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Book length - 416 pages Publisher - Headline Review Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Phoebe from www.headline.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK London, 1947: Besieged by a harsh winter, burdened by shortages and rationing, the people of post-war Britain are suffering despite their nation's recent victory. For Ann Hughes and Miriam Dassin, embroiderers at the famed Mayfair fashion house of Norman Hartnell, a glimmer of brightness comes in the form of their unlikely friendship and being chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime honour: taking part in the creation of Princess Elizabeth's wedding gown. Toronto, 2016: Heather Mackenzie seeks to unravel the mystery of a legacy from her late grandmother. How did her beloved nan, who never spoke of her old life in Britain, come to possess the priceless embroideries that so closely resemble the motifs on the stunning gown worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding almost seventy years before? And what was her nan's connection to the celebrated textile artist and Holocaust survivor Miriam Dassin? MY REVIEW THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson is a masterpiece of fiction that effortlessly brought the past to life in such a way that it made my breath hitch and completely overwhelmed me at times. When Heather's beloved Nan dies, she finds a box with her name on it containing beautiful samples of embroidery that leaves more questions than answers for Heather. But Heather is a journalist and uncovering the truth is something she knows how to do. As she travels to England, Heather soon realises that she didn't know everything about the woman who meant so much to her, but nothing prepared her for the unbelievable truth. Back in 1947, Ann Hughes is a talented embroiderer for the renowned Norman Hartnell and leads a content if quiet life. When a French woman starts working there, they strike up a friendship that will become so important to them both and as wedding fever hits an all-time high, both of these women will work tirelessly to make the Princess' dress everything she would dream of and more. But there are hardships and heartache ahead ... This emotional and heartfelt story moves effortlessly from past to present and both time frames come alive through the author's words. Life in post-war in England is still hard and as we get to know Miriam, Ann's new friend, and co-worker, we can see the terrifying reality of the Holocaust through her story. This is not just a story about the stunning gown made for the Princess, although the insight into this world of embroidery is amazing, but rather a story of strength, determination, friendship, and real love that can emerge amongst the ashes of what you thought your life would be. THE GOWN by Jennifer Robson is exquisite in every way and I cannot describe in words how much I adored this book. This is a book that should be read by everyone as it will change you and make you realise what is important in life, and that we should never forget the past. A magnificent book that will take your breath away. AUTHOR BIO Jennifer Robson first learned about the Great War from her father, acclaimed historian Stuart Robson, and later served as an official guide at the Canadian National War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, France. A former copy editor, she holds a doctorate in British economic and social history from the University of Oxford. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and young children. For more information: Website - www.jennifer-robson.com Twitter - twitter.com/AuthorJenniferR Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferRobson/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/authorjenniferrobson/
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 Release date - 26th February 2019
Book length - 318 pages Publisher - St. Martin's Press Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley. ABOUT THIS BOOK Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses―even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man. Who would have thought that a strange case of criminal horseplay would lead her to falling deeply, wildly in love? If only the man who makes her heart race faster than a wild mustang would let his guard down, that is. . . Caleb Harper is no ordinary cowboy. Sure, he wears his hat, boots, and jeans like a second skin, and displays an easygoing charm that comes from years of working on the ranch. But with his military background, and Army buddies at his side, he is tried-and-true Texas tough. Audrey knows she can trust a man like Caleb to help her save horses. But can Caleb trust himself to resist his attraction to Audrey―or will the sparks of their desire end up getting them burned? MY REVIEW MY FAVORITE COWBOY by Donna Grant is a romance that packs a punch with an edge of suspense running throughout that really hooked me as a reader and held my