Rae Reads: May 2017

Wednesday 31 May 2017

The Honeymoon by Tina Seskis @tinaseskis #Review @MichaelJBooks

About the book

There's trouble in paradise. . . For as long as she can remember, Jemma has been planning the perfect honeymoon. A fortnight's retreat to a five-star resort in the Maldives, complete with luxury villas, personal butlers and absolute privacy. It should be paradise, but it's turned into a nightmare. Because the man Jemma married a week ago has just disappeared from the island without a trace. And now her perfect new life is vanishing just as quickly before her eyes. After everything they've been through together, how can this be happening? Is there anyone on the island who Jemma can trust? And above all - where has her husband gone?

Buy Link

Amazon UK

My Review

I have to admit first of all that I am still thinking about this book especially the ending and I think I will continue to do so for a while. So what did I think...

It was great to have the flashback chapters interspersed with the present day story. The plot slowly unfolded revealing more and more information but still managing to leave the reader wanting more. Especially with that little bit of tension lurking around the corner ready to jump out. I would say on the whole the transition from one timeline to another worked well. Although sometimes I wanted to get back to the present day to see what would happen next. Suspicion was all around and the big question is what exactly happened to Jemma's husband?

The characters aren't wholly likeable and I guess this is what drew me in to the story even more. It makes the characters a little bit more believable and more true to life. Some of the things that Jemma does are questionable but I think things do become a little bit clearer as more truths are revealed. I never knew what would happen next with this set of characters they were definitely unpredictable.

The mystery is a good one and had me completely intrigued I tried and failed a few times to try and figure things out. It really is the kind of story that grabbed hold of me and made me want to carry on reading. Where I was saying to myself late at night just one more page, one more chapter oh okay I might as well finish the book now! Most of all I loved that Tina Seskis completely manages to turn such an idyllic place into a sinister environment. I guess it's the sense of isolation and that it wouldn't be the easiest of places to leave.

With an ending I never saw coming, shocked is the only word I can use to describe how I felt. There may have been an exclamation of wow, you have got to be kidding me!

Tense with a brilliant mystery!

With thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Books & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

The Sorry Sticks (A Pasta Kidz and Petz Adventure) by Bryony Supper

About the book

Victor Vermicelli and Val the Vermicelli Snake have been speeding in a No Snake Lane . When The Big Ticket arrives to tell them off, they call on the Pasta Petz and the Sorry Sticks to help them. After they have shown that they re really very sorry, The Pasta Kidz and Petz celebrate with a Pasta Parade, full of wonderful music from their pasta instruments.

Every highly-branded Pasta KidzTM and PetzTM story, illustrated in beautiful, full-colour detail, contains a moral message and will both inform and entertain young readers. The plots and messages reinforce how the Kidz are unique, with different personalities and their own needs. Each tale shows how they help each other, usually with their own individual pet, and throughout the series we see how their personalities and friendships develop especially when encountering new characters, like the wicked and huge Pasta Beasties!

Buy Links

Amazon UK

My Review

As a family we all enjoyed the first book in this series mainly because it is such a fun concept and the characters are unique and entertaining. I like the fact that the Pasta Kidz have their own language it makes them all the more interesting!

As soon as my little boy saw the book he started smiling and shouting PastaBall over again until we sat down and opened the book. It's safe to say both of my children wanted me to read the story straight away.

With another set of interesting characters that have got themselves into a bit of a situation and have to figure out how to say sorry in the best way. Just like with The Inventing Tubes there is a moral to the story, it's so hard to say sorry especially if you are a child. What with understanding what has happened and how they need to say sorry and how to do it in the right way. So this story highlights this issue in a fun and entertaining way that makes it easy for little ones to grasp.

I love all the different characters they all look unique and I can't wait to meet them let alone my children. The Sorry Sticks is maybe slightly longer than your average children's story so maybe best suited to 4/5+ ages. However this book still managed to hold both my children's attention and they are four and two years old. We also like to talk about what we see on each page whilst we are reading so this made it even more fun to read as the illustrations are eye catching. They are bright and have a way of making my children interested in the story, they really love the PastaBall!

