Celebrations and Confetti at Cederwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

Celebrations and Confetti at Cedarwood Lodge by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 24th October 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages:114

Available on Kindle

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Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Clio Winters is finally fulfilling her childhood dream of renovating the gorgeous old Cedarwood Lodge in Evergreen. Turning it into the perfect destination for big celebrations, weddings and parties has brought her back home, but Cedarwood Lodge is in need of a lot of tender loving care.
Perhaps all the work will be the perfect distraction from the real reason she had to leave her glamorous New York life behind.
Will coming home be the best decision of her life… or her biggest regret?

Review
Celebrations and Confetti at Cedarwood Lodge is the first book in Rebecca Raisin’s new three part series being released in the run up to Christmas. Like all her other novels it’s a book which instantly has you wrapped in Rebecca’s warm and cosy writing style.

Clio Winters used to be a wedding planner in New York until a little honesty landed her in a lot of trouble and without a job, now she’s heading back to her hometown of Evergreen after using all of inheritance from her father to buy the run-down and forgotten Cedarwood Lodge. A place where Clio and her best friend Micah spent many happy hours playing in the grounds when they were growing up.

With the help of handsome project manager Kai and the shy garden designer Isla, Clio and Micah hope to bring Cedarwood back to its former glory and hopefully soon as they have their first booking for a 50^th wedding anniversary just weeks away. Can Clio and her team work their magic on the lodge despite a few mishaps along the way and can Clio work out why her mother is not as pleased as Clio hoped about her being back in Evergreen.

This was such a joy to read and for me was Rebecca Raisin at her best. I adored Clio instantly and loved how she had such a beautiful vision to restore Cedarwood.  She hasn’t let her past mistakes put her off making her dream come true and her enthusiasm for the project bubbled off the pages as much as it did among her team members.  I loved her easy going relationship with Micah and how they had their own long lasting jokes. She gives Isla a shoulder to cry on and when around Kia provided me with a few chuckles as she tries to keep up with his wacky exercise requests.

The town of Evergreen itself was a lovely place to live. It has that small town charm where everyone knows each other and pitches in to help if there is a problem. It’s a place with community at its heart and it was lovely to see Cedarwood Lodge become part of that again and to still keep an air of mystery as it’s yet to divulge all of its secrets.

Rebecca has even included a little piece of food heaven like many of her other books in Puft, a gourmet doughnut shop run by Clio’s Aunt Bessie….hazelnut filled doughnuts anyone?

Just like all Rebecca Raisin stories, this book has a project to work on, a mystery to solve and some romances to watch develop, it’s a formula which never fails to have me hooked and wanting more. This first part in the series could be read as a standalone novel but if you’re a Rebecca Raisin fan like me you will be desperate for the next part of the story.

Thank you to Carina UK and Netgalley for this copy to review

Goodbye Ruby Tuesday by A.L. Michael

Goodbye Ruby Tuesday by A. L. Michael

Published: 29th April 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 243

Available on Kindle

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Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Four friends have become three.

But that’s only the beginning. Ruby, Evie, Mollie and Chelsea were the bad girls at school. But Ruby was the baddest. Evie fought her anger, Mollie fought her mother and Chelsea…well, Chelsea just fought. But Ruby set her sights on a bigger stage. And together, they dreamed of a future where Ruby could sing, Evie could make art, Mollie could bake, Chelsea could dance – and all of them could finally feel at home.

A decade later, the girls are reunited for the funeral of Ruby, who took the world – and the charts – by storm, before fading too soon. And Evie doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry when she learns that Ruby has left them a house on Camden Square – the perfect place for them to fulfil their dreams. But does she dare take the plunge, and risk it all for one last shot at the stars?

Review

Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday is the first book in A. L. Michael’s new series The House on Camden Square. The story starts as friends Evie, Mollie and Chelsea meet up at their old friend Ruby’s funeral. The funeral has brought them all back together in  their home town of Badgeley where they all grew up on the estates at the wrong side of town and were never expected to amount to much. While reminiscing about their teenage dreams of escaping the small town and making it big in the arts they are given a letter from Ruby’s one-time foster mum who said Ruby had left it for them.

On opening the letter the girls discover that Ruby has left them the last few months lease on her rented building in Camden and in the letter she urges them to take a chance and go after their creative dreams by opening a gallery and workshop for the creative arts which can be accessible to anyone.

Each of the girls have different reactions to this. Evie is very excited as she longs to get away from her mother and conman father who keeps drifting in and out of their lives whenever he wants money. She’s the most creative of the group and has a way of making things happen so sees this as an amazing opportunity. Mollie is more reluctant as she has ten-year old daughter Esme to think of, but a chance to get away from alcoholic mother is one she has to take. Chelsea doesn’t seem to like the idea at all, but then she’s managed to get away and make a new life in London and doesn’t seem to want her old friends to be part of it.

