BOOK REVIEW ONE THOUSAND STARS AND YOU BY ISABELLE BROOM

One spark will light up both their lives

Alice is settling down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy – her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother – even if it means a little part of her will always feel stifled.

Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure.

A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice’s last hurrah – her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home.

It’s also the moment she meets Max.

Alice doesn’t know it yet, but her whole life is about to change.

Max doesn’t know it yet, but he’s the one who’s going to change it.

Firstly a huge thank you to Maddy at micheal joseph /penguin for my copy to review.

I absolutly adore Isabelles books so much each one is like a escape to another exotic location.

Also she is a writing machine with this being her 4th book out in less than 2 years.( i believe)

I swooned hard for max who very closely stole my heart from will in me before you which is kind of a big deal !!

Devoured this story in one evening and am left wanting more and need to know what happened next?

This is a tale of self discovery, being true to yourself and following whats meant to be. Also being brave!

I believe in fate and theres a real theme of that running through these pages .

Full of romance that will melt even the coldest hearts.

As always expertly written and descriprive of the location which this time is Sri Lanka. Im now off to Google images as it sounds beautifully evocative.

Isabelle is a magical and talented writer who enables you to whisk off across the world while reality keeps you in one place.

If ypu haven’t read any of her books then i can’t recommend enough.

Published 23rd August and i wish her every success..

BOOK REVIEW OPEN YOUR EYES BY PAULA DALY

Haven’t\n we all wanted to pretend everything is fine?
Jane doesn’t like confrontation. Given the choice, she’d prefer to focus on what’s going well, the good things in life.
But when her husband, Leon, is brutally attacked in the driveway of their home, in front of their two young children, Jane has to face reality. As he lies in a coma, Jane must open her eyes to the problems in her life, and the secrets that have been kept from her, if she’s to find out who hurt her husband – and why.

Maybe it’s time to face up to it all. Who knows what you might find . . . *******

Firstly a huge thank you to Becky for my copy to review…im a big fan of Paula’s books so i was beyond thrilled ro recieve.

I said i wasnt moving all aftrrnoon so this was read in a few hours.

You always know you are in for a treat when she releases a new book.

This is the story of what happens when you bury your head in the sand and take everythinh at face value.

When a tragic shock attack happens on Janes husband she is forced to reevaluate her life and question everything . This includes her husband .

As she looks deeper it becomes clear thar her life is not as simple as she thought.

A gripping thought provoking read which questions the reader what would you do?

Secrets and lies are exposed and people’s true charactars but who is the dangerous one?

Dark and completly addictive will suck you in till you find out the.truth

Published 26th july and cant reccomend enough.

BLOG TOUR GIRLS NIGHT OUT BY LIZ FENTON AND LISA STEINKE

From the bestselling authors of The Good Widow comes a chilling novel of psychological suspense that will make you think twice about what your best friend may be hiding…

For estranged friends Ashley, Natalie, and Lauren, it’s time to heal the old wounds between them. Where better to repair those severed ties than on a girls’ getaway to the beautiful paradise of Tulum, Mexico? But even after they’re reunited, no one is being completely honest about the past or the secrets they’re hiding. When Ashley disappears on their girls’ night out, Natalie and Lauren have to try to piece together their hazy memories to figure out what could have happened to her, while also reconciling their feelings of guilt over their last moments together.

Was Ashley with the man she’d met only days before? Did she pack up and leave? Was she kidnapped? Or worse—could Natalie or Lauren have snapped under the weight of her own lies?

As the clock ticks, hour by hour, Natalie and Lauren’s search rushes headlong into growing suspicion and dread. Maybe their secrets run deeper and more dangerous than one of them is willing—or too afraid—to admit.

Firstly a big thank you to Annabelle for my copy to review and having me on the tour. 

These are new authors to me .

Incredibly atmospheric and dark this is a girls dream holiday turned into a nightmare.

Tension amongst friends fuelled with alcohol and  heat results in open fire with some honest truths which has a devastating result.

What has happened and why?

