Release date - 3rd July 2017
Book length - 289 pages Publisher - www.harpercollins.co.uk Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I am delighted to host a spotlight for THE LITTLE COTTAGE IN THE COUNTRY by Lottie Phillips and I want to thank Petra and the author Lottie Phillips for including me on this tour. Check out all you need to know about this lovely novel... ABOUT THE BOOK Escape to the country! Anna Compton thought that moving to the countryside, leaving London and her past firmly behind her was the perfect solution. Goodbye life of thirty-something, crazed single mum of two, hello country glamour queen, domestic goddess and yummy-mummy extraordinaire. But her new life at Primrose Cottage isn’t quite what she expected! Very soon she’s chasing pork pies down hills, disguising her shop-bought cakes at the school bake sale – and trying to resist oh-so-handsome Horatio Spencerville, who just so happens to be the Lord of the Manor… Could moving to the country be the biggest mistake she’s ever made? Perfect for fans of Christie Barlow, Holly Martin and Tilly Tennant. Praise for Lottie Phillips:‘A sweet and charming story.’ Kaye Temanson (NetGalley reviewer) ‘An easy summer read.’ Helena Manoli (NetGalley reviewer) ‘Loved it. I laughed my way through it!’ Donna Orrock (NetGalley reviewer) ‘A great story. I can’t wait for the next book by this author!’ Paige Kowolewski (NetGalley reviewer) AUTHOR BIO: Charlie Phillips, writing under the pseudonym Lottie Phillips, worked as a teacher before turning her hand to fiction. She was brought up in Africa and the Middle East and then - as an adult - travelled extensively before moving to London and finally settling in the Cotswolds with her partner and toddler. When she’s not writing, you will find her scouring interior design magazines and shops, striving toward the distant dream of being a domestic goddess or having a glass of wine with country music turned up loud. As a child, she always had her nose in a book and, in particular, Nancy Drew. The Little Cottage in the Country is Charlie's debut romantic comedy. She is very excited to be sharing Anna Compton's hilarious story with you! She also writes psychological thrillers under the pseudonym Louise Stone, including the best selling novel, S is for Stranger. Readers can find Charlie Phillips on Twitter @writercharlie or at www.writercharlie.com or www.writerlottiephillips.com.
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July was another busy month on the blog with so many exciting releases to be devoured. This month my shortlist for cover of the month are all books that I have read this month or ones that are sitting on my bedside table, and trust me it was hard to pick just one special cover from among this lovely lot of books.
It is the cover of THE SECRET OF SUMMERHAYES by Merryn Allingham that completely captured my imagination this month and made it the winner for July 2017. Rich colours and the artistry alone pulls you into the story before you even open the page. The glimpse of the stunning stately home in the background surrounded by trees and gardens, just begs you to find out the mystery that is hidden inside. And I love the red dress and the font used for the title as it really makes the cover pop. Here is all you need to know about this gorgeous book:
Release date - 27th July 2017 Book length - 350 pages Publisher - www.harpercollins.co.uk Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK A war-torn summer A house fallen into ruin A family broken apart by scandal… Summer 1944: Bombed out by the blitz, Bethany Merston takes up a post as companion to elderly Alice Summer, last remaining inhabitant of the dilapidated and crumbling Summerhayes estate. Now a shadow of its former glory; most of the rooms have been shut up, the garden is overgrown and the whole place feels as unwelcoming as the family themselves. Struggling with the realities of war, Alice is plagued by anonymous letters and haunting visions of her old household. At first, Beth tries to convince her it’s all in her mind but soon starts to unravel the mysteries surrounding the aristocratic family’s past. An evocative and captivating tale, The Secret of Summerhayes tells of dark secrets, almost-forgotten scandals and a household teetering on the edge of ruin. To read my review of this compelling story, click on this link - www.booksofallkinds.weebly.com Release date - 12th July 2017
