Review: 'Finding Justice' by Rachel Brimble (2013)

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett—a man from her past—is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. And as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Almost every chick lit or romance fan has heard of Harlequin novels; small pocket books with a romantic tale inside. Over the past few decades, these books have been immensely popular and have obtained a particular status. ‘Harlequin’ is often automatically associated with book covers with a half-naked handsome man staring longingly at a beautiful woman, and it’s been said that these novels are really about the romance, not the plotline. When Rachel Brimble contacted me about reviewing her debut novel ‘Finding Justice’, part of the Harlequin Super Romance series, I was curious to try my first Harlequin novel. The blurb promised an appealing and entertaining story, and as a sucker for everything to do with romance, a Harlequin novel couldn’t possibly disappoint, right?

 

 Cat Forrester works as a police officer; a job she obviously has a strong passion for and does well. From the outside, Cat presents herself as a strong and independent woman, but behind this front, she is dealing with some heavy emotional baggage. When she was younger, her father was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. Since his death, Cat’s mother has turned to alcohol herself in order to deal with her own heartache. Because of these circumstances, Cat was forced to make some important decisions in her life, including leaving her best friend Sarah and first love Jay behind. Out of the blue, Cat receives a phone call: Sarah has been murdered and Jay is one of the main suspects. Suddenly, Cat finds herself travelling back to Templeton Cove to track down the person who killed her best friend. She knows she can’t let her emotions interfere with the case, but as soon as she sees Jay again, old feelings come back to the surface...

I was surprise to find out this is actually Rachel Brimble’s debut novel. She has a great writing style that flows naturally and keeps the reader interested. I liked the storyline (I loved the fact that there was a murder mystery to solve, something to keep me wondering and guessing) and the characters (Cat is a strong and independent woman, and seeing how she acts around the charming and kind Jay, re-discovering her feelings for him, was great). In a way, it reminded me a bit of the TV show ‘Castle’ (which I love), which focuses on a strong-minded female police officer called Kate Beckett, a character which Cat Forrester definitely reminded me of.

As soon as I sat down with this novel, I was taken in by the story and managed to forget everything around me. Even though the story deals with a murder investigation, it was a truly relaxing and enjoyable read. The mix of romance with the element of suspense and a touch of mystery was great, and I think that is what makes the Harlequin Super Romance series really interesting for any fans of romance who haven’t picked up a Harlequin novel before. The basic recipe for a romance tale is there, but combined with a bigger storyline and a dose of intrigue. I definitely will be picking up other Harlequin Super Romance novels in the future, and I really hope people who will read this will also give the genre a chance. Next to that, I also can’t wait to read more of Rachel Brimble’s work; a promising new author on the scene!

Rating:8/10
 

Review: 'The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe' by Mary Simses (2013)

A high-powered Manhattan attorney finds love, purpose, and the promise of a simpler life in her grandmother's hometown.

Ellen Branford is going to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish--to find the hometown boy she once loved, and give him her last letter. Ellen leaves Manhattan and her Kennedy-esque fiance for Beacon, Maine. What should be a one-day trip is quickly complicated when she almost drowns in the chilly bay and is saved by a local carpenter. The rescue turns Ellen into something of a local celebrity, which may or may not help her unravel the past her grandmother labored to keep hidden. As she learns about her grandmother and herself, it becomes clear that a 24-hour visit to Beacon may never be enough.

As soon as I pulled my review copy of ‘The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café’ by new author Mary Simses out of the envelope (thanks to the lovely people at Headline!), I couldn’t wait to start reading it (and it was also the start of a serious craving for blueberry muffins). It’s always great to discover new writers, and after finding out other people were saying Mary Simses’s work reminds of Nicholas Sparks (one of my favourite romance novelists of all time), I already had a feeling this debut novel would not disappoint! 

Ellen Branford has it all: she’s a successful lawyer, lives in the always exciting city of New York, and in a few months she will be married to her handsome fiancé Hayden. However, unexpectedly Ellen finds herself in the small town of Beacon in Maine, on a mission to fulfil her late grandmother’s last wish: delivering a letter with an apology to her teenage sweetheart. Ellen thinks it will just be a short trip, but when she falls through a dock and is saved from the water by local carpenter Roy, all kinds of unforeseen things happen. Soon, Ellen realises she might need a bit more time in Beacon to not only discover what her grandmother had been hiding from her family from years, but also to discover what she wants to do with her own life.

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the descriptions in this novel. Mary Simses really manages to create beautiful places and images with her words, and in my head I could easily picture the small town of Beacon with its local pub, Ellen’s grandmother painting, and I could almost smell the freshly baked blueberry muffins. The touches of romance and nostalgia in the book are fantastic, and they really made the reading experience even better for me. I do understand why people compare this novel to Nicholas Sparks’ work, because he can do the exact same thing with his writing and it’s a quality not all authors possess.

The plot is not too original and in places a bit predictable, but this didn’t spoil the story for me one bit. There were even some small twists and turns I personally did not see coming. ‘The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe’ is, true to its title, an irresistible novel to those readers who love a romantic and nostalgic story they can get lost in. A truly delightful and warm debut novel by Mary Simses, and I’m already looking forward to her next one!  

