To an outside observer, Anneke Stroudt is a mess—her shirts are stained, her fingernails stubby, her language colorful. But, despite her flaws, Anneke’s life is close to perfect. She has a beautiful historic house to restore and a loving fiancé who cooks like a dream.
Until Anneke’s charmed existence falls apart when she loses both her job and her future husband in one terrible day. In need of a new start, she packs up her disgruntled schnauzer and moves into her half-finished home, where she throws her pent-up frustration—and what little savings she has—into finishing the renovation.
But at the first step into the house’s overhaul, Anneke is sidetracked when she discovers a mysterious leather-bound book, long hidden away, filled with tempting recipes and steamy secrets from Emma Ditmore-Smythe, the cook for the house’s original owners. Slowly, with the help of some delicious food and Emma’s life lessons, Anneke begins to realize that, just like a flawless recipe, she’s been waiting for the right ingredients to cook up a perfect life all along…
Why so excited? --> I love the sound of this novel and I can't wait to read more about main character Anneke and the secret recipe book she finds. The book promises to be a great read for fans of Emily Giffin, whose novels I can't get enough of, so I have high hopes for this release!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
It's Friday, April 2. Daphne Darling knows that she should be celebrating her stepdaughter Una's 17th birthday, but it's hard, because the date also marks the one-year anniversary of her husband's death and she and Una just can't seem to connect anymore. Daphne can't turn to her own mother Isabel for advice as their relationship is distant, to say the least, and Mo, Finn's elderly mother, is still grief-stricken at the death of her only son, so she is of little help. But by the end of that day in April, marking the occasion with a slice of cake and a glass of wine will be the last thing on anyone's mind...
Before that Friday, Daphne, Mo and Isabel were all stuck in the past, with their grief and their loss. And then Una takes matters into her own hands, and even though she makes a terrible mistake, she teaches Daphne, Mo and Isabel something about life: that it is to be lived and that, in spite of everything they've been through, happiness can still be a part of it.
Why so excited? --> I'm not familiar with author Roisin Meaney, but I was instantly intrigued by the cover and blurb of her upcoming release 'Two Fridays in April.' I think this will be a great read for women's fiction fans and I can't wait to check it out myself.
It’s impossible not to feel cheerful at Appleby Farm, so Freya is putting her doubts about her love life to the back of her mind for now.
But when she discovers the truth about its financial troubles, Freya has to face up to reality: they might lose the farm. There’s only one person she can ask for help, and it’s the last thing she wants to do… Can a trip to Paris change the farm’s fortunes?
As Appleby Farm’s fate hangs in the balance, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future take shape. But who will be at her side as her dreams become reality?
Appleby Farm is an irresistibly charming novel told in four parts – following the adventures of Freya Moorcroft in love, friendship and a spot of farming. A Family Affair is part two. It features some friendly faces who appeared in Cathy's bestselling series, Ivy Lane, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story.
Why so excited? --> I love love love Cathy Bramley's work and I have been looking forward to reading 'Appleby Farm' for quite a long time. Her novels 'Conditional Love' and 'Ivy Lane' were brilliant reads and I have a good feeling this one won't disappoint either. And what about the gorgeous covers for the book series? LOVE them!
When are the boundaries of friendship pushed too far, and when is it time to stop flying over oceans for someone who wouldn't jump over a puddle for you? There comes a time when Hilary Hammond has to make that call.
Hilary and Colette O'Mahony have been friends since childhood, but when irrepressible Jonathan Harpur breezes into Hilary's life and goes into business with her, Colette is not best pleased.
After their first encounter Colette thinks he's a 'pushy upstart' while he thinks she's 'a snobby little diva'. And so the battle lines are drawn and Hilary is bang in the middle.
But as the years roll by and each of them is faced with difficult times and tough decisions, one thing is clear … to have a friend you must be a friend.
And that's when Hilary discovers that sometimes your best friend can be your greatest enemy …
Why so excited? --> I've never read any of Patricia Scanlan's books before, unfortunately, and I'm quite curious to check out one of her works. 'A Time for Friends' sounds like a promising read, so hopefully I'll be able to pick up a copy next month.
Scot 'Scat' Delaney is a world famous jazz singer. He has ample opportunity to stray and his girlfriend, Alice, needs to know she can trust him.
Introducing Florence Love, Private Investigator.
Florence has just ten days to entrap an A-Lister. Whilst sticking to her cardinal rule:
One kiss, with tongues, five seconds - case closed.
A master of body language, evolutionary science and nifty disguises, her approach is unconventional, her success rate excellent. But targets are rarely as beautiful as Scat. Never fall for the target.
That is very bad form indeed.
Why so excited? --> Louise Lee's release 'The Last Honeytrap' sounds like quite a read! The blurb promises a unique story and I've read it's a great read for fans of Miranda Dickinson, so fingers crossed I'll enjoy this one as much as I enjoy Miranda's novels!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
Doesn't Everyone Have a Secret? is a romantic comedy about three very different people, each with a secret, whose lives collide in unexpected ways.
Steph is a harrassed mum who's considering an affair with her children's sexy headmaster. Penny is trying to deal with a crush on her boss, OCD and a sad secret from her childhood. And Mike is a vicar who is being blackmailed for his secret, although it's not all that it seems!
Meanwhile, all three are being watched over by their own guardian angels, who try to push them in the right direction and help move their lives along - but not always successfully ...
Why so excited? --> I was contacted by Corazon Books about this upcoming release and I already really like the sound of it. I love women's fiction titles in which the focus lies on several characters and different storylines that come together, so I look forward to picking this up next month!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
He was hiding a terrible secret...
Grace’s new husband Adam seems like the perfect package. Good looking, great job, completely charming – almost too good to be true...
So when Adam suddenly disappears from Grace’s life, she is left bewildered and heartbroken. And with a lot of unanswered questions.
As she tries desperately to find him, Grace opens a Pandora’s Box of secrets and lies – and starts to learn that Adam wasn't so perfect after all.
What shameful secrets was her husband hiding? Is Grace in danger? And can she survive the truth? However terrible it may be...
Why so excited? --> I really enjoyed Beth Thomas' debut novel 'Carry You' which I received a review copy of last year. I have been looking forward to her next release for quite some time and I'm so excited I'll finally be able to sit down with 'His Other Life' next month!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
It's amazing what you can buy online these days:
Memorabilia
Fashion accessories
A crumbling Italian farmhouse...
After a Prosecco-fuelled girls' night in gets out of hand, Ruthie Collins awakes to discover that she has bid for her dream Italian home online - and won. Recently out of a relationship, a new start is just what Ruthie needs. Anything is better than sleeping on her mum's settee.
But arriving in Southern Italy, Ruthie doesn't know the first thing about running an olive farm. And with new neighbours, the tempestuous Marco Bellanouvo and his fiery family to contend with, all Ruthie wants is to go back home.
Life can change with the click of a mouse. But all good things - friendship, romance, and even the olive harvest - take time to grow. Can Ruthie finally put the past to rest and find her own piece of the Dolce Vita along the way?
Why so excited? --> I just love the storyline of this upcoming release; the idea of bidding on your dream Italian home after a few too many drinks, and actually getting the house and being thrown into an Italian adventure! I can't wait to read more about Ruthie, I have a feeling I'm really going to enjoy this book!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
In a New York minute, everything can change …
Holly Johnson is at a crossroads in her life. She wants to make it as a real journalist, and she’s dreaming of falling in love. She’s so close to getting her break at work, and she’s met a very special guy. Well, she hasn’t actually met him … not yet. But everyone knows most relationships start online these days. And she’s on to a winner with this one. Isn’t she?
But something is not quite right with Andy McCoy – and he’s about to learn you don’t mess with Holly Johnson. She decides to fly to New York to find the truth.
Holly is about to get the shock of her life.
What she finds in Manhattan swiftly turns into a nightmare.
But maybe – just maybe – if Holly is true to herself, she can turn this nightmare into a dream come true …
Why so excited? --> Claudia Carroll is a fabulous author and I've loved all her books so far, so I'm sure I'll enjoy her next release as well.
Join Poppy, Lily, Maggie and Rachel as they jet to New York - and face a big secret in the Big Apple.
