Blog Tour: Poppy's Christmas Wishes by Annette Hannah

 

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for Annette Hannah's third book, Poppy's Christmas Wishes, published by Orion Dash, available from Amazon and other booksellers.

What would you wish for if you were granted three wishes?

For the first time she can remember, Poppy is dreading Christmas. Unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend after moving across the country for him, there's nothing cheery about the festive season this year.

Dragged to a Christmas ball by best friend Layla, Poppy meets gorgeous actor Gabe, who stars as a genie in a play. When he asks her what three wishes she would make, she realises it's quite simple: love, a job she's happy in and, just once in her life, to do something extraordinary.

Gabe and Poppy make a pact to help each other make their dreams come true. As they tick off their wishes, their friendship blossoms... But, as they discover, sometimes, what you want for Christmas isn't necessarily what you need...

My Review

I always look forward to reading Annette's books, having known her for a few years now as a fellow book blogger, and am so proud of her following her dreams in becoming a fully fledged author!

This is her third book set in the delightful village of Bramblewood, but it can be read as a standalone novel.

Poppy has been uprooted from friends and family from Liverpool to supposedly follow the love of her life down South. She has to start off her new life waiting for Ed as her new job starts, and there's a bit of a shock for her when she discovers he may not be joining her after all...

Then she meets hot Italian Marco, and her new GBF Gabe. But what does GBF stand for...?

She instantly clicks with Gabe, who is performing as the Genie in his new play, and a wonderful friendship is formed as they share their dreams with each other.

Gabe is just what Poppy needs right now; he encourages her to build her self-confidence, and she quickly establishes herself in the village with her new business, Poppy's Posh Pannier, delivering delicious healthy lunches. She just needs Ed to realise what he's missing and come back to her... or does she?

It's a wonderful story of the importance of friendships, self-worth and love. Annette writes with warmth and gentle humour, and her descriptions of the setting and the characters make me want to move there myself!

Poppy's Christmas Wishes is simply a joy to read.

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 and spending time with her friends and family.

You can follow her on

twitter@annettehannah

www.sincerelybookangels.blogspot.com

www.annettehannah.com

 

Blog Tour: The Cosy Little Cupcake Van by Annette Hannah

 

I am delighted to kick off the blog tour for Annette Hannah's second novel, The Cosy Little Cupcake Van, published by Orion Dash on 22 March 2021. Thank you to the lovely author and the publisher for this opportunity. Make yourself a cup of tea and order your copy here!

The Blurb

Camilla's delicious cakes are the talk of her little village. If you need a perfectly iced mouthful of joy, Camilla 'Cupcake' is your woman. But after losing her mother, she finds her home and her business in jeopardy. She needs a little helping hand...

Thankfully her friends are always there for her, and when she is given an old ice cream van, Camilla's dream of a cupcake delivery service is born. Now she can bring happiness - and buttercream frosting - to the whole town.

But when her ex Blake appears back on her doorstep, Camilla must decide if she can trust him again or if her heart might belong to someone else...

Bursting with romance and sprinkled with humour, this is a deliciously feel-good story about one woman putting her life back together, one cupcake at a time. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Ali McNamara and Rebecca Raisin!

My Review

What an amazing idea! A Cupcake Van, delivering delicious, melt-in-the-mouth portions of heaven... Someone do it now please! I can't, I'd eat all the stock...

Annette's second book is just as good, if not better, than her first. She writes from the heart, with beautiful mouthwatering descriptions (and that's just the men!), and instills great empathy with her characters.

Poor Camilla is mourning the loss of her mother, compounded by the betrayal of her mother's deceitful husband who has left Camilla with nothing but her memories of her darling mum. At rock (cake) bottom, Camilla fortunately is surrounded by friends who are determined to see her rise again (sorry not sorry).

Auntie Edie is a wonderful older lady who is of great comfort to Camilla, sharing her memories and her wisdom. And there's Lucy, who we first met in Wedding Bells at the Signal Box Café, who gently encourages Camilla to build up her business again. Then there is Ged, the hunky Irish man with a twinkle in his eye, but will it be blast-from-the-past, Blake, who will be the icing on Camilla's cake?

The Cosy Little Cupcake Van is the perfect antidote to what we've all been through these last 12 months. A wonderfully uplifting story of community with a lovely topping of romance, it is the perfect comforting read.

Right, I'm off to dig my mixer out...

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.

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).

Book Review: Love Songs for Sceptics by Christina Pishiris

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and of course the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for the advance reading copy of Love Songs for Sceptics, the utterly fabulous debut from Christina Peshiris. You can buy your copy here! And you can read my post on what song I would choose right here, on the blog tour!

The Blurb

"My brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’s ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’.

It didn’t go down well."

When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost twenty years later, Simon is heading back to London, newly single and as charming as ever . . .

But as obstacles continue to get in her way – Simon’s perfect ex-girlfriend, her brother’s big(ish) fat(ish) Greek wedding, and an obnoxious publicist determined to run Zoë – Zoë begins to wonder whether, after all these years, she and Simon just aren’t meant to be.
What if, despite what all the songs and movies say, you're first love isn't always all it's cracked up to be? What if, instead Zoë and Simon are forever destined to shuffle around their feelings for each other, never quite getting the steps right . . .

With a smart, relatable central character and razor-sharp wit, Love Songs for Sceptics is perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lucy Vine and Lindsey Kelk.

My Review

I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump recently, but Love Songs for Sceptics brought me back to life.

I can honestly say it was a pleasure to read, from beginning to end. I loved all the characters, especially Zoe, the main character. I love the way she cares so much about the people she works with, and how they are her main concern when the magazine they work on is threatened with closure. A magazine, incidentally I would love to read!

Zoe is brilliant – I love her. She’s a strong woman with her head screwed on right, and has great relationships with everyone around her, except for when it comes to her love life. She’s been holding a torch for childhood friend Simon for years, so when he comes back into her life, she is ecstatic. But life, and love, is complicated…

I love the use of song titles for the Chapters, and the whole book was well-structured and brilliantly executed. It would be amazing to see this transferred to the big screen one day!

I loved it!

About the Author

Christina was born in London to Greek Cypriot parents, who used to bribe her to go to family weddings by promising that George Michael might be there. To deal with the inevitable disappointment, she began making up stories on napkins and has been writing ever since.

Don't forget to check out my choice of song on the Blog Tour for Love Songs for Sceptics!

Blog Tour: Love Songs for Sceptics by Christina Pishiris

Thank you to the author, Netgalley and of course the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for this chance to be on the blog tour for Love Songs for Sceptics, the utterly fabulous debut from Christina Peshiris. You can buy your copy here, and click here for my review!

The Blurb

"My brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’s ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’.

It didn’t go down well."

When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost twenty years later, Simon is heading back to London, newly single and as charming as ever . . .

But as obstacles continue to get in her way – Simon’s perfect ex-girlfriend, her brother’s big(ish) fat(ish) Greek wedding, and an obnoxious publicist determined to run Zoë – Zoë begins to wonder whether, after all these years, she and Simon just aren’t meant to be.
What if, despite what all the songs and movies say, you're first love isn't always all it's cracked up to be? What if, instead Zoë and Simon are forever destined to shuffle around their feelings for each other, never quite getting the steps right . . .

With a smart, relatable central character and razor-sharp wit, Love Songs for Sceptics is perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lucy Vine and Lindsey Kelk.

Vikbat's Love Song for Sceptics...

Sometimes soppy love songs just don't cut it. 

Sometimes you want to listen to something that reflects real life a bit more, something, you know, that isn't sugary sweet (it's bad for diabetics and teeth). 

Something that hits a nerve.

So when asked by those lovely people at Simon & Schuster to come up with my own Love Song for Sceptics, I wracked my brains. I went all through the lyrics by my beloved band Muse, but even Matt Bellamy has fallen in love and got married now (not to me though... silly boy!). Nothing really stood out as being suitable for this.

Until I was listening to Guns N' Roses on Spotify... and the perfect song came on, and I literally punched the air with glee. I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before - although it is definitely a blast from the past. It's an absolutely glorious song, celebrating the end of a relationship, describing what I would imagine a great many people have dreamed of doing to their exes...

The song was released as a B-side way back in 1988, and is on the album G N' R Lies. I know it's not exactly PC, but I believe it was written as a joke, not with any malicious intent behind it. That's how I have always taken it, just one of those songs, with the 'Her' being interchangeable with 'Him'.

The song is a lovely, country-style rock song  and it's so damn catchy! It's called 'I Used to Love Her', and basically, Axl goes on about how he used to love her, but he had to kill her, she's six feet under, and now she's buried in his back yard.

I love it.

If anything ever happens to my husband, this blog post never happened!

Blog Tour: A Million Dreams by Dani Atkins

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Head of Zeus for the opportunity to take part in the blog tour for the new novel by Dani Atkins. A Million Dreams was published on 14 November 2019, and you can buy it here.

The Blurb

Beth Brandon always dreamed of owning a florist, but today the bouquets of peonies and bright spring flowers are failing to calm her nerves. Because today, Beth has a life-changing decision to share with her husband.

Izzy Vaughan thought she and her husband would stay together forever, but sometime last year, their love began to fade. They both find such joy in their young son Noah – but is he enough to keep them together?

Eight years ago, something happened to these two women. Something that is about to bring them together in a way no-one thought possible...

My Review

This is a tricky review to write, as I don't want to spoil anything for the reader. But what I can tell you is that when I heard Dani Atkins had a new book out, I couldn't wait to read it - and I was not disappointed!

Told from the perspectives of both women, we learn how life never quite plays out the way you expect.  Both women's dreams of happy families take a different turn when life has other ideas for them.

Dani always delivers beautiful, emotive stories, without being mawkish or overly-sentimental. She pulls at the heartstrings just enough to make this sometimes cynical reader reach for the tissues with every book she writes, and Beth and Izzy's stories are seemlessly brought together.

A lovely warm-hearted read.

About the Author

Dani was born and brought up in Cockfosters - a small London suburb at the end of the Piccadilly Tube Line.

This served her well for commuting into the city, where from the age of 18 she worked in a succession of secretarial positions in companies as diverse as a BMW car dealership to the BBC. Dani spent her two hour commute avidly reading and dreamed that one day she would become an author herself. 

When her two children grew up and left home, Dani set about turning this dream into reality and devoted her time to writing. She now lives in a rural Hertfordshire cottage with her husband, a soppy border collie dog and a haughty Siamese cat.

Her first novels FRACTURED (called THEN AND ALWAYS in the US) and THE STORY OF US published in 2014. In January 2016, her third novel, OUR SONG was published. THIS LOVE was published in March 2017.

You can follow Dani on Twitter: @AtkinsDani and Facebook .

I'm delighted to be on the blog tour for Zara Stoneley's lovely festive read, Four Christmases and a Secret. Thank you to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to review.

You can buy the book here:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

The Blurb

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… 

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers. And Oliver Cartwright. Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates. 

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is. Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things. 

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different. There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers. No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever… 

My Review

Daisy feels hopeless, especially compared to childhood friend, Ollie, who she hears about endlessly from her mother - he's a Doctor, no less, with a Beautiful Girlfriend (again). How can she ever live up to that? 

Daisy's career is less than stellar - like many of us, she flounders from one thing to the next, unable to catch a break to do the thing she thinks she wants to do most. 

I found Daisy a bit irritating to start with - the story is narrated by her, and her thoughts tends to interrupt conversations so that I'd lose track sometimes, but I soon adapted to her style. After all, aren't we all thinking stuff during conversations - in the end it became endearing. 

Daisy's character grows through the story, guided by everyone's favourite 'Uncle' Terence, and the new 'man' in Daisy's life, Stanley.  Stanley is lovely, as are most of the characters. They are all well-rounded, even if some are not quite who they seem to be. And of course there is the hero of the tale, who is more than swoon-worthy!

There was so much more to this story than I thought at the beginning. It develops nicely, going deeper than I expected - which made it an absolute joy to read.

About the Author

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of 'The Wedding Date'.

She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

You can find Zara on various social media platforms:

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/zara-stoneley?follow=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B007WK307G

Blog Tour: The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows by Jenni Keer

I'm delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Jenni Keer's lovely new novel, The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows, which you can buy here. Thank you to Netgalley and Rachel's Random Resources for the opportunity to review.

The Blurb

When Maisie Meadows finds herself single and jobless on New Year’s Day, she resolves that this will be the year she focuses on bringing her scattered family back together. Romance is all very well, but it’s the people you grew up with that matter the most. 

But a new job working at an auction house puts her in the path of Theo, a gorgeous but unattainable man who she can’t help but be distracted by. As their bond begins to grow, Maisie finds herself struggling to fulfil the promise she made to herself – but the universe has other ideas, and it’s not long before the Meadows family are thrown back together in the most unlikely of circumstances… 

Can dealing with other people’s treasures help Maisie to let go of the past, and teach her who she ought to treasure the most? 

My Review

Here we have a lovely lot up for your perusal  - a delightful tale set in an auction house where the quirky characters are just as colourful as the items up for sale.

The main character, Maisie, is just out of a job and a relationship. With her life turned upside down, the organised Maisie tries to bring some order by determining to bring her chaotic and fractured family back together. She starts working at the Gildersleeves Auction House, where she meets a delightful array of people, including Theo, whose mismatched clothes and untidiness is at complete odds with Maisie's self-disciplined way of life.

It's an exceptionally well-written story, with some real laugh-out-loud moments (eccentric naked old man!) intertwined with some moments of poignancy (I did have something in my eye when I got to know Arthur).  Plus there's also an element of mystery, involving a magical tea-set...

It's a great, thoroughly enjoyable read!

About the Author

Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women's fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team. 

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker was published in January 2019.

The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows is out in July 2019.

Social Media Links –

FB Jenni Keer Writer

Twitter @JenniKeer

Instagram jennikeer

Website - https://jennikeer.co.uk/