Book length - 258 pages Publisher - Ivan Berg Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK Faded TV star Gloria Grayson has hit rock bottom. Sacked from her starring role in a top soap, divorced from hell-raising actor 'Mad' Tommy Mack, and obese from binge eating, her days as Britain's sexiest blonde are well and truly over. Gloria has gained 70 lbs when a paparazzi snaps unflattering photos and a cruel tabloid article relaunches her career. Instantly she and her fat, feisty dog Baby-Girl are booked for TV's Reality Rehab. Gloria is locked up with an American psychotherapist, a rabble of D-list celebrities and umpteen cameras, then put on a starvation diet. But worse is to come, with the shock arrival of her alcoholic ex-husband. Tears and tantrums ensue as the divorced couple's joint therapy sessions take over the show and ratings soar. The other celebrities are infuriated to be sidelined and Reality Rehab fast becomes the Tommy and Glo Show. But Gloria and Tommy are hiding explosive secrets from each other and 10 million viewers - Reality is stranger than fiction! MY REVIEW REALITY REHAB by Lisa Mary London is a must-read for everyone in our reality-tv addicted world - and I am including myself among the millions who love to chill out on the sofa and tune in for the latest TOWIE or The Real Housewives of New York episode. With dynamic characters that are totally outrageous, hilarious antics, and a pampered pooch for good measure, REALITY REHAB is completely binge-worthy and I could not put it down. Gloria Grayson knows what it is like to be the most sought after celebrity but in the past two years, her life has changed dramatically. Out of work, divorced from her drunken ex, and eating everything that she can get her hands on, her only comfort is the love she gets from her spoiled dog, Baby-Girl. But Gloria is adamant that soon the reality-tv obsessed world will see sense and she will be returned to her pedestal complete with adoring fans. But when she is papped in her sloppy dressing gown and her fuller figure is laid bare to the critics of the world, Gloria is forced to really look at what has happened to her life. When her agent secures her a paying gig on the hit reality tv show, Reality Rehab, Gloria knows that she can kill two birds with one stone - gain some much-needed money and exposure, and lose some of that excess skin that doesn't want to shift itself. But entering the Reality Rehab house for eight weeks will change so much more for Gloria and her fellow celebrity housemates who are all battling their own addictions. And when a surprise guest makes an appearance, the world will be glued to their screens to watch the crazy action unfold... Firstly I am proud to say that I am a reality tv show addict - from Teen Mom and Made in Chelsea to the Real Housewives franchise and everything in between, I love nothing more than to watch peoples real lives unfold before me (and yes, I do know that a lot of it is staged etc but we won't quibble over it!). So when I came across this story I knew that it was right up my alley - reality tv in book form, Heaven!! - and boy was I right. Perfectly paced with so many laugh out loud moments, engaging and addictive characters, and a deeper underlying story of love, loss, and heartbreak, REALITY REHAB by Lisa Mary London was the perfect escape for me, and I really enjoyed the layout of the story with the odd online article appearing here and there with the typical Twitter responses listed underneath - comedy gold! From Doggie Yoga (Doga, and yes it is really a thing) to seances, from betrayals to new beginnings, this novel really does have it all, with that extra special something that really gives it the X factor (yes, I went there LOL). So whether you love reality tv or hate it, this novel has something for you. So what are you waiting for? Go and buy REALITY REHAB by Lisa Mary London now. Author Bio: Lisa Mary London went from Chief Reporter on a sleepy Cotswold newspaper to become Celebrity Producer on some of Britain's best-loved TV shows. Her TV credits include An Audience With Ken Dodd, A BAFTA Tribute to Julie Walters, The British Comedy Awards and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! She's worked with stars from Tony Curtis to Ant and Dec and her debut novel Reality Rehab features around 200 famous names. 'There's never a dull moment when you're working with the stars', says Lisa. 'One minute you're sipping champagne with Pierce Brosnan, the next you're standing in the Ladies' minding Barbara Windsor's handbag'. Reality Rehab is based on her real life, behind-the-screen experiences as a Celebrity Producer. 'I've met many old school stars like my book's protagonist Gloria Grayson, who curse reality TV and think the cast of TOWIE should be stacking shelves at Tesco, not walking the red carpet. 'She's a cross between Diana Dors, Boadicea and Miss Piggy, a glorious, garrulous anti-heroine with bags of fattitude - Gloria puts the real in reality TV!' Gloria's petulant pooch Baby-Girl is closely based on the book's cover star, Lisa's beloved Maltese, Dolly-Dog (says Lisa - 'You couldn't make her up'). Dolly-Dog won fame on ITV's Loose Women when she married Sherrie Hewson's Westie Charlie, in a ceremony officiated by John Barrowman, available on YouTube. The couple split acrimoniously and are currently fighting for custody of a chew toy. A journalist by profession, Lisa has written for the Daily Mail and was briefly a News of the World reporter, but made her excuses and left before anyone was imprisoned for phone hacking. For more information: Website - www.realityrehab.