We are all looking forward to the next book in this fun and engaging series.

With thanks to Bryony Supper for our copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Rae, Dex & Missy
xxx

The Inventing Tubes by Bryony Supper

Tuesday 30 May 2017

Black Tie Optional by Ann Marie Walker #Review @AnnMarie_Walker

About the book

The Proposal meets Two Weeks Notice in Ann Marie Walker's new standalone romantic comedy, Black Tie Optional, which New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst calls, "a fun, sexy romp that will keep every reader entertained!"

Everything about Coleman Grant III oozes power and sex. And not the perfunctory kind either, but the sheet clawing, heart stopping, gasping for air after you’ve screamed so loud you can’t breathe kind. From his dark wavy hair that stands in an artfully rumpled mess, to the blue eyes that sear your skin, to his full, sensual lips - on the surface he’s pure perfection.

Too bad he's an asshole. An arrogant, uptight corporate raider hell bent on destroying the environment one species at a time.

Everything about Olivia Ramsey screams hippie humanitarian. From her blond hair tied in a sloppy bun, to her faded jeans with the Bonnaroo patch sewn on the thigh, to her combat boots still splattered with mud from the previous day’s site visit.

So it makes perfect sense that they would get married. In Vegas. Stone-cold sober.
Cole needs a wife. Olivia needs to save an endangered species. But what starts as a marriage of convenience soon turns into a battle of wills and sexual tension. Love is a game, and Olivia and Cole are ready to win.

Buy Link

Amazon UK

My Review

After just finishing a thriller I was looking for an easy going and light read for a change of pace. After reading the description for Black Tie Optional I hoped it would be perfect. So what did I think...

Olivia is determined to save an endangered species and unfortunately Cole is standing in her way. It's a lot of fun to see how relentless Olivia is in her mission to get Cole to come around to her way of thinking. Cole could be arrogant at times but I liked how as the book went on his character mellowed and became more likeable. I loved the friction between Olivia and Cole their interactions were fiery and full of chemistry. They were completely different people but somehow they couldn't keep away from each other especially when
they decide to enter into a marriage of convenience.

This type of story has been done many times with varying degrees of success and I have to say on the whole this story works pretty good. Black Tie Optional manages to be both fun and flirty with lots of sparks flying between the two leads. The sparring between the characters is very entertaining and definitely a highlight of the book. Overall a fun story of enemies to lovers that asks the all important question of can opposites attract?

Plenty of light hearted moments and lots of sizzling chemistry!

With thanks to St. Martins Press & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

A Little of Chantelle Rose by Cristina Hodgson #Excerpt @HodgsonCristina @NeverlandBT #BlogTour

Thank you for joining me on the blog tour for A Little of Chantelle Rose by Cristina Hodgson. This is my first of two stops on the tour and I will be sharing an excerpt today. Then if you get chance come back on the 10th June for my review.

First of all let's take a look at the book...

About the book

A little of Chantelle Rose

At the age of twenty-four, Chantelle Rose has all a city girl can expect: a tiny bed-sit in South London, a lousy poorly-paid job, a tyrannical boss, and quite a few exes added to an ever-growing list.

Desperate for change, she becomes an extra in a seedy crime film. When that leads to the opportunity of a lifetime – a role to play with a million dollars to win and seemingly nothing to lose – she accepts without thinking twice. After all, what could possibly go wrong? In any event, she´ll earn enough to buy her dream home, set up her own business and never worry about money again.

And what about love? Two men have won her heart: Robbie – sultry, silent, mysterious; and Lionel – Hollywood heart-throb, charm, wealth, adventure.

But who can she trust? Who is bent on scaring her away, and why?

There seems to be more at stake than just her heart. Will a million dollars be worth it?

