Recently I've Read - September 2016

I'm incredibly late posting this monthly round up and that's mainly because September was a pretty fruitful month when it came to reading.  It's fair to say I was looking for love in my September reads, with lots of commercial romantic fiction, but I also enjoyed a fair amount of manga too, which I'll wrote about in a separate post. 

Step Back in Time - Ali McNamara

 

 

The Blurb
How many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts for ever?
When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.
If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?

My Thoughts
A great read with romance, time travel and a whole lot of Beatles references! 
This was a fun and original story which had me chuckling along as protagonist Jo-Jo found herself leaping between the decades.  The attention to detail in each era made this perfect for book for anyone with a nostalgic bone in their body, and I absolutely adored record shop owner George.
My first Ali McNamara book, but certainly not my last!

Read Me Like a Book - Liz Kessler

 



The Blurb
The first YA novel from bestselling author Liz Kessler, Read Me Like A Book is a brave, honest and vital coming-out story that follows one girl's exploration of love, identity and sexuality.
Ashleigh Walker is having a difficult year. She's struggling at school, and coming home to parents who are on the verge of divorce. She knows she should be happy spending time with her boyfriend - but, for some reason, being around him just makes her worry more. It's only in her English teacher, Miss Murray, that she feels she's found a kindred spirit. Miss Murray helps Ashleigh develop her writing skills and her confidence - but what happens when boundaries begin to blur? What will the repercussions be for Ashleigh? And how will she navigate her own sexuality?

My Thoughts
An engaging and relevant coming of age story which will appeal to both YA and adult readership. This was an extremely readable tale and I rooted for Ashleigh as she explored her own sexuality.  There have been more LGBT+ books published again lately, and if they are all of this quality then I'm sure they'll be a welcome addition to bookshelves everywhere.

Milkshakes and Heartbreaks at the Starlight Diner - Helen Cox

 

 

 

The Blurb

Esther Knight is sharp, sarcastic – and hiding something. She waitresses at The Starlight Diner: a retro eatery where Fifties tunes stream out of the jukebox long into the night, and the tastiest milkshakes in New York are served.

Nobody at the diner knows why Esther left London for America – or why she repeatedly resists the charms of their newest regular, actor Jack Faber.

Esther is desperate to start a new life in the land of the free, but despite the warm welcome from the close-knit diner crowd, something from her past is holding her back. Can she ever learn to love and live again?

Milkshakes and Heartbreaks at the Starlight Diner is a witty, romantic, New York-inspired novel.

 

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed Milkshakes and Heartbreaks at the Starlight Diner.  The cover and the blurb and mainly cheery and uplifting, but don't be fooled, this isn't all ice cream sundaes and eggs sunny side up.  Esther is a far more enigmatic character than that.

I loved how this book tackled some darker plot lines whilst still having a warm humour to add a delightful balance to the novel.

This is the first book in a series and I'm very much looking forward to the next.  Service please!

 

 

Keeping Her Secret - Sarah Nicholas

 

 

The Blurb

The last person Riya Johnson expected to run into at her new summer camp is Courtney Chastain—her childhood best friend and the girl who broke her heart after a secret, mind-blowing, life-altering kiss. She definitely didn’t expect to be sharing a bunk bed with her for four long weeks.

Courtney has what every girl wants—she’s beautiful, rich, and the object of every boy’s desire at Camp Pine Ridge. Too bad none of them make her feel an iota of what Riya’s kiss did all those years ago. But Courtney needs to uphold appearances at all costs—even if it means instigating an all-out prank war with Riya as her main target.
Neither girl can stop thinking about the other…but that doesn’t mean they can give up past hurts and take a chance on a future together.

 

My Thoughts

Riya and Courtney used to be friends. Then they kissed and everything changed. Now their paths have crossed at camp and it's time to assess if they are friends or if there's something more between them...
Full of angst, camp pranks and f/f romance, this is a cute book from Entangled, but I'd have liked more of the romance and 'aww' of the later sections earlier on.                   

Miss You - Kate Eberlen

 

 

 

The Blurb

Tess and Gus are meant to be. They just haven't met properly yet. And perhaps they never will . . .
Today is the first day of the rest of your life is the motto on a plate in the kitchen at home, and Tess can't get it out of her head, even though she's in Florence for a final, idyllic holiday before university. Her life is about to change forever - but not in the way she expects.
Gus and his parents are also on holiday in Florence. Their lives have already changed suddenly and dramatically. Gus tries to be a dutiful son, but longs to escape and discover what sort of person he is going to be.
For one day, the paths of an eighteen-year-old girl and boy criss-cross before they each return to England.
Over the course of the next sixteen years, life and love will offer them very different challenges. Separated by distance and fate, there's no way the two of them are ever going to meet each other properly . . . or is there?

My Thoughts
I adored this book!  The near-misses of Tess and Gus had me hooked from the very first page.  Kate Eberlen has created two characters that I genuinely cared about, with a supporting cast of interesting periphery characters to back them up.  None of them were two dimensional, they were real and flawed and utterly believable.
As well as wonderfully rich characters, this book had me longing to be back in the beautiful city of Florence, encapsulating the magic of place perfectly.
I've recommended this book to everyone I know - if you love a love story (and I absolutely do) then you really must read Miss You.  One of my favourite books of 2016, hands down.

