Upcoming Release: 'The House on Sunset Lake' by Tasmina Perry!

A family secret. A house in ruin. A mystery to unravel...

Casa D'Or, the mysterious plantation house on Sunset Lake, has been in the Wyatt family for over fifty years. Jennifer Wyatt returns there from university full of hope, as summer by the lake stretches ahead of her. Yet by the time it is over her heart will be broken, her family in tatters, her dreams long gone.

Twenty years later, Casa D'Or stands neglected, a victim of tragic events. Jennifer has closed the door on her past. Then Jim, the man she met and fell in love with that magical summer, comes back into her life, with a plan to return Casa D'Or to its former glory. Their reunion will stir up old ghosts for both of them, and reveal the dark secrets the house still holds close...

I love Tasmina Perry. She's one of my favourite authors and a great one, because she really knows how to write novels that include it all: a bit of mystery, a captivating plot with an interesting group of characters, and a touch of romance. I am really excited about the release of 'The House on Sunset Lake' on August 25th and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming release: 'The Last Kiss Goodbye' by Tasmina Perry

Everyone remembers their first kiss. But what about the last?

1961. Journalist Rosamund Bailey is ready to change the world. When she meets explorer and man about town Dominic Blake, she realises she has found the love of her life. Just as happiness is in their grasp, the worst happens, and their future is snatched away.

2014. Deep in the vaults of a museum, archivist Abby Morgan stumbles upon a breathtaking find. A faded photograph of a man saying goodbye to the woman he loves. Looking for a way to escape her own heartache, Abby becomes obsessed with the story, little realising that behind the image frozen in time lies a secret altogether more extraordinary.

Sometimes when you only see a book cover or read its description, you just know that you will end up falling in love with it. That's definitely the feeling I have with Tasmina Perry's newest release, 'The Last Kiss Goodbye.' I've loved her previous novels and definitely have really high hopes for this one. It has a great title, a promising story description, and Tasmina Perry's name on the gorgeous cover, so I'll be one of the first people in line to get a copy on the 10th of September!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday - Top 10 'Gateway' Books/Authors in My Reading Journey

'Top Ten Tuesday' is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. Lately I've seen some other book bloggers being quite enthusiastic about this weekly meme, so I decided to join in with the fun and try it out myself as well!  

  Top Ten 'Gateway' Books/Authors in My Reading Journey   Today's Top Ten Tuesday is quite a tricky one, namely ten 'gateway' books/authors in my reading journey; in other words, books or authors that played a specific role in my book-reading life. A book that got me into reading, an author that got me interested in a specific genre... Enough to think about this week, and as I'm writing this I am already quite curious to find out which ten books will eventually make the list!

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1. Jane Austen - 'Pride and Prejudice'

If you know me or visit this blog regularly, I suppose it is no real surprise that this book is number 1 on this list! Jane Austen is one of my all-time favourite authors and I love anything that has to do with her. I remember reading 'Pride and Prejudice' for the first time when I was 15 years old and even though I already loved books before reading this story, it definitely was the start of a new passion for me, a passon for not just Austen herself, but also for English literature in general. I ended up studying English literature for 6 years, and I still think back to my first experience with 'Pride & Prejudice' as a defining moment in my life and my love for books!

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2. Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees - 'The Three Day Rule'

These days my favourite book genre is definitely chick lit, and I still remember the books I read as a teenager that made me more interested in this genre and made me want to read more and more. I used to love Josie Lloyd & Emlyn Rees' books and every time I went to the library and found another one of their novels I was over the moon. I especially remember reading 'The Three Day Rule' and not wanting to put it down until I had finished it!  

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3. Lisa Jewell - 'Vince and Joy'

Another author who played a significant role when I was discovering chick lit as a teenager is Lisa Jewell. I remember getting really excited whenever one of her new books was released, but I especially remember how much I loved and was impressed by her novel 'Vince and Joy.' The pretty cover, the characters, the storyline... The book is a great read and still one of my favourite chick lit novels of all time. The love story at the centre of this book also inspired me to start writing myself, so it still has a special place on my book shelf.