attention from start to finish. Caleb Harper knows what is like to be abandoned by someone who should love you no matter what so he has shut himself off from the possibility of love - it just isn't worth it. When he is called in to check out some possible foul play happening to some local horses, he didn't expect to meet Audrey Martinez, a vet who treats her animals with a loving care above and beyond the norm. Together they must work out just who exactly is behind this mistreatment and why, but can they ignore the sizzling tension that sparks between them the more time they spend together? While MY FAVORITE COWBOY is the third book in this series, it can easily be read as a standalone and you will soon get to know the secondary characters from the former books. There is passion, friendship, high emotions and more, all bursting at the seams to be read in this story and I found it highly entertaining. MY FAVORITE COWBOY by Donna Grant is a great story with loveable characters and I highly recommend it to contemporary fiction and romance fans alike. AUTHOR BIO Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over forty-five novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae. In addition to her novels, Donna has written over forty short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weeklyand “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews. She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews. Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters. Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes. For more information: Website - www.donnagrant.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorDonnaGrant/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/dgauthor/  Release date - 12th February 2019
Book length - 256 pages Publisher - Titan Books Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Julia from titanbooks.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK Sherlock Holmes has just uncovered the truth about the theft of a priceless ruby. The wealthy Lady Damury staged the theft and tried to frame her husband - but just as Holmes reveals the truth, Lady Damury is found murdered. Holmes deduces that this is no crime of passion, but the work of a ruthless killer with no connection to the jewel. With reports of a man in a strange, trance-like state, Holmes finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the sinister Dr Caligari... MY REVIEW I love a good old mystery and have always had a soft spot for Sherlock Holmes so I was delighted to receive THE INSTRUMENT OF DEATH by David Stuart Davies which easily transported me into a world of murder and mayhem. When Holmes solves the mystery surrounding the theft of a ruby that is like no other, it seems to be another shut and close case for the seasoned detective. But when his suspect is found murdered, Holmes is sure that there is something a lot more dark and sinister at work and he finds himself in a deadly game of chase. A detailed setting and well-rounded and developed characters are just some of the reasons that I enjoyed this story but the magic that surrounds Sherlock Holmes stories is felt throughout and that really made it all the more enjoyable for me. With plenty of misdirection and secrets along the way, there was never a dull moment and I highly recommend THE INSTRUMENT OF DEATH by David Stuart Davies to all Sherlock Holmes fans. AUTHOR BIO David Stuart Davies was born in 1946. He was a teacher of English before becoming a full-time editor, writer, and playwright. Davies has written extensively about Sherlock Holmes, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the editor of Red Herrings, the monthly in-house publication of the Crime Writers' Association. For more information: Website - www.davidstuartdavies.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/DStuartDavies Facebook - www.facebook.com/DavidStuartDaviesAuthor/  Available Now
Book length - 303 pages Publisher - Poolbeg Press Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Caroline from poolbeg.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK The Irish Civil War is raging across County Cork, and sixteen-year-old Edith Cavendish, bored within the confines of her privileged life, embarks on a forbidden love affair with local rebel Tadgh Carey. But Edith is unaware of the dark secrets surrounding her, both outside Cavendish and within its walls, in the very rooms through which she walks. Eighty years have passed, and Elenore Stack has inherited her beloved childhood home, Cavendish Hall, from her recently deceased parents. Charming and magical, if in need of much loving and expensive care, Cavendish is woven into the tapestry of Elenore’s life. She must somehow find a way to ensure its survival while preserving its dignity. Then she meets and falls in love with Donnacha O’Callaghan, a property developer, and together they begin to work on changing Cavendish into the family guest house of her dreams. He, however, unbeknownst to her, has plans