Release date - 21st November 2017
Book length - 142 pages Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank the author, Nancy Haviland, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THE BOOK Revisit Nancy Haviland’s bestselling mafia series with this prequel novel featuring a Russian mobster who is forced to put vengeance aside in order to please the Pakhan he calls father. He sees her. He falls. He proves it by killing for her in a room full of his associates. Now he’ll take her home and try to convince her a love that descends like a hammer is one that can last a lifetime. She sees him. She stumbles. She proves her sophistication by fainting, then comes to in a Russian mobster’s compound. Now she'll protect herself while experiencing all the things she’s been denied her entire life. **This novel is a prequel to A Love of Vengeance (Wanted Men #1)but can be read as a standalone.** MY REVIEW Every time I pick up one of Nancy Haviland's books I always think yes, I'm going to love it but it can't be as addictive as the last one, and every time this author blows everything out of the water and I become completely obsessed with her latest addition to the Wanted Men family. Sharp, dangerous, and oh so goddamn sexy, VENGEANCE ASIDE brings Lukas and Dale into our lives and hearts with such finesse and expertise that you feel you have known them forever. When Lukas almost loses his beloved father it opens up his eyes to the importance of family and finding someone to love and make babies with. Hoping to give his father something to live for, Lukas tells him that he has found his other half, his soulmate even though nothing could be further from the truth. But when he sets eyes on her, Lukas instantly knows he has found the missing piece of his soul and he will not take no for an answer ... Dale has learned the hard way that shutting down on your feelings is the only way to stay safe and protected from pain. Independent and strong spirited, Dale has never really known the love of a family but does what she has to do to remain unentangled from love and emotions. That was until she met him. Invading her every thought and every sense, Dale wants this man like no other, but how can she trust him with her heart when she knows him and him alone would hold the power to destroy her? With danger, family, and unbelievable chemistry, VENGEANCE ASIDE by Nancy Haviland is yet another top class, captivating read that will take you over body and soul and make you yearn for more. Every time I start one of Nancy's books I'm so excited and as the pages pass I start to dread getting to the end because I never want to leave this world of men that make your breath hitch, and fiery women who give as good as they get. Many would call Nancy the Queen of Mafia Romance and I whole-heartedly agree. Nancy Haviland is now synonymous with Mafia Romance in my mind and whatever this author releases will always wing its way to the top of my tbr pile because it is guaranteed perfection. So if you haven't guessed from my review so far - you need to read this book, you need to read this series, and you need to make Nancy Haviland one of your go-to authors. Happy reading!! Author Bio: Nancy Haviland is the author of the STEEL JACKALS MC series, and the bestselling organized crime series, WANTED MEN. She writes about her hard loving alphas from her home near Toronto, Ontario. For more information: Website - www.nancyhaviland.com Twitter - twitter.com/Nancy_Haviland Facebook - www.facebook.com/nancyhavilandauthor
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Release date - 15th November 2017
Book length - 306 pages Publisher - orendabooks.co.uk Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Anne Cater for providing me with a copy of this book for review and for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour. ABOUT THE BOOK Crime spreads across the globe in this new collection of short stories from the Crime Writer’s Association, as a conspiracy of prominent crime authors take you on a world mystery tour. Highlights of the trip include a treacherous cruise to French Polynesia, a horrifying trek in South Africa, a murderous train-ride across Ukraine and a vengeful killing in Mumbai. But back home in the UK, life isn’t so easy either. Dead bodies turn up on the backstreets of Glasgow, crime writers turn words into deeds at literary events, and Lady Luck seems to guide the fate of a Twickenham hood. Showcasing the range, breadth and vitality of the contemporary crime-fiction genre, these twenty-eight chilling and unputdownable stories will take you on a trip you’ll never forget. Contributions from: Ann Cleeves, C.L. Taylor, Susi Holliday, Martin Edwards, Anna Mazzola, Carol Anne Davis, Cath Staincliffe, Chris Simms, Christine Poulson, Ed James, Gordon Brown, J.M. Hewitt, Judith Cutler, Julia Crouch, Kate Ellis, Kate Rhodes, Martine Bailey, Michael Stanley, Maxim Jakubowski, Paul Charles, Paul Gitsham, Peter Lovesey, Ragnar Jónasson, Sarah