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/BigRealityStar *I want to thank Emma from emmathelittlebookworm.wordpress.com, and the author Lisa Mary London, for the opportunity to review this hilarious novel and take part in this blog tour. Don't forget to check out all of the other stops along the way!! Release date - 31st May 2017 Book length - 228 pages Publisher - Self-Published Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK “I would like to introduce myself, I feel it’s only fair. Only I know you so well now, you might get a scare. I know you know I’m in there, though I crept with greatest stealth: I am the hidden monster buried within yourself.” Joyce is only sixteen when she’s torn from the life she loves. Two-years pass, but Joyce, her family, and her best friend Logan, are no closer to learning what’s causing her dizzying array of symptoms. As Joyce tries to come to terms with her increasing limitations those around her struggle to understand what she is going through. Baffled and unsure, the Doctors eventually diagnose Joyce with ME and CFS. But when Joyce and her family refuse to accept this diagnosis, her mental stability is called into question. Desperate for the truth and scared for Joyce’s life, their only hope lies in a private hospital where she is diagnosed with Lyme disease. Can Joyce survive a treatment as brutal as her illness? Can she find her way in a world she no longer recognises? MY REVIEW FINDING JOY by Morven-May MacCallum is a unique story as it is a fictional memoir dealing with the issue of chronic illness which the author battles with herself. As the story develops we meet Joyce who is desperately dealing with the impasse her life as reached through a sudden and debilitating illness that nobody seems to be able to diagnose. With some professionals doubting her, and others labelling her with ME and CFS, Joyce knows in her heart that they are wrong. Lyme disease is the thing which has drastically changed and stolen so much of her life from her, but she is determined to fight back in every way she can even if it makes her worse in the process. The story switches from different character's points of view which really worked for me as it let us see how chronic illness affects everyone and not just the person who is ill. I really did not know much about Lyme disease at all before I picked up this book and it is eye-opening to read just how life-altering this illness truly is. FINDING JOY by Morven-May MacCallum is a story of bravery and inner-strength and I found myself with a lump in my throat many times throughout. A well-written story that is clearly from the heart. Author Bio: I’m from the beautiful and sunny Highlands of Scotland (Ok, the sunny part might be wishful thinking!) and this is my website where I will talk about my book and the events I will be attending should you like to meet and greet in person. If you would like to reach me by email you, please go to my contact page here In 2009 I was preparing for a new adventure, in a new city, when I was (rather against my will) enrolled in the university of life where I perfected the skill of being chronically ill with Lyme disease. Although graduation (AKA recovery) is like trying to find the end of a rainbow, I have decided to share what a life with Lyme is really like through my characters Joyce, Aunt Beth and Logan. I am passionate about creative writing and I am eager to help raise awareness about Lyme disease. I am available to do talks, interviews and book signings at schools, festivals, universities etc. So please feel free to get in touch through the link provided above, whether it’s a business engagement or if you just fancy sending me your thoughts on my novel – I’d be delighted to hear from you! For more information: Website - morven-may.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/MorvenMay Facebook - www.facebook.com/morvenmay/ *I want to thank the author Morven-May MacCallum for the opportunity to review this novel. Read on for a very interesting guest post about why the author wrote FINDING JOY... GUESTPOST
Why I wrote ‘Finding Joy’. I was 16 when I was forced to drop out of school because the symptoms which had been steadily growing inside me, had finally devoured my physical and mental strength. It took many years of fighting to learn that the illness which had left me housebound and often bedbound was caused by Lyme disease – which can be transferred through a tick bite. They call Lyme the ‘big pretender’ because it mimics other illnesses and has so many symptoms. Like most people with Lyme, I couldn’t understand what was happening to my body and my mind. At times, I was so physically weak that I struggled to walk from my bed to the bathroom and mentally I struggled to follow simple conversations because my mind could not process information. I’ve been on around six years of treatment now and it’s taken a very long