Book Review - The Road Trip by Susanne O'Leary

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Amazon UK

Title: The Road Trip

Author: Susanne O'Leary

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 12th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Maddy and Leanne are in need of a miracle. 

Maddy can’t bear to wash another pair of her husband’s Y-fronts and if he continues to drone on about golf she might just scream.

Leanne can’t stand living with her overbearing mother for a second longer and she’s one disapproving eye roll away from a nervous breakdown.

But their luck changes when they win the lottery.

Setting off from Dublin, Maddy and Leanne lease a red convertible, winding through Europe and heading for the sun-drenched French Riviera.

But the pair have their own reasons for their adventure. Maddy has never forgotten her summer romance of twenty years ago with a gorgeous Frenchman and Leanne plans to track down the father who abandoned her as a child.

Amongst glorious sunsets and buckets of bubbly, Leanne and Maddy are searching for answers after years of wondering ‘what if?’  But there might just be some surprises in store along the way…

Having enjoyed this author in the past I was very excited to see she was now a Bookouture author, and despite having had the book on my kindle for a while, and being taunted by the gorgeous cover whenever I've been scrolling twitter, it took a while to get around to picking it up to read. 

What is not to like about this book - an unexpected windfall, two colleagues on a road trip to France from Ireland, a glorious car, madcap adventures, and both Maddie and Leanne  have their own reasons for travelling to France. 

They are both looking for men - well to be specific, specific men that they have lost from their lives.  Leanne believe her father lives somewhere in France, and she hasn't seen him she was was 12.  Maddie on the other hand wants to look up the man she had a love affair with 20 odd years ago when she was a student in Paris.  

But before they even get to the continent they get up to all sorts, and even start a blog which proves quite popular.  Along the trip they pick up some extra passengers for various reasons which added extra dynamics to that stage of the trip. 

We get a great sense of their entire road trip, and I am delighted to say that this book has a lovely open ending to make way for the next book A Holiday to Remember which I am already eager to read. 

This is pure escapist summer fun, and is great for sitting in the garden with, or poolside, and following the ladies exploits in this funny and well written romantic comedy.  I loved the descriptions of the various stops on the road trip, and I really felt as though I was alongside the ladies, while they have a summer that will change everything for them. 

Although its been a while since I last read a book from the author, I was reminded within moments of starting it why I love her writing, the tone is perfect, its full of warmth and just draws you in. All in all this is an addictive read and I can't wait to see what Maddie and Leanne get up to next. 

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

Extract - The Wedding Shop on Wexley St by Rachel Dove- Blog Tour

Series: Westfield village series #3

Genre: romantic fiction

Release Date: 10th August 2018

Publisher: HQ Digital

Maria is ready to say 'yes' to the dress!

As owner of Happy Ever After, Maria Mallory is Westfield's resident wedding planner, spending her days making dreams come true for future brides.

Maria even has her own perfect day planned out too, she just needs to find the right man. So when she falls in love with local celeb Darcy Burgess she can't believe her luck – it was finally her turn for her Happy Ever After. Or so she thought.

Jilted at the altar, Maria can't believe that her fairytale ending hasn't come true. She's ready to give up on love once and for all. But little does she know that once you stop looking for it, love has a way of surprising you…

A laugh-out-loud romance, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Tilly Tennant.

EXTRACT

Two hours later, Maria found herself in Harrogate, squeezed into the red dress, heels pinching her feet, wondering why the hell she wasn't sat on Cass's couch eating ice cream and crying. She said the same to Cass as they walked on tottering heels to the nearest trendy bar, Ice, in the wine bar and posh eatery part of Harrogate's city centre, which, coincidentally, butted up against the legal quarter of Harrogate, and no doubt the two sides kept each other in business quite well too. Walking into Ice with Cassie, it was hard to ignore the stares that her friend attracted. Cassie Welburn was, let's face it, sex on a twenty nine year old stick. She was always tanned thanks to her meticulous salon treatments, plucked and shaped to perfection, and tonight, as usual, was dressed to kill. Even Maria's daring red dress looked tame in light of Cassie's black and silver dress, slashed to the thigh, combined with sparkly silver heels that make Cassie even taller than her just under six foot frame. Maria blushed and nudged Cass's elbow with her own.