Excerpt

My elation over the cottage vanished in a flash as I read and re-read the note. It was just seven words long, but each made me shiver. Cut-out newspaper letters had been strung together to form the message:

HOLLYWOOD BITCH, YOU ARE NOT WANTED HERE.

My legs wobbled slightly as I glanced around me, wondering if the sender was watching me from the dense woods. Despite my thumping heart, I had to pretend I was calm. Despite tears of fright welling up inside, I had to pretend that I wasn't on the verge of breaking down and crying. Pulling myself together, I opened the car door, which I'd left unlocked, and before I got in I held my right arm high and stuck-up my middle finger, swinging it around in a clear gesture of FUCK YOU. I hoped that if the crazed stalker was still lurking around, he or she would get a clear view of my cool, unimpressed and bravo attitude.

Boy, was I scared. I whammed the door of my Mini shut so forcefully that the whole vehicle vibrated. I punched down the lock on the door and mumbled over and over as I fumbled for the car keys.

“Please, please, please God, let the car start first time...

Then it dawned on me, with a wave of pure and utter dread, that I'd left the car keys on the windowsill in the master bedroom on the first floor as I'd tried, unsuccessfully, to open the window.

I peered through the car window at the surrounding woods. I really didn't fancy going back into the house, or even getting out of the car. I'd a good chance of getting attacked by the lunatic who'd followed me out here.

Where was my showy spunk now? So much for sticking my finger up in the air in a bravado pretence that I didn't care.

I took several deep breaths and braced myself. This is when I see what I'm made of! With that I swung the car door open and pelted up the driveway towards the house, practically hurdled the gate and took the doorsteps in one flying leap. My hands shook uncontrollably as I let myself into what I now began to think of as a dark and sinister house. I shot across the living room like a bullet and took the stairs two at a time. I swerved into the master bedroom and drew a deep sigh of relief on seeing my car keys glinting in the sunlight. I pounced on them and as I was about to turn to leave I heard a distinct noise from down below. At least I thought I did, but my heart was pounding so hard that I could hardly hear anything except the thump-thump, thump-thump as blood pulsed through my veins.

Then I heard a voice.

"Chantelle? Where are you?"

CRISTINA HODGSON- BIOGRAPHY

Cristina Hodgson, mother of two, born in Wimbledon, London, currently lives in southern Spain. Cristina had a long career in sport, reaching national and international level and still actively participates in Triathlon races and enjoys outdoor activities. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and writing. She won a sports scholarship to Boston College. After a period in Boston, she returned to the UK and graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Sports Science.
A LITTLE OF CHANTELLE ROSE is her debut novel and will be released in May 2017. Amazingly, it has nothing to do with running!

WHERE TO FIND CRISTINA HODGSON ONLINE:

Website: Website

Twitter: @HodgsonCristina

Facebook: Facebook profile

Blog: Blog

Instagram:Instagram: Cristina Hodgson

Amazon.com:Amazon.com: Cristina Hodgson

Amazon.uk:Amazon.uk: Cristina Hodgson

Goodreads:Goodreads: Author Cristina Hodgson

Free short story: myBook.to/simplyanna

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Giveaway

A Little of Chantelle Rose bookmarks and keyrings

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Man in the Needlecord Jacket by Linda MacDonald @LindaMac1 @BrookCottagebks #Giveaway

Thank you for joining me on the blog tour for The Man in the Needlecord Jacket by Linda MacDonald. There is a great giveaway to enter but first of all let's take a look at the description for the book...

THE MAN IN THE NEEDLECORD JACKET

BY LINDA MACDONALD

Genre: Adult contemporary fiction; Domestic Noir

Release Date: 28^th May 2017

Publisher: Matador – An imprint of Troubador Publishing

The Man in the Needlecord Jacket follows the story of two women who are each struggling to let go of a long-term destructive partnership. Felicity is reluctant to detach from her estranged archaeologist husband and, after being banished from the family home, she sets out to test the stability of his relationship with his new love, Marianne.

