Release Day Round-Up #22

This week it has been extremely had to pick just three favourites as there are just so many good books being released today. So I have decided to pick three that I don't yet have copies of.

The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker

Published: 10th March 2016

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 512

Available in Hardcover and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Can your final fling become your Happy Ever After?

When Jo Coulson finds herself single again in her late thirties, she finally resigns her membership to Last of the Hopeless Romantics, fully intending to tackle midlife and motherhood alone. First, she plans one legendary last fling...

In walks Harry Inchbold, and the connection is electric. Passionate, unpredictable and messily divorced, Harry is the perfect antidote to cosy coupledom. Known as The Sinner, drama follows him around with a clapper board.

Harry's favourite holiday hideaway in the wilds of South Shropshire puts the mud and fun into the perfect dirty weekend. But at the cottage Harry reveals a very different side, melting Jo's resolve. What better combination to face an uncertain future than two cynics who have learned from their mistakes?Together they make a pact; 'same time next year'; they can promise no more than that.

Through life's most stressful decade, Harry and Jo return to the Shropshire hills for one weekend each year to rediscover passion and make peace. As career, family and home crises all threaten to bring them unstuck, the cottage is their glue. Here, different rules apply: the day to day world is not allowed to intrude.With Harry and Jo, however, it's only a matter of time before rules get broken. As real life gets increasingly complicated, can they keep renewing their promise?

As I've mentioned before I love Fiona Walker books and this one looks just as good, as there so huge there ideal to take on holiday, which is probably when I'll read this one.

Song of the Skylark by Erica James

Published: 10th March 2016

Publisher: Orion

Pages: 400

Available in Hardcover and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Lizzie has always had an unfortunate knack of attracting bad luck, but this time she's hit the jackpot. Losing her heart to her boss leads to her losing her job, and with no money in the bank, Lizzie finds herself forced to move back home with her parents. When she reluctantly takes a voluntary job, she meets Mrs Dallimore, a seemingly ordinary elderly woman with an astoni Lizzie has always had an unfortunate knack of attracting bad luck, but this time she's hit the jackpot. Losing her heart to her boss leads to her losing her job, and with no money in the bank, Lizzie finds herself forced to move back home with her parents. When she reluctantly takes a voluntary job, she meets Mrs Dallimore, a seemingly ordinary elderly woman with an astonishing past . . .

Now in her nineties, Mrs Dallimore is also reluctantly coming to terms with her situation. Old age is finally catching up with her. As she and Lizzie form the bond of unexpected friendship, Mrs Dallimore tells the story of a young girl who left America before the outbreak of World War Two and, in crossing an ocean, found herself embarking on a new life she couldn't have imagined.

As Lizzie listens to Mrs Dallimore, she begins to realise that she's not the only person to attract bad luck, and that sometimes life has a way of surprising you . . .

Can you believe this is Erica's twentieth novel! Although I've only read a few of them I have enjoyed them immensely and got lost in her story telling. This one sounds like another winner and I'm really hoping to read a few more of her books this year.

Trust No One by Claire Donoghue

Published: 10th March 2016

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 368

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Marriage is complicated. It doesn't always work out. Sometimes there are things you discover about yourself and each other which mean the marriage has to end. Sad, particularly when kids are involved - but all pretty normal.
Normal that is, until there's a murder.
DS Jane Bennett and DI Mike Lockyer are called in to investigate one of South London's most difficult and distressing cases yet - where family and friends come under scrutiny in the hardest of circumstances.

This is the third instalment in the Bennett and Lockyer series and although its not a series I've read yet its one I think looks interesting. I have realised that despite reading almost twenty books this year I've yet to read an actual crime novel.

So that's my top three this week, many more are listed in my releases page above and I have reviews for some more coming up over the next week. Happy reading until next time.

Release Day Round-Up #20

So here we are the last week of February and finally some sunshine here in Yorkshire! Fingers crossed it lasts. So here are my top three for this week and surprisingly they are all authors whose previous books I also loved.