time to start seeing any progress but being able to do simple things like tend to my own needs or take the dog for a walk, is something I hope I will never take for granted. I still have an incredibly long way to go but when I started to feel my mental and physical abilities come back, I felt a mounting desire to do something to make people aware of this terrible illness which is so common, yet so few people know how to prevent a tick bite on themselves, their children and their pets. People are still unaware of the danger of removing a tick incorrectly or what symptoms to look out for so that they can be diagnosed and treated early. Writing has been a huge part of my life since I was a child and writing was my escape when illness threatened to smother me. By this time, my entire life was dictated by my illness but writing was the only thing that wasn’t tainted by Lyme disease. It was hard to give that up by writing about Lyme disease but I couldn’t stand reading and hearing about people who have had their lives destroyed by this illness or have had their loved ones die from it. I decided to write it from a fictional angle because I felt that would be the most effective and emotive way to portray how debilitating Lyme disease is. As I was writing the book, I began to feel that this story is so much bigger than just the person who is ill. I know first-hand the effect this illness has had on my friends and family and I felt their story needed to be told too, so I began to write the book from three points of view to illustrate the ripple effect this illness has. I always knew my family and friends were remarkable people and I think, as a writer, you are always trying to see things from other people’s points of view but it wasn’t until I started writing from their perspective that I really understood just how incredible the people who have stood by me truly are. I really hope that I can use the book to raise awareness for Lyme disease and help to educate and prevent other people from losing the things that they love, whether it’s their own life or the life of a loved one. Release date - 29th July 2017
Book length - 403 pages Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK Detective Joe Stone and his team investigate a major terrorist attack on one of London’s most iconic buildings. They soon draw up a list of suspects who are highly respected members of the community and government. When most of his team is attacked, it soon develops into a war of nerves and a race against time before a deadly weapon is unleashed with horrific consequences. MY REVIEW Wow, what an explosive novel! From the very first chapter where the action and drama bursts to life, I was immediately drawn in and connected to what was unfolding and I knew straight away that this book was going to be a cracker of a read. When a terrorist attack rocks the city of London, Detective Joe Stone and his colleagues find themselves thrust into the limelight as they race to uncover the group responsible and hold them accountable. With the world's media watching they cannot afford to mess up but this life is rarely straight forward and soon Joe and his friends are in the firing line both literally and figuratively. And his personal life isn't faring much better but at least his missing girlfriend has reappeared safely even if it looks like Joe has the Mafia to thank for that. With a deadly weapon on the loose, many suspects, secrets, and his own personal drama to unravel, will Joe Stone be able to piece together the puzzle before the time is up and it is too late for everyone? The subject matter of this book may be difficult considering the horrific attacks that are actually happening in our world, but I must applaud the author for how sensitively it is dealt with and woven throughout this novel. The characters are compelling and engaging and I really enjoyed getting to know Jack and his trusted team, and those that he is not so fond of. LONG SHOT is the second book in this series and while it is possible to read it as a standalone, I would highly recommend that you read the first book (LOOSE CANNON) as it will give you an even better understanding of Joe and particularly his relationship with Gemma - and lets face it you can never have too many good books! LONG SHOT by Jack Steele is action packed with an energetic pace that is aided by short, snappy chapters that keep you on your toes and your eyes glued to the page. It is an addictive crime fiction read that is a must for fans of this genre and I eagerly await more from Jack Steele. Author Bio: I was born in Hackney, London and grew up on the Bannister House Housing Estate in Hommerton. I now live in Nottinghamshire and married with two grown up children who now have lives of their own, leaving me time to indulge in my favourite passions, reading and writing. I still work full-time in the printing industry which is where I have been for the past 40 years. On many occasions it interferes with my writing, working