Friday 29 November 2013

Christmas at the Beach Cafe

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A Christmas short story from bestselling author Lucy Diamond, revisiting her Beach Café characters.

After a hectic summer running her beach café in Cornwall, Evie Flynn is looking forward to her first Christmas with new boyfriend Ed – she’s determined that it’s going to be the most perfectly romantic one ever. Cosy nights in front of the fire, spicy mulled wine, mince pies . . . what’s not to love? But the peace is shattered when Ed’s ex suddenly gets in touch again, and then some unexpected guests arrive: Ed’s surly brother Jake and Evie’s heartbroken best friend Amber. Add in the stress of trying to finish her very own recipe book, snow blizzards and family dramas and Evie’s Christmas starts to look as if it’ll be a total turkey. Will any of her festive wishes come true . . . or is this Christmas just a recipe for disaster?

An absolute Christmas cracker from Lucy Diamond, bestselling author of The Beach Café and Me And Mr Jones. This novella is the perfect present for anyone who loves women’s fiction, heartwarming stories and the festive season!

My opinion: I have wanted to read The Beach Café now for a while, but haven't got around to it yet due to the monster size of my TBR pile. You may have noticed that I have been on a bit of a Christmas book reading spree recently, so what better excuse to read this festive novella?!

Evie is gearing up for her first Christmas since inheriting the Beach Café from her aunt earlier in the year. She has lots of plans for decorating the café, producing a recipe book for the locals who have supported her, and having lots of cosy romantic evenings with her boyfriend Ed. But unfortunately a few unannounced guests, unexpected weather and other stresses it looks like Christmas is going to turn out to be a disaster.

I really enjoyed this book and it makes me want to read The Beach Café even more now! I know I've done it a bit backwards by reading this novella first, but I feel like I've got to know the characters enough to ensure that reading the full novel will be time well invested!

This is a lovely Christmassy short story that was a great quick read in between books. It was a well contained story that works well as a standalone even if you haven't read the first book (like me!), and has some great characters that I am looking forward to getting to know better.

My rating: A festive four stars!

Wednesday 27 November 2013

The Parisian Christmas Bake Off



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Welcome to the most celebrated patisserie competition in Paris – ready, steady, bake!

Watching snowflakes settle on the Eiffel Tower, Rachel Smithson’s cosy English village feels very far way – as, thankfully, does her commitment-phobic ex, probably already kissing someone else under the mistletoe. But Rachel hasn’t come to Paris to mope she’s come to bake. Hard.

Because the search for Paris’s next patisserie apprentice is about to begin! And super-chef judge Henri Salernes is an infamously tough cookie. But Rachel isn’t about to let her confidence (or pastry) crumble. She’s got one week, mounds of melt-in-the-mouth macaroons and towers of perfect profiteroles to prove that she really is a star baker.

As well as clouds of flour, and wafts of chocolate and cinnamon, there’s definitely a touch of Christmas magic in the air… Rachel hasn’t come to Paris looking for a fairy-tale romance, but the city of love might gift-wrap her one anyway…

Not even a dusting of icing sugar could make The Parisian Christmas Bake-Off a more perfect Christmas treat!


My opinion: I really liked the look of this book. What's not to like about Christmas, Paris and baking?!

Rachel is a primary school teacher who has a real talent for baking, but due to the memories it evokes, she has kept the talent, and her past, buried away. When her friends arrange for her to join an exclusive competition in Paris to win an apprenticeship with a top pastry chef, she not only had to let her talent shine through, but also face her past.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a mix of cake, Paris, romance and coming to terms with things that are in the past, and it worked so well. It was well paced, well written and had some great characters. I'll definitely read more of Jenny's books and I hope she writes more about Rachel's life after returning to the UK.

I'd definitely recommend this book as a great Christmas read that will leave you feeling warm inside, and also very hungry!

My rating: A fab four stars

I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Saturday 23 November 2013

Christmas at Carrington's



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A deliciously indulgent read and the follow up to Cupcakes at Carrington’s. Set in Carrington’s Department Store this is perfect for fans of Jenny Colgan.

Carrington’s Department store is thrown into a spin when the staff learn that a hot new reality TV show is to be filmed in-store, featuring the formidable retail guru, Kelly Cooper. Georgie Hart, in charge of Luxury Handbags, is reluctant, but quickly realises that the show could give Carrington’s a new lease of life. With Christmas around the corner, she’s also hoping that the season will deliver her the perfect Christmas present, in the form of Tom, the store’s dishy boss.