When Felicity meets Coll, a charismatic artist, she has high hopes of being distracted from her failed marriage. What she doesn’t know is that he has a partner, Sarah, with whom he has planned a future. Sarah is deeply in love with Coll, but his controlling behaviour and associations with other women have always made her life difficult. When he becomes obsessed with Felicity, Sarah’s world collapses and a series of events is set in motion that will challenge the integrity of all the characters involved.

The Man in the Needlecord Jacket is a thought-provoking book, written from the perspectives of Sarah and Felicity. The reader is in the privileged position of knowing what’s going on for both of the women, while each of them is being kept in the dark about a very important issue.

Inspired by the work of Margaret Atwood and Fay Weldon, Linda explores the issue of mental abuse in partnerships and the grey area of an infidelity that is emotional, not physical. The book will appeal to readers interested in the psychology of relationships, as well as fans of Linda’s ‘Lydia’ series.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON UK | AMAZON US | TROUBADOR

ABOUT LINDA MACDONALD

Linda MacDonald is the author of three independently published novels: Meeting Lydia and the stand-alone sequels, A Meeting of a Different Kind and The Alone Alternative. They are all contemporary adult fiction, multi-themed, but with a focus on relationship issues.

After studying psychology at Goldsmiths', Linda trained as a secondary science and biology teacher. She taught these subjects for several years before moving to a sixth-form college to teach psychology. In 2012, she gave up teaching to focus fully on writing.

Linda was born and brought up in Cockermouth, Cumbria and now lives in Beckenham, Kent.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeetingLydia/

Twitter: @LindaMac1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4870870.Linda_MacDonald

GIVEAWAY

First prize signed paperback book bundle of all of Linda’s 4 books with 3 recipe cards and a bookmark. (uk only)

Second prize signed copy of The Man in the Needlecord Jacket + 3 recipe cards and bookmark (uk only)

OR an ecopy of The Man in the Needlecord Jacket (International participants.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday 29 May 2017

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Cafe by Rachel Griffiths @authorRG

About the book

Allie Jones loves her cosy cottage café in the picturesque village of Heatherlea. She has her independence, two grown-up children and two cute cats. Life is settled and she thinks she's happy.

Author Chris Monroe has it all. Critical success, a luxurious London apartment, and the kind of jet-set lifestyle most people dream of. But something's missing.

When a family bereavement throws these two old friends together, they begin to question the true meaning of happiness.

Love is in the air, but do Allie and Chris have room in their hands-on lives for more than a summer fling?

This is the first of four short stories in The Cosy Cottage Café series.

Coming soon:

Autumn at The Cosy Cottage Café
Winter at The Cosy Cottage Café

Spring at The Cosy Cottage Café

Buy Links

Amazon UK

My Review

I have to mention the cover as it is just so pretty and exactly what I could imagine The Cosy Cottage Café looking like. I loved the descriptions of the cafe making it seem just perfect and I wish it was real so I could visit. The food sounds delicious and I was definitely craving scones and pancakes. So I would make sure you don't sit down to read this book on an empty stomach.

Allie was torn between staying in her comfort zone and getting back out there and dating again. I couldn't help but find her character endearing especially when you find out more about her marriage to Roger. She is strong and I loved how she pulled herself together to start her business and make it such a success. Chris was so sweet, I loved the connection between both Allie and Chris. I guess it helped that they had been lifelong friends although at the same time it was also a little sad that they had lost touch.

The group of friends that Allie has were another charming addition especially Camilla because she has some great one liners. This book really does have a wonderful selection of characters and I can't wait to get to know them all even better in the rest of the series.
There were some fun moments too one part stands out where Allie and Chris are in the pub it had me cringing for Allie but it was so funny. I have to admit I read this story in one go everything just seemed to work so well.

Summer at The Cosy Cottage Café has the lovely theme of new beginnings and taking a chance on being happy. When people talk about a hug in a book I have to say that reading this book is exactly this. A delight to read and I was pretty much smiling the whole way through. It's a short story making it perfect to spend a few hours with and completely unwind. I can't wait to visit Heatherlea again and catch up with everyone.

Engaging characters with a gorgeous story!

With thanks to Rachel Griffiths for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Sunday 28 May 2017

The Snugglewump by Lou Treleaven and illustrated by Kate Chappell @maverickbooks

About the book

Molly’s toys are arguing one day about which of them is loved best. As they list their many amazing qualities they forget about the Snugglewump, who goes on a journey and discovers you don’t need bells and whistles to be loved.

A beautiful and emotional tale about a child’s most loved toy. Written by rhyming genius Lou Treleaven with stunning illustrations by Kate Chappell, the Snugglewump is perfect for bedtime.

Book Links

Maverick Books

Amazon UK

My Review

The front cover is quite eye catching what with the bright moon and the night sky in the background so it definitely caught my attention as soon as I saw it. So what did we think...

My two children loved the story of Snugglewump and how he went on a little journey and finally figures out that he is also loved just like the other toys. There is just the right amount of text on each page to keep children interested in the story. It was lovely to see the writing in different places on each page too. A beautiful tale of toys and a little girl, my little ones thought it was quite funny seeing all the toys argue over who was the favourite toy. I have to say the ending is very sweet and had me smiling it really was a perfect way to end the story.

The illustrations were fun and bright but also had a mixture of darker colours too which provided a lovely contrast whilst reading.

I loved that the story is about a comforter and how special they can be to a child, even though they aren't a toy as such they bring comfort to a child that is hard to replace. The rhyming story flows easily and is perfect for reading to your child. Both my four and two year old enjoyed listening to what the Snugglewump got up to and my little boy (4) epecially loved the happy ending.

Sweet, fun & entertaining!

With thanks to Maverick Books for our copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Rae, Dex & Missy

xxx

Wishker by Heather Pindar and illustrated by Sarah Jennings @maverickbooks

About the book

Mirabel doesn’t want much, just a never-ending sleepover and zoo animals for pets, but everyone always says ‘no’ to her! When a rufty-tufty cat shows up with magic wish-granting whiskers, things start looking up for Mirabel… or do they?

A magical tale with plenty of humour and important lessons on the word ‘please’. Written by Strictly No Crocs author Heather Pindar with colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, Wishker is perfect for cat lovers.

Book Links

Maverick Books

Amazon UK

My Review

My little girl saw the front cover and kept saying cat over and over again until I started reading. I think it's safe to say she liked the front cover. So what did we think...

I think most parents can relate to this book as our children often make demands some more outlandish than others. It is such a fun story about a magic cat and how much trouble Mirabel's wishes create.

The illustrations are bright and wonderfully eye catching they really do compliment the story perfectly. Especially as Mirabel's house ends up in such a chaotic mess, my little girl loved pointing to all the animals and loved showing me the mess they were making.

The story kept my children's attention especially with all the eventful things that take place it's not everyday that a circus, animals from the zoo come to your house and that a never ending sleepover takes place.

I loved the ending where we see Mirabel's brother contemplating what his wishes would be, it was a great ending. My little boy even picked out the which wish he would choose first, second and third!

This book is the perfect length and managed to keep my two little one's attention right through to the end. It was a fun story but also with a moral of it isn't always the best thing to get your own way you never know what chaos it might bring with it.

Funny and cute with a brilliant story!

With thanks to Maverick Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Rae, Dex & Missy

xxx

Right Here Waiting For You by Rebecca Pugh #Review @RebeccaPAuthor @HQDigitalUK

About the book

We used to be best friends…

Magda used to be the girl everyone wanted to be – most likely to achieve her every wish. That is until suddenly her perfect life seems to be anything but!

Sophia has never regretted her life, sure it isn’t perfect, but being a single mum to a daughter she loves is pretty great. Perhaps she never moved away from home, or got to live out her dreams, but what she has right now isn’t so bad.

That is until an invitation to their school reunion arrives, throwing both their lives into a spin – because these two used to be friends and it might finally be time to face up to that one big mistake that happened all those years ago…

Buy Link

Amazon UK

My Review

The beginning of the book is definitely going to get your attention it was a great way of introducing Magda and seeing how her life has turned out. There is also a great introduction to Sophia and her life now, I had to smile at Sophia as she tried to get her daughter ready in the morning. I have definitely been there with the dancing clothes trying to get my children ready!

The friendship between Magda and Sophia is well written and I really enjoyed the flashbacks to before they fell out. It was a great idea to have the story from both points of view I definitely felt more of a connection with the characters because of this. As I discovered the truth about what happened I assumed that Magda would be a horrible person but to be honest that isn't necessarily the case. Yes she isn't completely likeable and she did a terrible thing. However people make mistakes granted some bigger than others but she genuinely regrets the mistake. The question is can they ever be friends again after everything that happened? The saddest part for me is that the two friends had a beautiful friendship that suddenly ended and both characters lives changed because of this. I think it's safe to say that there are quite a few people myself included who had that one special friend who meant the world to them. Then something happens and you fall out or even just drift away. Can all be forgotten and forgiven and the past erased? Well I guess the honest answer for me is no, not entirely. I suppose it does depend on the situation, what the person did and how hurt you are. Forgiveness is a major point in this book not only forgiving other people but actually forgiving yourself and moving forward the best you can.

I loved how this book shows us a lost friendship and how it impacts on our lives in the future. I couldn't put this book down there was something about the story that grabbed hold of me. It's a book that is perfect to curl up with and just lose yourself in.

With themes of love, romance and friendship it's a hit with me!

Thank you to HQ Digital & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Saturday 27 May 2017

Confetti at the Cornish Cafe by Phillipa Ashley @PhillipaAshley #Review @AvonBooksUK

About the book

The heart-warming new novel in Phillipa Ashley's bestselling Cornish Cafe series

Cal and Demi are preparing to launch their beloved Kilhallon Resort as a wedding venue. Cakes are baking, Cornish flowers are blooming, and fairy lights are twinkling. With the cliff-top setting and coastal views, it's the perfect place for a magical marriage ceremony.

But their first clients are no ordinary couple. The bride and groom are internationally famous actors Lily Craig and Ben Trevone. Kilhallon is about to host a celebrity wedding . . .

With the pressure on, Demi and Cal are doing all they can to keep their guests happy and avoid any wedding disasters. But is the unpredictable weather the only thing standing in the way of the Big Day?

As secrets surface and truths are told, can Demi and Cal ensure that Kilhallon's first wedding is a success? One thing’s for sure, this will be a Cornish celebration to remember . . .

Buy Link

Amazon UK

My Review

The prologue does a great job of introducing Demi and the main facts that have taken place in the previous books. Everything feels natural as Demi ponders everything that has happened in the past. This way I don't think that it is totally necessary to read the other books in the series. However I have really enjoyed getting to know Cal and Demi and I am certain you would too.

It was so easy to fall back into Demi and Cal's lives it was if no time had passed at all. I was pulled right in and didn't want to leave Kilhallon and the people who live there. I love Cal and Demi they are just perfect for each other and I thought it was lovely that they seemed more settled although to be fair it isn't all smooth sailing. It's such a lovely connection that Cal and Demi share and it's wonderful seeing them working as a team to make Kilhallon a success.

I also enjoyed seeing more of Demi's family included, it was a great addition to the storyline. As usual Mawgan is the perfect character that you love to hate, it just wouldn't be the same without her!

There were so many complications of arranging a wedding sorry Handfasting! I felt so sorry for Demi having to make everything work and having to deal with all the trouble that the event brought. Demi is so determined to put the wedding together and I just hoped that everything would turn out ok. There are a few emotional parts within the story especially involving Cal. I really hoped that he would get some closure and that the ending would be a happy one.

A comforting and heart warming story!

With thanks to Avon Books & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Christmas at the Cornish Cafe by Phillipa Ashley

Friday 26 May 2017

Bombshell Books @bombshellpub #Announcement @Bloodhoundbook @sarahhardy681

Bombshell Books are back!

After launching with the hilarious The Queen of Blogging, Bombshell Books areback with two new authors and three fabulous novels.

Therese Loreskar returns with her sequel to The Queen of Blogging – The
Queen of New Beginnings
Therese Loreskar started her career in 2010 self-publishing her first novel,
which quickly became a critically acclaimed best-seller.
In 2014 she was signed by a Swedish publishing house before being signed by
Bombshell in the summer of 2016. Her novel, The Queen of Blogging, received
overwhelming feedback and the book was referred to as a modern Bridget Jones.
Therese has since had four bestselling children’s books.
Her never-ending energy for writing and entertaining people is her biggest trait.
Therese lives in the countryside on the west coast of Sweden. She has a big and
busy household with her husband, two children, deaf cat, five hamsters and a
grandmother.
When she is not busy writing stories she enjoys nature, people, history,
redecorating the house without permission and all other kinds of creativity.
The Queen of New Beginnings will be published on August 10th this year.

Guardian book prize shortlisted author, Suzie Tullett, signs with Bombshell
Books
Suzie Tullett is an author of contemporary humorous fiction and romantic
comedy. She has a Masters Degree in Television & Radio Scriptwriting and
worked as a scriptwriter before becoming a full-time novelist. Her motto is
to ‘live, laugh, love’ and when she’s not busy creating her own literary
masterpieces, she usually has her head in someone else’s.
Suzie lives in a tiny hamlet in the middle of the French countryside, along with
her husband and two Greek rescue dogs. You can find Suzie on Twitter:
@SuzieTullett or you can visit her website: suzietullett.com
Her heart-warming romantic comedy, The Trouble with Words, will be published
on July 29th this year.

Debut author, Callie Langridge, joins Bombshell Books
Caroline was born and brought up in Berkshire. After a brief teenage spell in the
depths of Lancashire, she moved back to London.
Having left school at 16, she studied drama before embarking on a career in
marketing. This saw her work in music marketing in the heady days of Britpop in
the late ‘90s. She unleashed her creativity in the design of window displays and
marketing campaigns for the leading music retailer. More recently she has
followed her passion for social history and currently works in marketing for a
national historical institution, promoting projects and running events.
On hitting her thirtieth birthday, she decided finally to take her A levels and
gained A’s in English Literature and Language, and Film Studies – not bad when
working full time – and this spurred her on to take the first of many creative
writing course. A few years later and she has had a number of short stories
published and plays performed at theatres and venues across London.
Caroline lives in London with her long-term partner and an ever-growing
collection of antique curiosities.
Her beautifully written and heart-wrenching debut novel, A Time to Change, will
be published on September 24th this year.

Bombshell Books is an imprint of Bloodhound Books. Bombshell publishes
brilliant women’s fiction and is on the look out for new authors. We want stories that will make you laugh, cry and fall in love. For more information visit our
website – http://www.bombshellbooks.com

Little Gray Dress by Aimee Brown @AuthorAimeeB #CoverReveal

About the book

Title: Little Gray Dress

Author: Aimee Brown

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Publisher: Crooked Cat Books

Release Date: August 2nd, 2017

Pre-Orders Available: Early July

Emi Harrison has avoided her ex-fiance, Jack Cabot, for nearly two years. Her twin brother Evan’s wedding is about to end that streak.

From bad bridesmaid’s dresses, a hyperactive sister-in-law, a mean girl with even meaner secrets, and too much to drink, nothing seems to go right for Emi, except when she’s wearing her little gray dress.

When she speed-walks into Liam Jaxon’s bar, things get more complicated. He’s gorgeous, southern, and has no past with Emi. He may be exactly what she needs to prove for the last time that she doesn’t need or want Jack!

