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

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).

Blog Tour: Bridesmaids by Zara Stoneley

I'm delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Zara Stoneley's new book, Bridesmaids, which is published by HarperImpulse. Thanks to the publisher, Netgalley and @rararesources for the advanced reading copy.

You can buy your copy from Amazon  iBooks  Waterstones and other good retailers.

The Blurb

Meet Rachel, the beautiful bride with BIG plans for the perfect day! The venue is a castle and the dress is designer. It’s just a shame her husband is a rat.

Maddie and Sally have only one thing in common – they both love the same man!
Beth is a newly single mum with a mystery baby daddy. Surely the father isn’t someone the girls all know?

And then there’s Jane, the glue holding them all together, but being dumped doesn’t make her the happiest bridesmaid…especially with gorgeous flatmate Freddie complicating things. 

Will the bride say, ‘I Do!’? Or will her bridesmaids save the day…and find love along the way? 

The most hilarious, feel-good rom com of the year!

My Review

This is the first book I've read by Zara Stoneley, and I have to say... I loved it! Fun, flirty and fabulous - the perfect elements for the perfect light-hearted read.

Dumped on her own hen night, Jane is understandably a bit anti-weddings. But not as anti as everyone around her thinks she is, she has her own reasons for casting doubt when her best friend announces The Wedding of All Weddings.

Add to that some friends Jane hasn't seen since school - not all of whom were bosom buddies - and the friends' reunion isn't without it's own issues... the girl who had everything but the boy, now has the boy who was everything to the other girl, and the girl who was the life and soul of the party is keeping her lips sealed about the father of her baby - except secrets have a way of coming out. 

A series of misunderstandings, assumptions and accusations lead Jane, the panicky chief bridesmaid, a merry dance as she tries to ensure everything runs smoothly for her friend.

It's a wonderful mix of characters and their secrets and lies. Jane is wonderful; despite her own heartbreak she is determined to do the best for her friend but is torn between telling her the truth and protecting her from it.

Then we have the husband-to-be - has he changed for the better? And the ex-husband-to-be is back on the scene... and the perfect but spiky Sally who is determined to hang on to her man, but is he really hers to keep?

And to complicate matters, there is Jane's other best friend, flatmate Freddie, who is actually rather hot. But Jane is scared of risking that friendship by taking anything further.

Bridesmaids is a fun, frenzied, chaotic read which sweeps the reader along on a wave of hilarious situations and misunderstandings. 

Rich, fruity layers with beautiful, sweet icing on top, it's the perfect book version of a wedding cake!

About the Author

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

Born in a small village in the UK, she 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 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 now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Zara’s bestselling novels include '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'.

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com

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

Instagram: zarastoneley

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

Book Review: Obsession by Amanda Robson

One evening, a wife asks her husband a question: who else would you go for, if you could?

It is a simple question – a little game – that will destroy her life.

Carly and Rob are a perfect couple. They share happy lives with their children and their close friends Craig and Jenny. They’re lucky. But beneath the surface, no relationship is simple: can another woman’s husband and another man’s wife ever just be good friends?

Little by little, Carly’s question sends her life spiralling out of control, as she begins to doubt everything she thought was true. Who can she trust? The man she has promised to stick by forever, or the best friend she has known for years? And is Carly being entirely honest with either of them?

Obsession is a dark, twisting thriller about how quickly our lives can fall apart when we act on our desires.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Avon, for the ARC.

I read a lot of books - too many perhaps, when I should be writing my own. I've been lucky this year so far; most have been great, the occasional one was not, and then last night, one absolutely blew my socks off.

Obsession is compelling, horrifying, disturbing, gripping...

The story is told in turns by each of the four main characters, husband and wife Rob and Carly, and the other couple Jenni and Craig. Each of them is narrating the tale to one of the others, and it is thoroughly enthralling. 

I don't want to give any more of the plot away; because I think each reader should be as shocked as I was. Never before have I been so betrayed by characters in a book. They play with my emotions - at first I detested the seemingly brash, selfish Carly, but later found myself wavering between sympathy and revulsion, an unsettling mixture felt for each of the characters as they seek to disarm and deceive us. I simply did not know who to trust.

The story gets bigger and more terrifying, the characters becoming more and more awful and their actions even worse. Honestly, this book wrong-footed me so many times, I had to read it in almost one sitting (I had to stop at 2am then carried on again at 8am!).