When the film crew arrive, things start to go wrong. One of Tom’s old flames, Zara, is working on the show and then, to top things off, Tom and Zara are sent off to Paris and New York for a spot of extra filming. When Georgie settles down in front of the box to watch the first show, worse it to come – Georgie is shown in a far from flattering light and she is horrified to learn what Tom has been up to.

Georgie fears this is turning out to be the worst Christmas ever, but Santa might have a got a little surprise in store for her stocking this year – but she’ll just have to wait until Christmas to find out!


My opinion: Alexandra Brown has done it again!

I recently read Cupcakes at Carrington's and the novella Me and Mr Carrington and absolutely loved both of them. So when this little beauty plopped through my letterbox I couldn't wait to read it.

We catch up with our favourite characters a few months after where we left off. Georgie is still loving Carrington's (and Mr Carrington), Sam is enjoying life as a newly wed and Eddie is as fabulous as ever! One evening when Georgie settles down to indulge in a bit of crap tv, she finds that she is on it and that a pilot of a new reality show has been filmed at Carrington's without her knowledge. And the footage of her dancing along to Beyoncé ends up on YouTube. And even worse than that, Tom kept the filming a secret from her.

The show gets picked up and Georgie becomes a star along with the rest of the "cast" at Carrington's and soon finds herself being recognised on the bus and even getting papped while out and about. Because of an argument with Tom about the filming, they aren't speaking, but she soon learns what he's up to when the show is broadcast. And more importantly, who he is with.

I absolutely devoured this book and loved every word! And speaking of devouring, all of the mentions of red velvet cupcakes meant that I accidentally ended up baking three dozen of them!

I really love the characters, especially Georgie, and the way that Alexandra is able to drag you into the story and keep it really well paced is brilliant. I really liked reading more about Georgie's dad and their improving relationship, and thinking about Carrington's all trimmed up for Christmas reminded me of going to visit Santa's grotto in my local department store as a child.

I'd definitely recommend it and think it'd make a fab Christmas present! The cover is so pretty too! The next book in the series is due in 2014 and I'm already looking forward to it!

My rating: A festive five stars!

I was sent an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thursday 21 November 2013

Cover reveal: The Property of a Gentleman

The Property of a Gentleman cover artwork

The Property of a Gentleman by Catherine Gaskin - Published 5th December 2013
A poignant, thrilling tale, full of history, intrigue and romance.

Shortly after her mother's death in a Swiss plane crash, Jo Roswell is sent from the London auction house where she works to the remote Thirlbeck – stately home of the Earl of Askew. Jo's task is to evaluate the house's contents for a sale, but she soon finds herself drawn into the complex lives of Thirlbeck's inhabitants, each with their own secrets and desires.

Jo is absorbed by the tragic story of The Spanish Lady, whose young life was cut short at Thirlbeck many centuries earlier. She also encounters La Española, the brilliant diamond which, according to legend, brings disaster to all who try to possess it. And she is shocked to learn of her own mother's connection to Thirlbeck.

Meet the residents of Thirlbeck

Robert Birkett, the Earl of Askew: returning to Thirlbeck after many years abroad, a decorated war hero who also spent time in prison after a fatal car accident for which he was blamed.

Carlota, the Spanish Condesa: the Earl's sophisticated companion, who yearns to leave the cold of Cumberland for the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

Nat Birkett: the local farmer, and single father of two young boys, who is the reluctant heir to Thirlbeck. His passion is for the land rather than titles and possessions.

Gerald Stanton: Jo's wise mentor and friend, who is like a father to her.

George Tolson: the brooding keeper of Thirlbeck, who jealously guards it from unwelcome strangers.

Jessica Tolson: George's intelligent but fragile granddaughter, who must be protected from herself.

Jo will struggle with difficult discoveries as she unlocks the puzzles which link Thirlbeck's past and present residents.

About Catherine Gaskin
Catherine Gaskin's own life story reads like a novel. Born in Ireland and raised in Australia, she studied music at the conservatorium in Sydney, before becoming a bestselling author at the age of just seventeen. After moving to London she met her future husband, a US TV executive, on a blind date. The couple lived in Manhattan for ten years, before moving to the Virgin Islands, followed by Ireland, and then the Isle of Man. After her husband's death, Catherine returned to Australia where she spent the rest of her life.