Her favorite little gray dress has made an appearance at nearly every major event in Emi’s adult life. Will it make another grand appearance when she least expects it?

Pre-Order the Book in early July. *for a notification when the books pre-order is up, sign-up for her author newsletter.

Author Bio:

Aimee Brown is a writer and avid reader, often blogging her thoughts on chick lit books. Little Gray Dress is her first novel published. She’s currently studying for her Bachelor’s degree in English Writing. She spends much of her time writing her next book, doing homework, raising three teenagers, binge watching shows on Netflix and obsessively cleaning and redecorating her house. She’s fluent in sarcasm and has been known to use far too many swear words. Aimee grew up in Oregon but is now a transplant living in cold Montana with her husband of twenty years, three teenage children, and many, many pets. She would love to hear your thoughts on Little Gray Dress!

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Or --- sign-up here ---> http://authoraimeebrown.com/little-gray-dress/

Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn #Review @darcieboleyn #BlogTour @fayerogersuk

Thank you for joining me on the blog tour for Summer at Conwenna Cove by Darcie Boleyn. I am delighted to be sharing my review for this wonderful book. First of all let's take a look at the description for the book...

About the book

Title: Summer at Conwenna Cove

Author: Darcie Boleyn

Release Date: 15^th May 2017

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Canelo

Format: E-book

Eve has a glittering career, a loving husband and a future. But a terrible twist of fate means she loses it all, and with nowhere left to turn she flees to her Aunt Mary’s home in Cornwall. The last thing on her mind is romance – until she meets Jack.

Jack has seen the worst things people can do to each other and realised he is better off alone. He settles in Conwenna Cove, and saves his affections for the rescue dogs he cares for. But when Eve arrives in the village he can’t deny his attraction to her.

Eve and Jack are both scared to trust, but when they come together it’s impossible for either to ignore their feelings. Can they put their fears aside and learn to love again?

Summer at Conwenna Cove is an emotional and heart-warming holiday read about being brave enough to take a chance on love

Book Links

Goodreads | Amazon UK

My Review

I have to say I had a few tears in my eyes whilst reading this story especially at the beginning. It's mainly because of something that Eve has gone through. I have also experienced the same thing and I could definitely relate. Eve isn't entirely whole and feels pretty lost but can Conwenna Cove help to put her back together again?

The story is told from both Eve and Jack's perspective. For me this is perfect as I always like to hear the story from more than one point of view. Eve is vulnerable but has a hidden strength that she just needs to find again. Jack is also trying to heal himself and this made them the perfect pair to strike up a friendship. I also have to admit I may have little crush on Jack!

My heart broke for Gabe especially the first meeting between him and Eve. I loved the shelter it was a lovely part of the storyline and also a great sense of healing for both Gabe, Eve & Jack.

Mary is a delightful character and I loved her caring nature, it was so lovely to see Eve and Mary re-connect again. Conwenna Cove is such a wonderful place and there are a whole host of characters that I could see having their own stories too. It's so hard to pick a favourite moment because I can honestly say that I enjoyed every single moment!

The setting is perfect and when Eve first arrives at the cottage it was if I was seeing things through Eve's eyes. Conwenna Cove is stunning and the whole place has the ability to heal which is a beautiful thing. Even though there were parts that were emotional there were also parts where I was smiling and laughing too. It really has a brilliant combination of lighter and also deeper moments. I felt such a connection to this story and I didn't want to put it down but I also didn't want it to end.

Summer at Conwenna Cove is the perfect summer story with plenty of emotion, hope and new beginnings.

A book where all I wanted to do was escape into the pages!

With thanks to Faye Rogers, Canelo & Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Author Information

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.

Author Links

Blog: https://darcieboleyn.wordpress.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcieboleyn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/public/Darcie-Boleyn

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

Why not follow along with the tour!

Tour Schedule

Monday 15^th May

Whispering Stories

Blooming Fiction

Tuesday 16^th May

Rachel’s Random Reads