Blog Tour Review: The Single Mum's Mansion by Janet Hoggarth

The Single Mum's Mansion by Janet Hoggarth

Published: 1st June 2018

Publisher: Aria

Pages: 300

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Blurb

For all fans of Motherland, Allison Pearson and Hurrah for Gin.

Amanda Wilkie unexpectedly finds herself alone with three children under five in a rambling Victorian house in London, after her husband walks leaves them claiming he’s just ‘lost the love’, like one might carelessly lose a glove.

A few months later, Amanda’s heavily pregnant friend, Ali, crashes into her kitchen announcing her partner is also about to abscond. Once Ali's baby Grace is born, Amanda encourages them to move in. When Jacqui, a long-lost friend and fellow single mum, starts dropping by daily, the household is complete.

Getting divorced is no walk in the park, but the three friends refuse to be defined by it. And, as they slowly emerge out of the wreckage like a trio of sequin-clad Gloria Gaynors singing ‘I Will Survive’, they realise that anything is possible. Even loving again…

Review

The Single Mum’s Mansion by Janet Hoggarth is a book which explores the deep bond between women. Three newly single mum’s share this bond in this book as they navigate life after divorces and watch their ex-partners move on with their lives.

Amanda, owner of a large Victorian mansion which becomes the Single Mum’s, has recently been left by husband Sam for a younger tv chef Carrie and she not coping well. With three young kids everything gets out of control and the four of them spend most of the time crying or yelling at each other. So, when best friend Ali announces she’s pregnant and things with partner Jim are not great Amanda offers her the loft in her home to live in. It’s not long before Ali and baby daughter Grace are fully installed with Amanda and when Amanda bumps into an old friend from toddler group newly single Jacqui the trio are complete. What follows is a hilarious ride working through their anger, frustrations and trials of being a single mum until maybe one day they can all move on and forgive their selfish exes for ruining their lives.

One of the most enjoyable things about this book is how real the three main characters and particularly Amanda felt. They are not perfect by a long way and that made me love them. They are women that are not afraid to cry uncontrollable and shout at their children even when deep down they know they should just hug them instead, they feel overwhelming jealously towards their ex’s new partners which leads to some crazy actions and probably too much alcohol and drug consumption, but overall, they’re incredibly local to their friends and protective of anyone else hurting their children.  All of this leads to some incredibly funny scenes, my favourite involving sponges, wedding dresses and dry humping.

One of my favourite characters in this book was young Isla, she may only be young but that girl has a very astute way of looking at life. I loved the way she instead Amanda should get a new boyfriend because they needed a “Space Man” in the house, so cute.

There were a couple of places where I felt the story started to drag a little and that’s why I’ve only awarded four stars. The Single Mum’s Mansion is an enjoyable read which will make you laugh, make you cry and make you very thankful you have female friends.

Thank you so much to Aria for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.

About the Author

Janet Hoggarth has worked on a chicken farm, as a bookseller, children’s book editor and DJ with her best friend (under the name of Whitney and Britney). She has published several children’s books, the most recent ones written under the pseudonym of Jess Bright. Her first adult novel, The Single Mums’ Mansion is based on her experiences of living communally as a single parent.

 Follow Janet

Twitter: @janethauthor

Facebook: @JanetHoggarthAuthor

Buy links:

Amazon: mybook.to/SingleMumsMansion

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Is5n62

iBooks: https://apple.co/2L9PK49

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2IZOcxg

Follow Aria

Website: www.ariafiction.com

Twitter: @aria_fiction

Facebook: @ariafiction

Instagram: @ariafiction

Blog Tour Review: Relight My Fire by Joanna Bolouri

Relight My Fire by Joanna Bolouri

Published: 31st May 2018

Publisher: Quercus

Pages: 323

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Blurb

When Phoebe and Oliver had their happy ending, they thought the hard part was over. And now, with a five year old daughter, they are far from the blissful hedonistic lifestyle of when they first started dating.

Not one for giving up, Phoebe creates a sexy wishlist: a jar where they can ask the other for anything they've ever wanted in bed - or out of it. But with distractions aplenty, will they be able to relight the fire in the bedroom?