When Evie finally convinces her friends to make a new start they’re in for a few months filled with hard-work, fun and laughter and even a little romance. Can they finally make their dreams come true?

I loved everything about this book, it’s the perfect easy going read and had me feeling nostalgic for my own old school friends and our teenage dreams. Evie, Mollie and Chelsea are all wonderful characters who seem to work well together and make each other stronger. My favourite character though had to be Esme, Mollie’s young daughter. She was the perfect cheeky ten-year old, wanting to have fun but also having moments of being incredibly sensible and grown-up, which made for some brilliant conversations with her mother and Evie.

I love the way flashbacks to their teenage years have been included as this explains what happened to Ruby and how she influenced their teenage lives and how each of the girls ended up where they did before Ruby’s funeral.

I also loved the romance that developed in the story. I thought it was very well written as it had all the makings of a real relationship, including romance, sex, arguments, misunderstandings and those clumsy moments you have in a new relationship.

Goodbye Ruby, Tuesday was a great read and has me very eager to continue with the story in the next book as I’m longing to find out what happens next for Evie, Chelsea and Mollie. It’s book full of fun with some emotional parts which are just deep enough not to make the story too heavy. It’s a book I think anyone who remembers their teenage dreams should go and read.

Blog Tour: The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club by Lynsey James

The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club by Lynsey James

Published: 1st August 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 218

Available on Kindle

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Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Emily Reed is having a bad day. Devastated at losing her hard-earned promotion to the ditz who’s sleeping with the boss, her mother drops a devastating bombshell—the dad she’s known and loved for twenty-five years isn’t her biological father.

Now Emily needs answers and a month in Luna Bay should give her the time she needs to find her father, and land the difficult client at the Sunflower Cottage B&B which should put her back in the running for her coveted promotion.

Setting up the Sunflower Cottage breakfast club should be a great way to meet the locals and maybe even find out who her father is! The only problem is that brooding and insanely gorgeous, Noah, is determined to make Emily’s stay perfectly uncomfortable.

Finding out the truth was never going to be simple, but she never thought her heart would get in the way…

Review

The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club is the second book in Lynsey James’ Luna Bay series, although it can also be read as a standalone novel.

Emily Reed, Business Development Manager for Walter Marshall Hotels has gone from having her life all sorted to being completely lost, after twenty five years her mum has just dropped the bombshell that her loving dad Simon is not her biological father. Her biological father is actually a man named Brian who her mother had a fling with shortly after she was married in the little Yorkshire town of Luna Bay.

To make things worse she’s just been beaten to a promotion by Tara, who seems a little too friendly with their boss Paul. Needing a break and longing to go find out more about her father Emily asks for time off, Paul strikes a bargain with her she has a month to visit Luna Bay and find some answers but while she’s there Emily must get the Sunflower Cottage Bed & Breakfast to sign itself over to Walter Marshall and then she can have her longed for promotion.

Simple, except Emily makes a bad first impression on Mr Grumpy himself Noah Hartley. This wouldn’t be so bad except Noah is very close to The Sunflower Cottages owner Rose and Noah is determined that Rose won’t sell up. After an accident puts Rose out of action for a few days Emily agrees to help Noah run the B & B and to set up his “breakfast club” as a way to keep herself busy and try to subtly find out more about Brian.

After a number of mishaps, misunderstandings and a little heartbreak it’s finally time for Emily to head back to Glasgow, but something’s happened that Emily wasn’t expecting she’s fallen in love…can she really turn her back on Luna Bay now it’s in her heart?

Just like Lynsey’s first Luna bay book I adored this book, it’s an easy enjoyable read and one which is full of emotions, drama and some hilarious scenes. I think the thing that has made Lynsey’s writing standout to me is the characters, she has written some brilliant ones which I can so easily imagine. One of my favourites being Emily’s mum, I just loved her little pep talks with Emily and the scenes where she’s helping Emily cook the breakfasts are some of my favourite in the book.  Talking of breakfasts, I really want one of Noah’s New Yorker breakfasts as it sounded delicious!

I thought Emily was a great main character and had an ah-ha moment when I realised she had been mentioned in book one. I also have my suspicions as to who will be the main character in book three and fingers crossed I’m right because I’m dying to know more about that person.  Anyway back to  Emily, I loved the journey she went on in this book starting out being the uptight, health conscious business woman to the relaxed Emily who goes after what she wants rather than what is expected of her. The sparks that flew between her and Noah were wonderful and I loved reading how their relationship changed.

I also loved that other previous characters were mentioned, it was lovely to check in with Lucy and Jake and see how they were doing. I was a little sad that Elle and George were not in the book as there were character I loved from the first book.

I enjoyed reading The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club while I was on holiday and found it to be the perfect holiday read as its light-hearted and fun and Luna Bay reminded me of one of my favourite places Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire.  I’m so looking forward to more of Lynsey’s wonderful story-telling in Luna Bay book three.

Thank you to the Lynsey, the publishers and Neverland Blog Tours for the review copy and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour.

