Release Day Round-Up #8

This week there are some super books published, including some from a few of my favourite authors. So here is my pick for this week:

 

The Christmas Party by Carole Matthews

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 416

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order from Amazon now

 

Louise Young is a devoted single mother whose only priority is providing for her daughter, Mia. Louise has a good job in a huge international corporation and she's grateful for it. The only problem is her boss who can't keep his hands to himself, but Louise can handle him. What she really doesn't have time for is romance - until she meets the company's rising star, Josh Wallace.

Louise usually says no to evenings out but she's decided to let her hair down tonight. It's the office Christmas party, she has a pretty dress to wear and she's looking forward to some champagne and fun. She's completely unaware that others around her are too busy playing dangerous games to enjoy the party - until she's pulled into those games herself . . .

 

Who is not waiting to read this book? I pre-ordered mine ages ago and the little beauty popped through my letterbox this morning, going to save it for nearer Christmas so look out for a review in December.

 

 

A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Headline Review

Pages: 389

Available on kindle and in Paperback

Pre-Order a copy from Amazon here

 

Aisling Brady is miserable. So is her husband Mossy. The three kids are too. Yet nobody dares say a thing. Instead, the Bradys keep their heads down and grimly look forward to another miserable Christmas in Dublin. What Aisling doesn't know is that - this year - they will get the most unexpected gift of all. One that will bring joy and heartbreak, hope and a string of sleepless nights. As their world is turned upside down, questions have to be asked. But are the Bradys ready to face the truth about themselves? And what each of them has done?

 

I'm a huge Clare Dowling fan and was super excited to receive a copy to review from Headline Review. I loved this book, its was full of the drams and twists you expect in a Clare Dowling novel. To see my full review of this book click here.

 

 

From Notting Hill with Four Weddings...Actually by Ali McNamara

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 448

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Set in the world of all your favorite rom-coms, a gorgeously romantic new novel by the author of "From Notting Hill with Love . . . Actually" Movie addict Scarlett O'Brien is finally living the jet-setting life she's dreamed of, but it all hangs by a shiny, golden thread. Flying between London and New York, running two businesses, and planning her wedding to handsome fiance Sean along with her best friends Oscar and Maddie--life couldn't be better. Then Scarlett meets paparazzi darling Gabriella Romero, and life suddenly becomes even more extravagant and glamourous. But as she begins to experience the other side of being rich and famous, it's not only Scarlett's perfect wedding that's put in jeopardy, but her whole world

 

I've not read the Notting Hill series yet but it looks like something I would love, its a series I'm hoping to read next year.

 

 

Love Me or Leave Me by Claudia Carroll

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback or on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

‘Welcome to the Hope Street Hotel – where you check in married, and check out single.’
Two years ago Chloe Townsend was dumped at the altar and had to leave behind everything that mattered to her. Even now she’s finding it hard to move forward. That is until she lands an incredible job, running a brand new boutique hotel. Suddenly she’s starting to put her life back together, and, apart from the fact that her hard-to-please new boss is breathing down her neck, things are looking good.
But what goes on in the Hope Street Hotel is a far cry from anything she’s ever dealt with before. This is a pioneering ‘divorce hotel’ designed to make every aspect of breaking up efficient and pain-free. In one single weekend, Chloe’s team promises to take care of everything – legal, technical, emotional – and guests check out carefree and single.
No one is better qualified than Chloe to understand what couples need when their relationship is at breaking point, but she soon finds herself having to tackle the heartbreak she’s tried to bury. In particular three couples need her help – Jo and Dave, Lucy and Andrew, and Kirk and Dawn – and the opening weekend is full of revelation, trouble, memories happy and sad, facts that need facing, and some very big surprises.
It’s time to move on. And it soon becomes clear that some endings are, in fact, very exciting new beginnings …

 

This book looks like one that I will love, I'm hoping to pick up a copy real soon. So that's my picks for this week, what have you got your eye on this week?

 

Book Review - A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling

 

A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Headline Review

Pages: 389

Available on kindle and in Paperback

Pre-Order a copy from Amazon here

 

Blurb

Every family has its ups and downs ...

Aisling Brady is miserable. So is her husband Mossy. The three kids are too. Yet nobody dares say a thing. Instead the Bradys keep their heads down and grimly look forward to another miserable Christmas in Dublin.

