The Beachside Guest House by Vanessa Greene

The Beachside Guest House by Vanessa Greene

Published: 10th September 2015

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 336

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

When Rosa and Bee get together in the run-up to Bee's wedding, they reminisce about the holiday they took together as teenagers to the beautiful Greek island of Paros. They remember the sandy coves, the guest house in the converted windmill where they stayed with their friend Iona, and the gorgeous local men. As memories of that long-forgotten holiday resurface, they are forced to confront the turns their lives have taken - and the guilt they both feel about letting Iona slip away from them. When they learn that the windmill guest house is going bust they form a plan: why not go back to the island and take it over themselves? And so begins a life-changing journey - because it turns out that opening a guest house and reliving their teenage dreams isn't that easy ...Full of romance and friendship, love and life, laughter and tears, The Beachside Guest House is an uplifting novel about the magic of starting over with friends by your side.

Review

Rosa, Bee and Iona have been friends since they were children, sharing everything together as they grew up, especially a wonderful holiday they had on the Greek isle of Paros as teenagers before they went into the world as adults. More recently Iona has slipped off into her own world with boyfriend Ben and Rosa and Bee feel her loss as they struggle with issues in their own lives. When they learn that the windmill guesthouse where they stayed on the island is for sale Rosa decides its time for a career change and buys the place. Bee feeling unhappy with her impending marriage to boyfriend Stuart ends her relationship and joins Rosa. Can the two of them make a go of running the windmill and can they reach out and bring Iona back into their lives?

This is the first book by Vanessa Greene which I have read and its one which I became hooked on straight away. Vanessa’s writing style is heartfelt and emotional and I connected with the three main characters almost instantly and all the way through I was rooting for them and hoping they were going to make a success of the guesthouse, despite a number of setbacks.

Of all the three main characters I found Iona the most interesting, her struggles with her anxieties made her more complex than Rosa and Bee for me. Vanessa has written her character is such a way that I felt Iona’s pain and wanted her to make the right decision, I know I could so easily have found her annoying and become easily frustrated by her reasoning.

I loved how the Guesthouse became a sanctuary for all three woman while they lived there. As the guest house became ready for visitors the three women found they were able to move on from the past and embrace new adventures and new relationships and find true happiness.

Friendship and its importance is a big theme in this book. Despite years and miles apart Rosa, Bee and Iona have come together and their friendship is just as close as when they were teenagers. Proving that no matter what the problems you face are or the distance apart true friends will always be there to help you through the difficult times.

The Beachside Guest House is the perfect read for this time of year when the nights are growing colder and we’re all hanging to the last threads of summer, it’ll remind you of that perfect holiday you once had.  It’s a book to curl up with and will make you feel warm and cosy when you’ve finished.  I loved everything about this book as it kept me interested all the way through and the characters were ones which I really came to care for. I loved the ending as it tied things up for each character but also left the book with a potential follow on (please!).

It was a joy to discover Vanessa Greene’s writing and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. Thank you to Little Brown and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.

Rosa, Bee and Iona have been friends since they were children, sharing everything together as they grew up, especially a wonderful holiday they had on the Greek isle of Paros as teenagers before they went into the world as adults. More recently Iona has slipped off into her own world with boyfriend Ben and Rosa and Bee feel her loss as they struggle with issues in their own lives. When they learn that the windmill guesthouse where they stayed on the island is for sale Rosa decides its time for a career change and buys the place. Bee feeling unhappy with her impending marriage to boyfriend Stuart ends her relationship and joins Rosa. Can the two of them make a go of running the windmill and can they reach out and bring Iona back into their lives?

This is the first book by Vanessa Greene which I have read and its one which I became hooked on straight away. Vanessa’s writing style is heartfelt and emotional and I connected with the three main characters almost instantly and all the way through I was rooting for them and hoping they were going to make a success of the guesthouse, despite a number of setbacks.

Of all the three main characters I found Iona the most interesting, her struggles with her anxieties made her more complex than Rosa and Bee for me. Vanessa has written her character is such a way that I felt Iona’s pain and wanted her to make the right decision, I know I could so easily have found her annoying and become easily frustrated by her reasoning.

I loved how the Guesthouse became a sanctuary for all three woman while they lived there. As the guest house became ready for visitors the three women found they were able to move on from the past and embrace new adventures and new relationships and find true happiness.

Friendship and its importance is a big theme in this book. Despite years and miles apart Rosa, Bee and Iona have come together and their friendship is just as close as when they were teenagers. Proving that no matter what the problems you face are or the distance apart true friends will always be there to help you through the difficult times.

The Beachside Guest House is the perfect read for this time of year when the nights are growing colder and we’re all hanging to the last threads of summer, it’ll remind you of that perfect holiday you once had.  It’s a book to curl up with and will make you feel warm and cosy when you’ve finished.  I loved everything about this book as it kept me interested all the way through and the characters were ones which I really came to care for. I loved the ending as it tied things up for each character but also left the book with a potential follow on (please!).