Rayne, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Vaseem Khan, William Ryan and William Burton McCormick MY REVIEW Previous to starting my blog over a year and a half ago, crime fiction wasn't really on my radar but after some recommendations from a few of my fellow bloggers last year, I have become completely hooked on the genre and delve into the twisted plot lines as much as possible. Crime fiction and Orenda Books go hand in hand so when I discovered that the CWA was organising an anthology of short stories I instantly knew it would be a gem and I was right. Taking us on a tour of murder and lies that spans across continents, each carefully plotted story instantly pulled me into its drama and kept me there effortlessly and often wanting more. I was amazed by how much depth and danger could be portrayed in such few pages but these talented writers obviously know their craft inside out. The characters are dynamic and even when they are making your skin crawl, they get inside your head which is exactly what you want as a writer and a reader. Some of the stories are fast-paced and brimming with emotions, while others are softer and more sedate, lulling you into the horror of the action. I had planned to dip in and out of this book but found myself reading it from cover to cover as each story made me want to see what the next one would be like. I cannot choose a favourite as they really were all gripping in their own right and why have one good story when you can have twenty-eight? CWA ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES MYSTERY TOUR is a must-read for crime fiction fans and short story fans alike as it is a compelling collection with something for everyone, and I highly recommend it. For more information about the CWA: Website - thecwa.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/the_cwa Facebook - www.facebook.com/CrimeWritersAssociation Don't forget to check out all of the other stops along the way ... Book length - 304 pages
Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I absolutely fell in love with The Mercury Travel Club when I read it earlier this year so I'm delighted to spread the love about this hilarious story on this wonderful blog tour (thank you so much to Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com). If you would like to read my review click here - www.booksofallkinds.weebly.com. This is one book that should not be missed!! ABOUT THE BOOK He took her to dinner: that was annoying He slept with her: that was hurtful He bought new underwear to impress her: quite frankly astounding He left me to bloody wash his FILTHY WHORING PANTS: INFURIATING! After twenty-four years and eleven months of marriage, Angie Shepherd is divorced, dejected and facing a future of cardigans and cats. Best friend Patty is having none of it, and launches Angie into a variety of crazy schemes in search of her lost mojo. But it s just not enough; what she really dreams of is beating her ex and becoming Entrepreneur of the Year. Channelling her inner Richard Branson, Angie invests her divorce settlement into The Mercury Travel Club, a travel agency with a twist. But as the club gets going, things don't go according to plan, and in this digital age, a little chaos brings the recognition Angie's been looking for. Witty, entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny, this feel-good novel shows that it's never too late for a second chance. Author Bio: Helen Bridgett was born in North-East England and now lives in Manchester having stopped off at a few places in between. Having failed miserably with every New Year's resolution that involved giving up food or drink, one year, she set herself a completely different goal - to write a novel and give it as a Christmas present. The Mercury Travel Club was born and the characters took on a life of their own. Outside of writing, Helen loves hiking and wine - not usually at the same time. Helen is currently developing the next novels in The Mercury Travel Club series For more information: Website - https://helenbridgett.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HelenBridgettAuthor/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Helen_Bridgett AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER FABULOUS STOPS ALONG THE WAY!! Release date - 9th August 2017