Blog Tour Review: Don't You Forget About Me by Liz Tipping

Don't You Forget About Me by Liz Tipping

Published: 6th June 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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Rating: 4/5

Blurb

An athlete, a princess, a brain, a criminal, a basket case…

Cara Dunham is definitely one of them. But stuck in her small hometown, with no prospects of escape, she's struggling to find her thing. Her life is more book club than Breakfast Club and there is no Judd Nelson in sight!

So when Cara is invited to a school reunion she knows this is her chance to channel her inner Molly Ringwald and grab her John Hughes moment, once and for all. Because her teenage love, Daniel Rose will be there, the coolest boy at school and the one that got away.

But transforming into an 80's icon isn't easy and Cara enlists the help of her oldest friend, Stubbs, to teach her all she needs to know about being cool and quirky – a la Ringwald.

Except Stubbs thinks she’s perfect, just as she is and takes it upon himself to show Cara that her life might not be ‘movie perfect’, but there is always another take to get things right. And maybe the hero she's dreamed of has been under her nose the whole time…

Review

Cara Dunham is feeling lost, she’s being stuck doing the same job for years, she’s waiting to find her dream man and her purpose in life. So when she gets the chance to go to her school reunion she decides to channel her inner Molly Ringwald and find out who she really is an athlete, a princess, a brain, a criminal, or a basket case so she can finally have her perfect moment with her teenage crush Daniel Rose, who is back in town.

Cara enlists friend Stubbs to help her find out who she really is and in exchange she will help him land a date with his dream girl April. So begins so very comical moments as Cara works her way through the roles.  Alongside this madcap scheme to find herself Cara also needs to find a way to save the local video shop where she works and where she relives her eighties fantasies on a daily basis.

I felt an instant connection to Cara whose trying to decide which character from the eighties films of John Hughes she should become. Having spent her school days just wanting to belong and find out who she is, is something I can identify with greatly. I loved she suddenly has these moments throughout the book like lightning bolts where things suddenly hit her and start to make sense.  I think a lot of readers may find Cara an annoying character as she does take being insecure with herself to a whole new level but I found her quite endearing and wanted her to find her happy ending.

Cara’s friends make other great characters. I loved the used of surnames for Stubbs’ and Divvy which seemed to emphasize that Cara still felt she was a teenager waiting to grow up. I loved Verity, she reminded me of myself, loving my kids but desperately needing to get out and be with the grown-ups sometimes.

This is the second book I’ve read this year that has referenced teenage films from the 80s, particularly The Breakfast Club, which I haven’t seen so a few of the references mentioned regarding the film didn’t make sense to me. This didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book however as I still loved Cara and her madcap scheme to find herself.

Can Cara find herself before she meets back up with Daniel? Will Stubbs land his dream date? Will Cara save the video shop? Don’t You Forget About Me is an easy light-hearted read full of comical moments which had me laughing all the way through. It is predictable from quite early one who will end with who and what the secrets are, but I still enjoyed it and think it would make a good beach read where you just wanting something entertaining.

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for this copy to review in exchange for honest opinions.

The Broken Hearts Book Club by Lynsey James

The Broken Hearts Book Club by Lynsey James

Published: 12th October 2015

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 242

Available on Kindle

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Rating 4/5

Blurb

Secrets never stay buried for long…
Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid…
Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!
Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.
One way or another, Lucy must finally face the past she left behind – or spend the rest of her life on the run…

Review

The Broken Hearts Book Club is the first book in the new Luna Bay series by Lynsey James and is actually the first book of hers that I have read. Full of things I love books, romance and a gorgeous Yorkshire village I was sure I was going to love this and I did.

Lucy Harper has just returned to Luna Bay for her Nana Lily’s funeral after keeping away in London for eight years. Lucy feels very uneasy about being back in Luna Bay as the tragedy of what happened years ago still haunts her and is something of a mystery to reader until well into the second half of the book.

She was hoping to just head back to London and leave the past behind for good, but her Nana Lily has had other ideas. She has left Lucy her beautiful cottage by the sea, which is hers to keep providing she lives in the cottage and takes over the running of the Broken Hearts Book Club for three months. Lucy loved Rose Cottage as a child so is torn in two as she really doesn’t want to stay in Luna Bay, but intrigue into her Nana’s special book club and a very dishy barman are just enough reasons to get Lucy to stay instead of scurrying back to the safety and anonymity of London.

Life back in Luna Bay isn’t quite as easy as Lucy imagined, determined to help the members of The Broken Hearts Book Club doesn’t quite go to plan and makes for some very funny moments as Lucy tries to fix all the messes she makes. There’s also still some hostility from certain members of the village which Lucy is scared to face up to.

Lucy was a wonderful main character, she tries so hard to please everybody that she doesn’t always completely think things through, which leads to some misunderstandings, but you could tell she really did begin to care about making the members of the book club happy and that she just wanted the best for everybody. I also loved many of the other characters including Elle, George and Jake and I even warmed to Diane towards the end.

