Book Review - A Winter's Wish Come True by Lynsey James

Amazon UK

Title:  A Winter's Wish Come True

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 22nd November 2017

Rating: 5 Stars

Tis the season to be . . . pregnant? Catch up with Cleo and Scott in this fabulously feel-good festive read
Being pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby is the last thing on Cleo Jones’s Christmas wish list. Scott might have been the man of her dreams once upon a time, but things change and now Cleo faces a future as a single mum… Or does she?

Scott won’t let Cleo go through this alone; whatever their differences he’s vowed to be there, from antenatal classes to night feeds and nappy changing. The two agree to bring up their baby as friends – but as Cleo’s bump grows, so do their feelings for each other.

Cleo can’t be sure if it’s her heart of her hormones urging her to give Scott a second chance – but getting back together could be the best Christmas present of all!

Somehow until just before I started this book I didn't twig that it was a sequel to A Season of Hopes and Dreams that was released a few months ago. However I am delighted that it was as it made getting into this story that bit easier, as I was already familiar with the characters's histories. 

Easily one of my favourite things from this book besides the story, the writing, the characters and the duelling grandmothers to be,  is the sheer amount of references to Friends, one of my favourite sitcoms of all times.  From Dr. Drake Ramoray, to the portrait of Gladys plus other references each one really made me smile, and wonder just how large a fan Lynsey James must be! 

Back to the main story,  well this is great, I loved seeing how Cleo and Scott who are now broken up deal with Cleo's pregnancy. Even better is seeing how Cleo's old arch nemesis Amanda fits into the story this time, as well as seeing how the two prospective sets of grand parents will react. 

This is a book that takes place over the best part of a year, and I enjoyed seeing how the story developed. Whether this can actually be read as a standalone, I'm not sure, I think you would benefit from reading the equally fabulous first book, before starting this, which would be no hardship. 

Once again in a Lynsey James review I can only state how much I admire this author, and continually look forward to future releases from her, and this is no exception.  A Winter's Wish Comes True is a nicely written, easy and quick to read book, that isn't heavy on festive cheer but ultimately there may just be a Christmas present to remember! 

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

Book Review - A Season of Hopes and Dreams by Lynsey James

Amazon UK

Title: A Season of Hopes and Dreams

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 11th September

Rating: 5 Stars

A season of second chances…
It’s been a difficult year for Cleo Jones. The car accident that crushed her leg didn’t just destroy the village baker’s dreams of becoming a dancer, but crushed her confidence too. And recovering from that has been harder than healing from any number of broken bones…

But this season is going to be different. Life is turning around for Cleo! Maybe it’s the invitation from her childhood bully to their high-school reunion that’s shocked her out of a ten-year slump. Or joining Carb Counters and finally starting to shed the weight she’d piled on during her recovery – or maybe it’s catching the eye of her gorgeous personal trainer!

Whatever the answer, this is going to be a feeling she never forgets… watch out world, Cleo Jones is finally fighting back!

Initially as I started this book, I had feelings of deja vu about the broader storylines, in that I felt that I had read very similar things before, even if it was perhaps two books crossing over. However as I started getting into the story, I realised just how wrong I was. Yes losing weight, bucket lists and high school reunions have featured in a variety of books recently, but it is Cleo's story that made me love this book and forget those misgivings before very long. 

Well Cleo's story and the fact that the gorgeous male character happened to be named after a character from my favourite soap, Scott Robinson, although having Jason Donovan and Cleopatra music running through my head while reading this could be classed as off putting. 

Cleo had a horrible accident when she was a teenager that shattered her dreams, and lead to her having issues with food as a result of comfort eating. Her life after the accident at school was terrible, and now 10 years on, she is still suffering with her self esteem. 

Yet finding an old bucket list, and deciding to create a new one, and try to achieve items on it, are parts of the triggers for Cleo to start turning her life around.  She has a fantastic best friend in Emma, who even accompanies her to Carb Counters meetings, and encourages Cleo every step of the way. 

Cleo and Scot's initial meeting in the gym is memorable as are some of their subsequent meetings. For a gym trainer, he is a lovely guy and thankfully seems interested in Cleo despite some of her embarrassing moments. 