I've heard it said that for a book to be successful, you have to fall in love with at least one of the characters. Well, Obsession smashes the mould.

Obsession is published on Kindle on 4th May and in paperback on 1st June by Avon and you can pre-order either from Amazon or other retailers.

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

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.

Book Review: Second Time Around by Colette Caddle

After a freak accident and eight weeks in a coma, Suzie Connors’ family are elated when their adored mother finally wakes up absolutely fine. Except she’s not.

Blissfully unaware of her children’s shock at having to deal with the changes in their mum, Suzie has had a wake-up call and intends to live life to the full, with or without their approval. Then her youngest daughter, Sharon, is faced with some major issues of her own and the one person she would have turned to – her mother – is no longer there for her.

An emotional story about family, second chances and what happens when, in the blink of an eye, life changes forever …

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for my copy of this book.

It's quite a well-known fact that head injury can result in personality changes, and this affects not only the injured person but also those closest to them. The effect of the change in Suzie's behaviour causes shock and upset to her family and friends in different ways. 

Colette describes the horror and torment suffered by a family when a loved one is in hospital very well. That feeling of being in limbo, of not knowing if your loved one will die, or to what extent they will be affected. It is exhausting, both physically and mentally. Then when Suzie does wake up, the torment isn't over by any means as they all have to learn to adjust to the 'new' Suzie.

The story is told from multiple points of view, which shows how each person is affected by Suzie's injury to great effect. 

Suzie has lost her ability to filter her thoughts and what comes out of her mouth, often to quite humorous effect. She is struggling with her memory - who should she trust to tell her the truth about her past? 

Jess feels she has to carry the responsibility of looking after her mother; but she has problems of her own when her love life and work life collide. 

Jess's sister, Sharon, has it tough - her husband cannot connect with their son, Bobby, and now Suzie, who always adored her grandson, makes her thoughts on Sharon's mollycoddling perfectly clear. So clear that Bobby thinks his granny doesn't like him - a heartbreaking thing for any child. But deep down Sharon knows there's more to Bobby's behaviour than naughtiness - she just needs to admit it. Caddle's writing deals with this with a great deal of empathy.

Suzie's son, Noel, has the struggle of uni exams to cope with as well as his mother's erratic behaviour. He can't even confide in his best friend Cal, who is bewildered by Noel's distance.

Cal is my favourite character - he brings a lot of sense to everyone around him, not least Jess and Bobby.

As for the worst character - it has to be a toss-up between Suzie's sister Mandy, a conniving, jealous woman - no one else can believe it when she claims to be a loving sister, helping Suzie; and Jess's lover/boss Louis, who just makes my skin crawl!

Second Time Around is a heart-warming read about second chances, family and friendship. I loved it.

You can buy Second Time Around here (other retailers are available...).

Book Review: Strictly Between Us by Jane Fallon

Tamsin and her best friend Michelle have been inseparable since they were teenagers. Even now they spend all their time together, along with Patrick, Michelle's handsome husband.

So when Tamsin hears a rumour that Patrick is having an affair, she is furious. Unwilling to ignore it, Tamsin plots a scheme to catch Patrick in the act, using her assistant Bea as live-bait. It should be fool proof.

After all, Tamsin can trust Bea with anything. From her daily coffee order to fetching her dry-cleaning, writing reports and doing all the filing - Bea does everything with a smile on her face.

Except Tamsin never considered Bea might have her own agenda.

And if she does, then Tamsin really needs to watch her back . . .

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.

What lengths would you go to to protect your best friend. What if you found out her husband was playing away, but then he turns the tables on you and you find yourself risking everything?

Tamsin's efforts to help her friend backfire when she does something unthinkable. Her guilt and love for her best friend drive her deeper and deeper into trouble, and there are some hilarious antics

It's a sharp and sassy read, with some truly astonishing twists and turns, and I was taken by surprise by the ending. I love a story that's not bland or formulaic.

The characters were brilliant. Okay, so Tamsin does something incredibly stupid, but we're all human. Also she takes her beloved assistant for granted - something that is shown quite well later on. It's a great insight into the world of 'bosses vs assistants', where there's always more to the underling than the boss would ever dream. But Tamsin is a believable, flawed character which makes for entertaining reading. Patrick is a worm who makes you wish that you could punch him. Adam is a wonderful character, who I rooted for all through the novel.

This is the first of Jane Fallon's books I've read, and I'll definitely be reading more!