Upcoming Release: 'See You in September' by Charity Norman

Cassy smiled, blew them a kiss. 'See you in September,' she said. It was a throwaway line. Just words uttered casually by a young woman in a hurry. And then she'd gone. It was supposed to be a short trip - a break in New Zealand before her best friend's wedding. But when Cassy waved goodbye to her parents, they never dreamed that it would be years before they'd see her again. Having broken up with her boyfriend, Cassy accepts an invitation to stay in an idyllic farming collective. Overcome by the peace and beauty of the valley and swept up in the charisma of Justin, the community's leader, Cassy becomes convinced that she has to stay. As Cassy becomes more and more entrenched in the group's rituals and beliefs, her frantic parents fight to bring her home - before Justin's prophesied Last Day can come to pass.
I've had the pleasure of reading several of Charity Norman's novels during the past few years and I love her stories. She has such a compelling writing style and her stories never disappoint. They always make me think about different topics and issues, and tug on my heartstrings. I already am intrigued by the description of 'See You in September' and I am pretty sure this will be another great and captivating read by this author... Fingers crossed it will live up to my expectations!

Upcoming Release: 'Four Bridesmaids and a White Wedding' by Fiona Collins

Don’t tell the bride!
Rose, Sal and JoJo have been looking forward to their best friend Wendy’s hen party for ages. A relaxing spa break is the perfect way to escape their crazy careers, grumpy husbands and stroppy children – even if the groom’s straight-laced sister, Tamsin, is coming too.
Until they realise that there’s been a mistake in the booking and instead of sipping prosecco in fluffy white dressing gowns they’re off to bridesmaid bootcamp!
Squeezing themselves reluctantly into tiny shorts and sliding through the mud, it’s only a matter of time before secrets emerge that could change everything…
Forget about saving the date, these four bridesmaids need to save the day – otherwise will there even be a white wedding at all?
I love myself some wedding lit; I will definitely check out any book that's a combination of chick lit and weddings, there are hardly any exceptions...! Combined with a lovely author such as Fiona Collins, you can certainly count me in which is why I'm really excited about the upcoming release of her 'Four Bridesmaids and a White Wedding.' This promises to be a great read, whether you're in need of something to distract you from your busy times at work or something to relax with in the Spring sunshine... This is on my April to-read list and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! 

Upcoming Release: 'Slightly South of Simple' by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Caroline Murphy swore she’d never set foot back in the small Southern town of Peachtree Bluff; she was a New York girl born and bred and the worst day of her life was when, in the wake of her father’s death, her mother selfishly forced her to move—during her senior year of high school, no less—back to that hick-infested rat trap where she'd spent her childhood summers. But now that her marriage to a New York high society heir has fallen apart in a very public, very embarrassing fashion, a pregnant Caroline decides to escape the gossipmongers with her nine-year-old daughter and head home to her mother, Ansley.

Ansley has always put her three daughters first, especially when she found out that her late husband, despite what he had always promised, left her with next to nothing. Now the proud owner of a charming waterfront design business and finally standing on her own two feet, Ansley welcomes Caroline and her brood back with open arms. But when her second daughter Sloane, whose military husband is overseas, and youngest daughter and successful actress Emerson join the fray, Ansley begins to feel like the piece of herself she had finally found might be slipping from her grasp. Even more discomfiting, when someone from her past reappears in Ansley's life, the secret she’s harbored from her daughters their entire lives might finally be forced into the open.

I've had the pleasure of reading both of Kristy Woodson Harvey's novels up until now. Both 'Dear Carolina' and 'Lies and Other Acts of Love' were great books filled with that distinctive southern touch that comes with the author's writing, and I am really excited that Kristy's third novel, 'Slightly South of Simple' (a fantastic title, I love it), will be released this week, on the 25th of April to be exact. I have a feeling this is going to be her best one yet, and I honestly can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the book!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

 

Upcoming Release: 'The A to Z of Everything' by Debbie Johnson

P is for Paris where it all began. J is for Jealousy where it all came undone. But the most important letter is F. F is for Forgiveness, the hardest of all.