Told in alternate narratives and timelines it keeps the reader intrigued and guessing what has happened.

Published 24th july and be sure to check out the other blogs taking  part. 

 

BOOK REVIEW IT ALL FALLS DOWN BY SHEENA KAMAL

Nora Watts is being hunted . . .

When Nora Watts is approached by a man claiming to know her late father, she is thrown into turmoil. Struggling with the imminent death, from cancer, of her friend and mentor Sebastian Crow, she is unprepared for the memories that this encounter brings back. What happened to her father that made him kill himself and abandon Nora and her sister?

Heading to Detroit to try and find some answers about his life there, Nora expects to discover a reason behind his suicide. Instead, she finds more questions than answers.

But trouble always follows Nora, and it’s found her in Detroit, a city that is as broken as she is.

Firstly a big thank you to Francesca for my copy to review.

I was a early reader to Sheenas debut which was the first in this series.

This reunites the reader with Nora who is on a mission to find answers and ultimately finds some she didnt know she was looking for.

A story of strength and survival.

Very atmospheriphic and descriptive as we travel with Nora on her journey of self discovery.

For me it didnt grip me as much as the first but still a enjoyable read.

BOOK REVIEW WHY MUMMY SWEARS BY GILL SIMS

Why Mummy Swears is the much anticipated new novel from Gill Sims, author of the hilarious Why Mummy Drinks and online sensation Peter and Jane.

It’s every parents’ nightmare – the start of the school holidays – and instead of sitting in the sun, reading a book over a cold, crisp glass of Pinot Grigio, Mummy has two bored moppets to attend to. After frantically booking sports camps, child minder slots, not to mention time off work, Mummy is exhausted. But this is only the beginning…

After being dragged to join the school’s PTA in the new term by an annoyingly kind-spirited neighbour, Mummy is stuck with organising the Christmas Fayre and pleasing all the overly disapproving parents. In combination with getting to know her father’s surprise new glamorous (and much younger) wife, and being forced to spend more time with her narcissistic mother, life isn’t cutting her much of a break. What more could possibly happen?

Firstly a big thank you to Rosie for my copy to review. I was beyond excited to read this.

I had it in my bag the perfect day to read as it had been one if those days !

This is hilarious and made me laugh so loud my son told me to shut up lol

I think all parents can relate to this book and the tales of this families life.

Fresh,fun and packed with naughty words this is the perfect antidote to the daily struggles. Especislly as we approach the madness of end of term im sure we are all just about hanging in there!

Cant recommend enough if you enjoyed why mummy drinks then you will love why mummy SWEARS .

BLOG TOUR BEST PRACTICE BY PENNY PARKES

Today im delighted to be taking part in the tour of this fantastic book .

I have a q&a for you to enjoy and do check out the other blogs taking part!

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading a sneaky proof, which has me hooked, by MB Vincent. It’s called Jess Castle and the Eyeballs of Death. Set in a previously sleepy Somerset town, it’s equal parts entertaining and transporting, with layers of dark and disturbing – watch out for this in 2019, you’re going to love it.

Are any of the residents of Larkford inspired by people you know?

Not so much people I know, as by local characters and Cotswold lore – I’ll quite often borrow the emotion from real life happenings too, but never the events themselves. Likewise with my characters, they might borrow a little hint of a habit or nuance, but they become so fully formed in my imagination as I write that it’s only really a starting point.

Who are you most like from your books?

I think there’s probably a little bit of me in all my characters – I’m aiming to be my very own Elsie Townsend in my dotage. I’m actually rather looking forward to it! If I ask my children though, they would say that Holly’s clumsiness and erratic dress sense is all me! Likewise, my characters’ obsessions with their dogs – I cannot write (or sleep) without mine…

Let’s talk men…. who gets your vote, Taffy or Dan?