"People are staring Cass." Cassie shrugged.

"Let them stare, girl. Don't worry, I've got your back." Maria belatedly realised that tonight, thanks to that ridiculous article, the stares may indeed be for her and not her glamorous friend. She cringed inwardly, and planted a smile on her face.  She took her friend by the arm, and pushing her boobs out and her chin up, she headed to the bar. "Let's get smashed," she declared.

BUY LINK

Amazon UK - https://goo.gl/5EgXqB

A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR

I am a writer and teacher, living in West Yorkshire with my husband, our two sons, and our furry pets.

In July 2015, I won the Prima magazine and Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction Competition, with my entry, The Chic Boutique on Baker Street, out now in ebook and paperback. The Flower Shop on Foxley Street followed this in 2017 and both books hit the Amazon top 200. Chic Boutique got to #2 in the rural life humour chart and is regularly in the top 100 of that chart.

I am the winner of the Writers Bureau Writer of the Year Award in 2016 and I have had work published in the UK and overseas in various magazines.

My next book, The Long Walk Back, is out in January 2018 and I am currently writing the last book in the Westfield series. My first book with Manatee Books, Nice Guys Finish Lonely, is out in April 2018 in ebook and paperback. I love to write romantic fiction, both rom-com and harder hitting women's fiction.

I am also a post 16 teacher and am undertaking an MA in Creative Writing at Teesside University.

I love to chat on twitter so come say hi! @writerdove
 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelDoveauthor/?ref=bookmarks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterDove

Goodreads Author Page:

https://goo.gl/CPJkbr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writerdove/

Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/+RachelDovewriter

GIVEAWAY

 A signed spiral bound paperback of the book plus bookmarks

(open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - Immoral Justice by M.A. Comley

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Amazon UK

Title: immoral Justice

Author: M.A. Comley

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Author supplied review copy

Publisher: Jeamel Publishing Limited

Publication Date: 15th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

A chance encounter leads to a gruesome conclusion.

But there is much more to this case than first meets the eye.

Yet another case for determined DI Lorne Warner and her team to solve.

The investigation proves to be a complex one from the outset, revealing not just one murder to solve but several.

Just when Lorne believes she has all the answers, the killer contacts her and makes a terrifying threat.

She's up against it, mentally and physically...

Will Lorne be able to pit her wits against a killer who isn't afraid of getting caught?

What a rather apt title this is, as the "justice " being enacted by the killer was unnecessarily cruel and nasty and certainly immoral. 

This is another excellent addition into this series, I found myself scratching my head as to how DI Lorne Warner was going to solve this case, on what appeared to be very little information and a rising body count. 

In some ways this reminded me of earlier books in the series especially after direct threats from the killer, which had me incredibly worried for and her family, but how justified that worry is, well you need to read the book. 

It was good to see Lorne's sister Jade had a storyline for the first time in a while, always nice to catch up with the rest of the family, in addition to the team of detectives determined to put this serial killer behind bars. 

This is a quick book to read, that I didn't want to put down at any point. Full of progression both in attempting to solve the case  but also of longer running series wide storylines, this is a book that probably could be read as a standalone but having read all 17 books in the Justice series so far, it is hard to me to be completely sure.  Having read the series up to this point, I am amazed at how much ground is covered and find it really easy to pick up the next book the second its available, and jump straight back into the characters lives. 

Suffice to say if you haven't read anything by this fabulous author, or in this thrilling series you are missing out.  I can't wait for the next book! 

Thank you to M.A. Comley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

10K Twitter Followers Giveaway

Rather aptly on Book Lover's Day last week, my twitter follower count hit 10k. 

I have no idea who the majority of you are, I may never meet you but I am incredibly grateful to all 10,000 followers for obviously liking what I put up on twitter - or at least not hating it enough to unfollow! 

10,000 is just a mindblowing amount of supporters and I don't have the words to express how happy I am, and how grateful, as without you, my blog would be rubbish. 

So thank you to each and everyone one of you. 

To celebrate this massive milestone, I have a huge giveaway for you! 

5 Lucky Winners will win their choice of book from the stack below (UK Only). 

One of the required entries is to put your 1st and 2nd Choice of book into the comments, so I can hopefully give you a book that you really want as your prize. 

If both books have already gone to other winners, I will ask for your choice from the remaining books.

Hopefully with a choice of 11 books and 5 winners - I won't draw 5 people all wanting the same two books - fingers crossed!! 

The books available to win are:

Her Last Breath by Tracy Buchanan

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare 

Letters From Lighthouse Cottage by Ali McNamara

The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor 

The Returning Tide by Liz Fenwick

The Dead Ex by Jane Corry 

Fifty Fifty by James Patterson

Will You Remember Me? bv Amanda Prowse 

Where The Lights Gets In by Lucy Dillon

This Could Change Everything by Jill Mansell

Coming Home by Fern Britton

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Five winners will win a book of their choice from the pictured stack (UK Only)

Book Review - The Backpacking Housewife by Janice Horton - #HolidayReading Book 6

Book 6 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: The Backpacking Housewife

Author: Janice Horton

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 6th July 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

One mum is leaving it all behind for the adventure of a lifetime…

Lorraine Anderson was meant to be making a Sunday roast, not swanning off to Thailand, backpack in hand! But when she finds her husband and her best friend in bed together there’s only one thing to do – grab her passport and never look back!

Now, with each mile travelled Lori sheds the woman she once was and finds the woman she was always meant to be. A woman of passion and spirit who deserves to explore the great unknown…and to indulge in the temptation she encounters along the way!

The second I saw the initial announcements for this book I knew I had to read it. I love anything that has a travel angle to it, and this is an author that has been on my radar for a while but that i haven't actually read before. 

And my excitement was truly justified, what an exotic story I have just read, of a woman who on discovering her husband is cheating on her with her best friend, goes straight to Gatwick airport and books a flight to the further away place she can find - Thailand. 

With nothing more than a backpack and a few items of clothing and products bought at the airport, she sets off on an exciting adventure. 

I felt as though I was alongside Lorri on every step of her journey, and the descriptions of the locations in Thailand really transported you placed. 

There are many other travellers we are introduced to along the way, and I really did enjoy the direction her trip took her. 

Definitely a top summer holiday read, in fact i read it poolside in about 2 hours, not wanting to move even when it started to get chillier, as I had to see what happened.   Loved every moment of this book and I am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.

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

Book Review - A Year at Hotel Gondola by Nicky Pellegrino - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: A Year at the Hotel Gondola

Author: Nicky Pellegrino

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: 9th August 2018 

Rating: 4 Stars

Kat is an adventurer, a food writer who travels the world visiting far-flung places and eating unusual things. Now she is about to embark on her biggest adventure yet - a relationship.

She has fallen in love with an Italian man and is moving to live with him in Venice where she will help him run his small guesthouse, Hotel Gondola. Kat has lined up a book deal and will write about the first year of her new adventure, the food she eats, the recipes she collects, the people she meets, the man she doesn't really know all that well but is going to make a life with.

But as Kat ought to know by now, the thing about adventures is that they never go exactly the way you expect them to...

If you have ever wanted to feel as though you have been to Venice and stayed there for a considerable amount of time, then this is easily the book for you. 

For Kat has decided to spend a year at The Hotel Gondola in the aim of seeing what it is like to put down roots in once place after travelling the world for most of her life. She has also fallen in love with Massimo and is curious to see what a longer term relationship is really like. 

Kat though is a food writer and has agreed to write a book documenting her year in Venice, and this is in part where my niggles with the book are. 

For what I was reading was really two books in one  - every other chapter was a chapter from Kat's book written in the first person, and typically in a font a few points smaller than the rest of the book.  Then the other chapters are in the third person, and dealt with what was happening in real time, whereas the book was the edited highlights as such. 

I was reading on a kindle and found either I was upping and reducing the font ever other chapter as I like my fonts at a certain size, sand too much larger or smaller is frustrating. In the end I was putting up with the smaller font on the chapters - but found all of it each time, just took me out of the swing of things as my eyes re-adjusted.  

That aside I did really enjoy the  book(s).  Kat is 50 years old,  and given her way of life she has an interesting perspective on everything. I loved every last description in this book - and really got a feel for how you could wander around Venice, get completely lost,  end up in a small osteria  or baccari offering assorted Cicchetti,  or discovering the festivals, the hidden shops. 

The book also touches on the real issue facing Venetians which is to do with the level of tourists in summer with calls to ban cruise ships.  This I know is based on real life, and was interesting to see in a book, and the younger Venetians take on the situation.  

I am a huge fan of Nicky Pellegrino and normally would be raving about her books, I feel she has lost her way slightly with this one, I found it to be very good but just missing that certain something that would normally have me whizzing through the pages. 

Regardless though this is an enjoyable story, and really does transport you to the heart of Venice, to the extent that I feel as though I would explore the city more next time I'm there on a cruise (or not depending on how that situation unravels). 

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

Book Review - Somewhere Beyond The Sea by Miranda Dickinson - #HolidayReading Book 5

Book 5 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: Somewhere Beyond The Sea

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: EDPR

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date: 14th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met?

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it.

Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it.

What a charming story that is so uplifting and tells the story of Seren and Jack in alternating chapters.

Seren is campaigning on her late fathers behalf to preserve a local building from development. 

Jack is a recently widowed single dad to 7 year old Nessie and is trying to do the best for his little girl even if it means working for a large building company,

What neither of them know is that there is a connection between them from the first few pages that involves on one level magic and mermaids!

Two people both just trying to do their best by their loved ones and neither necessarily following their own hearts. 

i loved all the various characters and also the story behind the building that is at the heart of it all. 

The majority of the book takes place over a 5 or 6 week period where i will say both characters lives change a lot, and in that we also get some great campaigning on both sides. 

It is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!

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

Book Review - The Affair by Sheryl Browne - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: The Affair

Author: Shirley Browne

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 10th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Is he lying? Or is she?

Alicia’s been telling lies. And now they’ve come back to haunt her.

When an old colleague turns up at a party, Alicia comes face to face with the man who has the potential to ruin her perfect family life. He wouldn’t, would he?

In order to keep her secrets, Alicia has to tell yet more lies and when a devastating car accident makes the situation even more dangerous, it’s only a matter of time before everything falls apart. Can secrets really stay hidden forever?

If you loved The Girl on the Train, The Wife Between Us and The Sister, you’ll love this compelling and gripping psychological thriller from Sheryl Browne. The Affair will have you hooked from the very first page!

Wow...I'm speechless...it is just that amazing..

..seriously stop reading this review and just buy the book

... I mean its easily Sheryl Browne's best book to date, and has left me reeling.

...I was so gripped by this that I read it in record time, and even when I paused for a break, my mind was still on it

I can' talk about the plot as I may give spoilers, I can't really discussed the relatable to but fatally flawed characters that get under your skin, as there is so many thread that I may accidentally spoil if I say the wrong thing or phrase it in the wrong way. 

In fact Sheryl Brown has written a book that is practically impossible review as everything is so cleverly crafted from the start.  Actually the beginning of the book had me in tears and had me initially wondering if I was really readinga  psychological thriller, but it does all make sense for the genre shortly after that and I didn't mind as the writing was just so powerful. 

I felt as though I knew this family intimately by the end and even though I did feel at times I had guessed some elements there were then other shocks thrown in too. 

This is addictive, compulsive book that has blown me away.  Clear yourself a few hours where you can lock yourself away from the real world, pick up The Affair and then when you are done you may be able to emphasise with where my head is at the moment - simply superb! 

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

Take a look at all these other fabulous blogs all sharing posts on The Affair. 

Book Review - The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop by Caroline Roberts

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Amazon UK

Title:  The Cosy Seaside Chocolate Shop

Author: Caroline Roberts

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 28th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

When Emma opened her gorgeous little chocolate shop in the harbour village of Warkton-by-the-Sea, she realised a lifelong dream. Love is also blossoming with her hunky beau, Max, who’s slowly healing her fragile heart.