 

The Honey Trap - Mary Jayne Baker

 

 

 

The Blurb

The trap is set – but which one of them is the bait?
Journalist Angel Blackthorne is looking for her next big scoop. When her sleazy editor asks her to use her charms on super successful – and married – film director Sebastian Wilchester for a juicy exposé, Angel thinks what the hell? There’s a staff job on the horizon, and, let’s be honest, no one can make a cheater cheat if they don’t want to, right?
After the scandal breaks, Angel tries to put the story – and Seb – behind her, but fate seems to have other ideas. A near miss at a premiere after-party and a shared love of vintage film brings the honey closer to the trap.
But what happens when pretence leads to passion, and a ‘kiss and tell’ becomes something real?

 

My Thoughts

Fun, flirty and at points downright filthy, The Honey Trap is the story of Angel, who works for a tabloid newspaper, and big name film producer Seb. When Angel's boss asks her to act as a 'honey trap' in order to get compromising photos and a sensationalist headline, sparks begin to fly between the two of them...
What I loved most about this was the balance between humour and sexiness - it was a red hot read in places! There were also tender moments and little twists which made me eager to keep reading. Although to be honest I fell a little bit in love with Seb along the way too, and once I love a hero I'm always hooked. If this book is anything to go by Mary Jayne Baker definitely knows how to write a delicious male lead! I'm looking forward to what's to come next from this debut author.
If you've loved the balance of wit and sex in Debbie Johnson's books, you'll adore this one.

 

The One with the Wedding Dress - Erin Lawless

 

 

 

The Blurb

For fans of romantic comedies like Bridesmaids and Four Weddings & a Funeral, and bestselling authors Mhairi McFarlane and Jenny Oliver, this is a hilarious new romantic comedy series about one bride and her four best friends.

 

My thoughts

Following on from The One with the Engagement Party, The One with the Wedding Dress reintroduces bride to be Nora and her flock of bridesmaids as they head to the Cotswolds in search of the perfect wedding day attire. Of course, in true romcom fashion there are hitches along the way and that combined with the wit and pun-tastic humour I've come to expect from Erin Lawless makes for a fun second instalment of the Bridesmaids series.
I love books that are centred around a group of friends and these girls have totally captured my heart - I can't help noticing flickers of my own pals in their character traits and I'm wondering which of the wedding party I myself have most in common with!
I'm loving watching these characters develop and can't wait to find out what happens in part three!  

 

Recently I've Read...A Whole Lot of Romance

I've read some fantastic romance lately!  Here are the books that have set my heart aflutter - perfect love stories for long summer nights.

 

The One with the Engagement Party - Erin Lawless

 

 

Nora and Harry have just got engaged and so of course, it's time to celebrate! With their friends by their side they can start planning for the big day, but they each have their own hurdles to overcome. Perfect summer reading which left me gagging for more. Heartwarming and humorous, The One with the Engagement Party is Erin Lawless at her best.

The Sunshine and Biscotti Club - Jenny Oliver

 

 

Jenny Oliver whisked me away to the sun with this story of a group of friends helping to set up a baking holiday resort. As ever Oliver's descriptions of the food - aroma, taste, texture - are fantastic. Each character grows as the story progresses which makes this a satisfying romantic read. The only reason I didn't give this 5* is that it took me a long time to differentiate between the characters, especially the males, which meant I was referring back to make sure I wasn't getting muddled. All in all, a delightful summer read.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine - Rebecca Raisin

 

 

I loved this book! A story of self discovery and long distance romance set in a Paris bookshop. Rebecca writes setting and description beautifully - and creates characters that are easy to relate to through common themes of friendship, love and trust. A comforting read which I quickly became engrossed in - Rebecca Raisin has come up trumps again!  

 

Give them a try - they're the perfect blend of uplifting fun and love-riddled angst.  They're all available NOW.                 

Santa Maybe - Scarlett Bailey

The Blurb

Amy Tucker is single. So single in fact she hasn’t had a man in her room for three years and her idea of a good time is buying new kitchenware at Ikea. So when she wakes up on Christmas Eve to find a strange man at the end of her bed, she is more than surprised.

Least of all, when the beautiful man claims to be Santa and has sexy stubble to rival George Clooney.

Santa whisks Amy on an exciting and unforgettable journey around the world through time and space. But can he really make Amy's Christmas dreams come true?

The Review

This novella's been sat unread on my kindle for a long time.  That's not because I didn't want to read it, because I did.  But I just can't get my head around reading overtly Christmassy fiction outside of the festive season, and as there are so many new seasonal releases each year I seem to end up with a backlog each year. 

I'm really glad I decided to read this one.  Scarlett Bailey (alterego for Rowan Coleman) writes with a verve and energy that make me desperate to turn the pages at breakneck speed.  Santa Maybe was no exception.  With elements of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, this is a fun read about life, love and family. 

When Amy finds Santa in her bedroom, she doesn't know what's going on.  Is she dreaming?  Hallucinating?  Or could the man in red really be the love of her life?  She's taken on a magical journey through time and space, visiting faraway lands and mixing with Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra, and as Christmas draws nearer she's faced with the ultimate choice - family or true love?

There were times I had to suspend my disbelief as this is essentially a festive fairytale for adults, but that's the beauty of fiction - anything can happen!  And in Santa Maybe it probably does...

