Showing posts with label Break ups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Break ups. Show all posts

Friday, 27 September 2019


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:


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:


Sunday, 14 April 2019

Blog Tour: Amazing Grace by Kim Nash


I'm delighted to be part of the Blog Tour, run by Rachel's Random Resources, for the lovely Kim Nash's novel, Amazing Grace, published by Hera Books on April 10th, 2019. 

You can buy your copy here:


The Blurb
She’s taking her life back, one step at a time…
Grace thought she had it all. Living in the beautiful village of Little Ollington, along with head teacher husband Mark and gorgeous son, Archie, she devoted herself to being the perfect mum and the perfect wife, her little family giving her everything she ever wanted. 
Until that fateful day when she walked in on Mark kissing his secretary - and her perfect life fell apart.
Now she's a single mum to Archie, trying to find her way in life and keep things together for his sake. Saturday nights consist of a Chinese takeaway eaten in front of the TV clad in greying pyjamas, and she can’t remember the last time she had a kiss from anyone aside from her dog, Becks… 
Grace’s life needs a shake up – fast. So when gorgeous gardener Vinnie turns up on her doorstep, his twinkling eyes suggesting that he might be interested in more than just her conifers, she might just have found the answer to her prayers. But as Grace falls deeper for Vinnie, ten-year-old Archie fears that his mum finding love means she’ll never reconcile with the dad he loves. 
So when ex-husband Mark begs her for another chance, telling her he’s changed from the man that broke her heart, Grace finds herself with an impossible dilemma. Should she take back Mark and reunite the family that Archie loves? Or risk it all for a new chance of happiness? 
A funny, feel good romance about finding your own path and changing your life for the better – readers of Cathy Bramley, Jill Mansell and Josie Silver will love this uplifting read.
My Review

What a lovely, heartwarming story!

Grace's world revolves around her 10 year old son, Archie, determined to make life the best she can for him. She dotes on him and misses him terribly when he goes to stay at his Dad's. Grace needs to get a life of her own, and has some 'help' from a friend, resulting in some hilariously disastrous dates. 
But Grace has her eye on Vinnie, and quite frankly, who wouldn't? Kind, thoughtful, and seriously hot, Vinnie could be the answer to her prayers. But how is another man going to fit into her life without causing disruption to Archie?

And then there's the ex-husband, who wants the family back together. That would mean Archie has his mum and dad, and Grace wouldn't have to suffer when Archie was at his dad's...

We all know the ex, is a controlling, selfish twat, and Vinnie is hot stuff! But poor Grace is torn between forging a new life for herself and making everything perfect for Archie.

It's a lovely story of a mother trying to balance her absolute love for her son with the need for her to have her own life. The relationship she has with Archie is adorable, but I was screaming at the pages whenever Mark was lurking around - surely Grace couldn't sacrifice everything for him? I genuinely thought this could go either way, because if anyone can make the best out of a situation, it is Grace.

It is fabulously written, with an emotive storyline that kept me reading through the night - just another chapter, oh, just another one... I was hooked!

I can't wait to read more from Kim Nash!

About the Author

Kim Nash lives in Staffordshire with son Ollie and English Setter Roni, is PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture and is a book blogger at www.kimthebookworm.co.uk

Kim won the Romantic Novelists Association's Media Star of the Year in 2016, which she still can't quite believe. She is now quite delighted to be a member of the RNA. 

When she's not working or writing, Kim can be found walking her dog, reading, standing on the sidelines of a football pitch cheering on Ollie and binge watching box sets on the TV. She's also quite partial to a spa day and a gin and tonic (not at the same time!) Kim also runs a book club in Cannock, Staffs. 


Connect with Kim on Social Media here:
Twitter: (@KimTheBookworm) https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm
Instagram: @Kim_the_bookworm

Thursday, 14 March 2019

Blog Tour: Knowing You by Samantha Tong






Thank you to the author, the publisher Canelo, Netgalley and Rachel's Randon Resources for the opportunity to review the book on the Blog Tour!