When Lily invites the girls to attend a VIP event in Manhattan, they all jump at the chance. Poppy especially is thrilled to escape her impending 30th birthday with a weekend of Cosmos and red carpets. But none of them have any idea what Lily is really planning. Or how a single weekend can turn your life upside-down ... With non-stop fun and flirty frolics, this is a girls' weekend not to be missed.
'Girls on Tour' is an irresistible series of interlinked stories about four ordinary girls who have extraordinary fun in faraway places. Expect the unexpected, the utterly hilarious and unforgettable, on this rollercoaster ride of love, laughs, surprises and sparks. You have a VIP pass to join each girl's adventure, so pack your bags and buckle your seatbelts, because just about anything is possible...
Why so excited? --> I still haven't been able to read Nicola Doherty's 'Girls on Tour' book series, but I just love the idea and book covers of the series. I'm 100% sure I'll really enjoy it and hope I'll be able to get my hands on the different parts soon!
Friendship is like a shark: it has to keep moving forwards to survive.
Esther and Laura have been best friends since they were seven. Quite a bit has changed since then... They've swapped school for full-time employment, boyfriends for bugaboos, experimental hair-dye for salon-preened locks - and their friendship has evolved just as much. But they remain close, knitted together by the bonds of time.
So when Esther is told that Laura has gone missing, she immediately leaves her husband and small child for San Francisco and begins to trace her friend's last movements. All she has is an email from Laura: 'I'm channelling Drew Barrymore, as ever. The Gospel, right?'
In trying to understand why Laura has disappeared, and what on earth Drew Barrymore has to do with it, Esther needs to look back. Back at the secrets woven into their friendship and the truths she's avoided facing for so long.
Why so excited? --> I really like the sound of this novel! The title is great and the blurb sounds really promising. Definitely one of the March 2015 releases I'm most looking forward to reading!
Get ready for a delicious new romance from Jenny Oliver, featuring pastries, pugs…and a dangerously handsome hero.
The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe is the first story in Jenny Oliver’s brand new ‘Cherry Pie Island’ series.
Welcome to Cherry Pie Island – once you step on to the island, you’ll never want to leave!
Why so excited? --> I'm already in love with the cover of the first part of Jenny Oliver's new romance series and I can't wait to read more about Cherry Pie Island (it already sounds like the perfect place to live, doesn't it?)!
It's been two years since Ethan Greene and Gary Knowles collided one fateful evening outside Tiffany & Co on Fifth Avenue. A mix-up with their shopping bags sent each man's life on an unexpected trajectory, and while Gary and his fiancee are heading for happily ever after, Ethan's love life is not so assured.
All Rachel's dreams are coming true; her restaurant is going from strength to strength, and she and Gary are set to be married amongst family and friends at an idyllic New York location. But when they arrive in the city only days before the ceremony, Gary seems distracted and restless. Is he having second thoughts?
Terri is dreading the Big Day, mostly because she thinks her best friend is making a huge mistake in marrying Gary. But also because the wedding means that she will need to see Ethan, and face the hurt in his eyes and disappointment on little daughter Daisy's face.
Ethan is anxious to see Terri again; he truly felt they had something special, and plans to use the time in New York to prove to her that their relationship deserves another chance.
Will Rachel and Gary's big day go ahead as planned? Can Ethan and Daisy convince Terri that they belong together? Or will the romance of New York and Tiffany's work its magic on the couples once more....
Why so excited? --> Another wonderful release coming up this March by one of the most loved chick lit authors around! Melissa Hill's stories never disappoint and I really look forward to checking in with these familiar characters in this new short story!
After three years of dating and trading nights at their respective New York City apartments, Emma Feit and Nick O'Hare are moving in together. Or they will be, as soon as they find the right place. For two happily-in-love professionals--Nick's a teacher, Emma tutors college-bound teens--with good credit and stellar references, how hard can it be? As it turns out, very--in ways that are completely unexpected.
Suddenly Emma is filled with questions about cohabiting, about giving up her freedom--not to mention about who's going to clean the toilet. And while her best friend plans a dream wedding to her wealthy fiancé, and her older brother settles into suburban bliss, Emma must figure out what home means to her--and how on earth to get there.
Why so excited? --> I really like the sound of 'If We Lived Here' and have a feeling this will be a novel I'll end up enjoying a lot. I've been lucky enough to receive a review copy and can't wait to start reading it!