What Aisling doesn't know is that this year, they will get the most unexpected gift of all. One that will bring joy and heartbreak, hope and a string of sleepless nights.

As their world is turned upside down, questions have to be asked. But are the Bradys ready to face the truth about themselves? And what each of them has done?

 

Review

 

On the outside the Brady family looks like any other ordinary family about to celebrate Christmas, however on the inside this family is miserable.  Mother Aisling is at breaking point trying to hold everything together.  Two days before Christmas and the family are dreading another day spent trying to pretend everything is normal, son Anto and his dad are at each other’s throats and to top it all the dodgy collection of outdoor lighting has blown a fuse and left the family with no electricity.    In bursts daughter Louise with a baby she found in the crib in their nativity scene.  As the family begins to piece together who the baby is and where he came from things begin to change in the Brady household and one thing is certain, things will never be the same again.

I love Clare Dowling novels and this one is no exception, she has a real talent for creating heart-warming family dramas which draw you in and keep you wanting more.  In A Special Delivery she has created a family which represents a normal family dealing with issues some families will face, although maybe not all at the same time.  Although the Brady’s are unhappy there is still some sense of togetherness and the arrival of grandson Darren draws them closer than they’ve been for years.

I really felt for Aisling she’s trying so hard to cling to the family she loves even though deep down she knows some members need to be left on their own. As the book unfolds she has to face more and more drama and I’m glad she was tough enough to stand her ground. My favourite character in the book was Anto which surprised me as I don’t generally relate to teenage boys. I really liked the way he changed from a sulky lazy teenage boy to a one which was driven and had direction. I also liked the way he played with Darren and tried to teach him to crawl, so cute.

This is a novel about families which deals with a number of problems drug abuse, unwanted teenage pregnancies, post-traumatic stress disorder, sibling rivalry and growing up and taking responsibility.  It is a book full of twists and turns and will keep you guessing all the way through. The twist at the end totally shocked me and had me going “No!”

I really enjoyed this book and it’s made me realise how much I’ve missed reading Clare’s books, definitely time to pick up some more I think. Fans of Clare Dowling will love this, its jam packed with family drama and makes a brilliant read.

 

I would like to thank bookbridgr and Headline Review for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating 5/5

 

 

Top Ten Tuesday - Series I Want To Read

 

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's list is new series' I want to start reading, this was quite hard as I tend to prefer to read standalone novels, but here is what I came up with:


1. The Notting Hill Series by Ali McNamara
With the release of book three From Notting Hill with Four Weddings Actually on Thursday I think its time to start this series.


2. I Heart Series by Lindsey Kelk
This series has been out for a few years but is probably the one I'm most looking forward to starting.


3. Monument 14 Trilogy by Emmy Laybourne
This is not something I would normally pick up as post-apocalyptic novels are not my thing but this kind of reminds me of a television show I watched years ago called The Tribe, so I'd be interested to see if it was similar to the program I remember.


4. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
I've been unsure about this series for months, I love the covers and love the idea of fairy-tale retellings but I'm not sure about reading about cyborgs.


5. Beautiful series by Jamie McGuire
I'm intrigued by this series, it looks to have an interesting premise and I'd like to see how it develops.


6. The Selection series by Kiera Class
I love the covers on these books, stunning dresses, I like the idea of this and have read a sample on my kindle which I quite enjoyed so finishing the series would be good.

7. Collide series by Gail McHugh
I just love the sound of this one, definitely one I want to start soon.

8. Snow Crystal Triology by Sarah Morgan
This sounds like the perfect Christmas trilogy so may start this as part of my Christmas reading this year

9. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
I've seen a couple of episodes of this and really enjoyed it, so I'd like to read the books that the series was based on.

10. The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley
The first book in this series is released next month and I think it looks amazing, I can't wait to get hold of a copy of this book.

So that is my list,  I'd love some recommendations for a great historical fictions series or a great crime series as I'd  like to read more of these genres over the next few months, so if you've read any good ones I'd  love to know

Book Review - Six Stories and An Essay by Andrea Levy

 

Six Stories and An Essay by Andrea Levy

Published: 23rd October 2014

Publisher: Tinder Press

Pages: 127

Available on Kindle and in Hardback

Pre-Order a copy from Amazon

 

Blurb

Andrea Levy, author of the Man Booker shortlisted novel THE LONG SONG and the prize-winning, million-copy bestseller SMALL ISLAND, draws together a remarkable collection of short stories from across her writing career, which began twenty years ago with the publication of her first novel, the semi-autobiographical EVERY LIGHT IN THE HOUSE BURNIN'.