A read to whisk you away from the Christmas mayhem to a place where anything can happen.

Santa Maybe is out now, published by Ebury Digital.

Recently Read...

I'm falling behind with my reviews at the moment, mainly because I'm pretty busy at the moment with my own books!  Most of you probably know the first three stories in my Meet Cute series have been released in the last month, and with the fourth instalment due out on December 17th there's been little let up!  You can find out more about my writing exploits at my author blog.

Rather than miss a huge chunk of my reading off the blog, I thought I'd do a quick round up of recent reads.


I borrowed All my Friends are Superheroes by Andrew Kaufman from a work colleague.  She didn't exactly sell it to me, saying she hadn't been a big fan, but I wanted to give it a go because I'd heard Carrie Hope Fletcher talking about how much she loved it. It'd be fair to say I fell somewhere in the middle.  Whilst I thought it was a really clever concept, using attributes to name characters such as 'the Perfectionist', 'the Hypnotist' and 'the Broken Heart', I found it quite difficult to engage with and at times found it bordered on the pretentious.  There were, however, some really sweet lines which kept me reading, and as it was only a short read (around 100 pages) I'm glad I persevered.  Fans of quirky fiction will no doubt love it, but for me it fell a bit short.


Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher had been on my wishlist for a while, but I finally started reading it this month.  I've enjoyed Giovanna's other books and this one was no exception.  When Sarah starts dreaming about old friend Brett, she doesn't expect him to turn up as the new member of staff at the company she works for!  The Brett of her dreams isn't the same as real-life Brett, but as he and Sarah work together to plan an innovative TV show, their relationship blossoms.  With a fabulous supporting cast of friends, this is a fast-paced book with lots of laughs.  There were heart felt moments and realistic portrayals of friendship through the ups and downs of life and Fletcher's writing style is highly readable reminding me of one of my other favourite contemporary novelists, Erin Lawless.  I enjoyed it so much that I went straight on to the companion novella!






Dream a Little Christmas Dream is the follow-up novella to Dream a little Dream and tells the story of Sarah and Brett's Christmas.  With the same supporting characters and the familiar pub quiz backdrop, this was an enjoyable short read.  There were times in this one where Sarah seemed blind to what I felt was obvious, but overall it was a sweet and romantic follow up with a sprinkling of humour.  I'm looking forward to seeing what Giovanna Fletcher comes up with next!






The Art of Being Normal has been one of the big hitting YA reads of the year.  Nominated for awards left, right and centre, it follows David Piper, a girl born in a boy's body.  In many ways this can be classed as a coming of age novel, a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance.  But Lisa Williamson has made David so utterly relatable, and in giving him Leo as a friend has created a unique bond which leaps off the page and into the reader's heart.  There is wonderful imagery throughout, particularly during the seaside scenes, and this touching novel deserved every ounce of the acclaim it's receiving.  I know I'll be coming back to it again, and my copy is proudly stood on the shelf of 'keepers' - books I want to reread and recommend and lend to anyone who'll listen.  Brilliant.


I'm hoping to do one more round up post before the end of the month to catch up! 

Raincoats and Retrievers - Cressida McLaughlin

The Blurb

It’s autumn and Primrose Terrace has never looked lovelier. But things are far from rosy for the Barker’s at No.6. Cat’s been walking their pair of gorgeous Golden Retrievers and she’s noticed that things are distinctly chilly between owners Juliette and Will. For Cat, things are coming to a head with Mark, but is he the right man for her? Especially as she is getting closer to flatmate Joe. Cat thinks she must be able to do something to stop autumn falling on the Barker’s marriage, but is there anything she can do to resolve her feelings about Mark?

Raincoats and Retrievers is the third part of a serialized novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

The Review

Regular readers of Books with Bunny will know I'm a big fan of the Primrose Terrace series.  So, what is it I love about these novellas?  Well, firstly they've got a wonderful balance of romance, plot, characters you'll care about and, of course, plenty of gorgeous dogs.  That's a winning combination to start with.  But when you add in Cressida McLaughlin's warm writing style, it makes these books utterly irresistible.

You'll definitely need to have read the first two parts in the series to fully understand the plot (or else grab A Christmas Tail, the complete Primrose Terrace collection in one novel), but I am loving how Raincoats and Retrievers moved everything on - my views on Mark (which were previously 'Urgh!  What the **** does Cat see in him?!') changed slightly and although I'm still 100% Team Joe I felt a shift where I didn't actually cringe every time Mark was mentioned. I was less interested in Juliette and Will's story, but it was typical that Cat would get involved in someone else's business - after all, she's a bit of a meddler, in the nicest possible way. 

The romance, angst and quiet tension throughout is offset by the stunningly gorgeous seaside location and a community spirit that brings a smile to my face.  The only thing I'd have liked more of is Joe, but then I do seem to have developed a bit of a bookish crush on him...

For fans of serialised novels, romance or just anyone looking for a darn good read, this is an absolute must.

Raincoats and Retrievers (and the complete collection of Primrose Terrace books A Christmas Tail) is out now, published by Harper Collins.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine blog tour!

Rebecca Raisin has long been a favourite author of mine and although I've not yet had chance to read her new release The Little Bookshop on the Seine I'm looking forward to snuggling down with it on one of these long dark nights.

However, I HAVE heard all about it from other bloggers and reviewers and these are the reasons I'm so excited about this book...