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4. P.L. Travers - 'Mary Poppins'

'Mary Poppins' has been one of my favourite films ever since I was a little girl. I remember wanting nothing more than a British nanny who could fly through the air with an umbrella and jump into chalk drawings on the street. When I was at university, I decided to write an essay about 'Mary Poppins' which is how I ended up actually reading the original books. I discovered that the books written by P.L. Travers are actually really different from the Disney film (some of you might know the whole story behind this, but I won't go into detail about it right now). This reading experience showed me that film adaptations of novels can be completely different from the original book, which is why I always want to read the book on which a particular film I enjoyed is based, whether it's before I see the film or after. So, also a book with a personal story behind it and one that belongs on this list!  

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5. Emily Giffin - 'Something Borrowed'

Another chick lit classic that's still one of my absolute favourites. It encouraged my love for the chick lit genre, but also showed me that you should not judge people without knowing the personal story behind things. In the novel cheating plays a central role, but Emily Giffin really managed to show the other side, of how and why a person decides to cheat. A story that has stayed with me since I read it and one I can't recommend enough to others!  

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6. Tasmina Perry - 'Perfect Strangers'

I used to not like books that dealt with any form of violence or murder or anything along those lines, which is also why I never read detective or action novels. However, last year I was asked to review Tasmina Perry's novel 'Perfect Strangers' which is an example of glamorous and exciting women's fiction in which murder plays a central role. I thoroughly enjoyed this, much more than I initially expected, and since then I've been more open to picking up novels like Tasmina Perry's work and to broaden my horizon a bit besides chick lit.

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7. Nicholas Sparks - 'The Notebook'

Whenever I feel down or need a good dose of romance, I know I can just pick up any Nicholas Sparks novel and it will do the trick. Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors and as a true romantic at heart I love every single one of his love stories. I can't get enough of his work, can't recommend it to others enough, and can't wait until his next releases, so he definitely cannot be left out when it comes to authors who played a significant role on my personal reading journey. 

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8. E.L. James - 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

I was just as curious as a lot of other readers to what all the fuss was about when 'Fifty Shades of Grey' suddenly topped the charts. I decided to give the genre a chance and while I finished all three novels of the Fifty Shades series, I can honestly say erotic fiction just isn't for me. I was somehow captivated by Christian and Ana's story, but I thought the books were too long, not that well-written, and just not that interesting.  

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9. Jonathan Safran Foer - 'Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'

Lots of people think 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' is one of the best books ever written which is also why I decided to pick it up. However, I didn't enjoy the book at all. Up to this very day I still don't understand why people are so incredibly positive and enthusiastic about it. This book showed me that a hype can be built around a specific story, but it can still disappoint you or not be your cup of tea, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's simply part of the reading experience.

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10. Stephenie Meyer - 'Twilight'

I still think 'Twilight', the first part of the incredibly popular series by Stephenie Meyer, is one of the best and most captivating love stories I've read so far in my life. I love Bella and Edward's tale, and this novel really opened my eyes to the Young Adult genre. At first I thought I was a bit too old to enjoy YA, but that's definitely not true and I'm glad this book opened my eyes towards a whole new and thoroughly enjoyable genre.

Which books or authors have played an important role on your reading journey? I'd love to hear from you! :)

Review: 'The Proposal' by Tasmina Perry (2013)

When Amy Carrell's wealthy boyfriend ends their relationship just before Christmas, she's left to nurse her broken heart alone. With nothing to lose, she replies to an advertisement requesting a companion for a mysterious 'Manhattan adventure'. 

Whisked off to New York with eccentric British aristocrat Georgia Hamilton, Amy experiences a glamorous side of the city that she's never seen before. Along the way, Georgia initiates her protegee in the arts of old-school elegance. 