Sisters Poppy and Rose used to be as close as two sisters could be, but it’s been over a decade since they last spoke. Until they both receive a call that tells them their mother has gone – without ever having the chance to see her daughters reunited.

Andrea, though, wasn’t the kind of woman to let a little thing like death stand in the way of her plans. Knowing her daughters better than they know themselves, she has left behind one very special last gift – the A-Z of Everything.

On the 20th of April we are going to be treated to something quite amazing; I can feel it. Over the past few years I've fallen in love with author Debbie Johnson and her novels. Her stories are the best; they always make me feel good, leave me with a smile on my face, and have me craving for more, so I don't even know where to start to explain how excited I am about this new novel of hers. 'The A to Z of Everything' sounds like a fantastic read already and I've only seen the book description and book cover (which is gorgeous, by the way)... Can't WAIT!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'The Choir on Hope Street' by Annie Lyons

The best things in life happen when you least expect them.
Nat’s husband has just said the six words no one wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you any more’.
Caroline’s estranged mother has to move into her house turning her perfectly ordered world upside down.
Living on the same street these two women couldn’t be more different. Until the beloved local community centre is threatened with closure. And when the only way to save it is to form a community choir – none of the Hope Street residents, least of all Nat and Caroline, expect the results…
Later this week, on the 6th of April to be exact, we will be treated to a new book release which I am personally really excited about! Annie Lyons' new novel 'The Choir on Hope Street' promises to be a simply lovely and hope-filled read that I can't wait to pick up. I'm lucky enough to have a review copy of the book waiting for me, so I'm already keeping my fingers crossed that I will end up enjoying this book as much as I am secretly hoping I will...!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'The Woman Who Met Her Match' by Fiona Gibson

What if your first love came back on the scene... 30 years later?
After yet another disaster, Lorrie is calling time on online dating. She might be single in her forties, but she’s got a good job, wonderful children and she’s happy. This, Lorrie decides, is going to have to be enough.
That is, until she receives a very unexpected request from France. Antoine Rousseau, who had once turned a lonely French exchange trip into a summer of romance, wants to see her – after thirty years.
But Lorrie is a responsible woman. She can’t exactly run off to Nice with the man who broke her teenage heart...can she?
I'm really excited to see Fiona Gibson is treating us to sparkling new novel next month! I've had the pleasure of reading several of Fiona's reads over the years and I always enjoy her stories. 'The Woman Who Met Her Match' sounds like another promising and enjoyable read and it's definitely a title I've added to my wish list. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on a copy as soon as possible, because I'm really excited to give this one a shot!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'Miss Mary's Book of Dreams' by Sophie Nicholls

In historic York, Ella seems to have the perfect life. She's a published author, her bookshop is thriving, she's married to the man of her dreams and they've started a family of their own. 

But Ella is struggling. Motherhood isn't quite everything she imagined it to be, and she's worried that there may be cracks in her marriage. 
On the other side of the Atlantic, despite endless blue skies and a stream of eager customers in her vintage dress shop, Ella's mother Fabia finds that life in San Diego is not enough for her. She misses York, and can sense that Ella needs her, so she flies home. 
And this is when they meet Bryony. With a complicated life and secrets of her own, Bryony may have some of the answers they're looking for. 
Can Ella and Fabia help her find her way, whilst also working out how to find their own happily ever after?
On the 23rd of March author Sophie Nicholls' exciting new novel 'Miss Mary's Book of Dreams' will be released! I've had the pleasure of reading 'The Dress', which I thought was a fabulous read, so I'm definitely curious to see what else Sophie Nicholls has in store for us. I have to say I already love the cover for this new book and think the description sounds very promising. Definitely at the top of my wish list for this month and I can't wait to sit down with this lovely novel myself!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'There's Something about Cornwall' by Daisy James

A knight in a shining camper van!