 It's set in Paris...

 

 ...in a bookshop...

 

...you can't get much more romantic than that.

 

It reminds us of the importance of true friendship...

 

...and true love.

 

Plus, it's written by this lovely lady so the writing is bound to give...

 

...those warm, fuzzy feelings that come from reading a gorgeous story told with heart.

 

Knowing I have it on my kindle ready to read makes me feels like this!

 

 

YAAAAAAY!

 

 

 

Still not sold?  What's wrong with you?!  But seriously, if you want to try before you buy, why not read this extract to get a flavour of Rebecca's writing style?

 

The Little Bookshop on the Seine is out now, published by Carina.

 



Just the Way You Are- Lynsey James

The Blurb

Dear Ava, How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart? 

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can't remember the last time she had a second date. It's a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces.

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two - she's in love with someone else. Someone she's never even met.
It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer... but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken.

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she's determined to unmask Mr Writer... and find out once and for all if he's Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

 

The Review

I've 'known' Lynsey on twitter for a few years now through the book blogger community and was thrilled to hear she'd been offered a book deal with Carina!  She'd mentioned her writing before and I loved the idea of a mysterious admirer sending old-fashioned love letters - after all, you can't get much more romantic than that.

Just the Way You Are is Ava's story. There's her work life, where she's desperate to write a barn-storming article to win the dating column from her arch-rival.  Her tight friendships with Gwen and Max, people she hopes will always have her back.  The relationship she builds with Ivy, a lady she strikes up a bond with and decides to make it her mission to reunite her with lost love Leo.  And of course, the letters from Mr Writer...

That's the one part of the book I was less keen on, the secret admirer.  The idea itself was great, but I just didn't feel there were enough contenders for the role of Mr Writer.  There wasn't any mystery for me and I'd expected to be wondering who was wooing Ava for far longer than I actually was.  This book is marketed as a romantic puzzle but for me the subplots were far more appealing, mainly because unlike the Mr Writer storyline, I genuinely wasn't sure how they'd play out.  Personally, I was more drawn to Ivy and Leo's story than Ava's and I'd have loved them to be the central characters in this book.  Their story had such bitter-sweet history and with Ava determined to reunite them I was willing a happy ending for this older couple.  Ivy was definitely my favourite character - wise, but with a sense of fun. 

I'm looking forward to seeing what Lynsey does next when her second novel, The Broken Hearts Book Club is released next week. 

Just the Way You Are is out now, published by Carina UK.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Sunshine and Spaniels- Cressida McLaughlin

The Blurb
Hilarious, touching and fun, Primrose Terrace will appeal to dog lovers everywhere and fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley.

Cat Palmer’s dog-walking business, Pooch Promenade is taking off. It hasn’t been plain sailing but with the help of her flatmate Joe, she’s taken on some more new clients from Primrose Terrace. But when she meets boisterous puppy Olaf, who is owned by harassed single mum Frankie, she wonders if she has bitten off more than she can chew! Cat’s also getting to know her sexy neighbour Mark and his Collie, Chips, a little better, but is there more to him than meets the eye? Perhaps sorting out her best friend Polly’s love life will be easier than her own…

Sunshine and Spaniels is the second part of a serialized novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

The Review

I read and reviewed part one of the Primrose Terrace series earlier this year- you can see that review here.  I mentioned then how I wasn't always a fan of serialised novels, and that still holds true.  Personally, I find it takes a while to reengage with the characters when there's been a while between release dates, and then the first few pages are spent reintroducing the protagonists and the setting.  However, that's just my taste, and although I still feel I'd rather be reading this in one lovely chunky book than in shorter novella-style snippets, I can only review on what's in front of me at the time.

And what was in front of me was some fabulous writing!  Cressida McLaughlin has created such a warm and friendly place in Primrose Terrace, somewhere it is a delight to visit, even if that is only through the pages of a book. 

Cat, the cheery optimist who runs a dog-walking business, organises a puppy picnic at the local park.  Here we are introduced to lively puppy Olaf and his family, and Cat, always keen to help, offers her support to struggling young Mum, Frankie.  I loved this storyline.  It had the cosy, community feel I always adore, and without giving too much away, never have I so coveted a fictional bedroom!

I liked that Cat's friend Polly was given her own love interest this time around too- as a veterinary nurse with a kind, caring nature, she deserves some happiness.  I hope that by the next instalment things will still be on an upward trajectory for her (and her beau has the most perfect job!)

The love triangle for Cat still smoulders on- should she pick enigmatic Mark or her reliable housemate Joe? (Pick Joe, pick Joe!)  I have less of a bad feeling about Mark after this one, but there's still an element of distrust.  He's just so unreliable, which is never good.  Plus Joe sounds so lovely- if she doesn't end up with him, he can be my next book boyfriend instead.  Some of the things he does are incredibly thoughtful and that always makes me swoon.

Overall, I really enjoyed reacquainting myself with these characters.  I hope Cressida McLaughlin is writing fast, because I'm gagging for a full length novel full of the heart and humour that this series has.  Sunshine and Spaniels is another winner!

Sunshine and Spaniels is out now, published by Harper Collins.

With thanks to the publisher who gave me a copy of this book in return for my unbiased opinion.

Return to Bluebell Hill- Rebecca Pugh

 

The Blurb

 

As sweet and satisfying as strawberries and cream! This British summertime, get out in the garden with Rebecca Pugh’s sparkling debut novel.

 

Home is where the heart is…  Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own house? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she’d be returning under such heart wrenching circumstances…

Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents’ death is difficult for Jessica—they never had the best relationship and now it’s too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme—and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Rueben!—opens Jessica’s eyes to the potential of Bluebell House… Could this big old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?

Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Rueben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica’s world is turned upside down…

Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?

An emotional tale of self-discovery, taking chances and romance! Rebecca’s unique British voice feels like coming home again and again.


The Review

Return to Bluebell Hill was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the summer.  I know Rebecca through the book blogging community and we started submitting our writing to publishers at the same time, sharing the stress of the nail-biting period where you press refresh on your email every two minutes. So to be able to review her debut and be part of her blog tour is absolutely fantastic- she's proof that with hard work and determination dreams can come true!

Return to Bluebell Hill is a romantic and mysterious tale based around protagonist Jessica's sudden return to the sleepy village she grew up in.  She arrives back full of doubt and uncertainty after the sudden death of her parents, and as the story develops it's apparent that life as she knows it is about to change forever.  Firstly, there's Rueben, the attractive gardener who's caught her eye, but there's something else too- as she clears out her family home Bluebell House ready for putting on the market she uncovers secrets beyond anything she could have believed possible...

I really liked Jessica and felt for her situation. To go back to somewhere that holds bad memories takes guts, especially without any family for support.  That's why I was glad she had strong relationships with her friends such as Sarah and Esme, and I found the scenes where she opened up to those closest to her were cosy and comforting to read. 

Personally, I preferred the storyline with the air of mystery to that of the romance, especially in the first half of the book- the secrets had me turning the page as I desperately wanted to find out more!  In fact, I'd love Rebecca to go down that route and write something laden with suspense and intrigue as those weighty scenes were fabulous- I wolfed them down like they were a box of Tunnock's teacakes! It wasn't that I wasn't interested in Rueben and Jessica's relationship, more that I was greedily trying to get back to the thread that had so grabbed my attention.

The descriptions, particularly of Bluebell House and Bluebell Hill appealed to my daydreamy nature, and I was delighted how the way they were described in the novel perfectly matched the images in my imagination.  I want a house like Bluebell House with a wraparound porch and woods all around it for romance and naughtiness...what a gorgeous location creation.



Rebecca Pugh


Overall, Return to Bluebell Hill is a well-worked blend of romance and suspense which had me longing for the valleys of my own home town. It's already storming in the rankings and I sincerely hope it continues to ride high- there's nothing like seeing a debut author grow in popularity! 

An easy-to-read summer treat which makes me curious as to which direction Rebecca will take with her follow up novel, Rebecca's writing may appeal to fans of authors such as Katie Fforde and Giovanna Fletcher.

Return to Bluebell Hill is out now, published by Carina UK.

With thanks to the publisher who provided me with a copy of this book in return for my thoughts.

Waiting on Wednesday- Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin

This week, my Waiting on Wednesday book is by one of my favourite contemporary romance authors, Rebecca Raisin.  I've read all her previous releases and loved them, and her summer 2015 release sounds like another book to snuggle down with and get totally lost in! 

 

 

The Blurb

 

Maple sugar kisses

 

Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart… Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…! But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Syrup Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup! The new standalone novel from bestselling author of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy and The Bookshop on the Corner, Rebecca Raisin.

Don't miss a single book in the Once in a Lifetime collection: The Gingerbread Cafe Trilogy:Book 1 - Christmas at the Gingerbread CafeBook 2 - Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread CafeBook 3 - Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread CafeThe Bookshop seriesBook 1 - The Bookshop on the CornerBook 2 - The Little Bookshop on the Seine (coming October 2015)

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm is available in ebook format from July 17th, published by Carina.

Raine English sharing an excerpt from Second Chance Bride, part of the Magical Weddings collection

Today's guest is Raine English, here to talk about Second Chance Bride, her new release which is published today as part of the Magical Weddings collection.

Happy publication day to Raine and all the authors involved in this release!

*

Thanks for inviting me here today to talk about my new release, SECOND CHANCE BRIDE. I love summer weddings, so it’s no coincidence that the heroine in my new book is planning one. However, fate steps in when a telepathic rescue dog convinces her she’s marrying the wrong man and leads her to Mr. Right.

Here’s a short excerpt from SECOND CHANCE BRIDE:

Kya walked him to the door. After he left, she went back into the kitchen and took her dinner out of the refrigerator. She’d begun to eat the rest of it when Lucky, who was sitting at her feet, scratched at her leg with his paw.

I can’t believe you’re going to marry that jerk.

She dropped her fork, and it hit the plate with a clatter. “What’s wrong with me? Am I losing my mind?”

There’s nothing wrong with you, except that you’re marrying the wrong guy.

She stared into the dog’s deep brown eyes. “Then why do I think you’re talking to me?”

Because I am.

“But that’s not possible. Maybe I put too much wasabi in my soy sauce, and I’m hallucinating.”

You know that’s not it. We really are having a conversation. Okay, my part might only be in your head, but it’s still real.

She shook her head as if that would make the voice she was hearing go away. “This is crazy. Just crazy, and it can’t really be happening.”

I’ll prove it to you. Ask me a question.

SECOND CHANCE BRIDE is part of the MAGICAL WEDDINGS box set on sale now for a limited time for only $0.99/£0.99.

 

 

15 Romances by USA Today and National Bestselling Authors

--All stand-alone stories (no cliffhangers)
--Includes 14 New Releases written expressly for this set!
--Limited time (get your copy now)
--Over 97% off retail for the individual books once they become available separately!

Whether real or only in the hearts of the bride and groom, the magic of weddings is undeniable. And irresistible! As these 15 enchanting happily-ever-afters by bestselling and award-winning authors prove.

From sweet to spicy, the romances bundled into this set cross time and unite hearts, cast spells of laughter, battle wedding jitters and fight back tears, while weaving love's hopeful magic throughout 1400 pages.

Her Wedding Wager by Leigh Michaels, National bestselling and Award-winning author. Unless Celia can marry a titled gentleman before Lady Stone's house party ends, she'll end up in an arranged marriage with her distant cousin Simon. It's Simon who's wagered she can't win the most important bet of her life, so why is he the only one who can hold her attention?

The Last Wedding at Drayhome (Breens Mist Witches) by Aileen Harkwood, author of paranormal and fantasy romance. Never underestimate the power of a witch and warlock in love who have nothing left to lose.

The Dress by Eve Devon. Two couples, 400 years apart. From a masquerade ball in Venice 1615 to a wedding in England 2015, can a dress laced with magic weave its spell through the fabric of time?

Second Chance Bride by Raine English, USA Today bestselling and Award-winning author. She thinks she's marrying the man of her dreams, until a telepathic rescue dog leads her to someone else... Will this bride-to-be say "I do" to the wrong man?

Two Hearts Surrendered by Tamara Ferguson, Bestselling and Award-winning author. After years of fighting their feelings, Kelly and Luke share a night of passion at her sister's wedding.  But will one night of enchantment be strong enough magic for Luke to surrender his heart to the woman he loves - once this military hero returns home as a disheartened wounded warrior?

Something Borrowed, Something Blue by Lynda Haviland. She has a wedding to crash--until love gets in the way!

Heart of the Secret (Witches of Lane County) by Jody A. Kessler, Bestselling and Award-winning author of new adult paranormal romance. A 500 year-old curse, a witch who will do anything to marry her one true love, and the heart of a secret that will either divide them or bring them together...forever.

The Jealous Love of a Scoundrel by Jane Lark, National bestselling author of Regency historical and new adult romance. How do you fight a calling that comes from your soul?

A Wedding Across the Winds of Time by Bess McBride, National bestselling author of time travel romance. Darius and Molly found each other Across the Winds of Time. Now, it's time for their wedding!

Kiss This by L.L. Muir, National bestselling and Award-winning author. You never expect the florist to catch the bouquet...

Caution is a Virtue by Jennifer Gilby Roberts, author of Regency romance and women's fiction. How much is too much to risk for love?

Loving Lindy by Jan Romes. In order to become the bank's new Vice President, Gunther Justin has to be "settled." With Lindy McPherson posing as his fiancé everything is set to go off without a hitch--until real feelings get in the way.

With this Kiss by Heather Thurmeier. Can a simple kiss under the Bridge of Sighs wield enough magic to reunite former lovers, or will what happens in Vegas simply stay in Vegas?

Real Magic by Elsa Winckler. She's the bridesmaid, he's a best man. Will the magical evening stay just that or will it turn out to be real after all?

The Wedding Guests (A Tassamara Short Story) by Sarah Wynde. When unexpected guests attend Akira and Zane's wedding, lives will change forever. But for better or for worse?

MAGICAL WEDDINGS: 15 ENGAGING ROMANCES is available at these retailers:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GEDBPe
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1ewV9SE
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1dyBCRp
B&N: http://bit.ly/1dAAdtJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1SrS6us
iTunes: http://apple.co/1RcL2Ai
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1emycBp

 

Author Bio: USA Today bestselling author RAINE ENGLISH writes sweet small-town contemporary romance, along with steamier paranormal and Gothic romantic suspense. She’s a Daphne du Maurier Award winner and a Golden Heart finalist. She lives in New England with her family and her French bulldog, Bailey.

You can find Raine English at www.RaineEnglish.com

http://www.facebook.com/RaineEnglish

https://twitter.com/RaineEnglish.com

 

High Wages- Dorothy Whipple

The Blurb- taken from the Persephone Website

It is about a girl called Jane who gets a badly-paid job in a draper’s shop in the early years of the last century. Yet the title of the book is based on a Carlyle quotation – ‘Experience doth take dreadfully high wages, but she teacheth like none other’ – and Jane, having saved some money and been lent some by a friend, opens her own dress-shop.

As Jane Brocket writes in her Persephone Preface: the novel ‘is a celebration of the Lancastrian values of hard work and stubbornness, and there could be no finer setting for a shop-girl-made-good story than the county in which cotton was king.’ And the cultural historian Catherine Horwood has written about this novel: ‘Dorothy Whipple was only too well aware that clothes were one of the keys to class in this period. Before WW1, only the well-off could afford to have their clothes made: yards of wool crepe and stamped silks were turned into costumes by an invisible army of dressmakers across the country, and the idea of buying clothes ready-made from a dress shop was still unusual. Vera Brittain talks of “hand-me-downs” in Testament of Youth with a quite different meaning from today. These were not clothes passed from sibling to sibling but “handed down from a rack” in an outfitter’s shop, a novelty.’ High Wages describes how the way people shopped was beginning to change; it is this change that Dorothy Whipple uses as a key turning point in her novel.