Now that’s interesting, because I was Team Taffy all the way to begin with. But with this book and the one I’ve just finished writing for next year, I may be a little on the fence. That Dan Carter has hidden depths, you know…

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

I think, in all honesty, I’d probably be quite grumpy – writing keeps my imagination from running overtime playing ‘what if’ scenarios. I adored finding film locations but it’s not something I can really go back to, now I have children – too much time away. So, I think I’d have to revert to my Plan B which is studying Positive Psychology and take it from there…

What’s next in store for everyone?

Private Practice is heading your way in 2019 and after that, my next Larkford adventure will be something a little different – but still with the Larkford soul that my readers know and love. I don’t think I’m allowed to say any more!

Favourite film?

Oh, it has to be “About Time” – Working Title are legendary for their deeply nuanced, feel good movies and this is no exception. Plus, you know, Bill Nighy!

Finally, what book do you wish you had written?

That’s a tricky one, because knowing so many other authors, I tend to hear their voices as I read – so each novel is uniquely a part of them and their life experiences and their character… Can I be evasive and say that I hope to emulate the late, great Penny Vincenzi’s gift of handling a large cast of characters, as she did in “The Best of Times”, and yet every single one of them is eminently relatable and in perfect definition. A triumph of escapist fiction.

BLOG TOUR THE HOUSE WE CALLED HOME BY JENNY OLIVER

The house where Stella and her sister Amy grew up never changes – the red front door, the breath-taking view over the Cornish coast, her parents in their usual spots on the sofa. Except this summer, things feel a little different…

Stella’s father is nowhere to be seen, yet her mother – in suspiciously new Per Una jeans – seems curiously unfazed by his absence, and more eager to talk about her mysterious dog-walking buddy Mitch.

Stella’s sister Amy has returned home with a new boyfriend she can barely stand and a secret to hide, and Stella’s husband Jack has something he wants to get off his chest too. Even Frank Sinatra, the dog, has a guilty air about him.
This summer, change is in the air for the Whitethorns…

Firstly a big thank you to Lily at hq stories for my copy.

I dont think ive read any of Jenny’s previous books.

Thia is a perfect summer read packed with wit and warmth

Family drama and turmoil ensure a less than simple summer vacation.

Lots of changes force people to evaluate themselves and their lives

What happens when we feel stuck ? What changes do we make?

Easy enjoyable read in which im sure we can all relate to .

Great charactars all bringing something unique to the story and family .

I look forward to reading more from her.

Do check out the other blogs taking part.

BLOG TOUR THE MEMORIES OF US BY VANESSA CARNEVALE

One moment can change your life

When Gracie Ashcroft wakes after a crash with severe amnesia, she must choose whether to live a life through other people’s memories or to start a new life all her own.

Discovering her late mother left her an old flower farm, Gracie leaves her fiancé, best friend and the home full of forgotten memories behind, hoping to learn who she is now.

Torn between wishing she could remember and afraid of losing what she now has, Gracie starts to wonder: if you had your time over, would you live the same life twice?

Firstly a big thank you to Sabah for ny copy and having me on the tour.

Devoured this in one gulp.

Beautifully written and captures love and loss perfectly.

Descriptive and evocative this is the perfect uplifting summer read .

Asks the question what if? What would you do?

Romantic and hesrtestmimg this is the best way to escape

Published 12th july and do check out the other blogs taking part.

