey recommends an approach she followed from a self-help book guaranteeing Alex true love in just seven steps. Sounds simple, right? 

Except Alex soon discovers that each step is more difficult than the last and one of the rules involves dating, but not sleeping with a guy for six months. Absolutely no intimate contact whatsoever. Zero. Nada. Rien. A big challenge for Alex, who has never been one to hold back from jumping straight into the sack, hoping it will help a man fall for her. 

Join Alex on her roller coaster romantic journey as she tries to cope with the emotional and physical ups and downs of dating, whilst following a lengthy list of rigid rules.

Will any guys be willing to wait? Will Alex find her Mr Right? And if she does, will she be strong enough to resist temptation and hold out for true love?

Only When It’s Love is a standalone, fun, feel-good, romantic comedy about self-acceptance, determination, love and the challenge of finding the one.

My Review:

Welcome to my stop on the jam packed Blog Tour for Olivia Spring’s second novel ‘Only when it’s Love’.  Also a HUGE Thank you to Olivia for asking me to join the Blog Tour and for an early sneak peak at this fab read!

This is a story about a lady called Alex, a very true to life story I am sure. Full of humour, friendship and love including and not forgetting all the dodgy dates in between…! I guess like that saying goes you always have to kiss a few frogs before you meet your prince!

If you look up on Google for the term Ghosting or Ghosted, in the world of dating it suggests a breaking off of a relationship (often an intimate relationship) by ceasing all communication and contact with the former partner without any apparent warning or justification, as well as ignoring the former partners attempts to reach out or communicate. Ruthless but this goes on frequently and for poor Alex this is her current situation.

Alex has had enough of being someone’s bootie call (and yes.. I’m now singing the All Saints hit ‘Bootie Call’ while I type this..! Ha!) So turning to her newly married friend Stacey who gives to her some words of wisdom and a self help book, Stacey guarantees Alex will find her true love in just seven steps… easy peasy lemon squeezy!... Or will it be?!

After reading the book cover to cover and getting over the fact that there will be no coitus, boinking, getting busy and certainly no Bow-chick-a-wow-wow moments under any certain terms for six whole months Alex is determined to start her new search for Mr Right!

Of course I won’t spoil the story on whether Alex finds her dream man but you sure will be entertained throughout the journey! I really liked the character of Alex, very true to life and written so well that I could totally picture her being in my friendship circle! The highlight was noticing a past character from Olivia’s first novel (The Middle-Aged Virgin) Roxy pops up on a few occasions as Alex’s cousin and if you have read The Middle-Aged Virgin you will know that Roxy isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind.

Such a flipping fab fun filled read… Wow lots of F’s! But totally needed for this! Olivia is an author to watch for sure. With the right mix of romance and comedy this is the perfect read and at an eBook bargain price of 99p at the moment you can’t afford to miss out!

Make sure to purchase today!

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Don't forget to check out the other stops on this fab Blog Tour!

Author Bio

Olivia Spring is a London-based writer of contemporary women's fiction, sexy chick lit and romantic comedy. Her debut novel 'The Middle-Aged Virgin' was released in July 2018.

Olivia's uplifting debut novel deals with being newly single in your thirties and beyond, dating, relationships, love, sex and living life to the full.

When she's not making regular trips to Italy to indulge in pasta, pizza and gelato, Olivia can be found at her desk, keenly pursuing her new career as an author whilst consuming large bowls of her mum's delicious apple crumble and custard.

Follow Olivia!

Twitter| Instagram| Facebook | Goodreads

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!

Buy the Book!

Book Review: The Middle-Aged Virgin by Olivia Spring

Synopsis:
Sophia Huntingdon seems to have it all: a high-flying job running London’s coolest beauty PR agency, a lovely boyfriend and a dressing room filled with Louboutins.

But when tragedy strikes, Sophia realises that rather than living the dream, she’s actually an unhappy workaholic in a monotonous relationship, with zero personal life. Her lack of activity in the bedroom is so apparent that her best friend declares her a MARGIN, or Middle-Aged Virgin—a term used for adults who have experienced a drought so long that they can’t remember the last time they had sex.

Determined to transform her life whilst she’s still young enough to enjoy it, Sophia hatches a plan to work less, live more and embark on exciting adventures, including rediscovering the electrifying passion she’s been craving.

