Book Review: The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman

The Blurb

If you could change the past, would you?

****This summer, get ready to believe in Impossible Things with the brand new book from international bestseller, Rowan Coleman. ****

How far would you go to save the person you love?

Luna is about to do everything she can to save her mother's life.

Even if it means sacrificing her own.

My Review

Thank you to the publisher, Ebury Press, and Netgalley for the ARC. I apologise now for the lateness of this review - I did read the book before it was published on 29th June, but then I got distracted by life. Bad book blogger!

The Summer of Impossible Things is a beautiful story about a strong, determined young woman trying to right the wrongs of the past. Not her past, but that of her mother's.

Luna and her sister have lost their mother to depression. They travel to the place she grew up in Brooklyn, NYC, and Luna discovers a way she can maybe save her. Time travel may be impossible, but the author writes with such sensitivity and depth that suspends all disbelief, and she draws you into Luna's life. From the way Luna's transitions through time are described, to the heat of the summer; the atmosphere and the smell of the old properties; the story is brought to life in the reader's mind. 

The theme of depression is handled well, and it shows how those around the sufferer suffer too. There is also an element of whodunnit, which I got totally wrong (I don't like it when I do get it right as that would mean it is far too obvious!). The story is heart-breaking in parts, but ultimately uplifting. 

You can buy the book here, or from other good bookshops. It's available as an ebook, of course, but the hardback edition is beautiful.

Book Review: A Passion So Wild by Louise Rose-Innes

Former socialite, Lexi, adores her new, fulfilling life as a gorilla vet in the Congolese jungle. Even the surrounding political volatility can't dim her contentment - until she meets the sanctuary's enigmatic benefactor, Sir Anthony. He's wealthy and arrogant, appearing more concerned with his company's image than the welfare of the sanctuary he's endowed. He symbolizes the empty, pampered life she left behind - so why is she falling for him? When rebels attack the sanctuary, Sir Anthony is the only man who can keep her safe - yet he's also the biggest threat her heart has ever faced.

A fast-paced, romantic suspense novel from Amazon Bestselling Author, Louise Rose-Innes.

Louise writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. Visit her author page on Amazon - amazon.com/author/louiseroseinnes

Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A Passion So Wild is a sweet story set in the dangerous jungle. Lexi left her privileged life in New York behind to care for injured gorillas. The descriptions of life in the jungle are vivid, from the colours and smells to the sounds - I could almost hear the monkeys and birds calling to each other.

It was different to what I usually read - I prefer stories with more dialogue, which can tell me more about a character, so with this one I'm afraid I didn't feel quite as involved with the characters. Although saying that, the story was told from either Lexi or Tony's point of view, so we could see what they were thinking. I think perhaps I talk too much myself!

The jungle is a dangerous place as there is the constant threat of violence from the rebels. The story is full of suspense, and my heart was beating faster when the clinic came under direct attack. 

I was surprised later on when the romance developed - the temperature soared - I had thought up to that point that it was one of those sweet innocent stories about true love, so I was a little shocked - in a GOOD way! - when the sex was as steamy as the jungle!

It took a little with for me to really get into the story, but then it develops with lots of action and has obviously been well researched. I want a baby gorilla!

You can buy A Passion So Wild here (other retailers are available!).

Book Review: My Map of You by Isabelle Broom

Holly Wright has had a difficult few years. After her mother's death, she's become expert at keeping people at a distance - including her boyfriend, Rupert.

But when Holly receives an unexpected letter explaining that an aunt she never met has left her a house on the Greek island of Zakynthos, the walls she has built begin to crumble. Arriving on the island, Holly meets the handsome Aidan and slowly begins to uncover the truth about the secret which tore her family apart.

But is the island where Holly really belongs? Or will her real life catch up with her first?

Look at that cover. Isn't it perfect? Can't you just imagine sitting there, in a taverna, looking out over the Ionian Sea. Well, read this book and you will feel that you really are there!

I was a little nervous about reviewing this book, because I have met the gorgeous Isabelle, book reviews editor at heat Magazine and now an author herself, on several occasions now, and she is so lovely, I was worried. Isabelle does great reviews of other books, but can she write them? And, would I like it?

Yes I am shamelessly showing off that I have met Isabelle Broom!

The answer is a resounding Nai - Which is Greek for yes! 

My Map of You is a beautifully written novel, which immerses the reader into Greek life, with all the sights, smells and sounds of the island of Zakynthos. I love the Greek Islands anyway, but Isabelle's descriptions made me want to hop on a plane right away. Mia bira parakalo!

Poor Holly; she's not had it easy. She's been hiding herself  back all this time - so much so that even she doesn't know who she is any more. She's been doing what she thinks everyone expects her to do, she has even held her boyfriend, Rupert, at arm's length. Ashamed and bitter about her late mother's alcoholism, Holly is rattled when she receives a letter from an Aunt she didn't know she had, leaving her a house in a place she's never been. She flies out to Zakynthos to sell the house, and find clues to the biggest secrets of her life.

Of course Holly falls in love with the island (who wouldn't?) and its warm, friendly inhabitants.  For the first time in her life she feels at home. There are some glorious characters here; Kostas the shop keeper, cheeky Nikos, and Annie. Oh, and then there is the hot, brooding neighbour, Aiden, who whisks her around the island on an adventure... but Holly is in love with Rupert. Isn't she?

It makes a refreshing change for the boyfriend to be a good guy in a book like this. He's not horrible to Holly at all, he adores her. He even flies out to the island to join her because he's missing her so much. For once the main character is at fault rather than her partner.

Holly's character grows as soon as she starts learning about and coming to terms with her past. She casts herself as the bad guy but is ashamed and remorseful. She is also a realist; she has a life - such that it is - back in the real world, in London.

I love that Holly doesn't care for the busy touristy resort of Laganas; she prefers the quieter traditional village life. Isabelle's love for the island really shines through the pages.

This is a story of intriguing secrets and self discovery, of friendship and love, and family. I really did enjoy reading it, and it has left me feeling very wistful for a proper Greek salad! And I would love to go on Isabelle's 'Map of You' Tour!

I've just got one final thing to say to Isabelle - Efharisto poli! To latrepsa!*

*Apologies for the poor attempts at Greek. I tried. 

Book Review: Who's That Girl? by Mhairi McFarlane

An achingly funny story from the author of the bestselling YOU HAD ME AT HELLO.

When Edie is caught in a compromising position at her colleagues’ wedding, all the blame falls on her – turns out that personal popularity in the office is not that different from your schooldays. Shamed online and ostracised by everyone she knows, Edie’s forced to take an extended sabbatical – ghostwriting an autobiography for hot new acting talent, Elliot Owen. Easy, right?

Wrong. Banished back to her home town of Nottingham, Edie is not only dealing with a man who probably hasn’t heard the word ‘no’ in a decade, but also suffering an excruciating regression to her teenage years as she moves back in with her widowed father and judgy, layabout sister.

When the world is asking who you are, it’s hard not to question yourself. Who’s that girl? Edie is ready to find out.

I've been waiting for this book to come out and leapt on it as soon as I could my hands on it. Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

I love Mhairi's books. They're not cosy little rom-coms; they are full-on PMSL, LMFAO, sweary stories for those of us who like a bit of attitude in our reading. 

Edie, the heroine of Who's That Girl is far from perfect. She snogged someone else's husband, on their wedding day, and boy, does she pay for it. Even though Edie had been taken in by smarmy player Jack, she gets the blame. Everyone in her London life turns against her; even her so-called gay best friend turns out to be the archetypal backstabbing queen. The 'wronged bride' and Edie's so-called friends launch a vicious online hate campaign against her, forcing her into hiding. It's a relief when her boss, Richard, who thankfully does believe in her, sends her on a mission back in her home town of Nottingham. 

Only it's not such a relief to be back at home. Anyone who has made a life for themselves and then returns home, tail between their legs for whatever reason, will know that it's hard. Old family resentments and sibling rivalries flare, and Edie's younger sister Meg acts like the truculent teen, making it hard for Edie to settle back in. Their poor Dad is stuck in the middle of them, and he is still dealing with his own grief at the loss of their mother years ago. The three of them have been unable to move on. Mhairi deals with the serious issues of grief and depression with a touching sensitivity, contrasting with the hilarious scenes between the two girls reverting back to flouncing and bitching at each other. 

Margot, the dragon lady next door, provides a lot of insight for Edie. Disregarded by Meg and Edie's father, she is a fabulous lady who is stuck in her glamorous past. And she can bake a mean cake. She helps Edie come to term with her mistakes and past errors of judgement. 

Edie's mission is to ghost write the memoirs of the hugely popular film & TV star Elliot Owen. Edie's initial resistance to him and his world of fame is broken down when she gets to know the real Elliot. He really is a sweetie, and I'd have fallen for him - and his brother Fraser! 

I think this book is about Edie discovering who she really is, and about finding who you can rely on. Edie has genuine friends in both Nick and Hannah. 

I did question Edie's decision near the end of the book – okay it is a very mature decision to make and I can see why she does what she does, but the romantic in me was screaming at her for a good few pages. 

Again Mhairi has had me enthralled from beginning to end of Who's That Girl. I hate it when a great book ends! 

Book Review: Armadillos by P K Lynch

Aggie is fifteen, a ‘sub’ from a ‘sub’ family, one of Texas’ downtrodden. Her father and brother enact that ‘sub’-ness on her, week in, week out. She has only the vaguest notion that there is something wrong with the abuse she endures and instead dreams of the outside world.

And then one day, Aggie walks out. But, like the armadillos that flourish in Texas’ barren landscape, she is a survivor.

In her escape, she gravitates to those who are just as maltreated as her. They offer Aggie the sense of family, albeit a thoroughly dysfunctional one, that she’s been searching for. But when she gets embroiled in a crisis involving stolen money, Aggie soon realises there are some problems you can’t run away from.

Thanks to Legend Press for the advanced reading copy.

From the outset, Aggie's story is heartbreaking and shocking, but told in a matter-of-fact manner rather than being melodramatic. Brought up to believe that her family's behaviour is normal, Aggie knows she doesn't like it, and leaves.

Armadillos is a tough story but easy to read, written beautifully, with Aggie's Texan drawl in my head from the beginning. Despite her sheltered upbringing, she proves to be an intelligent kid who knows how to get what she wants. She doesn't like conning people, but it's a means to an end for her.

Then she meets a girl called Freak, and is introduced to a new 'family', all with their own problems. 

It's a brilliant tale of survival, of friendship and self-discovery. The words flow naturally on the page, drawing us in to Aggie's world of hurt and pain, and her relationships with the larger than life yet utterly believable supporting characters.

I really did enjoy reading this book, and highly recommend it.