I did feel that the mystery of what happened to the past did overtake the story a little as it’s hinted at so frequently. I was reading fairly fast through this book as I wanted to find out what the big mystery was and to be honest I was a little disappointed when I found out what it was. I did however settle into the book more and really enjoyed the last few chapters at a more leisurely pace.

I also really enjoyed the romance that builds up between Jake and Lucy and loved reading how their relationship developed as it felt very real and also didn’t overpower the book.

Overall I found The Broken Hearts Book Club to be an enjoyable read with some lovely characters, in a beautiful setting, yes I want to go to Luna Bay myself. It’s a story with mystery, with romance and with the message that it’s okay to forgive yourself and leave your heartbreak behind.

I’m glad there is a second Luna Bay book out now as I’m eager to dive back into Luna Bay and all its lovely characters.

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy to review.

If the Dress Fits by Daisy James

If the Dress Fits by Daisy James

Published: 14th July 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 316

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Rating 5/5

Blurb

Callie’s exquisite, glittering silk gown has been shortlisted for the celebrity wedding of the year. But just as all her dreams are coming true, disaster strikes!
Leaving behind the bright lights of London, Callie is forced to return home to sleepy Althorpe. And there’s one man she hopes to avoid – the childhood sweetheart who turned her life upside down. But now she’s back, is it finally time to stop running?
Yet, as Callie faces her past, a Cinderella-like hunt begins for that perfect, pearl-embroidered dress, mysteriously submitted without a name…

Review
If the Dress Fits by Daisy James was a book I was eager to read after seeing the lovely cover and reading the blurb, I’m drawn to anything wedding related, especially at this time of year so this was the perfect read for me.

Callie left her hometown village of Althorpe in Yorkshire years ago after catching boyfriend Theo in the arms of another woman. Since then Callie has poured herself into her work and built up a successful wedding dress design boutique and now she’s at the pinnacle of her career as she’s a finalist in a competition to design a dress for famous actress Lilac Verbois. On the day Callie’s entry is due to be sent for judging she gets a phone-call which devastates her. Leaving her assistants in charge of the paperwork for the competition Callie heads back to Yorkshire where her life has been turned upside-down.

On returning to Yorkshire Callie has a few shocks. Firstly she is now the owner of her aunts shop Gingerberry Yarns and secondly her old boyfriend Theo, the famous rock star just keeps popping up where ever she is. She’s also trying to hide her disappointment at not winning the dress competition, but unbeknown to Callie Lilac’s wedding team are desperately trying to find the owner of the winning dress, which was submitted with no name…

Despite longing to get back to her studio and her work Callie remains in Yorkshire and begins to give Gingerberry Yarns a make-over in order to make it more saleable, but slowly happy memories of the place come flooding back and Callie begins to be won over by the shops charm, which is helped along by some lovely and loyal customers.

What will happen to Gingerberry Yarns? Will Callie return to London? Will she give Theo another chance and who won the dress competition? This books is full of drama as Callie works out where her heart lies.

This was a lovely read which I really enjoyed. Daisy James has created such a magical place with Gingerberry Yarns that I couldn’t help wishing I could go there myself and join in the Cupcakes and Couture group, despite the fact I’m useless with needles! It was such a warm and comforting place, made even better by the delicious sounding cakes which baker Tom keeps dropping by.

I also loved all of the characters, both in Yorkshire and back in London. They have each been given there own distinct personalities and dreams. One of my favourite characters was Tish, Lilac’s slightly ditzy wedding planner. She was such a hopeless romantic getting swept away with others peoples big days while she waited for her Prince Charming to come and she her off her feet. I loved how Nikki, Lilac’s PA has to step in more than once to help her organise things she’d completely forgotten.

If the Dress Fits was a really enjoyable read, it’s a light-hearted easy read which is perfect for reading in the sunshine. It left me with a warm glow inside and is sure to be a book I reach for when I need cheering up. I’m so looking forward to Daisy’s next book When Only Cupcakes Will do, as I know Daisy is one of those writers that will deliver something I will enjoy.

Thank you to the publishers for this review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Little Antique Shop under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Rasin

The Little Antique Shop under the Eiffel Tower by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 30th June 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 284

Available on Kindle

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Rating 5/5

Blurb

Escape to Paris this summer and prepare to be swept off your feet…
Anouk LaRue used to be a romantic, but since she had her heart well and truly broken her love life has dissolved into nothing more than daydreams of the perfect man. Retreating to her extraordinary Little Antique Shop has always been a way to escape, because who could feel alone in a shop bursting with memories and beautiful objects…

Until Tristan Black bursts into an auction and throws her ordered world into a spin.