The Review

I read High Wages for the Sheffield Persephone Book Group, and we last Thursday we met at Bird's Yard Sheffield to discuss our latest read.  Here are a few of my thoughts about the book.

High Wages had appealed to me for a long time, mainly because everything I'd read about it indicated it was the story of a young woman starting a business and making her way in the world.  Although written in 1930, the book is set from c1912 into the 1920s, and I'd expected Whipple's novel to offer a good insight into the life of ambitious women in this pivotal period in history.

The opening scenes, where Jane takes a job at a large department store, grabbed my attention.  I could imagine the shop windows and down-on-her-luck Jane peering into them full of hopes and aspirations.  I wanted to know where the plot would go and if this would be the inspirational shop girl-made-good story I hoped for.

It's fair to say I was surprised when the emphasis of the story shifted to romance, as although it's an ever-popular theme in literature- particularly that aimed at women- the reviews and articles I'd seen focussed on the elements of fashion, business and society within the novel.  Jane, who in the early chapters appears to be quite an 'average' girl in every sense, seems to turn men's heads left, right and centre.  The creative Wilf and attractive Noel both show signs of interest in Jane, and there's also evidence of her hold over other men, such as mentioned in the scene at the ball.  I imagine some of these scenes were considered quite risqué when the book was first published.  As a reader of contemporary romance, I can see how High Wages might be considered an early example of modern women's fiction-it had a lot in common with the bestselling 'chicklit' titles I've read recently. 

Whilst I liked the writing style and some of the more vividly painted scenes (especially the visit to the seaside which captured the essence of the great British holiday), I longed for more consistent character development.  It felt hard to get to know who Jane was and what she wanted, and although I mostly wished her success there were times I thought she acted inconsistently.  However, High Wages is early Whipple, written at a time when she was developing her style and honing her writing skills, and I can imagine her later works are more well-rounded in a literary sense.

High Wages was a page turner of a book and I can see why it appeals to the modern reader.  It just wasn't what I'd expected.  If you're interested in social history, the development of women's fiction and enjoy a good old-fashioned love triangle, High Wages might be for you.

High Wages is out now, published in paperback by Persephone Books.

Waiting on Wednesday...Dream A Little Dream- Giovanna Fletcher

It's that time again- Waiting on Wednesday, the meme created by Breaking the Spine where bloggers share their excitement for forthcoming releases!

 

Today I'm shouting about Giovanna Fletcher's summer release Dream a Little Dream.  Last year I devoured You're The One That I Want and Billy and Me- both were engaging, romantic reads that made me fall just a little bit in love with Giovanna Fletcher's writing.  Her summer release sounds like a perfect summer novel for whiling away the days, and I'm likely to be reading this as soon as my preorder flashes up on my kindle!

 

Even the cover is beautifully summery and cheery!

 

 

 

The Blurb

The new gorgeously romantic novel from bestselling author of Billy and Me and You're the One That I Want, Giovanna Fletcher.

Sarah is doing just fine. Sure she's been single for the last five years, and has to spend an uncomfortable amount of time around her ex-boyfriend, his perfect new girlfriend and all their mutual friends. And yes, her job as a PA to one of the most disgusting men in London is mind-numbingly tedious and her career is a constant disappointment to her mother. But it's really okay. She's happy (ish).

But it's not surprising that when Sarah starts dreaming about a handsome stranger, she begins to look forward to falling asleep every night. Reality isn't nearly as exciting. That is until her dream-stranger makes an unexpected real-life appearance, leaving Sarah questioning everything she thought she wanted.

Because no one ever really finds the person of their dreams... do they?

Dream a little Dream is released on June 18th 2015, published by Penguin.

Wellies and Westies- Cressida McLaughlin

The Blurb

Hilarious, touching and fun, Primrose Terrace will appeal to dog lovers everywhere and fans of Lucy Diamond, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley.

Catherine ‘Cat’ Palmer realises, too late, that bringing an adorable puppy into work at the local nursery was a bad idea, especially after the ensuing chaos gets her the sack.

Determined to turn a negative into a positive, Cat decides this is the perfect opportunity to get her dog-walking business off the ground with the help of her flatmates, Polly and Joe. After all, Primrose Terrace where she lives, is full of home-alone hounds…

Wellies and Westies is the first part of a serialized novel told in four parts – all set in Primrose Terrace.

The Review

I was so delighted when Wellies and Westies popped up on my kindle!  It was one of my most anticipated releases of the Spring and I was sure I'd love it.  After all, who doesn't love a westie?  They're one of the cutest dog breeds around.  I also loved the cover, with its bright, fresh colours, perfect for the season and that subtle hint of romance with the male and female feet heading towards each other. 

The story itself was cute- Cat has moved to a new area and taken a job at a nursery.  She knows it's not the right place for her, but on a practical level it's a real blow when she gets the sack-she's still got her bills to pay, after all.  So, she uses her initiative, and with the encouragement of her friends Polly and Joe her new business 'Pooch Promenade' is born. 