During her lifetime Catherine Gaskin's books sold over 40 million copies worldwide, and she was known as “The Queen of Storytellers” and “The Girl with the Golden Pen.”

Wednesday 20 November 2013

North Pole Reform School



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Mistletoe Bell hates Christmas. So would you if you had a name like hers. Her Christmas-mad parents make the festive season last all year, and with another Christmas looming, Mis doesn’t think she can take any more. After her carelessness causes an accident at school, it seems like things can’t get any worse.

Then she wakes up to find The Ghost of Christmases Ruined in her bedroom.

She is taken to the North Pole, to a reform school run by elves determined to make her love Christmas. Stuck in a misfit group of fellow Christmas-haters with a motley crew of the weird and even weirder, watched over by elves day and night, she doesn’t expect to meet cute and funny Luke, who is hiding a vulnerable side beneath his sarcastic exterior. She doesn’t expect to fall in love with him.

But all is not as it should be at the North Pole. A certain Mr Claus is making the elves’ lives a misery, and pretty soon Mistletoe and Luke are doing more than just learning to like Christmas.

A YA romantic comedy in which Santa is the bad guy, teaching reindeer to fly is on the curriculum, and zombies have a fondness for Christmas music.
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Suitable for older teens and upwards due to bad language.


My opinion: North Pole Reform School is the latest book from the very lovely Jaimie Admans, and unsurprisingly is a Christmas book!

This time we are transported to the North Pole with Mistletoe Bell after she ruins the Christmas of others. A purple moose comes in the middle of the night to whisk Mis away, and when she wakes up she's with a group of people at the North Pole who are all there to be reformed.

The group of Christmas ruiners that she joins includes a duck phobic, a boy who thinks he's dead, the awful Joe and the very lovely Luke. They are all there for a reason, and in order to graduate they must learn why Christmas is meaningful to others. This must be fine whilst surrounded by elves, surviving on a diet of candy canes and mince pies, listening to constant Christmas songs and that even before we mention the mean Santa and North Pole zombies!

This book was really fun and I really enjoyed reading it. The detail surrounding the North Pole is amazing and Jaimie must have done a lot of Christmassy research! The story is a good mix of fun and some more serious messages. It did make me think about how Christmas means different things to different people, and how magical it can be to those with children.

NPRS is a good mix of YA with fantasy and a bit of romance thrown in. A great bit of light relief to get you in a Christmassy mood!

I will be taking part in the NPRS blog tour on 12th December with a guest post from Jaimie!

My rating: A festive four stars!

I was sent a copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Last Christmas



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For Lucy, the best Christmas present is forgetting the past.

Eager to banish the ghost of Christmas past – when her boyfriend dumped her on the streets of Paris – Lucy is determined to make this the best Christmas ever. She rallies friends and family for an epic celebration that just happens to fall on the same day as her ex’s festive wedding. Furious at how she’s been treated, Lucy can’t help relishing the party v wedding smackdown.

But when the wedding is threatened and only Lucy can help, can she find the spirit inside to save the day, or will this Christmas be even more disastrous than the last?


My opinion: I always look forward to Talli Roland's new books, but particularly her Christmas novellas. Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts was the book that inspired me to get a kindle, and was the first book I downloaded and read on it!

Christmas time is a bad time for Lucy this year as it's the anniversary of her humiliation when her long term boyfriend dumped her in Paris after she proposed to him. After a year of moping, Lucy bumps into her ex and his new fiancée and tells them that she just happens to be hosting the party of the year on Christmas Day. Which also happens to be their wedding day.

So Lucy now needs to plan a party that will go head to head with the wedding and bring her back from her break up blues! Although, she never expected to be the one who could save her ex and his bride from a wedding disaster...

I devoured this novella in one sitting and it was a great start to my Christmas reading. I love Talli's writing anyway, and I'm glad to say that it just gets better. I hope the Christmas novellas keep coming every year, and we get to read Talli's next novel, The No Kids Club very soon!

My rating: A festive five stars!

Monday 18 November 2013

The One Plus One



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One single mum
With two jobs and two children, Jess Thomas does her best day after day. But it's hard on your own. And sometimes you take risks you shouldn't. Because you have to . . .

