Book Review - The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh - #HolidayReading Book 14

Book 14 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: The Man Who Didn't Call

Author: Rosie Walsh

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Mantle

Publication Date: 14th June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Imagine you meet a man, spend seven glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything.

So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him.

But he doesn’t call.

Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they're wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence.

What do you do when you finally discover you're right? That there is a reason – and that reason is the one thing you didn't share with each other?

The truth.

The author formerly known as Lucy Robinson has come up with another fabulous story, after an absence of a few years. 

I was hooked throughout and even when the narrative made me think of one possible reason why Eddie never called after 1 perfect week, I was still completely surprised for the real reason, and subsequent plot turns. 

I felt I was by Sarah's side in her frustration at not knowing why after a great week and a soul mate found, that Eddie wasn't in touch.   I loved all of her friends suggestions for what she should do, and laughed at some of the situations she found herself in. 

It is a very cleverly written book, and touches on some deep issues in addition the main storyline of why a man doesn't call!

My only complaint is that I had to wait far too long for this book to be released. Can we have the next one a bit sooner please Rosie?!!

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

Book Review - The Little Brooklyn Bakery by Julie Caplin - #HolidayReading Book 13

Amazon UK

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Title: The Little Brooklyn Bakery

Author: Julie Caplin

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: 25th May 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

When Sophie Bennings arrives in New York, love is the last thing on her mind. Still reeling from a painful break up, she throws herself into her work as a food editor on a top-notch magazine.

Columnist Todd McLennan is everything that Sophie wishes she didn’t want. Like the gorgeous bakery below her Brooklyn apartment, he’s as tempting as the sugary cupcakes on daily display. Surely a little of something you fancy can do you good?

As Sophie and Todd get to know one another, a love of food isn’t the only passion they share. In the city that never sleeps, has Sophie finally met the man of her dreams…?

Another cracking book from Julie Caplin, taking you on a tour of New York and also food!

This is a must for anyone who likes their fiction filled with heartwarming story lines, great food writing, descriptions of off the beaten track places in New York, and a sizzling chemistry which may or may not go somewhere. 

I loved all the various characters too, and the people that help supply Bella's bakery. Sophie's ideas for food features for her new magazine are also great to see. 

This is a standalone but there are also links to the previous book which I enjoyed greatly. Loving this series of books which are really making me smile. 

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

Book Review - How To Bake a New Beginning by Lucy Knott

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Amazon UK

Title: How To Bake A New Beginning

Author: Lucy Knott

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: 9th September 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

​Three sisters. One trip to Italy. The chance to change their lives.
Amanda has always taken the role of big sister seriously. She has her life in order; a fantastic job in a great restaurant, a wonderful house and a best friend who’s a Rockstar. But, Amanda’s beginning to realise that her life is missing one monumental piece…

Sabrina is living the high life in LA. Her Instagram is full of lavish parties, her tweets are brimming with celebrity names, but in reality she’s stuck behind a desk working for a boss who is determined to make her suffer. Is it time for her to stand up and take charge of her life?

Louisa has always been drowned out by her sister’s successes. As the university drop-out she’s always felt third best. But a chance encounter in a little Italian village may be about to change that…

When their beloved grandfather passes away these sisters are forced to take another look at their lives. These three sisters are about to embark on a journey of self-discovery that could just lead them down a road of romance (with a little help from the kitchen)!

Perfect for fans of Jenny Oliver, Carole Mathews and Lucy Diamond.

This is an accomplished debut from an incredibly promising author, and had the book been set to a backdrop of sunshine I would be  saying its a fabulous poolside / summery read. 

For I was reading this during the August heatwave, and what my eagle eyes had failed to spot was the line on the cover saying "Three sister. One Christmas. A whole lot of pastries". which may have given me a clue that this was a wintery title - and I am feeling rather miffed that I have accidentally broken my own vow not to start reading Christmas books until September this year. 

For those of you who now me, I am a massive fan of a Christmas book, but yet this despite what I have just said above is not even a typical Christmas book - I certainly don't feel festive - although it is set in winter and around Christmas.  

What I have said about isn't meant to be negative despite it potentially coming across that way - what I'm trying to say rather long windedly is this book defied expectations of both a book featuring Christmas and of one featuring pastries! 

