Review: 'A Special Delivery' by Clare Dowling (2014)

Every family has its ups and downs...
Aisling Brady is miserable. So is her husband Mossy. The three kids are too. Yet nobody dares say a thing. Instead the Bradys keep their heads down and grimly look forward to another miserable Christmas in Dublin. 
What Aisling doesn't know is that this year, they will get the most unexpected gift of all. One that will bring joy and heartbreak, hope and a string of sleepless nights. 
As their world is turned upside down, questions have to be asked. But are the Bradys ready to face the truth about themselves? And what each of them has done?
Earlier this year I read my first Clare Dowling novel, 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' (click here to read my review). I really enjoyed the book; I liked Clare's writing style and was gripped by the plotline. I've more than once seen her novels described as chick lit with a twist, and based on just the one novel I read, I agree with that description. I was curious to try another Clare Dowling novel and thankfully, the lovely Clare herself was so kind to send me a copy of her latest release, 'A Special Delivery.' I instantly looked forward to reading it with the hope I'd enjoy it as much as 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You'!
Just like your average family, the Brady's, consisting of Aisling and Mossy and their four children, have had their fair share of both good and bad times. This Christmas falls into the latter category, and it will take a lot to get rid of the tension and painful memories that haunt mainly Aisling. The distraction they are looking for eventually comes, but in a completely unexpected way, when they find an actual baby in the crib that's part of the nativity scene built in their front yard. It's unclear who has left the child with the Brady's, but it doesn't take long before questions are answered and truths revealed...
I expected to really enjoy this book, after having read my first Clare Dowling novel earlier this year, and it certainly did not disappoint. The start of the story included some mysterious elements in which the reader can sense something is definitely not right with this family, but it takes a bit of time before certain things are revealed. I don't want to give too much of the story away, so I won't go into the details, but I personally really enjoyed the guessing and trying to fit the pieces of the puzzle. The story was realistic, including quite some serious and intense topics like unplannend pregnancy, drug abuse and family relationships, which Clare Dowling deals with in a gripping and lifelike manner.
I loved how strong and distinctive the different characters in the book are. Aisling is willing to do everything she can to keep her family together; Mossy is the brooding silent type whose thoughts you just have to guess. I also warmed to the Brady children and their different personalities, and the character of Nicola is incredibly well-written as well. It took a bit of time for me to get really into this novel, but as soon as I did I couldn't stop reading until I had figured it all out. ‘A Special Delivery’ is a captivating tale about the importance and complexities of family; definitely recommended to those who are looking for chick lit with a twist!  Rating:

8/10

  For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads     Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Upcoming Release: 'Two Weddings and a Baby' by Scarlett Bailey

Tamsyn appears to have it all. A lush apartment in Paris, a job working at the best design agency and a hot boyfriend - albeit a secret one.
But after five years away she's back to her quiet hometown to celebrate her brother's wedding. Cue a flood, the discovery of a mystery newborn and the impossible task of rustling up a wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses in only a few days.
And then there's Jed Edwards, the attractive priest, whom she can't help but keep running into. Suddenly Poldore is looking a lot more appealing than her glamourous life in Paris. But will she have enough faith to risk it all on someone she just met?
On the 19th of June, Scarlett Bailey, who is mainly known for her fabulously sparkling Christmas novels, will treat us all to a lovely summer read! 'Two Weddings and a Baby' tells the story of Tamsyn, who already sounds like a great heroine, who goes back to her quiet hometown for her brother's wedding. I'm already excited to read what Tamsyn will find back in Poldore, and discover a bit more about the handsome priest mentioned in the blurb!
You can pre-order your own copy on Amazon now by clicking here!

Review: 'Perfect Wives' by Emma Hannigan (2014)

When actress Jodi Ludlum returns to the Dublin village of Bakers Valley to raise her young son, she's determined to shield him from the media glare that follows her in LA. But coming home means leaving her husband behind - and waking old ghosts... 
Francine Hennessy was born and raised in Bakers Valley. To all appearances, she is the model wife, mother, home-maker and career woman. But, behind closed doors, Francine's life is crumbling around her. 
As Jodi struggles to conceal her secrets and Francine faces some shocking news, the two become unlikely confidants. Suddenly having the perfect life seems less important than finding friendship, and the perfect place to belong...
On the 10th of April, ‘Perfect Wives’ by Emma Hannigan was released in the UK; the perfect timing for such a lovely Spring cover! I was introduced to Emma Hannigan’s writing when I received a copy of her novel ‘Driving Home For Christmas’ at the end of 2013. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, both the plotline and writing style were wonderful (click here to read my review), which is why I was really enthusiastic when I unexpectedly found a review copy of ‘Perfect Wives’ on my doormat! I immediately loved the colourful and bright cover, and the blurb promises an intriguing story I was quite curious to check out.
World-famous actress Jodi Ludlum has decided to go back to her roots and moves into a small cottage in Irish town Bakers Valley to raise her young son Saul. Even though this means they are far away from the always present paparazzi, they are also far from Jodi’s loving husband Darius who is also a famous actor. In the same village, Francine Hennessy is trying to live up to her reputation as the perfect wife, a great mother to her 4 children, and a successful business woman, with even time to spare to bake the most delicious treats.  However, both Jodi and Francine’s lives are not as perfect as they might seem on the outside and slowly things are getting out of control. It won’t take long before their secrets come out, and unexpectedly the two women find each other to get through the difficult times that are ahead. 
Emma Hannigan is an amazing storyteller and just like with her previous novel ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, I was swept up by the storyline and its characters after having read the first chapter. The novel focuses on two female protagonists who are completely different from one another but are dealing with the same problem: trying to uphold an image as a perfect woman. I instantly liked Jodi while it took me a bit longer to warm to Francine, who comes across as a bit shallow at the start, but this quickly changed as the reader gets to know more about her life and feelings. The book deals with a really relevant issue, namely how women are expected to be perfect wives and mothers and how they try to uphold this image to the public eye. I think many readers will be able to relate to either Jodi or Francine, just like I did even though I’m not a famous actress or a mother of four children.
Next to two great leading ladies, numerous fun and interesting supporting characters add their own touch to the story such as Saul (Jodi’s little boy, who is just the sweetest thing), Jodi’s handsome husband Darius, and Francine’s realistic family consisting of her husband and their four children. The book was really well-paced, the chapters were not too short and not too long, just right, and as I said before, I just love Emma Hannigan’s captivating writing style. Overall, ‘Perfect Wives’ is a heart-warming, delightful read and I already can’t wait to pick up Emma’s next release, ‘Summer Guests’! Rating:

9/10

  For more information about this book:  Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads       Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.