Following your heart is a little like getting lost in Paris – sometimes confusing and always exciting! Except learning to trust her instincts is not something Anouk is ready to do when it comes to romance, but the city of love has other ideas…

Review

The Little Antique Shop Under the Eiffel Tower is the second book in Rebecca Raisin’s Little Paris series and has been a book I’ve been looking forward to very much as Rebecca is one of my favourite authors, don’t worry if you haven’t read  the first book, this works perfectly as a standalone. This is the first book which has featured predominantly new characters and not those we know and love from the little town of Ashford. This made me a little apprehensive as I wasn’t sure this book would have the same attraction as her previous novels, but never fear Rebecca has written another fabulous novel which could possibly be my favourite so far.

Anouk La Rue is the main character of this book, those of you who read Rebecca’s previous novel The Little Bookshop by the Seine may remember she has a unique way of running her shop. Anouk is devoted to antiques and their history and won’t let just anyone walk into her shop and buy something, you have to be personally recommended by an existing customer.  She will then only sell antiques if she believes the customer is genuinely interested the antiques heritage, so she’s probably never going to make millions.

The Little Antique shop has become even more important to Anouk after she had her heart broken by ex-boyfriend Joshua. He left her with mountains of debt which she is determined to pay off so she can keep her shop, so she has sworn off men for the foreseeable future. Despite efforts from her sister Lilou and friend Madame Dupont , Anouk’s heart remains closed until she happens to meet the mysterious and extremely handsome Tristan Black at an auction. Try as she might Anouk cannot resist the charms of Tristan and the chemistry between them, but is she right to let him into her heart?

Initially I didn’t warm to Anouk, I think this was more due to the fact I was expecting more of Rebecca’s previous characters to appear, than Anouk herself. I loved that she was so devoted to the stories behind the antiques and finding them happy homes. She also tried to do here best for sister Lilou who was in need of some of Anouk’s drive and determination, but I wished she lighten up a little bit and not be so serious and orderly. By the end Anouk had grown on me and I’m sad her story has finished as I became totally wrapped up in it.

I really loved that Rebecca has introduced more of a mystery into this book along with the bubbling romance between Anouk and Tristan. I felt this gave the book more depth than her previous novels. I did work out some of the mystery before the end, but there are also a couple of twists which I wasn’t expecting which added to my enjoyment.

Overall this is another fabulous read from one of my favourite authors. Again she has captured the romance between Anouk and Tristan perfectly and I loved the addition of the mystery of the missing jewels. She has also captured Paris perfectly as I could really imagine walking along the cobbled alleyways with Anouk and visiting the various auction houses.

Thank you some much to Carina UK and Netgalley for the review copy, I adored this book and can’t recommend it enough. So looking forward to reading Rebecca Raisins next book.

An Autumn Affair by Alice Ross

An Autumn Affair by Alice Ross

Published: 21st April 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 384

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Autumn is coming. Anything could happen…
Julia is contemplating an affair with ex-boyfriend Max after a chance meeting in the cereal aisle of the supermarket…and finding that he’s just as gorgeous as ever.
Miranda has got it all: expensive clothes, a huge house and her enormously wealthy husband, Doug. So why does she feel as if something is missing?
Faye is fed up of being treated like a child – she’s a teenager, and knows what she wants! She’s determined to escape her sleepy life at Primrose Cottage…
Three women, each with two options, needing to make one choice. When it comes to affairs of the heart, nothing is ever simple!
A perfect, feel-good read about love, life and family.

Review

An Autumn Affair is the first book in Alice Ross’s new countryside dreams series.  It follows the lives of three women, each one is facing difficult decisions as they come to realise they are not happy with their lives.

First we meet Julia, a woman who has been married to Paul for almost twenty years after finding out she was pregnant just after college. She believes she’s happy until a chance meeting in the cereal aisle of the local supermarket reminds her she’s never really gotten over her first love Max. So does Julia stay and play happy families with Paul and the twins or does she set out to follow her heart?

Next we meet Miranda, she’s married to wealthy business man Doug and has one daughter Josie. On the outside Miranda has the perfect life, she doesn’t have to work, she has the big house and she can go buy anything she wants. But with Doug away most of the time and nothing to occupy her Miranda makes one tiny mistake which could have massive consequences.

Finally we meet seventeen year old Faye, Julia’s daughter. She’s struggling with living in the shadow of her wonderful twin brother Leo and she’s just longing to grow up. When she decides to “be a grown up” and do what she wants it lands her in big trouble and she realises she’s maybe not ready to face a world away from her mum.

At first I wasn’t sure how this story would come together as one, Julia and Miranda’s stories initially felt very separate and I was waiting to see what would pull them together. When they did come together, the reason why was quite a shock, but I felt it worked really well. Although these two had very different background stories I felt they were very similar as all they both really wanted was to be appreciated and feel like they belonged.

I struggled with liking Faye, she seemed a typical whingey teenager who’s jealous of everybody else and wants what she can’t have. I’m glad that she learnt that being an adult isn’t as “fun” as it’s made out to be and began to appreciate her mum a lot more.