Rating:8,5/10

Review: 'Casting the Net - Volume 1' by Julie McDowall

Anyone who's dabbled with internet dating has a story to tell, but few can tell them with as much wit and honesty as Julie McDowall.

Her online dating blog became an instant sensation on HeraldScotland.com when she charted her bizarre and hilarious experiences in search of the perfect man. Or at least a man who wasn't a total freak. Or, failing that, a freak who was freaky in the right ways...

Now for the first time CASTING THE NET - VOLUME 1 presents the unexpurgated true story of her ongoing quest for love, including all the material deemed unfit for a family newspaper. Join the eloquent and intrepid McDowall as she tackles The Janny, The Accountant, The Comedian, Foxy Doctor, the inimitable Shug -- and her ultimate nemesis, The Clown.

When I received a review request for Julie McDowall's 'Casting the Net', at first I wasn't sure whether this book would be something for me. I hardly ever read any non-fiction and I'm also not a big fan of columns or anything of the like. However, the fact that the book describes Julie's adventures in the world of online dating straight away sparked my interest. I've never tried online dating myself, but I think it is something people in the modern day and age are fascinated by, and I felt myself wanting to read about the experiences of someone who actually tried it. So, as soon as a review copy fell onto my doormat I added it to my to-read pile, looking forward to picking up my first non-fiction review copy!

'Casting the Net' is the first volume of two in which author Julie McDowall shares her experiences with internet dating. At the start of the book, Julie breaks up with her horrible boyfriend who loves alcohol a bit too much, and is forced to move in with her grandmother. After a short period of time, she finds a new place of her own, but also decides that she needs to get back in the field and start dating again. Internet dating offers an interesting and exciting opportunity, after hearing positive things from her friends, and this is where Julie's journey begins. Different men come into the picture, including a janitor, an accountant and a clown (yes, really), as the reader joins Julie on her quest to find the perfect man.

'Casting the Net' is a book that isn't very long (about 200 pages) and incredibly easy to read; I managed to finish it in one day, on my train journeys from and to work. I specifically admired Julie's guts to actually try internet dating, giving all these different kinds of men a chance by going on a date with them, and then sharing her experiences with the world. She isn't embarrassed and completely honest; she's willing to actually write down the things most of us only dare to think after going on a date with someone. Julie McDowall shares her experiences with all of us, and she doesn't even do it anonymous, so I definitely applaud her for that.  

The book is slightly darker than a regular chick lit novel, but this also gives it a realistic edge to it. I have to say that sometimes it felt more like fiction than non-fiction to me; some aspects of the book, including some of the characters, really had a fictional feel to them, which resulted in me reading the book like it was fiction, instead of a true story. Julie's experiences didn't make me laugh out loud, but I can certainly imagine that other readers find it thoroughly entertaining. I'm quite curious to find out who Julie will eventually end up with, so I would probably read Volume 2 to see what is going to happen. Overall, an interesting non-fiction account of a woman's adventures within the world of Internet dating, fitting to the modern day and age, and based on true life, which I think many readers will enjoy!

Rating:7/10

Review: 'Longbourn' by Jo Baker (2013)

Pride and Prejudice was only half the story...

If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats, Sarah often thought, she’d most likely be a sight more careful with them.

In this irresistibly imagined belowstairs answer to Pride and Prejudice, the servants take center stage. Sarah, the orphaned housemaid, spends her days scrubbing the laundry, polishing the floors, and emptying the chamber pots for the Bennet household. But there is just as much romance, heartbreak, and intrigue downstairs at Longbourn as there is upstairs. When a mysterious new footman arrives, the orderly realm of the servants’ hall threatens to be completely, perhaps irrevocably, upended.

The year 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s famous classic love story ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ The publication of Jo Baker’s novel ‘Longbourn’ was specially timed for this occasion, and as a Jane Austen fan I had been looking forward to this book for quite some time. When some of the first reviews started popping up online, I was contacted by the lovely Alison Barrow with the question if I was interested in a review copy of ‘Longbourn.’ Obviously, I was over the moon and I couldn’t wait to start reading to see what Jo Baker had decided to do with one of my favourite love stories of all time.

The Longbourn estate automatically reminds us of the Bennet family in Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’, but in this novel we get to take a trip downstairs, to find out the stories behind the servants working at Longbourn. There’s Sarah, a hard-working young woman who has been part of the Longbourn household since she was a little girl; Mr. and Mrs. Hill, young Polly and the new footman, James. It’s not entirely clear where James has come from, and Sarah isn’t sure what to think of him. However, she unexpectedly starts to develop feelings for him and suddenly all kinds of things start happening downstairs, which the Bennet family have no idea of…

With this novel, Jo Baker has managed to add a complete new mix of engaging and fascinating characters to ‘Pride and Prejudice’. I love the fact that with this book the reader gets a chance to find out about the things going on below the stairs of the Bennet estate. There are hidden secrets, traces of love and deceit, longing and wishes… Just like any other family, which is what this group of servants really feels like: a family. Jo Baker manages to capture and explain the emotions of these characters perfectly, which is something I really enjoyed. I am also glad the author did not decide to imitate Austen’s writing style; this is a modern novel, and a story on itself. I’d recommend readers to first read ‘Pride and Prejudice’, just because it makes the reading experience a touch more special, but you can also read this novel without any prior knowledge of Austen’s tale.