It was a joy to discover Vanessa Greene’s writing and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. I give The Beachside Guest House 5/5 it was brilliant.Thank you to Little Brown and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 17th July 2015

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 384

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Secrets...we all have them.

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 Tree 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!

Review

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm is another fabulous read from Rebecca Raisin who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. She has an amazing ability to write magical stories which instantly capture your heart and this one is no exception.

In this book we meet Lucy who has spent the last few years devotedly caring for her ill mother and spending every spare moment working to keep a roof over their heads. Lucy’s mother begs Lucy to go out into the world and experience life for a year, so she can develop her passion of panting and hopefully apply for the prestigious Van Gogh Institute in Paris. Reluctantly Lucy agrees and catches the first bus she finds which takes her to Ashford, that wonderful town Rebecca Raisin fans have all grown to love. Aboard the bus Lucy meets Ashford resident CeeCee who mentions Lucy may be able to earn some money at the local maple syrup farm. At the farm Lucy meets Clay, the mostly silent and brooding handsome owner of the farm. Despite a rough start Lucy begins to fall for the charms of the maple trees, the town of Ashford and a certain gorgeous farmer.

I loved being back in Ashford, it sounds like the perfect little American town with The Gingerbread Café at the heart of it and everything else you might need located within easy reach. The community spirit which flows through this town is overwhelming as everyone seems to get along and pull together when needed, making this book a joy to read. Not mention another festival is celebrated, which I have adored from previous books, the food descriptions are to die for! This time it’s a maple syrup festival to celebrate the new harvest and my goodness the food they cook up sounds utterly delicious!

The dynamic between the lovely caring Lucy and the gruff but extremely hot Clay was brilliant. I just loved how they bickered with each other like a couple of teenagers, pretending to dislike each other but secretly hoping the other person likes them back and something will happen. It was a joy to read and all the way through I was wanting that magical moment to happen…and when it did it was perfect.

The thing I love most about Rebecca’s writing is the way she includes her previous characters into each new book, so while reading it’s just like going on a holiday to catch up with old friends. It was lovely in this book to catch up with Lil, CeeCee, Missy and Becca and find out how they are all doing and new character Lucy just fitted in so well with them.

Secrets of the Maple Syrup Farm is a lovely tale of friendship, community, romance, opportunities and of course finding out all the secrets hidden within the Maple Syrup Farm. I have loved returning to Ashford and all its inhabitants and eagerly await Rebecca’s next novel, where hopefully the characters will return. This book gets a rating of 5/5 easily, it’s just lovely.

Thank you to Carina UK and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

 

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

Published: 24th September 2015

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 501

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

The gift of a lifetime?

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?  

 

Review

Anna Browne is just an ordinary girl going out about her everyday life as a receptionist at the Daily Messenger a tabloid newspaper in London .She just hopes to blend in and have an easy life. But someone believes Anna deserves more from her life and soon beautifully wrapped parcels begin to arrive for Anna from a mystery sender. The parcels are beautiful and remind Anna of happier times from her childhood. With each new parcel Anna grows in confidence and her everyday life begins to get more exciting as Anna edges out of her comfort zone.

As Anna tries to work out who the mystery sender is she begins to come closer to two men in her life.  Straight talking next door neighbour Jonah Rawdon and flighty but handsome news reporter Ben McAra, both have feelings for Anna but does she have feelings for either? Will Anna find out who is sending the mystery gifts? Will she find out why?

A Parcel for Anna Browne is the latest enchanting tale from Miranda Dickinson, it’s a book I’ve been very much looking forward to reading as I’m a girl who loves getting parcels (even the ones I’ve paid for), so to read about someone receiving beautiful mystery gifts for no reason was very intriguing and an ideal plot for a good story.

I found the initial chapters a little slow as nothing much happens, but in these we get to know Anna and her everyday life with her friends and colleagues. Anna is essentially a “nice” girl, she doesn’t say anything bad about anyone, she avoids confrontation, she agrees with people just to keep the peace. At first I did find her a little boring as a main character but after the first parcel arrives she begins to change and gradually take steps out of her comfort zone she begins to believe she is worth more and that she matters. This slowly turned her into a stronger character, who is not afraid to stand up for herself and make herself heard, this Anna I liked very much. What made her endearing was she even when she was more confident she was still a good person who was able to forgive and see the good in people…well most people.