I really enjoyed reading An Autumn Affair, it was an easy and fairly quick read for me with plenty of humour and some heartfelt moments. It’s a story about acknowledging that everybody has a right to be happy and that we should all follow our dreams and be happy for ourselves and not just for other people.

I’m really looking forward to reading the second book in this series A Summer of Secrets which is out soon.

Thank you to Carina UK and Netgalley for this copy to review, I would like to rate An Autumn Affair by Alice Ross 4 out 5 stars.

Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh

Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh

Published: 11th April 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 243

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Blurb

Falling for the man of her dreams… Ruby Wood is perfectly happy playing the dating game – until she has a red-hot dream about her very attractive flatmate, Nick. He might spend every day saving lives as a junior doctor, but he’s absolutely the last man on earth that fun-loving Ruby would ever date!
The solution? Focus on all of Nick’s bad points. And if that fails, up her dating antics and find herself a man! So what if she manages to make disapproving, goody two-shoes Nick jealous in the process…
Only, after a series of nightmare first dates, there’s still just one man on Ruby’s mind. Maybe it’s time to admit the truth and dare to ask Nick to be her next date?

Review
Truth or Date by Portia MacIntosh is a book which just screams fun to me, I adored the cover and after reading the blurb knew I had to read this book and it did not disappoint it was full to the brim with funny scenarios but also had some lovely heartfelt moments.

Ruby Wood has been perfectly happy dating a different man every week, content to keep looking for her ideal man rather than settle down and focus on a relationship. Until she begins to have rather erotic dreams about her flatmate Nick. Nick who is the total opposite to Ruby, he’s tidy, gets up early and is very focused on his career as a junior doctor. Nick who Ruby can’t stand as he mocks her fun lifestyle. Nick who is happy with long term girlfriend Heather. After confiding in best friend Millsy Ruby knows the only way to get Nick out of her head is to increase her dating antics, but when this just leads to a series of disasters should Ruby just admit the truth and ask Nick for a date?

Ruby was a character that I instantly warmed to. She may be untidy, late, a little dramatic and only really interested in a having a goodtime but she does seem loyal to those she does care about. Having a male best friend has made her harder and less willing to admit that what she really wants is someone to care about her and something to give her some direction in life. This really comes across when she begins to realise she has feelings for Nick and also begins to admire his work ethic rather than scoffing at it as she previously had.  I loved that she was confident in her own body, she is not worried what anyone thinks of her and carries off her curves and pink tinged hair brilliantly.

I loved all the comical moments in this book as Ruby attempts to win Nick’s heart, poor Ruby she seems destined for disaster. Some of my favourite moments were, stalking weird Ian, going clubbing dressed in drag and the selfie in the stars wars bedroom. Its book which will definitely make you laugh and I think it would make an excellent film.

I loved reading Truth or Date and will definitely be reading more books from Portia. Truth or Date is a light hearted read which is flirty and fun and a guaranteed pick me up, I think everyone should read this.

I give Truth or Date a rating of five out of five and would like to thank Carina UK and Netgalley for my review copy.

Between You and Me by Lisa Hall

Between You and Me by Lisa Hall

Published: 17th March 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

They say every marriage has its secrets.
But no one sees what happens behind closed doors.
And sometimes those doors should never be opened …

Sal and Charlie are married. They love each other. But they aren’t happy. Sal cannot leave, no matter what Charlie does – no matter how much it hurts.

Review

Wow, what a read! Between You and Me by Lisa Hall is an absolutely brilliant read and even more shocking is it’s her debut novel.

This is an incredibly hard review to write without giving away all the genius of this book.  Sal and Charlie are married. Sal stays home and looks after their young daughter Maggie while Charlie goes out to work as a corporate lawyer. On the outside they have the perfect marriage, on the inside not so much as Charlie has a need to control everything which is just downright scary. Eventually somethings got to give…

This book is hugely compelling, so much so I read it within a couple of hours in one sitting. The bullying portrayed is harsh, violent and soul-destroying and is described with such intensity it’s hard to believe this is just a story.

Throughout this book the thing that sticks out the most to me is how Sal and Charlie justify their behaviour towards each other to themselves, trying to shift the blame of events from one to the other. As the novel reaches its climax we are hit with the most spectacular twist that will leave you thinking did I just read that right! It was utterly brilliant and so completely unexpected I just loved it!

I can’t recommend this book enough, please go and read it, you will not regret it. I’m so impressed with Lisa’s writing and am so looking forward to seeing what she writes next. I’m rating this book 5 out of 5.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Carina UK for the review copy of Between You and Me.

Release Day Round-Up #19

Welcome to a bumper release week, there is something for everyone this week:

A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh

Published: 9th February 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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There’s no place like home…

Enough is enough! The always perfect Laurie Chapman had jumped in her car and raced as fast as she could from London heading to Sunset Bay and (she hopes!) the open arms of her estranged sister…

Mia Chapman loves running Dolly’s Diner in the picture-perfect coastal Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Now that her and Grandma Dolly’s dream is finally a reality Mia has never been prouder! Until Laurie suddenly turns up on her doorstep… How can she forgive the sister who walked away?

