Cover Reveal | Escape to the Riviera ~ Jules Wake

Second cover reveal of the bank holiday weekend from the lovely team at Avon... this one is super summery!

Publishes: 30^th June 2016 in EB and PB

Some of you may have read Jules Wake before, and we’re delighted to be publishing her in paperback this summer! Also… THAT COVER. Can you even stop gazing at it? Me neither.

In St Tropez, anything can happen…

Carrie Hayes leads a perfectly nice life, with a perfectly nice job, and a perfectly nice boyfriend called Alan.

But Carrie’s life wasn’t always like this. As a young, wild drama student, she married fellow actor, Richard Maddox, after a whirlwind romance. Life back then was full of possibilities and when Hollywood beckoned, Richard followed, leaving her behind.

Now an A-list superstar, Richard’s life couldn’t be more different to Carrie’s, so when their paths cross in glamorous St Tropez, she can’t help but wonder what might have been.
But with lovely, sensible Alan in tow, Carrie knows she needs to do the right thing. The only problem is, Carrie and Richard never quite got round to getting a divorce…

Lose yourself this summer on the French Riviera – the perfect read for fans of Lucy Diamond and Jane Costello.

Review | Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe ~ Debbie Johnson

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Available now Kindle

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The brand new book from best-selling author Debbie Johnson will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you raid the pantry in the middle of the night…

The Comfort Food Cafe is perched on a windswept clifftop at what feels like the edge of the world, serving up the most delicious cream teas; beautifully baked breads, and carefully crafted cupcakes. For tourists and locals alike, the ramshackle cafe overlooking the beach is a beacon of laughter, companionship, and security – a place like no other; a place that offers friendship as a daily special, and where a hearty welcome is always on the menu.

For widowed mum-of-two Laura Walker, the decision to uproot her teenage children and make the trek from Manchester to Dorset for the summer isn’t one she takes lightly, and it’s certainly not winning her any awards from her kids, Nate and Lizzie. Even her own parents think she’s gone mad.

But following the death of her beloved husband David two years earlier, Laura knows that it’s time to move on. To find a way to live without him, instead of just surviving. To find her new place in the world, and to fill the gap that he’s left in all their lives.

Her new job at the cafe, and the hilarious people she meets there, give Laura the chance she needs to make new friends; to learn to be herself again, and – just possibly – to learn to love again as well.

For her, the Comfort Food Cafe doesn’t just serve food – it serves a second chance to live her life to the full…

I'm a big fan of Debbie Johnson since reading her previous Christmas books, I have some of her other novels in my ever growing TBR, which I am sure I will get around to reading when the bundle stops growing! That said, when I was offered and advanced copy of Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe, I didn't hesitate - the cover firstly is super inviting and just looks like a good read in general.

And a good read it was. Right from the opening page I was hooked - when you read the book you will understand just why I have seen people talking about such a powerful opening. I obviously won't give all the details away but it starts with an advert from Cherie Moon, owner of the Comfort Food Cafe, seeking a member of staff for the summer and asking for them not to submit a CV but a letter explaining why they should be considered. We are immediately then introduced to Laura Walker in a very heart felt but very honest letter to Cherie explaining about herself being stuck in a rut since the death of her husband, David, a couple of years before hand, about her two teenage children, Lizzie and Nate, and their need for a summer get away - a chance to breath in a change of scenery, a chance to start a new chapter in their lives, a chance to move forward.

Now I know I have probably sold that as a really depressing read but believe me it was far from it. Yes there were moments where I welled up - especially when Lizzie and Nate were talking about their late Father as I was just a teenager myself when I lost my dear Daddy, but the majority of the book was full of Debbie's warmth and humour making this a more light hearted and uplifting read.

Laura isn't expecting to actually get the job at the Comfort Food Cafe, so when directions and keys arrive in the post she is a little shocked, but goes through with her plan of having a summer holiday, albeit a working one for her. 

The job at the Comfort Food Cafe is for six weeks and so throughout the book there is a sub-paragraph that states 'Week Three' for example and gives a short synopsis but the chapters surrounding those little snippets are packed full with information.