But as Georgia shares her life lessons, Amy discovers a painful secret in her mentor's past. A secret that shattered her future. A story of love and betrayal that only Amy has the power to put right.

When I received a review copy of Tasmina Perry’s latest release, ‘The Proposal’, it felt almost as exciting as getting a beautifully-wrapped gift. The book was tied with a gorgeous blue ribbon, and combined with the lovely cover, it truly felt like an early Christmas present! Next to that, I was excited about being able to read a new novel written by Tasmina Perry, who has definitely become one of my favourite authors during the past year. The blurb of ‘The Proposal’ promises a slightly different read than Tasmina Perry’s usual style, so I was quite curious to start reading!

Amy Carrell is an American dancer who has dreamed of performing on the London West End. However, after an injury, she finds herself spending most of her time auditioning and working as a waitress instead of performing. When her boyfriend Daniel, who in contrast to Amy was born in a wealthy family and has a promising career ahead of him, breaks up with her right before Christmas, Amy is fed up with it all. Longing to visit her family in New York, she reacts to an advertisement of an old lady named Georgia Hamilton who is looking for a companion to join her on a New York adventure. Soon, Amy and Georgia are on their way to New York and as the two spend more time together, Amy learns more about Georgia’s fascinating time as a debutante in the 1950s and her reason for wanting to visit New York for the first time...

The Tasmina Perry novels I’ve read so far could be described as glamorous and mysterious, and revolve around the death of a specific character. ‘The Proposal’ is completely different, which is shown by the cover and blurb, and instead promises a romantic tale perfect for the holidays. One thing the novel has in common with Tasmina Perry’s other books, though, is that it is a brilliant and captivating read. I fell in love with this novel as soon as I had read the first chapter and found myself thoroughly enjoying the journey through modern-day London and New York, and 1950s England. The book included some amazing flashbacks, which tell the story of Georgia’s experiences as a young debutante. I loved how the glamour and feel of old-fashioned times was brought to life, and I felt myself being able to conjure up the image of beautiful ballrooms filled with girls dancing in elegant dresses.

One of the strengths of this novel is definitely the two female characters at the centre of the story: Amy, who is trying to fit in and find her place in the world, and Georgia, who has been through a lot in her life. I loved reading both of their stories, and I really enjoyed the way the novel switched between the modern day and age and the 1950s. Tasmina Perry is a fantastic story teller, and this novel proves that she can do it all, whether it’s a mysterious murder mystery or a lovely warm tale of romance. ‘The Proposal’ is an elegant, fabulous, splendid novel of which I enjoyed every single word, and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a bit of romance. A perfect gift for the holidays!

Rating:9,5/10

Review: 'Deep Blue Sea' by Tasmina Perry (2013)

Beneath the shimmering surface lies a dark secret...

Diana and Julian Denver have the world at their feet. With a blissful marriage, a darling son and beautiful homes in London and the country, Diana's life, to the outside world, is perfect. But nothing is as it seems...

When Julian dies suddenly and tragically, Diana is convinced there is more to it than meets the eye. She calls on the one person she had never wanted to see again - her sister, Rachel.

A former tabloid reporter, Rachel appears to be living the dream as a diving instructor on a Thai island. The truth is she's in exile, estranged from her family and driven from her career by Fleet Street's phone-hacking scandal.

For Rachel, Diana's request opens old wounds. But she is determined to make amends for the past, and embarks on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth - wherever it may lead...

Earlier this year I was introduced to author Tasmina Perry when I got the chance to read and review her novel ‘Perfect Strangers.’ I was instantly taken in by the glamour, intrigue and mysteriousness of this book, and was quite curious to read more of her work. During the summer of 2013, ‘Deep Blue Sea’ was released and I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of the novel. I was really looking forward to picking up this book and discovering more about Tasmina Perry’s writing, hoping I would enjoy the novel just as much as I enjoyed ‘Perfect Strangers’!