When I started reading ‘Longbourn’, I felt myself waiting for scenes in which Elizabeth, Jane, or Darcy would make an appearance. However, after reading about 50 pages I was so engrossed in Sarah’s story, I completely forgot about the original ‘Pride and Prejudice’ characters. It was actually quite refreshing to see a different (slightly clueless and ignorant) side of them. I don’t think every Austen fan will be able to appreciate this novel, because Jo Baker has really given it her own twist and added some quite controversial details. However, I personally really enjoyed this opportunity to look at ‘Pride and Prejudice’ from a completely different and fascinating perspective, and I expect that every time I’ll read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ in the future I will think of the servants standing in the shadows of almost every single scene. ‘Longbourn’ is an engaging and original novel that provides readers with a fascinating look into the downstairs world of Austen’s most famous tale, and one that once again proves that there are always two sides to every story.

Rating:8/10

Review: 'The Jane Austen Marriage Manual' by Kim Izzo (2012)

Katherine Shaw—Kate— is happy with her life. She has supportive friends, a glamorous magazine career, and a love of all things Jane Austen. But when she loses her job, her beloved grandmother falls ill and a financial disaster forces a sale on the family home, Kate finds herself facing a crisis that would test even the most stalwart of Austen heroines.

Friends rally round, connecting her to freelance gigs, and presenting her with a birthday gift— title to land in Scotland—that’s about to come in very handy. Turns out that Kate’s first freelance assignment is to test an Austen-inspired theory: in the toughest economic times is a wealthy man the only must-have accessory? What begins as an article turns into an opportunity as Kate—now Lady Kate—jet-sets to Palm Beach, St Moritz and London where, in keeping company with the elite, she meets prospects who make Mr. Darcy look like an amateur. But will rubbing shoulders with men of good fortune ever actually lead her to love? And will Kate be able to choose between Mr. Rich and Mr. Right?

After reading Kim Izzo’s wonderful novel ‘My Life in Black and White’ (check out my review here), I couldn’t wait to pick up her other book, ‘The Jane Austen Marriage Manual.’ As a big Jane Austen fan, I had already heard of this novel, but never actually managed to read it. During my summer holidays this year I went to Bath for a couple of days, and it definitely inspired me to pick up a novel with a bit of Austen in it. So, after admiring the cute pink cover of ‘The Jane Austen Marriage Manual’ and reading the interesting blurb, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in this story!

Sometimes you simply have one of those weeks, and that is exactly what happens to Katherine Shaw (known as Kate to the people around her). After losing her contract-to-contract job within the glamorous magazine world and the death of her beloved grandmother, things turn out to be even worse when Kate finds out that due to her mother’s gambling addiction, they are forced to sell the family home. Thanks to a good friend and her love for anything Jane Austen, Kate ends up with a freelance assignment to write an article about the modern-day dating market: is the solution to any female’s trouble a wealthy husband at her side (in line with Austen’s famous novel ‘Pride and Prejudice’)? Even though it begins as a job, it quickly turns out to be the perfect solution to Kate’s own problems. While travelling to fabulous places like Palm Beach, St. Moritz and London, Kate starts searching for her own Mr. Darcy. But in the end, does money really bring happiness, or will love still conquer all?

I loved the Austen element that was included in this novel. Back in Austen’s time it was indeed money that came in first place, before love, when it came to finding a suitable husband. This changed over the years, but it might still be a wise business investment to secure your future by marrying a rich man instead of marrying out of love. I really liked how Kate decides to explore this idea, and how the reader can experience how she struggles between following her mind or her heart. The fabulous locations with all the rich and glamorous people definitely added to the entertainment value of the novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Kate’s adventures in these places. She is a great heroine; smart, independent, persistent (Jane Austen would have definitely approved!), and I found myself laughing out loud every now and again while reading about some of the funny situations she managed to get herself in.

The novel gives us not one, but two handsome bachelors to dream about. On one side, we have charming older millionaire Scott Madewell, who is a taken man but definitely the perfect target for Kate and her experiment, and on the other side we have Griff Saunderson, the manager of a large estate that has been turned into a B&B, who turns up every single time Kate finds herself in trouble. The book includes a great mix of characters, both male and female, and this really made reading the story even more fun. As an Austen fan, I thoroughly enjoyed the parallels between Kate and Elizabeth Bennet (the main character in ‘Pride and Prejudice’), which is why I would definitely recommend this book to any person familiar with Austen and her work. However, even if you’re not a Jane Austen fan, Kim Izzo’s novel is a well-written, entertaining and romantic story that deals with a question we all ask ourselves at one point or another: does enough money guarantee happiness, or is love simply powerful enough to help you through anything?

Rating:9/10

 

Review: 'Billy and Me' by Giovanna Fletcher (2013)

Sophie May has a secret.

One that she's successfully kept for years. It's meant that she's had to give up her dreams of going to university and travelling the world to stay in her little village, living with her mum and working in the local teashop.

But then she meets the gorgeous Billy - an actor with ambitions to make it to the top. And when they fall in love, Sophie is whisked away from the comfort of her life into Billy's glamorous - but ruthless - world.

Their relationship throws Sophie right into the spotlight after years of shying away from attention. Can she handle the constant scrutiny that comes with being with Billy? And most of all, is she ready for her secret heartbreak to be discovered and shared with the nation?

Giovanna Fletcher’s ‘Billy and Me’ has to be the book release of the first half of 2013 I was looking forward to the most. I’ve been a McFLY fan for years, which is how I ended up following Giovanna on Tumblr and Twitter (for those of you who don’t know, Giovanna is married to one of the members of McFLY, Tom Fletcher), and that is also how I first heard about ‘Billy and Me.’ After reading the exciting blurb, seeing the pretty cover, and hearing lots of positive sounds from other bloggers, I couldn’t wait to start reading this novel myself. However, I decided it would be the perfect book to take with me on holiday (a guaranteed good read!) in July, so while sitting in the sun at a lovely beach cottage in Cornwall, I finally started reading ‘Billy and Me.’

At first glance, Sophie May’s life doesn’t seem very complicated: she still lives in the small village she grew up in (Rosefont Hill) together with her mother, she works full-time in the local tea shop ‘Tea-on-the-Hill’ together with her boss and dear friend Molly, and in her time off she loves to get lost in a classic novel like ‘Jane Eyre.’ However, it wasn’t Sophie’s own choice to not go to university and to not travel the world; she has a secret, which makes her not want to step out of her comfort-zone. However, when famous handsome actor Billy comes into the tea shop one day and falls head over heels in love with Sophie, her life is unexpectedly turned upside down. All of a sudden, photographers and the whole of England seem to be interested in the girl from the small village and every step she takes. Will Sophie be able to live with this, all for the sake of her relationship with Billy? Including sharing her biggest secret with the world?

There are so many things I loved about this gorgeous novel. I instantly liked Sophie; we both love many of the same things (tea, cake, the English countryside, old classic novels like ‘Jane Eyre’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice’) and I could easily relate to her. Sophie isn’t one of those heroines who instantly believes in herself and knows she can do great things. Throughout the novel, she continues to feel lost every now and again, influenced by her past and the people around her, which I think happens to all of us occasionally. This made me love her even more, and I have to say Sophie is one of my favourite chick lit heroines so far. I thought the start of Sophie and Billy’s romance was also just adorable. It was clear Billy was captivated by Sophie from the start, and I loved the way he acted around her and what he did to see her and to make sure she would like him back. The fact that Billy is a famous actor really added something fascinating to the story, but it was not turned into something too glamorous, too focused on all the fame, glitter, and money. It was believable, which I think really added another layer to the story.         

After reading reviews from other bloggers, I was quite curious to find out what Billy would be like. Everyone seemed to have fallen completely in love with him after reading the novel, and I couldn’t wait to discover this modern-day Mr. Darcy myself! However, I have to be honest, I liked Billy, but I didn’t fall deeply in love with him. He definitely had his moments, but somehow he didn’t manage to capture my heart (well, maybe a tiny part of it). Yet, this didn’t spoil the reading experience for me even one bit. ‘Billy and Me’ is a brilliant and warm debut novel and I can’t wait to read Giovanna Fletcher’s upcoming releases. This is the perfect book to sit down with on a comfy chair, a cup of tea, and a slice of delicious cake. A tip: make sure you have a box of tissues nearby and several free hours ahead of you, because you will not want to stop reading this lovely story! 

Rating:9,5/10

Interview with Becky Monson!

I am delighted to have author Becky Monson on 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings' today, as part of the CLP blog tour for her novel 'Thirty-Two Going on Spinster' (check out my review here)!

By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last...but it probably won't. 

Can you tell us something about your novel, ‘Thirty-Two Going on Spinster’?

Well it’s about Julia, who hates change and is stuck in a rut. But then change is forced on her through a series of events, and you get to see how she works through it, and how she evolves. Yah, that makes it sound too serious. Really it’s more fun than what I just described. But essentially that is what my story is about.

Where did you find the inspiration for the plotline of ‘Thirty-Two Going on Spinster’?

It was a story I came up with years ago, that evolved and changed into what it is. But it basically started with a work crush I had (before I met my hubby, of course). Thank goodness for the work crushes I had, or I don’t know how I would have survived. I realize now, looking back, that I was not the most stellar employee.

Is the main character, Julia, based on someone? Are there perhaps bits of yourself in her as well?

Julia is a mix of a few people. My hysterical friend Julie, for sure (Julie/Julia - not a coincidence). She is definitely me too, except that I am not totally freaked out by change. I actually kind of like it sometimes.

The main character of the novel, Julia, loves to bake. She’s especially known for her delicious cupcakes. Are you a baker yourself as well, and if so, do you have a favourite recipe? 

I do bake. That trait Julia and I have in common, for sure. I am not as obsessed with it as Julia is, but I do enjoy it when I get a chance to do it. I just hate the clean-up part. That is my least favorite part of baking. I do make a pretty amazing chocolate chip cookie, if I do say so myself.

I read somewhere that you love anything chick lit. What is your favourite chick lit novel or author?

Sophie Kinsella, for sure. She really is so hilarious. My favorite book from her is I’ve Got Your Number. I really love that book. I could read it over and over again. I also just read a book called Yours Truly from an Indie author, Kristy Greenwood, and I swear I have never laughed so hard while reading.

This is your debut novel. Do you have any tips for others who would like to publish their own novel one day?