One chaotic family
Jess's gifted, quirky daughter Tanzie is brilliant with numbers, but without a helping hand she'll never get the chance to shine. And Nicky, Jess's teenage stepson, can't fight the bullies alone.
Sometimes Jess feels like they're sinking . . .

One handsome stranger
Into their lives comes Ed Nicholls, a man whose life is in chaos, and who is running from a deeply uncertain future. But he has time on his hands. He knows what it's like to be lonely. And he wants to help . . .

One unexpected love story
The One Plus One is a captivating and unconventional romance from Jojo Moyes about two lost souls meeting in the most unlikely circumstances.


My opinion: When I was offered this book to read and review by Lovereading I jumped at the chance as I really liked the sound of it. I am probably one of the few who didn't like Me Before You, but thought this one sounded really promising.

The book is split to give us an insight into the lives of four characters, Jess, Tanzie, Ed and Nicky. Jess is a single mother who was left by her "depressed" husband so that he can recuperate with his mother, leaving her working two jobs and struggling financially to bring up her two children, Tanzie and Nicky. Nicky is actually her stepson, but she took him in and brings him up as her own, while he struggles with being a teenager and those who can't accept him for being different. Tanzie is mathematical genius who has been offered a coveted place at a local private school, but despite the hefty scholarship, her mother would really struggle to raise the fees. Ed is a rich businessman who gets into a spot of trouble and ends up hiding out at his holiday home, which is cleaned by Jess.

The family end up on a road trip so that Tanzie can compete in a maths competition that could potentially change her life.

The story is well written and intricately woven together around our four main characters. The writing style is friendly, and I felt that I wanted to read on from the first page. My one criticism is that, for me, I felt that the book was a little slow in places, but not so much so that I didn't want to carry on.

I'd recommend the book, and get ready to feel very involved with the lives of the characters!

My rating: Four stars

I received an advance copy of this book from Lovereading in exchange for an honest review

Saturday 16 November 2013

Tuesdays at the Teacup Club



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A lot can change in a year . . .

The children's books Jenny writes and illustrates from her countryside studio are doing well, and after a lifetime of looking after everyone else, she's finally putting herself first. Meanwhile, Maggie's ordered world is thrown into chaos when her baby son Leo arrives. Candlelit baths have made way for endless night feeds, and she and partner Owen are struggling to find any time for themselves. It's been a long year of financial sacrifice, but working-mum Alison has fulfilled her dream at last - she is now the proud co-owner of a café and art gallery.

But when Alison's happiness is threatened and news from home shocks Jenny back to reality, the women must band together. Suddenly their friendship is more important than ever.

In this digital-exclusive short story, Vanessa Greene revisits the characters we first fell in love with in The Vintage Teacup Club. Appealing to both new and old fans, this is a real treat for anyone who enjoys warm-hearted and sincere storytelling - and it's best enjoyed with a nice cup of tea.


My opinion: I have had The Vintage Teacup Club sat on my TBR for a while, and when I spotted this novella I thought it would be a good way to get to know the characters (even though it is a follow on to TVTC).

The novella had sections on each one of the friends and we follow their lives individually, but get to see how they interact with one another. I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the actual story and felt that there wasn't much substance there. I know that it was a very short story, but it have read plenty of novellas that have really grabbed me, and unfortunately this wasn't one of them.

Saying that, I thought that the characters were well developed, but unfortunately I didn't feel like I really cared about them.

It was a pleasant enough quick read, but sadly hasn't inspired me to read TVTC. I just think that this series isn't for me.

My rating: Three stars

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Solo Pass



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A dark yet often funny novel narrated by a man who, for the past two months, has been a patient at a New York City mental ward. Having suffered a breakdown—due to his shattered marriage and an irrational fear of fading away as a human—he now finds himself caught between two worlds, neither of which is a place of comfort or fulfillment: the world of the ward, where abnormality and an odd sort of freedom reign, and the outside world, where convention and restrictive behavior rule. Finally on his way to becoming reasonably “normal” again, he requests and is granted a “solo pass,” which allows him to leave the (locked) ward for several hours and visit the city, with the promise that he will return to the hospital by evening.