From mix tapes to 'sex jars', this is the naughtiest rom com you will ever read. From the bestselling author of The List.

Review
Relight My Fire is the follow-on novel to Joanna Bolouri’s hit debut The List from 2014, but don’t worry this is a great story even if you’re reading it as a standalone.

It’s five years on and Phoebe and Oliver are living together with their adorable daughter Molly. Things in the bedroom department have slowed right down and Phoebe’s had enough, she drags Oliver to her old therapist Pam Potter to help put the spark back in their sex life. They then embark on another sexual voyage of discoveries as the Sex Jar is introduced into their relationship. This brings plenty of fun and crazy situations but also means Phoebe must deal with some very strong emotions. When they’re done will the fire be back roaring, or will it have gone out completely?

Told from Phoebe’s perspective through her diary we get to learn a great deal about Phoebe and how she views the world. I find her a very endearing character because despite the blunt and sometimes rude exterior on the inside she’s a bundle of insecurities just like the rest of us. I just loved how she was so concerned about not messing up being a mum for Molly, the love she has for that little girl oozes of every page and that was one of the highlights of this book for me.

If your looking a similar book to The List with as mammoth amount of laugh out loud crazy sexual exploits then you might be a little disappointed, Relight My Fire although still being very funny has not near the amount of sexual content and its not as “out-there”. This book does give a much deeper insight into Phoebe and Oliver’s relationship and I really enjoyed that aspect of the book. I also loved the additional storylines in this book which added more depth to Phoebe’s life and the book.

Overall, I found this a great book full of funny moments which left me with a massive grin on my face. Well done Ms. Bolouri for another fantastic read, I can’t wait for your next book.

Thank you to Quercus for sending me a copy to review and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

Blog Tour Review: The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part Two by Audrey Davis

The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part Two by Audrey Davis

Published: 21st March 2018

Pages: 95

Available on Kindle 

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Blurb

The story continues … Hattie is used to her deceased husband Gary dropping in and out of her life. His timing might not always be great, but at least he's still around. Although – when Hattie tentatively tries a spot of dating – his interference isn't entirely welcome.
Best friend Cat is lapping up her new relationship with teacher Jamie, but ex-husband Stewart isn't prepared to fade into the background.
Hattie's mother Rachel faces a daunting battle, one she doesn't want to burden family and friends with. But there's someone waiting in the wings who might be more than a shoulder to cry on.
Gary still doesn't know what his mission on earth is, and spirit guide Clarence isn't offering any clues? Will an encounter with another provide him with answers, or put Hattie in an impossible situation?
Prepare for more laughs and tears in the second instalment of a trilogy which takes a darkly comic look at life … and the afterlife.
Warning: Cliffhanger ending

Review

In this the second part of the Hattie Hasting’s trilogy Hattie is finally getting her life back together after the sudden death and re-appearance of husband Gary. She’s dipping her toe into the dating world again and gaining a lukewarm reception. The burden of Gary’s presence has been lifted now more people have “seen” him and her man problem seems to the secretive behaviour of her mother Rachel. Best friend Cat is loved up with new boyfriend and is trying her best to avoid ex-husband Stewart whose reappearance has left her more unsettled than Gary’s.

This is a good follow on too part one which I enjoyed reading last year. I do feel this book has a much more serious tone than the first book and I did miss Gary’s one-liner’s, which made the first book for me. Although he does have a couple of very funny incidents to help him get his point across, moving crisps packets anyone…

 The introduction of little Marty adds another dimension to the story which I really liked. As with the previous book we’re left with a cliff-hanger ending and I can’t wait to read it to find out how it all works out.

Thank you so much to Audrey Davis and Rachel Gilby for inviting me on the blog tour and sending me a copy to review.

About the Author

Audrey Davis survived secondary school on the West coast of Scotland. Rubbish at science but not too bad at English, she originally wanted to be an actress but was persuaded that journalism was a safer option. Probably wise. She studied at Napier College in Edinburgh, the only place in Scotland at that time to offer a journalism course.