extra hours or weekends, so it can be a balancing act but one I seem to manage along with an understanding wife of course. I spent five years researching books, magazines, documentaries, movies and internet articles on various subjects as well as completing a creative writing course and attending workshops run by the Nottingham Writers Studio. It was a great achievement in 2016 when I published my first Crime Thriller novel 'Loose Cannon' with great reviews. It was the first in the Detective Joe Stone series and I was encouraged to write the sequel ‘Long Shot’ which is due for publication on July 29th 2017. My writing style is a fast-paced page turner with cliff hangers, moral dilemmas and believable characters. I would like to thank all my readers, editors, bloggers and Crime book club friends who have been so supportive through this process. Their encouragement drives me on to write the next book in the series. For more information: Website: http://www.jacksteeleauthor.com/ Facebook: Jack.steele.31508 Twitter: JackSteele1961 Instagram: Jack_steele1 *I want to thank the author Jack Steele for the opportunity to review this gripping novel and take part in this fabulous blog tour. Make sure you check out all of the other stops along the way! Release date - 3rd August 2017
Book length - 416 pages Publisher - atlantic-books.co.uk/corvus/ Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK It's 1939, and the Brogan family of London's East End are ready to show Hitler what for. But things don't seem so rosy when rationing, evacuation and air-raids start to put this larger-than-life family to the test. When a mysterious young man arrives at the Brogans' local parish church, he provides just the dazzling distraction they need - and for eldest daughter Mattie, the promise of more than she'd ever wished for. But as the pair fall deeper in love, they are drawn into secret dangers, rife on the very London streets they call home. As the young couple race to protect the East End as they know it, can their dreams survive the darkening backdrop of war-time...? MY REVIEW POCKETFUL OF DREAMS by Jean Fullerton is a heart-stopping tale of love, family, and danger set at the beginning of the war. Centred around the Brogan family in the East End of London, this richly detailed story really allows you to step back in time and experience everything that time period had to offer, including the often gritty and harsh reality of what everyday life was like back then. Mattie Brogan is determined to make more of her life and is unwilling to settle on the first man who shows her attention. Throwing herself into her studies and her work as part of the war effort, she is surprised when she finds herself constantly thinking about a certain new arrival to the area, even though she knows she shouldn't. After all, there is a certain bank clerk who wishes to step out with her too, and he would be the proper choice, right? But as Mattie will soon come to learn, both of these men are not exactly who they say they are, and as the War gets underway, Mattie will find herself caught up in a fight among her very own community where hate amongst some is breeding trouble. As danger closes in will Mattie trust her heart and her instincts? And will her discoveries destroy her family forever? I loved the Brogan family and the inclusive community of the East End in this story. While there is plenty of drama and danger in this novel, there are some scenes that may be uncomfortable to read but are reflective of what was happening at the time. The historical detail is compelling, most of the characters are loveable and admirable (with the exception of the characters that you are sure to hate!), and the suspense and action were gripping from start to finish. POCKETFUL OF DREAMS by Jean Fullerton is a deeply engaging and emotional historical novel that left me wanting more, and I cannot wait for the next instalment of the Brogan clan. Author Bio: I was born into a large, East End family and grew up in the overcrowded streets clustered around the Tower of London. I still live in East London, just five miles from where I was born. I feel that it is that my background that gives my historical East London stories their distinctive authenticity. I first fell in love with history at school when I read Anya Seton’s book Katherine. Since then I have read everything I can about English history but I am particularly fascinated by the 18th and 19th century and my books are set in this period. I just love my native city and the East End in particular which is why I write stories to bring that vibrant area of London alive. I am also passionate about historical accuracy and I enjoy researching the details almost as much as weaving the story. If one of my characters walks down a street you can be assured that that street actually existed. Take a look at Jean’s East End and see the actual location where my characters played out their stories. For more information: Website - jeanfullerton.com Twitter - twitter.com/JeanFullerton_ Facebook - www.facebook.com/Jean-Fullerton-202631736433230/ *I want to thank Sophie from Atlantic Books, and the author Jean Fullerton, for the opportunity to review this compelling story. Release date - 3rd August 2017 Book length - 320 pages Publisher - www.accentpress.co.uk Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK 'My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me – that's why I love Rosie Wilby!' – Sara Pascoe 'Bittersweet, original, honest and so funny.' – Viv Groskop In early 2013, comedian Rosie Wilby found herself at a crossroads with everything she'd ever believed about romantic relationships. When people asked, 'who's the love of your life?' there was no simple answer. Did they mean her former flatmate who she'd experienced the most ecstatic, heady, yet ultimately doomed, fling with? Or did they mean the deep, lasting companionate partnerships that gave her a sense of belonging and family? Surely, most human beings need both. Mixing humour, heartache and science, Is Monogamy Dead? details Rosie's very personal quest to find out why Western society is clinging to a concept that doesn't work that well for some of us and is laden with ambiguous assumptions. MY REVIEW It is not often that I delve into non-fiction and I usually stick to history when I do, so I was delighted to try something different when I picked up IS MONOGAMY DEAD? by Rosie Wilby. Based on her own experiences, detailed research, and plenty of observations of the modern world that we live in, Rosie presents us with an intelligent and often entertaining look at our ever-changing society with evolving ideologies about love and marriage, as well as her own personality, wants, and identity. From saunas to sex parties and everything else in between, IS MONOGAMY DEAD? by Rosie Wilby is a thought-provoking, clever and witty read that mixes humour, science, and heartbreak effortlessly together is such a way that will really make you stop and take it all in. Can the person you fell in love with fifteen years ago really meet your needs now that you are a different person? Is serial monogamy much more suitable to our ever-changing personalities? Regardless of what type of relationship works for you, this book has something for everyone and asks many questions that will make you ponder over what love means for so many in our modern society. IS MONOGAMY DEAD? by Rosie Wilby is a fascinating look at all things love from many different stand points and is well worth a read. Author Bio: Rosie Wilby is a comedian, musician, writer and broadcaster based in London. As a comedian, she has performed at Sydney Mardi Gras, The Comedy Store, Latitude Festival and on Radio 4. As a musician she has performed at Glastonbury Festival, Ronnie Scotts and on Carlton TV. Rosie writes for a number of websites and national newspapers. She co-wrote and co-starred in short film The Bride and Bride at the 2011 London Lesbian And Gay Film Festival (now touring international LGBT film fests). In 2013, she was included in two anthologies - Queer Episodes, published by Little Episodes and It's OK to be Gay, published by Accent Press. Other published writing includes The Guardian, The Independent, Diva, Maverick, Time Out, NME, The Pink Paper, Whisperinandhollerin.com, Rainbow Network, Top Magazine, Ham & High, Highbury & Islington Express, Making Music. For more information: Website - www.rosiewilby.com Twitter - twitter.com/rosiewilby Facebook - www.facebook.com/rosiewilby *I want to thank Tibor Jones, Accent Press, and the author, Rosie Wilby, for the opportunity to review this intriguing book and take part in this blog tour. Don't forget to check out all of the other stops along the way!! Read on for a fascinating guest post from Rosie herself... GUESTPOST
Writing non-fiction Last July I took the first few chapters of my book Is Monogamy Dead? on the plane with me to Los Angeles. I'd been lucky enough to be offered a place on the LAMBDA writers' retreat with nonfiction tutor Sarah Schulman. On the first morning, Sarah gave a guest lecture which taught us more about the craft of writing than I think any of us had learned in years of studying it. She said a quite remarkable thing: 'non-fiction is the story of an idea.' That was the beginning of a big rethink about my book. What I'd written so far had the right elements - memoir, comedy, science, sociology, interviews and commentary. Yet they were all thrown together in a fairly fragmented, episodic way. I realised that I had all the tools there to take the reader with me on the emotional seven-year journey I'd been on and give context as to why a monogamous, white, middle-class 'good girl' like me had come to question relationships and how we, in Western society, approach them. Sarah drew story arcs on the blackboard, encouraging us to stay true to the form of a novel and a sense of narrative drive even in a non-fiction book. I started to think about how my