Book Review - Love Songs For Sceptics by Christina Pishiris

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Title: Love Songs For Sceptics

Author: Christina Pishiris

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 28th November 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

My brother’s getting married in a few weeks and asked for help picking a song for his first dance. I suggested Kiss’s ‘Love’s a Slap in the Face’.

It didn’t go down well.

When she was a teenager, Zoë Frixos fell in love with Simon Baxter, her best friend and the boy next door. But his family moved to America before she could tell him how she felt and, like a scratched record, she’s never quite moved on. Now, almost twenty years later, Simon is heading back to London, newly single and as charming as ever . . .

But as obstacles continue to get in her way – Simon’s perfect ex-girlfriend, her brother’s big(ish) fat(ish) Greek wedding, and an obnoxious publicist determined to ruin her career – Zoë begins to wonder whether, after all these years, she and Simon just aren’t meant to be.

What if, despite what all the songs and movies say, your first love isn't always all it's cracked up to be? What if, instead Zoë and Simon are forever destined to shuffle around their feelings for each other, never quite getting the steps right . . .

With a smart, relatable central character and razor-sharp wit, Love Songs for Sceptics is perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Lucy Vine and Lindsey Kelk. 

Full of humour, loads of music references, two utterly gorgeous guys, and all manner of diva rock stars, this is one hell of a story. 

There is plenty going on at all times, various sub plots, and for me the biggest storylines are will Zoe get the interview with the reclusive star she idolises that will save the magazine she is the editor of.  And will Zoe decide that Simon or Nick is the actual love of her life - they both have their good points! 

I loved that Zoe was Greek, her brother is getting married and there are references all over the place to My Big Fat Greek Wedding.  I enjoyed Zoe getting to know her sister in-law better, and also the other key women of the wedding party, for a few really fun gatherings.  Who knew ukuleles could be so much fun, or easy to play. 

Zoe and Simon have known each other for ages, they are even both official members of the same fan club. I loved that element to the story, it kept cropping up and making me smile! 

There is a whole host of emotions experienced as you read this story, and there are few tougher issues touched on, delicately.  

A really enjoyable and impressive debut novel. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - The Minute I Saw You by Paige Toon

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Title: The Minute I Saw You

Author: Paige Toon

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 14th May 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

When Hannah meets Sonny, she's irresistibly drawn to him: he's sexy and confident, but only in town on holiday. That's fine with Hannah - she doesn't do long-term relationships. And luckily for her, neither does Sonny. But before they can even so much as kiss, Sonny receives some shocking news and commits to making serious life changes - ones that can't and won't include romance.

With even a short fling now off the cards, Hannah and Sonny settle for being friends. But as summer hots up and their chemistry shows no signs of cooling, they start to question their reasons for shutting each other out.

Are they both too broken to find love? And if they tear down the walls between them, will they still like what's on the other side?

Paige Toon was written another simply stunning story. 

I was hooked almost immediately and loved the blatant initial chemistry between Hannah and Sonny in their first meeting and was as confused as Hannah when a couple of weeks later he was like a different person. 

From then they start to see each other about and accept that they can only be friends - especially since Sonny is pledging abstinence for reasons not entirely divulged initially.   Equally Hannah is obviously holding something back about her life, which is why she has never really wanted to settle anywhere. 

In fact what Hannah was hiding, was so unexpected, I literally guessed it about 5 pages before the reveal, and even then I didn't fully guess.  And Sonny, I'd not have pegged what is in his past either. But it was the finding out about both them that is where the book seems to go up another notch. 

I loved Hannah's new friendships and her dog Bertie is adorable too. The first canoeing scene is fabulous in that respect, so amusing. 

I really enjoyed seeing just how close Hannah and Sonny could become while still maintaining there was nothing between them!  It is just a heart warming story that I found a joy to read. 

I found this this, like all of this authors books, to be a quick, easy to engage with book, that I didn't want to put down. 

Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Messy, Wonderful Us by Catherine Isaac

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Title: Messy, Wonderful Us

Author: Catherine Isaac

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 5th March 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

From Richard & Judy Book club author Catherine Isaac comes the emotional and uplifting story of love, loss, friendship and a letter that changes everything.