Once upon a time Mia and Laurie were best friends. Back together after so long, the time has come for the sisters to figure out what went so wrong all those years ago – and whether they can ever put it right!

I love the sound of this book, I just love uncovering family mysteries. This is Rebecca's second novel, sadly I haven't yet read her first one Return to Bluebell Hill but its on my list. If her writing is anything like her lovely book reviews it will be a delight to read.

Time to Say Goodbye by S. D. Robertson

Published: 11th February 2016

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 352

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Is there ever a right time to let go?

HOW DO YOU LEAVE THE PERSON YOU LOVE THE MOST?

Will Curtis’s six-year-old daughter, Ella, knows her father will never leave her. After all, he promised her so when her mother died. And he’s going to do everything he can to keep his word.

What Will doesn’t know is that the promise he made to his little girl might be harder to keep than he imagined. When he’s faced with an impossible decision, Will finds that the most obvious choice might not be the right one.

But the future is full of unexpected surprises. And father and daughter are about to embark on an unforgettable journey together . . .

I just finished reading this last night and it was stunning. It has some incredibly heart-wrenching moments in it which will make you cry. I found it a very original read as I've not read anything like it before and it really made me think about  life in a new way. This is going to be one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished it as I know it will me. Thank you S. D. Robertson for such a wonderful book. This is a must-read 2016.

Song of the Sea Maid by Rebecca Mascull

Published: 11th February 2016

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pages:  312

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

As a child living on the streets of London, then in an orphanage, Dawnay Price grows up determined not to let her background stand in the way of her ambitions.

In an era where women rarely travel alone, especially for scientific study, Dawnay sets sail aboard The Prospect to the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Amid rumours of mermaids in the sparkling waters, she makes some unexpected discoveries, including what it means to fall in love.

Having fought hard against convention, Dawnay is determined to put her career above all else. Yet as war approaches she finds herself divided by feelings she cannot control. 

I'm about a third of the way through this book and so far I'm enjoying it. Dawney may be a character who has not had the best start in life but she is on a constant mission to improve herself and I love that. The writing is very detailed and delivers a real sense of place which is a joy to read. Looking forward to following Dawnay's journey more.

So that's my three favourites from this week, are you going to read any of them? Check out my release dates page for links to other books released this week.

Release Day Round-Up #17

There doesn't seem to be much being released this week that I would like to read. In fact I could only find one, so I'm going to feature two other books which were release last week.

Destination Thailand ( The Lonely Heart Travel Club 1) by Katy Colins

Published: 21st January 2016

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 384

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

What if you had a second chance… to find yourself?

Instead of slipping on her something borrowed and tripping up the aisle to wedded bliss, Georgia spends her big day crying into a warm Sex-on-the-Beach, wondering where it all went wrong.

Forced to make a bucket list of her new life goals by best friend Marie, it’s not long before travel-virgin Georgia’s packing her bags for a long-haul adventure to Thailand.

Yet, Georgia’s big adventure doesn’t seem to be going to plan. From strange sights, smells and falling for every rookie traveller scam in the book Georgia has never felt more alone.

But the good thing about falling apart is that you can put yourself back together any way you please. And new Georgia might just be someone she can finally be proud of…

So looking forward to reading this and the other books in the series, sounds like perfect holiday reading and Georgia sounds like she's going to be one of those characters which you just can't help but like.

Another Love by Amanda Prowse

Published: 16th January 2016 (Kindle)

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Pages: 368

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

In the early years, she was happy.

Romilly had worked hard for her stunning, modern house in one of Bristol's most fashionable suburbs. She adored her gorgeous, gap-toothed daughter and her kind and handsome husband. Sure, life was sometimes exhausting - but nothing that a large glass of wine at the end of the day couldn't fix.

But then, as deep-buried insecurities surfaced, everything started to unravel. A glass of wine became a bottle; one bottle became two. Once, Romilly's family were everything to her. Now, after years of hiding the drinking, she must finally admit that she has found another love...

I've never actually read anything by Amanda Prowse, which is bad really considering her books are mentioned in blogging land constantly so must be great. Her books always sound like very emotional rides and I'm longing to give this author a read.

What would Lizzy Bennet Do?

Published: 15th January 2016 (Kindle)

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 376

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…

Especially since a film crew has just arrived to shoot Pride and Prejudice at the Darcy estate! And when Hugh Darcy, the one who got away, arrives home after 8 years absence, Lizzy can’t help but think it’s fate. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…

What can Lizzy do but try not to feel too prejudiced against Hugh’s new woman – a city girl who knows nothing about country life, and seems more concerned with her film star ex than her current fiancé?

There’s no denying that there’s something suspicious about Holly’s interest in Hugh…and when he begins to have doubts about his high-maintenance fiancée, it seems a break up is on the cards. But is it too late for Lizzy to swallow her pride and get her Austen ending after all?