The thing I really enjoyed in this book were all the extra characters, each which have been given their own personality and felt very real. My personal favourites were security guard Ted and fellow receptionist Sheniece, I just loved the easy banter between them and they way they both obviously cared about Anna very much.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is a story which celebrates ordinary people and what makes them special. It is a novel full of mystery and intrigue with a sprinkle of romance and I loved the message it gives us. That each and every one of us has the choice to live our own life and be the best we can be. I think this is the perfect heart-warming, feel good read to curl up with this autumn. I’d like to thank Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the chance to review this delightful novel and I rate it 4 out 5.

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 11th September 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 300

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…

After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

 

Review

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is Christie Barlow’s second novel featuring mum of four Rachel Young and her adventures in the playground in the village of Tattersfield. If you read the first novel then like me you will have been longing to find out what happened after Rupert was a little too honest on New Year’s Eve.  Luckily for me I already had a copy of the second novel already to go so I could dive straight in. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book (but you really should its brilliant!) Christie gives us enough background information in the first couple of chapters so you can work out who is who and what happened previously.

I think I loved this one even more than the first book. Penelope has become even worse for Rachel to deal with, subjecting her to tacky speed dating, airport hysterics and meltdowns at the school fair. I really liked the introduction of new character Melanie and liked that Rachel was able to make a normal friend to counteract Penelope’s craziness. It was also good to read about the little romance blooming between Melanie and the hunky farrier.

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is a book which echoes the reality of the playground and vamps it up making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. All the way the book you’re just longing for Rachel to tell Penelope No!! As the book comes full circle back to New Year’s Eve Penelope finally gets her comeuppance and it’s just perfect for her!

As a sequel this is just as good as Christie’s first novel and one I enjoyed immensely. I love her to revisit Rachel’s life again, but if not I’m sure her next novel will be just as brilliant and one I can’t wait to read.

I’d like to thank Bookouture for sending me a review copy though Netgalley and give this book 5 out 5.  

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 9th June 2014

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 336

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Blurb

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A PLAYGROUND MOTHER Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven't this is a hilarious must read. A month by month comical tale of a young mother fighting for her place in the world against the backdrop of the Playground Mafia. As her life unfolds and she takes us through from one amusing anecdote to another the characters come to life. There is Penelope who has a lot more going on in her life than she bargained for and Mrs Noland who has a lot less than she claims, not to mention Rupert who is a VERY busy man. With Mrs High School Musical, The International Sex God and The Frisky Pensioner, the characters are undeniably fascinating and leave you compelled to read more. Who knew that one false move in the playground, one step in the wrong direction or smile at the wrong person could lead to such complications? The witty one liners and side splitting stories will keep you amused from beginning to end. Lively and entertaining, a hilarious comedy that every playground mother can relate to.

 

Review

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother follows life of Rachel Young as she leaves behind the bitchiness and competition of the suburban mothers and sets off for a quiet life in the county…or so she thought. Instantly Rachel is catapulted into the extreme madness of the playground mothers in Tattersfield, a small village and unwittingly she befriends probably the maddest and most competitive person of them all Penelope Kensington. As the school year progresses will Rachel make it out sane or will she succumb to the playground mafia.

I loved this book so much, it’s probably one of the funniest books I’ve ever read with the most annoying characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about: Penelope Kensington. Imagine every annoying thing that a primary school mother can do and this woman will do it and no one will stand in her way as she just doesn’t understand the word NO. Penelope is a woman who you just love to hate and throughout reading this book you will just want to shout NO PENELOPE!! Many, many times. Poor, poor Rachel being stuck with her, the woman deserves a medal!

This was a hilarious and quick read for me as the writing style is very easy flowing. It felt like Rachel was telling me the story herself over a coffee and it was very addictive. I also loved the way so much happened, there was constantly some drama taking place, usually with Penelope at the centre of it and dragging Rachel along for the ride.

I was lucky that I was able to read the follow on book for this straight after as there was a cliff-hanger ending that just made me desperate to find out what was going to happen. So I would definitely suggest you pick up this book and its sequel Misadventures of a Playground Mother and read them back to back.

I loved this book and rate it 5/5, one to share around the playground with your fellow mums.

 

 

Book Review - The Last Kiss Goodbye by Tasmina Perry

 

The Last Kiss Goodbye by Tasmina Perry

Published: 10th September 2015

Publisher: Headline Review

Pages: 383

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

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Blurb

Everyone remembers their first kiss. But what about the last?

1961. Journalist Rosamund Bailey is ready to change the world. When she meets explorer and man about town Dominic Blake, she realises she has found the love of her life. Just as happiness is in their grasp, the worst happens, and their future is snatched away.

2014. Deep in the vaults of a museum, archivist Abby Morgan stumbles upon a breathtaking find. A faded photograph of a man saying goodbye to the woman he loves. Looking for a way to escape her own heartache, Abby becomes obsessed with the story, little realising that behind the image frozen in time lies a secret altogether more extraordinary.

