Book Review - The Girl at the Window by Rowan Coleman - #HolidayReading Madeira

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Amazon UK

Title: The Girl at the Window

Author: Rowan Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury

Publication Date: 27th June 2019 

Rating: 4 Stars

Ponden Hall is a centuries-old house on the Yorkshire moors, a magical place full of stories. It's also where Trudy Heaton grew up. And where she ran away from...

Now, after the devastating loss of her husband, she is returning home with her young son, Will, who refuses to believe his father is dead.

While Trudy tries to do her best for her son, she must also attempt to build bridges with her eccentric mother. And then there is the Hall itself: fallen into disrepair but generations of lives and loves still echo in its shadows, sometimes even reaching out to the present...

A hauntingly beautiful story of love and hope, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Memory Book and The Summer of Impossible Things

First a disclaimer that I've never read a book by any of the Bronte's, nor before going into this story know much about them at all.  I'm also not typically a fan of books with large historical sections...

....but I am a massive fan of Rowan Coleman, so I put my trust in her that I would enjoy the book, and she hasn't steered me wrong. 

Although not entirely for me, I did thoroughly enjoy the story-lines, the parallels in the history. Through such evocative writing i felt as though I knew every nook and cranny of Ponden Hall, and even the sceptic in me was starting to believe in ghosts, such was the conviction of the storytelling. 

There is a lot going on this story, and I couldn't help but feel for poor Agnes. And then there is in the present day Will who is utterly convinced his father is still alive, they just have to look harder for him. 

Despite the multiple time lines, it was always clear which bit you were following, which greatly helped. I enjoyed seeing how Trudy and Abe got together, and also how the relationship between Trudy and her mum develops .

Hauntingly beautiful writing, which I suspect may just infiltrate my dreams this evening,  Just hope this hotel doesn't have any ghosts of it own!   What a fabulous start to my holiday reading,  

Thank you to Ebury and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Pet Shop at Pennycombe Bay by Sheila Norton - #HolidayReading Thailand

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Amazon UK

Title: The Pet Shop at Pennycombe Bay

Author: Sheila Norton

Format reviewed: Ebook 

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury

Publication Date: 21st February 2019 

Rating: 5 Stars

When the going gets ruff, it's time to make a change...

In need of a fresh start, Jess has moved to the beautiful Devon seaside town of Pennycombe Bay. However, things aren't turning out exactly as she hoped. She enjoys her new job at the local pet shop but feels like she's treading on eggshells living with her moody cousin Ruth.

When she meets handsome stranger, Nick, on the beach, she thinks she's made a new friend. Or perhaps something more... Although her hopes of romance are quickly dashed when she finds out he's seeing another woman. But with faithful dog Prudence by her side, Jess is determined to become more involved in the local community.

Can Jess make Pennycombe feel like home?

Another wonderful story featuring some fabulous pets, from Sheila Norton.

I knew as I started it I would be in for a treat.  After all Jess not only talks to Pru her dog all the time, she imagines Pru's answers too.

To start with Jess is rather lacking in confidence,  but as the story progresses,  she really does grow. 

I loved her pets as therapy volunteering work, her attempts to help her cousin Ruth with a problem,  and Jess becoming a vital part of the Pennycombe Bay community. 

Pru isn't the only fabulous animal,  there are a whole host of others featured too. There is also a multitude of sub plots which get you really involved with this lovely local community. 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this,  and just wish I had a dog like Pru myself.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: The Day We Met

Author: Roxie Cooper

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 1st February 2019

Rating: 5 Stars

Stephanie and Jamie are meant to be. The problem is they're both with other people...

Stephanie doesn’t believe in fate, true love or living happily ever after. She’s content enough being engaged to Matt. But then she meets Jamie, who understands her more than anyone else ever has.

Jamie is happily married to his childhood sweetheart Helen and believes in everything Stephanie doesn’t. So why does he have such a strong connection with Stephanie?

When Stephanie and Jamie meet one fateful weekend in 2006 it will change everything...

Ten years. Two people. One epic love story.

Wow this was amazing. 

I have literally no idea how to describe this, the blurb has one thing right - it is certainly an epic love story. 

Taking place over 10 years, with chapters from both Stephanie and Jamie's points of views, we see a relationship form between them that is evidently fated, and probably as close to soul mates as you are going to get. 

The connection between the two leads is believable and right from the off you can feel it, and wonder just how everything is going to develop. 

For Stephanie and Jamie are both in their own relationships and one thing they are both adamant about is that they love their partners.  But yet they are drawn to each other deeply and seem to be their true selves around each other. 

They only meet once a year, but we also see what their lives are like outside of their connection.  So we get to know Stephanie and Jamie's partners, their families and friends. 

It may sound like its a book about adultery and somehow it didn't feel like it. It's not sordid, its rather beautiful and after all you can't help you you have a true connection with.  If I ever felt like they did then I would count myself as a lucky person. 

How it this even possible that this is the authors second book, this is so accomplished, superbly written and I was completely enchanted by connection between Stephanie and Jamie.  

I was loving the book and couldn't really put it down much, and then I reach the last section and suddenly just OMG, I can't talk about it, I can't hint at it, I can't give spoilers but if you are looking for a book that will surprise you up until the end,  that has beautiful writing and wonderful sentiment and truly feels like quite a special book then this is the book for you.  I just didn't want it to end. 

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - One New York Christmas by Mandy Baggot

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Amazon UK

Title: One New York Christmas

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 15th November 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Will this Christmas romance be just for the holidays?

A fun, festive romantic comedy to curl up with this winter. If you love Josie Silver's One Day in December, you'll love Mandy Baggot's heart-warming festive romance.

Lara Weeks is heading to New York with best friend Susie for the Christmas trip of a lifetime.

A festive break in the snowy Big Apple visiting the tourist hotspots, not to mention the shopping, seems like the perfect way for Lara to get over her ex-boyfriend. Or maybe make him so jealous he begs for a second chance.

Enlisting the help of gorgeous actor, Seth Hunt, doesn't quite go to plan, but there's something about him that has Lara wishing for a different kind of happy ever after...

It just wouldn't be the run up to Christmas without a Mandy Baggot Christmas book, and this one is as good as it gets.  Who doesn't love reading about New York at Christmas, and add in some fabulous animal escapades, a red carpet, and some utterly fabulous characters, and you have a fabulous story. 

That's not forgetting the slightly deeper story line surrounding Seth, who has his own journey of discovery to go on, which coincides with him auditioning for a part that he really wants.  Oh and then there is Seth and his mum Kozzy and the shelter storyline, and a couple of really interesting homeless people that use the shelter. 

Not to mention Lara who is in New York for the first time ever, well first time she has been abroad at all, all in an effort to get over her broken heart. She is a kick ass female lead, she drive a truck, thinks nothing of climbing tress, rescuing animals or standing up for what she believe in.  It was fabulous to see New York through her eyes, and I especially related to her hatred of tights, and dressing up, and her reactions to all the shopping he best friend wants to do are fabulous. 

Given the two different worlds that Lara and Seth inhabit,  they wouldn't' normally have met each other had it not been for for their best friends.  What does become apparent is their instant connection, they are clearly made for each other, but whether they will work it out is something you will need to read to find out. 

This is just perfect festive reading, its warm and cosy, its funny, it has a bit of Christmas magic, realistic and likeable characters, snow, a round the world trip in food, some hilarious moments, great setting and just an all around wonderful book.  Whether you are a fan of Mandy Baggot, or new to the author, you can't go wrong with this book.  

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury Press for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Pets At Primrose Cottage by Sheila Norton - #HolidayReading Book 12

Book 12 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: The Pets At Primrose Cottage

Author: Sheila Norton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 22nd March 2018 

Rating: 5 Stars

Emma Nightingale needs a place to hide away.

Fresh from the heartbreak of a failed relationship, she takes refuge In quiet Crickleford. And not before long – and quite accidentally too – Emma finds herself the town’s favourite pet-sitter, a role she isn’t certain of at first, but soon her heart is warmed by the animals; they expect nothing more of her than she is able to give.

The last thing Emma wants is for people to discover the real reason she is lying low, but then the handsome reporter from the local paper takes an interest in her story. Can Emma keep her secret and follow her heart’s desire…?

What an array of pets there are in this book and their owners too and as an animal lover I enjoyed meeting them all, as it turns out even the simplest sounding of pet sitting jobs can  cause mayhem!

Meet Emma, she is clearly hiding things about her past but even the reader can't full guess everything to start with ,but what is clear is that she needs to make a fresh start and she is trying to reinvent herself as a pet sitter. 

I loved everyone in the small town of Crickleford, and all their personalities are really distinct. 

Originally published in 4 parts, each part clearly deals with a different aspect of Emma's story and generally leaves you wanting a little bit more moving onto the next one.  As a full book it works really well, and I found this to be a very quick read, in part as I didn't put it down once!

I am loving Sheila Norton's way with words while describing animals, and I could really picture all of the various pets being featured.  I wasn't so keen on a few of the owners though!

A charming feel good story, that animal lovers will definitely adore!

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Desperately Seeking Summer by Mandy Baggot

Amazon UK

Title: Desperately Seeking Summer

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 1st May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Abby Dolan is having a very bad day...

In twenty-four hours, she's lost her job and her boyfriend. Single and with nothing left to lose, she's headed for a Corfu escape to spend time with her family while she heals her broken heart.

Only her mum and sister's estate agency 'Desperately Seeking' is just that, desperate! Instead of the relaxing, sunshine holiday she'd hoped for, Abby finds herself spending her break helping get the business back on its feet. Determined to attract new clients and give her family a second chance at success, she finds the perfect property to sell in Villa Pappas complete with gorgeous gardener, Theo.

Perhaps working this summer could be a welcome distraction after all. But Theo has his own secrets and Abby isn't the only thing he wants to take off the market...

I'm utterly bereft that I have come to the end of such a fabulous book it had everything you could want from your perfect summery read and more. 

There was Theo who I fell in love with, Abby and her mad family's vision for a pink estate agency in Corfu,  there is greek food, beautiful scenery, high drama, sizzling chemistry, plenty of smiles and laughs,  and so much more.  This is escapism at its best. 

I could wax lyrical all day about this book, but I fear I would bore you, so instead I will try and keep this short, and just tell you, especially if you are already a fan of Mandy Baggot to just go and buy this and read it for yourself.  It won't disappoint. 

If you have never read a book by this author before, well frankly you are missing out, but she has a fabulous back catalogue to catch up on too.  

This is a story of Abby who manages to lose her job, boyfriend and her cat all in the same day decided to spend some time with her family in Corfu, only to arrive and discover their estate agency isn't doing too well. 

So while Abby is trying to help save the family business, she comes into contact with Theo, who is using Corfu as a summer escape for himself too.  Of course there is more to Theo than there first appears, and thanks to the way the book is written we often get sections focusing on him, and thus can see beneath his amazing good looks quite early on. 

There is romance in the air in Corfu this summer and not just for Abby, and the villagers of San Sebastian are all colourful characters and I enjoyed meeting a lot of those too.  There are business rivalries, interesting ways of trying to keep the Dolan family afloat and older relationships revitalised. 

I even think I learnt a bit of Greek in this book, as occasional words are used, most of the time you could guess the meaning  from the context, and if you can't then there was a handy glossary at the back too. 

I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed spending time in Corfu with Abby, Theo and their friends and family.  This is a fantastic book to while away a hot summers day, or a cold winters one when you are wishing you are somewhere warmer!  

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill by Mandy Baggot

Amazon UK

Title: One Christmas Kiss in Notting Hill

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Digital

Publication Date: 16th November 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Imagine the perfect Christmas Kiss…

His strong arms around her waist, her hands on his face, the snow slowly starts to fall…

It’s enough to make Isla Winters cringe! While her sister can’t get enough of this – increasingly common – sight on the streets of London, Isla’s too busy trying to stop Hannah’s wheelchair from slipping on the ice, and making sure she’s not too late to her dream job at Breekers International. 

But everything changes with the arrival of Chase Bryan, fresh from the New York office. He’s eager to learn everything about Isla’s beloved Notting Hill, but as the nights get colder, will cosying up to him come at a price?

Fantastic Christmas romance, by one of my favourite authors.  I loved every second of this book, and it didn't take too long to make Chase Bryan my latest book boyfriend. 

For Chase is n London with his two daughters and needs to learn not everything is about work. He is the new CEO at Breekers and has huge plans for the business, however they are in conflict with a person who he becomes rather close to in London. 

For Isla, is his go-to-girl, ultimate problem solver and initially doesn't seem that impressed that Chase even exists let alone the premise of his large plans for the company. She also has other things on her mind like planning another spectacular works Christmas party, and seeing if she can give Hannah, her sister any more freedom. 

I loved Hannah, it is unfortunately so rare to see a key character in a book in a wheelchair, especially one as young as 20, but it was a greatly refreshing change, and I loved Hannah's humour, her determination, and her one main wish. She is determined that this year will be the year she has a film style perfect Christmas kiss in Notting Hill, so long as she can find someone to see past her disability. 

In the role of a tour guide, we get to see London and more specifically Notting Hill through the fresh eyes of Maddie and Brooke, Chases's children, while Isla shows them around her favourite places.  If you have ever wanted to get a feel for the real Notting Hill with all of its colourful buildings and independent retailers, the Portobello market and even more then you need to read this book as it gives a fantastic feel for the area. 

From the various Christmas books I have read by Mandy Baggot, One Wish in Manhattan had been my favourite, but I think this one has over taken it in my affections. I just loved this story, there is plenty of Christmas in here as well as some other storylines and themes that are just as important, if not more so. 

Another fabulous story from an author who is getting to be a drop everything and read when a new book by her comes out.  Already looking forward to seeing what 2018 brings for this author. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Single For The Summer by Mandy Baggot

Amazon UK

Title: Single For The Summer

Author: Mandy Baggot

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 27th July 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Tess Parks has made up her mind: love isn’t for her.

When it comes to dating she has one rule: after six weeks with a guy, she ends it. So when her heartbroken best friend invites her for a girly getaway in Corfu, Tess is sure she can stick to their pact to stay single for the summer. 

But then she meets the gorgeous restaurateur Andras... 

To keep his overbearing mother off his back, Tess agrees to pretend to date him. But as the two spend time together, Tess begins to realise that this fake relationship is starting to feel like the best one she’s ever had…

Thanks to Single For the Summer, I have fallen in love with a man called Andras, and the island of Corfu. I was hooked on Tess and Sonya's week in Corfu, and just how much they managed to pack into a week. 

Before we even get to Greece, there is a proposal that sets in motion Tess's willingness to even go on holiday, and her new aversion to scallops!  Sonya persuades Tess, who is a serial dater and never stays single for longer than a few days at a time, to stay single for the whole holiday..they are allowed to look but that's it. 

Well things don't exactly go according to plan when Andras needs a fake girlfriend for the week to put off his mother's matchmaking and he ropes Tess in play the part. In return Tess negotiates for things she and her friend require to make their holiday perfect! 

I absolute loved Andras guiding the girls around the island of Corfu, and from that I got a great feeling of the beauty of the island. However what really sets this story apart is Andras' brothers wedding that is happening at the end of the week. 

As a fake girlfriend Tess and Sonya are invited to many Corfiot family meals and learn all about Greek wedding customs and traditions. I found it really interesting to see just how different English and Greek weddings are. We also discover just how important family is to the Greeks, and there is also plenty of delicious sounding Greek Food present too. 

The chemistry between Tess and Andras is clearly present even if both have had enough heartbreak in the past they wouldn't want to acknowledge it. From some of the conversations they have its clear to see just how similar they are while being quite different. 

If feels in way like a bit of a story of contrasts, set in a stunning location. The other character that is worth a mention is the great four legged friend in this story Hector. Hector is one of the best masters of escape I've read about, and he isn't necessarily the animal you think he is! 

Overall Mandy Baggot has clearly done it again, brought together sun, summer, Greek men and food, and a lovely story altogether is a fantastically summery book. I loved being able to read this on a cold summers day in England, as it made me feel warm inside, although I did wish I had read it on my Greek Cruise instead! 

Thank you to Netgalley and Ebury Press for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Guest Post - How Rowan Coleman writes about Time Travel - Blog Tour

Since I was a little girl I’ve been fascinated by the idea of time travel. The idea that I could somehow go back into the past, and see for myself the biggest events in history and know for sure exactly how they played out intrigued and thrilled me.

But when it came to creating the transatlantic time travelling adventure that is ‘The Summer of Impossible Things’ it wasn’t the those big historical moments that concerned me, but instead the small and intimate choices ordinary people make, that have the power to shape lives for generations to come. Because its true that the actions of our parents and grandparents shape out lives and our children’s lives, and so on, in ways that we can hardly imagine,

So, how to tackle time travel? That was the question.

I knew I didn’t want a time machine, as beguiling as the idea is, (and who doesn’t love a TARDIS) it didn’t feel right for what I wanted to achieve, so instead of looking outward at technology that doesn’t exist, I decided to look inwards, and wonder what it would be like if the potential for travelling through time and alternate dimensions exists within.

While the claim that we only use 10% of our brains is actually an urban myth (humans use pretty much all of their brains) there is still much to discovered in our understanding of neuroscience. And when I see gaps in understanding in science I like to fill those gaps with stories. What if, I asked myself, all of us have an ability to move within space and time hidden deep inside out brains, it just that it hasn’t evolved yet? And what if my heroine, Luna, is the first to uncover this hidden potential.