Cleo is just really inspiring. Once I learnt her back story, I just became more impressed by what she was achieving. I loved various scenes when she stands up to her old high school bully, and also the various Carb Counters meetings, or anytime Cleo was in the gym, and her interactions with Scot. 

There is a more serious topic underlying the book, but it is touched on in ways that are sensitive, and that give you a good insight as to how people with the issue are thinking, as well as how their loved ones are affected. 

This is another cracking book from Lynsey James, and one I am delighted to have read. After those initial unfounded doubts, I was hooked on a wonderful story, with a great voice to it. I just love this authors writing and always look forward to reading new books by her. 

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

Book Review - The Silver Bells Christmas Pantomime by Lynsey James

Amazon UK

Title: The Silver Bells Christmas Pantomime

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital 

Publication Date: 10th November 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

This Christmas pantomime is about to be the talk of the town!
Luna Bay’s festive preparations are well under way and the much anticipated annual pantomime is to be, once again, the highlight of the season. Too bad that the village’s very own actress and darling of Broadway, Alice Woods, isn’t feeling in the mood for Christmas.

Until the pantomime comes under threat and a grief-stricken Alice is forced to push her personal pain aside and step up to direct – after all, the show must go on…

So with (more than) a little help from her new found friends, not to mention one very gorgeous Hollywood A-list celebrity, the play begins to come together, but will Alice finally believe that Christmas is a time for miracles after all?

What an enchanting and heart warming story to lead you up to the Christmas period this year.  I am loving the Luna Bay series of books, and this one definitely kept me interested in the story, and had me smiling quite a lot. 

If you read The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club, you will already be slightly familiar with the character of Alice Woods. If you haven't don't worry this is a fully standalone book, although there are plenty of familiar faces to be seen too. 

Alice moved back to Luna Bay a few years ago, after the death of her beloved Jamie, and in doing so has cut herself off from the world, and also has sworn never to go back to the theatre. 

However three years on, she is starting to try to piece together a new life which sees her out and about a bit more. I loved a certain scene near the beginning involving Alice as working as a department store elf, and there are some hilarious bits involved with that, which gave me a sense of hope and entertained me no end as the book starts to get going. 

She after a challenge from her mum also ends up becoming involved in what is usually the disastrous village pantomime, and lets just say all of what she does with the panto, is not what you may expect from the Alice you meet at the start of the book. She really does grow as a character. 

Of course this wouldn't be a  story, especially a Christmassy story, without a potential love interest, so in Luna Bay for a limited time, is a Hollywood actor, who takes a shine to Alice. But are things really going to be that simple,  well of course not because otherwise it wouldn't be a good book!

I was wowed by Alice's vision for Cinderella, and just wish I could have seen it myself, that, combined with her new friendships in Luna Bay, mainly the leading ladies of the previous installments, really turns her life around, which is a pleasure to see. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my third visit to Luna Bay, its a very pleasurable story, that is well written, in Lynsey James' typical way, nicely paced and easy and quick to read through, while being completely captivated by the story. I really loved The Silver Bells Christmas Pantomime, and  think its an excellent addition to this series. 

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for my copy of this book. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club by Lynsey James - 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!

Amazon UK

Title:  The Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 1st August 2016

Rating: 4 Stars

The perfect summer romance for a sunny afternoon and a picnic in the park
Emily Reed is having a bad day. Her mother has just dropped a devastating bombshell—the dad she’s known and loved for twenty-five years isn’t her biological father!

Desperately in need of answers, Emily heads to Luna Bay covering her personal quest up as a work trip to Sunflower Cottage B&B.

Setting up the ‘Sunflower Cottage Breakfast Club’ should be a great way to meet the locals and maybe even find out who her father is. The only problem is brooding and insanely gorgeous, Noah, who is determined to make Emily’s stay perfectly uncomfortable.

Discovering the truth after all these years was never going to be simple, but Emily will stop at nothing to uncover her past… even if her heart is getting in the way!

What a delightful and easy to read book, that is a lot of fun, and makes you really want to eat breakfast regardless of the time of day! In fact I really fancy some crispy bacon and pancakes to go alongside writing this review! 