that will change the house beyond recognition and wipe away her precious childhood memories. As Donnacha’s past shady dealings surface and the prospect of losing Cavendish looms once more, Elenore’s life begins to unravel. Then a fateful discovery in a forgotten corner of the house links her to a young woman from Cavendish’s past – Edith Cavendish – and becomes her lifeline. MY REVIEW HOME TO CAVENDISH by Antoinette Tyrrell is as stunning a story inside as the cover is outside and I'm excited to read more from this new author. A dual timeline story, the plot moves from past to present effortlessly with everything centred around the beautiful big house, Cavendish. Two very different women living in very different times, both love this old house that has meant something special to their families but while one young woman yearns to flee the constraints of her home even though she loves it, the other will do whatever it takes to preserve Cavendish so that she may live there forever. But these two characters also have a lot in common with a strength of spirit that may not always be obvious at first, and a determination to be who and what they really want to be. I really loved both of the female characters in this book but I have to say that Edith fascinated me just a little bit more. Ireland's turbulent history is well-portrayed without being the centre of the story as such, and while at times it made my heart ache, it definitely hit its mark. There is drama, lies, secrecy, and strength portrayed throughout and I found myself completely enthralled from the very first page. HOME TO CAVENDISH by Antoinette Tyrrell is a wonderful story with something for everyone and I highly recommend it to fiction fans everywhere. AUTHOR BIO Antoinette Tyrrell studied English and History at NUI Maynooth followed by a Higher Diploma in Communications. In her early career she worked as a journalist in local radio and for the last fifteen years has worked in public relations. She lives in rural County Kildare with her partner Ahmed. Home to Cavendish is her debut novel. For more information: Website - www.antoinettetyrrell.ie Twitter - twitter.com/AntoinetteTyrr  Release date - 21st February 2019 Book length - 440 pages Publisher - Sphere Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Millie from www.littlebrown.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK Molly Baker is living her best life. Thirty-eight years old, she lives on the twenty-five-acre Hope Farm in Buckinghamshire, surrounded by (mostly) four-legged friends and rolling hills. There's Anthony the anti-social sheep, Tina Turner the alpaca with attitude, and the definitely-not-miniature pig, Teacup. Molly runs the farm as an alternative school for kids who haven't thrived in mainstream education. It's full on, but she wouldn't have it any other way. So when the well-groomed Shelby Dacre turns up at Hope Farm asking to enrol his son Lucas, Molly isn't fazed. But Lucas is distant and soon Molly realises he might be more of a handful than she anticipated. And then there's the added problem that his dad is distractingly handsome. Molly has her beloved farm to think of - could letting Lucas and Shelby in be a terrible mistake, or the start of something wonderful? MY REVIEW If ever there was a book that is sure to pick you up out of a funk and put a smile on your face and hope in your heart, then HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS by Carole Matthews is that book. Hope Farm is Molly's entire life. It saved her from her childhood when her reclusive aunt took her in there and showed her how to love the land and the animals that belonged there, and it saved her after her aunt passed away. And now with the help of some very close friends, Hope Farm helps animals and kids that need some extra tlc by providing them with a place to feel comfortable, wanted, and needed, and Molly thrives on helping others. But when Lucas, a sullen teenager, and his handsome father drive through her gate one day it will change the course of Molly's life for good, and change isn't something that Molly deals well with. Her feelings for Lucas' father is complicated and unwanted, especially considering he is a hot-shot actor with glamorous women throwing themselves at his feet, while Molly struggles to wash the chicken poop out of her hair. And as Lucas struggles with grief and anger towards his dad, Molly knows that she needs to step back and not become too attached. But when Hope Farm comes under threat, Molly's whole world is about to fall apart. Can they all come together to save this special place? With characters of the two-legged and four-legged variety that will completely capture your heart and turn you to mush, HAPPINESS FOR BEGINNERS by Carole Matthews really pulls the reader into the story and everyone at Hope Farm soon feels like family. While Lucas' dad can be frustrating at times in this story, the author deftly shows how grief is never the same for each person and my heart went out to Lucas so many times. The setting is superb and as it is based on a real-life place called Animal Antiks, it comes alive in a way which is beyond description. There is sadness, inspiration, friendship, commitment, and strengths strewn among these pages and I highly recommend this story to all contemporary fiction fans. AUTHOR BIO Carole Matthews is an international bestselling author of hugely successful romantic comedy novels. Her unique sense of humour has won her legions of fans and critical acclaim all over the world. A Minor Indiscretion and A Compromising Position both reached the Top 5 in the Sunday Times bestseller chart in the UK. You Drive Me Crazy reached number 8 in the original fiction charts. The novel Welcome To The Real World was shortlisted for RNA romantic novel of the year 2007. In 2006 Carole co-edited - with writer Sarah Mlynowski - two new editions of the hugely popular Girls' Night In charity series called Girls' Night Out - one for the USA and one for Canada. All proceeds go to War Child. Carole has presented on television and is a regular radio guest. When she’s not writing novels, television or film scripts she manages to find time to trek in the Himalayas, rollerblade in Central Park, take tea in China and snooze in her garden shed in Milton Keynes which is near London, England. For more information: Website - www.carolematthews.com Twitter - twitter.com/carolematthews Facebook - www.facebook.com/CaroleMatthewsBooks/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/matthews.carole/   Release date - 21st February 2019
Book length - 416 pages Publisher - Harper Collins Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Mary from Harper Collins Ireland for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK It’s takes one minute to change everything… Vivienne Shager has it all. A highflying job. A beautiful apartment. Friends whose lives are as perfect as her own. But on the afternoon of her 27th birthday, Vivi has a heart attack. Now Vivi’s life shrinks back to how it begun, as she moves back to the small seaside town she grew up in. With her time running out, there is one thing she wants to know the truth about. Some secrets are best left in the past… Thirty years earlier, Shelley’s family home, Deerwood farm, bursts full of love and happiness. But one family member has hidden a secret for all these years. Until Vivi comes home demanding answers, and it takes just a moment to unravel the lie at their heart of their lives… MY REVIEW ONE MINUTE LATER by Susan Lewis is an in-depth and emotional story of loss and heartbreak and I was engrossed from beginning to end. It is a matter of seconds when Vivi's fulfilling life is altered irrevocably. One minute she is a highly successful professional with a stunning apartment in the city, lots of like-minded friends, and a lifestyle that she always wanted and the next she is passed out on a restaurant floor with a terrifying diagnosis that means she is no longer in control. Living back in her childhood town with her mum was never part of her plan but as Vivi starts to relearn so much about herself and her family, secrets from the past may come to the surface. This is a dual timeline story and I have to admit for the first part of the novel as I read about Vivi's life and then that of Shelley's years earlier, I wasn't exactly sure how they were connected but don't worry all will come to light. The characters are engaging and I found myself quite emotional at times reading about their lives. A thoughtful and thought-provoking story, ONE MINUTE LATER by Susan Lewis is a powerful story of secrets and heartache and is sure to be a hit for this talented author. AUTHOR BIO Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu. For more information: Website - susanlewis.com Twitter - twitter.com/susandlewis Facebook - www.facebook.com/SusanLewisBooks Instagram - www.instagram.com/susanlewisauthor/  Release date - 7th February 2019
Book length - 192 pages Publisher - Piccadilly Press Worldwide - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Tina from www.piccadillypress.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK When young Anna inherits a dilapidated once-grand hotel from her Great Aunt Mathilde, she's determined to restore it to its former glory. But this is no ordinary hotel - all of her staff and guests are animals! Anna soon rises to the challenge. Whether it's a flamingo, a penguin or a hippo knocking at the door, Anna is ready to welcome them all - with the help of her trusty sidekicks T Bear the doorman, Squeak the friendly mouse elevator, and Lemmy the lemur receptionist ... As she soon finds out, though, running an animal hotel is no easy task. Can Anna make Hotel Flamingo a success once more? MY REVIEW First of all, I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely stunning and myself and the kids found ourselves looking at it over and over again. And I'm delighted to say that the story inside is just as beautiful! When Anna arrives at the grand hotel that she has inherited, it isn't long before she realises that it isn't really all that grand anymore. But there is something extra special about this place and Anna is determined to make it shine again. With the help of her staff, the wonderful animals that make the hotel feel like home, they will work hard together to make their dreams come true. The characters were a huge hit with us and we had a soft spot for so many of the cute and crazy animals that showed their quirky and strong personalities at every opportunity. There was plenty of laughs along the way and the illustrations throughout really worked well for my younger child who still enjoys pictures in books. I loved the fact that the jobs didn't split up into the typical boy/girl divide and that Anna was such a strong and determined character who helped pull everyone together to succeed. We all really enjoyed HOTEL FLAMINGO by Alex Milway and there was nothing about this book that we did not love - a complete success in our house!! AUTHOR BIO Alex Milway is a full-time children's books author-illustrator and screenwriter. His most recent book series Pigsticks and Harold (Walker Books) was optioned by Jam Media, and presented at the 2014 Cartoon Forum. He is the founder of the This Book Is Funny! children's book scheme working with schools and libraries and has huge experience running children's workshops around the UK, in China and the US. For more information: Website - www.alexmilway.com Twitter - twitter.com/Alexmilway Facebook - www.facebook.com/pg/alexmilwaybooks/photos/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/alexmilway/  Available Now Book length - 241 pages Publisher - Sapere Books Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Caoimhe from saperebooks.com for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK You can’t outrun murder… When Lucy Lewis landed herself a reporting job on an idyllic Thai island, she thought she’d found paradise. But one day her dream turns into a nightmare… A bomb goes off outside her hostel and there is more than one fatality. Although the local paper she works for is mainly a tourist guide, the phone is soon ringing off the hook with people desperate to hear news of their loved ones. Together with her editor, Steve Boyd, Lucy finds herself drawn into the investigation. And things become more complicated when the dead body of someone connected to the paper washes up on the shore. Was the bomb planted by terrorists? Are the two incidents connected? Lucy finds herself running in circles as she desperately searches for the key to the mystery… MY REVIEW The beginning of a new series, RUNNING IN CIRCLES by Claire Gray is a well-paced story of murder and deception and I'm looking forward to the next instalment already. Lucy Lewis cannot believe her luck in landing a job as a reporter on a stunning Thai island. But when there is a bombing and later a dead body is discovered, Lucy is suddenly thrown into a more dangerous and sinister version of the sunny tropical paradise that most people see. Along with her editor, Steve, they find themselves on the hunt for the truth but nothing is ever quite what it seems ... With plenty of intrigue, suspense, and action along the way, RUNNING IN CIRCLES by Claire Gray is a gripping read that introduces readers to these characters in such a way that you are left wanting more. A little slow to start, it wasn't long before I felt like I was a part of the story and was just as desperate as Lucy to piece it all together and uncover the truth. The setting is excellently portrayed and I could picture each scene as I read. A must for crime fiction and suspense fans alike, RUNNING IN CIRCLES by Claire Gray is a quality debut and I highly recommend it. AUTHOR BIO Claire Gray lives in the South Lakes with her husband and two small children. She studied Creative Writing at the Cumbria Institute of the Arts, which no longer exists, having been absorbed by the University of Cumbria. She graduated in 2006 and then went on to complete a journalism course at Darlington College. That same year, she won a Northern Promise Award from New Writing North, and her work was featured in their anthology, entitled Ten Years On. Claire now works as a freelance copywriter and continues to write short stories, some of which have been published in magazines and online. Recently, she has been guest editor for the prose section of SpeakEasy Magazine, which showcases Cumbrian writing. In 2015, she received editing advice from The Literary Consultancy through their Free Read scheme. They subsequently felt that her manuscript, Running in Circles, showed potential, and began approaching literary professionals on Claire’s behalf. This resulted in the novel being placed with Sapere Books, and Claire is very excited to be a part of their inaugural launch list. For more information: Twitter - twitter.com/claireEsnail DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY!!!  |
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