Purchase Links

An abrupt change; a new friendship; a dark secret...
Kind-hearted Violet has never fitted in, but despite being bullied at school is now content. She is dating ambitious Lenny, has her dream job in publishing and runs a book club at the local retirement home.
However, when her relationship with Lenny begins to falter, Violet, hurt and alone, seeks the advice of her new flatmate, Bella. She changes her image and with her head held high aims to show that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life to be happy and successful.
Her long-term friends Kath and Farah worry about Bella’s influence and slowly Violet starts to distance herself from them. When she was a child, her closest confidant and companion was a boy called Flint. Her mother didn’t approve of their closeness and he suffered a terrible end. She won’t let the same thing happen to Bella, no matter what anyone says...
Knowing You is about friendship and knowing who to trust with your deepest secrets; it’s about taking control of your life and not being afraid to stand out. Perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan, Gail Honeyman and Amanda Prowse.

My Review

I love this book! It had me gripped all throughout. I was screaming at the page as Violet ignores all her old friends in favour of Bella, her new flatmate and confidente. Emboldened and encouraged by Bella's suggestions, Violet undergoes a radical transformation. But not everyone is happy with the new Violet...

The author has written with passion and sensitivity about emotive subjects, such as self-esteem, bullying and loss. I found Violet to be instantly relatable, and my heart was breaking for her as I read her story. It resonates deeply even now, weeks after I read the book.

About the Author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK and her passion, second to spending time with her husband and children, is writing. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. 

In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins and in 2014, her bestselling debut novel, Doubting Abbey, was shortlisted for the Festival of Romantic Fiction best Ebook award. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category.

Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamTongeWriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor
Website: http://samanthatonge.co.uk/

Thursday, 17 January 2019

Blog Tour: Love Heart Lane by Christie Barlow






I am delighted to be involved in the blog tour for the latest novel by Christie Barlow, Love Heart Lane! My thanks to the publisher, @HarperCollins, @Netgalley and Rachel's Random Reads.

The Blurb
Welcome to Love Heart Lane…

When Flick Simons returns to the small village of Heartcross she only expected to stay for a few days. The white-washed cottages of Love Heart Lane might be her home, but the place holds too many painful memories, and of one man in particular – Fergus Campbell.

When a winter storm sweeps in, the only bridge connecting the village to the main land is swept away! As the villagers pull together, Flick finds herself welcomed back by the friends she once left behind. And as the snow begins to melt, maybe there is a chance that Fergus’s heart will thaw too…

My Review

Love Heart Lane is a lovely, cosy story best served with a steaming mug of hot chocolate, cashmere socks and a warm, soft blanket. Even if you haven't got those things to hand, you'll feel like you have when you read Love Heart Lane!

Perfect for these dark, cold January days, this tale of family, friendship and community is written with love and warmth, and is the perfect escape. Christie's writing is so evocative that I shivered when I was reading the snowy scenes at the beginning. Fergus soon melted my heart though!

The themes of heartbreak and loss also runs through the book, and we learn that tragedy can pull a community together, as well as tear it apart.

It truly is a heartwarming book, and it's the first in a series, so I'm looking forward to reading more and getting to know the residents of Heartcross even better.


About the Author
Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm and Love Heart Lane. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA & Australia. 

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being as well as Literary Editor for www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the book world.

Facebook page Christie Barlow author


Purchase Links




Monday, 12 February 2018

Book Review: Faking Friends by Jane Fallon


Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for the ARC.

You can buy Faking Friends now here.