Her first foray into the hard-nosed newspaper world was as a junior reporter in Dumfriesshire. Duties included interviewing farmers about the prize-winning heifers to reporting on family tragedies. She persuaded her editor to let her launch an entertainment column which meant meeting the odd celebrity – or just the downright odd. From there, she moved to the loftier rank of senior reporter back in her home patch. Slightly more money, less farm animals but a higher crime rate. As Taggart would say: 'There's been a murrrrder!'
After a stint in London on a video magazine – yes, she is that old – Audrey moved to Singapore with her fiancé. She tried valiantly to embrace the stinking heat, humidity and lack of jobs, although she did work briefly on a magazine which was banned by the government for 'artistic' use of naked men's bottoms.

Next on her adventures was a land Down Under where her main focus was raising Cost Centre One (aka firstborn) and coming to terms with the imminent arrival of Number Two. Still, she loved the Aussie way of life – BBQs, beaches and bring your own booze to restaurants – so it came as a blow when OH announced a move back to the UK. Not a job between them, the climate a possible deal breaker and an Exorcist-style vomiting infant on the flight home didn't bode well …

Always a survivor, Audrey sought out similar-minded friends (i.e. slightly bonkers), got the children into a good school and thought about taking up writing again. Sadly, thinking about it was as far as she got, unless you count shopping lists. Then, hubby drops another bombshell. Switzerland. As in – it's packing time again. Off to the land of cheese, chocolate, scarily efficient trains and a couple of teeny, tiny issues. Like driving on the 'wrong' side of the road and speaking a foreign language (French). The former was conquered fairly quickly (we'll skip over the wall demolition in week two), the latter remains an ongoing battle of the hopeful against the hopeless. At least she provides amusement for the local workforce.
It wasn't until 2016 that Audrey rediscovered her writing mojo with an online Writing Fiction course. From there, her first novel – A Clean Sweep – was born, although it took a bit longer than nine months from conception. A short, darker prequel – A Clean Break – followed, and in November 2017 she published the first in a novella trilogy, The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One. Part Two is published on 21 March 2018, with the conclusion following in May/June. After which she might have a wee lie down …

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/audreydavisbooks

Twitter- https://twitter.com/audbyname

Blog Tour Review: Who's That Girl? by Celia Hayes

Who's That Girl? by Celia Hayes

/Published: 1st February 2018

Publisher: Aria

Pages: 303

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 3/5

Blurb

Sam Preston appears to be living the glamorous life of a journalist at the San Francisco Chronicle...

If only that was the case... in reality, she's frustratingly single, stuck living in her parents' house, and oh yeah, in love with her boss, Dave, who barely knows that she exists...

Life seems like it will never change... until the day Sam is put on an assignment with Dave, reporting on the San Francisco Fashion Week. She hopes this might be a turning point in their relationship...

But things never go to plan and practically overnight, Sam becomes an accidental contestant in the Beautiful Curvy pageant and life suddenly becomes very complicated.

How will she manage her new rise to stardom, her job, and her sudden irresistibility to not only Dave, but a new man on the scene?

Review

Sam Preston is a just an ordinary girl working as an assistant journalist and still living at home with her parents. She’s no boyfriend but she’s okay with that as she’s been in a one-sided infatuation with her boss Dave for the past three years. Sam longs to be a proper journalist and cover the big stories instead of the quirky interviews and all the office administration. One day Sam gets her big break, she can write about the new “Beautiful Curvy” pageant, but Sam gets more than she bargained for when she accidentally becomes a contestant herself.

I was really looking forward to reading this as the whole beauty pageant concept is one which is written about too much and I was looking forward to reading how Sam coped with the situation. However, the contest is barely mentioned until the end of the book so I was a little disappointed. The story’s main focus is the relationship between Sam and Dave.

I tried hard to like Sam but something about her just didn’t click with me, I’m still wondering why. I liked that she gains confidence as the story progresses but felt it was a little over the top and full on at times. I think the thing that bugged me most though was her adoration of Dave, I just couldn’t see what she saw in him. To me Dave was an arrogant, aggressive and bossy without any likable characteristics. The thing that annoyed me most about him was that he never seemed to believe Sam when she said “no” to him.

The flow of the story is good and there are some funny scenes throughout the book which were enjoyable to read, mostly when Sam is drunk and clumsy.  I did find the first few chapters confusing as the narrative switches between first and third person narrative without any warning but this did seem to stop about half way through, making the second half of the book for me more enjoyable.

This will be an enjoyable read for many people but for me something was missing to make it a great read.

I’d like to thank Aria for sending me a copy to review for my honest opinions and inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

Blog Tour Review: Last of the Summer Moet by Wendy Holden

Last of the Summer Moet by Wendy Holden

Published: 1st February 2018

Publisher: Head of Zeus

Pages: 400

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 5/5

Blurb

Top reporter Laura Lake has struck journalistic gold.

She's discovered a super-exclusive English village where the rich and famous own weekend retreats. Where film stars, Turner-prize winners and Cabinet ministers park their helicopters outside the gastropub and buy £100 sourdough loaves from the deli.

Outsiders are strictly forbidden. But luckily Laura's best friend Lulu, a logo-obsessed socialite with a heart as huge as her sunglasses, suddenly fancies a quiet life in the country. The door to this enchanted rural idyll opens for Laura. Revealing a great professional opportunity.

Can Laura write an expose before the snobbish villagers suss her true identity? And before the world's poshest pub quiz triggers a political scandal not seen since Profumo?

Review

With Last of the Summer Moet Wendy Holden is back with her second novel in the Laura Lake series. This time Laura is after the story that will cement her position as editor for Society magazine. She’s heard rumours of a super secret village hiding some of the countries rich and famous. Through her connections with celebrity billionaire heiress Lulu, who just so happens to want a country home, Laura gains access to the exclusive village of Great Hording and sets about investigating. Before Laura has chance to write her expose on the village her arch enemy Clemency Makepeace returns to well…. disturb the peace.

As the second book in this series it follows on well from where the first book ended and I love that so many of my favourite characters from the first Laura Lake book have returned such as Lulu, Casper and Clemency. I’m particularly glad Lulu is back, I love Lulu and her quirky dialogue which can often be misinterpreted. Leading to some interesting conversations.

Along with getting her great story Laura is also having trouble in her love life as both previous lovers Harry and Casper are vying for her attention, she’s not entirely sure of the sincerity of either though, as both quite literally disappear from her bed as soon as they’re in it.

The plot of this book does border on the ridiculous, especially the ending but I think this is the kind of book where you just must not take it too seriously and enjoy it for what it is fun. I find Wendy Holden’s writing incredible funny, so I love her far-fetched storylines and the over-exaggerated characters, the wackier the better in my opinion.

I love that Wendy Holden has not given all the answers surrounding the mystery of Laura’s father Peter Lake, which fingers crossed means there is a third book in the pipeline, no doubt with an even crazier storyline.

I think Wendy Holden fans like me are sure to adore this latest edition to her growing collection of light-hearted, quirky and full of fun novels.

Thank you so much to the publishers Head of Zeus for sending me a copy to review honestly and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

Blog Tour Review: Accidentally in Love by Anna Premoli

Accidentally in Love by Anna Premoli

Published: February 1st 2018

Publisher: Aria

Pages: 412

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 5/5 

Blurb
Sara Di Giovanni is a successful lawyer in New York City: she is the star of her profession, an excellent role model to her very vivacious little sister, but has so far been unlucky in love. . . Ethan Phelps is the rich playboy trouble-maker whose only talent in life is spending money and dating women. . . That is until Ethan's father dies with no will to his name, leaving his two sons the legal heirs to his billion-dollar company. Sara is forced to become the court-appointed guardian to handle Ethan's share of the fortune, as his family do not trust him to manage it himself. Sara thinks it should be easy, but it's not so simple when Ethan is determined to get rid of her by whatever means necessary. . . What ensues is a dramatic and hilarious power-play between Sara and Ethan. . . but what will happen when feelings start to get in the way?

Review

Accidentally in Love by Anna Premoli features two very different forced together by law. Sara Di Giovanni is a very successful lawyer in the field of patents, so she can’t understand why Judge Richter has appointed her the new court guardian of Ethan Phelps. Ethan is rich, handsome and goes through money faster than Sara goes through olive oil. He owns a 15% share of his deceased father’s business and his uncle and brother have appointed a court guardian to try and curve his spending habits and stop him fluttering away his share of the business. Being renowned as meticulous and ruthless in her pursuit for justice in the courtroom has landed Sara the job.

These two are clearly chalk and cheese but both are determined to be successful in how this new partnership turns out. Sara is no pushover and despite Ethan trying many underhand tactics to get her to quit so he can regain control of his money, she doesn’t, in fact she becomes even more determined to change Ethan for the better.

As these two spend more time together the sparks fly and not always in a good way but eventually they begin to bond, initially over a mutual hatred of a spider and its not long before their relationship turns into something not strictly professional.

I loved reading about these two so much, they seem such an unlikely pair that somehow you just know they should be together. Sara is an absolute control freak and needs to have a plan and budget for everything she does. She finds in incredibly hard to relax and just be, so much so she hates weekends when she can’t work. Ethan is the exact opposite, for him life is one big party and he’s happy to foot the bill. Living from one day to the next he has no plan, no direction and no sense of purpose, until Sara shows up. Together them seemed to make each other better and more mellowed out versions of their selves and I loved reading how they changed throughout the book.

This is a great read full of fun moments, heated arguments and the odd sparkle of romance. It’s one of those books that will just put a smile on your face while you and that you can’t help but enjoy.

Thank you so much to Aria for sending me a copy to review honestly and for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.

Publication Day Review: Marrying Mr Valentine by Laura Barnard

Marrying Mr Valentine by Laura Barnard

Published: 22nd February 2018

Pages: 199

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Blurb

Nadine Roberts smiles for everyone, but beneath it she hides a heart-breaking past that only a few know about. Throwing herself into her new career; wedding planner at The Duck & Goose, a property recently purchased by newlyweds Florence and Hugh, has helped distract her from her loneliness.

When a teary bride suddenly cancels her upcoming wedding Nadine looks to the two year waiting list. Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine. It’ll have to be a quick turnaround, but what’s the worst that can happen, right?

This should be like every other wedding she plans, but the magnetism she feels towards Mr Valentine disrupts the orderly life she’s worked hard to carve out. 

Can she ignore her intense desires and be a professional? Or will she open up her heart to the one person that has the power to break it? And in doing so endanger not just her job, but her venue’s reputation?

Review

Nadine Roberts has worked tirelessly over the last year to put The Duck and Goose on the map as the place to get married for her best friends Hugh and Flo, winning the pub the converted award as one of the Best Wedding venues of 2017. Working hard to make every couples wedding perfect has been helping Nadine mask her own heartbreak, until now. Her latest couple to get ready to walk down the aisle are Hugh’s cousin Clara Blumenkrantz and Hartley Valentine.  Clara can only be described as a “bitch” and Hartley, well Hartley makes Nadine’s heart sing like it hasn’t done in a long time. Can Nadine manage to keep her feelings to herself and get Clara and Hartley to Mr & Mrs?

This is a book which is jam packed full of fun, as a lover of all things wedding I secretly love reading about them when things go a bit wrong. For the first time in her career as a wedding planner Nadine is having problems, mostly caused by being around Hartley.  From being locked in broom cupboard, to badly stained outfits and gravy incidents the sparks seem to fly when these two get together which made for very funny reading. This is one of those books you just have to keep reading just to find out what other scrapes Nadine can get herself into. There is also a more serious side to this book also with teenager Anna, which I think makes this a perfectly balanced read.

Marrying Mr Valentine may be a short read with a predictable outcome, but I loved the journey Nadine goes on to get there. Laura Barnard’s writing is full of light-hearted fun making this the perfect read to put a smile on your face.