"None of my books is just about race," Levy has said. "They're about people and history." Her novels have triumphantly given voice to the people and stories that might have slipped through the cracks in history. From Jamaican slave society in the nineteenth century, through post-war immigration into Britain, to the children of migrants growing up in '60s London, her books are acclaimed for skilful storytelling and vivid characters. And her unique voice, unflinching but filled with humour, compassion and wisdom, has made her one of the most significant and exciting contemporary authors.

This collection opens with an essay about how writing has helped Andrea Levy to explore and understand her heritage. She explains the context of each piece within the chronology of her career and finishes with a new story, written to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War in 1914. As with her novels, these stories are at once moving and honest, deft and humane, filled with insight, anger at injustice and her trademark lightness of touch.

 

Review

This is not normally the type of book that I would read; I much prefer longer books where you really get to know the characters. However I have been interested in reading something by Andrea Levy for some time, so this seemed the ideal book to try.

I really enjoyed Andrea Levy’s writing style its light and flows really well, the stories were written in such a way that you could imagine her telling you the story herself. I was a little frustrated that as soon as the stories began they were over and we didn’t get chance to find out much about the characters and their situations.  Each story did have a point to make and I liked that, maybe if they had been longer the reasons behind them would have been lost. The stories were moving and humorous, my favourite story was “That Polite Way That English People Have” The essay at the beginning gave an interesting insight into Andrea’s life in 1960s London and her reasons for beginning to write.

I would recommend this book if you are a fan of Andrea Levy’s work or who want to have a taster before you read one of her longer novels.  For me it was lacking in the character development which comes with longer stories but I did find the writing style enjoyable so will probably read one of her longer works in the future.

Thank you to Georgina at Headline for sending me a copy to review. I rate this book 3/5

 

Sunday Showcase #13

 

Showcase Sunday is a weekly event hosted by Vicky at Books, Biscuits and Tea where book bloggers share what books they have added to their collection in the previous week. This week I've been full of cold so I've managed to get through quite a few books. I've also being on Netgalley again, that site is so addictive to a book blogger. So here is what has been added to my tbr pile this week:

 

 

These two books I received from publishers

 

The List by Joanna Bolouri sent from Quercus as part of a blog tour in November

The Winter Gathering by Deirdre Purcell sent from Frances at Headline for review as part of bookbridgr

 

Here is what has been added to my kindle through Netgalley:

 

 

Difficult Husbands by Mary de Laszlo published by Bookouture

Coming Home to You by Liesel Schmidt published by Carina UK

Driving Home for Christmas by A. L. Michael published by Carina UK

The Great Christmas Knit Off by Alexandra Brown published by Harper Collins

Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell published by Headline Review

 

I am BEYOND excite to have been approved to read the books by Alexandra Brown and Jill Mansell, I love their writing so much!

 

I've read quite a few books this week:

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

Christmas at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin

Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin

Six Stories and An Essay by Andrea Levy

A Special Delivery by Clare Dowling - on chapter 12

 

This week on my blog:

Monday - Review A Christmas to Remember by Jenny Hale 5/5

Wednesday - Review Christmas at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin 5/5

Wednesday - Review Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin 5/5

Thursday - Release Day Round Up #7

Friday - Review Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson 5/5

Saturday - Review Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin 5/5

 

I've read and reviewed some amazing books this week, its impossible to pick a favourite but if your looking for a Christmassy read then pick one of these.

Book Review - Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin

 

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 15th October 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 304

Available on Kindle

Order a copy now from Amazon

 

Blurb

You are invited to the wedding of the year!
Snow is falling thick and fast outside the Gingerbread Café and inside, its owner Lily is planning the wedding of the year. Her wedding! She never dreamt it would happen, but this Christmas, she’ll be marrying the man of her dreams - in a Christmas-card-perfect ceremony!

The gingerbread is baking, the dress is fitted and the mistletoe’s in place – for once, everything’s going to plan. That is until her mother-in-law arrives... Suddenly, Lily’s famous cool is being tested like never before and her dream wedding is crumbling before her eyes.

In the blink of a fairylight, the Gingerbread Café has been thrown into chaos! Lily thought she had this wedding wrapped up, but with so much to do before she says ‘I do’, can Lily get to the church on time – and make this Christmas sparkle after all?