 

Review

The Last Kiss Goodbye is the latest novel by Tasmina Perry and I think it is her best yet. This novel like her previous novel The Proposal (I’ve still to read this one yet…my bad) is written with a dual time aspect, which is a different style to her previous high glamour novels but done in the usual addictive Tasmina Perry writing style.

The Last Kiss Goodbye starts in 1961 with Rosamund Bailey, a young activist set on changing the world, until she meets Dominic Blake political journalist and born explorer. As two fall in love and begin to plan a future together tragedy strikes the unlucky pair.

Fast forward to 2014 and Abby Gordon an archivist is putting together an exhibition of British explorers when she discovers a photograph of two young lovers saying goodbye. Deeply moved by the photograph Abby sets out to discover who the people in the photograph are. She then meets Rosamund Bailey, the woman in the photograph and sets out to discover what exactly happened to Dominic Blake after that last kiss goodbye.

Abby was a character who instantly made her way into my heart, she’s suffering from heartbreak after discovering husband Nick has an affair and I think she was determined to use the photograph as proof of everlasting love to sooth her broken heart. I was longing for her to give Nick another chance and let them become a family again.

Rosamund came across as slightly harsh with her opinions in the 1961 chapters. After she meets Dominic you can begin to see her soften a little as she falls in love and who can blame her – if a handsome man whisked me away to Paris I’m sure I’d fall for him in such a romantic place.

I found this novel to be beautifully written and the romance in it is subtle but so moving, I think it will be hard to read without feeling a little pull at the heart strings. The ending was perfect and I think captured the overall essence of the story wonderfully.

I’m really excited to see that one of my favourite authors has taken the leap into historical fiction as dual time frame novel are my favourite to read and The Last Kiss Goodbye is a perfect example of this. I’m quite glad I still have The Proposal to read as I know I’m going to love it! I can’t wait to read Tasmina’s next novel as I’m sure it will be brilliant.

Thank you so much to Headline and bookbridgr for sending me a copy to review, I adored this book and give it 5/5.



Book Review - The Wedding Cake Tree by Melanie Hudson

 

The Wedding Cake Tree by Melanie Hudson

Published: 7th  April 2015 (Paperbacck Edition)

Publisher: Choc Lit UK

Pages: 384 pages

Available on Kindle and in Paperback

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Blurb

Can a mother’s secret past provide the answers for a daughter’s future?
Celebrity photographer Grace Buchanan has always known that, one day, she’d swap her manic day job for the peace and quiet of her beloved childhood cottage, St Christopher’s – she just didn’t expect it to be so soon.
At the reading of her mother’s will, she’s shocked to learn that she hardly knew Rosamund at all, and that inheriting St Christopher’s hangs on one big – and very inconvenient – condition: Grace must drop everything for two weeks and travel the country with a mysterious stranger – war-weary Royal Marine, Alasdair Finn.
Caught in a brief but perfect moment in time, Grace and Alasdair walk in Rosamund’s footsteps and read her letters at each breathtaking new place. As Grace slowly uncovers the truth about her mother’s incredible life story, Alasdair and Grace can’t help but question their own futures. Will Rosamund’s madcap scheme go to plan or will events take an unexpected turn?
An emotional, fun-filled and adventurous journey of a lifetime.

 

Review

The Wedding Cake Tree is Melanie Hudson’s first novel and I thought it was brilliantly written in a very evocative style which left me hooked until the end.

Grace Buchanan is a commercial photographer, longing for the day she can settle down in her childhood home St. Christopher’s, a cottage hidden away from the outside world. Sadly for Grace this day comes a little too soon as her mother Rosamund passes away, but before Grace can claim her inheritance she must embark on a journey planned by her mother, taking with her hunky military man Alasdair.

Grace reluctantly sets off on the journey which takes her to across England, Scotland and even Europe, at each destination Grace learns more of her mother’s past through letters Rosamund has written and slowly she begins to piece together the mystery of her mother’s life and who her father was.

As Grace and Alastair begin their journey they are quite hostile to each other but like any good romance as they begin to get to know each other they begin to have more feelings for each other which eventually become passionate. I loved the way these two interacted with each other, they didn’t want to grow emotionally attached to each other but could only fight their feelings for so long. However their road to romance wasn’t exactly smooth but one which I found very enjoyable to read about.

I think the thing I love best about this novel was the descriptions of the places visited by Grace and Alastair, it was so realistic. I have never been to Scotland and climbed a mountain but while reading about these two doing just that I felt that I had been there too. I loved the twist at the end too, which was unexpected but I think worked really well in helping Grace to finally settle in life.

The Wedding Cake Tree is a lovely novel about going on a journey to discover who you really are and where you belong in the world. I thought this was done really well and the simmering romance between Grace and Alastair was perfectly pitched to fit with the story. I’m interested to see what Melanie Hudson’s next novel is like and if she can again capture the essence of many places in one book.