But after ending her fifteen-year relationship, how will Sophia, a self-confessed control freak handle navigating the unpredictable world of online dating?

If she does meet someone new, will she even remember what to do? And as an independent career woman, how much is Sophia really prepared to sacrifice for love?

My Review:
Firstly a huge thank you goes to Olivia Spring for reaching out and asking me to read and review her debut novel 'The Middle-Aged Virgin' 

The synopsis sounded right up my street, the book cover with it's happy yellow is very eye catching and definitely a book I would have picked up myself in the book shop.

The book is centred around Sophia Huntingdon, after hearing some sad news she decides that her life needs a makeover and some drastic changes need to happen.  Sophia decides to create an action plan of things to change and do over the next year before she hits the big 4 0!  One of the biggest changes was ending her fifteen year relationship with Rich who Sophia decides is not 'The One'. 

We then follow Sophia on her new adventure to find love, passion and happiness.  Along the way there are lots of highs, lows, yummy food, Italian men and lots of OMG moments...

The story throughout was good, I wasn't able to guess the ending and due to a few twists near to the end it kept me guessing right up to the last page however I must admit that I struggled to warm to Sophia.  I found her to be quite shallow and at times selfish, I found myself getting frustrated with some of the choices she makes and at times wanting to jump in the book and give her a slap!  I found it hard to relate to her, but I did find her personality change throughout the book and the Sophia we meet at the start is not the Sophia we leave by the end.

Some of my favourite scenes from the book were between Sophia and her two closest friends Roxy and Bella.  The friendship circle was very true to life and reminded me of my own group of friends.  True friends who might not agree with everything you say or do but support you throughout the decisions you make.  Sophia, Roxy and Bella meet on a regular basis and over food and drinks they put the world to rights and discuss everything... and I mean everything.  From careers to men to fashion to lady gardens! Yes! I mean everything! LOL

Overall the storyline was good and I would be intrigued to read a follow up on Sophia and what happened next!

I think Olivia Spring is an author to watch, with the right amount of comedy, romance and friendship I will be looking forward to her next read! 

Buy the Book!

Book Review: From Paris with Love this Christmas by Jules Wake

Synopsis:
Just until Christmas…

That’s what Paris socialite Siena keeps telling herself. She’ll hide away in her sister Laurie’s cottage near London to escape her hot-tempered fiancé.

However, when Jason – gorgeous but a bit of a Grinch – picks her up from the airport, he reveals that Laurie hasn’t lived there for months, complicating Siena’s holiday getaway.

At first, Jason and Siena don’t see eye to eye. But after a weekend in the most romantic city in the world, experiencing all it has to offer – from the magic of a fir-lined Champs-Élysées, lit up by thousands of sparkling fairy lights, to the swoosh of skates on ice at the Eiffel Tower – Siena shows Jason her Paris, and a whole other side to herself. Suddenly Siena’s December deadline seems far too close…

My Review:

Kicking off my first review for 2019 is a festive read by Jules Wake 'From Paris with Love this Christmas.'  A feel good book full of new friendships, family, love and of course lots of Christmas cheer!

The story kicks off with main character Siena on a flight to London, from reading the blurb you already understand that this wasn't a planned vacation or visit but an escape from her fiancé.

Siena, hoping to stay with her sister Laurie after past promises that there would always be a room for her whenever she needed is surprised to find a grumpy but gorgeous Jason awaiting her in the arrivals hall.  Not knowing who he is and assuming he is a taxi organised by Laurie and Jason coming to his own conclusions that Siena is a little bit of a princess they get off to a rocky start.

Laurie no longer lives at the cottage that Siena was planning to stay at but as promised a room is waiting for her however she soon gets a shock when she realises that the stranger who collected her Jason is also staying at the cottage after finding out Laurie is his landlady.

Jules Wake's writing is fantastic, drawing you in from the first few pages. I absolutely love when an author writes from both the female and male voice, you get that extra inside scoop understanding the characters feelings.  Prime example is knowing from reading Siena's story that she isn't this precious money grabbing princess that Jason is led to believe and I loved reading how their first impressions are so far removed by the end of the story.

The locations and descriptions were on point, never having visited Paris myself this gave me a wonderful insight into Paris at Christmas time and it's now on my list of places to visit!

An easy read, this is perfect when you need a bit of me time to cosy up and shut off from the everyday chores!

Buy the Book! 

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