This is the second book set in Luna Bay, but it can easily be read as standalone, featuring a new location within Luna Bay, and a brand new set of characters, as well as saying hello to old faces to pop up. It is always nice in a series, to see characters you recognise, and the second Lucy popped up, even though its been a long while since I read the first book, she was memorable instantly, I'm glad to say. 

But what of the new characters. Well Emily Reed suffers a really bad day. She lost out on the promotion she was chasing at work, and not on merit (or lack of), and the her critical and rather domineering mother drops a large bombshell. Emily's father of 25 years, is not her biological dad, and the other one lives in Luna Bay. 

Emily manages, sinces she is a workaholic to combine her insistence to get time off to go to Luna Bay, with a work trip to try and secure some big business in the area for her employers.  She ends up at the Sunflower Cottage B&B and instantly lock horns with the owner's nephew. 

As her various quests get underway, things change when Rose who'se cottage it is, has a fall, leaving Emily and Noah to take over. Their first attempts at cooking breakfast are simply hilarious, although with my own cooking skills I probably shouldn't have laughed. 

What is equally amusing is that Emily doesn't do breakfast at all. She tends to just have a kale smoothie, so when they receive some expert help to try and improve things, and so they can offer a breakfast club for village of Luna Bay, she discovers just how tasty breakfasts can be. 

There is something just so readable about Lynsey James' writing, that is just a pleasure to read. It is easy to follow, flows well and the pacing is good too, all the while telling a story that draws you in and keeps you wanting to read more. 

The main themes of the book are to do with the shock announcement about Emily's biological father, her continued quest for promotion and also a lot generally of family relationships, in addition to whether she is going to follow her heart or head. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, there are lots of laughs to be had, and the overall idea of the Breakfast club really appealed to me. 

Thank you so much to Netgalley and HQ Digital  for this copy of the book. This was my honest opinion. 

Book Review - The Broken Hearts Book Club by Lynsey James - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title: The Broken Hearts Book Club

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Carina

Publication Date: 12th October 2015

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Secrets never stay buried for long...

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid...

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the secrets she's kept buried for so long - or spend the rest of her life on the run...

Another pleasurable book from Lynsey James. The Broken Hearts Book Club is easy to read, with a lovely story, about how you shouldn't give up if things don't go your way. 

Lucy has a habit of running away, the phrase, "when the going gets tough, the tough gets going" could have been written for her alone.  She has spent 8 years in self-imposed exile in London, after a horrific event, that she felt noone would forgive her for. 

She only returns to Luna Bay when her beloved Nana Lily dies, and then she discovers she has been left Rose Cottage, on one condition. She has to live there for 3 months, as well as chair the "Broken Hearts Book Club" that her Nana set up. 

Based on the title of the book, you can guess whether she decides to stay for 3 months or not! The Broken Hearts Book club is made up of a group of people who are mourning the loss of either a loved one or a pet, and a struggling to deal with their grief. Lucy once she meets these people, realises she has an opportunity to help them move on. 

What Lucy isn't counting on as well is the new hunky owner of the local pub, and the start of the book is filled with amusing incidents, especially when Lucy is around Jake. 

In fact there is a lot to make you giggle and smile in this story, and the "little plumbing problem" scene was brilliant. 

What really drew me in though was wanting to know exactly what happened 8 years ago, that Lucy feels was her fault, and it seems there are some people who are still very angry with her in town. Before long Luna Bay has worked its magic on Lucy, and you feel yourself willing herself to be stronger than she has shown herself to be. 

At times I struggled a bit with Lucy as a character, as her tendency to run whenever any situation was a bit uncomfortable was infuriating, but she is a very good hearted girl, and is always trying her best to help people. 

As with Lynsey James first book, I found this to have a lovely voice to the story, and it really was enjoyable to read and become involved in this story.  I also loved the choices of books picked for the book club, and the discussions that were held during the book club itself. 

The Broken Hearts Book Club is a fantastic book, which has a lovely story and a lovely location in Luna Bay. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Carina for this review copy. This was my honest review. 

It has been a pleasure to be part of The Broken Hearts Book Club blog tour.

Author Bio

Lynsey James was born in Fife in 1991 and has been telling people how to spell her name ever since. She's an incurable bookworm who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story with memorable characters. She started writing when she was really young and credits her lovely Grandad- and possibly a bump on the head from a Mr Frosty machine- with her love of telling stories. She used to write her own episodes of Friends and act them out in front of her family (in fact she's sure she put Ross and Rachel together first!)

A careers adviser at school once told Lynsey writing wasn't a "good option" and for a few years, she believed her. She tried a little bit of everything, including make-up artistry, teaching and doing admin for a chocolate fountain company. The free chocolate was brilliant. When Lynsey left her job a couple of years ago, she started writing full-time while she looked for another one. As soon as she started working on her story, Lynsey fell in love and decided to finally pursue her dream. She haven't looked back since.

When Lynsey's not writing, eating cake or drinking tea, she's daydreaming about the day Dylan O'Brien FINALLY realises they're meant to be together. It'll happen one day…

Links

Website: https://lynseyjames.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lynsey1991
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynseyjamesauthor 

Book Links:

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

Guest Post - 5 Things I’ve Learnt Since Becoming An Author by Lynsey James - Blog Tour

I am delighted to welcome Lynsey James back to Rachel's Random Reads. She was last here, talking about her debut book back in May, and now she is telling us about the 5 Things she has learnt since becoming an author, So over to you Lynsey...

When I was an aspiring author, I read so many interviews and posts from my favourite authors saying how amazing the whole experience was. I was completely sold: what bookworm wouldn’t love getting their own ideas down on paper and sharing them? 

My dream came true in December 2014 when Carina UK signed me to write for them. Since then, I’ve discovered that the experience of being an author is completely beyond my wildest dreams. I’ve learnt a lot too, so I thought I’d share some of it here.

1. Getting signed is just the beginning

I always imagined getting a book deal to be like the ‘happy ever after’ moment at the end of a Disney film or rom-com. You finally get what you’ve always wanted and everything else just falls into place. That’s not entirely true. Signing with a publisher is not the end, but the beginning of so many amazing things. Suddenly, you have an editor who loves your work and is determined to make it the best it can be. You get to have input in your cover design and all sorts of other cool stuff. So far from being the happy ending, it’s the even better beginning.

2. Editing is really hard to start with. REALLY. HARD.

The biggest transition from aspiring writer to published one comes in the form of edits. At its most basic, it’s someone taking a look at the work you’ve slaved over for x amount of years and telling you what needs to change and what they don’t like about it. What it actually is, is a process that’s going to take your work from a draft into a book people will hopefully love. It’s just quite hard to see that when you first look at them. It’s hard at first having someone else’s input on your work but it really is invaluable. My editor has spotted things in my drafts that make me go ‘duh!’ when I see them and I can’t imagine doing a book without her now.


3. There will be times you want to cry. And that’s OK.

It might be because of a bad review or some tricky edits. It might be because you just got a message from someone saying they loved the book and you’re their new favourite person in the world. Writing is pretty bloody emotional and I’ve found myself crying or about to cry on quite a few occasions. I didn’t factor in how much of a rollercoaster it was going to be, but I’ve loved pretty much every minute of it. And getting messages from strangers saying they love my books will always, ALWAYS be cool.

4. It’s OK to admit you have no idea what you’re doing

When I do Q&As for blogs, I try to make it sound like I have a pretty sound idea of what I’m doing. For the most part, I do but I still have a lot to learn too. Writing is one of those things you never stop learning and I’ve recently learnt it’s OK to admit you don’t have everything figured out. Carina authors are an amazing bunch of people and if there’s something I’m not sure about, I know I can ask them and they’ll do their best to help me with it. It can be pretty scary starting out as an author and there’s lots to pick up in a really short space of time. Never be afraid to ask for help.

5. It’s the best damn thing in the world

It really is. I dreamt of becoming an author for so long before it happened and when it did, it was everything I thought it would be and more. There’s been ups and downs, like with everything, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love being an author and I’d say to anyone who’d like to be one too, DO IT. And get ready for the best experience of your life. 

Thank you again Lynsey, that was really interesting and sounds like you are really enjoying your journey as an author so far.

The Broken Hearts Book Club

Secrets never stay buried for long...

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid...

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the secrets she's kept buried for so long - or spend the rest of her life on the run...

Author Bio

Lynsey James was born in Fife in 1991 and has been telling people how to spell her name ever since. She's an incurable bookworm who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story with memorable characters. She started writing when she was really young and credits her lovely Grandad- and possibly a bump on the head from a Mr Frosty machine- with her love of telling stories. She used to write her own episodes of Friends and act them out in front of her family (in fact she's sure she put Ross and Rachel together first!)

A careers adviser at school once told Lynsey writing wasn't a "good option" and for a few years, she believed her. She tried a little bit of everything, including make-up artistry, teaching and doing admin for a chocolate fountain company. The free chocolate was brilliant. When Lynsey left her job a couple of years ago, she started writing full-time while she looked for another one. As soon as she started working on her story, Lynsey fell in love and decided to finally pursue her dream. She haven't looked back since.

When Lynsey's not writing, eating cake or drinking tea, she's daydreaming about the day Dylan O'Brien FINALLY realises they're meant to be together. It'll happen one day…

Links

Website: https://lynseyjames.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lynsey1991
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynseyjamesauthor 

Book Links:

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

Cover Reveal - The Broken Hearts Book Club by Lynsey James

I am delighted to be able to reveal the cover of Lynsey James' new book The Broken Heats Book Club. I think its lovely, and I can't wait to read the book.

Secrets never stay buried for long…

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid…

Luna Bay hasn’t changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also ‘The Broken Hearts Book Club’, Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can’t wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the secrets she’s kept buried for so long – or spend the rest of her life on the run…

Twitter |  Facebook | Blog | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads  

Author Bio

Lynsey James was born in Fife in 1991 and has been telling people how to spell her name ever since. She's an incurable bookworm who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story with memorable characters. She started writing when she was really young and credits her lovely Grandad- and possibly a bump on the head from a Mr Frosty machine- with her love of telling stories. She used to write her own episodes of Friends and act them out in front of her family (in fact she's sure she put Ross and Rachel together first!)

A careers adviser at school once told Lynsey writing wasn't a "good option" and for a few years, she believed her. She tried a little bit of everything, including make-up artistry, teaching and doing admin for a chocolate fountain company. The free chocolate was brilliant. When Lynsey left her job a couple of years ago, she started writing full-time while she looked for another one. As soon as she started working on her story, Lynsey fell in love and decided to finally pursue her dream. She haven't looked back since.

When Lynsey's not writing, eating cake or drinking tea, she's daydreaming about the day Dylan O'Brien FINALLY realises they're meant to be together. It'll happen one day…

The Broken Hearts Book Club is out on 21st August 2015 and is available for pre-order now. I'm really looking forward to Lynsey's new book and hope you all are too. 

Book Review - Just The Way You Are by Lynsey James - Blog Tour

Amazon UK

Title: Just The Way You Are

Author: Lynsey James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Carina

Publication Date: 8th May 2015

Rating: 5 Stars

Dear Ava,

How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart?

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can't remember the last time she had a second date. It's a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces.

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two – she's in love with someone else. Someone she's never even met.

It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer... but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken.

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she's determined to unmask Mr Writer... and find out once and for all if he's Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

Dear reader, 

How do you start writing a review for a book you have fallen head over heels in love with?  I'm hoping you know, as I'm not sure I have the skills, or know how to turn how much I love Just The Way You Are, into a usable review.

This is easily the most romantic book I have read this year (so far). I was gripped from the first moment, where we meet Ava. 

How do I describe Ava? Well she is unlucky in love, and has just lost out writing the dating column for the magazine she write for. After a humorous incident in the interview, she is given as a consolation prize, a new role - Wedding columnist. Just one small problem she hates weddings, especially after the amount of times her mother has been married.

Ava, although not having had a boyfriend in years, is in love. She has been inlove for the past 6 years with the secret admirer who wrote her letters at university, nicknamed Mr Writer. Mr Writer starts writing new letters to her after a gap of six years, at a time where Ava could be starting a new relationship, with a handsome new colleague at work. 

Max and Gwen are Ava's best friends, and like all good best friends should, they encourage her to go on a quest, to discover the Mr Writer's identity once and for all.

With the quality of the writing, I was falling in love with Mr Writer myself. His letters are designed to make Ava feel incredibly special, and it is so refreshing, to in this modern technology driven time, to receive hand written letters from a secret admirer. 

I'll be honest, I did work out who was sending the letters quite early on, but I was enjoying the story so much, and was so gripped reading, that I didn't mind one bit that I was correct. The journey to the reveal was entertaining. 

There is a secondary love story in Just The Way You Are, its a beautiful, featuring an older couple, that Ava is trying to help. 

I cannot stress enough how refreshing a voice Lynsey James has, and what a glorious writing style she has. I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book (apart from perhaps the characters you are meant to dislike, and even in those cases, they were written with a great deal of humanity, and you could see weaknesses too). 

This is an amazing début novel, and I hope to see a long writing career for talented Lynsey James. If I could give this book more than five stars then I would, as it is, it deserves every single star it can get.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Carina for the e-arc of this book. This was my honest opinion. Thank you again to Carina, for allowing me to be part of the blog tour for this amazing book. This is my first tour and I'm delighted to be taking part. 

Guest Post - Lynsey James' letter to Mr P - Blog Tour

Today I am delighted to welcome Lynsey James, author of the fantastic Just The Way You Are, to Rachel's Random Reads. In the book, secret admirer letters are a lovely feature, and this is Lynsey, writing in the style of the mysterious Mr. Writer, to a Mr. P.

As part of the blog tour for Just the Way You Are, I wanted to write a letter to someone from my past. It was a pretty intriguing experience and cathartic too. Here it is…

Amazon UK

Dear Mr P,
 You are the last person I expected to be writing a letter to. Still, here we are! I’m writing to you as part of a blog tour to promote my novel Just the Way You Are. Who’d have thought it eh, me with a book! Then again, a lot of unexpected things have happened to us.
 I won’t lay the details of what happened between us bare for all to see. We’ve talked about it again and again and have said all we need to say. The past has been raked over more times than is probably necessary and my feelings on what happened are clear. In the time since we split up, I feel like I’ve been on a hundred journeys. I’ve journeyed to rebuild myself, to make something of my life and to find my place in the world. I’m finally starting to see results now and can see how far I’ve come. It feels utterly brilliant.
  Although there was a lot of animosity between us in the past, I wish you only the best now. We’re in a place now where, even though we don’t talk a lot, we can congratulate each other on our successes and commiserate in our failures. There were times when I didn’t think we would get to that place, but I’m glad we have. The heat and the anger burnt out a long time ago; I won’t forget what happened but it doesn’t colour or define who I am anymore. It’s in the past and that’s where it’s going to stay.
  I guess in a way, I should finish off by thanking you. I’m a firm believer that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and my experiences with you taught me I’m made of titanium. Thank you for making me realise how strong I really am, even if it wasn’t in the best way. The times we shared together weren’t all bad either. So, with that in mind, I’m going to cherish the good memories we made, learn from the experiences we had and leave the past in the past.

Lynsey

Author Bio:

I was born in Fife in 1991 and have been telling people how to spell my name ever since. I’m an incurable bookworm who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good story with memorable characters. I started writing when I was really young and credit my lovely Grandad- and possibly a bump on the head from a Mr Frosty machine- with my love of telling stories. I used to write my own episodes of Friends and act them out in front of my family (in fact I’m sure I put Ross and Rachel together first!)

A careers adviser at school once told me writing wasn't a “good option” and for a few years, I believed her. I tried a little bit of everything, including make-up artistry, teaching and doing admin for a chocolate fountain company. The free chocolate was brilliant. When I left my job a couple of years ago, I started writing full-time while I looked for another one. As soon as I started working on my story, I fell in love and decided to finally pursue my dream. I haven’t looked back since.

When I’m not writing, eating cake or drinking tea, I’m daydreaming about the day Dylan O’Brien FINALLY realises we’re meant to be together. It’ll happen one day…

Thank you so much Lynsey. My review of Just The Way You Are will be posted in a few hours, also as part of the blog tour. Make sure you come back and check it out.