To strangers it might seem that Diana and Julian Denver lead the perfect life: they are happily married, have a son whom they both adore, and lead a luxurious lifestyle which offers them anything they could possibly wish for. Yet, when Julian is unexpectedly discovered dead in their Notting Hill home, Diana’s life is turned upside down. Amidst all the chaos, there is one thing she knows for sure: Julian would never have taken his own life. Even though they haven’t spoken to one another in years, Diana decides to contact the person who will certainly be able to help her, her sister Rachel. Rachel used to be a tabloid reporter, but after being involved in a phone hacking scandal, she was forced to give up her career. She now lives in Thailand, where she runs a diving school together with her business partner Liam, but when Diana phones she know she’ll do whatever she can to help to uncover the mystery surrounding Julian’s death. 

Once again, Tasmina Perry did not disappoint. ‘Deep Blue Sea’ is an intriguing novel that had me guessing and wanting more from its very first chapters. A great mix of characters (I specifically loved Rachel and Diana, and how their relationship as sisters develops throughout the novel), lots of intriguing twists and turns, and the fabulous scene setting (the reader is taken to all kinds of places all over the world, and I personally straight away fell in love with Diana and Julian’s amazing houses in the countryside and London) define Tasmina Perry’s own unique style; a style I have definitely come to love after reading two of her novels.

I really like it when a book manages to grip you, makes you want to know the truth, and doesn’t allow you to put the novel down until you have discovered all the details and solved the mystery. However, the fact that Tasmina Perry not only focuses on suspense, but also adds a layer of romance to her stories, once again adds to her own personal writing style and makes me appreciate her work even more. ‘Deep Blue Sea’ is a highly addictive, glamorous, and intriguing read which will have you guessing until the end and undoubtedly longing for more! 

Rating:8,5/10       

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

I already told you about some fabulous releases that are coming up at the start of July. However, next month has even more lovely reads to offer, as you can read below!

Judy Astley - 'In the Summertime' (4th of July 2013)

It's twenty years since Miranda, then sixteen, holidayed in Cornwall and her life changed forever. Now she's back again - with her mother Clare and the ashes of her stepfather Jack, whose wish was to be scattered on the sea overlooked by their one-time holiday home.

The picturesque cove seems just the same as ever, but the people are different - more smart incomers,fewer locals, more luxury yachts in the harbour. But Miranda and Clare both find some strangely familiar faces, and revisit the emotions they both thought had disappeared.

Why so excited? --> I'll be going on holiday to Cornwall this summer, for the first time, so the fact that this book is set there, already sparked my interest! I love the beachy/summery feel of the cover, and I'm pretty sure Judy Astley won't disappoint!

Alison Jameson - 'Little Beauty' (4th of July 2013)

1975: Laura Quinn has spent her life on the remote and beautiful Inis Miol Mor - Whale Island- off the west coast of Ireland. After the death of her parents, and faced with the continuing reluctance of her lover, Martin, to marry her, she realizes she needs to leave the island for her life really to begin. She accepts a job as a housekeeper with a wealthy couple on the mainland. But a year later, Laura is back, and this time she is not alone. She has at last found the love of her life: a baby son named Matthew. But what sort of life can an unmarried mother have on a remote Irish island in the 1970s? In this complex situation is revealed a picture of a tightly knit community where Laura inevitably comes under pressure to conform to the rules of society.

Why so excited? --> I really love the cover of this novel, it's so cute! I'm quite curious to read this one, because it is set in the 70's (I haven't read many novels set in this particular decade, which might be an interesting switch to another time), and Laura's story already fascinates me. The island and trying to conform to the rules of the society Laura finds herself in... Look forward to checking this one out!

Gemma Burgess - 'Brooklyn Girls' (4th of July 2013)

Pia is living the dream: fresh out of college and sharing a house in Brooklyn with her best friends. So why is everything so complicated?