As he prepares for his excursion, we get a picture of the ward he will temporarily leave behind—the staff and the patients, notably Mandy Reid, a schizophrenic and nymphomaniac who has become his closest friend there. Solo Pass is an unsettling satire that depicts, with inverted logic, the difficulties of madness and normalcy.


My opinion: I requested this book from Netgalley as it seemed to be right up my street. And I was not disappointed.

We follow the main character as he embarks on a days release from the mental ward where he is currently staying following a breakdown. We get to meet a variety of characters on the ward, plan his journey with him and get out onto the mean streets of New York. More importantly, we get to feel his feelings, ride the emotional rollercoaster that he does and understand what caused the breakdown and irrational thoughts.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was sensitively handled without feeling as if it was walking on eggshells and gave a real insight into the irrational thoughts that often accompany a range of mental illnesses. Some parts of the book were really quite funny and others were heartbreakingly sad. The characters were all very human and parts of the storyline kept me guessing.

I will definitely seek out more from this author.

My rating: Four stars.

Original review at Reading in Progress

Tuesday 12 November 2013

Author spotlight: Janice G Ross



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How far would you go for love?

How far would you go? Would you throw caution to the wind? Set aside common sense? Part completely with doubt? Give all possessions away? Forget what once was? Would you be willing to do it all for love? How far would you go for love?

In Jumping Ship, the pre-release novella to the Island Hopping series, we learn exactly how far Petrina Dugal would go for the sake of love. Pet, as the twenty-something woman is known, is tied to a miserable marriage. It’s all that she’s ever known. Pet never knew love, never expected love, never felt love, never inhaled love and most certainly never tasted love. And then love walked into her door, right in front of her brutish husband.

Pet’s love is mysterious and enticing, rolled up in visual perfection. Michael Chen instantly captures ever ounce of emotion that Pet had bottled up. Pet and her Mikey love with every ounce of their being, until circumstances become crucial. They make a decision that what they have created is much more important than any promise that ever existed beforehand. And to show how far they would go for love, Pet and Mikey flee.

Pet and Mikey’s story is only a portion of the entire Island Hopping series, but significant nonetheless.


Excerpt

Pet gazed into his eyes and immediately felt relieved. In that moment, Roger didn’t matter. More important to the ill-treated woman was the savior at her side. She hunched forward. Roger could only see her back if he were to look over. She was able to position herself just right and able to tilt subtly into her suitor. Pet would tip closer and pull back, drift in and then out. She marveled in his perfection. Mikey’s arms were veiny and muscular. The slightest flinch revealed athletic splendor. Her mouth fell open, as she unknowingly marked him. When her gaze reached his lips, she tensed up and huffed. Faith had it so that he even had the urge to bite down on his bottom lip at the time. And she noticed. Boy, did she notice.


Synopsis

The year was nineteen seventy-five. Pregnant seamstress, Petrina Dugal, became a runaway at the age of twenty-six. She ran away from a brutish husband, Roger, and a well-loved South American home in Georgetown, Guyana; at the heart of her rebellion – an enigmatic lover named Michael Chen. Pet and Mikey, as they became affectionately known, allowed love to blossom in front of her police officer husband and an intrusive community. Were they not aware of the dangers? Or did the pursuit of love trump obligations?

Pet and Mikey’s journey to their new life took them through a multitude of the Caribbean’s treasure trove of islands – Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Lucia. More than a month later their voyage landed them at JFK airport, in New York USA. And they disappeared, as though their existence was a myth. During this time, barren couple, Pearl and Edward Riley stumbled upon a newborn baby girl. Her cries could only be heard by a true mother, which Pearl immediately became. Bundled up with their new child, they discovered a parcel of artifacts and a scribbled note that read: Sakkara.

Sakkara Riley grew up with two loving parents – adoptive parents to be exact. She never knew the circumstances surrounding her discovery, until the age of sixteen. The personal artifacts that were handed over had haunted her from that point on. After eight more years, including much research and probing, she was given the opportunity to begin her journey of self-discovery.

“Jumping Ship” provides the introduction to Sakkara’s attempts to commune with her true heritage.

The second installation in the series, Island Hopping: Trinidad & Tobago is due out the 14th of February.



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Janice G. Ross’s Bio

Janice G. Ross was born in Guyana, South America and migrated to the USA in 1980. She is an author. She enjoys writing about social issues and personal experiences. Her debut release was entitled Damaged Girls. She uses the three books in that series to detail the effects of different forms of abuse, discussing issues that are known to be taboo. Her latest release, Jumping Ship, is a dedication to her country of birth and an introductory novella to the Island Hopping Series – due out in 2014. It’s poised to be a colorful and emotional experience of life, love and family.
Janice enjoys reading. And is drawn to stories with distinct characters that she can love or hate, characters she can form alliances with or characters that she can swear off and despise. She is also weak for a good cultural tale, preferably in the form of historical fiction. Janice loves to be taken off guard by clever language and settings. Janice is also a devout supporter and promoter of other authors through social media. She hosts a weekly show, Cultural Cocktails, on the largest social radio network, Blog Talk Radio.

Monday 11 November 2013

A Cottage by the Sea



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Grace has been best friends with Ella and Flick since university. The late-night chats, shared heartaches and good times have created a bond that has stood the test of time. Now in their thirties, Grace is always a bit disappointed about how little time they get to spend together, so when Ella invites them all to stay for a week in her cottage in South Wales, Grace jumps at the chance to see her old friends. She also hopes that the change in pace will help her reconnect with her husband, Harry. Unfortunately for her, Harry isn't as enamoured with Cwtch Cottage as she is. Then Flick arrives; loveable, bubbly Flick, accompanied by the handsome and charming Noah, and suddenly the week ahead looks as though it may be even more confusing for all the residents of Cwtch Cottage.

My opinion: I'm just going to come out and say it. I loved this book! This book is the first Carole Matthews book I have read and I will definitely be reading more. My TBR pile is about to grow again!!

The book is about three friends and their partners who spend a week together at Ella's cottage in Pembrokeshire that she inherited from her parents. They've been friends since uni, but don't see each other too often any more because of their busy lives so the holiday was a chance got then to catch up and have some fun together. As the week goes on we see that there are cracks in each one of their relationships, but each girl is trying to smooth things over as best they can and hope that the sea air will heal all!

The fact that this book is set in Pembrokeshire is a massive draw for me. It's where I had my holidays as a child, and where my partner and I have stayed and gone exploring countless times over the years. The book describes the area beautifully, and even mentions our favourite beach, Barafundle! I have put a picture of it at the bottom of the review to share how gorgeous it is!

Other than Pembrokeshire, I also loved the characters and the way this book was constructed. Because it was only set over the period of a week, it could gave dragged, but was really well paced, and meant we got to know the characters a little better. I particularly loved Grace who had gone through her life on a set path, always doing the right thing, and the lovely Noah seemed like such a genuinely nice guy. I love it when the writer makes you feel like you really know a character. Grace's husband Harry was a right bastard, but I liked that the writer implied it, but let me make up my own mind.

This book was so well written, and I really couldn't out it down! I just kept thinking "I'll just read one more chapter..."

A fantastic book, and I may have accidentally bought Calling Mrs Christmas by Carole Matthews too, so look out for a review of that one in the run up to Christmas!

My rating: A wonderful five stars!



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Saturday 9 November 2013

Yours Truly



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Your bum does not look big in that dress.

Mmm, it tastes delicious!

Of course you’re better looking than Jon Hamm.

Newly engaged Natalie Butterworth is an easy-going girl. She’ll do anything for a quiet life and if telling a few teensy white lies keeps her friends and family happy, then so what? It’s not like they’ll ever discover what she’s really thinking…

Until one night, thanks to a pub hypnotist, Natalie’s most private thoughts begin to bubble up and pop out of her mouth. Things get very messy indeed. Especially when some sticky home truths offend her fiancé.

Natalie must track down the hypnotist before the wedding is officially cancelled. So along with bad influence bestie Meg, Natalie finds herself in the Yorkshire Parish of Little Trooley - a small village bursting with big secrets, nosy old folk and intriguing Wellington-wearing men.

When the girls get stranded in the village with no means of escape and no way to break the hypnotist's spell, Natalie is forced to face the truths she has been avoiding her whole life...


My opinion: I've had this on my kindle got ages after being recommended it by my friend Jaimie. I finally got round to it though!

The story is about Natalie who is about to marry her awful fiancé Olly and gives in to her mum and sister's every whim. She accidentally gets hypnotised one evening and after that nothing is the same! Suddenly, rather than trying to keep everyone happy, Natalie starts speaking her mind and everything starts changing.