In late 1983, a letter arrives from Italy, containing secrets so unthinkable that it is hidden away, apparently forever. More than three decades later, it is found . . . by the last person who was ever supposed to see it.

When Allie opens an envelope in her grandmother’s house, it changes everything she knows about her family - and herself.

With the truth liable to hurt those she loves most, she hires a private detective to find out what happened to her late mother in the summer before Allie was born. Taking leave from her job as a research scientist, she is led to the sun-drenched shores of Lake Garda, accompanied by her best friend Ed.

But the secrets that emerge go far beyond anything they were expecting. Now, 

Messy really is just the word to describe the family and friend dynamics in this book.  The further in you get into the story, the more you realise nothing is quite as it seems. 

There are secrets spanning three generation of Allie's family and you slowly get the real story filtering through in amongst the present day activities. 

In addition to Allie, we get chapters from Ed's point of view. He is Allie's best friend and again we get their story from childhood to present day story told interlinked with the current action. 

i was taken completely by surprise from most of this story, and it take in some tough issues too, which added another dimension to it. 

There is a big mystery that leads Allie and Ed, to Italy, and I loved the whole section in Italy. Including seeing Lake Garda and then Portofino. The scenery was described so well, I could have been there. 

The characters all seemed really realistic and there is no doubting that the book is well written.  I did find the timeline jumping back and forth was confusing at first with no real indicators, but I soon got into the swing of the book. 

This is a book that certainly kept me on my toes and I really did enjoy it. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Book Review - The Fall and Rise of Sadie McQueen by Juliet Ashton - #HolidayReading Mexico

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Title: The Fall and Rise of Sadie McQueen

Author: Juliet Ashton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 26th December 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but Cherry Blossom Mews is a miraculous place. It's somewhere that finds you, rather than the other way around.

Sadie McQueen has leased a double fronted space in this small cul de sac in a culturally diverse corner of central London. The cobbles muffle the noise of double-deckers roaring past the arched gates. Turn right and you are in a futuristic maze of corporate glass monoliths. Turn left and you see a wide street with many different houses. Towering above the mews are the degenerating tower blocks of an infamous estate. The old folks home and the nearby school are both in need of TLC; the private members' club that set up shop in a listed Georgian building has been discreetly refurbished at huge expense.

Into this confusion comes Sadie. She fell in love with the street the moment she first twisted her ankle on its cobbles. Her double-fronted unit is now a spa. She has sunk all her money into the lease and refurbishment. She's sunk all her hope into the carefully designed treatment rooms, the calm white reception space, the bijou flat carved out of the floor above.

Sadie has a mission to connect. To heal herself from tragedy. Sadie has wrapped the mews around her like a warm blanket, after unimaginable loss and unimaginable guilt. Her hard-won peace is threatened, not only by the prospect of the mews going under but by a man aptly named Hero who wakes up her comatose heart. 
Sadie has a lot to give, and a lot to learn, not least that some ghosts aren't ghosts at all.

What a book this is as it takes you on a journey of ups and downs in the life of Sadie McQueen. 

And also the rest of the residents of The Cherry Blossom Mews,  The book is written so that each chapter features their next weekly residents meeting which they take turns to hold, and allows us to really get to know all the residents of the Mews in a great way.

Sadie is the main character and she has a tragic backstory and its trying to overcome certain things in her life. There are elements of what happens involving her in the book that had me gasping out loud. 

There are so many threads of story-line and I really enjoyed all of them.  All the characters have distinct personalities, and I loved getting to know them all. 

This is a sensitively written, at times emotional, and generally heartwarming story. Although I'd expect nothing less from this always enjoyable author.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Mr Nobody by Catherine Steadman

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Title: Mr Nobody

Author: Catherine Steadman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 9th January 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

When a man is found on a Norfolk beach, drifting in and out of consciousness, with no identification and unable to speak, interest in him is sparked immediately. From the hospital staff who find themselves inexplicably drawn to him; to international medical experts who are baffled by him; to the nationalpress who call him Mr Nobody; everyone wants answers.  Who is this man? And what happened to him?

Neuropsychiatrist Dr Emma Lewis is asked to assess the patient. This is her field of expertise, this is the chance she’s been waiting for and this case could make her name known across the world. But therein lies the danger. Emma left this same small town in Norfolk fourteen years ago and has taken great pains to cover all traces of her past since then.

But now something – or someone – is calling her back. And the more time she spends with her patient, the more alarmed she becomes.

Has she walked into danger?

My mind is reeling,  I didn't see that coming at all. Just wow, what a book and almost certainly will be a content for one of my top books of the year. 

This was the first book I've read by Catherine Steadman, and I will happily admit that it was the cover that first drew me towards the book and then I read the blurb and thought it sounded quite interesting. 

Well nothing could have prepared me for book.  It's definitely one best read without any prior knowledge.  From the first chapters I could tell there was a rather impressive quality to the writing.  As I continued reading I realised that the book was getting under my skin.  I doubt I'll be forgetting it for a while. And despite needing to urgently get on with some work I read the whole of the second half of the book in one sitting oblivious to real life. 

This is a fascinating look at memory and how the brain works, it is clear that the author has done vast amounts of research into the topic and everything is present in a really accessible way. 

The two main characters well I wanted to know about both of them.  Dr. Emma Lewis is clearly hiding her past and we get glimpses of it from time to time.  Whereas the man, found on a beach and now being treated by Emma, is a mystery.   The first chapter from his point of view where it describes so clearly how it feels to have no memory, no clue of who you are, but yet knowing you need to find someone, and can still do assorted motor skills, is rather disconcerting.   And I found I had a great deal of empathy towards him. 

It's a quick paced story that kept me on my toes, kept me guessing and thinking.  I was completely hooked on this story, Easily the best book I've read so far this decade.  I definitely will be looking out for more from this author. I predict I may just have a book hangover now, I just can't get over how fabulous this was. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Those People by Louise Candlish - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Title: Those People

Author: Louise Candlish

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 27th June 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS YOU'LL LOVE TO HATE

Until Darren and Jodie move in, Lowland Way is a suburban paradise. Beautiful homes. Friendly neighbours. Kids playing out in the street. But Darren and Jodie don't follow the rules and soon disputes over loud music and parking rights escalate to threats of violence.

Then, early one Sunday, a horrific crime shocks the street. As the police go house-to-house, the residents close ranks and everyone's story is the same: They did it.

But there's a problem. The police don't agree. And the door they're knocking on next is yours. 

Those People would make an excellent film, with an all star ensemble cast.  There isn't really a main character, just a group of neighbours that are all united against the new people in their street. 

For the new people, Danny and Jodie aren't like the rest, they seem a bit dodgy, and they aren't even attempting to fit in. 

And all the neighbours are left with an unpleasant feeling whenever they try to interact. 

It is clear initially that something big happened, from the snippets of police interviews with each neighbour, as we get the background to the day in question. 

And then once we are up to the present day bits in live time, as such, you slowly realise that every time you think you have got to grasps with the situation, something else happens, and you are left re-evaluating. 

For nothing is what it seems with those people!

Louise Candlish has written a compelling story about how you can never truly know your neighbours, your friends, and even your other half until you are pushed to breaking point from nightmare neighbours. 

At times I felt sorry for all the characters in this and at others, I really disliked them too!  Definitely a book that will make you feel something towards the characters. 

And that leaves you pondering what on earth you might do if someone unsavoury moves into your road, and becomes the source of your life being utterly wretched.   Would you consider revenge?

Thank you to Simon & Schuster on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Christmas Wish List by Heidi Swain

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Title: The Christmas Wish List

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 3rd October 2019

Rating: 4 Stars

After being let go from her job in a swanky hotel just weeks before Christmas, Hattie is feeling lost. Even more so when her high-flying boyfriend announces he’s landed his dream job in Abu Dhabi and asks her to move with him. Luckily, Hattie’s long-time friend Dolly is on hand to help and invites Hattie to spend one last holiday in the small, festive town of Wynbridge, determined to give her a Christmas to remember . . .

Upon Hattie’s arrival, holiday preparations are in full swing. But for Hattie, whose Christmas cheer has long since run out, it’ll take more than mince pies and mistletoe to open her heart to the season once more. Relishing the task of reigniting Hattie’s Christmas spirit, Dolly suggests they create a wish list of all the things the season can offer, and with the helpful hands of Wynbridge’s resident handyman, Beamish, Hattie finds her frosty exterior is starting to thaw.

As Wynbridge prepares for its most spectacular Christmas yet, will Hattie leave snowy England behind for life in a sunnier clime, or will she in fact realise that her heart’s desire lies much closer to home?

The Christmas Wish List is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

I love a Heidi Swain book, and I really enjoy Wynbridge and this was a incredibly enjoyable story. 

I was hooked from the first few pages and was shocked to realise I'd read the first 50 on a relatively short tube journey, always a sign I'm enjoying the book. even from an early stage. 

I loved the concept of The Christmas Wish List and seeing how Hattie's feelings towards the season changed as she and Dolly worked through the list.  I also was pleased to see Hattie grow as a character in many directions, especially at the point here eyes become wide open to her current relationship. 

There were a few revelations during the story, but to be honest, I had strong inklings towards them while I was reading, so they seemed more inevitable than anything, but it didn't impact my enjoyment at all. 

And Beamish is such a great new character who I really enjoyed getting to know, while also seeing familiar faces in passing from previous books set in Wynbridge is always a delight. 

I love this community, and its zeal for all things Christmas, and just wish I could have been on the ice-rink with Hattie, Dolly and Beamish.  

Filled with the authors trade mark writing style, and warmth, this was a truly enjoyable story to read in the run up to Christmas, and may even inspire me to one day have my own Christmas Wish List! 

Book Review - Snowed In At The Practice by Penny Parkes

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Title: Snowed In At The Practice

Author: Penny Parkes

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 14th November 2019

Rating: 5 Stars 

*** Join the residents of Larkford for a festive fling as the snow falls, secrets are revealed and romance blossoms under the mistletoe! ***

Larkford Surgery is the heart of a tightknit community in the Cotswolds, as well as a hotbed of drama, rivalry, resentment and romance - and that's just the doctors …

Dr Holly Graham is finding life with two sets of twins exhausting. Even with husband Dr Taffy Jones and devoted friend Elsie by her side, she is completely outnumbered. Making the transition back to work will be no easy feat but a regular slot on Radio Larkford as their on-air doctor might be the perfect stepping stone, until an unexpected job offer changes everything.

Dr Alice Walker’s new canine clinic at Larkford Surgery with Coco, her assistance dog, has been a storming success. If only shipping her best friend, Dr Tilly Grainger, in from South America to cover for Holly had been such a smooth transition. It seems that Tilly isn’t finding life in the peaceful Cotswolds valley as rewarding as she’d hoped, and she is causing chaos ...

Curl up with the wonderful new novel from the bestselling author of Out of Practice and winner of the RNA Romantic Comedy Award 2017.

How good it was to be back in Larkford and at the Practice.

Although it feels like it was ages since I read the previous book in the series within a page or two I felt as though I had never been away.

Such is the memorability of these characters that the book feels like coming home almost instantly and I couldn't wait to see what was in store for all the doctors this time around. 

And wow what a lot is packed into this latest episode of what could easily be my favourite doctors drama series on TV.

There are so many story lines to follow that even if you aren't keen on one, then give it a few pages and you will have something else to follow. 

This is all about families, and how they come in different shapes and sizes. About how mothers may feel as they contemplate going back to work, and all manner of other issues. 

I loved how the ideas of assistance animals has been expanded and Banana is a welcome addition to the role, and an utterly adorable one at that.  

Then there is Connor who has moved to Larkford, a former rock star, he just wants to be a farmer and lead a quieter life, but is there more to his taking on every waif and stray animal than meets the eye 

Of course it was wonderful to catch up with Holly and Taffy and their two sets of twins, the introduction of a new nanny to help them out.   And seeing how Dan and grace are getting on in their new relationship too. 

Plus getting to know Tilly, Alice's friend who is working at the Practice while Holly is on maternity leave. 

Not to mention everyone's favourite Grand Dame of Larkford, Elsie - I'll leave it to you to discover what she is up to this time!

I read this while I was recovering from dental surgery and it proved to be a wonderful distraction from me feeling sorry for myself and generally being in pain.   

I loved every second of this latest addition to this wonderful series, and just asked that Penny Parkes  doesn't leave it as long between books next time. 

I need more from Larkford and I would love it now! Such a  wonderful series, and I do think this could be read as a standalone, but why deprive yourself of other fabulous books?!!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - If You Were Here by Alice Peterson

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Title: If You Were Here

Author: Alice Peterson

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 2nd May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

When her daughter Beth dies suddenly, Peggy Andrews is left to pick up the pieces and take care of her granddaughter Flo. But sorting through Beth’s things reveals a secret never told: Beth was sick, with the same genetic condition that claimed her father’s life, and now Peggy must decide whether to keep the secret or risk destroying her granddaughter’s world.

Five years later, Flo is engaged and moving to New York with her fiancé. Peggy never told her what she discovered, but with Flo looking towards her future, Peggy realises it’s time to come clean and reveal that her granddaughter’s life might also be at risk.

As Flo struggles to decide her own path, she is faced with the same life-altering questions her mother asked herself years before: if a test could decide your future, would you take it?

An emotional, inspiring and uplifting novel, IF YOU WERE HERE will break your heart and put it back together again.

Just wow, I knew Alice Peterson was a fabulous writer, but this may just be my new favourite book from her, although A Song For Tomorrow is still one of my favourites. 

This is certainly a thought provoking and emotional book - there were tears pricking my eyes at various points of this.   If I was in Flo's situation I honestly don't know what I would do. 

It's a fascinating look a one specific genetic condition, that doesn't have huge amounts of awareness, and raises all manner of questions.   I think this would definitely be a great book club read. 

We take in three generations of the Andrew's family,  Granny Peggy and grand daughter, Flo, and we learn about Beth's life through her diaries,. 

The diaries are in some respects the best bit of the book, you get a first hand look into what life as a person with the condition is like, and we also see how it affected her father. 

But then again seeing the range of thoughts and emotions of Flo as she comes to terms with the information she has never been given before is also amazing, as is seeing how she reacts.  The final section of the book I had a massive lump in my throat the whole time - it is just that well written. 

And granny Peg, what a character she is, I loved seeing her world expand and her friendship with her new neighbour was a lovely one to see develop. 

There is so much packed into this amazing story, I read the majority of it in a long stint in the garden, not overly noticing that it was getting cooler around me. It is gripping, it makes you think, it makes you feel - its just a complete story that is wonderful. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily, 

Book Review - Poppy's Recipe For Life by Heidi Swain

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Title: Poppy's Recipe For Life

Author: Heidi Swain

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 30th May 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Treat yourself to a glorious novel full of food, sunshine, friendship and love!

Things haven’t always been straightforward in Poppy’s life but her dreams are finally within her reach.

She's moving into a cottage in beautiful Nightingale Square, close to the local community garden, where she can indulge her passion for making preserves and pickles. She may not have the best relationship with her family but she is surrounded by loving friends, and feels sure that even her grumpy new neighbour, Jacob, has more to him than his steely exterior belies.

But the unexpected arrival of Poppy's troubled younger brother soon threatens her new-found happiness and as the garden team works together to win community space of the year, Poppy must decide where her priorities lie and what she is prepared to fight for …

Such a sheer joy to be back among the residents of Nightingale square. Some fabulous familiar faces but a whole new story.

Poppy after a false start that allowed us a glimpse into her family life,  us finally able to move into her dream home in Nightingale square. 

She wasn't counting on her next door neighbour to be incredibly grumpy and rude,  not that before long that she would have her estranged brother living with her. 

I loved seeing how both these men in her life developed as the story went on,  and also reading every last detail of life in the square.

