So, we've been treated to some pretty amazing releases during the first part of 2014, if you ask me! May was filled with some absolutely fantastic books I had been excited about for quite some time, but June... It's simply amazing but also almost ridiculous how many exciting and fabulous book releases are coming up! I decided to split the list up into two separate posts, because there are no less than 36 upcoming releases I'd like to share with all of you for the next month. So, if you're looking for some great summer reads to add to your wish or holiday list... Look no further!
L. Alison Heller - 'The Never-Never Sisters' (3rd of June)
Sometimes you just need to get away….
Marriage counselor Paige Reinhardt is counting down the days to summer, eager to reconnect with her workaholic husband at their cozy rental cottage in the Hamptons. But soon a mysterious crisis at Dave’s work ruins their getaway plans. Paige is still figuring out how to handle the unexplained chill in her marriage when her troubled sister suddenly returns after a two-decade silence. Now, instead of enjoying the lazy summer days along the ocean, Paige is navigating the rocky waters of a forgotten bond with her sister in the sweltering city heat.
As she attempts to dig deeper into Dave’s work troubles and some long-held family secrets, Paige is shocked to discover how little she knows about the people closest to her. This summer, the self-proclaimed relationship expert will grapple with her biggest challenge yet: Is it worth risking your most precious relationships in order to find yourself?
Why so excited? --> I love the cover of this book; it immediately reminds me of an amazing sisterly bond or the connection between two best friends. I really like the sound of Paige's story and I look forward to picking up a copy of this novel myself as soon as it's released!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Sometimes you just need to get away….
Marriage counselor Paige Reinhardt is counting down the days to summer, eager to reconnect with her workaholic husband at their cozy rental cottage in the Hamptons. But soon a mysterious crisis at Dave’s work ruins their getaway plans. Paige is still figuring out how to handle the unexplained chill in her marriage when her troubled sister suddenly returns after a two-decade silence. Now, instead of enjoying the lazy summer days along the ocean, Paige is navigating the rocky waters of a forgotten bond with her sister in the sweltering city heat.
As she attempts to dig deeper into Dave’s work troubles and some long-held family secrets, Paige is shocked to discover how little she knows about the people closest to her. This summer, the self-proclaimed relationship expert will grapple with her biggest challenge yet: Is it worth risking your most precious relationships in order to find yourself?
Why so excited? --> I love the cover of this book; it immediately reminds me of an amazing sisterly bond or the connection between two best friends. I really like the sound of Paige's story and I look forward to picking up a copy of this novel myself as soon as it's released!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
At almost forty, Clare Donoghue is living child-free and loving it.
Then her boyfriend says he wants kids, breaking off their promising relationship. And it's not just boyfriends: one by one, her formerly carefree friends are swallowed up in a nonstop cycle of play dates and baby groups. So Clare declares enough is enough and decides it's time for people who don't have children to band together. And so the No-Kids Club is born.
As the group comes together - Anna, who's seeking something to jumpstart a stale marriage, and Poppy, desperate for a family but unable to conceive - Clare's hoping to make the most of the childless life with her new friends. But is living child-free all it's cracked up to be?
Why so excited? --> I'm not a mum (yet), but I really enjoy books that deal with motherhood, taking care of kids, starting your own family. Talli Roland's upcoming novel sounds like a great read and I'm already excited about hearing more about the No-Kids Club and the issues the different characters are struggling with.
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Maddy Carson is a mass of contradictions. She loves her job as Script Supervisor on a hit TV show, but hates "Hollywood." Super-organized and down-to-earth, Maddy is clearly one of the best at her job, and her strict dating rule - "No Actors!" - helps her keep focused on her career. However, a budding relationship with Craig, one of the executives at her company, may even propel her into the big leagues. Could Wolf County, her beloved hometown in the mountains, be saved from a financial crisis by creating a reality show featuring the eccentrics in the small ski village? Maddy is determined to try, even when she learns that Craig's agenda doesn't exactly line up with her altruistic goal.