Life is far from picture perfect for food photographer, Emilie Roberts. Not only has her ex-boyfriend cheated on her, he’s also stolen her dream assignment to beautiful Venice! Instead, Emilie is heading to the wind-swept Cornish coast…
Emilie doesn’t think it can get any worse – until disaster strikes on the very first day! And there’s only one man to rescue this damsel in distress: extremely hunky surfing instructor, Matt Ashby.
Racing from shoot to shoot in a bright orange vintage camper van, Matt isn’t the conventional knight in shining armour – but can he make all of Emilie’s fairy tale dreams come true?
I really enjoyed Daisy James' previous stories and am really excited to have another one of her fun and romantic novels to look forward to this month! Tomorrow, 8 March, her book 'There's Something about Cornwall' will be released and besides a lovely cover, the description also promises an entertaining story. I can't wait to pick this up and hope I will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Daisy's other novels, if not more...!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'The Kicking the Bucket List' by Cathy Hopkins

Meet the daughters of Iris Parker. Dee; sensitive and big-hearted; Rose uptight and controlled and Fleur the reckless free spirit.
At the reading of their mother’s will, the three estranged women are aghast to discover that their inheritance comes with strings attached. If they are to inherit her wealth, they must spend a series of weekends together over the course of a year and carry out their mother’s ‘bucket list’.
But one year doesn’t seem like nearly enough time for them to move past the decades-old layers of squabbles and misunderstandings. Can they grow up for once and see that Iris’ bucket list was about so much more than money…
March has quite a number of promising book releases in store for us, and one of them is definitely Cathy Hopkins' 'The Kicking the Bucket List'. I was immediately intrigued by the title of this novel, and after reading the book description I straight away added it to my to-read list. I have to admit the fact that one of my favourite authors, Lucy Diamond, had some great things to say about this novel definitely also made me want to pick this up... So, fingers crossed I'll end up enjoying it as much as I hope I will!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Cover Reveal: 'The Secrets of Ivy Garden' by Catherine Ferguson

I'm really excited to be part of a big cover reveal today for a book that already sounds and looks quite amazing...! I've had the pleasure of reading several of author Catherine Ferguson's reads up until now, most recently 'Four Weddings' and a Fiasco', which was a brilliant novel, and I am really looking forward to picking up her next book, 'The Secrets of Ivy Garden'! So, without further ado, please check out the gorgeous book cover below:

  When Holly breaks up with her boyfriend Dean, she’s at a loss as to what to do next. But things go from bad to worse when her beloved grandmother Ivy dies – and Holly is left in charge of sorting out Ivy’s house and garden. As she sorts through her grandmother’s belongings and makes her way through the wilderness outside, Holly soon finds that there is more to Ivy than meets the eye, and uncovers a surprising family secret that changes everything…
This is a heart-warming and hilarious story from Catherine Ferguson about starting over, learning to garden and most of all learning to love.
The novel will be released in e-book form on 3rd April, so be sure to note that date down on your schedules and start counting down the days...!

Upcoming Release: 'City of Friends' by Joanna Trollope

She glanced at her phone again. There were appeals from the girls, from her colleagues, a text from Steve reading with uncharacteristic imperiousness, 'Call me.' She couldn't. She couldn't call anyone ...She leaned forward, gripping the edge of the bench, and stared at the ground. God, she thought, am I losing my mind? Is this what happens when you lose your job? 

The day Stacey Grant loses her job feels like the last day of her life. Or at least, the only life she'd ever known. For who was she if not a City high-flyer, Senior Partner at one of the top private equity firms in London? As Stacey starts to reconcile her old life with the new - one without professional achievements or meetings, but instead, long days at home with her dog and ailing mother, waiting for her successful husband to come home - she at least has The Girls to fall back on. Beth, Melissa and Gaby. The girls, now women, had been best friends from the early days of university right through their working lives, and for all the happiness and heartbreaks in between. But these career women all have personal problems of their own, and when Stacey's redundancy forces a betrayal to emerge that was supposed to remain secret, their long cherished friendships will be pushed to their limits ...