Then I set out to find out more about what we do know about space and time, reading all the books I could on how science understands the concept of Time, and the Universe and I was pretty pleased to discover that we know for certain so very little of our observable universe, and that even our understanding of time breaks down around certain anomalies like black holes and dark matter. More gaps for me to fill with stories, I thought cheerfully.

Out of these childhood passions, ideas and research I conjured up ‘The Summer of Impossible Things.’ It is a time travel story, and I hope you will find that as beguiling and exciting as I did while I was writing it. But it’s also, at its heart, a love story, not just between a woman or a man (although there is a swooney romance in this book) but between a woman and her mother and her sister.

Because there is one universal force that science so far isn’t studying; Love.

And I believe that Love has the power to change to the world, if we are brave enough to let it.

So tell me, how brave are you?

Well Rowan I'm not very brave, but I did love the book, as you can tell from my review last week. Thank you so much for sharing your interest in time travel with us. 

Amazon UK

How far would you go to save the person you love?

Luna is about to do everything she can to save her mother's life.

Even if it means sacrificing her own.

Please follow along with the rest of the blog tour, to hear more about Impossible Things! 

Book Review - The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman

Amazon UK

Title: The Summer of Impossible Things

Author: Rowan Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 29th June 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

How far would you go to save the person you love?
Luna is about to do everything she can to save her mother's life.
Even if it means sacrificing her own.

Easily the most accomplished and impressive book that Rowan Coleman has ever written. 

With every will in the world I was wasn't expecting to even like the book, and it was only due to it being written by an author that I greatly admire that I was willing to give it a go. 

Let me explain, I like my fiction incredibly contemporary and always worry if I know in advance there is any history in the book, I am also very skeptical and knowing that there was a time travel element in the book worried me too. However I did know that if it was all dealt with in a way that didn't wrankle me that I would be fine. And somehow having now read The Summer of Impossible Things, and despite the story not fully being realistically believable in a real world sense, I don't think the book would have worked any other way. 

In fact the main character Luna, does everything in her power to try and explain away what is happening to her, before fully embracing it, and instead of the book being confusing, I found it made complete and utter sense. I had the timelines straight in my mind, and ever what should have been a huge outlandish thing, was understated in a way that I can't fully explain. 

This is a story that is far more than those first elements that I was obsessing over. It is a story about love, possibly the purest form of love, from a daughter to her mother and sister.  The tale is beautifully written and drew me in completely, to the extent that I read the book in two sittings. 

Even when I wasn't reading the book, the characters and what was happening was playing on my mind, in fact I dread to start another book at the moment, as nothing will be able to compete.  I really can't explain the story, as I'm not talented enough to do is justice, for it really is a work of art. 

From the start you are aware that Luna is a scientist and that the author must have put a fair amount of research, so that she could explain things about space/time and just how they work. Although I'm not sure how much understanding I have of it, even now it certainly led an air of intellect to the book. 

Ultimately The Summer of Impossible Things is just that, it takes place in the summer, in New York,  where Luna experiences the impossible, and aims to make a believer out of the reader. It is an absolutely brilliant book and I would suggest you put your own beliefs on hold, and give it a go, or miss out on something really special. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury Press for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - The Other Sister by Rowan Coleman - Rachel Reads Randomly Book #50

Amazon UK

Title:  The Other Sister

Author: Rowan Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury Press

Publication Date: 17th November 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

Every family has its secrets...
Willow and Holly are identical twins, as close as two sisters can be. But while Holly has gone through life being the ‘good twin’, Willow has always been the less than perfect one. Holly is happily married, Willow is divorced and almost twice her twin’s size. And while she puts on a brave face to the world, Willow knows she’s been hiding her unhappiness for far too long.
So when the past catches up with her, Willow realises it’s finally time for her to face her fears, and – with her sister’s help – finally deal with the secrets of their childhood before it’s too late.

The Other Sister has hidden depths to it, which completely took me by surprise. I could tell the story was leading up to something, and there had to be a reason why Willow and Holly, identical twins, seemed to be so different, but I just wasn't expecting what was revealed. 

Willow on the whole doesn't tend to like people, she likes her sister and her best friend, but generally doesn't want to spend her days with anyone else. She lives alone, and has a job in a talent agency and has an ex husband plus ex-stepdaughter. 