She tries to track down the hypnotist in a remote Yorkshire village, but ends up meeting lots of new people and becoming part of their community. At last Natalie starts to think about what she really wants, rather than everyone else around her!

I have to be honest and say that I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning because Natalie was such a walkover that she grated on me a bit. She didn't even say anything when her mum and sister chose her wedding dress for goodness sake! But I'm glad I persevered and got to see Natalie become stronger and more forceful and actually start to look after number one!

The book itself is well written and paced and some parts are hilariously funny! I will definitely go on to recommend this book to others as it is good fun, and has a bit of a girl power feeling to it when Natalie starts to speak her mind! I particularly liked the parts of the book in Little Trooley and hope Kirsty goes on to write more books with a village setting.

My rating: A Fab Four stars!

Wednesday 6 November 2013

The Silver Linings Play Book



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Pat Peoples has a theory that his life is actually a movie produced by God, and that his God-given mission in life is to become emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending - which, for Pat, means the return of his estranged wife Nikki, from whom he's currently having some 'apart time.' It might not come as any surprise to learn that Pat has spent several years in a mental health facility. When Pat leaves hospital and goes to live with his parents, however, everything seems changed: no one will talk to him about Nikki; his old friends now have families; his beloved football team keep losing; his new therapist seems to be recommending adultery as a form of therapy. And he's being haunted by Kenny G. There is a silver lining, however, in the form of tragically widowed, physically fit and clinically depressed Tiffany, who offers to act as a go-between for Pat and his wife, if Pat will just agree to perform in this year's Dance Away Depression competition...

My opinion: I'm just going to come straight out and say it. I loved this book. I bought it a while ago and only wish I had read it sooner!

We follow Pat following his conditional discharge from a mental hospital where he had been staying after a breakdown. When he goes back to live with his parents he seems shocked at the amount of changes there are in the world when he believes he has only been in hospital for a few months.

This story was really well written and really captured Pat's feelings and frustrations about the world and some of the people in it. He learns to live again, but not without a few more ups and downs to tackle first.

When I read this book I literally could not put it down and flew through it. It was tragic and horribly sad in parts and in others it was humorous and had a real feel good feel to it.

I would definitely recommend this book and loved the fact that on top of all of the other good things about it, it is a book about books! Definitely one for me.

My rating: Five stars!

Original review at Reading in Progress.

Saturday 2 November 2013

Guest post: Sophie King

Today author, Sophie King, has written a guest post for Sheli Reads!

‘But I don’t want to start again,’ wailed a friend down the phone the other day. ‘It’s too difficult. And I’m running out of time.’

I know just what she means. Making a fresh start, whether it’s moving house or changing jobs or going through a marriage break-up, is often terrifying. In fact, not that many years ago, I went through all three in the same month.

Even now, when I look back, I wonder how I did it. In fact, I wouldn’t have managed if it hadn’t been for some very dear friends who helped me unpack and mopped my tears.

‘Do the next thing,’ advised one of them as I struggled to remain brave in front of the children. In other words, concentrate on the next job that needs doing. It might be making the kids’ packed lunches for school or it could be updating your CV. The trick is not to think too far ahead. Otherwise, your mind starts asking how you’re going to cope and before you know it, you’re drowning in the sea of unknown.
The other thing that helped, was routine. Until these life-changes, I’d been working as a freelance journalist from home. But when I became a single mum, I needed a steadier monthly income. So I became a writer in residence of a prison for two days a week (for three years) and I also trained as a writing tutor for adult education classes. That helped me get a job at Oxford University and also a local college.

Of course, new routines are scary at first. But it’s amazing how, before long, you get used to them. Even practical problems can be sorted. I had to leave the house at 7.15am for one of my jobs and was often unable to rouse my sleepy teenager for school by then. Luckily one of my wonderful new neighbours stepped in to help.

In fact, as I soon discovered, starting again meant meeting people whom I would never have come across in my old life. That gave me the idea for my third Sophie King novel, SECOND TIME LUCKY. It’s about three women and one man who all live in separate flats within a beautiful old house. Each one is beginning again: Molly is a widow who is convinced her husband is still alive; Louise is a single mother of two; Marcie is a home-sick American bride; and Roddy (whose family once owned the house) is desperate to make up with his estranged children.