Kitty's Countryside Dream by Christie Barlow

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 309

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

New home. New life. New beginning. Love affairs can blossom in the most unlikely places . . .
When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…

But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems …

Just like Christie's previous novels I loved this book. Its got more of a deeper plot than her other books with the mystery surrounding Kitty's grandma and who exactly Violet was. It still had Christie's wonderful comical moments and close-knit friendships which made it a really enjoyable book. Check out my review here.

The Silk Merchant's Daughter by Dinah Jeffries

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Penguin UK

Pages: 400

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

1952, French Indochina. Since her mother's death, eighteen-year-old half-French, half-Vietnamese Nicole has been living in the shadow of her beautiful older sister, Sylvie. When Sylvie is handed control of the family silk business, Nicole is given an abandoned silk shop in the Vietnamese quarter of Hanoi. But the area is teeming with militant rebels who want to end French rule, by any means possible. For the first time, Nicole is awakened to the corruption of colonial rule - and her own family's involvement shocks her to the core...

Tran, a notorious Vietnamese insurgent, seems to offer the perfect escape from her troubles, while Mark, a charming American trader, is the man she's always dreamed of. But who can she trust in this world where no one is what they seem?

The Silk Merchant's Daughter is a captivating tale of dark secrets, sisterly rivalry and love against the odds, enchantingly set in colonial era Vietnam.

Dinah Jeffries The Tea Planter's Wife was one of my favourite books of last year so I was really looking forward to her next book. In The Silk Merchant's Daughter we meet Nicole a young eighteen year old who is half French and half Vietnamese and is struggling to find where she belongs in the world. I really enjoyed reading about Nicole as she is pulled first one way then another by the various sides in her life, but can she really trust Tran who is offering her a way out of the family where she's never felt she belonged or Mark the my of her dreams who she longs to be with. Check out my full review on the blog tomorrow. 

The Cosy Teashop In The Castle by Caroline Roberts

Published: 25th February 2016

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.

When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s show stopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!

Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?

I've only just started reading this but already I'm hooked. Ellie's determined to make the teashop work and I'm right behind her and rooting for her to succeed as she's such a lovely bubbly character. I love how this is much more light-hearted than Caroline's previous novel The Torn Up Marriage which for me was a real emotional rollercoaster. I can't wait for more time to continue on with Ellie's story. Look out for my review coming soon.

So that's my top three for this week but I'd also like to mention One Summer Night by Emily Bold which is a very emotional read and perfect for fans of Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Checkout me review here. If your after something else then check out my releases page above to find other books published today.

Release Day Round-Up #18

Here are my picks this week to kick off February's releases:

Fix You by Carrie Elks

Published: 4th February 2016

Publisher: Corvus

Pages: 355

Available on Kindle and in Paperback

Order now from Amazon

On New Year's Eve, 1999, Hanna and Richard meet. She is a born and bred Londoner with plans for a career in journalism. He is the son of a wealthy New Yorker and destined for Wall Street. As Hanna and Richard go back to their own worlds they keep in touch, and when Hanna has her heart broken it's Richard she turns to. They reunite and fall deeply, madly in love.


But they can't possibly imagine the ways their love will be tested. Fifteen years after they first meet, neither can bear to hear the other's name spoken. Then one day Hanna walks into Richard's office and reveals a shocking secret. Richard must decide if he can forgive her. And both need to choose whether to take a second chance on happiness, or if their love is beyond repair?

I was lucky enough to be sent a review copy of this (thank you Corvus)  and all I can say is go and read it, its such a heart-breaking tale of missed opportunities and right place wrong time or wrong place right time. You'll read this and long for these two to be together because they are just perfect together. Check back later for my full review of this wonderful book.

Reader, I Dumped Him.. by Lorelei Mathias

Published: 4th February 2016

Publisher: Maze

Pages: 375

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

This story is a celebration of the people that bring you back to life when your world closes in: your mates.
Relationships come and go, but the Break-up Club membership never truly expires.

Holly Braithwaite and loveable loser Lawrence have been together for five years. But the obvious cracks in their relationship can no longer be ignored and Holly soon finds herself saying ‘it’s not you, it’s me.’

In the shock aftermath of their break up, Holly finds unlikely companions in Olivia, Harry and Bella. Together, they form the Break-up Club, as they support each other through their mutual melancholy and find ways to love, laugh and function as human beings again.