Yes, please learn from my mistakes. Here is my best advice for future authors out there: Write. Don’t worry about all of the other things out there that you will need to do (and there is A LOT), just write. Write something good – something that you would like to read, and when you are done get yourself a good editor (something I wish I would have done – paid for a professional editor). Also get yourself some reliable beta readers. Once your book is done, get yourself a great cover. I cannot stress how important a great cover is. It will make or break your book (people really do judge a book by its cover). (Wow, I used a lot of parenthesis in this answer) (sorry)

What do you hope readers take away from your novel?

That change can be wonderful, if you let it.

That was cheesy. I apologize. But it’s true.

Last but not least: if you had to describe ‘Thirty-Two Going on Spinster’ in just three words, which words would you pick?

Funtastic, Romantical, Chicklity

(Yah, those aren’t words. I think I ate too much sugar for dinner. Sorry, again.)

Thanks so much to Becky for taking the time to do this interview! And if anyone is interested, Becky is willing to share her recipe for her amazing chocolate chip cookies with us! ;-)

Follow Becky on Twitter via @bmonsonauthor // Get her novel on Amazon by clicking here! 

Review: 'Thirty-Two Going on Spinster' by Becky Monson (2012)

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie. 

With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie. 

But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?

I’m delighted to be a part of the CLP Blog Tour for Becky Monson’s novel, ‘Thirty-Two Going On Spinster’! After seeing a shout-out on Twitter for bloggers to join this tour, I checked out the blurb and immediately had the feeling this would be a story I’d enjoy. I was lucky enough to be given a spot and I’ve even got an interview with Becky Monson which will be posted on the blog later today. First of all, though, the novel itself!

‘Thirty-Two Going on Spinster’ tells the story of Julia Dorning, a 32-year-old who is slowly starting to consider herself as the real-life definition of the word ‘spinster.’ She still lives at home in her parents’ basement, she has a boring job of which the highlights are the smoking breaks in which she can gossip with her colleague and good friend Brown, and her social life is non-existent (if you don’t count watching TV shows with your cat while eating homemade cupcakes). Julia’s spinsterly existence is, however, turned upside down when Jared Moody suddenly starts working on the floor above hers. He’s handsome, friendly, and Julia can’t believe he actually seems to want to spend time with her. With the help of her sister Anna and a bit of her own confidence, Julia starts to slowly change a few things: a bit of make-up here, a new outfit there... But when Julia’s world is turned upside down once again, will she be able to crawl back up again or is she indeed doomed to spend her life as a real spinster?

Julia is a brilliant heroine and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about everything that happened to her, especially all the humorous situations she managed to get herself into. With Julia, Becky Monson managed to create a down-to-earth, friendly and funny main character, which I think many women will be able to relate to. I also loved Julia’s passion for baking, and the contrast between the scenes where Julia has the chance to bake cupcakes or cookies, and how much she adores that, and then next to that her boring job, where she obviously does not belong. She really goes through a lot of changes, and I liked how her character develops throughout the story. Jared (aptly named McManly by Julia) is a handsome leading man, and I really enjoyed reading about Julia’s typical school girl crush on him and the slightly embarrassing situations that followed (can't we all relate to this one way or another?)! 

Next to Julia and Jared, there is a really entertaining collection of characters. I specifically liked Julia’s younger sister Emma, who is dealing with her own problems after having maxed out a few too many credit cards, and the mix of colleagues at the company where Julia works. The novel is easy to read and made me laugh out loud more than once; a thoroughly enjoyable addition to the chick lit genre and I look forward to reading more of Becky Monson’s work!

Rating:8/10

If you are looking for a funny and uplifting read, be sure to pick up ‘Thirty-Two Going on Spinster’, available on Amazon by clicking here!

Review: 'Alice-Rose' by Caitriona Leslie (2012)

Following personal tragedy, Libby Finn has returned to her hometown of Ballyedmond and the bosom of her loving family. While many, including her best friend Jules Mahon, might think that they know what's best for the gorgeous and talented Libby, the girl herself has other plans, and they don't include another Having survived the demise of the Celtic Tiger better than most, Libby is searching for fulfi lment in a future that she believes is destined to be without a great love. Enter Alice-Rose, trailing "complications" that Libby is certain are far beyond her reach husband, or even a man! Alice-Rose is the place of cherished childhood memories for Libby and the inspiration for her grown-up dreams. Anything can happen in dreams, and as Libby Finn is about to be reminded, the future is seldom written in stone.

Several weeks ago I was contacted by author Caitriona Leslie with the question whether I wanted to review her novel, ‘Alice-Rose.’ I immediately fell in love with the gorgeous cover of the book, and after reading the blurb I already got quite excited about reading it. I have always been fascinated by country manors, hidden between green hills, with stories of families from different ages. ‘Alice-Rose’ promised to provide me with one of those tales starring a heroine and a beautiful house, so that’s already two checks for a promising read, if you ask me!

It has been three years since Libby Finn lost her husband and moved back to her parents’ estate, where she lives in her own cottage. However, when country manor ‘Alice-Rose’ comes onto the market, Libby knows it is time for her to move on and find her own place. And what could be a better home than the large estate she has such fond memories of from when she was a little girl? Libby decides to dive in straight away, but by doing so, she unexpectedly develops feelings for local estate agent Dan. Despite the age-gap between them, it seems the two are falling for each other, but the refurbishment of Alice-Rose, family and friends continue to get in the way...

One of the strongest features of this book is the group of likeable characters Caitriona Leslie has created. I liked Libby; she is a strong female character who knows what she wants, and even though she has been through a lot (losing her husband at such a young age), she is trying her best to build up a new life for herself. I also enjoyed reading about some of the other characters, like Jules (Libby’s best friend) and Paddy (the builder taking on the refurbishment of Alice-Rose). Overall, the characters form an interesting group of different personalities, which really added something to the book. I also liked the fact that the story was told from not one, but two perspectives, namely Libby’s and Dan’s. This provides the reader with the chance to discover not just Libby’s thoughts and feelings, which made the chemistry between Dan and Libby even more fun to read about.

There’s one detail that slightly annoyed me while I was reading the book; there are a lot of exclamation marks in it. In some instances, I didn’t quite understand why these were necessary for the story, and it was difficult to simply ignore them. Next to that, I was also slightly disappointed by the fact that the story doesn’t focus more on ‘Alice-Rose’ itself. After reading the blurb, I expected the country house to take on a significant role in the story, but the focus lies more on Libby and her love life. Not to say that I didn’t enjoy that, because I definitely did. There were even some unexpected twists and turns in there which I did not see coming. Overall, ‘Alice-Rose’ is an enjoyable romantic read with an Irish touch, perfect for a lazy afternoon!

Rating:7,5/10

Interview with Diane Chamberlain & 'Necessary Lies' Giveaway!

Yesterday I updated the blog with my review of Diane Chamberlain's new novel 'Necessary Lies.' It's a heartfelt and powerful read you will not want to put down, so I highly recommend it to all of you! I was lucky enough to get the chance to ask Diane some questions about her new novel; you can read the interview below!

 

Can you tell us something about your latest novel, ‘Necessary Lies’?
Necessary Lies is the story of Jane, a young, inexperienced social worker and her fifteen-year-old client Ivy, who lives in poverty on a tobacco farm.  When Jane learns she's required to refer Ivy for an involuntary sterilization procedure, she has to find a way to buck the system.

Where did you find the inspiration for the plotline of ‘Necessary Lies’?
The sterilization program really existed in North Carolina from the '20s to the '70s. Many states in America had such a program, designed to prevent mentally ill, mentally retarded and epileptic people from reproducing, but North Carolina was the only state that allowed social workers to refer their clients for the procedure.

In your books you like to focus on complex relationships between people. Which relationship between two characters in this novel did you most enjoy writing about and why?
Oh, I loved writing about the blossoming relationship between Jane and Ivy. Although they come from very different backgrounds--Jane had a comfortable life in the city, while Ivy is dirt poor--they connect as young women who've both suffered tragedy in their lives. I was very touched by their relationship.

Is there a specific reason why you decided to set this novel in the 1960’s?
I chose 1960 because the sterilization program was still active then and I wanted to illustrate how relatively recently "we" allowed such unethical policies to exist.

You’ve written 22 novels up to this day which have been translated into numerous languages. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?
I have a few tips, based on the mistakes I see aspiring authors make. First, learn to write. If you don't know how to string two sentences together in a way that engages, take a class. Find a group of writers with whom you can share your work and give and get feedback. And finally, write even if you don't feel like it. You can make it pretty tomorrow, but you must get it down on paper today.

Last but not least: if you had to describe ‘Necessary Lies’ in just three words, which words would you pick?
Heartfelt. Shocking. Hopeful. 

** GIVEAWAY of Diane Chamberlain's 'Necessary Lies' ***

I am very pleased to let you all know PanMacmillan has kindly provided me with 3 copies of 'Necessary Lies' to give away to some lucky readers! Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to UK & Ireland residents, but I promise an international giveaway will be coming your way soon!

Check out the synopsis of 'Necessary Lies' below:


After losing her parents, fifteen-year-old Ivy Hart is left to care for her grandmother, older sister and nephew as tenants on a small tobacco farm.  As she struggles with her grandmother’s aging, her sister’s mental illness and her own epilepsy, she realizes they might need more than she can give.

When Jane Forrester takes a position as Grace County’s newest social worker, she doesn’t realize just how much her help is needed.  She quickly becomes emotionally invested in her clients' lives, causing tension with her boss and her new husband.  But as Jane is drawn in by the Hart women, she begins to discover the secrets of the small farm—secrets much darker than she would have guessed.  Soon, she must decide whether to take drastic action to help them, or risk losing the battle against everything she believes is wrong.

In order to be in with a chance, please comment on this post explaining why you would love a copy of 'Necessary Lies', leaving your name and e-mail address. 

This giveaway ends on the 9th of August 2013 at midnight (UK time). Winners will be chosen at random and will be notified the day after. Good luck! :)

Review: 'Necessary Lies' by Diane Chamberlain (2013)

After losing her parents, fifteen-year-old Ivy Hart is left to care for her grandmother, older sister and nephew as tenants on a small tobacco farm.  As she struggles with her grandmother’s aging, her sister’s mental illness and her own epilepsy, she realizes they might need more than she can give.