Read on for a exclusive extract

When I open my eyes, the first thing I notice are the dinner-plate dahlias on the table at the foot of my bed. They’re café au laits. They struggle in cold soil and you plant the tubers when the soil temperature picks up and there’s no more risk of frost.
My eyes flutter closed again. I can’t seem to form any words to answer the woman who is patting my thigh. She keeps squeezing my hand, repeating the name, ‘Gracie.’
‘Open your eyes, Gracie. Can you hear me, Gracie?’
I want to tell her she’s in the wrong room, that she has the wrong person, but I can’t seem to find the energy to.
She squeezes my hand once more.
This time I find the strength to squeeze back.
‘Good girl. Open your eyes now, sweetheart.’
I hear footsteps. A male voice. Hushed whispers. Pages flicking. A pen clicking. There is beeping that I hadn’t noticed till now, and a steady hum. The room smells sterile. I open my eyes and the room slowly comes into focus. My eyelids feel so heavy.
The woman is wearing a blue shirt with white trim around the collar and her name badge tells me she’s a nurse. Her name is Bea. Which means the man standing beside her with a stethoscope around his neck is a … doctor. Which means I’m in a … hospital.
‘Hello, Gracie, I’m Dr Cleave. How’s that head of yours feeling?’
My arm feels like lead, but I manage to lift it and run my fingers over the bandage that’s wrapped around my head. Did I fall? I must have fallen. But when? Where? My heart starts to beat faster. Bea glances at the monitor by my bed and adjusts the pulse oximeter on my finger.
‘Gracie,’ I whisper, repeating the name that doesn’t seem to fit me. I search for another name for myself, but nothing comes.
Dr Cleave narrows his eyes, appearing slightly concerned.
‘Can you tell me your full name?’ he asks.
I take a moment to think about it, but there is blankness in that space where my name should be.
‘Not to worry,’ says Dr Cleave, after an abnormally long silence, which makes me worry more.
‘How did I … get here?’ I can’t seem to remember yesterday, or last month, or last year.
‘You’re in the hospital. You were in a car accident and you’ve been intubated in the ICU for three days. You’re going to feel a little tired, but that’s to be expected,’ he says.
I try to sit up, but it requires too much effort and I collapse back into the pillows. Everything in my body aches.

BOOK REVIEW WATCHING YOU BY LISA JEWELL

You’re back home after four years working abroad, new husband in tow.
\n
You’re keen to find a place of your own. But for now you’re crashing in your big brother’s spare room.
That’s when you meet the man next door.
He’s the head teacher at the local school. Twice your age. Extraordinarily attractive. You find yourself watching him.
All the time.
But you never dreamed that your innocent crush might become a deadly obsession.

Or that someone is watching you.

I am a huge fan of Lisas and had this on instant preorder and a signed one …even better.

Everything about this book screams thrilling and exciting..the cover the title. I was so excited to read !

24 hours after finishing im yet to pick up another book as my mind is blown.

Lisa has written a masterpiece and this is going to be the summer thrillee everyone is talking about.

Its dark ,claustaphobic, addictive and unpredictable.

Twists and turns that shocked me.

Everyone has secrets and a past but what happens when they collide with the present.

Temptations and the forbidden fruit lead to paranoia and scandal.

Expertly written in a way you think you know where its going and then takes you somewhere completly different.

Thought provoking and a real page turner.

I demand you to go read this ..

I wish Lisa every success with watching you.

Published 12th july

BOOK REVIEW THE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT WOMAN BY MILLY JOHNSON

Marnie Salt has made so many mistakes in her life that she fears she will never get on the right track. But when she ‘meets’ an old lady on a baking chatroom and begins confiding in her, little does she know how her life will change.

Arranging to see each other for lunch, Marnie finds discovers that Lilian is every bit as mad and delightful as she’d hoped – and that she owns a whole village in the Yorkshire Dales, which has been passed down through generations. And when Marnie needs a refuge after a crisis, she ups sticks and heads for Wychwell – a temporary measure, so she thinks.

But soon Marnie finds that Wychwell has claimed her as its own and she is duty bound not to leave. Even if what she has to do makes her as unpopular as a force 12 gale in a confetti factory! But everyone has imperfections, as Marnie comes to realise, and that is not such a bad thing – after all, your flaws are perfect for the heart that is meant to love you.

Firstly a big thank you to Annabelle for my copy to review.

Im a huge milly johnson fan … she is the queen of fiction and ive had the pleasure of meeting her .

You instantly know you are in for a treat.

Beautifully written and captivating.

Grest charactars and storyline.

Loved loved Marnie and her fiesty personality. But underneath her hard exterior is a lot of pain and regret.

Through new beginnings and new friends she learns to like who she is and have faith in herself.

This will leave you with a warm heart and a belly rumbling for cheesecake!

Published 12th july in paperback.