Heidi Swain has such a familiar and comfortable writing style, that you can't help but be sucked into the pages of this fabulous story. 

I loved the sense of community in this book as everyone rallies around each other.  There is also an adorable dog,  a fantastic sounding bookshop,  new relationships, some secrets, and a whole lot of preserves and chutneys.

I couldn't help but fly through the pages,  while enjoying every last moment.  I just couldn't get enough of it all. 

Another immensely enjoyable story from the talented Heidi Swain.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson

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Title: The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew

Author: Milly Johnson

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: EDPR

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 11th July 2019

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew, a man who is one step away from the top job in the government, her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But John has made some stupid mistakes along the way, some of which are threatening to emerge. Still, all this can still be swept under the carpet as long as Sophie 'the trophy' plays her part in front of the cameras.

But the words that come out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors put in there.  Bursting out of the restrictive mould she has been in since birth, Sophie flees to a place that was special to her as a child, a small village on the coast where she intends to be alone.

But once there, she finds she becomes part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time. Sophie knows she won't be left in peace for long. Now she must decide: where does her real future lie?

Well this was a book that took a while to grow on me, for the entirety of the first part I really struggled as all the characters just seemed unlikable, bordering on vile and there were just loads of them.  Well there were all the members of both John and Sophie's families, as well as the whole of John's political team, and spin doctor etc... 

You could tell that between the flash backs to Sophie's schooling (which I did quite enjoy, despite again being at school full of horrific people), and the most recent events building up to doorstepgate that something big was brewing, and I made sure to stick with the book as was sure that once we got the vital background, that the book would become far more interesting. 

And I was correct, the second we are away from the inner workings of someone wanting to be the conservative leader and everything that he and his family must do to keep up public appearances even in the face of blatant scandal,  Sophie really grew on me and the book took on a much more enjoyable tone. 

Unfortunately I'm not hugely keen on politics, and the fact that Sophie ended up in a small village, in the Almshouse but having deep conversations with the local vicar (who is utterly gorgeous), meant I was seeing a bit more religion, or at least faith in god type discussions than I particularly want to see in a book and did have to double check the front cover to make sure it really was a Milly Johnson story I was reading as it seemed rather unlike her. 

From the moment that we move into part two though I was invested in the story, I enjoyed seeing how Sophie;s character developed and some of her through processes.  She goes from being a doormat of a trophy wife, to a woman who is able to show her real personality traits and that was rather wonderful to see. 

All the people she meets by contrast up in her hideaway are down to earth, characters that are relatable to, and some of which I really loved hearing about.  

This is the sort of book that makes you wonder, would you be able to stand by your man, if proved to be cheating, in public. just to toe the party line and not ruffle any feathers. 

Of the two families there is besides Sophie, only one character who really grew on m which which was Johnathan's brother Edward who seemed like the only one with any human feelings at all, and there was a fabulous showdown scene involving him that had me really cheering. 

There is plenty to enjoy in this book, but at the end of the day I've enjoyed all of Milly Johnson's other wonderful books a great deal more than this one, and I'm looking forward to see what she writes next. 

Thank you to EDPR for my copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Living My Best Li(f)e by Claire Frost - Blog Blitz

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Title: Living My Best Li(f)e

Author: Claire Frost

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 23rd July 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Bell never thought she’d be facing her 40th birthday single. Recently dumped by her boyfriend of ten years, Bell is struggling to move on with her life – and surrender the fleecy pyjamas she’s been living in since January. Sick of being bombarded by #blessed on social media and feeling like her life doesn’t live up to everyone else’s, she decides it’s time for a change; time to find out who she really is, not who she thinks she should be. 

Enter Millie, a successful online influencer posting under the handle @mi_bestlife. But as a single mum trying to make ends meet and stay ahead of the younger generation snapping at her heels, her Instagram feed is far more #BestLiethan #BestLife. With the internet trolls continuing to bring her down and an ex who cares more about playing football than seeing their son, Millie begins to wish her life was more like her filters.