Giveaway

Head on over to Laura's Facebook page (details below) to enter her release day giveaway to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Amazon Gift Card!

Stalk Laura

Website - http://www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks

Twitter – https://twitter.com/BarnardLaura

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/laurabarnardauthor/

Pinterest – https://uk.pinterest.com/barnardlaura/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3490836.Laura_Barnard

Blog Tour Review: The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part One by Audrey Davis

The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part One by Audrey Davis

Published: 24th November 2017

Pages: 90

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

Rating: 4/5

Blurb

Some people just won't take death lying down … ! (NB: cliffhanger ending).

Part one of a fun-filled trilogy about life, death and letting go.

Hattie Hastings is happily married, even if husband Gary drives her up the wall at times. When tragedy strikes, she is left alone and heartbroken, with only an assortment of family and friends to prop her up.

Struggling to cope, she is left reeling when her deceased other half returns, popping up at the most inappropriate times.

Hattie can't convince anyone that Gary has returned. Not even best friend Cat – now free from the cruel and controlling Stewart – will believe her.

Why has Gary returned? And what will Cat do when her slimy ex-husband tries to worm his way back into her affections?

The Haunting of Hattie Hastings will make you laugh, cry and count down until Part Two …

Review

The Haunting of Hattie Hastings part one is part of a three part novella written by Audrey Davis. Hattie has recently lost husband Gary after a car accidentally ran into him while he was taking out the dustbin. Just as Hattie is beginning to come to terms with Gary’s passing she begins to notice half-drunk glasses of whisky all-round the house, the drink Gary loved every night. Assuming its son Johnny Hattie thinks nothing of it until Gary appears to her and begins talking. Hattie’s totally thrown, especially as he disappears just as quickly and nobody else seems to believe her. 

There’s no doubting this is a funny read, Audrey Davis has excellent comedy timing which translates in to some great scenes. Gary is quite uncouth and doesn’t mince his words but I felt like he was a loveable rouge who just adored Hattie and for that reason I found myself warming to him. I felt we didn’t really get to know Hattie very much but I’m sure that will come in later parts.

I did feel there was a lot to take in such a short read with viewpoints from Hattie, Johnny, her best friend Cat, her mother Rachel and brother Jack and of course Gary. Some interesting plotlines have been laid down so I’m interested to see where this story goes with its next instalment, which I hope is on the way soon.

About Audrey Davis

Scottish-born Audrey studied journalism in Edinburgh more decades ago than she cares to admit. She cut her writing teeth on provincial newspapers (using a typewriter) and a London-based video magazine (another sign of her advanced years).

Engagement to her now-husband Bill took them to Singapore, Australia and Buckinghamshire, England, before they settled in Switzerland in 2002. Along the way they had two boys, both all grown-up and living in the UK.

Her journey to becoming a published author began with an online Writing Fiction course. It took well over a year but, in June 2017, Audrey published her debut romantic comedy novel, A Clean Sweep. It was quickly followed by a shorter and darker prequel, A Clean Break.

The idea for The Haunting of Hattie Hastings came from nowhere, just a random title that popped into her head and from there grew into Part One of a trilogy. It comes under the same genre, but has some poignant scenes and – hopefully – lots of laughs! Audrey admits to being a worrier, and has always used humour as a defence mechanism, as her friends will attest.

When Audrey isn’t writing, she loves shows like The Walking Dead, American Horror Story and Strictly Come Dancing (a strange mix, she knows). Her interests include cooking (and eating pretty much anything apart from oysters), travelling and going to the gym. OK, the last one is mainly to compensate for her passion for food!

Audrey would describe herself as a ‘pantser’ rather than a ‘planner’, preferring to run where a story takes her and scribble copious notes along the way. She’d love to write a page-turning thriller, but fears her natural tendency to see the comic side of life might be an obstacle.

​

Website - https://audinsuisse.wordpress.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/audreydavisbooks

Twitter - https://twitter.com/audbyname

Thank you to the publishers and Rachel Gilby for inviting me to be part of the blog tour and for sending me a copy to review.