A drunken indiscretion has led to the loss of her boring office job, while her love life is a dizzy mess of accidental hook-ups and heartbreak...

Her parents don't trust her and, if she doesn't sort her life out soon, they're going to make her move back in with them...

But all that's nothing compared to the kind of trouble she's about to face.

At least she can rely on her friends - Coco, Angie, Julia and Madeleine. But how much can she really expect them to put up with?

Why so excited? --> The New Adult genre seems to become more popular with the minute, or am I the only one constantly coming across this term?! 'Brooklyn Girls' sounds like a lot of fun; I love novels about twenty-somethings who are still figuring out what they want in life, and all the drama that comes with it! Can't wait to pick up my own copy of this!

Claire Garber - 'Love is a Thief' (5th of July 2013)

What did you miss out on because you fell in love?

I might just be ‘that’ girl. You know the one. The girl who, for no particular reason, doesn’t get the guy, doesn’t have children, doesn’t get the romantic happy ever after. So I needed to come up with a plan.

What did I like doing? What didn’t I get to do because I fell in love? What would I be happy spending the rest of my life doing if love never showed up again?

Kate Winters is going on a journey to do all the things that love has snatched from her and her friends, to reclaim her dreams and theirs in the hope of finding her future. But there’s a chance that new dreams are better than the old…

Why so excited? --> I really like the description of this novel; it sounds like something different, something that hasn't been done before. Next to that, I've only heard lovely things about this novel from other reviewers, so I'll definitely give this a chance! 

Rebecca Farnworth - 'Swimming Pool Summer' (18th of July 2013)

Frankie hasn't had a proper relationship for years. But though she tells everyone this is how she wants it, but secretly she's in love with her best friend Patrick.

Tor didn't think she could have a baby, but now she is pregnant by her younger lover. Could this mean the end of a romance that has started to mean more to her than she expected?

Leila seems to have it all - a happy marriage, a beautiful daughter and a successful career. But Leila is harbouring a secret that could destroy her marriage forever.

On an idyllic Greek island, the three women try to keep their secrets hidden. But emotions are running high, and when an unexpected guest arrives, events start to spin out of control.

Why so excited? --> Okay, if this doesn't sound like the perfect summer holiday read, then I don't know what does! As the cover says: 'three women, three secrets, one holiday'... I'm intrigued and look forward to reading more about Frankie, Tor and Leila and their holiday on a Greek island.

Lisa Jewell - 'The House We Grew Up In' (18th of July 2013)

Meet the Bird Family:

All four children have an idyllic childhood: a picture-book cottage in a country village, a warm, cosy kitchen filled with love and laughter, sun-drenched afternoons in a rambling garden. But one Easter weekend a tragedy strikes the Bird family that is so devastating that, almost imperceptibly, it begins to tear them apart.

The years pass and the children become adults and begin to develop their own quite separate lives. Soon it's almost as though they've never been a family at all. Almost. But not quite.

Because something has happened that will call them home, back to the house they grew up in - and to what really happened that Easter weekend all those years ago.

Why so excited? --> I absolutely adore Lisa Jewell's novels. Her stories always have something special and  it sounds like 'The House We Grew Up In' won't disappoint! I'm already fascinated by the Bird Family and this particular event that happened in their family home. Without a doubt, I know this will be a good read I'll be recommending to others!

Tasmina Perry - Deep Blue Sea (18th of July 2013)

Beneath the shimmering surface lies a dark secret...

Diana and Julian Denver have the world at their feet. With a blissful marriage, a darling son and beautiful homes in London and the country, Diana's life, to the outside world, is perfect. But nothing is as it seems... 

When Julian dies suddenly and tragically, Diana is convinced there is more to it than meets the eye. She calls on the one person she had never wanted to see again - her sister, Rachel.

