Blog Tour: Wife Support System by Kathleen Whyman

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for this debut novel from Kathleen Whyman Thanks to the publisher, Hera Books, and Rachel's Random Resources for the advance reader copy. 

The Blurb

'We’ve got the balance all wrong. Instead of living with our partners, struggling to do everything by ourselves and only seeing each other now and then, we should do it the other way round. We should live together and see them now and then.'

Erica knows her suggestion sounds extreme, but when her nanny leaves without notice, she’s extremely desperate. Polly and Louise aren’t convinced, but when circumstances force them to move into Polly’s enormous but run-down house, they have to admit life’s much easier when the childcare and work is shared.

At first, communal living seems like the answer to their prayers - childcare on tap, rotas for cleaning and someone always available to cook dinner (no more last-minute pizza delivery!). But over time, resentment starts to grow as they judge each other’s parenting styles and bicker over cleaning, cooking and whose turn it is to buy toilet rolls.

And as one woman has her head turned by a handsome colleague, one resorts to spying on her husband and another fights to keep a dark secret, they need each other more than ever. But can Polly, Louise and Erica keep their friendship and relationships strong? Or will their perfect mumtopia fall apart?

Essential reading for anyone fed up with never-ending housework/homeschooling/ preparing healthy meals that their kids reject … Fans of Why Mummy Drinks, Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? and Beth O’Leary won’t want to miss this one!

My Review

I was certainly intrigued by the premise of this book - women living together, supporting each other with childcare and housework. What could go wrong?

Quite a lot, as it happens!

Different lives, different personalities, different ways of parenting, these all add up to a potential mine field - not to mention a dilapidated house which is falling to pieces. 

The story is told from each of the three women's point of view, and this allows us to get to know each character quite well. I warmed to Polly straight away; she's flawed, vulnerable but is ultimately doing the best she can for her family. The other two seem quite selfish to me; one in particular is quite bitter, and almost nasty to others; the other is easily swayed by opportunities that play to the narcissistic side of her personality. That's not to say they don't learn from experience - I just found it hard to warm to them.

The men in their lives are quite different too; one is a total narcissist - quite well matched with his wife, I thought, at the beginning of the novel; one is lovely and quite frankly pretty poorly treated by his wife); and there are a couple of absolutely gorgeous dream men to drool over!

It's a thought provoking read about friendships and family, and I enjoyed it very much.

Buy your copy here:

AMZ: https://amzn.to/2AHNthj

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2ATmbEq

Apple: https://apple.co/2zJTskY

About the Author:

Kathleen is a writer for Writers’ Forum magazine, a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and her second book was recently longlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Unpublished Comedy Novel prize.

Blog Tour: Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe by Annette Hannah

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, Orion Dash, and the author herself for the advanced reading copy of this wonderful novel, published on July 6th. Buy your copy here NOW!

The Blurb

Here comes the bride... 

Lucy Woods has always dreamed of running her very own wedding venue. After moving her eight-year-old son to the countryside she's surprised to find the perfect location and her best friend, Abbie, eager to help make that dream a reality! Too bad Abbie's older brother Dominic isn't keen on Lucy or their big idea! 

As a divorce lawyer Dominic doesn't believe in love at first sight or wedding vows, he's seen them broken more times than he can count. But when Lucy arrives back in town, his hardened heart begins to crack. 

Making her dream come true is a huge undertaking, but Lucy knows that The Signal Box Café is her chance to finally make something of her life. If only the irritating (and oh-so-gorgeous) Dom didn't make her imagine wearing a white dress and walking down the aisle... 

Can Lucy and Dominic find a way to each other this summer or will the wedding bells chime for another couple?

My Review

A few weeks ago I had a message through Facebook from a lovely friend I met some years back at a book event. We have become good friends since, and when I read the message, I squealed and phoned her straight away - she had a publishing deal!

That friend, obviously, was Annette, and I am so very pleased for her and privileged to be on the blog tour for her first novel, Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Cafe.

Oh and it is such a wonderful book! It is the perfect uplifting antidote to these strange times, a great escape from the weird new normal we are having to face. Take my advice and go visit the Signal Box Cafe!

Full of warmth and lovable characters, this is a well-written story with excellent and unique ideas and some hilarious mishaps. Lucy moves to her grandparents' village of Bramblewood with her son, to escape their past. They move into her Grandad's cottage as he is recuperating in the local nursing home. Lucy is setting up business as a wedding planner, and she spots the perfect venue.

Lucy, Jackson and canine companion Baxter meet some great characters in the village, making quite the impression on certain people - including a not so great impression on Lucy's best friend's brother, Dominic. Impatient, extremely cynical, this divorce lawyer is the opposite to Lucy in every way. Oh and he is rather hot, too! These two are always rubbing each other up the wrong way - will they find the right way?

Lucy and Dominic have a wonderful supporting cast; Jackson is a delightful little boy, anxiously trying to do the right thing and ending up in various muddles; Grandad, who along with his partner-in-crime, Violet, causes mischievous havoc in the nursing home - these two are a right feisty pair, utterly adorable! Bramblewood is the perfect community - I wish I could live there!

Annette, I am so proud of you!

About the Author

Annette Hannah is a Liver Bird who relocated to leafy Hertfordshire in the 80's and now lives near a river with her husband, two of their three grown up children and a crazy black cocker spaniel. She writes Romantic comedies in settings inspired by the beautiful countryside around her and always with a nod to her hometown.

She worked in Marketing for many years as a qualified Marketeer which she loved as it tapped into her creative side.

As an avid reader, she began to review the books she read, became a book blogger and eventually plucked up the courage to fulfil her life long dream of writing a book.

For four years she was a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association's new writers' scheme, during which time she wrote a book a year.

After signing a two book deal with Orion Dash in 2020 she graduated to full member of the organisation and is also their Press Officer.

She loves long walks along the river, travelling to far flung places, the odd glass of Pinot Blush and spending time with her friends and family.

You can follow her on

twitter @annettehannah

www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com

www.annettehannah.com

Read more reviews in case you think I'm biased!

Book Review: Just My Luck by Adele Parks

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, HQ, for the advanced reading copy. Just My Luck was published on 14th May 2020, and you can buy a copy here.

The Blurb

It's the stuff dreams are made of – a lottery win so big, it changes everything. 

For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. Over dinner parties, fish & chip suppers and summer barbecues, they’ve discussed the important stuff – the kids, marriages, jobs and houses – and they’ve laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything more than a tenner. 

But then, one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There’s a rift in the group. Someone doesn’t tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever. 

Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it. 

Sunday Times Number One bestseller Adele Parks returns with a riveting look at the dark side of wealth in this gripping take on friendship, money and betrayal, and good luck gone bad…

My Review

Who hasn't dreamt about winning the lottery? What would you do - would you go on a mad spending spree, or be a little cautious? It would be nice to have the choice... wouldn't it? After reading Just My Luck, I'm not so sure. 

Lexi and Jake have played the lottery as a syndicate with their best friends for fifteen years, until rows at a dinner party see the other two couples withdraw from the syndicate. Of course, the following weekend, their numbers come up... 

I found Just My Luck a great read; about society, greed and friendships, showing you should never mix friends with money. The plot line wasn't quite as far-fetched as I thought initially, reading on, it made me think 'What would I do?', and actually made me feel quite uncomfortable. It really got under my skin! The characters made me squirm, with their greed and avarice, and somewhat dodgy morals, but then who could say in all honesty that they wouldn't feel the same? I think that is what is so disquieting, and so good, about this book. It could be you!

About the Author

Adele Parks 'likes to keep busy' - that's why she has millions of best-selling books around the world. She likes to 'scrutinize our concepts of family, our theories on love, parenting and fidelity'.

Adele lives in Surrey with her husband, teenage son and cat. 

Adele's social media:
www.adeleparks.com
Twitter @AdeleParks
Facebook @OfficialAdeleParks
Instagram @Adele_Parks

Blog Tour: The Plus One Pact by Portia MacIntosh

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for Portia MacIntosh's new novel, The Plus One Pact, published by Boldworld Books on 21 May 2020. Thank you to the author, publisher, Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to take part in the tour. Buy your copy here!

The Blurb

What if your plus one could be the one...?  

Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end. 

But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone.

So when she meets handsome, confident, Millsy on a night out she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he too has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course...?

A brand new romantic comedy from bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.

My Review

What a wonderful book to cheer you up! It's a great rom-com, fast-paced and furiously funny. Cara has run out of men on her dodgy dating apps, and Millsy is fed up with people not taking him seriously. When the two meet, they become firm friends, and each other's plus one to take to family events.

However nothing ever runs smoothly where these two are concerned - especially when Cara realises she is starting to have real feelings for Millsy - but he's a mate, and she can't risk losing his friendship - can she? After all, he makes it obvious he has no romantic feelings at all for her...

I love Portia's books; they are relatable, have hot men, strong women, ridiculous but believable situations, and they are bloody hilarious. The Plus One Pact is no exception - in fact I think it's her best yet. 

Pure escapism at its best. 

About the Author

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 12 novels, including It's Not You, It's Them and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links 

Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter

https://portiamacintosh.com/

http://facebook.com/portia.macintosh.3

https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

http://instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor

http://bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh 

Blog Tour: The Summer of Falling in Love by Liz Davies

I'm delighted to be reviewing The Summer of Falling in Love by Liz Davies. Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to take part in the blog tour.

The Blurb

The thought of having a dog hasn’t crossed Theo Martin’s mind. It’s not that he doesn’t like dogs – he does – but the idea has simply never occurred to him.

It has occurred to his mother though, and when she decides to buy him a puppy because she thinks it will “liven him up a bit”, his life is turned completely upside down and not for the better as far as he’s concerned. But when he discovers that having a cute dog on the end of a lead attracts a great deal of female attention, he soon changes his mind. All kinds of women stop to pet the pup and while they coo over Poppy, they talk to him. A lot. And for Theo, it looks like his love life is taking a very welcome turn for the better.

But what about Josie Wilde, his dog sitter?

Forced to employ someone to walk his dog when he’s in work, he finds himself increasingly attracted to her, but unfortunately Josie’s interest in him appears to be purely professional. As the summer unfolds and he falls head over heels in love with the sweet and vulnerable pup, he finds himself falling for Josie.

For Theo, it’s not so much ‘love me, love my dog’, but more like ‘love my dog, love me, too’. Please…?

My Review

Being a dog-lover myself, I could not resist taking part in this blog tour. 

Poppy is an adorable bundle of fluff, who bounds into Theo's life. Theo does agree with his mother that he needs to get a life, but is rather disgruntled when her solution is to land him with a puppy. After all, it's not all just treats and belly rubs... 

Theo thinks his mother is barking mad and wonders how on earth he is supposed to cope with a dog, so he hires a dog sitter so that Poppy is not home alone. A rather attractive dog sitter, who never seems to stray far from his thoughts...

The Summer of Falling in Love is full of love (unsurprisingly!) and joy, mostly created by our cute canine. There are many pitfalls to owning a pet, but these are more than outweighed by the benefits of puppy love - but will Theo feel the same?

Theo was a lovely character, although I do wonder if perhaps he's a little too good to be true and if a guy would be quite so soppy in real life. But that aside, it is lovely to see him fall in love, and his story is an easy, enjoyable read, perfect for whiling away some time in Lockdown.

The true star of the book is of course Poppy. She is absolutely delightful!

Buy the Book!

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Falling-Love-uplifting-feelgood-ebook/dp/B086DXQ52Y
US - https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Falling-Love-uplifting-feelgood-ebook/dp/B086DXQ52Y

About the Author

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love. 

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days. 

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it. 

Website: https://lizdaviesauthor.wixsite.com/home
Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor


See what other people are saying about The Summer of Falling in Love:

Book Review: The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Hodder & Stoughton and Sceptre, for the advanced reading copy. It was published on 5 March 2020 and you can get your copy here.

The Blurb

Adunni is a fourteen-year-old Nigerian girl who knows what she wants: an education.
As the only daughter of a broke father, she is a valuable commodity. Removed from school and sold as a third wife to an old man, Adunni's life amounts to this: four goats, two bags of rice, some chickens and a new TV. When unspeakable tragedy swiftly strikes in her new home, she is secretly sold as a domestic servant to a household in the wealthy enclaves of Lagos, where no one will talk about the strange disappearance of her predecessor, Rebecca. No one but Adunni...

As a yielding daughter, a subservient wife, and a powerless servant, fourteen-year-old Adunni is repeatedly told that she is nothing. But Adunni won't be silenced. She is determined to find her voice - in a whisper, in song, in broken English - until she can speak for herself, for the girls like Rebecca who came before, and for all the girls who will follow.