Summer is here and life has never felt so sweet. Until the rainclouds start to gather…

A rival sweet shop and killjoy landlord give Emma a headache, and when a face from the past turns up unannounced, Emma finds herself spiralling down memory lane. With Max’s crazy work schedule driving him to distraction, Emma’s in danger of making some choices she might regret . . .

With close friends, spaniel Alfie, and the whole village behind her, can Emma get the chocolate shop and her love life back on track?

Only time will tell in this deliciously romantic novel of love, loss, hope and second chances.

I've been hungry permanently for two days as I have been reading this book, the chocolates, oh the chocolates, I wish I could go to Warkton-by-the-Sea, walk into Emma's shop and just buy all the delectable sounding goodies.  

In fact I made the mistake of reading the start of this just as I was going to bed, and then struggled to sleep as I was craving sugary treats and was really hungry! 

It really is such a cosy seaside chocolate shop and the village is wonderful too. This is the sequel to the Christmas book  and I was able to re-pick up on not only the story but the warmth of the writing, the location, and of course the chocolates really quickly. 

This is a book that just gave filled me with a warm fuzzy feeling and its filled with drama as nothing goes smoothly at all. 

The landlord of the chocolate shop is up to his normal obnoxious tricks, a blast from the past appears for Emma, and there is a new sweet shop in town too.   The other people working in the shop Bev and Holly are both great and between them all come up with new initiatives for the shop and I do agree with them Prosecco and Chocolate sounds like a great combination. 

There is so much packed into these pages,  it is impossible not to be enthralled and entertained, and it was always with great reluctance that I had to take a break from reading to re-enter the real world  from time to time, purely to get some work done! 

I may be fixated on the chocolate but it all just sounds all good, and well it is the main location in the book.  I thoroughly enjoyed all elements of the book though and really do recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable romance, or those of course with sweet tooth. 

Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. 

Book Review - Sunset over the Cherry Orchard by Jo Thomas - Blog Tour

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Amazon UK

Title: Sunset over the Cherry Orchard

Author: Jo Thomas

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Headline

Publication Date: 9th August 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.

After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain?

But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalusian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.

As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.

Jo Thomas takes you there.

Wow just wow, its a shame I have to come back to England, after being so thoroughly transported to southern Spain in this wonderful story of Beti learning to listen to her hearts desires in all wakes of her life, and learn just who she is as a person. 

I'm at a loss to describe this book, I can either wax lyrical about everything, or I can just tell you to read it if you are looking for a great summery read, that will literally make you forget about real life while you are finishing it,. 

There are so many ups and down, humour, emotion, fiery flamenco dancing, a storyline that reminds me of Footloose, unexpected relationships and new love, spanish food, spanish bars, a big dream, a message about social media, assorted storylines about family and a whole lot more besides. 

I wouldn't want to tell you any specifics as the writing is so encompassing, and such a joy to read, that the only thing that can be said, is read this book, as  I'm sure you will love it as much I as did.   It is warm hearted, perfect escapism, either for summer holiday reading, or when you are wishing you were abroad in sunnier climes. 

Beti is a character that I really did enjoy, especially seeing her own personal growth as the story proceeds, and seeing how her hopes and dreams change so gradually I think the reader is 3 steps ahead of her.  

I have never read about a Cherry Farm before and this one sounds gorgeous, and the descriptions the cherries, made me almost be able to taste them for myself.  The owner of the farm is tricky to get to grips with to start with but as the story unravels he was becoming my favourite character by a mile, matched closely by his 17 year old son. 

Jo Thomas writes so warmly and its clear she is passionate and knowledgeable about the various aspects of Spanish  life and how some villages are are more for locals and wanting traditional ways of life instead of the tourist trade. 

This is my new favourite Jo Thomas book and I have adored all her others previously too, and I think Beti's story may stay with me for a while.  It was my sheer pleasure to have been able to read this. 

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

Please take a look at the rest of the wonderful bloggers taking part on this blog tour.