A former tabloid reporter, Rachel appears to be living the dream as a diving instructor on a Thai island. The truth is she's in exile, estranged from her family and driven from her career by Fleet Street's phone-hacking scandal. 

For Rachel, Diana's request opens old wounds. But she is determined to make amends for the past, and embarks on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth - wherever it may lead...

Why so excited? --> I read my first Tasmina Perry novel a couple of months ago ('Perfect Strangers') and I really liked it. Her novels are filled with glamour, mystery and intrigue, and it sounds like 'Deep Blue Sea' will fit these keywords perfectly. 

Lots of exciting releases coming up in the month of July! Which ones will you be picking up?

Review: 'Perfect Strangers' by Tasmina Perry (2012)

Just an innocent invitation...

When Sophie Ellis is asked to house-sit at a luxurious Knightsbridge townhouse, it appears to be the offer of a lifetime. Drawn into the glittering circle of the home's owner, she meets wealthy American businessman Nick Cooper and is swept up into a thrilling and passionate affair. 

But when Nick is found dead in his hotel suite, Sophie is suddenly the prime suspect for his murder, and soon realises Nick was not the man he seemed. Racing to find the truth and clear her name, Sophie must elude not only the authorities but also a group of dangerous players who believe Sophie has something that they want. And who won't stop until she's caught...

I am a true sucker for romance and happy endings; have been for as long as I can remember. This becomes instantly apparent from my favourite books and films: all of them have to do with love and, most importantly, have that happily ever after some people find too unrealistic or predictable. I know precisely why these are the kind of tales I love to lose myself in: I want to find that kind of happiness in my life, and I thoroughly enjoy reading about other people’s (even if they are just fictional characters) roads to their own happy endings. Why would I want to read about murder, financial troubles, war...? There’s already enough trouble in this world, so in that little corner of my mind there’s simply not allowed to be any. So, when I received this review copy of Tasmina Perry’s novel ‘Perfect Strangers’ from the lovely people at Headline, I at first wasn’t completely sure whether this novel would be something I’d enjoy. How wrong was I!

Sophie Ellis is a rich Chelsea socialite who seems to have it all. However, when her family loses all their money and her father suddenly dies of a heart-attack, Sophie’s life changes significantly. She decides to pick up the pieces and go on as quick as possible, so when she is asked to house-sit for a new friend in Knightsbridge, she gladly accepts. At a glamorous party she meets handsome stranger Nick Cooper with whom she starts a passionate love affair. Yet, when Sophie finds Nick’s lifeless body in the shower one morning and she is automatically considered one of the main murder suspects, her life is once again turned upside down. This time, however, it turns out to be slightly more difficult to find her way out...

I hadn’t read a novel by Tasmina Perry before, and I was pleasantly surprised. From the first couple of pages I was captivated by the story and its exciting and intriguing plot. Who killed Nick, and why? What was going to happen to Sophie? I didn’t want to put the novel down, and all the twists and turns which I seriously did not see coming only strengthened this longing to keep on reading. I really liked Sophie; she isn’t your average Chelsea girl, which becomes clear from the start. She is thrown into a situation no one wants to find themselves in and I think it is very impressive how she deals with everything that is going on in her life. I adore fictional heroines who are strong, know how to take care of themselves and want to do the right thing; Sophie fits this picture perfectly. I found myself rooting for her straight away and hoping she would be able to find the real killer and go on with her life. 

Tasmina Perry turns out to be one of those authors I have definitely been missing out on. Even though I initially thought this novel might not be the kind of thing I would like, I found out that chick lits with a touch of crime might after all be books I can really enjoy and get lost in. ‘Perfect Strangers’ encompasses a great mix of mystery, excitement, drama and a touch of romance and keeps on throwing new twists and turns your way. If you’re looking for a novel that includes both glamour and intrigue, then be sure to pick up this book. I certainly can’t wait to get my hands on the next Tasmina Perry novel!

Rating:

8/10