Book length - 384 pages Publisher - HQ Digital Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank the author, Annabel Fielding, for providing me with a copy of this book for review through Netgalley.com ABOUT THE BOOK A story of class, scandal and forbidden passions in the shadow of war. Perfect for fans of Iona Grey, Gill Paul and Downtown Abbey. England, 1934. Hester Blake, an ambitious girl from an industrial Northern town, finds a job as a lady's maid in a small aristocratic household. Despite their impressive title and glorious past, the Fitzmartins are crumbling under the pressures of the new century. And in the cold isolation of these new surroundings, Hester ends up hopelessly besotted with her young mistress, Lady Lucy. Accompanying Lucy on her London Season, Hester is plunged into a heady and decadent world. But hushed whispers of another war swirl beneath the capital… and soon, Hester finds herself the keeper of some of society’s most dangerous secrets… MY REVIEW A PEARL FOR MY MISTRESS is a historical story, a romance, and a tale of intrigue all rolled up together in one complete package, with characters that will get under your skin. It's 1934 in England and Hester Blake has found herself in the employ of the Fitzmartins of the esteemed Hebden Hall. But as times are tough, it is not long before Hester realises how much the great family is struggling as most of the house remains shut up, and parcels of land are sold off to the highest bidder. But none of that matters as Hester falls for her precious charge, Lady Lucy, who will lead her into a new world that will change so much for her ... This richly detailed and researched historical story covers many important topics from that time - class divide, fascism, the imminent war, the treatment of women - in such an effortless way that it never feels like it is too much information, but just an underlying layer of the plot itself. The characters, while not always likeable, are realistic of that time and bring a real level of truth to the narrative that shines through on every page. The story is steadily-paced as we get to know the ins and outs of Hester and Lucy's personalities and the settings come alive throughout. If you are looking for a historical novel with a spark of something different then A PEARL FOR MY MISTRESS by Annabel Fielding is definitely for you. Author Info: Website - historygeekintown.com Twitter - twitter.com/DearestAnnabel Facebook - www.facebook.com/higin125 Release date - 17th November 2017
Book length - 384 pages Publisher - HQ Digital Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review, and for the opportunity to take part in this wonderful blog blitz! ABOUT THE BOOK Journeying across the Arctic, their pasts are about to catch up with them. Erica, Molly and Noah are embarking on the challenge of a lifetime, driving Siberian huskies across the frozen wilderness of the Arctic. Cut off from the world and their loved ones and thrown together under gruelling conditions, it isn’t long before the cracks start to show. Erica has it all. A loving husband, a successful career and the most adorable baby daughter. But Erica has been living a double life, and as she nears her fortieth birthday her lies threaten to come crashing down. Molly was on her way to stardom. But when her brother died, so did her dreams of becoming an Olympic champion. Consumed by rage and grief, she has shut out everyone around her, but now she’s about to learn that comfort can come from the most unexpected places. Noah has a darkness inside him and is hounded by nightmares from his past. Tortured, trapped and struggling to save his fractured relationship, he knows this journey is not going to help, but try telling his girlfriend that. As their lives and lies become ever more entwined, it becomes clear that in the frozen wilds there is nowhere to hide. MY REVIEW OURS IS THE WINTER by Laurie Ellingham is so much more than what I expected, delving into an emotional and heartbreaking story with the Arctic wilderness as a stunning backdrop and almost a character in itself, offering its solitude as a respite from the loudness of the character's troubles. Erica and Molly are estranged half-sisters who are struggling with what has happened in their lives. Grief, lies, uncertainty, and guilt all play a huge part in their lives, and Erica desperately hopes that working together on this exploration will help them find the peace and the answers they both need, as well as a little escapism from reality. Noah has been dragged along by his partner Rachel as she makes another attempt to 'fix' him. Why can't she understand that he will never be the same person he was before that night? Everything changed for him back then and as he constantly struggles with the darkness that wants to suck him down forever, he does what he has to do to survive, and he is sure that this expedition will do nothing for him. But as these strangers are forced to work together and share their personal space in extreme conditions, the Arctic will change each of their lives forever. And as they face up to reality it becomes clear that they will be connected forever by this experience, no matter how painful it may be. OURS IS THE WINTER by Laurie Ellingham is a superbly written story with many ups and downs that will break your heart but it also excellently portrays the strength of the human spirit, and what we can achieve when we open ourselves up to the truth and face it head-on. The characters are flawed and emotional, and all so real to make them very easy to connect with and care about, and Noah found a special place in my heart as he struggled with his demons. The pace of the story is perfect and the Arctic setting simply breathtaking as you can picture it in your mind - and not to forget there are gorgeous dogs too! OURS IS THE WINTER by Laurie Ellingham is a powerful tale of strength, grief, and finding light in the darkness, and it deserves to be read by fiction fans the world over. A truly excellent story. Author Bio: Laurie Ellingham lives on the Suffolk/Essex border with her two children, husband, and cockerpoo Rodney. She has a First Class honours degree in Psychology and a background in Public relations, but her main love is writing and disappearing into the fictional world of her characters, preferably with a large coffee and a Twix (or two) to hand. For more information: Website - www.laurie-ellingham.com Twitter - twitter.com/laurieellingham Facebook - www.facebook.com/LaurieEllinghamAuthor/ CHECK OUT THE TRAILER FOR 'OURS IS THE WINTER' HERE - www.facebook.com/LaurieEllinghamAuthor/videos/764727783715328 Release date - 3rd November 2017 Book length - 384 pages Publisher - HQ Digital Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com *I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for providing me with a copy of this book for review, and for the opportunity to take part in this wonderful blog tour. ABOUT THE BOOK Come home for Christmas to the Best Little Christmas Shop – the snowiest, cosiest place you can be! Home for the holidays… Icing gingerbread men, arranging handmade toys and making up countless Christmas wreaths in her family’s cosy little Christmas shop isn’t usually globe-trotter Lexi’s idea of fun. But it’s all that’s keeping her mind off romance. And, with a broken engagement under her belt, she’s planning to stay well clear of that for the foreseeable future…until gorgeous single dad Cal Martin walks through the door! Christmas takes on a whole new meaning as Lexi begins to see it through Cal’s adorable five-year-old son’s eyes. But, finding herself getting dangerously close to the mistletoe with Cal, Lexi knows she needs to back off. She’s sworn off love, and little George needs a stability she can’t provide. One day she’ll decide whether to settle down again – just not yet. But the best little Christmas shop in this sleepy, snow-covered village has another surprise in store… MY REVIEW Maxine Morrey where on earth have your books been all my life?! My first time reading anything by this author and this story simply blew me away with its emotional narrative, beautiful descriptions, and characters that have burrowed into my heart forever. Lexi likes to play to her strengths and she knows she is an excellent engineer as her previous career in Formula 1 has proven, but when she makes a personal choice it changes her life drastically and she finds herself living back home, working in her family's beloved store, unsure of what her next move will be. Relationships only ever seem to cause pain so Lexi definitely wants to avoid entanglements of the heart but when a little boy and his handsome father walk into the Christmas store one day, Lexi knows she is in trouble. Can Lexi find the strength and self-belief to take a chance at love? Or will she push everyone away as she tries to protect them from the hurt that she believes will inevitably happen? I completely fell head over heels in love with this story and all of the characters, from Lexi, Cal, and adorable George, to Lexi's fabulously nosy family and friends who want to see their Lexi light up with love. Now there were times where I wanted to shake some sense into Lexi but I understood why she was acting the way she was, which made her all the more likeable. THE BEST LITTLE CHRISTMAS SHOP by Maxine Morrey is an emotional, romantic, captivating story about love, fear, and taking chances, and I could not put this book down. Reading this story beside the twinkling lights of my Christmas tree was the perfect end to a lovely day and I highly recommend that you all read this wonderfully festive story now. Author Bio: Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens - perfect for a bookworm! As years went by, she continued to write, but 'normal' work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, aswell as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities. In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK's 'Write Christmas' competition with her romantic comedy, 'Winter's Fairytale'. Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym. For more information: Website - www.scribblermaxi.co.uk Twitter - @Scribbler_Maxi Facebook - www.Facebook.com/MaxineMorreyAuthor Instagram - @scribbler_maxi Pinterest - ScribblerMaxi I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE A WONDERFUL EXTRACT FOR YOU ALL TO ENJOY ... EXTRACT