When Jane Forrester takes a position as Grace County’s newest social worker, she doesn’t realize just how much her help is needed.  She quickly becomes emotionally invested in her clients' lives, causing tension with her boss and her new husband.  But as Jane is drawn in by the Hart women, she begins to discover the secrets of the small farm—secrets much darker than she would have guessed.  Soon, she must decide whether to take drastic action to help them, or risk losing the battle against everything she believes is wrong.

While I was on holiday I received a message from the lovely Becky at PanMacmillan to ask me whether I would perhaps be interested in reviewing Diane Chamberlain’s new release, ‘Necessary Lies.’ I wasn’t familiar with Diane Chamberlain, but I instantly loved the cover (the colour combination caught my attention straight away) and the blurb sounded really interesting and like something slightly different from my usual reads. So, on my train ride to work this week I brought ‘Necessary Lies’ with me, and ever since I’ve been stuck with my nose in it!

‘Necessary Lies’ focuses on two female characters living in the USA in the 1960’s. On the one hand, we have 15-year-old Ivy Hart who lives together with her grandmother, her sister Mary Ella and her young nephew William as tenants on a tobacco farm in Grace County, North Carolina. Life isn’t easy for Ivy; she lost her parents, her sister is not mentally stable, and her grandmother is finding it more difficult to deal with everyday life in general. Thankfully, she has Henry, the boy she is in love with, and their secret nightly meetings to get her through it all. Then there’s Jane Forrester; a 22-year-old newlywed who takes on her first job as a social worker. Jane is immediately introduced to a world she knew hardly anything about and she quickly gets emotionally invested in her clients’ lives, specifically the Hart family. However, it doesn’t take long before Jane finds herself surrounded by lies and secrets, and asking herself one main basic question, the question of what is right and what is wrong in life.

I was captivated by this novel from the very first page. It is incredibly well-written, and I was immediately fascinated by both Ivy and Jane. They are very different characters, but both bring an interesting and captivating storyline to the table. I really enjoyed how with each chapter the protagonist of the story changed, while at the same time the two perspectives were linked together continually. I particularly liked Jane; I loved her innocence at the beginning and how she develops into a strong woman who will do anything to fight for her beliefs and what she thinks is right.

‘Necessary Lies’ reminded me somewhat of Kathryn Stockett’s ‘The Help’: both novels are set in the USA in the 1960’s, focus on female protagonists, and are about women working together or helping one another with an important and controversial cause in mind. I loved ‘Necessary Lies’ just as much as I loved ‘The Help’. The story had me hooked and I didn’t want to put the novel down, but at the same time I didn’t want to get closer to the ending, because it would mean finishing the book. While I was reading, I found out there is actually a prequel to this novel, ‘The First Lie.’ I can’t wait to read it myself, but I believe you don’t need it to understand the novel. ‘Necessary Lies’ is an incredibly well-written and powerful read that will touch your heart and tells a story that will most like stay with you for a long, long time!

Rating:10/10       

Be sure to keep an eye on this blog the upcoming days for an exclusive give-away of 3 copies of 'Necessary Lies' and an interview with Diane Chamberlain! 

August 2013 releases to look forward to! (Part 2)

Yesterday's blog post focused on some of the fabulous book releases that are coming up this August... And as if that wasn't enough, even more exciting novels are on their way to shops near you next month! 

Niamh Greene - 'Coco's Secret' (15th of August 2013)

Coco Swan has always been embarrassed by her name.

With a name like Coco, she thinks people expect her to be as exotic and glamorous as the famous designer, not an ordinary-looking small-town antiques dealer who could win an award for living cautiously.

But when a vintage Chanel handbag turns up in a box of worthless bric-a-brac, Coco's quiet world is turned upside down. Where did it come from? And is it just coincidence that it's the same bag Coco's late mother always wanted for her?

When Coco discovers a mysterious, decades-old letter hidden in the bag's lining, she sets off on a quest to piece together the story behind it, stumbling across secrets that span three generations as she goes.

Could the beautiful Chanel bag be about to teach Coco more than she wants to learn? Or will it show her just where her heart can take her if she lets it lead the way?

Why so excited? --> Earlier this year I read Niamh Greene's novel 'A Message to Your Heart', which I would definitely recommend to any chick lit fan. I've been looking forward to 'Coco's Secret' for quite some time, because I can't wait to read another Niamh Greene novel and because the blurb has simply captivated me. I already love Coco, the fact that she is an antiques dealer, the mysterious old letter hidden in a Chanel bag... Sounds like a great recipe for a lovely novel!

Hazel Osmond - 'Playing Grace' (15th of August 2013)

Grace Surtees has everything carefully under control - her work life, her home life and her love life - especially her love life.

But then her boss hires Tate Saunders, a brash American, to spice up the gallery tours his company provides. Messy and fond of breaking rules, Tate explodes into her tidy existence like a paintball, and Grace hates everything about him...

...doesn't she?

Because, for Grace, the alternative would be simply too terrifying to contemplate: to love Tate rather than hate him would mean leaping out of her comfort zone, and Grace's devotion to order hides some long-kept secrets... secrets she's sure someone like Tate Saunders could never accept or understand.

Why so excited? --> Okay, am I the only one who can already almost breathe in the chemistry between Tate and Grace? I am really curious to read more about these two, especially because of Grace's intriguing past. What are the secrets she is hiding? And will she be able to keep them hidden? This novel has definitely caught my attention, what about yours?