chapters might end with little cliffhangers that would urge the reader to stay with me and be invested in what was going to happen. I mapped out more logical pathways through my own actions and ideas. I started to think about the sort of books that I enjoyed reading - the immersive quest of a Jon Ronson adventure, the passionate polemic merged with funny memoir of Caitlin Moran's How To Be A Woman and the powerful, honest intimacy of Juliet Jacques' journey through changing gender in Trans: A Memoir. When I returned from LA, I continued writing early chapters out by hand on the a4 yellow notepad I'd been given at the retreat. It felt like my 'magic' notepad. I was able to take it out into my local park and then type everything up in the evenings. I also started to go dating again in something of a quest to find my 'happy ending'. As a comedian, my life and art have always mirrored one another. When the book was finished, it was fairly different to the much dryer, less personal proposal that my agent and I had sent to publishers. My experience slightly debunks the whole idea of writing a proposal. I didn't really know what book I was going to write ... until I started writing it. *My thanks again to Rosie Wilby Release date - 25th July 2017 Book length - 304 pages Publisher - www.kensingtonbooks.com Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com ABOUT THE BOOK Set in eighteenth-century Venice and based on an actual account by Giacomo Casanova—here is a lush tale of desire and risk. Caterina Capreta was an innocent girl of fourteen when she caught the attention of the world’s most infamous chronicler of seduction: Giacomo Casanova. Intoxicated by a fierce love, she wed Casanova in secret. But his shocking betrayal inspired her to commit an act that would mark her forever … Now twenty years later on the island of Murano, the woman in possession of Caterina’s most devastating secret has appeared with a request she cannot refuse: to take in a noble-born girl whose scandalous love affair resembles her own. But the girl’s presence stirs up unwelcome memories of Caterina’s turbulent past. Tested like never before, she reveals the story of the man she will never forget. Bringing to life a fascinating chapter in the history of Venice, Casanova’s Secret Wife is a tour de force that charts one woman’s journey through love and loss to redemption. MY REVIEW CASANOVA'S SECRET WIFE by Barbara Lynn-Davis is a beautifully written, evocative tale of love, desire, and loss. Transported back in time, the rich beauty of Venice comes alive through the characters that will capture your heart and a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading the final sentence. When Caterina finds herself obliged to help a young girl, Leda, who finds herself pregnant and alone, it stirs up memories from her own past that seems so long ago. As Caterina becomes closer to Leda, she starts to open up about her own love affair when she was but a girl. Through letters and her own memories, we become embroiled in the passion and desire that Giacomo Casanova fired up inside of her. And as the tale progresses we understand that this is one romance that will never have the traditional happy ending. The characters are well developed and intriguing, and my heart ached for Caterina who loved to linger in her memories. With descriptive settings that will take your breath away and a historical plot that will hold you entranced, CASANOVA'S SECRET WIFE by Barbara Lynn-Davis is the perfect read for historical fans worldwide. Author Bio: Barbara Lynn-Davis graduated from Brown University with a degree in art history. She then worked at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and later spent a year there while completing her Ph.D. in Renaissance art at Princeton University. She currently teaches art history and writing at Wellesley College, and lives outside Boston with her family. For more information please visit Barbara Lynn-Davis’ website. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads. ** Read on for a fabulous guest post from Barbar Lynn-Davis...** GUESTPOST
Five Surprising Facts about Life in the Time of Casanova Passion, hope, loss, jealousy, forgiveness: these are all emotions we feel deeply in our 21st-century lives. One of my goals in writing Casanova’s Secret Wife, which is set in eighteenth-century Venice, was to share a love story that crosses the boundaries of time. Yet some things in the past are just very different from the way things are today. That’s one of the fascinations in digging up history. So here are five surprising facts about life in the time of Casanova you can experience in my book:
*I want to thank Amy at hfvirtualbooktours.com, and the author Barbara Lynn-Davis, for the opportunity to review this fascinating story and taking part in this blog tour, and for this interesting guest post. Happy Reading! |
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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