It isn’t until Millie and Bell’s paths cross that the two women begin to realise what they’re missing. Will Bell finally learn to live life for herself? And will Millie see that she needs to start living for the moment and not for the likes?

What a truly joyous debut novel, a book filled with a lot of fun, an adorable child, two fabulous main characters, and a message about social media too. 

I really loved getting to know both Bell and Millie in their own chapters, and once they both discovered the local community centre existed and met each other,  it was the start of a beautiful new friendship, which had great benefits to both women. 

Millie is a single mum to 5 year old Wolf, her ex is a celebrity footballer and has a knack of letting his son down, and I didn't like half of Louis' interactions with Wolf.  Millie is doing everything she can for Wolf, on a limited budget, and has loads of follower in Instagram, as she is an influencer.  

Millie posts aspirational photos about her perfect life - although once you meet her, well let's just say there is a lot of filtering and creative usage of Photoshop being done, pre-posting. 

Then there is Bell who we first meet when her best friend stages an intervention a few weeks after a long term relationship breakup.   As the story progresses, so does Bell's character, until she becomes someone you want as a best friend, and would love to have fighting your corner. 

Living My Best Li(f)e is just the sort of book I love reading, its funny, there are great new friendships, there is a hint of romance, a gorgeous guy, new hobbies, characters standing up for themselves, and a real community feel to the book too.    

I felt right at home with Claire Frost's writing style, and her sense of humour.  If I hadn't known I would never have guessed this was a debut, the story flowed that well and I was completely swept up in it. 

Thoroughly enjoyable book, that I have adored reading in the garden in the sun! 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Summer at the Kindness Cafe by Victoria Walters - Blog Tour

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Title: Summer at the Kindness Cafe

Author: Victoria Walters

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source:Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 13th June 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Escape to the beautiful town of Littlewood with this heart-warming read, perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Holly Hepburn and Jo Thomas. 

Welcome to Brew, a cafe where kindness is almost as important as coffee... almost!

Abbie has fled London and the humiliation of not being able to make rent after being made redundant. Her sister, Louise, unlucky in love, has thrown herself into her career at the local hospital. And Eszter, who has travelled from Hungary with her daughter Zoe, is hoping to fulfil her husband's dying wish: to reunite his family.

This summer, three very different women are inspired by the random acts of kindness written up on the Kindness Board at Brew, and decide to make a pact to be kinder to others and to themselves.

Can a little bit of kindness really change your life? Eszter, Abbie and Louise are about to find out!

**Summer at the Kindness Cafe was previously published as a four-part serial titled Random Acts of Kindness. This is the complete story in one package.**

Wow what a simply wonderful book this is, all about being kind to each other and paying the kindness forward.   

Originally published in four novellas each part could in theory be read as a standalone, as there are small reminders at the start of each, so if you are reading it as a full book, expect a small bit of repetition from earlier in the book, as it was originally published over a period of time.    

What I do find though is that I always loved reading these combined books and find that due to the way each part needs to hook readers itself that the book was extremely addictive and kept throwing out little curve-balls to entice you to keep on reading. And I loved it for it. 

Upon meeting our three leading ladies I was hooked into all of their stories instantly.   Louise, two years on is  still recovering from heartbreak, but there may be a new potential man in her life, if she decides to give love a chance.     Then there is Abbie, Louise's sister who is determined to be moving back to London, as she is convinced there will be nothing for her in Littlewood.   Although a certain project may be enough to change her mind. 

Then there is Ezter and young daughter Zoe, who have come over to England for the summer, to see where her late husband grew up, and to fulfil his dying wish, which is easier said than done. 

The three all meet in Brew, the local cafe on Ezter and Abbie's first day in Littlewood and a friendship springs up instantly and all because of the kindness board in the cafe. 

This has such a lovely small village feel to it, and the focus shifts around our three main  characters so we get to see them up close, and personal. 

It's such a charming book and it screams kindness as you, from small things you can do for a person, to slightly larger more obvious things.  I would have loved to live in Littlehampton with such a lovely feel good feel to the place. 

This may only be the second book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. Any book I can read and devour and be hooked on so quickly is a winner in my book! 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

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