Meanwhile, Maddy still has a full-time job to manage, her family to deal with, and a gorgeous new actor, Adam Devin, determined to wear down her resistance. Eventually Maddy must learn to break all her self-imposed rules and simply follow her heart.
Why so excited? --> I immediately loved the clever and fun title of this novel. I like the idea of the main character working as a script supervisor on a hit TV show; this is a great setting that offers many ways to write a fabulous story. I really like the sound of Maddy and the reality show in her hometown; definitely looking forward to checking this book out!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Kelly Wilder becomes recently widowed from a much older wealthy man with whom she spent her married life doing charity work, building a lovely home, and, as she says, “pretending to be a whole lot more conservative and stupid and nicer than I really am.”
Now, with too much time and money on her hands, Kelly has absolutely no idea what happens next. So on a whim she signs up for a ballroom dancing class, and slowly, step by high-heeled step, begins to rebuild her life with the help of friends old and new: Nik, a young Russian dance teacher who sees the artistic potential she left behind; Carolina, a woman in hospice, anxious to experience a whole lifetime in a few months; and Elyse, Kelly’s girlhood best friend who knows all of her past secrets—including the truth about the man who long ago broke Kelly’s heart.
Why so excited? --> I'm not familiar with Kim Wright's work, but I'm quite curious to check out 'The Unexpected Waltz'! I'm a big Strictly Come Dancing fan, and I've always loved ballroom dancing (watching it, not doing it myself!). I really like the idea of the main character Kelly picking up the pieces in her life by taking ballroom classes, and I hope the book will fit my expectations!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Bea Bishop is horrible at making decisions. Forget big life ones, even everyday choices seem to paralyse her. She's learned to live with this because experience has taught her that it doesn't matter what you do, no one has the power to control destiny. Anyone who believes they can is a fool.
But as her wedding day approaches, her years of indecision are weighing heavily on her, and she can't help but wonder, 'What if, what if, what if….'
What if she hadn't upped sticks and moved to London? What if she hadn't grabbed the first job that came along and settled down with the first guy who showed an interest?
But all of her questions are silenced when she slips while walking down the aisle and is knocked unconscious. In this split second her life splits into two: in one existence, Bea flees back down the aisle and out of the church. In the other she glides blissfully towards her intended. But which story will lead to her happily ever after?
Why so excited? --> I love love love Ali Harris' novels! She manages to write amazing stories which I don't want to put down. So, it's no wonder I've been excited about the release of 'Written in the Stars' for months! I can't wait to read Bea's story, and I just know this will be a fantastic book!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Amber Sullivan is an ambitious, beautiful and feisty Sports reporter for a local TV news programme. With an ex-professional soccer player for a father, she’s grown up in and around the world of premiership football, and boy does she know better than to get mixed up with the men who play the game. As rich and charming as they are, Amber has a strict no player rule.
One of the biggest names in football, Ryan Fisher is young, hot, and talented. He has it all – looks, fame, money; not to mention women falling at his over-insured feet and a lifestyle he’s in no hurry to give up.
At the centre of a multi-million-pound transfer deal back to his home club, Ryan’s a big scoop for a local sports journalist and Amber can’t afford to miss this career-making opportunity – even if that means having to interview the cocky sports star.
But once the tape starts rolling it’s clear Ryan’s got more than just an exclusive on his mind… and he’s used to getting exactly what he wants.
Why so excited? --> I'm a big fan of Harper Impulse; they've released some quick, contemporary romance reads I've really enjoyed, so I'm looking forward to checking out more of them in the future, including 'Striker'. I can almost feel the heat between Amber and Ryan after just reading this blurb!
Betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend, Lena is left empty; trapped under a weight of guilt and loneliness. Then, at her lowest point and when she needs it most, a mysterious stranger comes into her life with a tale of friendship, family, and finding love in the most unexpected of places…
Katy Heath is definitely not thinking of love when she comes across consultant, Adam Elliot, berating some poor patient on the ward one day. In fact it is Dr Peter Florin who quickly has everyone’s hearts aflutter with his easy smiles and practised charm.
Yet Katy comes to realise that there’s more to Adam than his determination to push everyone away and it’s not long before she finds herself longing to reach out to touch the man within, healing the pain of his past.
As Lena is drawn into Katy’s story, she begins to learn – just as Katy does- that the course of true love never did run smooth.
Why so excited? --> Another fabulous Harper Impulse read that's coming our way soon! 'By My Side' already sounds like an intriguing and quite emotional read. It has definitely grabbed my attention and I look forward to picking up my own copy!
Maggie Carter knows Victoria Park like the back of her hand. She knows which routes around the park are easiest to navigate; she knows what time of year the most beautiful flowers bloom; and she knows which bench by the pond allows you to hear the joyful chatter of children throwing bread to the ducks without risking getting splashed by over-enthusiastic flapping. But she’s never seen any of these things. Maggie is blind: her senses of touch, smell and hearing have built an image of the place she loves most in the world, and she’s never felt held back by her unseeing eyes. And yet, newly married and expecting her first baby, Maggie has suddenly started to doubt her ability to cope.
Elsie is also expecting her first child, but unmarried, alone and without the support of her family, she’s terrified her baby will be taken away. When Maggie meets Elsie one day in the park she tries to comfort this distressed young woman – but all is not as it seems. Because Elsie lost her baby sixty years earlier, and now, suffering from the first stages of Alzheimer’s, she can’t stop re-living the most traumatic event in her life.
Determined to bring Elsie back to the present, Maggie sets out to find out what happened all those years ago and bring peace to Elsie memories … before it’s too late.
Why so excited? --> Wow. How amazing does this blurb sound?! I still haven't read Amanda Brooke's previous release, 'Another Way to Fall', but I've heard so many good things from other bloggers. I am also definitely adding 'Where I Found You' to my to-read list... I have a feeling this will be a book many people will be talking about during the month of June!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
When a tragic accident tore his life apart, Nick Deegan left his beautiful wife Kate and their two young children - always thinking that someday he would return to them.
Now, two years later, Kate has passed away after an illness and Nick moves back home to raise Emma and little Liam without her.
On the day of Kate's funeral, Nick discovers a book she left for him containing things she wanted him to know. But alongside the dos and don'ts of raising their children are details of five dates, with five very different women, Kate has arranged for Nick in the months ahead.
As Nick navigates his way through the book and tries to cope with everyday life in Kate's absence, he slowly realises that it's not romance Kate wanted him to find, but something far more important. Will Nick find the courage to take a second chance?
Why so excited? --> 'Things I Want You to Know' already sounds like such a beautiful and touching read. I just know this will be one of those books that will have me in tears after just a few chapters! I love this idea of Kate leaving her husband a book with things she wanted him to know, and the idea of the 5 dates with 5 different women. I honestly can't wait to read this!
This ISN'T a book about babies. It's not about sleepless nights, nappies or nurseries. It IS about two people, one unexpected pregnancy and a question…
Viv and Max were best friends for years, then they were lovers and then it all went wrong. Now finally they are to be reunited.
Viv feels sick. Not just with nerves at seeing Max again, but because there's a small chance she might… quite possibly… most definitely… be pregnant. It's thrilling. But also terrifying. Most of the time they can hardly look after themselves, let alone a baby.
And when Viv's estranged mother reappears on the scene and they all end up sharing an apartment all hell breaks loose.
Three months to go. Two best friends. One little question…
HOW ON EARTH ARE THEY GOING TO COPE?
Why so excited? --> I have to admit I haven't read Emma Garcia's 'Never Google Heartbreak', but I remember many people talking about the book in a positive way. I LOVE the cover and title of 'OMG Baby!' and the blurb promises a really fun read. Definitely looking forward to this release!
What if your dream was against all odds?
Liz O'Brien doesn't want to fall in love. All she has ever wanted is to be a professional show-jumper and now it's within her grasp. She'll do anything to succeed . . . even if that means keeping secrets from those around her.
Matt has no intention of falling in love, either. He has never known a thrill like show-jumping. Intense, exhilarating and fast-paced - for Matt, nothing beats the rush that comes with a win.
But then Matt and Liz are thrown together as rivals, and as desire begins to take over, tension grows between them. Both must fight against all odds for their dreams - and for each other.
Why so excited? --> And another great release to look forward to on the 5th of June; I can't believe how many exciting reads are released at the start of June! 'One Chance' sounds like a fascinating story and I look forward to reading more about Liz's career as a professional show-jumper and the rivalry between her and Matt!
Fiona Walker - 'The Country Escape' (5th of June)
Hidden amid lush Herefordshire parkland, Eardisford is the ultimate English country retreat and it's just been sold for the first time in its history. Romantic daredevil Kat Mason has been bequeathed the estate's lakeside sanctuary, Lake Farm, until she dies or marries. But the new owners want her out now...
In rides charming playboy Dougie Everett, the man hired to sweep Kat off her feet and off the property. Although pursuing the Hollywood dream has not been all he'd hoped, Dougie loves nothing more than the thrill of the chase, but does he risk losing his heart along the way?
Why so excited? --> I'm an absolute sucker for books about lovely British country retreats. The sound of Eardisford has already got me really excited about this new Fiona Walker release, and the promise of a great story has made me add this to my to-read list straight away!
Alexandra Brown - 'Ice Creams at Carrington's' (5th of June)
Georgie Hart and Carrington’s Department Store have got the world at their feet. Since a reality TV series put them both on the map, life has been amazing! Carrington’s profits are in the pink, Georgie has carved herself a place in the nation’s heart and her romance with Tom, the store’s boss, has finally blossomed.
Now summertime has come to Mulberry-on -Sea and Georgie is in great demand. The town is holding a big summer festival and she and her mates from Carrington’s are planning on making sure that Mulberry puts on the show of its life!
But Georgie is about to get the offer of a lifetime – one that is just too good to turn down and something that will test her loyalties to their limits… Will Georgie be able to pull off it off once again, or has her luck finally run out?
Why so excited? --> 'Ice Creams at Carrington's' is without a doubt one of the June 2014 releases I am looking forward to the most. I can't wait to revisit George and her friends at Carrington's department store, and I'm sure Alexandra Brown has a brilliant summer story in store for us!
Jill Mansell - 'The Unpredictable Consequences of Love' (5th of June)
In the idyllic seaside town of St Carys, Sophie is putting the past firmly behind her.
When Josh arrives in St Carys to run the family hotel, he can't understand why Sophie has zero interest in letting any man into her life. He also can't understand how he's been duped into employing Sophie's impulsive friend Tula, whose crush on him is decidedly unrequited.
St Carys has more than its fair share of characters, including the charming but utterly feckless surfer Riley Bryant, who has a massive crush on Tula. Riley's aunt is superstar author Marguerite Marshall. And Marguerite has designs on Josh's grandfather...who in turn still adores his glamorous ex-wife, Dot...
Just how many secrets can one seaside town keep?
Why so excited? --> Jill Mansell is one of the queens of chick lit and her novels never disappoint. 'The Unpredictable Consequences of Love' was released in hardback earlier this year, but the paperback copy will be available from the 5th of June.
Lucy Diamond - 'One Summer in Italy' (5th of June)
If journalist Anna had to write up the story of her own life, it wouldn’t make for a great headline: Dull Journo Has Dull Boyfriend! The only mystery in Anna’s life is that she’s never known who her dad is but with her mum refusing to tell her more she’s at a dead end. When she accidentally comes across a clue that her father is Italian, it opens up a burning curiosity in Anna. Soon she’s cooking Italian food, signing up for an Italian class and even considering dusting off her passport to go and find her dad in person…
Sophie is serving gelato to tourists in Italy when she gets the call that her father has had a serious heart attack. In a rush, she grabs her well-worn backpack and heads back to the one place she’s been avoiding for so long – home. Living with her mum again while her dad recuperates, and taking a job teaching Italian to make ends meet, Sophie has to face up to the secrets she’s kept buried in the past.
Catherine has no idea what the future holds. Her children have left for university, her husband has left her for another woman and her bank account is left empty after dedicating her life to raising her family. She needs a job and an identity all of a sudden. At an Italian evening class she makes a start in finding new friends Anna and Sophie. And she’s going to need good friends when she discovers her husband’s lies run even deeper than his infidelity…
As Anna embarks on the trip to Italy that could answer all of her questions, will the truth live up to her dreams?
Why so excited? --> Last year I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of Lucy Diamond's 'Me and Mr. Jones', a read which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm really looking forward to 'One Night in Italy'; the blurb sounds great, and I love the idea of following these three women on their separate journeys. Oh, and what's better to get in the summer mood than a bit of Italy?!
Victoria Connelly - 'A Summer to Remember' (5th of June)
Nina Elliot is tired of her life. She’s not sure how it happened but, somewhere along the way, she lost track of where it was all going.
So one fateful day, she makes a brave decision: she’s going to leave it all behind.
Taking a job deep in the English countryside, Nina does just that. Ensconced at the Old Mill, she settles into daily life with the Milton family, where she works as a researcher for author Dudley.
With endless summer days stretching out ahead of her, Nina couldn’t be happier. But her quiet life is soon interrupted when the handsome Milton boys return home – for they plan to make sure this really is a summer to remember…
Why so excited? --> I've loved Victoria Connelly's work ever since I read 'A Weekend With Mr. Darcy' a couple of years ago. Her Austen Addicts series is fabulous, but her regular novels are just as amazing! I already love the sound of 'A Summer to Remember', and I'm sure this will be the perfect read for a lovely summer day!
Chrissie Manby - 'A Proper Family Holiday' (5th of June)
Sisters Chelsea and Ronnie Benson haven't spoken to each other in two years when their mother announces she wants the whole family to go on a week-long holiday in Lanzarote for her sixtieth birthday. Both sisters dread the holiday for different reasons.
Sophisticated singleton Chelsea, a fashion journalist, dreads a week in the 'chips with everything' world she left behind when she moved to London.
Ronnie, now a mother of two, is feeling fat and frumpy. The last thing she wants is to strip down to a swimsuit alongside her super-thin super-chic sis.
The week begins badly and gets worse, as underlying tensions and secrets are exposed. And then their mother drops a bombshell on the group. Will the holiday bring the sisters closer or blow the Benson family apart?
Why so excited? --> Another popular name within the world of chick lit who is treating us to a wonderful holiday read this June! Chrissie Manby's books are always great reads, and I'm sure I'll really enjoy 'A Proper Family Holiday' as soon as I get a chance to read it!
Kelly Rimmer - 'Me Without You' (6th of June)
A story of how love can break our hearts – and heal them.
A year ago I met the love of my life. For two people who didn’t believe in love at first sight, we came pretty close.
Lilah MacDonald – beautiful, opinionated, stubborn and all kinds of wonderful in ways that words could never quite capture. The woman who taught me to live again.
My Lilah, who gave me so much, and yet kept from me a secret that she knew would break my heart.
My name is Callum Roberts, and this is our story.
Why so excited? --> I've read that fans of Nicholas Sparks' novels will really enjoy Kelly Rimmer's 'Me Without You', which has got me even more excited about this upcoming release. I'm a big fan of Nicholas Sparks' love stories, and I have a feeling this book will also have a wonderful love story at its core!
Be sure to check back tomorrow to read about more exciting June releases! :)
Thanks for such a great extensive list. I've added quite a few quite a few to my wishlist :)
ReplyDelete