My Review

We may be only just into January (at the time of writing my review!), but The Girl with the Louding Voice could well be my favourite book of 2020 - if not ever!

From the very start, the voice of Adunni sings in her wonderful broken English, making me smile with her way of phrasing her observations and thoughts. Despite the sometimes heartbreaking and brutal way of life, Adunni's joyous spirit is never broken - it just builds her determination. She has a sharp humour, and her intelligence, empathy and compassion shine through the pages.

The other characters are as equally brought to life by the writer, from the old man she is forced to marry, to Big Madam, who, despite her treatment of Adunni, still elicits some semblance of sympathy.

I absolutely loved this book, and will be telling everyone I meet to read it! It is simply wonderful.

About the Author

Abi Daré grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and has lived in the UK for 18 years. She studied law at the University of Wolverhampton and has an M.Sc. in International Project Management from Glasgow Caledonian University. Keen to improve her writing, Abi completed an MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck University of London, achieving a Distinction. 

Her first novel, The Girl with the Louding Voice, won The Bath Novel Award in 2018 and was selected as a finalist in The Literary Consultancy Pen Factor competition in 2018. Abi lives in Essex with her husband and two children.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abidare_author

Blog Tour: Erotic Fiction? by Hannah Lynn

I'm delighted to be part of the blog tour run by Rachel's Random Resources for Hannah Lynn's hilarious novel, Erotic Fiction? Click here to buy your copy!

The Blurb

Sarah’s mind-numbing housewife existence is turning her brain to mush. With her
third bun in the oven, this British mum is drowning under a mountain of playdates,
bills, and head lice checks. But her man’s get-rich-quick idea of writing steamy
novels isn’t her ideal way to dial up life’s passion.  

Drew desperately wants a break from Sarah’s whinging. And if that means
researching how to write racy books all by himself, then he’ll make the sacrifice. But
as he finally warms Sarah up to the sultry side hustle, their R-rated private project
gets publicly exposed…  

With an office scandal brewing, it’s only a matter of time before gawking workers
and a perfectly nosy PTA president turn them into social pariahs. 

Can Sarah and Drew earn some extra income from sizzling lit without falling prey to
stiff gossip?  

Erotic Fiction is a charming comedy for fans of humorous fiction. If you like sweet
love stories, endearing characters, and dry British humor, then you’ll adore Kindle
Storyteller Award Winner Hannah Lynn’s delightful tale.

Buy Erotic Fiction to slip into something a little more lovable today!

My Review

Having made my own attempt at writing something that made my own mother blush, I relished the chance of hopping on the blog tour for this novel.

Sarah and Drew are fed up and broke, and expecting a third child. Sex is the last thing on Sarah's mind now, but Dan needs a distraction and a way to make money. How hard can writing an erotic novel be?

Sarah and Dan are relatable as exhausted parents. Sarah seems to be the more pessimistic of the two, constantly worrying about the size of their house and the impending birth, and the last thing she wants to do is think about sex, let alone write about it. Dan takes matters into his own hands, so to speak, and decides he can do it himself. Write the book, that is. 

Of course it's not as easy as that... especially when faced with an incompetent colleague. How Barry was still employed is quite amazing. 

There were some genuine laugh-out-loud moments in this story, making it an enjoyable read.

About the Author

Hannah Lynn is an award-winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments - a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 201

5, she has since gone on to write the multi award winning The Afterlife of Walter Augustus - a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist, Fiona and the Whale – a thought provoking romantic comedy and the delightfully funny and poignant Peas and Carrots series.

While she freely moves between genres, her novels are recognisable for their character driven stories and wonderfully vivid description.

She is currently working on a YA Vampire series and a reimagining of a classic Greek myth.

Born in 1984, Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she has spent twelve years as a teacher of physics, first in the UK and then around Asia and Europe. It was during this time, inspired by the imaginations of the young people she taught, she began writing short stories for children, and later adult fiction. Now as a teacher, writer, wife and mother, she is currently living in the Jordan.

You can find Hannah on social media:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynnAuthor/
Twitter @HMLynnauthor
Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13830772.Hannah_M_Lynn
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/hannah-lynn

Book Review: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Penguin, for the advanced reading copy. The Two Lives of Lydia Bird was published on 30th January 2020, and you can order it here.

The Blurb

Two love stories. One Impossible Choice.