Book Review - Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

 

Second Chance Summer ( Cedar Ridge #1) by Jill Shalvis

Published: 30th July 2015

Publisher: Headline Eternal

Pages: 368

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

Lily's been back in Cedar Ridge for less than ten minutes when she bumps into Aidan, the former love of her life. So much for sneaking back into town unnoticed. And thanks to frizzy hair and armfuls of junk food, she's turning his head for all the wrong reasons.

No one knows why Lily is home after ten years, and she's determined to stay no longer than the summer. But Cedar Ridge and Aidan have other ideas. As they set about persuading Lily to give them a second chance, she finds herself falling under the spell of the Colorado mountains ... and the one man she could never forget.

 

Review

Second Chance Summer is the second novel I’ve read by Jill Shalvis and initially I was a little disappointed as it seemed to mirror the other Jill Shalvis book I have read which was Simply Irresistible. In both of these books the main heroine returns to her hometown after many years away, they then bump into an old boyfriend/ very hot guy and become overcome with lust. Luckily after a few chapters Second Chance Summer became its own story and one which I began to really enjoy.

Lily Danville has returned to Cedar Ridge her childhood home after ten years away. She’s not happy about having to return but an incident with her old job as a celebrity stylist means she’s been blacklisted almost everywhere, until her old friend Jonathon gives her a job at the Cedar Ridge resort salon. The resort is owned by the Kincaid family, one of which Lily had a huge crush on in her younger days and is now desperate to avoid. So who is the first person Lily runs into…literally...yes you’ve guessed it Mr Heartthrob himself Aidan Kincaid and almost instantly the sparks begin to fly.

All Lily wants is to hide away and battle with her guilt from her past but the more she sees Aidan the more obvious that there is some major chemistry between these two. Eventually she gives in but will she be able to conquer her feelings of guilt and will Lily and Aidan get the happy ever after that we are all hoping they will?

I loved the chemistry between the characters in this book. Lily and Aidan obviously had loads of chemistry sizzling between them and it was lovely to see Lily begin to loosen up let Aidan into her heart. I also loved the chemistry of other characters in the book, my favourites having to be the silly antic between the Kincaid brothers, I just loved the scenes with the fancy pants they made each other wear. I also enjoyed the friendly banter between Lily and Jonathon and was lovely to read about two friends so comfortable in each other’s company, even after ten years apart.

Although this is predominantly a romance novel I really enjoyed the background story that was being created around Cedar Ridge and its residents, which has left us with many questions for future books, what has happened to Jacob Kincaid? Will the Kincaid family keep their resort? What is Kenna’s background story? All of these I’m sure will be answered in future books in the series, which I am really looking forward to reading.

Second Chance Summer is a lovely romantic novel sizzling with chemistry and funny moments. It’s a story of romance, friendship, family loyalty and most of all being able to let go of the past and living for today.

I really enjoyed reading this novel and am eagerly awaiting the next Cedar Ridge book My Kind of Wonderful which is released at the end of this year.  I would rate the book 4 out of 5.

Thank you to Headline Eternal for sending me a copy to review.

Book Review -The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth

 

The Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth

Published: 27th September 2015

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 336

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

What if those you cherish harboured a secret that could break you?

Neva Bradley, a young midwife, has just learned that she is expecting. She's been present at the magical stages of many women's lives but she is determined to keep the details surrounding her own pregnancy hidden. And the weight of Neva's secret is beginning to bear down on everyone around her . . .

Neva's mother Grace finds it impossible to let the subject rest. But the more Grace presses Neva about the identity of the baby's father, the more withdrawn she becomes.

For Neva's grandmother, Floss, a retired midwife, Neva's predicament eerily mirrors events from her own past. She now must decide whether she is ready to confront a memory she's managed to supress for over fifty years.

As Neva's bump grows, it becomes harder to conceal the truth. Will each of the women reveal what has been buried for so long, or are some secrets best kept hidden?

Review

When Sally’s Hepworth’s debut novel The Secrets of Midwives popped through my letter box I was very excited, this is exactly the sort of story I love to get lost in and discovering new authors is always exciting. After the first couple of chapters I was completely engrossed in the story of these three women and well I lost the rest of the day while I finished it.

The Secrets of Midwives tells us the story of Neva, Grace and Floss who are three generations of a family of midwives. Neva Bradley the daughter is pregnant and at thirty weeks is desperately trying to hide the pregnancy from her family to avoid all the questions and fuss as the baby has no father. Grace, the mother is determined to find out the father of her daughters baby and doesn’t see how her questions are causing rifts between the family members. For Floss the grandmother, Neva’s situation is forcing her to face her past, something she is not certain she is ready to do.

The Secrets of Midwives is told in alternative chapters between these three women as they battle with the secrets they are hiding. I loved that each voice was easily distinguishable, something which I feel was very clever given that the three women are related and are all midwives (or retired midwives) and they do lead similar lives.