Cat's new career is one aspect of this novella, but her love life is another.  She keeps running into Mark and his collie in the neighbourhood when she's out walking the dogs, but he's hard to fathom.  The owner of the local coffee shop has suspicions he's up to no good, and is he romantically involved with the minor celebrity who lives down the road?

I didn't take to Mark at all, I'm sorry to say.  He gave me the willies with his arrogant nature and borderline slimy flirting.  Cat's flatmate Joe on the other hand-he was much more my type.  I'm looking forward to finding out more about him and his well-toned abs in the next book...

But Wellies and Westies introduces not just the human characters, because there are canine ones too-and they really are characters in their own right.  I'm definitely dog broody as a result of reading this.  Disco is an absolute charmer of a dog! 

Cressida McLaughlin has an easy-to-read writing style and a chatty and engaging voice, which reminded me of Sophie Kinsella.  I can absolutely see why she's so highly regarded within the genre and I'm sure this series is going to be a great platform for her to build her readership.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella, my only complaint being that it seemed to end too abruptly.  The next instalment of Primrose Terrace is out next month, and I can't help but wonder if it would have worked better if the publisher had released this series as a full length.  That said, I'm certainly going to keep reading and look forward to Sunshine and Spaniels' release on June 18th.

Wellies and Westies is out now in ebook format, published by Harper.
With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Somewhere Only We Know- Erin Lawless

The Blurb

‘Engaging modern day romantic fiction, that will make you smile all the way through.’ – Bestselling Irish author Carmel Harrington

Boy meets girl…

Alex Bradley can't help but feel that life is rather passing him by. And not just life – promotions, invitations, romance; the girl he loves only has eyes for his flatmate and his 9-5 job as the Immigration department skivvy is slowly numbing his soul. Until he meets Nadia.

Girl meets boy…

Nadia Osipova is running out of time. With no money, no lawyer and a totally fictitious boyfriend, she’s got one last summer and one last appeal before the British government deport her back to Russia.

Girl gets deported?

It's going to be a bumpy ride, one she's dragging her new friend Alex along for. As Nadia races through a list of all her favourite London adventures, for what may be the last time, Alex can’t help but start to see the city, and his life, through Nadia’s eyes.

From hazy summer days on the Common and heady nights in Soho’s basement bars, to twilight walks along the Southbank, will Alex realise what he’s got before it’s too late?

Funny, addictive and always honest, this is a love letter to London, friendship and the unexpected from the author of the bestselling The Best Thing I Never Had. 

The Review
 

Show More

At the back end of 2013, I was invited to take part in a blog tour for a book by a debut author.  I wasn't told much about it; only that it was contemporary romance and centred around a group of friends at university.  Despite being up to my eyes in Advent-ures in Fiction, my annual celebration of festive books that runs throughout December, I said yes.  And I'm so glad I did, because that book, The Best Thing I Never Had, was one of my favourite reads not just of that year, but ever.

 

I've been impatiently waiting for a new book from Erin Lawless for the past eighteen months.  I've hounded the poor girl with tweets asking questions, like 'what's the new book called?', 'when's it out?', 'can't you just give me some teensy hints about what the characters are like?'

 

And now, finally, I'm able to say I've read it, and I love it just as much as The Best Thing I Never Had. It is powerful and emotive, it made me laugh, and cry, and feel.

 

Somewhere Only We Know is told from the viewpoints of two central characters- Alex, who works in the immigration department, and Nadia, who is waiting for the government to make a decision about whether or not she can stay in the UK.  The pair start out as strangers, but from the moment Alex lays eyes on Nadia's application he takes a shine to this vivacious girl, someone who has friends fighting for her to be granted permission to stay, someone who loves British life, who has grabbed London by the scruff of the neck and desperately tried to experience all that the city has to offer.

 

I'll admit it.  At the start of the book Alex was a bit irritating. He comes across as a bit of a wimp.  He's a games console geek who spends most nights playing gooseberry and feeling a bit jealous, because his best friend's going out with the girl he himself fancies.

 

But, when Alex and Nadia's paths coincidentally cross, he's forced out of his shell.  Alex tries new things, grows in confidence and becomes someone more fun-loving.  More laid back.  More like Nadia.

 

Their friendship grows and soon they are spending more and more time together.  What they have together is enviable and the easy openness Nadia and Alex share floods off the page.  Honestly, this book gave me so many warm and fuzzies, it's untrue! 

 

Of course, what happens in the future depends on whether Nadia will be given Indefinite Leave to Remain and be able to stay in London.  If she has to return to Russia, she'll be leaving not just Alex, but her friends Holly, Caro and Ledge, who are still backing her application with a desperate, but empty, hope.

 

I cried during the opening chapters and I wept at the end.  This book was devastatingly brilliant, and the warmth of Alex and Nadia's relationship radiated off every page.  It's the kind of book that makes you want to tell those you love just how special they are to you and to wrap them in a bear hug and never, ever let go.

 

Erin Lawless- you've done it again.  Somewhere Only We Know is an absolute triumph.  From now on, whenever I'm asked for my favourite authors your name is going to be right up there.

 

So, I'd better head off to twitter because I've got just one more question...how long until book three's released?!

 

Somewhere Only We Know is released in ebook format on June 11th 2015 and in paperback 16th July 2015, published by Harper Collins' digital first romance imprint Harper Impulse.

 

With thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.