Over the course of the book we see a great transformation in Laura. At the beginning she is very much still a grieving widow kissing a photograph of her late husband every night and still sleeping with his dressing gown, towards the end Laura has come out of her shell and is not only warm and caring and thinking of others and their happiness, but she is also stronger and able to make decisions as well as having much more self confidence.

I have to mention Matt here. Matt the Vet. Laura, Lizzie and Nate met Matt on their very first night arriving at the Rookery, the place they are staying which comes with the job. There is something very obviously between Laura and Matt that just clicks, and over the course of them getting to know each other, we learn that Matt is healing a broken heart of some description too. Laura has to remind herself that whilst it is fun, she is only in Devon for the summer and despite discovering feelings for a man she never thought she would ever have again, she has to protect her heart - even when Matt declares his feelings Laura is determined not to go there... but in realality I think it's safe to say her feelings have already headed in that direction!

Debbie Johnson has a fabulous way of creating characters. I loved all of them in this book to be honest. Each of them all had their own back ground story that left them all feeling sad or lonely and seeking comfort from the cafe, and as Laura get's to know them and their past's, she also learns to trust and have friends - really heart warming but as ever, in the comical way that Debbie does brilliantly.

I felt a particular soft spot for Lizzie and Nate though, maybe due to knowing how they felt as previously mentioned, but also because Debbie got their teenage charisma's spot on. Lizzie was the moody teenage who hated her mum for making her up root and leave her friends. She also a typical teenager in relying on her phone - her main passion being photography and so the book felt very currant and relevant mentioning the likes of Instagram. Nate is at the age where she still loves a hug from his mum, but he's too cool to do it in public! Lizzie was the more outspoken child with Nate often just nodding in agreement, but once or twice he could come out with a sentence or two that made he seem so mucb more older than what he was - and just went to prove that kids are very receptable to what is going on around them and making observations.

Overall, Summer at the Comfort Food Cafe was simply delicious. Full of humour, warmth and new beginnings. It was also very poignant with the photo's Lizzie has been taking constantly - but you seriously are going to have to read the book to find out why!

I've seen many people tweet saying that they would love to go to the Comfort Food Cafe - the food and the views out to sea are all very idyllic that you can't not want to go and spend time with the wonderful and quirky members of area - this just leaves me to say that I'm sure there are more stories to be told from the Comfort Food Cafe, I'd love to know how Laura, Matt, Lizzie and Nate are getting on in a few months time.

Fingers crossed for 'Christmas at the Comfort Food Cafe'.... 

Rating 5/5

I would like to thank HarperImpulse for a proof copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Cover Reveal | No Turning Back ~ Tracy Buchanan

Today I'm delighted to be bringing you the first of four gorgeous covers being revealed over the bank holiday weekend and this first one... I can't tell you just how excited I am to read this book.

It's the new novel by Tracy Buchanan, her debut, My Sisters Secret, was released last year and I loved it that much it worked itself into my top reads of last year. It was utterly captivating and I urge you to read it or bump it up your TBR. In case you missed my review of it, you can have a nosy here.

So anyway, Tracy's new book... Here's all you need to know along with its gorgeous cover!

Publishes: 28^th July 2016, EB and PB

You’d kill to protect your child – wouldn’t you?

When radio presenter Anna Graves and her baby are attacked on the beach by a crazed teenager, Anna reacts instinctively to protect her daughter.

But her life falls apart when the schoolboy dies from his injuries. The police believe Anna’s story, until the autopsy results reveal something more sinister.

A frenzied media attack sends Anna into a spiral of self-doubt. Her precarious mental state is further threatened when she receives a chilling message from someone claiming to be the ‘Ophelia Killer’, responsible for a series of murders twenty years ago.

Is Anna as innocent as she claims? And is murder forgiveable, if committed to save your child’s life…?

Review | The Chic Boutique on Baker St. ~ Rachel Dove

Genre: romantic fiction

Release Date: 21st April 2016

Publisher:  Mills & Boon

The perfect escape to the country…

Recently single and tired of the London rat race Amanda is determined to make her dreams of setting up an idyllic countryside boutique come true, and the picturesque village of Westfield is the perfect place to

make a fresh start.

Local vet Ben is the golden boy of Westfield, especially to resident gossip Agatha Mayweather, who is determined to help Ben get his life back together after his wife left.