Now those pastries, and food wow was I getting hungry reading this book, and each chapter even starts with a delicious sounding recipe, and Amanda is an accomplished chef in her own right but she favours her grandparent's recipes.  She would love to run her own restaurant if only she was brave enough. 

Meanwhile we meet Sabrina who is living LA and managing a top ban, but  things aren't as great as them seem, while younger sister Louisa is unfulfilled in her job.  The catalyst for change in all of the sisters lives is a rather emotional event that tugged my heartstrings, but on the back of it the action was transported to a small Italian village not far from the Amalfi Coast. 

Where the book was appealing before this is where it came alive, as  I'm always a fan of stories set in Italy and the descriptions of this village and this coastline in winter, was described really well and I could picture it all so clearly. 

The food descriptions were tasty and the three men for the sisters (well it is a romance) are all to die for, incredibly handsome and all seemed just too good to be true - and I couldn't work out which ones I was rooting for more! 

This is an enjoyable book of sisters, family and learning to be true to yourself and that bad life events can be turned into huge positives if you look for the silver lining.  I am definitely eager to see what this author is going to write next. 

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

Book Review - The Rise and Fall of Becky Sharp by Sarra Manning

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Amazon UK

Title: The Rise and Fall of Becky Sharp

Author: Sarra Manning

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: 6th September 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

Becky Sharp has big dreams and no connections. Determined to swap the gutters of Soho for the glamorous, exclusive world behind the velvet rope, Becky will do anything to achieve fame, riches and status.

Whether it’s seducing society’s most eligible bachelors, or befriending silly debutantes and rich old ladies, Becky Sharp is destined for great things. Because it might be tough at the top but it’s worse at the bottom.

From London to Paris and beyond, Becky Sharp is going places – so get the hell out of her way…

It had been a while since I last read a book by Sarra Manning but this book has certainly reminded my why I enjoy her books - even when  I wasn't reading it my mind was on the characters and wondering just what they would get up to next. 

I'm not sure how much I can say I particularly liked the characters or Becky herself but I was intrigued by them and with the authors clever writing, I certainly wanted to continue seeing how the story would play out.  I love books where there is scandal, rich people behaving badly, at least one person out for revenge, and a large cast of storylines and character.   I was never sure exactly how this story would end and i'm grateful as it made it so much more enjoyable. 

I am under the impression this is a modern re-telling of Vanity Fair, having never read it I have no idea how it matches up and was judging this as a book on its own merits. 

Despite my feelings towards some of the characters what they are though is memorable, and right from the first few pages I was enthralled by what was happening and the so called friendship between Becky and Emmy in the Big Brother house.  

Becky Sharp is a master of disguising her true self, depending who she is with depends just how she will treat a situation, and what level of sincerity she exhibits.  What you do get the impression of is the only person she cares about is herself and is using all of her wiles to improve her situation in all walks of life. 

To me this is a perfect poolside read, and worked just as well as an entertainingly gripping story to be read in my garden over two hot sunny afternoons.   A delightful way to spend some time and I'm really glad I read this. 

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

Book Review - You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke

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Amazon UK

Title: You Let Me In

Author: Lucy Clarke

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 16th August 2018

Rating: 3 Stars

Nothing has felt right since Elle rented out her house . . .

I’M IN YOUR HOUSE

There’s a new coldness. A shift in the atmosphere. The prickling feeling that someone is watching her every move from the shadows.

I’M IN YOUR HEAD

Maybe it’s all in Elle’s mind? She’s a writer – her imagination, after all, is her strength. And yet every threat seems personal. As if someone has discovered the secrets that keep her awake at night.

AND NOW I KNOW YOUR SECRET

As fear and paranoia close in, Elle’s own home becomes a prison. Someone is unlocking her past – and she’s given them the key…

I'm attributing the past few nights disturbed sleep to my foolish decision to read this in bed and even more foolishly stopping at sections that were about to hook me in further, as had I done that then I would never have even attempted sleep and instead would have been reading all night. 

The book is rather unsettling and at times I wasn't really sure what was reality, what was past and what was another character, or if some of this was a book within a book as Elle is an author. 

This is the second psychological thriller I've read in a few weeks with books and authors at the forefront, and I just wish I had put more distance between them so I could distinguish the stories more clearly in my mind. 

That aside this is a book definitely got under my skin, I was eager to keep returning to reading to it.  I wasn't entirely sure who was causing the unease but the final reveal somehow didn't surprise me, although a few of the other twists did. 

The writing is rather evocative and I really did wonder if Elle was losing her mind at points  every occurence of something weird also had a potentially plausible explanation,  which added to the intrigue.  I was very curious throughout as to what Elle was hiding,  and the story is certainly a bit creepy.  

Unfortunately at the end of the day I have much preferred the authors previous books, and feel this just didn't hit the mark properly for me - but given I can be hit and miss with the genre, doesn't necessarily mean you will have the same reaction to it. 

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

Book Review - The Summer Hideaway by Jenny Hale

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Amazon UK

Title: The Summer Hideaway

Author: Jenny Hale

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: 1st June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

An absolutely beautiful summer romance that will make you laugh, cry and stay up long past your bedtime.

Alice Emerson and best friend Sasha Miller have made a pact. They’ve decided to swap city living for the beautiful white beaches of the Outer Banks and pour everything they have into launching an ice cream shop in the little house by the sea where Alice spent blissful childhood holidays with her grandfather. As Alice and Sasha add color to the walls of the beach house and tempt the locals with their delicious recipes, their fresh new life begins to take shape.

Swept away by her plans, love is the last thing on Alice’s mind. But she keeps running into mysterious doctor Jack Murphy, and finds herself falling for his golden charm and warm smile. As they laugh through sunshine-filled days and long romantic evenings, Alice tries hard not to think he could be the one for her – Jack is only here for the season, and Alice has had her fair share of heartbreak.

Just when Alice’s summer couldn’t be more perfect, she discovers an old letter tucked away in the beach house. It contains a family secret that turns Alice’s world upside down and threatens the future of the ice cream shop. And then Jack reveals a secret of his own...

Will Alice have her dreams shattered and her heart broken, or can she find true happiness this summer?

Jenny Hale has once again written a wonderfully sunny and summery book, which really transported me to Outer Banks and I could visualise it all so clearly. 

The stars of the book without a doubt were Henry, Alice's 5 year old son, and Einstein their dog  - such an adorable pairing and its clear boy and dog had a very close bond, which was relied upon with all the upheaval in Henry's young life. 

Sasha who is Alice's best friend agrees to move to Outer Banks with her so they can set up an ice-cream parlour in Alice's grandpa's old bicycle shop., however it soon becomes apparent that Sash is hiding something. 

This is a lovely warm hug of a book, with friendship and family the key themes.  There are secrets and coincidences, fabulous writing, some ice-cream and generally just a lovely feel to this story. 

It is a very enjoyable book to sit in your garden with, soak up the rays, as you make whole new friends within the pages.  There was a bit of a mystery in the book too, but its not at the heart of the book and the second I had a bit more info I had guessed the outcome first but loved seeing the characters reactions to it. 

I swear this is an author that just keeps getting better, already excite to see what the next book will be. 

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

Book Review - Confetti & Confusion by Daisy James

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Amazon UK

Title: Confetti & Confusion

Author: Daisy James

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Canelo

Publication Date: 9th July 2018

Rating: 4 Stars

The Paradise Cookery School is officially open!
Stepping in for a celebrity chef, Millie Harper is feeling the pressure to make the first ever Paradise Cookery School classes a dazzling success and ensure that bride-to-be Imogen and friends have an unforgettable experience.

Meanwhile, Millie is trying to play it cool around handsome estate manager Zach Barker. But whenever he is near Millie cannot fail to notice the chemistry between them – until someone from Zach’s past arrives and any potential romance seems out of the question.

When disaster strikes and the wedding is in jeopardy, Millie realises she may have to go above and beyond to make sure the school is a success. Can Millie manage to create a day that dreams are made of, and will she find a way to tell Zach how she feels?

What a lovely burst of sunshine this story is, after all it is set in the caribbean paradise of St. Lucia and features a great deal of delicious sounding chocolate creations. 

This has all the trademarks of a Daisy James book - romance, a fabulous setting, beautiful descriptions and tasty food, with a great selection of characters. 

I loved that the Paradise Cookery School was set on a cocoa plantation, and despite not reading the first book of this series, I felt like I was meeting up with old friend with this books. There is enough references to the first book catch you up with the story so far and I do think this can be read as a standalone. 

I loved the guests on the Chocolate course that Millie was running, and really go caught up in their situations as well as Millie's life.  There is a bit of sight seeing on the island, and the local market sounded like a chefs dream! 

This was a very enjoyable way to while a couple of hours and I am looking forward to the next book. 

Thank you to Canelo and Netgalley 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. 

1 Year On.... Rachel's Random Resources

I can't believe that this time last year, I was writing post about launching my new business to the world.   How the time flies, and what a difference a year makes.  

In the past year I have organised over 200 blog tours, blog blitzes, publication day celebrations and cover reveals for a large number of authors across all genres, and have so far close to another 80 or so booked in for the rest of this year too. 

I can safely say that if it wasn't for the overwhelming support of the book community, that I wouldn't be in this position today.  

To the book bloggers who are giving up their time, day after day to read the books for the blog tours, to share their love of books, you guys are an inspiration, and I literally couldn't do anything with out you.  

From the bottom of my heart, a massive thank you to each and every one of you.  

And if you are a blogger who is interested in taking part in the blog tours I organise then please do sign up to be a host, I would love to hear from you. 

To all the authors who have taken a chance on a relative unknown's business, to organise a blog tour or promotion for you, again a massive thank you.  It has been a complete pleasure working with you all, and I hope to continue working with you all as you write new books! 

I think I will always remember being in The Diner, a restaurant on the Strand when my first enquiry email came in, from Maxine Morrey about a tour for The Best Little Christmas Shop, and I was so excited but knew I needed to wait until I got home to reply to it properly. All I will say is that watching Kinky Boots was a bit of a blur as my mind was on that email and the thought that maybe, if an author I love reading is happy to work with me, that this may not be a bad decision.   

So a special thank you Maxine, for being my first, you are a star. 

Back in April I finally left my freelance position with Authoright, and since then I have been 100% committed and working full time on Rachel's Random Resources, which is a decisions that my family thought I was nuts for - but I feel I have been proved right, as some days I don't have a chance to breathe. 

I wouldn't change being hectically busy at times, for the world and I am so glad that I have started this business, and I just hope that the first year wasn't a fluke! 

Thank you to everyone that has supported me and hopefully will continue to support me, whether its taking part in tours, sharing each others posts,  trusting me.  My confidence has grown over the past year and I am absolutely loving life at the moment.  Finally think I have found a job that I can do ,and I hope do well. 

I am so so proud of my wonderful testimonials page, and know that if things do slow down, or doubts creep in I can refer back to it, and get an instant lift. 

And for those of you, who are only interested in me as a blogger, don't worry my love of reading is still strong, as is taking "reading breaks" during the day, and I am still reviewing  - and since its September, anyone who knows me will know  - that means its Christmas book season - they will be starting to appear on the blog shortly (I may have read a couple of wintery ones in August!) -  so expect to see my going Christmas mad. 

(I do have space in November / December to organise Christmas blog tours if you are an author with a festive book - just saying!)

Well that was more rambly than I was anticipated so if you think its too long in short:

A massive thank you, I can't believe Rachel's Random Resources is 1 years old today! 

Book Review - The Dead Ex by Jane Corry - #HolidayReading Book 11

Book 11 of 28 read on my holiday to Cyprus in June 2018.

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Amazon UK

Title: The Dead Ex

Author: Jane Corry

Format reviewed: Paperback

Source: Publisher supplied copy

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 21st June 2018

Rating: 5 Stars

 HE CHEATED. HE LIED. HE DIED.

Vicki's husband David once promised to love her in sickness and in health. But after a brutal attack left her suffering with epilepsy, he ran away with his mistress.

So when Vicki gets a call one day to say that he's missing, her first thought is 'good riddance'. But then the police find evidence suggesting that David is dead. And they think Vicki had something to do with it.

What really happened on the night of David's disappearance?
And how can Vicki prove her innocence, when she's not even sure of it herself?

Had me hooked incredibly quickly and it was a real page turner for me. 

Initially the book alternates between Vicki who may or may not have something to do with her ex-husbands disappearance and Scarlett a scared 8 year old who we are learning all about her childhood and relationship with her mother. 

As the story progresses there are many shocks along the way, all that kept me gripped at the edge of my seat.

This story was completely unpredictable and I loved delving into the backgrounds of the various characters and trying to guess the truth of the situation. 

With every reveal you get more settled and then bam something else comes along to get you thinking slightly differently, or your sympathies were changing. 

What a wonderful book, Jane Corry keep on delivering immensely satisfying stories that are well written and keep you on your toes.

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