I stared out the window at the falling snow as we drove on through the darkness, flakes glinting as they crossed the beam of the headlights. Glancing back at Cal in reply, his smile made me wonder if I shouldn’t start making another for and against chart with him as the topic of thought. But no. I didn’t need that. I already knew the sensible answer to that question. I slid a glance sideways and studied my companion’s profile for a few moments. I’d had such a lovely day … I knew what the sensible decision was but I was fairly sure that, if he wanted, Cal Martin would be more than capable of helping me forget what the word sensible even meant. But that just wouldn’t do. As much as I liked him, relationships and me just didn’t get along. They were complicated. They weren’t like a car engine where you knew what went where and what you had to do to make it work. Although Cal had backed off from telling me too much, there was clearly more to his story. He’d had a rotten childhood and he deserved everything in his adulthood that the world, and the woman he chose, could give him. I already knew that as much as I was interested in him, which in itself had been a surprise as men really had been the last thing on my mind this past year, I wasn’t the one for him. I couldn’t be. Cal slowed behind other traffic as the lights ahead turned red, the shades above each bulb holding a small pile of snow. He pulled on the handbrake and looked over at me. ‘We’ve still got a bit of a way to go yet. You look exhausted and I assume you have work tomorrow?’ ‘Yes, but I’m not tired.’ The fact that I said the last word through a yawn didn’t really help my defence case all that much. ‘No, I can see that.’ He laughed. ‘Honestly it’s even harder to get you to admit you’re tired than it is a five-year-old. I promise I’ll drive carefully. Apart from anything else, I’m pretty sure Dan would hammer me to a pulp if I let anything happen to you. I mean, I can take care of myself but he’s a big guy and anyone can see how close you two are. I’d rather not risk it.’ My eyes, heavy-lidded until now, widened. ‘You think I don’t trust you.’ He checked the lights before returning his gaze to me. ‘I think you’re used to being in control. Or at least wanting to be.’ ‘No, not always.’ I saw the quirk of his lips and the sparkle in his eyes and I rolled mine in response. ‘Typical man.’ ‘I’d say sorry but I’d hate to lie to you.’ He was still grinning. ‘Anyway!’ I said, pointedly. ‘It’s not that I don’t trust you. I do. Totally. I know you wouldn’t do anything reckless or stupid. Not least because you have a very precious cargo back there.’ ‘I’m pretty sure the one in here is more precious.’ I met his eyes, surprised. His mouth smiled but it was hard to tell his true expression in the low light. ‘I don’t know whether you’re teasing me or not sometimes.’ From the corner of my eye, I saw the lights ahead finally begin to change. Cal quickly hooked an arm around me, pulled me closer for a moment, and dropped the briefest of butterfly kisses on the top of my head. ‘Close your eyes for a little while,’ he whispered before pulling away. I’m assuming that my body over-ruled my brain because the next thing I knew I was blearily blinking awake as the car’s interior lit up. Cal passed in front of the car, lit by the sidelights he’d switched to while dropping me off, and then he was at the passenger door as I tried to shove my brain into gear. ‘Hello.’ He smiled as I began wrestling a foot into one of my boots. Cal peered around me. ‘Try the other one.’ ‘Huh?’ ‘The other boot. You’re trying to put your left foot into the right boot.’ I sat up and stared down. He was absolutely correct. Excellent. I wasn’t really worried about trying to impress Cal but neither did I have any desperate inclination to make myself look an idiot either. One out of two wasn’t bad. I quickly swapped the boots round and rammed my feet into them before jumping out of the car, his hand at my elbow as I did so. ‘OK. Well, I hope the car works out well. Thanks for dinner.’ Cal stood in front of me, causing me to tilt my head back some way in order to meet his eyes. ‘You’re welcome,’ he replied, his voice soft. The main house was some distance away from the garage and had excellent double glazing these days but I still crept around once it started getting late, despite the fact that it was unlikely I’d ever disturb anyone. For a moment, I thought he was going to say something else. And for a moment I really wanted him to. Despite knowing it would be a bad idea. Despite the fact that I still wasn’t sure what I was doing with my own life, let alone with someone else who was responsible for a child. Despite that fact that there was a possibility he might want more from me than it was possible for me to give. For that moment, none of it mattered. All I wanted was for Cal Martin to wrap his arms around me and – ‘Lexi?’ ‘Huh?’ ‘I said are you OK? You drifted miles away for a minute there.’ Not exactly miles … ‘Oh. No. Yes. I’m fine. Just tired. Long day.’ I walked to the steps that led up to the little flat. Steps that now had a generous coating of grit on them thanks to Dad now being overcautious following my skating escapade the other week. As I turned back to say goodbye to Cal, I caught the concern in his look. ‘But good. It was a good day too. I did honestly have a great time. Thanks for letting me come and get involved. I really enjoyed it.’ ‘I know you know your stuff. I value your input. It was purely a selfish move on my part, taking advantage of your knowledge. It’s good to get a second opinion on things sometimes. And –’ he took a step nearer ‘– if I’m honest, I wanted to spend every moment I could with you.’ ‘Cal …’ ‘Lexi, I know you’re wary. I’m not sure why exactly at the moment but I want to find out. I want to find out everything about you. It’s been such a long time since I met someone I’ve felt like that about.’ I felt myself blush and looked down at my feet, unsure of what to say. I could banter with the best of them and swear like a sailor on shore leave if I needed to but this? This was definitely out of my comfort zone. Cal hooked a finger under my chin and gently lifted it back so that I was once more looking into those maddeningly hypnotic eyes. ‘Are you blushing?’ I pulled a face. ‘Of course not,’ I said, as my hands went up to my cheeks. ‘It’s the cold.’ ‘Fibber.’ Looking at him, he knew he’d caught me out. I lowered my gaze. ‘I’m sorry. I’m just not very good at all this sort of stuff.’ ‘And you think I am?’ I looked back up at him. ‘You seem to be. Yeah.’ ‘I’m pretty out of practice.’ ‘I think you’re doing fine.’ ‘Says the woman whose last boyfriend could whizz her to Monte Carlo for lunch in a jet if it took his fancy?’ He was teasing, I knew, but the comment hit a nerve. ‘I wasn’t with Marco for his money,’ I replied, turning away and taking a step towards the garage. It was by no means the first time I’d had that accusation levelled at me, but somehow, coming from Cal, it hurt more. I gave a quick head shake of frustration, the action sending miniature snow flurries from my hat onto my shoulders. ‘It’s late and it’s snowing and I’m cold. You should get home to –’ Cal’s hands were gently cupping my face, and suddenly I didn’t feel quite so cold any more. ‘I’m sorry. I never meant to imply that you were. I haven’t known you for very long but I know you’re not made that way.’ He dipped his head, making me catch his eye. ‘Like I said, I’m way out of practice at this.’ ‘What is this?’ I asked, the confusion I felt telling in my voice. ‘Honestly? I don’t know yet. I really like you. I mean …’ He ran a hand across the back of his neck and gave the briefest of smiles. ‘I really like you. That’s something new for me, and right now, I’m not quite sure what to do with it. I don’t know how you feel, and I don’t think asking you would help as I don’t think you’re quite sure of the answer to that question yet either. You may be leaving again and I have a five-year-old son to consider in anything I do these days. George is already nuts about you, and the last thing I want is for him to get hurt.’ I felt tears sting my eyes unexpectedly. ‘You think I would hurt him?’ *MY THANKS AGAIN TO RACHEL AND MAXINE MORREY FOR EVERYTHING AND DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY!!! Release date - 7th November 2017
Book length - 256 pages Publisher - www.choc-lit.com Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com *I want to thank Choc Lit for providing me with a copy of this book for review through Netgalley.com ABOUT THE BOOK Do you believe in Father Christmas? For Melissa, Christmas has always been overrated. From her cold, distant parents to her manipulative ex-husband, Lawrence, she’s never experienced the warmth and contentment of the festive season with a big, happy family sitting around the table. And Melissa has learned to live with it, but it breaks her heart that her seven-year-old son, William, has had to live with it too. Whilst most little boys wait with excitement for the big day, William finds it difficult to believe that Father Christmas even exists. But then Daniel McCormick comes into their lives. And with his help, Melissa and William might just be able to find their festive spirit, and finally have a Christmas where all of their wishes come true … MY REVIEW A SECOND CHRISTMAS WISH by Kathryn Freeman is a heartwarming and emotional tale about taking chances and finding the strength to trust again. Melissa learned the hard way that looks can be deceiving. Married young to a wealthy, older man, Melissa lost herself in the process of always trying to be perfect for her husband. But when she had her beautiful little boy William and she began to see him falter in the shadow of his cruel father, Melissa finally found the strength and courage to walk away. Now she has everything she wants with her son and her blossoming career but if she could convince William to believe in Santa again, this Christmas may just be their best yet. And with the help of charismatic and considerate tennis coach, Daniel McCormick, who knows what magic this season may hold. However, the past isn't always so willing to be left behind ... A SECOND CHRISTMAS WISH by Kathryn Freeman is