The Blurb
Your best friend stole your fiancé. Do you run away and hide, or start planning your revenge?
THE TOP 5 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
'A deftly plotted, witty tale of revenge. It's a romcom with attitude' Mail on Sunday
Best friend, soulmate, confidante . . . backstabber.
Amy thought she knew everything there was to know about her best friend Melissa. Then again, Amy also thought she was on the verge of the wedding of her dreams to her long-distance fiancé.
Until she pays a surprise trip home to London. Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat.
There's something about her stuff that feels oddly familiar . . . and then it hits Amy. The Other Woman is Melissa.
Amy has lost her home, her fiancé and her best friend in one disastrous weekend - but instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back.
Piecing her life back together won't be half as fun as dismantling theirs, after all.
My Review

Jane Fallon is fast becoming a favourite author of mine; she writes with humour and warmth with an underlying layer of grit which can make you feel quite uncomfortable. See my earlier reviews of My Sweet Revenge and Strictly Between Us.

Faking Friends is a tale of betrayal, revenge and toxic friendships. When trust is smashed to pieces, how do we cope with it? Do we crumble, beaten into submission? Or do we quietly scheme to destroy those who would purport to destroy our lives?

Of course Amy does not allow herself to be a meek victim. She is, like all of Fallon's characters, feisty and determined. 

Fallon has the knack of showing both sides of the story. The heroine is never perfect, and it is refreshing to see the other person's version of events, and sometimes there is no distinguishing between the hero or the villain - they can be just as bad as each other. And the plot isn't simple or obvious - with each new chapter comes another revelation, entangling the reader in the glorious web of lies and deceit.

Sickly sweet this book is not; it's punchy and gritty and ooh, how I loved it!

About the Author

Jane Fallon is the multi-award-winning television producer behind shows such as This Life, Teachers and 20 Things to Do before You're 30. Her debut novel "Getting Rid of Matthew' was published in 2007 and became a Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller as have her subsequent books 'Got You Back', 'Foursome', 'The Ugly Sister', 'Skeletons', 'Strictly Between Us' and 'My Sweet Revenge"
Her 8th novel Faking Friends is available now to pre order in both paperback and for Kindle.
Join Jane on Twitter - @janefallon or at her website www.janefallon.co.uk

Thursday, 27 July 2017

Book Review: Single for the Summer by Mandy Baggot


The Blurb

Tess Parks is on the rise. A high-flying marketer before her thirtieth birthday, she puts work before life, content with flings and dates – and once a relationship survives six weeks, she ends it. Tess has made up her mind: love isn’t for her.
 So when her heartbroken best friend Sonya invites her to Corfu for a girls’ holiday, Tess is happy to throw herself into sampling the local delights – except Sonya makes her promise to stay single for the summer. It starts to look like a really bad decision when she meets sizzling, divorced restauranteur Andras.
To keep his overbearing mother off his back, Tess agrees to pretend to date Andras, but as the two spend time together, Tess begins to realise that this fake relationship is starting to feel like the best one she’s ever had…
Single for the Summer is a feel-good escapist beach read full of family drama, dating disasters, real-life issues and a heart-warming romance, all set against a beautiful Greek island backdrop.

 My Review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Ebury, for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for it. No money or baklava exchanged hands.

Mandy has done it again. She's written another sun-soaked Greek tale of mythical proportions which had me howling for my Retsina. The sights, sounds and smells of the Greek Island of Corfu are brought to life in this hilarious tale of one woman and her fear of commitment.

It's normally the guys who are the commitment-phobes in most books; it's refreshing to meet Tess, who loves romance, sex, hot guys... just as long as it doesn't progress into a relationship. Cos Tess doesn't do relationships - she simply can't.

When Andras blurts out to his mother that Tess is his girlfriend, for some mad reason Tess goes along with it. It's just a bit of fun, after all - and Andras is hot! Not that she's looking, of course - she promised Sonya she would stay away from men. She is there for Sonya, after all.

The physical attraction between Tess and Andras is obvious to them, but they know it cannot go any further. To watch - sorry, read - as they do everything they can to avoid falling for each other is hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud in several parts of the book.

The characters of Andras's bossy mother and sister are brilliant; endlessly conniving to pair Andras off with his pretty cousin, and treating Tess, a non-Greek girl, with disdain and distrust. If only they knew... 

Mandy writes with a down-to-earth humour that just makes you feel good reading her books. You'll also want to book a Greek holiday after reading this. 

Single for the Summer is available here for pre-order - it is published on 27th July.

About the Author

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer represented by The Kate Nash Literary Agency. In 2017 she was signed by Ebury Publishing (Penguin Random House).

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Visit Mandy’s website at http://www.mandybaggot.com/. Follow her on Twitter: @MandyBaggot





Friday, 14 April 2017

Book Review: The Woman at Number 24 by Juliet Ashton


The Blurb
When your marriage falls apart, the last place you'd want your husband to move to is downstairs. Unfortunately for Sarah, up in the eaves at number 24, her ex-husband now lives one floor beneath her with his new wife. Their happiness floats up through the floorboards, taunting her.
A child psychologist, Sarah has picked up great sadness from the little girl, Una, who lives with her careworn mother three floors below, but is Sarah emotionally equipped to reach out?
The Spring brings a new couple to the house. Jane and Tom's zest for life revives the flagging spirits, and Sarah can't deny the instant attraction to handsome Tom. Having seen at first hand what infidelity does to people, she'll never act on it ... but the air fizzes with potential.
The sunshine doesn't reach every corner of number 24, however. Elderly Mavis, tucked away in the basement, has kept the world at bay for decades. She's about to find out that she can't hide forever.
Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.
My Review

Thank you to the publishers, Books and the City at Simon & Schuster for the exciting exclusive extract and then to them and Netgalley for the ARC.

You see so many big properties, once so grand,  divided up into individual flats. I always think it's a shame; ripping the heart and character out of a home. But then it becomes home to more people, allowing room for more characters and their relationships to develop.

Number 24 is home to several inhabitants, including Sarah, and somewhat awkwardly, her ex husband and his new wife. The intricacies of such a relationship are explored, with Sarah desperate to win Leo back, and Leo himself doing nothing to dissuade her...

Then there's Mavis, a cantankerous old woman who lives in self-imposed poverty in the basement. When her sister dies, Sarah feels sorry for Mavis and decides no one can be that bad - apart from perhaps, Peck, the extremely foul-mouthed parrot.

Sarah is mourning the loss of her friend Smith, who Leo had ironically been so jealous of when he and Sarah were still married - until he left her for the glamorous Helena who had moved in. 

Suffering so much loss in her life, and having to prepare to move out of the flat she adores, Sarah's life is crumbling. She is a child psychologist, but has even lost her connection to children and is so full of self-doubt. She is intrigued by new neighbours, Jane and Tom, becoming friends with Jane but disturbingly attracted to Tom...

It's a lovely story of community, which sadly seems to be lacking in much of today's society, friendships, loyalty, love and self-worth. Some have too much, whilst others are severely lacking.

Juliet writes wonderfully comforting stories which wrap themselves around you like a hug. Even the sad or uncomfortable parts where people are suffering are a delight to read, because you know the story will pan out in the end, even if it's not necessarily in the way you expect - and this is Juliet's talent. Beautiful stories which draw you right in, with great characterisation.

Now when can I move in?

You can pre-order The Woman at Number 24 from Amazon or other retailers.

About the Author:

Juliet Ashton was born in Fulham and still lives in London. She writes under a variety of names, including her real name, Bernadette Strachan, and as Claire Sandy. She is married and has one daughter. Find out more at www.berniestrachan.com You can follow Juliet on Twitter @julietstories





Monday, 9 January 2017

Book Review: My Sweet Revenge by Jane Fallon



The Blurb
The bestselling author of Getting Rid of Matthew and Strictly Between Us tells a bitter-sweet tale of high passions, infidelity and revenge. Watch your back . . .
I want to make my husband fall back in love with me.
Let me explain. This isn't an exercise in 1950s wifeydom. I haven't been reading articles in old women's magazines. 'Twenty ways to keep your man'. That couldn't be further from the truth.
I want him to fall back in love with me so that when I tell him to get the hell out of my life he'll care. He won't just think, 'Oh good'.
I want it to hurt.
Paula has had Robert's back since they got together as drama students.
She gave up her dreams so he could make it.
Now he's one of the nation's most popular actors.
And Paula's just discovered he's having an affair.
She's going to remind Robert just what he's sacrificing.
And then she's going to break his heart like he broke hers.
It will be her greatest acting role ever.
Revenge is sweet. 
Isn't it?

My Review

Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lies, deception, jealousy... this book has it all.

Paula decides revenge is a dish best served cold when she discovers her husband's affair with his co-star. She's going to make him fall back in love with her, and then kick him to the kerb.

But that's not as easy as it sounds. How do you go about attracting a man you despise? And there's not much to like about the errant husband Robert, whose ego could Trump the worst man alive. God, this man loves himself.

But then none of the characters are particularly likeable; they are all pretty self-obsessed. At first I felt compassion for Paula, but then I found my sympathy conflicted. I know hell hath no fury and all that, but in trying to stick it out, Paula risks turning into someone bitter and twisted, and perhaps no better than her weasley spouse.

Just like the plot in the book; it twists and turns, and you don't know who to believe or who to root for. Fallon keeps us guessing, as the players outplay each other, and feelings and emotions are manipulated by all concerned. 

That all said, My Sweet Revenge avoids leaving a sour taste thanks to Fallon's sharp humour and witty observations. She drew me into the complex plot, utterly enthralled by the appalling behaviour of these self-indulgent people right to the very satisfying end.

My Sweet Revenge is published on January 12th by Michael Joseph, and is available at Amazon, Waterstones and other retailers.

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Book Review: Break Up Club by Lorelei Mathias


Blurby Bits:

‘Sparky dialogue and a lovely depiction of friendship. I loved this!' Katie Fforde
This story is a celebration of the people that bring you back to life when your world closes in: your mates. Relationships come and go, but the Break-up Club membership never truly expires.
'Sparky dialogue and a lovely depiction of friendship. I loved this!' Katie Fforde
'You'd be DAFT to miss out on this fab book – it's blimmin' marvellous! I LOVED IT' Miranda Dickinson
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO BE SINGLE . . .
Holly Braithwaite and loveable loser Lawrence have been together for five years. But the obvious cracks in their relationship can no longer be ignored and Holly soon finds herself saying ‘it’s not me, it’s you’.
In the shock aftermath of their break up, Holly finds unlikely companions in Olivia, Harry and Bella. Together, they form the Break-up Club, as they support each other through their mutual melancholy and find ways to love, laugh and function as human beings again.
Break-up Club meets every Sunday. Each week, as the comedy and drama unfolds, they discover a new BUC ‘rule’. And, one by one, the rules become vital markers on their journey to recovery . . .
‘BREAK-UP CLUB’
To our members, we’re the first emergency service!



My Review:

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Break Up Club is a great, fast-paced tale of four friends who form their own support group, to help each other through their various relationship break ups. We've all been there - crying into our tubs of ice-cream (maybe that's how salted caramel came about?), sniffing jumpers left behind (or is that just me?) and of course these days,with the wonders of modern technology comes the added complication of Facebook stalking. So we rely on our friends to pull us through the misery and anguish. 

The characters are great; Holly, whose career is looking like going the same way as her love-life with one disaster after another; Bella, a would-be singer who just cannot get the break she deserves; Olivia, who proves that being the most financially successful of them all doesn't count for a successful love life; and Harry, the loveable Scot who is just as confused and heartbroken as his female friends.

I loved this fun, bittersweet read. The story is full of both laughs and tears as we are taken on their journey, as they find themselves having to create new rules for the Break Up Club along the way. It's written with warmth and love, and makes you realise that we can get through anything if we have our friends by our side.

You can buy your copy of Break Up Club here (other retailers are available!).