Break-up Club meets every Sunday. Each week, as the comedy and drama unfolds, they discover a new BUC ‘rule’. And, one by one, the rules become vital markers on their journey to recovery . . .

‘BREAK-UP CLUB’
To our members, we’re the first emergency service

I think this sounds like it could be a really funny read and perfect for those of us who tend to avoid Valentine's Day and all the loved-up couples that go with it.

The Ex by Alafair Burke

Published: 2nd February 2016

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Pages: 309

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene since the shooting of his wife by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that when he spots a woman who eerily but thrillingly echoes his past. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a "Missed Moment" item online and days later, a woman responds...
Olivia Randall is one of New York City's best criminal defence lawyers. When she gets the phone call informing her that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is who would go to such great lengths to frame him - and why?
For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets, and the hurt she caused him, but as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

I'm really intrigued by this as its such a long time since I read any courtroom dramas and after reading the blurb I'm already thinking how and why?

So there are my picks for this week, do you want to read any of these? Are there any other reads you've noticed being released this week? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Release Day Round-Up #18

Today is a great day for me in publishing world as a few of my favourite authors are releasing new books today and it has been hard to pick my three favourites.

You and Me, Always

Published: 28th January 2016

Publisher: Headline

Pages: 368

Available in Hardcover and on Kindle

  Order now from Amazon

On the morning of Lily's twenty-fifth birthday, it's time to open the very last letter written to her by her beloved mother, who died when she was eight.

Learning more about the first and only real love of her mum's life is a revelation. On the same day, Lily also meets Eddie Tessler, a man fleeing fame who just might have the ability to change her world in unimaginable ways. But her childhood friend Dan has his own reasons for not wanting Lily to get too carried away by Eddie's attentions.

Before long, secrets begin to emerge and Lily's friends and family become involved. In the beautiful Cotswold village of Stanton Langley, nothing will ever be the same again...

I'm about 90% finished with this book and although I'm pretty certain how it will end I have loved it, the characters are all lovely...well mostly. The plot has enough twists to make it interesting and Jill's writing is humorous, light-hearted and comforting with an added sprinkle of romance which has made this a joy to read. I will have a full review of this book tomorrow so pop back if you like the sound of it.

The Secrets of Happiness by Lucy Diamond

Published: 28th January 2016

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 352

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

The best things in life . . . can be just around the corner

Rachel and Becca aren't real sisters, or so they say. They are stepsisters, living far apart, with little in common. Rachel is the successful one: happily married with three children and a big house, plus an impressive career. Artistic Becca, meanwhile, lurches from one dead-end job to another, shares a titchy flat, and has given up on love.

The two of them have lost touch, but when Rachel doesn't come home one night, Becca is called in to help.
Once there, she quickly realizes that her stepsister's life is not so perfect after all: Rachel's handsome husband
has moved out, her children are rebelling, and her glamorous career has taken a nosedive. Worst of all,
nobody seems to have a clue where she might be.

As Becca begins to untangle Rachel's secrets, she is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about
her own life, and the future seems uncertain.

But sometimes happiness can be found in the most unexpected places . . .

I'm a huge Lucy Diamond fan so any new release of hers automatically goes on the must read pile and this is no exception it sounds like another great read. I love how her characters always have really interesting background stories just waiting to be discovered and I can't wait to find out more about Rachel and Becca.

The Birthday That Changed Everything by Debbie Johnson

Published: 28th January 2016

Publisher: HarperImpulse

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

She wanted a birthday surprise, just not the one she got…

The last thing Sally Summers expected from her husband on her special day was that he’d leave her for a Latvian lap dancer half her age. So with her world in tatters, Sally jets off to Turkey for some sun, sea and sanctuary.

The Blue Bay resort brings new friends and the perfect balm for Sally’s broken heart in gorgeous Dubliner James. He’s just the birthday present she needs. And when the chemistry between them continues to spark as the holiday ends, Sally wonders if this is more than just a summer fling.

But James has scars of his own and Sally isn’t quite ready to turn her back on her marriage. This birthday might have changed everything, but what will the next one bring?