Over the course of just a few days Willow ends up sharing her house with a famous actress that is a client of the agency, needing a bolthole to lay low, and her ex-step daughter is suddenly back in her life too. What is seemingly the trigger of this is one day when Willow was heading back to the office, she accidently took a wrong turn, and found a shop that had the most magnificent pair of shoes in stock. 

Whether you believe it or not, these shoes, plus some of the other things in this shop appear to have magical qualities, or at the very least life altering consequences, and from that moment Willow is suddenly more open to people than she has been for years, more attractive to men than she has been for a long time, and generally is liking her own reflection a lot more. 

I loved the scenes involving Willow, India the actress and Chloe (the stepdaughter), and there are some great moments between the three of them. The trip to Hamleys brought a huge smile to my face as well as reminders of my own childhood. 

As I have said there is far more to this story than I want to say, mainly as its far more fun to discover everything for yourself. What I will say is from the start I was interested in Willow's story, and as more threads and characters were introduced, I felt more and more involved and just wanted to help Willow change to become a more rounded person. 

I've read quite a few of Rowan Coleman's books now, and I really enjoyed this one, it may not become a new favourite, but its still a lovely piece of writing, with warm hearted humour, as well as some far more serious subject matter too. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury Press for this copy of the book which I have reviewed honestly. 

Thank you to everyone that voted for The Other Sister this week. You managed to pick the one review book that was in the selection, which is rather helpful, as it fell into my backlog of review books, especially as it was released while I was deep into Christmas reading season! I'm very glad that I've finally read it and look forward to seeing what paperback I will be reading courtesy of this weeks vote. 

Book Review - A Home For Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman - Back Catalogue Books

Back Catalogue Books is my new regular Saturday feature, focusing on books that are not the latest releases. There is going to be a mix of Q&As and also reviews, depending on what I have the space for. 

If you are an author wanting to take part in Back Catalogue Books then please do email on gilbster at gmail dot com and I'll whizz the questions over to you. 

I hope everyone enjoys this weekly look back at some of the slightly older books that are about but still great, and that I eventually make a dent in my TBRs as a result of it! 

So today I have a review of A Home For Broken Hearts that was originally released under a different title, and has been re-branded in the last year. 

Amazon UK

Title: A Home For Broken Hearts

Author: Rowan Coleman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Ebury

Publication Date: 28th August 2014

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Is there a cure for a broken heart?

Once upon a time, Ellen Woods had her 'happily ever after' moment when she married her beloved Nick. But fifteen years later her husband's tragic death leaves her alone with their soon-to-become-a-teenager son and a mountain of debt. 

On the verge of losing the family home Ellen decides to rent out some rooms, and all too soon a whole host of characters enter her ordered but fragile existence – each with their own messy life in tow. But will this be enough to pull her out of her grief so she can learn to live – and love – again?

Rowan Coleman manages to get the right mix between heavy emotions, some big issues, romance, comedy and all round fabulous writing in A Home For Broken Hearts. 

Ellen had the "perfect" marriage, when her husband Nick suddenly dies. A year later, Ellen is still coming to terms with everything. She then discovers the financial mess he left her in, and its suggested that she should take in some lodgers, so that the house can pay for itself. 

With the lodgers in place the house feels more alive yet Ellen is still struggling to cope. However everyone is trying their hardest to help. 

From time to time the focus shifts to Matt, who is working for a lads mag, and moves into Ellen's as its near the job. He initially provides fantastic comic relief with his cheesy pick up lines, and typical man about town ways, but slowly his true depths emerge and I found myself liking him more and more. 

Charlie, Ellen's nearly 12 year old son, is written brilliantly, he is the best mix between scared young boy, boy trying to become a teenager, and also concerned about his mum young man. Some of the statements he comes out with regarding sex are a mix of perceptive and innocence, and I just wanted to hug him. He is though a rather smart child  and when the hormones aren't raging was very perceptive and great to read about. 

And then there is Hannah, Ellen's sister who since Nick's death has been in their lives a lot more, but Ellen isn't really too keen, as they don't usually see eye to eye. 

As I have mentioned there are some big themes being explored in the book, that although they include key characteristics for a few characters and really do shape them, they don't overwhelm the story. They are though tackled head on, and sensitively handled. 

I really enjoyed reading A Home For Broken Hearts and at times found it almost impossible to put down. The story is immersive and I really wanted the best for all the characters. I am still wondering what happened to them after the book ends, which can only be the sign of a well written cast. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Ebury for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.