I really enjoyed all three of these women and as their secrets came out, some which are expected and some which are not I felt a bond with all three of them. I loved reading about when Floss was younger and the events which led her to keep a secret for almost sixty years…now that takes willpower.

The author obviously knows lot about midwifery and particularly childbirth as there are a couple of scenes which are very detailed, a little too much maybe for the squeamish among us. She has also managed to capture with her beautiful writing just how magical the moments after childbirth are when you finally get to gaze on your little ones face and are filled with love instantly.

I loved everything about this book, the characters are lovely and the descriptions of places and events are very realistic, making me feel like I was there too. I loved that all the way through the book there are questions that need answering such as who is the father of Neva’s baby? And what exactly is Floss hiding? Both which I felt were answered very well right at the end of the book in a brilliant ending to a fabulous book.  I have adored Sally’s writing style and am eagerly going to be awaiting her next novel Things We Keep which will be out in 2016.

Thank you so much to Pan for sending me a copy to review, a well-deserved 5 out 5!

 

Book Review - Stirred With Love by Marcie Steele

 

Stirred With Love by Marcie Steele

Published: 3rd September 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages:300

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …

Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left.

After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.

Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.

When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.

But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix.

When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?

 

Review

 

Stirred With Love by Marcie Steele (aka Mel Sherratt of crime fiction fame) is the story of three very different women coming together at crucial points in their lives, and reopening a coffee shop.

 Lily the shop owner has just lost her husband and is looking to revamp her coffee shop for a newer market so advertises for staff to help her run the place, with the promise of good prospects for the right candidate. First comes Kate, a thirty-two year old who’s just split up with her husband and looking for a fresh start in a new town. Then there is Chloe an eighteen year old diva looking for some fun before her A-level results come out and she finally has to decide what to do about her future. This unlikely trio soon find they have formed a strong bond both with each other but also with The Coffee Stop itself, which soon becomes home for them all.

I really enjoyed reading about each of the women’s journeys as they each experienced some highs and lows. I did feel that some of the relationships with Jake and Will particularly were a little rushed and I would have liked a little bit more time to digest what was happening. My favourite character was Lily as she seemed the consistent with her views. Kate was initially wanting to leave her husband and then became upset when he left her which I didn’t understand. Chloe wanted to be treated like a grown up but I felt she showed her immaturity on many occasions.

I did feel that although Stirred With Love has some moments which made me laugh and cry, which I enjoyed, it was just another coffee shop story which I have read many times before and nothing stood out to make this different.

Stirred With Love is an easy read and one which I read over a couple of evenings, it’s a story of friendships, new beginnings and having the confidence to believe you can do what you want.

I would like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy and I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.

 

Book Review - The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies

 

The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jeffries

Published: 3rd September 2015

Publisher: Penguin UK

Pages: 418

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Blurb

Two newlyweds: practically strangers, deeply in love, and each hiding a secret from the other...

 

Nineteen-year-old Gwendolyn Hooper steps off a steamship in Ceylon eager to begin her new life as a married woman. But the husband who greets her is distant, secretive and brooding. Laurence is forever away working, leaving his young English bride to explore the vast tea plantation alone. Wandering into forbidden places, Gwen finds locked doors, trunks filled with dusty dresses, a tiny overgrown grave - clues to a hidden, unspeakable past.

 

Gwen soon falls pregnant and her husband is overjoyed, but in the delivery room she is faced with a terrible choice - one she must hide from Laurence at all costs. When the time comes to reveal the truth, how will he ever forgive what she has done?

 

Review

The Tea Planter’s Wife follows the story of Laurence and Gwen Hooper as they return to Ceylon to begin married life.  As soon I began reading this book I knew it was going to be special, the descriptive language used in the first chapter instantly transported me onto the boat arriving in Columbo alongside Gwen. The author has captured the true essence of Ceylon perfectly right down to the cinnamon and jasmine in the air masking the underlying smell of the sewage, which made me feel like I was living the story.

As the newly- weds begin their married life, Laurence becomes distant as Gwen begins to feel uncertain of her future, especially as she discovers things which begin to make her question Laurence’s past – hidden graves, locked rooms, things hinted but left unsaid by her maid and sister in law Verity. Soon Gwen finds herself pregnant and Laurence is overjoyed but on the night she gives birth Gwen gets a terrible shock and is faced with a difficult decision, one which will alter their lives forever.

This book is so much more than just a marital saga it deals with jealously, conflict, prejudices, tragedy and secrets. I particularly loved the way the author has captured the historical elements of the period including the workers unrest on the tea plantations, the prejudices of mixed race marriages and the impact of the 1929 stock market collapse, it really added to the realism of the story.