 

Review

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café is the third and sadly final book in the Gingerbread Café series.  It’s a year since they’ve been together and Lily and Damon are busy planning their Christmas Eve wedding. Everything is all set out to be perfect, until Damon’s parents arrive earlier than expected and everything that can go wrong does, can Lily pull it all together before the big day?

After seeing the stunning cover for this book I couldn’t wait to read it and the book itself is every bit as beautiful as its cover. I loved the first two Gingerbread Café books and didn’t think they could be beaten, but Rebecca has done it again, it’s even more wonderful.

As well as Lily, Damon and CeeCee this book also has more background story from other characters such as both Lily and Damon’s parents and Lily’s friends Sarah and Missy as well as little Charlie joining them all just before the wedding. I think having theses extra characters really added depth to the story and made Ashford more of a real place and one I’d definitely want to live in. Sarah and Missy sounded like the perfect girlfriends to have around and share the joy of planning your wedding with.  I really liked the way Damon’s mum Olivia opened up to Lily, as at first when she was trying to meddle I really didn’t like her, I mean why couldn’t she see Lily and Damon are perfect for each other!

Again Rebecca has described some delicious food that just makes this book scrumptious, the description of the wedding cake that Lily and CeeCee was wonderful and I would love to have had a slice. I also think a recipe for butterscotch pie should have been included as this just sounds amazing.

The wedding was simply stunning and Rebecca’s writing really made you feel like you were experiencing it for yourself. The wedding dress sounded like a dream and I would love to wear the same one for my own wedding one day.  The best thing about the wedding was it was very emotional and touching, I was actually crying happy and sad tear as Lily and Damon exchanged vows.

Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café was the perfect book to end a lovely trilogy. I will really miss Lily, CeeCee and the gang as I felt like I knew them and I’m sad that I have to say goodbye.  I hope there are more books from Rebecca on the horizon.  If you want to share a few hours with a lovely bunch of characters wrapped up in festive cheer than add this book to your collection this Christmas.

Rating 5/5

Book Review - Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

 

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

Published: 17th October 2014

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 232

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon here

 

Blurb

For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned…

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again.

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past.

Review
Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake follows the story of the two Angel sisters Tamsin and Sam. Tamsin is living a glamourous life which involves spending her husband’s money and planning her next fabulous interior. She spends most of her time creating the most fabulous parties for her rich friends and neighbours.  Sam’s world is completely different she spends all her time making cakes for her White Angel bakery trying to scrape enough money together to meet her next rental payment. One night Tamsin’s perfect world comes crashing down on her when the bailiffs come knocking on the door and she finds out her husband has scarpered. Forced to move in with sister Sam the two sisters soon realise that deep down they are not as different as they first thought.

This is the first book by Sue Watson that I have read and I absolutely loved it, I was almost in stitches laughing at the comical exchanges between the two sisters. The chapters alternate between their viewpoints and for the first few chapters I found this a little repetitive as the same scenes were described by both sisters, but once I got my head around it I loved it, it was brilliant to see how they interpreted the same things in such different ways and this made for a very funny read.

Sue has created two really great characters in Tamsin and Sam and I loved the way they interacted with each other and did a little bit of subtle meddling to help their sister out. At first I thought I wouldn’t gel with Tamsin but she turned out to be such a sweetheart by the end I wanted to give her a great big Christmassy hug. Initially she comes across as someone who is just focused on having the best and being the best but as the story unfolds we learn that she is just looking to be accepted for who she is and to find somewhere to call home.  When disaster strikes and Sam needs her help she puts on her designer shoes, an old pair of jeans and dives right in to do what she can to help her little sister.  Sam’s still nursing a broken heart from the death of her husband and is unwilling to commit to boyfriend Richard, with some heart to heart’s with Tamsin she learns to leave her rose-tinted view of the past behind her and begin to focus on her future.  

I loved this book; it has some truly hilarious scenes and some wonderful characters each adding their own little bit of sparkle to a wonderful heart-warming tale. Its book which shows that the true meaning of Christmas is not who has the biggest turkey, the most decorated tree or the most glitter its about spending time with family, friends and those who love you for who you are not what you have.

Thank you to Sue Watson and Kim at Bookouture for sending me an arc copy to review, I truly enjoyed every page and recommend that everyone adds this little gem to their Christmas reading list.

Rating 5/5

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas?