I cannot believe that one year has passed since I decided to start my own book blog. What a whirlwind and learning curve it has been! Having written reviews for other sites before I knew the work that was involved with reading and writing a review, but setting up my own blog was a whole other ball game. As I got used to graphics, hashtags, and taking my own bookish pictures (I am still a newbie and learning something new every day from those more experienced and talented!), I began to fall in love with blogging almost as much as reading. Spreading the book love is so satisfying and the book community is one of the most supportive and welcoming groups you will ever find. There are so many people that I want to thank for their continued advice, support, and just being their hilarious selves but there really are so many I wouldn't know where to start!! I do want to give a special shoutout to all of the gang at A Bunch of Book Bloggers and Book Connectors - you guys are all amazing and I appreciate you all so much. For all of the authors and Publishers who have trusted me with their book babies, and answered my questions, thank you so much for taking a chance on a new blog. And most of all I want to thank everyone who ever clicked on one of my links and read my thoughts on whatever book I had just finished. Thank you for taking the time to read my words (which are sometimes rambling 😜), for sharing my reviews, for writing a comment, for supporting me. I love books - always have and always will - and they play a huge part in my life, as they do for so many of you too, and today we need words more than ever, after all: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft Now as we are all book addicts here, there is no better way to celebrate my blog birthday than with a giveaway. So check it out - A4 Pink Cupcake Notebook. Still You by Claire Allan, Six Postcards Home by Michelle Jackson, Summoning the Dead by Tony Black, Gilding the Lily by Justine John, Hardback Animal Kingdom Notes and Doodles Notebook, 6 x multicoloured pens, set of 24 colouring pencils. And all you have to do to be in with a chance to win this bundle is comment on this post below. The winner will be randomly chosen on Sunday 4th June 2017. The giveaway is open internationally.
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Release date - 18th May 2017
Book length - 418 pages Publisher - blackandwhitepublishing.com Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK In Carniskey, a small fishing village in Ireland, the community is divided, wracked by grief and guilt; love and resentment; despair and hope. Sean Delaney has been missing at sea for three years, and no one - least of all his grieving wife, Alison - knows what really happened to him. Having lost her husband, her financial security, and having grown distant from her daughter, Alison feels alone and estranged from the villagers. Sean's mother has not spoken since her house was burgled after his disappearance, and Alison's only friend, Kathleen, harbours secrets of her own. Isolated by their stunning, yet often cruel, surroundings, the community is forced to look inwards. But when artist and lifelong nomad William comes to town, he offers Alison a new perspective on life - and love. What she doesn't realise is that strangers have secrets of their own, and William's arrival threatens to unearth the mysteries of the past. A story of courage and humanity, we follow a community through their struggles and triumphs in love, loss and betrayal. As each of the characters strives to find their own sense of belonging, they are led to the realisation that it is only through the truth that they can truly find happiness. MY REVIEW FINDING ALISON by Deirdre Eustace is an emotional and atmospheric story centred on loss, grief, courage and hope. Alison's life lost its focus when her husband Sean went out on his fishing boat during a storm three years ago and never returned. Hollowed out with grief, Alison has never fully recovered from that night, and now as she struggles to keep her life together, she wonders if she will ever find her way through the darkness. Her relationship with her teenage daughter, Hannah, is volatile as Hannah rebels against the mother who seems so closed off to her. Her mother-in-law Maryanne, to whom she was always close has shut down ever since her house was burgled and now stares out to sea, never speaking a word. Money is in short supply and as Alison tries to eke out a living as a freelance writer, her dreams of writing her own novel seem out of reach. If it wasn't for her best friend Kathleen, Alison would have no social life at all. But when a travelling stranger lands in Carniskey, he will open Alison's eyes to her true strength, courage, and ability, but as Alison confronts her painful past and present, lies and betrayals will come to the forefront. FINDING ALISON by Deirdre Eustace really delves deep into the character's emotions and as Alison opens up to the reader, we can really feel her connection to the sea almost as if the sea is a character in its own right. The burden and heaviness of grief and sadness are really well depicted and I often felt a tear in my eye as I journeyed beside Alison and the community of Carniskey. I had a huge soft spot for Maryanne - a mother who has lost her son, picked up the pieces with her granddaughter, only to have suffered emotional turmoil again when she stumbles across a burglar in her home - and I really hoped that she would find her way back to Alison and Hannah. There are a few elements of the story that were left open and I wonder if we will get to pay another visit to the community of Carniskey? FINDING ALISON by Deirdre Eustace is a story about strength - the strength of body, spirit, and mind - and the importance of believing in oneself. I really enjoyed this captivating, in-depth story and I highly recommend it. Author Bio: Deirdre Eustace, is a native of Bonmahon, Co Waterford. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in a variety of publications including The Waterford Review, Volumes 1, 2 and 3; Under Brigid's Cloak; Gathering Together; Ireland's Own; Galloping On; Syllables and the American White Star Journal. Her work has been broadcast on both local and national radio. Deirdre's first novel, If I Trust in You, described by the Irish Independent as 'tense and gripping... a riveting debut' was published in July, 2009. It remained in the top sellers list for several months and won a Publishing Ireland 'Book of the Month' Award. With over twenty years experience as a writer, editor and proofreader, Deirdre is a full member of the Association of Freelance Editors, Proofreaders and Indexers (AFEPI) Ireland. Finding Alison is her second novel. *I want to thank Lina at Black & White Publishing, and the author Deirdre Eustace, for the opportunity to review this book and take part on this blog tour. Release date - 1st June 2017
Book length - 416 pages Publisher - www.penguin.co.uk Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK There's trouble in paradise. . . For as long as she can remember, Jemma has been planning the perfect honeymoon. A fortnight's retreat to a five-star resort in the Maldives, complete with luxury villas, personal butlers and absolute privacy. It should be paradise, but it's turned into a nightmare. Because the man Jemma married a week ago has just disappeared from the island without a trace. And now her perfect new life is vanishing just as quickly before her eyes. After everything they've been through together, how can this be happening? Is there anyone on the island who Jemma can trust? And above all - where has her husband gone? MY REVIEW WHAT THE HELL?!?!? This book just sucked me in, churned me around for over 400 pages, and then spat me out with an ending that left my mouth hanging open in shock and disbelief! Tina Seskis I bow down to your extraordinary writing skills that made this unbelievable story burst to life and completely take me by surprise. THE HONEYMOON is such a gripping a read that I am struggling to put into words just how exceptional this story is but I will try to get control of myself long enough to make an attempt. Jemma has finally achieved her goal of marriage and is now on her honeymoon with the man that she agreed to spend the rest of her life with. On this beautiful paradise island that is the perfect place for love, Jemma should feel happiness and fulfilment but that is not the case. Her husband has vanished, as if into thin air, and as time ticks by, the outcome does not look favourable. But what has happened to him? Who is hiding something? And will she ever see him again? THE HONEYMOON by Tina Seskis rolls out this harrowing tale in short snappy chapters and as it switches from the past to the present, we really get to know all of the main characters involved in great detail, while the frenetic pace of the drama is maintained and even heightened. Jemma, and some of the other characters, are not always likeable and they all seem to have a darker side to their personality, but that only adds to the tension and heavy atmosphere that is hovering in the air as you turn every page. I actually felt my stomach wobble as I read this book. as each page took my mind down a different, terrifying avenue, but nothing prepared me for the ending - I love when a book really throws me for a loop! Deeply emotional and traumatic, the reader can actually feel what is being described and for me, that really makes THE HONEYMOON by Tina Seskis stand out from the crowd. THE HONEYMOON by Tina Seskis has just topped my best books for 2017 list, and I highly recommend that you buy this novel now - you won't regret it! Author Bio: Tina Seskis grew up in Hampshire, before going off to study in the beautiful city of Bath and then moving to London, where she has lived on and off ever since. Tina's first novel One Step Too Far was released in 2013, and has since been published in 17 languages in over 60 countries. Her latest novel, The Honeymoon, will finally be released on 1st June 2017. Tina lives in North London with her husband and son. For more information: Website - tinaseskis.com Twitter - twitter.com/tinaseskis Facebook - www.facebook.com/TinaSeskis/ *I want to thank Sarah at Penguin Random House, and the author Tina Seskis, for the opportunity to read and review this exceptional thriller! Book length - 268 pages
Publisher - Self-Published Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK Julia Merina always thought her life would be simple - go to college, meet Mr. Right, find her dream job, and live happily ever after. But just shy of 25, she learns the hard way that life rarely goes according to plan. Now, at age 28, Julia’s life revolves around her three year old son, Carson, her career at Oceanic Marketing, and her supportive family. After the turbulent years of her early 20s, Julia resolved to never trust a man again. That is until Drew Parkington, an old classmate, suddenly comes back into her life. Julia is forced to examine her life and decide if she can let go of the past and learn to trust again. MY REVIEW THE OTHER SIDE OF LATER by D.K. Hamilton is a heartfelt, emotional story about family, friendship, and the fear that can sometimes surround love. Julia learned the hard way that you should never let anyone take control of your life, and even though she is happy now with her gorgeous little boy, her supportive family, and her hard-earned career, she knows that she will never let down her guard when it comes to the opposite sex. But one rainy afternoon soon sets Julia on a new path, where she has the opportunity for companionship, love, and a real relationship with Drew. But Julia cannot trust her own instincts, and never wants to feel the abandonment and fear from her past, so she pushes him away. After all, loving someone makes you vulnerable, and vulnerability often leads to hurt. So Julia throws herself into her career and looking after her son even more, but Drew keeps on surfacing in her mind... THE OTHER SIDE OF LATER by D.K. Hamilton is well-paced with well-developed characters that you will fall in love with - especially Drew and Luke! While at times I wanted to shout at Julia to wake up and stop messing up, as her past is revealed to us, I began to understand her need to keep her distance. Set against the backdrop of the beach, this story comes to life, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. THE OTHER SIDE OF LATER by D.K. Hamilton is an easy read and is perfect for an afternoon's entertainment. Author Bio: Thanks for taking the time to visit my page! I'm so excited my debut novel, The Other Side of Later, is now available on Amazon! While I graduated from college with a degree in engineering, by the time I was in my late 20s, I discovered my real passion is writing. I wrote The Other Side of Later over the course of a couple years late at night, on weekends, and during any minute I could spare. I've been a Jersey Shore resident my entire life, and I wouldn't dream of living anywhere else! In my spare time, I love going to the beach, listening to country music, and running along the shore. For more information: Website - www.dkhamiltonauthor.com Twitter - twitter.com/DK_Hamilton Facebook - www.facebook.com/DKHamiltonAuthor *I want to thank D.K. Hamilton for the opportunity to read and review this lovely story. I am delighted to spread the word that Bombshell Books is back with a bang and I cannot wait to dive into their exciting line-up of vibrant, new novels. And they are on the hunt for more writing talent 📚 Check out all the info below: After launching with the hilarious The Queen of Blogging, Bombshell Books are back with two new authors and three fabulous novels. Therese Loreskar returns with her sequel to The Queen of Blogging – The Queen of New Beginnings. Therese Loreskar started her career in 2010 self-publishing her first novel, which quickly became a critically acclaimed best-seller. In 2014 she was signed by a Swedish publishing house before being signed by Bombshell in the summer of 2016. Her novel, The Queen of Blogging, received overwhelming feedback and the book was referred to as a modern Bridget Jones. Therese has since had four bestselling children’s books. Her never-ending energy for writing and entertaining people is her biggest trait. Therese lives in the countryside on the west coast of Sweden. She has a big and busy household with her husband, two children, deaf cat, five hamsters and a grandmother. When she is not busy writing stories she enjoys nature, people, history, redecorating the house without permission and all other kinds of creativity. The Queen of New Beginnings will be published on August 10th this year. I was lucky enough to have read The Queen of Blogging last year and I eagerly look forward to the next instalment. You can check out my review of the first book in this series here - www.booksofallkinds.weebly.com Guardian book prize shortlisted author, Suzie Tullett, signs with Bombshell Books. Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. Her motto is to 'live, laugh, love' and when she's not busy creating her own literary masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else's. Suzie lives in a tiny hamlet in the middle of the French countryside, along with her husband and two Greek rescue dogs. You can find Suzie on Twitter: @SuzieTullett or you can visit her website: suzietullett.com Her heart-warming romantic comedy, The Trouble with Words, will be published on July 29th this year. Debut author, Callie Langridge, joins Bombshell Books. Caroline was born and brought up in Berkshire. After a brief teenage spell in the depths of Lancashire, she moved back to London. Having left school at 16, she studied drama before embarking on a career in marketing. This saw her work in music marketing in the heady days of Britpop in the late ‘90s. She unleashed her creativity in the design of window displays and marketing campaigns for the leading music retailer. More recently she has followed her passion for social history and currently works in marketing for a national historical institution, promoting projects and running events. On hitting her thirtieth birthday, she decided finally to take her A levels and gained A’s in English Literature and Language, and Film Studies – not bad when working full time – and this spurred her on to take the first of many creative writing course. A few years later and she has had a number of short stories published and plays performed at theatres and venues across London. Caroline lives in London with her long-term partner and an ever-growing collection of antique curiosities. Her beautifully written and heart-wrenching debut novel, A Time to Change, will be published on September 24th this year. Bombshell Books is an imprint of Bloodhound Books. Bombshell publishes brilliant women’s fiction and is on the look out for new authors. We want stories that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. For more information visit our website – www.bombshellbooks.com Release date - 29th May 2017
Book length - 265 pages Publisher - Self-Published Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK When the opportunity arises for journalist Tally McKenzie to meet tennis ace Cash Gallagher, she grabs it without hesitation. Desperate for a killer story to advance her career, she’ll have to betray her idol and her own morals into the bargain if she is to succeed. Renowned bad boy Cash wants one thing; to remain at the top of his game. He’s fought hard to get there, and he’s not about to lose his crown, especially over a woman. When Cash divulges personal information, Tally seizes her chance and writes an explosive article. Incensed, Cash sets out to get his revenge. Except the darling of centre court gets more than he bargained for—a passionate affair with a woman he should detest. But Cash is a man with secrets—secrets that could destroy his career. Dare he take the risk? Or is the cost too great, even for his perfect match. Book Series Details Winning Ace (Game - Catching Cash) Losing Game (Set - Holding Cash) Releasing July 2017 Grand Slam (Match - Keeping Cash) Releasing October 2017 MY REVIEW WINNING ACE by Tracie Delaney is an explosive, compelling, and addictive contemporary romance that has bestseller written all over it. Cash Gallagher is the golden boy of the tennis world and has enough arrogance and charm to go alongside his expert talent. Tally McKenzie is working hard to carve out her big break in the world of journalism and when she gets the opportunity she cannot let it slip by her - even if it means compromising what she feels is right and wrong when it comes to her sports idol. But Cash is not a man who is used to being crossed and when he determines to take on Tally head on, he has no idea what he has let himself in for. For Tally is nothing like the seething bottom feeders of the press that he has imagined her to be, and when they are around each other their chemistry is undeniable. But Cash has secrets that are too dangerous to let slip... Can he really trust the woman he is starting to depend on? And can Tally really give her all to someone who is always holding something back? As an avid reader of romance novels, I expect a lot from a book to really keep me gripped, give a new edge to the genre, and sweep me along effortlessly. But WINNING ACE by Tracie Delaney does that and so much more. The characters are so realistic and well-developed that even when I was irritated by something they did, I never stopped caring about them. I felt their fears, their happiness, their hopes, and their desire (have a fan ready to help ease the flames!) and for me, that is what an excellent romance is all about - the reader becoming a part of the story. The drama, secrecy, and lies are unexpected and definitely give a fresh edge to the tale, and I really enjoyed the sports element - sneaking a peek behind the glamorous world of tennis to the hard work, dedication, and politics behind the facade. WINNING ACE by Tracie Delaney is the first book in this compelling new series so the story does not neatly end all packaged up, but with the second book releasing in July, you won't have to wait too long for your Winning Ace fix - and trust me you are desperately going to want it! An absolutely outstanding debut, Tracie Delaney is a writer to watch out for as her stories completely enfold you between the pages and transport you to a different place. So what are you waiting for? Time to get clicking!! Author Bio: Tracie Delaney is the author of the Winning Ace trilogy. She loves nothing more than immersing herself in a good romance, although she sometimes, rather cheekily, makes her characters wait for their HEA. When she isn’t writing or sitting around with her head stuck in a book, she can often be found watching The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or any tennis match involving Roger Federer. Her greatest fear is running out of coffee. Tracie studied accountancy, gaining her qualification in 2001. Her maths teacher would no doubt be stunned by this revelation considering Tracie could barely add two plus two at high school. Tracie lives in the North West of England with her amazingly supportive husband. They both share a love of dogs, travel and wine. For more information: Website - www.traciedelaneyauthor.com Twitter - twitter.com/tracie_delaney Facebook - www.facebook.com/TracieDelaneyAuthor/ *I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this truly stunning book and I cannot thank Tracie enough for allowing me to be a very small part of her wonderful journey. Congratulations Tracie!! Release date - 11th April 2017
Book length - 279 pages Publisher - shewritespress.com Buy Links - www.bookpassage.com/book/9781631521843 Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK While the federal government is launching a national investigation on the -equity- of organ distribution, a female tech CEO flies across the country to get a liver transplant. Soon, well-respected transplant nurse Sarah Golden and her best friend, Jackie, find themselves tangled up in an intense plot to uncover the answer to the question on everyone's mind: Can you buy your way up to the top of the waiting list? Their pursuit of justice brings them to Miami, San Francisco, and Chicago--a sometimes fun, sometimes dangerous roller coaster ride from which they barely escape with their lives. MY REVIEW When I was asked to review this medical mystery novel I instantly agreed as it is such an intriguing topic which I know so little about, and I wondered how the story would play out. And boy am I glad I did because CUT by Amy S. Peele is an expertly researched, well-paced novel with plenty of twists and witty dialogue along the way to keep the reader's attention throughout. Best friends Sarah and Jackie are thrown into a dangerous journey centred around organ transplants, when Sarah stumbles across a situation where the rich and powerful seem to control the waiting list. But as they dig deeper their questions are not going unnoticed. While there is plenty of suspense and medical drama in this novel, this is also a tale of friendship with plenty of humour sprinkled among the danger. CUT by Amy S. Peele is a unique and interesting take on the medical community and a thoroughly fascinating and gripping read that deals with an important subject, and I am looking forward to more from this author. Author Bio: Amy Peele was born and raised in the Chicago area, where she graduated from South Chicago School of Nursing. She discovered her passion for organ donation and transplantation when she started as a transplant coordinator at University of Chicago, and has since enjoyed a thirty-five-year career in transplantation in both Illinois and California. Peele has lived and worked in the San Francisco area since 1985 and has been writing creatively for over fifteen years. In addition to killing people in her murder mysteries, she enjoys meditating, yoga, swimming, and pursuing her spirituality by studying the teachings of Deepak Chopra. For more information: Website - amyspeele.com Twitter - twitter.com/amy_peele Facebook - www.facebook.com/amyspeeleauthor *I want to thank Kris and Amy for providing a copy of this book for review. Release date - 24th May 2017
Book length - 258 pages Publisher - www.harpercollins.co.uk Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK When Sophie Taylor’s life falls apart, there is only one thing to do: escape and find a new one. Dragged to Montenegro by her best friend Anna, Sophie begins to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But when she stumbles into an old, run-down house on the Bay of Kotor she surprises even herself when she buys it. Surrounded by old furniture, left behind by the former inhabitants, Sophie becomes obsessed by a young Balkan couple when she discovers a bundle of letters from the 1940s in a broken roll-top desk. Letters that speak of great love, hope and a mystery Sophie can’t help but get drawn into. Days in Montenegro are nothing like she expected and as Sophie’s home begins to fill with a motley crew of lodgers the house by the bay begins to breathe again. And for Sophie, life seems to be restarting. But letting go of the past is easier said than done… MY REVIEW UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander is a beautifully written, emotional, heartbreaking tale of love, loss, strength, and hope, and is a book that will stay in your heart and mind long after you finish the last line. Sophie Taylor is happily married to her childhood sweetheart, working as a teacher, and hopefully starting a family soon. But with one simple phone call her entire world is torn apart and the life Sophie knew no longer exists. Devastated and grief-stricken, she is persuaded by her larger-than-life best friend, Anna, to take a trip to Montenegro and it is there that Sophie clutches to a ramshackle, deserted house, like a lifeline. Knowing that she must move away from London where the memories will linger forever, Sophie quickly settles into Montenegro but she soon discovers that her grief will stay with her and disarm her regardless of her location. But this beautiful place has a power all of its own with friendships old and new developing and the magic of this special community taking root in Sophie's heart. And when she finds old letters from another heartbroken soul, Sophie will begin a quest of self-discovery that is linked with history and a deep connection between two women from different times. UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander made me cry tears of sadness as I became really invested in Sophie and Mira's stories and made me breathless with the stunning depiction of the Montenegro scenery, and community that had survived so much, yet steadfastly opened their hearts to strangers. All of the characters in this tale are compelling in their own right - Anna and her little boy, burly and brusque Frank, formidable Irene, and contemplative Ton to name a few. Montenegro is described in such breathtaking detail that it is sure to fill readers with wanderlust for this special place. My only problem with this novel is that I didn't want it to end and I would love to know more about Sophie's future, and that of the rest of this group that has burrowed into my heart for the long haul. UNDER AN AMBER SKY by Rose Alexander expertly handles devastating situations of death, war, and grief in such a way that you feel it too, and while these are harrowing subjects, this book is so much more than a sad tale. It is a story of love, strength, friendship and possibilities for the future, and is an outstanding novel. Author Bio: Rose has had more careers than is probably strictly necessary, including TV producer / director making programmes for all the major broadcasters, freelance feature writer for publications including The Guardian and secondary school English teacher, not forgetting cocktail waitress, melon picker and interior designer. Writing a novel is, however predictable the line seems, the realisation of Rose’s childhood dream and the result of finally finding ‘a voice’. The triumph is that the voice was heard above the racket created by her three children plus rescue cat (tabby white, since you ask). Rose likens the experience of penning Garden of Stars, a multi-layered love story, to another recent achievement of learning to ice-skate: progress is two-slides-forward-one-back; insecurity, self-doubt and despondence reign supreme; onlookers laugh, mock or even worse, smile indulgently.... But the finished manuscript, polished and pristine, is like the perfect pirouette performed on freshly raked ice. (Rose can’t do pirouettes yet, obviously, they just made the best simile.) Rose is currently working on several new projects including a novel based on a relative’s true story of an epic journey as a ‘flüchtlinge’, fleeing the vengeance of the rampaging Red Army as Nazi Germany collapsed. For more information: Website - www.rosealexander.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/RoseA_writer *I want to thank Rose Alexander for giving me a copy of this beautiful story for review. |
WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! Currently ReadingUPCOMING BLOG TOURS
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