It’s also a book which affected me with all the emotions in it, Gwen and Laurence are lovely characters and so in love with each other and so eager to keep each other happy that they don’t completely reveal everything to each other, this leads to tragedy that could so easily be avoided if they’d just opened up a little more. I felt my heart breaking along with Gwen’s as she has to decide what to do and so many times I was longing for her to tell Lawrence.

This is exactly the type of book that I adore, it full of romance, with a historical element and elements of mystery all bound together by brilliant writing. The Tea Planter’s Wife is definitely one of my favourite books of 2015 and I cannot wait to read more from this wonderful writer.

Thank you so much to Penguin UK for sending me a copy to review, I loved everything about his book and give it a very well deserved 5/5!

 

 

Blog Tour - The Waiting Game by Jessica Thompson

 

The Waiting Game by Jessica Thompson

Published: 13th August 2015

Publisher: Coronet

Pages: 326

Available now from Amazon

 

Today I'm excited to be part of The Waiting Game blog tour and firstly I have an exclusive extract from the book, followed my review of this wonderful book.

 

 

Extract

The ground seemed to speed up beneath Nessa’s feet. Grass, straw and soil rushed beneath her, faster and faster . . .

She looked up occasionally, terrified she might turn her ankle on a molehill, or a clod of mud. She wasn’t sure if she’d feel it even if she did hurt herself. Adrenaline’s natural painkilling qualities coursed through her limbs.

Nessa had never run this fast in her life. She hadn’t even known she was capable of it. Her breathing had regulated, so she was able to propel her legs forwards, launching herself over obstacles. She bounded forwards, her calves and thighs working like pistons. Faster, faster. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to stop now, even if she tried.

Is this madness? Is this how it feels?

The field looked as if it might go on forever. The forest was seemingly moving backwards in the distance rather than getting closer, as if it were a cut-out paper prop controlled by a child, gleefully moving the goalposts. Nessa came to a low gate. She didn’t have time to fiddle with it to get it open and then close it behind her again, so she put one hand down on the rough warm wood and launched her legs over it. She landed, surprisingly hard, on some damp soil on the other side. The shock from the landing reverberated up her body so that her teeth smacked against each other, catching the tip of her tongue. It hurt so much it brought tears to her eyes. She could taste the metallic, iron flavour of blood in her mouth, but she didn’t care. She had to keep going. A small group of cows in a nearby field watched on casually, chewing slowly and moving their mass from hoof to hoof, the occasional shake of a tail to bat the flies away.

Eventually, Nessa reached the opening of the forest. She kept running; her feet landed on dried-out twigs and branches that crackled and crunched beneath her feet. The sunshine pierced through the canopy of trees that provided a roof of broken shelter over the forest. The light glittered, shimmering on the ground. She didn’t really know where she was going anymore. She just had to keep going. Where had the tiny figure disappeared to?

‘Jake!’ she yelled, the word booming from her chest. She imagined each letter of his precious name growing wings, rising up and getting tangled in the trees, each singing their own desperate song of a woman who had, quite literally, lost a man.

‘Jake!’ she cried again, louder this time, her eyes still watering with the pain in her mouth. More blood.

‘Jake!’ she cried, as if her life depended on it.

‘JAKE!!’ she yelled again, furiously this time. She hoped that if he might somehow be able to hear her, he would know how livid she was with him.

 

The forest seemed to reduce itself towards a small, dark archway created by a particularly thick group of trees that bent towards each other at an angle. There were two other pathways, to the right and left of this rabbit hole, but she decided to take the central route. She slowed down, but kept running, stooping as low as she could to get into the tunnel. The sunshine barely penetrated this place, and she was plunged into near darkness.

Nessa slowed down, suddenly feeling exhausted, slinking into a fast walk, her breath rattling in her chest. The running and adrenaline had caught up with her. She felt more tired than she ever had.

And then suddenly, as if from nowhere, someone grabbed her from behind, their arms clamped so tightly around her waist, it felt as if they might break her lower ribs. Her feet were swept off the ground, effortlessly.

 

Blurb

Ness Bruce had waited for her husband to return home from Afghanistan for what felt like forever. Now the moment was finally here.

But Jake Bruce didn't come home.

Nessa's life - and that of her rebellious daughter Poppy  - is turned upside downin an instant. What has happened to the elusive man at the centre of their world? They hold onto the hope that he is still out there somewhere, alive...but as time passes by, Nessa is forced to look at her life, at the decisions she has mad and the secrets se has kept. For maybe somewhere within it all lies the answer to the question -  where is the man she loves?

Review

The first thing that drew me to The Waiting Game was its cover. That green metallic is even more gorgeous in real life making this cover one of my favourites from the year so far. I’ve not read anything by Jessica Thompson but have heard great things about her writing I was very excited to review this book for the tour. This book more than lived up to my expectations, it was heart aching beautiful in the way it captures emotion is such a raw way. I simply loved it.