Debbie's writing is always full of fun so I'm really looking forward to reading this one over the weekend, pop back next week for a full review.

So that's my top three for this week but there are loads of brilliant books being published today. A few more that sound good are: Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty,  Our Song by Dani Atkins, We Are All Made of Stars by Rowan Coleman . So I suggest you pop down to your local bookshop and treat yourself  to one of these lovely books.

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.

Release Day Round-Up #16

It's that time of the week again when I select my three favourite books being published this week. This week was a tough one as there are quite a few that have stood out to me, some of which I have already being lucky enough to read.

Holding Out for a Hero by Victoria Van Tiem

Published: 14th January 2016

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 261

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Blurb

The problem with first love is that it never truly dies . . .
Libby London fell in love with the eighties, came of age in the nineties, and now the twenty-first century is baffling her. Her New-York-City style is more, erm, vintage tragedy than retro babe and her penchant for All Things Eighties might just be what's holding her back in matters of life and love . . .
At least that's what her well-meaning friends think. They've staged a #80sIntervention in an effort to bring Libby bang up to date. What with her dreaded birthday party, friends' madcap ambush, and being forced to relocate her vintage shop, Libby's nearing breaking point!
Will she ever be able to move on when the one she loves keeps her in the past?

I have already had the pleasure of reading this book and I loved it! Libby is a great character and the 80s interventions her friends stage for her had me laughing all the way through this book. Read my full review here.

Strictly Between Us by Jane Fallon

Published: 14th January 2016

Publisher: Penguin (Michael Joseph)

Pages: 448

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Blurb

Rumours, secrets and lies. It's all in a day's work.
Tamsin and her best friend Michelle have been inseparable since they were teenagers. Even now they spend all their time together, along with Patrick, Michelle's handsome husband.
So when Tamsin hears a rumour that Patrick is having an affair, she is furious. Unwilling to ignore it, Tamsin plots a scheme to catch Patrick in the act, using her assistant Bea as live-bait. It should be fool proof.
After all, Tamsin can trust Bea with anything. From her daily coffee order to fetching her dry-cleaning, writing reports and doing all the filing - Bea does everything with a smile on her face.
Except Tamsin never considered Bea might have her own agenda.
And if she does, then Tamsin really needs to watch her back . . .

This is another book which I have already read and really enjoyed. I loved all the secrets, lies and plotting and wondering all the secrets would end up being discovered. A brilliant read which i became engrossed in. I will be reviewing this on my blog tomorrow so if you would like to know more of my thoughts, pop back tomorrow.

Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley

Published: 14th January 2016

Publisher: Corgi7

Pages: 512

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Blurb

Holly Swift has just landed the job of her dreams: events co-ordinator at Wickham Hall, the beautiful manor home that sits proudly at the heart of the village where she grew up. Not only does she get to organise for a living and work in stunning surroundings, but it will also put a bit of distance between Holly and her problems at home.

As Holly falls in love with the busy world of Wickham Hall - from family weddings to summer festivals, firework displays and Christmas grottos - she also finds a place in her heart for her friendly (if unusual) colleagues.

But life isn’t as easily organised as an event at Wickham Hall (and even those have their complications…). Can Holly learn to let go and live in the moment? After all, that’s when the magic happens…

I have never read any books by Cathy Bramley (yet) but they look and sound lovely. This one is set in a big manor house , a setting which I have a bit of a soft spot for. Hopefully I will get a chance to read this at some point this year as Cathy is an author whose books I'm desperate to read.

So that's my three favourites this week, although I also think Match Me if You Can by Michele Gorman, The Widow by Fiona Barton and Rebound by Aga Lesiewicz sound brilliant.

Release Day Round Up #14

It's been quite a while since I did a release day post and there have been some brilliant books released which I've missed so I thought it was time to get back into sharing my weekly favourites. This week I have chosen a real mix of books including new and old authors and a mixture of genres.

 

The One and Only by Emily Giffin

Released: 29th January 2015

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Thirty-three-year-old Shea Rigsby has spent her entire life in Walker, Texas - a small college town that lives and dies by American football, a passion she unabashedly shares. Raised alongside her best friend, Lucy, the daughter of Walker's legendary head coach, Clive Carr, Shea was too devoted to her hometown team to leave. Instead she stayed in Walker for college, even taking a job in the university athletic department after graduation, where she has remained for more than a decade.