brimming with festive spirit, likeable characters, and a refreshing plot that will capture your heart and soul. Melissa would do anything for her child and watching her protective instincts kick in is completely understandable, but as a reader, you really hope that she can learn to trust again after the cold relationships that were the foundation of her life so far. A SECOND CHRISTMAS WISH by Kathryn Freeman is a fabulous Christmas story that should definitely be on your reading wish list this winter. Author Bio: I was born in Wallingford, England and have spent most of my life living in a village outside Windsor. A former pharmacist, former pharmaceutical industry employee I’m now a self-employed medical writer who also loves to write romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it’s the reaction to a hunky hero… I’ve two teenage boys and a husband who asks every Valentine’s Day whether he has to bother buying a card again this year (yes, he does) so the romance in my life is all in my head. Then again, my husband’s unstinting support of my career change goes to prove that love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes can come in many disguises. For more information: Website - kathrynfreeman.co.uk Twitter - twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1 Facebook - www.facebook.com/kathrynfreeman/ Release date - 14th November (US Paperback)
Book length - 416 pages Publisher - William Morrow Paperbacks Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Harper Collins for providing me with a copy of this book for review from Edelweiss. ABOUT THE BOOK Somewhere along the cobbled streets of Paris, an apartment lies thick with dust and secrets: full of priceless artworks hidden away for decades. High-flying Fine Art Agent Flora from London, more comfortable with the tension of a million-pound auction than a cosy candlelit dinner for two, is called in to asses these suddenly discovered treasures. As an expert in her field, she must trace the history of each painting and just who has concealed them for so long. Thrown in amongst the glamorous Vermeil family as they move between Paris and Antibes, Flora begins to discover that things aren't all that they seem, while back at home her own family is recoiling from a seismic shock. The terse and brooding Xavier Vermeil seems intent on forcing Flora out of his family's affairs - but just what is he hiding? MY REVIEW THE PARIS SECRET by Karen Swan is a stunning story centred around the art world that blends past and present together with such exquisite prose that it actually takes your breath away. Flora is a talented Fine Art Agent and spends most of her life working hard, flying from one country to another. So when she gets an excited call from her boss telling her to make her way to Paris immediately, Flora knows that there must be something special waiting there, and she isn't wrong. An extremely wealthy family, the Vermeil's, have discovered an apartment that has been kept secret from them for years and it contains a treasure trove of beautiful paintings that need to be catalogued and provenance established. But as Flora gets to work, she has many questions that seem to be going unanswered as secrets from the past begin to come to light, and as Flora tries to deal with the infuriating Xavier Vermeil, she cannot help but worry about her own beloved family back in London who are also dealing with a huge revelation. But Flora is not a woman to underestimate or dissuade and she is determined to uncover the Paris secret ... THE PARIS SECRET by Karen Swan is an intriguing story as the reader tries to unravel two mysteries at the same time - Flora's personal family issue and the secret of the apartment in Paris. Blending past betrayals, secrets, and lies, with the present, really keeps the pace of the novel moving along nicely and I was enthralled in the plot from start to finish. There are shocking twists that I definitely did not see coming which I love in a book, and the description of art and the art world really took my breath away and caught my interest. I even found myself looking up some of the artists mentioned throughout and I plan to revisit the National Gallery again to remind me of the beauty of painting. The characters are like something from another world with their wealth and lifestyle but as the story digs beneath the surface we find love, fear, worry, and the need to protect ever-present in their actions which are all human emotions that translate no matter who you are in this world. THE PARIS SECRET by Karen Swan is a refreshingly different novel that will transport you to a different time and place and is well worth reading! Author Bio: Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars. For more information: Twitter - twitter.com/KarenSwan1 Facebook - www.facebook.com/KarenSwanAuthor/ Instagram - www.instagram.com/swannywrites/ |
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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