Nessa Bruce has been waiting for her husband Jake to return from armed forces for months and she’s beginning to really struggle with holding it all together. Fourteen year daughter Poppy is pushing her mother to the limits with teenage rebellion, sister Kat is wanting answers from their childhood that Nessa has kept hidden and her mother in law Betsy is needing more emotional support as her husband Mike stoops deeper into the depths of dementia. Nessa is counting down the days until Jake’s return, but then then the unthinkable happens and Jake doesn’t come home. Nessa’s world is rocked to the core as she has to learn to cope on her own.

Initially I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy this book as the plotline seemed very straight forward, however I was unprepared for the wonderful way in  which Jessica’s writing drew me in, so I felt like I was on Nessa’s emotional rollercoaster alongside her. Nessa’s pain got into my heart and I was just longing for Jake to come back and put his arms round her and make it better in the way we know only the one you love can do.

There were some parts of the story which I found to be predictable but then there were also twists which I was unprepared for, one of which felt like my heart had landed in my stomach and had me crying out. Jessica’s writing is very powerful and I can guarantee it will move you emotionally. It is a book which deals with love, loss and finding your inner strength when you’re totally at rock bottom.

I adored this book and cannot wait to read more of Jessica’s books. If you only read one book this summer, make sure it this one as it’s very special.

Thank you to Coronet for inviting me on this tour and sending me a review copy, I rate this book 5/5.

 

Book Review - The Betrayal by Laura Elliot

 

The Betrayal by Laura Elliot

Published:  14th August 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 376

Available on Kindle and in Paperback

Order from Amazon

 

Blurb

A perfect divorce. A new flame. And a deadly obsession.

Nadine and Jake Saunders were married as teens. Tied to one another by a night of passion that resulted in a pregnancy neither could turn away from.

Now, years later, their children have all flown the nest and the pact they made as teenagers – to give one another the freedom to pursue their own dreams – has resurfaced.

But freedom comes at a price …

While Nadine and Jake begin to untangle their lives from one another, Jake embarks on a passionate affair with a beautiful woman, Karin Moylan. What he doesn’t know is the dark history Karin shares with Nadine.

As lust spirals into dangerous obsession, Jake must break free from Karin. But he must also ask himself how well he ever really knew Nadine. What secret is she hiding? The truth, when it is revealed, could destroy them all.

 

Review

The Betrayal is the second book by Laura Elliot that I have read, Fragile Lies was brilliant so I was really looking forward to reading her next book. The Betrayal is a book which fills you with intrigue from the very first paragraph when Nadine catches a glimpse of Karin Moylan and this sets off a chain of events which are just scary.

Jake and Nadine have been married since they were seventeen, a marriage based more on the circumstance of an unplanned pregnancy rather than love, four children and twenty years later they are still together but both feel slightly tied down and long for the missed freedom of their youth. At Nadine’s request they agree to a “perfect divorce” where they will remain friends and united for their children. However a chance meeting brings Karin Moylan back into their lives, Nadine’s childhood best friend who she would rather never set eyes on again. As Jake begins a passionate affair with the tempting seductress he doesn’t realise just how much he is putting his family at risk as this woman will do anything to keep her man.

I loved that this was written from the dual aspects of Jake and Nadine in alternating chapters as I felt it really added to build up the tension and suspense in this book as each begins to realise just how dangerous Karin can be and how scared they are for each other.

The whole basis of this novel was why did Nadine and Karin fall out all those years ago? Eventually we learn the truth through Nadine’s memories but it was totally not what I expected at all! I think I changed my mind a few times as to what the reason was but was wrong…so wrong which is exactly what I want to be when reading a psychological thriller.

The character of Karin was really quite scary in the way she was able to manipulate events and family members to get exactly what she wanted, I would not like to be in her firing line! I think it will take me quite a while to look at kingfisher blue, Karin’s signature colour and not feel a little uneasy.

Jake and Nadine were both very likable characters and all the way through I was so hoping that they would forget this silly “perfect divorce” thing and stay married as they seemed so right for each other. I was so angry with Jake that he could hurt Nadine the way he did, although I don’t really think he stood a chance against Karin. I loved that they both had a really strong sense of family and would go rushing to various members whenever they needed help.

The Betrayal is a novel based full on intrigue, suspense, lust and tragedy and most of all obsession. It was a little bit of a roller-coaster for me as at some points I was a little bored, mostly with the Alaska trip and Eleanor’s party politics but then at other points like the historical memories and the crash I was hooked. I did enjoy this book  and will definitely reading this author’s other works, but please think of some better names next time, Sam and Samantha for twins and Daryl and Carol Farrell, sorry but I didn’t like them!

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy, overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to her next one, I’d give this book a rating of 4 out of 5.