Lydia and Freddie. Freddie and Lydia. They've been together for almost a decade, and Lydia thinks their love is indestructible.

But she's wrong. Because on her 27th birthday, Freddie dies in a tragic accident.
So now it's just Lydia, and all she wants to do is hide indoors and sob 'til her eyes fall out. But Lydia knows that Freddie would want her to live her life well. So, enlisting the help of his best friend and her sister Elle, she takes her first tentative steps into the world and starts to live - perhaps even to love - again.

Then something unbelievable happens, and Lydia gets another chance at her old life with Freddie. But what if there's someone in her new life who wants her to stay?

A heart-breaking, uplifting story for fans of PS I Love You and Me Before You, this gorgeously romantic novel will make you laugh, cry and remind you of what a wonderful gift it is to love and to be loved.

My Review

Oh. My. God. This book... this book had me in tears 2% into it. 2%!

It's not an easy read, not if you've ever lost someone - but it is a must-read, because the author really understands grief and how it can affect you. I found myself empathising with so much that was written, thinking 'Oh My God yes it really is like this! And I'm not alone!'

Lydia Bird's grief over her fiance is described in eviscerating detail, but is truly heartfelt. The concern felt by Lydia's family and friends is very real as they desperately try to support her whilst dealing with their own grief. Elle is a wonderful sister and best friend rolled into one lovely compassionate character. And then there is Jonah.

It's complicated with Jonah. He and Lydia were close friends before Freddie came on the scene, and the two men became best buddies. Jonah walked away from the accident which killed Freddie, with merely a scratch - something Lydia finds hard to come to terms with.

Then Lydia discovers a whole new life, when she takes a tiny little sleeping pill. In her dream world, Freddie is very much alive and well, and Lydia is torn between her harsh reality without her fiance and the world where the accident never happened, and life carries on as planned. Two conflicting versions of life, but which one is the best?

I adored this book. Yes it is sad, devastating and rips your heart out, but it is beautiful, warm and gradually heals that broken heart.

Book Review: No Sister of Mine by Vivien Brown

Thank you so much to One More Chapter, Netgalley and the author herself, Vivien Brown, for the advanced reading copy of No Sister of Mine, which was published on 17 January 2020. You can order your copy here (other booksellers are available!)

The Blurb

Two sisters, both emerging into womanhood … But they couldn’t be more different.

While Eve is the mature and sensible one, Sarah is headstrong and desperate for a taste of real life.

When Eve brings a new face home for the holidays, Sarah does something that will change both of their lives forever. Something that Eve can never forget – or forgive. 

But life won’t keep them apart forever and decades later, one of them will have to choose whether to put the past behind her, or to hold on to hate forever…

This is an enthralling novel of searing domestic suspense and family secrets, perfect for readers of Sally Hepworth, Liane Moriarty, and Adele Parks.

My Review

Sibling rivalry abound in this unputdownable tale of two sisters who rip their family apart. I found the book utterly compelling.  Everyone has their faults and makes mistakes, some which have far-reaching consequences all round. I became emotionally invested in the girls' lives, although they both had their moments where they were not particularly likeable, there were times when I felt nothing but sympathy for them. 

These characters are so well-written, along with Josh, who too has his faults and makes mistakes. The story spans over 20 years, alternating points of view between Eve and Sarah. I felt Eve's fear, and Sarah's desperation, and lived their lives with them as they grew from awkward teenagers into even more awkward adults.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

About the Author

Vivien Brown lives in Uxbridge, Middlesex, with her husband and two cats. For most of her life she has immersed herself in words - as an avid reader, writer, poet, library outreach worker, storyteller, gifter of Bookstart packs to babies and toddlers, creative writing tutor and crossword fanatic. She enjoys dipping into dictionaries and exploring the meaning of words, and watching and/or taking part in TV quiz shows. In the evenings she loves nothing more than losing herself in a good book, a compelling TV drama or her regular supply of women's magazines - which all help to provide inspiration and ideas for her own fiction. After publishing around 150 short stories in popular UK women's magazines, 2 ebook novels, a guide to solving cryptic crosswords, and 250 articles in the professional childcare/nursery press on working and reading with young children (all written as Vivien Hampshire), she now writes full-length dramatic and relationship-based novels for Harper Impulse. Vivien is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) and a Council member and fellow of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (SWWJ).