 I think this sounds really good, and who doesn't love a bit of a "Pride and Prejudice" remake? Definitely one to add to the tbr pile.

So that is my three picks for this week. Have you read any of them? Which sounds like your favourite? I'd love to know your thoughts.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

The Little Bookshop on the Seine by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 16th October 2015

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Le Vie En Rose

Bookshop owner Sarah Smith has been offered the opportunity to exchange bookshops with her new Parisian friend for 6 months! And saying yes is a no-brainer – after all, what kind of a romantic would turn down a trip to Paris? Even if it does mean leaving the irresistible Ridge Warner behind, Sarah’s sure she’s in for the holiday of a lifetime – complete with all the books she can read!

Picturing days wandering around Shakespeare & Co, munching on croissants, sipping café au laits and people-watching on the Champs-Elysees Sarah boards the plane. But will her dream of a Parisian Happily-Ever-After come true? Or will Sarah realise that the dream isn’t quite as rosy in reality…

Review

Once again Rebecca Raisin has manged to charm and enchant us with another brilliant story. The Little Book Shop on the Seine is Rebecca’s first novel which has partly being set away from her lovely town of Ashford. In this book Sarah, owner of The Bookshop on the Corner agrees to a six month book swap with her online friend Sophie who runs Once Upon a Time in Paris.

Sarah heads off believing that Paris will be just as romantic as it is in her books and is hoping to spend some much needed quality time with boyfriend Ridge. However things don’t turn out quite the way she expected and she finds things fairly tough going.

The Little Bookshop on the Seine seems to be a more serious and realistic novel from Rebecca, the characters in this novel aren’t all warm and cosy like the residents of Ashford and I enjoyed this new direction Rebecca has taken. Some of the characters in this book are snappy and rude such as Beatrice and I really enjoyed wondering what exactly her problem was.

Life in Once Upon a Time is busy, disorderly and at times too much for Sarah to deal with after the peace and quiet of her own shop. In this book we see her character develop as she gains more confidence, stands up for herself and takes control of the Parisian shop for Sophie.

As with her previous novels Rebecca has done a fantastic job of creating beautiful scenes from her wonderful descriptions of places in Paris. I loved visiting Anouk in her antique shop and all the quaint hidden little places Oceane introduced Sarah too. One of my favourite scenes was when Oceane took Sarah out for lunch and ordered her steak tartare, I think I would have acted exactly as Sarah did!

I did find that this wasn’t quite as Christmassy as I expected and for that reason I’m glad I’ve read it as one of my first Christmas reads this year. Christmas is only really featured in the last few chapters of the book. However it does do a wonderful have a lovely wintery glow about it, making it perfect to read in front of log fires with hot chocolate and start your Christmas dreams.

As with all previous Rebecca Raisin novels I loved everything about this book. I loved that Rebecca has given us a little bit more depth and mystery to her story but still kept that warm and cosy feeling at the heart of her writing. Although this follows on from previous novels it can be read completely as a stand-alone and make total sense. Definitely a book to add to your winter reading this year, I rate it 5 out 5!

Thank you to Carina UK and Netgalley for my review copy.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisim

The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 17th June 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?

Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.

Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…

Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!

Review

The Bookshop on the Corner is another perfect little novella by Rebecca Raisin. In this book we get to find out more about bookshop owner Sarah Smith who has been briefly mentioned in the Gingerbread Café books.

Sarah Smith is probably a character that many of us book bloggers can relate too. She’s slightly introverted and perhaps a little messy, preferring to spend every free minute lost in the pages of her latest book rather than tidy up. I instantly connected with her the way she sheltered herself from conflict and change by burrowing herself in books. Even though she feels she might be missing out of life a little by not having a boyfriend and rushing off to get married, she won’t settle for just anyone. Sarah’s looking for that perfect boyfriend who lives up to the dashing heroes in her romances novels. She wants him to be extremely hot but also kind and caring and someone who will not try and compete with her love of books. Sarah believes she’ll never find him but then one day her dream man walks straight into her bookshop and he seems to be quite keen on her too. Is he too good to be true, Sarah needs to take a risk to find out?

I read this as an introduction to The Little Bookshop on the Seine which is out October 16^th as a way of getting to know Sarah more. I adored The Bookshop Shop on the Corner and devoured it in one afternoon. It’s the perfect little romance story with the adorable Sarah and smoking hot Ridge and it was lovely to read about her letting him into her life and taking a risk.

As with previous books by Rebecca, The Bookshop on the Corner is set in Ashford and I find it so comforting to read about somewhere which is becoming very familiar to me. I also loved that previous characters CeeCee, Lil and Missy are mentioned as it just adds to that cosy feeling Rebecca’s writing seems to bring out in me. I have to give this book 5/5 as everything is just perfect and seamlessly written. Thank you Rebecca for bringing us another lovely read.

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.