But when an unexpected tragedy strikes the tight-knit Walker community, Shea's comfortable world is upended, and she begins to wonder if the life she's chosen is really enough for her. As she finally gives up her safety net to set out on an unexpected path, Shea discovers unsettling truths about the people and things she has always trusted most - and is forced to confront her deepest desires, fears, and secrets.

 

I'm a huge Emily Giffin fan so super excited to read her latest book, just hope there isn't too much football talk in it as I'm not a sports fan at all.

 

 

 

Scarred for Life (Jessica Daniels #9) by Kerry Wilkinson

Released: 29th January 2015

Published: Pan Macmillian

Pages: 300

Available in paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

 

DI Jessica Daniel is not having a good week. Her wallet's been nicked, the refurbished incident room is already falling apart, and a new football-mad constable is driving her crazy.

She also has bigger things on her mind. A student's body has been dumped in a wheelie bin at the back of a university building, with a vague link to an Olympic medallist and a theory that it could have been an induction which went wrong.

There's the tattooed shop raider who has her team stumped; someone attacking lone women; a chief inspector who seems to have a problem with her; and someone putting letters through her front door insisting that she's caught 'the wrong man'.

Worlds are colliding for Jessica - and, if she's not careful, someone close to her might not make it out in one piece.

 

 I can't believe its time for another Jessica Daniel book already! I read the eighth (and my first) book back in September and I was hoping to go back and start the series from the beginning before the next one. Sadly this hasn't happened but I'm actually really looking forward to getting stuck into the next one and finding out more about Jessica.

 

 

As Good As It Gets by Fiona Gibson

Released: 29th January 2015

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 400

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

A warm, funny read for fans of Outnumbered and the novels of Fern Britton, Fiona writes about life as it really is.


“Midlife crisis? WHAT midlife crisis?!”


Charlotte Bristow is worried about her husband Will. With her 16-year-old daughter Rosie newly signed to a top modelling agency, and Will recently out of a job, things are changing in their household.


As Will dusts down his old leather trousers and starts partying with their new, fun neighbours, Charlotte begins to wonder what on earth is going on.


So when Fraser, Charlotte’s ex – and father of Rosie – suddenly arrives back on the scene, she starts to imagine what might have been…

 

Surprisingly I have yet to read anything by Fiona Gibson, although I just know from reading the blurbs I will love them. I have finally found my kindle charger so am going to start reading this tonight, look out for a review in the next couple of weeks

 

 

The Ties That Bind by Erin Kelly

Released: 29th January 2015

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pages: 368

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Could a soul, once sold, truly be redeemed?

Luke is a true crime writer in search of a story. When he flees to Brighton after an explosive break-up, the perfect subject lands in his lap: reformed gangster Joss Grand. Now in his eighties, Grand once ruled the Brighton underworld with his sadistic sidekick Jacky Nye - until Jacky washed up by the West Pier in 1968, strangled and thrown into the sea. Though Grand's alibi seems cast-iron, Luke is sure there's more to the story than meets the eye, and he convinces the criminal-turned-philanthropist to be interviewed for a book about his life.

Luke is drawn deeper into the mystery of Jacky Nye's murder. Was Grand there that night? Is he really as reformed a character as he claims? And who was the girl in the red coat seen fleeing the murder scene? Soon Luke realises that in stirring up secrets from the past, he may have placed himself in terrible danger.

 

+

I think this sounds like a really great gripping read, hopefully I will get to give it a read soon. Erin Kelly is also the author of Broadchurch which is now the tv hit (haven't seen any of it yet).

 

 

First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen

Released: 29th January 2015

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Pages: 304

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Autumn has finally arrived in the small town of Bascom, North Carolina, heralded by a strange old man appearing with a beaten-up suitcase. He has stories to tell, stories that could change the lives of the Waverley women forever. But the Waverleys have enough trouble on their hands. Quiet Claire Waverley has started a successful new venture, Waverley's Candies, but it's nothing like she thought it would be, and it's slowly taking over her life. Claire's wild sister Sydney, still trying to leave her past behind, is about to combust with her desire for another new beginning. And Sydney's fifteen-year-old daughter Bay has given her heart away to the wrong boy and can't get it back.

 

I have never read anything by Sarah Addison Allen but her covers always strike me as beautiful and make you want to pick the book up. I believe this is a follow on from Garden Spells where her Waverley women books started. I'm really hoping this is a new author I get to try out this year.

 

So that I my pick from this week's releases, a real mixed bag. I have review copies for a couple of them so keep a look out for the review coming up. 

Release Day Round Up #13

This week there are five books which have been released which have taken my interest:

 

You Think You Know Me by Clare Chase

Released: 3rd December 2014

Publisher: Choc Lit Uk

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Sometimes, it’s not easy to tell the good guys from the bad …

Freelance journalist, Anna Morris, is struggling to make a name for herself, so she’s delighted to attend a launch event for a hip, young artist at her friend Seb’s gallery.

But an exclusive interview isn’t all Anna comes away with. After an encounter with the enigmatic Darrick Farron, she is flung into the shady underground of the art scene – a world of underhand dealings, missing paintings and mysterious deaths …

Seb is intent on convincing Anna that Darrick is up to no good but, try as she might, she can’t seem to keep away from him. And as she becomes further embroiled, Anna begins to wonder – is Seb’s behaviour the well-intentioned concern of an old friend, or does he have something to hide?  

 

I am lucky enough to have a review copy of this sent from Choc Lit UK, I've only read a few chapters but so far it seems really good, look out for my review next week.

 

 

 

I'll Take New York by Miranda Dickinson

Released: 4th December 2014

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 416

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Have you ever given up on love?


When her boyfriend lets her down for the last time, Brooklyn bookshop owner Bea James makes a decision – no more. No more men, no more heartbreak, and no more pain.


Psychiatrist Jake Steinmann is making a new start too, leaving his broken marriage behind in San Francisco. From now on there'll just be one love in his life: New York.


At a party where they seem to be the only two singletons, Bea and Jake meet, and decide there’s just one thing for it. They will make a pact: no more relationships.

 

 

I haven't read many Miranda Dickinson novels but I don't think I can resist the cover of this one with it gold highlights, plus it seems a like a good plot line.

The Snow Angel by Lulu Taylor

Released: 4th December 2014

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 400

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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A forbidden passion. A lifetime of consequences.

Cressida Felbridge is living the high life as a debutante in 1960s London society when she is courted by a friend of her brother's and set to marry. Wishing only the best for his daughter, her father decrees that she must have her portrait painted to mark the occasion. But as soon as she meets the painter Ralph Few, Cressie knows her life will never be the same again. Soon, she is deeply in love with Ralph, but there is one problem: Ralph is still married to Catherine. As Cressie is drawn into a strange, triangular relationship, Catherine's behaviour becomes increasingly erratic and Ralph and Cressie escape to Cressie's family home in Cumbria. But Catherine will not give up Ralph that easily . . .

In the present day, Emily Conway has everything she could wish for: a huge house in West London, two beautiful children and a successful husband, Will. But as Emily and Will drive to a party, Will reveals that he has been betrayed by his business partner. Steering the car off the road at high speed, their perfect life is abruptly ended. When she wakes from her injuries, Emily is told of a mysterious legacy: a house in Cumbria on the edge of an estate, left to her by a woman she has never met. Could this house provide the chance to start anew, or does it hold secrets that she must uncover before it can be at peace?

 

 

Lulu Taylor is one of my favourite authors and anything she writes will definitely end up on my bookshelf. I have a copy of this one on its way to me, so keep an eye out for my review in the next few weeks.

 

A Christmas Feast by Katie Fforde

Released: 4th December 2014

Publisher: Arrow

Pages: 240

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Add some extra sparkle to your Christmas by joining Katie Fforde for a perfect, romantic Christmas feast of short stories. Collected together for the first time and including one brand new story.


Make your Christmas wishes come true...

 

 

I have a review copy of this to read and I'm really looking forward to grabbing a few moments here and there the read a story all in one go. Look out for my review soon.

 

Red Rose, White Rose by Joanna Hickson

Released: 4th December 2014

Publisher: Harper

Pages: 400

Available in paperback and on Kindle

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Richard, the thirteen-year-old Duke of York, England’s richest heir.
Told through the eyes of Cicely and her half-brother Cuthbert, Red Rose, White Rose is the story of one of the most powerful women in England during one of its most turbulent periods. Born of Lancaster and married to York, the willowy and wayward Cicely treads a hazardous path through love, loss and imprisonment and between the violent factions of Lancaster and York, as the Wars of the Roses tear England’s ruling families apart.
So nearly queen herself, Cicely Neville was the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of kings – and her descendants still wear the crown.

 

I haven't read an historical fiction in ages, so when I came across this book it seemed perfect. I've not read anything by this author before and very little about the Neville family, so looking forward to getting a chance to read this sometime.

 

This will be my last Release Day Round for 2014. I hope you have enjoyed taking a look at my favourite releases and have found some interesting books to add to your tbr piles. I will be back on January 1st with the first Release Day Round Up of 2015.

 

 

 

Release Day Round-Up #12

This week there are four books which have caught my eye and are due for release.

 

Stable Mates by Zara Stoneley

Published: 20th November 2014 (Paperback Copy)

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Pages: 336

Available on Kindle and now Paperbck

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Welcome to tranquil Tippermere, an idyllic village nestled deep in the Cheshire countryside. Home to lords and ladies, horsemen and farmers, and plenty of secrets and scandals…

Leaving a scumbag ex behind her, Lottie Brinkley has hotfooted it out of Spain and back home to the country in serious need of some flirtatious fun to soothe her aching heart.

Luckily for her she’s spoilt for choice with not one but three eligible bachelors offering a steamy romp in the hay! But faced with the attentions of roguish eventer Rory Steel, the smiling Irish eyes of hunky farrier Mick O’Neal, and mysterious newcomer Tom Strachan, how can she possibly choose?

When billionaire landowner Marcus James drops dead unexpectedly, his WAGish wife Amanda threatens to sell the heart of the village and sets her sights on Tom! It seems things are heating up for little Tippermere… both in and out of the saddle.

 

I reviewed this back in August when the e-book version came out and I will be purchasing a paperback copy for myself as I know its going to be one of those books I re-read often, I'm already starting to miss Lottie and the gang so hopefully over Christmas I'll get chance to have a re-read. This book is also special too me as it was the very first book I was accepted to read on NetGalley and made my blogging adventure a little more real. Check out my full review here. I definitely recommend this to anyone and I cannot wait for a follow to hit the shelves...hopefully soon.

 

 

Waiting for Doggo by Mark B. Mills

Published: 20th November 2014

Publisher: Headline Review

Pages: 224

Available in Hardback and on Kindle

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No-one ever called Dan a pushover. But then no-one ever called him fast-track either. He likes driving slowly, playing Sudoku on his iPhone, swapping one scruffy jumper for another. He's been with Clara for four years and he's been perfectly happy; but now she's left him, leaving nothing but a long letter filled with incriminations and a small, white, almost hairless dog, named Doggo. So now Dan is single, a man without any kind of partner whether working or in love. He's just one reluctant dog owner. Find a new home for him, that's the plan. Come on...everyone knows the old adage about the best laid plans and besides, Doggo is one special kind of a four legged friend...and an inspiration.

 

Think I was a bit slow on the uptake with this on as review copies seem to be floating round blogger land and I seemed to have missed the boat. When I went to see what the fuss was about I found a book which does like will be a winner. At least the wait for publication day is over and I can go buy myself a copy and judge for myself.

 

 

 

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

Published: 20th November 2014

Publisher: Headline

Pages: 368

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award winning author Lisa Scottoline is loved by millions of readers for her suspenseful novels about family and justice. Scottoline delivers once again with Keep Quiet, an emotionally gripping and complex story about one man’s split-second decision to protect his son - and the devastating consequences that follow.Jake Buckman’s relationship with his sixteen-year-old son Ryan is not an easy one, so at the urging of his loving wife, Pam, Jake goes alone to pick up Ryan at their suburban movie theater.　 On the way home, Ryan asks to drive on a deserted road, and Jake sees it as a chance to make a connection. However, what starts as a father-son bonding opportunity instantly turns into a nightmare. Tragedy strikes, and with Ryan’s entire future hanging in the balance, Jake is forced to make a split-second decision that plunges them both into a world of guilt and lies. Without ever meaning to, Jake and Ryan find themselves living under the crushing weight of their secret, which threatens to tear their family to shreds and ruin them all. Powerful and dramatic, Keep Quiet will have readers and book clubs debating what it means to be a parent and how far you can, and should, go to protect those you love.

 

This one has a brilliant premise for a thriller and already has me questioning would I would do in similar circumstances. I have the on my to review pile so check back soon to see what I thought about it.

 

Mr Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Published: 20th November 2014

Publisher: Arrow

Pages: 272

 Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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 Harry Mills is a guardian angel on a mission: help Addie Folsom to get her life back on track - and help her find love.

Creating a happy ending for Addie and her neighbour Erich doesn’t seem like much of a challenge. But soon after arriving in the town of Tacoma, Harry realises he might need some guidance. Addie and Erich can't stand each other; growing up he was popular and outgoing, while she was rebellious and headstrong. Addie would now rather avoid Erich entirely, especially at Christmas.

Harry is going to need all the help he can get, and a bit of divine inspiration, to help Addie and Erich find their Christmas miracle.  

 

To me you can't have Christmas without Debbie Macomber, the majority of those Christmas movies we all love will usually be based on one of Debbie's novels. This one looks to be another one where people in need get that special Christmas miracle, I love them and can't wait to read this one.

 

 

 

Release Day Round-Up #11

Just a mini post this week as there has only been three books which have caught my eye

 

Mistletoe Mansion by Samantha Tonge

Published: 10th November 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 384

Available on Kindle

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Kimmy Jones has three loves: cupcakes, gossip magazines and dreaming of getting fit just by owning celeb workouts.
When Kimmy’s Sensible Boyfriend told her he didn’t approve of her longing for the high life or her dream of starting a cupcake company Kimmy thought she could compromise – after all, she did return those five-inch Paris Hilton heels! But asking her to trade in cake-making for a job sorting potatoes is a step too far.

 

I've already read and reviewed this and I loved it, its full of fun, celebrities and something a little bit spooky. Check out my full review here.

 

 

The Reluctant Elf by Michele Garman

Released: 13th November 2014

Publisher: Notting Hill Press

Pages: 132

Available in paperback and on Kindle

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Meet Britain's Worst Innkeeper

Single mother and extremely undomestic goddess, Lottie, has five days to become the ultimate B&B hostess to save her beloved Aunt Kate’s livelihood.

When Aunt Kate ends up in the hospital, Lottie and her seven-year-old daughter are called to rural Wales to stand in at the B&B. Without the faintest idea how to run a hotel (she can barely run her own life), Lottie must impress the picky hotel reviewer and his dysfunctional family who are coming to stay over Christmas. Without the rating only he can bestow, Aunt Kate will lose her livelihood.

But will Danny, the local taxi driver who she hires to help her, really be Santa’s little helper, or the Grinch who stole Christmas?

 

This sounds like something I will just love, I love women who are undomesticated being thrown in at the deep end and finding out if they can cope, so this looks perfect. Just need to decide Kindle or paperback?

 

 

How the In-Laws Wrecked Christmas by Fiona Gibson

Released: 13th November 2014

Publisher: Avon

Available on Kindle

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A funny, festive short story from bestseller Fiona Gibson. Just the thing to curl up with on a cold winter night.

Christmas in the country. What could be better? All you need is one country house, one gorgeous boyfriend and a liberal dusting of snow. Right?

That’s what Anna thinks and she can’t wait for the festivities to start. But then she meets her gorgeous boyfriend’s awful parents. And their drunk friends. And she starts to hear all about a certain ex-wife. Suddenly this doesn’t look like a very merry Christmas after all…

 

 This looks so good and like it could be very funny, there is no reason for no one to not read this as its currently free on Amazon for Kindle, so get it while you can. So that's my three picks for this week, what's caught your eye this week?