When a chance encounter outside the ‘chic boutique’ sets sparks flying between Amanda and Ben, Agatha is itching to set them up. But are Amanda and Ben really ready for romance?

The Chic Boutique on Baker Street is the debut novel from Rachel Dove, winner of The Prima Flirty Fiction Competition. You won’t be able to resist this heart-warming romantic story set in an idyllic Yorkshire village, full of lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments…as Amanda finds her way to a second chance at life and love. This is the reading escape you’ve been looking for!

BUY LINKS

AMAZON UK

WH SMITH

WATERSTONES

The Chic Boutique on Baker St. first caught my eye by the gorgeous cover - how could I resist the chance to read this eh?

I unexpectedly had a free day, so armed with a steaming cup of tea I settled down to read.

I'll be honest, the book didn't grab my attention in the first chapter or so, however there was something there that kept pulling me to read it and I'm glad I did. The more I read on, the more the story unfolded and the more I enjoyed reading it.

The story introduces us to Amanda - a high flying London lawyer who's job just doesn't fulfil her. The final straw comes when she discovers her boyfriend Marcus in a rather compromising situation. Losing her cool, she ends up losing her job and re-locating to a small country village.

Her introduction to Ben, the local vet, isn't a pleasant one and causes a small rift between the two of them, however the small sparks that fly in between don't go unnoticed from the village match makers!

A string of events push Amanda and Ben together but their previous broken hearts simply just push them apart again. It isn't until the thought of each other leaving the village that they admit their feelings to themselves - but is it too late to admit it to each other?

I couldn't read the second half of the book quick enough, I was willing this pair to sort their acts out whilst laughing along to the antics of the elderly ladies trying to pair them up.

Rachel Dove's writing style was really easy to read and flowed well. For me though, there didn't need to be some of the information in the first couple of chapters as that unfolded itself throughout the book anyway, I would have preferred some more of the laugh out loud mishaps within trying to get Amanda and Ben together.

Rating 4/5

Review | When I Was Invisible ~ Dorothy Koomson

Published: May 2016

Buy: Amazon

In 1988, two girls with identical names and the same love of ballet meet for the first time. They seem destined to be best friends forever and to become professional dancers.

Years later, however, they have both been dealt so many cruel and unexpected blows that they walk away from each other into very different futures - one enters a convent, the other becomes a minor celebrity.

Will these new, "invisible" lives be the ones they were meant to live, or will they only find that kind of salvations when they are reunited twenty years later?

Veronica Harper and Veronika Harper, Roni and Nika respectively, met at school and then joined the same ballet class, we are thrown right into this innocent world of big dreams, love and friendship at the start of the novel.

Very quickly it becomes clear that something happened between the girls in their teens that pushed them apart, right up until the end of the book although I had my suspicions, we were never really told and even then there was more going on that we were lead to believe.

The book alternates between both Roni and Nika, although I felt Nika had a much bigger storyline, and within their narratives we were thrown between the present day, their childhood/teens and what happened in the many years that passed.

This is my first novel by Dorothy Koomson, and although there was one bit in the middle where I felt like I was re-reading the complete first half of the book, as a whole - it had me gripped, Dorothy has a wonderful way of story telling despite some of the plot lines being very raw and dark.

When I Was Invisible was powerful and captivating, telling a story of two girls with history - I was eager to find out how Roni became a Nun and Sister and how Nika ended up being a celebrity who disappeared with no trace - and how they deal with consequences of their past to move forward with their future.

Rating: 5/5

I would like to thank

 LoveReading & Cornerstone 

for providing a copy of

When I Was Invisible

 in exchange for my honest opinion.

Cover Reveal | Time After Time ~ Hannah McKinnon

Goodness... this cover is stunning...

Time After Time is a fresh and funny work of women's commercial fiction, which explores the romantic paths that could have been...

For fans of Laura Barnett and Dani Atkins, Hannah McKinnon has written a story that we resonate with any woman who has ever wondered, in a moment of frustration, "What if?".

Hayley Cooper, a powerful but struggling lawyer, fantasises about what her life would be like if only she'd made different choices. It's understandable; the past two years have been hell. She barely sees her kids, her boss is trying to sabotage her, and her marriage is falling apart.

Burnt out, Hayley goes to sleep wishing for a different life. When she wakes up married to her first boyfriend, one she has not seen in over twenty years, she realises there might be some truth in the saying "be careful for what you wish for". Over a single weekend, like Ebenezer Scrooge, Hayley gets to see her life on the other side of the white picket fence - not just with her first ex, but with each of her past loves. But is the grass always greener, and will she ever want to go home?

Time After Time will publish as an eBook via Avon on

2nd June 2016

My Book Corner | Isabelle Broom

It's that time of week again where we have a peek into the life of a fellow book lover, and sharing their Book Corner with us today is Isabelle Broom, author of My Map Of You.

1) Tell us about your Book Corner/Writing Space?

My writing space is in the bedroom of my London flat, tucked away in a corner that gets the best light. I have a chair and a desk – nothing too fancy.

2) Do you have a favourite shelf/collection of books? Or favourite part of your Book Corner?

I like to surround my writing space with things that inspire me, which includes trinkets and photos. I always write while drinking tea out of my Once Upon A Time Disney mug, which was a gift from my fabulous editor, Kimberley Atkins. 

I also keep a framed copy of the cover of my first published work, The Wedding Speech, right in front of me. It reminds me how far I’ve come, where I came from, and why I should feel proud of what I’ve achieved so far. Every time I get stuck and look up from the screen, there’s something there, reminding me why I must carry on.

3) Do you have any reading/writing habits?

When I’m really into a book, I will find excuses to dip into it whenever and wherever I can. I tend to carry my current read around with me wherever I go anyway. You never know when you might be stuck waiting for a bus! 

As for writing, I don’t really have enough spare time to have any habits. I have to write whenever I can, because if I didn’t I’d never get anywhere. I do like to take long walks to go over plots and characters in my mind. I often get home from walking the dog and have to run and find a pen and some paper before it all goes out of my head.

4) How do you keep apart, track and control your TBR to read books?

Well, I’m a Book Reviews Editor, so my TBR is staggered by release dates. I’m usually reading at least four to five weeks ahead – sometimes more. But if something comes in that I’m particularly excited about, I will be naughty and push it straight to the top.

5) Can you provide links to your social media handles please?

My Map Of You is available from Amazon here 

My ebook short story, The Wedding Speech, is available here

 and from iBooks via Tunes.

You can find me on Twitter @Isabelle_Broom and on Facebook – please do come and have a natter!

Review | Canada Square (Love In London, 3) ~ Carrie Elks

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AMAZON

 iBOOKSTORE 

KOBO 

NOOK 

GOOGLE PLAY

Secrets have a way of coming out…

Amy Cartwright isn't sure who she's supposed to be anymore. Her family thinks she's flighty, her ex believes she's a walkover (the bastard) and her friends think she's plain crazy. But there's a different side to her that nobody sees, nobody but the cool, sexy Scotsman who just happens to be her boss.

Callum Ferguson isn't looking for excitement; he's had that and it almost ruined him. He likes things calm and predictable – everything that his new PA turns out not to be. But from the moment she walks through his office door it's as though the light has come back into his life, and he can't get her out of his mind.

Fighting against the inevitable, they both try to ignore the attraction, but the flame of desire is too bright. They're soon drawn into a steamy love affair that they have to hide from everybody, knowing the revelation could cost them everything they’ve worked so hard for, including each other.

Author note: Canada Square is the third in the Love in London series, but can be read as a standalone book.

Canada Square is a little gem of a book and the first I've read from Carrie Elks. I started reading this last night when the insomnia kicked in and read right through until I'd finished it.

Amy Cartwright is the youngest of 3 siblings and so is often over protected, particularly by her brother Alex. She has an on- off boyfriend but when his latest lie comes along, something snaps. Amy decides she no longer wants to be the push over and ends it... determined to concentrate on gaining her degree she lands herself a rather tasty intern-ship and pushed her ex - and love, out of her mind.

When a mishap with her new job means she has to become a temp PA for a few weeks, the last thing on her mind is to form a relationship with her boss. Amy really comes into her self with Callum, I felt you see her progress from a girl to a woman quickly and although I could see where the story line was going, I wasn't expecting the twist of Callum's actions.

Alongside this, there is a sub plot involving Amy's past and the truth surrounding her Father - Amy has to question who she can trust and what she can believe over the coming weeks.

Carrie Elks has a great way with words, I found Canada Square fast past with the story moving forward rapidly yet flowingly. There are great set of characters supporting Amy and I'm keen to read the other two books in the series - especially Broken Chords which is book 2 and features Amy's brother and sister-in-law, Alex and Lara.

Overall, Canada Square is a gorgeous rollercoaster of a love story.

Rating: 4/5

I would like to thank Carrie Elk's herself for supplying an ARC of 

Canada Square (Love in London, 3)

in exchange for my honest opinion.

Love In London Series

(Books can be read as stand-alone novels)

Blog Tour ~ Extract | The Chic Boutique on Baker St. ~ Rachel Dove

Today the Chic Boutique blog tour stops by and I have a small extract from the book to tease you with ;-)

The perfect escape to the country…

Recently single and tired of the London rat race Amanda is determined to make her dreams of setting up an idyllic countryside boutique come true, and the picturesque village of West¬field is the perfect place to

make a fresh start.

Local vet Ben is the golden boy of West¬field, especially to resident gossip Agatha Mayweather, who is determined to help Ben get his life back together after his wife left.

When a chance encounter outside the ‘chic boutique’ sets sparks flying between Amanda and Ben, Agatha is itching to set them up. But are Amanda and Ben really ready for romance?

The Chic Boutique on Baker Street is the debut novel from Rachel Dove, winner of The Prima Flirty Fiction Competition. You won’t be able to resist this heart-warming romantic story set in an idyllic Yorkshire village, full of lovable characters and laugh-out-loud moments…as Amanda finds her way to a second chance at life and love. This is the reading escape you’ve been looking for!

About the Author

Rachel Dove is the proud winner of the 2015 Flirty Fiction Competition with Prima Magazine and Mills & Boon. Ecstatic to have her novel chosen out of 300 others, Rachel is now a full-time writer and looks forward to writing her next book. When she is not writing, she can be found raising her sons or curled up under a blanket with a book.

Amazon buy link:

http://amzn.to/1Vx8V9d

Extract

Amanda stared up at the dark wood beam, pondering whether a strip of pale yellow taffeta ribbon would be robust enough as a makeshift noose.

She shook her head, banishing the futile thoughts, and started to clear off the workspace of her new venture when she heard the shutter from next door’s shop go up. The metallic clang reminded her that next door had left their advertising boards out the night before. She picked it up on her way to the shop front. New Lease of Life had only been open for a week or so, and her next-door neighbour, ‘Shampooched’, had not been the ideal business colleague. The twenty-something pink-haired rock enthusiast who worked there was not the friendliest person Amanda had ever encountered, but Amanda didn’t want to make waves, being new to town and living above the shop and all. She took a deep breath and walked backwards into the shop, clasping the heavy A-board, a blackboard detailing their opening times.

 ‘Hey, Tracy, you seem to have left this out . . . er again . . . so . . .’

Amanda was blocked from walking any further by a wall. Squeaking in surprise, she promptly dropped the A-board onto her own foot, this morning clad in soft green ballet pumps, of all things.

‘Owww, son of a b—’

She was tumbling towards the concrete tiled floor, and a bruised bum to boot, when the wall moved and caught her in its grasp. Her words caught in her throat as she gazed up into a pair of steely grey eyes. She found herself smiling despite her embarrassment.

‘I am so sorry, are you OK?’

The man was staring at her with a mixture of concern and amusement. Amanda’s eyes flitted from his chiselled jaw to his full bow lips, and travelled down to his tanned, muscular neck, and his chest, which was encased in a simple black T-shirt. She loved watching the lips move. The movements stopped and Amanda frowned, disappointed. It was then she realised that the lips were attached to an actual person, a person who was waiting for an answer to whatever question these lips had formed.

What is wrong with you?

A voice, soft and cracking with what Amanda thought might be suppressed laughter, broke through the awkward silence.

‘I said, did you hit your head?’ he asked.

Amanda shook her head. ‘Er . . . no, no, just banged it a little. Sorry!’

Looking down at her right shoe, she saw crimson staining the mint green canvas of her pump. He followed her gaze, frowning.

‘I’m Ben. Just stay sat there a sec, I’ll get a chair and the first aid kit.’

Amanda nodded mutely, feeling a little cheated that the moment had passed, and more than a little embarrassed of her own behaviour. Seriously, woman, you used to command the attention of courtrooms, a bloke in a shop trips you up, and you lose it!

Review | My Map Of You ~ Isabelle Broom

Published 21st April 2016

Pre-Order: Kindle

                        Paperback

Holly Wright has had a difficult few years. After her mother's death, she's become expert at keeping people at a distance - including her boyfriend, Rupert.

But when Holly receives an unexpected letter explaining that an aunt she never met has left her a house on the Greek island of Zakynthos, the walls she has built begin to crumble. Arriving on the island, Holly meets the handsome Aidan and slowly begins to uncover the truth about the secret which tore her family apart. 

But is the island where Holly really belongs? Or will her real life catch up with her first?

My Map Of You is Isabelle Broom's début novel under Michael Joseph and as soon as I heard about it I knew I just had to read it. When I got the email to say I'd been approved for an advance copy I was so excited I even dropped my phone....

The book I was reading took a back seat and I delved straight into the world of Holly Wright, the main character of this story.

Holly has had a bit of a tough life, after losing her mum in the most awful of ways it's safe to say she has built walls up around her made from steel... the "Insomnia Troll" is her best friend, she's in a mundane job and had a boyfriend, Rupert, who came across as a bit of a snob and I took an instant dislike to him.

Out of the blue she receives a letter stating an aunt she's never met has left her a home on the Greek Island of Zakynthos.

Flying out to take care of things, Holly's life changes in the most unexpected of ways. She finds an map drawn by her mum and aunt when they were little and decides to visit all of the places marked to try and piece together this unanswered questions. .. why did she not know about her aunt? Why was her aunt sorry? And why does she suddenly have de ja vu of being here before mixed with the feelings of suddenly belonging somewhere?

With the help of her rugged but sexy neighbour, Aiden ( I loved Aiden!!) Holly ticks off place by place on the map all the while getting closer to Aiden and further from Rupert. 

Around Aiden, Holly can be her self and for the first time ever opens up about the truth surrounding her mother's death.

But all isn't as it seems when she's betrayed by him and leaves the island to make a life with Rupert.

By this point I had my fist in my mouth, I loved Holly's character from the moment I started the book and really felt for her so when she chose Rupert over Aiden I couldn't believe what I was reading - she'd come so far as a character and I felt like she arrived from London a lost girl but Greece progressed her into a strong, confident woman.

Of course with any good romance story it didn't end there... I won't give it all a way but I was secretly pleased with the way Isabelle wrote the ending and kept me on my toes of the final out come.

The love triangle is only one element of this book though. Fundamentally, Holly wants to know why her mum never mentioned she had a sister and discover the truth about her childhood. 

There is also an elements where there book looks at secrets and betrayal and how we act on promises to others without seriously thinking of consequences, and who may get hurt in the process. It was a real humbling read to really make you think.

It's clear that Isabelle Broom has a love of the Greek Islands and My Map Of You was deliciously descriptive - I've never been to Greece but reading the details of the food, the landscape, the turtles and culture I felt I was there, living the story with Holly and Aiden. Did I mention I loved Aiden? Everyone needs some Aiden in their lives... ;-)

For a début novel, My Map Of You ticked all the boxes for me, there were parts I grinned at, parts I cringed at, parts where the words gave me such a feeling of urgency that I felt my reading pace speed up yet at other times I breezed along as if strolling one of the mentioned beaches and of course parts I simply had that 'ahh' moment to..  the epilogue was just perfect and rounded the story off just as  beautifully as the prologue introduced us.

Isabelle Broom has a bright future ahead and if her writing continues like this I would certainly pop her into the Giovanna Fletcher / Jill Mansell / Paige Toon / Books that make you happy category!!

My Map Of You gets a massively deserved 5 flowers rating!

I would like to thank the publishers, Michael Joseph & NetGalley for supplying a review copy.

This is my honest opinion.