Of course, I haven’t based my characters on any one real person. But I do know what it’s like to be on your own, which helped to describe their emotions. Each one of them finds a happy ending, although it’s not always what they thought it would be. But that’s life, isn’t it?

Luckily, I found my happy ending too. A rather unexpected one actually. I married a family friend and we now live by the sea – something that the children and I have always wanted to do. As for my friend at the beginning of this piece, I have to confess that I’ve teased you a bit here. She’s happily married and she isn’t changing jobs or moving house. No! She rang because she’d messed up her nine year old’s birthday cake and twenty guests were due to arrive in three hours time.

“No problem,” I assured her. ‘I’ll buy one on my way over.’
If only it was so simple with husbands...

If you’ve started again in life and would like to share your experiences, email me at sophie@sophieking.info. Please also get in touch if you’d like details of The Sophie King Prize or would like to go on my mailing list. www.sophieking.info.

Friday 1 November 2013

Author interview: Nadine Christian

Nadine Christian

Today at Sheli Reads I am joined by author Nadine Christian who hails from the very beautiful Pitcairn Island and has agreed to be interviewed by me!

1. Hi Nadine, and welcome to Sheli Reads. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your latest book?
Hi Sheli, and thank YOU for having me!  I'm a mum of five beautiful kids and I live on an island in the middle of the South Pacific. We're so very isolated that to get to us is a two night trip by supply ship -- that's the ONLY way to get here.  I have five books out actually -- or kind of! *grin* Two are out now -- Remembering Love and Quintal's Return. 


Remembering Love is a romance/suspense that has already managed to snag me a silver medal in the Readers Favorites Awards. Quintal's Return is the first in the series of the Bounty's Retreat Series. Home Again, Home Again will be released in November -- the second of that series, and Quintal's Quandary in February of next year. Finally I have a middle grade novel called The Water Soluble Horse Company with another publisher which I've just signed on for -- so it's all go!


2. Who is your favourite character that you have created, and have you based them on anyone you know?


Oh. The most awesome character I find to write is the bad guys.  Masie -- whooo! She's a horrible old woman in Remembering Love, and she was neat to write. She was mean and spiteful, and she said all the things you'd never say, do all the things you wish you could but never would. It was refreshing to write!  Did I base her on anyone? Um...kinda...but not really.  I suppose she's just everything I wished I could honestly say all wrapped up into one blazing ball of horrible! *grin*


3. What inspires you to write?


I don't know. I just have a thought that builds, and then the need comes to sit down and write it out.... Sometimes I do an outline, sometimes I just let the words flow.


4. Do you have any tips for aspiring writers out there?


Don't wait. Write. It can be total rubbish, but do it. You'll never know what you can do until you sit down and just start. Then, find a critiquing group. Mine saved me.


5. I know that you are the only author in your country, how does that make you feel?


Incredibly lucky and priviledged that I can do it. I get a lot of support from others on the island and they make me feel like I'm doing something great, so it helps! LOL


6. I have had a look at some of the pictures of Pitcairn Island on your website and it is incredibly beautiful! Do you not get distracted from your writing by that beauty? 


It actually works for me. I try to drag that beauty into my work, and the pure silence here sometimes aids in my concentration. Until of course the kids gets home -- and then it's -- "What silence?"


7. You have a very busy life with 5 children, 4 goats, 2 cats and 30 chickens, as well as having some prominent roles on your island. How on earth do you find time to write?


When the kids go to school, the little one has her nap. I find I have to write with no distractions, so that's the best time.   I tend to do all my chores in the mornings or after school. Feeding animals, working in the office, making bread. It depends what needs doing!


8. Who are your favourite authors?


Ohhh. Stephen King, Nora Roberts, I love  a bit of gore and a lot of loving! LOL


9. If you could have written any book, what would it be?


It by Stephen King. He scared the pants off me. I never looked at a clown the same way.


10. And lastly, I always like to ask authors about food! Do you have a national dish on Pitcairn Island that you could tell us about?


Breadfruit puffs! OMG. Breadfruit of course is well known as one of the things that started the Bounty mutiny, so that's heritage right there. It's like a potato puff with attitude! Yummo!


I'd like to say a huge thank you to Nadine for taking part in this interview today. You can find more information about Nadine, her books and Pitcairn Island at www.nadinechristian.com.