February has quite a few exciting book releases in store for us this year and one of the novels I am personally most excited about picking up is Joanna Trollope's 'City of Friends'! I've had the pleasure of reading one of Joanna Trollope's novels, namely her adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Sense and Sensibility', and I really enjoyed that one, and it definitely made me curious to check out more of her work. So, when I heard about 'City of Friends' I knew this would be the perfect opportunity to do just that. I'm already quite intrigued by the book blurb and I like the cover, so fingers crossed it will turn out to be another great read...!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'My Not So Perfect Life' by Sophie Kinsella

Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.
OK, so the truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn’t really hers. 
But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren’t they?
Until her not-so-perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie’s hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business. 
Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams - or try to get her job back? Does Demeter – the woman who has everything – actually have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems. 
And what’s wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?
I'm pretty sure any chick lit fan out there is aware that Sophie Kinsella will be releasing a sparkling new novel in February. 'My Not So Perfect Life' already sounds like an incredibly promising read and I really can't wait to check it out myself. I've always loved Sophie Kinsella's novels and it's great to have a completely new story waiting for us this February... I have a feeling it's going to be a great one! 

January Release: 'White Lies and Wishes' by Cathy Bramley!

What happens when what you wish for is only half the story...?
Flirtatious, straight-talking Jo Gold says she’s got no time for love; she’s determined to save her family’s failing footwear business. 
New mother Sarah Hudson has cut short her maternity leave to return to work. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to make partner at the accountancy firm. 
Bored, over-eating housewife Carrie Radley says she just wants to shift the pounds – she’d love to finally wear a bikini in public. 
The unlikely trio meet by chance one winter’s day, and in a moment of ‘Carpe Diem’ madness, embark on a mission to make their wishes come true by September. 
Easy. At least it would be, if they hadn’t been just the teensiest bit stingy with the truth…
With hidden issues, hidden talents, and hidden demons to overcome, new friends Jo, Carrie and Sarah must admit to what they really, really want, if they are ever to get their happy endings.
Oh, I absolutely love the fact that 2017 is kicking off in such a fantastic way when it comes to the January book releases. I absolutely love Cathy Bramley and I'm SO excited that this very first month of the year brings a completely new novel written by her! 'White Lies and Wishes' promises to be a lovely chick lit read and I really can't wait to dive into this story and learn more about Jo, Sarah and Carrie!

January Release: 'The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even?' by Anna Bell

When Lexi's sport-mad boyfriend Will skips her friend's wedding to watch football - after pretending to have food poisoning - it might just be the final whistle for their relationship.
But fed up of just getting mad, Lexi decides to even the score. And, when a couple of lost tickets and an 'accidentally' broken television lead to them spending extra time together, she's delighted to realise that revenge might be the best thing that's happened to their relationship.
And if her clever acts of sabotage prove to be a popular subject for her blog, what harm can that do? It's not as if he'll ever find out...
I love Anna Bell. Her chick lit reads are some of the best around and most recently I fell in love with her novel 'The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart' (click here to read my review). I'm really excited Anna is releasing a completely new novel this January and 'The Good Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Even' already sounds and looks like a brilliant read. I honestly can't wait to check this out and I can highly recommend any of Anna's novels to all chick lit fans out there. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! 

January Release: 'The House of New Beginnings' by Lucy Diamond

Number 11, Dukes Square, looks just like the other houses on the Brighton seafront: a Regency terrace with elegant sash windows, a winding staircase, and post piled up in the hall for its tenants. It might be part of the city's history, but it's also a place of brand new beginnings.
Georgie has followed her childhood sweetheart to Brighton but is determined to carve out a career for herself in journalism. Throwing herself into the city's delights is fun and exciting, but before she knows it, she's sliding into all kinds of trouble...
Charlotte's in the city for a new start, hoping to keep her head down and somehow get over the heartbreaking loss she's suffered in the past. But Margot, the stylish old lady on the top floor, has other ideas. Like it or not, Charlotte must confront the outside world, and the possibilities it still holds.
A terrible revelation sent Rosa running from London to start again as a sous chef. The work is gruelling and thankless but it's a distraction at least...until she comes up against the stroppy teenager next door who challenges her on her lifestyle choices. What if Rosa's passion for food could lead her to more interesting places?
As the three tenants find each other, it's as if a whole new chapter of their lives has begun.
I've had the pleasure of reading several of author Lucy Diamond's novels in the past and I've loved every single one of them. Her stories are always heartwarming and a true joy to read, and I'm incredibly excited that 2017 is starting with a lovely new release by Lucy! I think 'The House of New Beginnings' already sounds like an incredibly promising read and I can't wait to pick it up and check it out myself as soon as possible!