Mary Simses - 'The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe' (15th of August 2013)

Manhattan lawyer Ellen Branford is going to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish - to find the hometown boy she once loved and give him her last letter. Beacon, Maine, home to blueberry fields and eccentric locals, is the last place she wants to go so close to her upcoming wedding. Hoping to be in and out in 24 hours, Ellen ends up the talk of the town when a tumble into the ocean introduces her to Roy Cummings, the carpenter who saves her life. Roy happens to be the nephew of Ellen's grandmother's lost love, and the one person who can bring closure to her quest. But as Ellen learns what Beacon has to offer and what her grandmother left behind, she may find that a 24 hour visit will never be enough...

Why so excited? --> As some of you might know, I'm a sucker for books that have to do with cupcakes, cookies, ice cream parlours, tea houses... So the fact that the title includes the words 'blueberry bakeshop' is already enough to get me interested! I also like the sound of this love story; a bride-to-be travelling to a small town, trying to find the boy her grandmother loved and wants to give her last letter too, meeting a carpenter in that town... I read that fans of Nicholas Sparks will love this, and since I adore his novels, I can't wait to start with this one!

Colette Caddle - 'From This Moment On' (15th of August 2013)

Lynn Stephens' life has been tough recently, thanks to Vincent Boland, the manager at the four-star hotel where she works. But, after standing up to him, she is delighted when she is vindicated.

Lynn loved her job and she was good at it and now, with the support and love of her partner, parents and friends, she can put this terrible time behind her and find a job in another hotel.

But the consequences of Vincent's actions are more far-reaching than Lynn knows and the after-effects are still being felt throughout the small town. The Boland family is powerful and influential and it's not long before Lynn realizes that this man still has the capacity to destroy her and all she holds dear.

Why so excited? --> Anyone else who already wants to hit this Vincent character in the face? The description of Lynn Stephens and what has happened to her has grabbed my attention, and I'm quite curious to find out what it is exactly that happened and how she is going to deal with everything coming her way. Colette Caddle's novels haven't disappointed me before, so I'm looking forward to picking up this one!

Lesley Pearse - 'Forgive Me' (15th of August 2013)

Eva Patterson's life is forever altered by the devastating discovery of her mother, Flora, dead in the bath leaving only a note: 'Forgive Me'.

Until Flora's suicide, Eva's world had been secure - but overnight everything changes. For when Flora leaves Eva a London artist's studio in her will, she finds her mother had a secret past.

In the studio's attic are Flora's paintings and diaries, and Eva learns her mother was a popular artist in the swinging sixties. Eva's hunt for answers uncovers clues to a shocking crime which led Flora to hide her past.

But will discovering the truth destroy Eva's belief in everything she holds dear? And will this journey lead her and those she loves into danger?

Why so excited? --> I received a review copy of 'Forgive Me', the latest release by bestselling author Lesley Pearse, an author I'm not familiar with. The blurb sounds fascinating, though, and it's always good to check out new authors! I'm looking forward to reading more about Eva's journey and her discoveries related to her mother's past. 

Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus - 'The First Affair' (27th of August 2013)

Jamie McAlister has resigned herself to the fact that in this job market, her painfully expensive degree might only get her a position at Starbucks, when she suddenly lands a prestigious internship at the White House. Although she doesn’t hit it off with the other interns—lockjaws who come from so much money that ten weeks without a paycheck doesn’t faze them—she is eager to work hard and make the best of the opportunity while it lasts.

An unexpected encounter late one evening with the charismatic President Gregory Rutland seems like just a fleeting flirtation, but when he orchestrates clandestine meetings and late-night phone calls, their relationship quickly escalates. Jamie knows what she is doing is wrong: he’s married, he has kids, he’s the President. Yet each time she tries to extricate herself, Greg pulls her back in.

With the conflicted desires of the most powerful man in the world driving her to her breaking point, Jamie can’t help but divulge intimate details to those closest to her. But she must have confided in the wrong person, because she soon finds herself, and everyone she cares about, facing calculated public destruction at the hands of Greg’s political enemies, and—perhaps no matter how much he cares about her—at the hands of Greg himself.

Why so excited? --> Most chick lit lovers will know Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus from their bestselling novel 'The Nanny Diaries.' Well, they're back with a new book, and I love the sound of it! An internship at the White House sounds fantastic, and the main character Jamie having an affair with the actual president... Sounds like an entertaining read to me! 

Liane Moriarty - 'The Husband's Secret' (29th of August 2013)

Cecilia Fitzpatrick, devoted mother, successful Tupperware business owner and efficient P&C President, has found a letter from her husband.

'For my wife, Cecilia Fitzpatrick
To be opened in the event of my death'

but Cecilia's husband isn't dead, he's on a business trip. And when she questions him about it on the phone, Cecilia senses something she hasn't experienced before, John-Paul is lying. 

What happens next changes Cecilia's formerly blissful suburban existence forever, and the consequences will be life-changing for the most unexpected people. 

Why so excited? --> I've heard so many good things about this novel, which will be released in the UK this August. The cover is stunning and even though the blurb doesn't give too much away, it has already convinced me that this is a book I can't and don't want to miss out on!

Be sure to pick up your own copies of these August releases, coming to stores near you soon!