Upcoming Release: 'A Year and a Day' by Isabelle Broom

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again...
For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault...
For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past...
Three different women.
Three intertwining love stories.
One unforgettable, timeless city.
On the 17th of November Isabelle Broom's new novel 'A Year and a Day' will be released and it's a book I can't wait to pick up myself. I actually just visited Prague for work (and unfortunately didn't get to see that much of the city) and can imagine that this city is the backdrop to a lovely winter-themed novel. The description promises a fascinating story focusing on three different characters, so more than enough to keep us readers interested. I'm incredibly curious to read more about Megan, Hope and Sophie and have a feeling this Isabelle Broom book is going to be a good one!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'The Dress' by Jane L. Rosen!

Legend has it that every season there is one dress. The dress that can make your career, ignite a spark with that special someone, or utterly transform your life. For Felicia, who has been in love with her boss for 20 years; for Natalie who has sworn off men since her ex dumped her – for them and for others, life is about to change. 
And all because of their brush with the dress of the season, the perfect little black number that everyone wants to get their hands on…
Next week I am honoured to be part of the blog tour for quite a special release, if I may say so myself, namely Jane L. Rosen's 'The Dress'! I was provided with a review copy of the book and actually just finished it and loved everything about it. I can't wait to share my review next week and see all the other posts that will be part of the blog tour... Definitely one to add to your wishlist if you're a chick lit fan, you'll love this one, I'm sure!
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Exciting Release: 'Mistletoe on 34th Street' by Lisa Dickenson!

Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her co-workers are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in The Big Apple.
John, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is so upset and is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when she adds handsome New Yorker Elijah into the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As December 25th draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?
I'm so incredibly excited that we are being treated to a sparkling new Lisa Dickenson read this month! I've had the absolute pleasure of reading all of Lisa's works so far and fell in love with her writing when I first read her debut novel 'The Twelve Dates of Christmas' a few years ago. She now has a completely new festive novel to share with all of us and I honestly can't wait to read 'Mistletoe on 34th Street.' I love the cover and the book description and I just know this book will be one of my 2016 Christmas favourites... CAN'T WAIT! 
Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

New Release: 'Lizzie's Christmas Escape' by Christie Barlow

Every Christmas Lizzie promises herself that things will change and she will leap into the new year a new woman. And yet here she is again, at the beginning of December and nothing is different. Her girls have grown up and left home, her husband Henry is slumped in front of the TV and she is alone in the kitchen, seeking refuge in the cooking sherry and talking to her Gary Barlow calendar. She’s also been very diverted by handsome new neighbour Marcus and she knows she shouldn’t be …

So when best friend Ann suggests a weekend away in the country, Lizzie jumps at the chance. Will this Christmas escape give Lizzie some much needed perspective and allow her to mend her marriage? Or will Marcus prove to be too much of a distraction?

Yesterday, on 21 October, Christie Barlow's latest novel 'Lizzie's Christmas Escape' was released and it's an October release I can't wait to pick up myself. I really enjoyed Christie Barlow's novel 'Kitty's Countryside Dream' and have been looking forward to picking up another one of her books. Next to that, this book has just a lovely festive cover and I can't wait to dive into this year's Christmas novels... Definitely at the top of my October wishlist!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Upcoming Release: 'Searching for a Silver Lining' by Miranda Dickinson

It began with a promise...

Matilda Bell is left heartbroken when she falls out with her beloved grandfather just before he dies. Haunted by regret, she makes a promise that will soon change everything...

When spirited former singing star Reenie Silver enters her life, Mattie seizes the opportunity to make amends. Together, Mattie and Reenie embark on an incredible journey that will find lost friends, uncover secrets from the glamorous 1950s and put right a sixty-year wrong.

On 20 October we are all being treated to something quite special; and it's something I am personally really excited about. I love Miranda Dickinson; she has been one of my favourite authors for years and I always pick up anything with her name on it. 'Search for a Silver Lining' already sounds like another magical and simply stunning read and it's definitely one of the Autumn 2016 releases I am most excited about reading. I can't wait to get my own copy and highly recommend any chick lit fan out there to add this to their wishlist straight away!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads