Review: 'Those Secrets We Keep' by Emily Liebert (2015)

Three women. Three lives. Three secrets.
On the surface, Sloane has the perfect life—an adoring husband, a precocious daughter, and enough financial security to be a stay-at-home mom. Still, she can’t help but feel as though something—or someone—is missing....
Hillary has a successful career and a solid marriage. The only problem is her inability to conceive. And there’s a very specific reason why....
As the wild-child daughter of old family money, Georgina has never had to accept responsibility for anything. So when she realizes an unexpected life change could tie her down forever, she does exactly what she’s always done: escape.
When these three women unite for a three-week-long summer vacation in beautiful Lake George, New York, even with the idyllic location as their backdrop, the tensions begin to mount. And they quickly discover that no secret can be kept forever....

I’m quite excited about the review I get to share with all of you today, since it is a review of a book I have been looking forward to reading for ages. It was actually already released in June 2015 and I honestly have no idea why it took me so long to finally pick it up! I’ve loved Emily Liebert since I read and reviewed her debut novel ‘You Knew Me When’ a few years ago (click here to read my review) and since then I’ve read and loved all of her other novels, namely ‘When We Fall’ and most recently, ‘Some Women’ (click here to read my review). I just love Emily’s writing style and her novels are just wonderful reads that always leave me with a smile on my face. So, today, way too late but better late than never, I suppose, my review of ‘Those Secrets We Keep’ (once again a book with a gorgeous book cover, like most of Emily’s novels, I have to say)!
Sloane seems to have built the perfect life for herself with her loving husband, a beautiful family home, and a lovely daughter. However, since the untimely death of her sister Sloane can’t help but feel her life just isn’t what she thought it was and she doesn’t know what to do about it. When given the opportunity to spend some time at her aunt’s beautiful home near Lake George, Sloane knows that is exactly what she needs and together with her best friend Hillary they leave Brookside behind, ready for a break from it all. When Sloane’s college friend Georgina unexpectedly phones and decides to join them as well, it suddenly becomes a holiday from three. Three women, all with a secret to hide, but how long will these stay hidden…?
I’ve loved all of Emily Liebert’s novels so far, so I have to admit I picked up ‘Those Secrets We Keep’ with pretty high expectations. Luckily, Emily once again didn’t disappoint and managed to entertain me from start to finish with this 2015 release of her. The book focuses on three different women: Sloane, Hillary and Georgina; three women who spend two weeks holiday at Lake George together, each of them with a secret to hide that is bound to come out. I won’t go into the details, because I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved how the novel included three separate storylines to focus on, with three very different but just as interesting female characters at its core. I personally warmed to Hillary the most, but I enjoyed reading about Sloane and Georgina just as much.
Emily Liebert’s books have this specific feel to them; I can’t really explain it. Perhaps it has to do with the very American setting of her novels, or just her comfortable and well-paced writing style, but I think her books are the perfect read whenever I’m looking for a guaranteed good novel I will enjoy, no matter what. Her books also always include realistic portrayals of women and I think many readers will be able to relate to these characters one way or another. Once again, Emily Liebert has delivered a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating novel that I couldn’t get enough of and I already can’t wait for her next one. ‘Those Secrets We Keep’ is a fabulously well-written and simply great read; if you’re a women’s fiction fan and are not yet familiar with Emily Liebert, be sure to go out and pick up one of her books; you won’t be disappointed!

Rating:9,5/10

  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.

Review: 'Some Women' by Emily Liebert (2016)

Annabel Ford has everything under control, devoting her time to her twin boys and keeping her household running smoothly. But when her husband of a decade announces that he’s leaving, she’s blind-sided. And suddenly her world begins to unravel.
Piper Whitley has always done her best to balance it all—raising her daughter Fern by herself while advancing her career as a crime reporter. Only now that she’s finally met the man of her dreams, Fern’s absentee father shows up, throwing everything into a tailspin.
Married to the heir of a thriving media conglomerate, Mackenzie Mead has many reasons to count her blessings. But with an imperious mother-in-law—who’s also her boss—and a husband with whom she can no longer seem to connect, something has to give.
On the surface, these three women may not have much in common, but just when they each need someone to lean on, their lives are thrust together, forming unlikely friendships that help each woman navigate her new reality.
On the 5th of April Emily Liebert's latest novel, 'Some Women', was released and this is a book I have been really excited about, and still am! I love Emily Liebert; ever since I read and reviewed her debut novel 'You Knew Me When' (click here to read my review) I've been a big fan of her work and always look forward to her new releases. I also thoroughly enjoyed 'When We Fall' (click here to read my review) and stil have 'Those Secrets We Keep' waiting for me on my to-read shelf, but I'm sure it will be just as great as the others. Obviously I couldn't possibly say no to a review copy of 'Some Women' (thanks to both the publisher and NetGalley) and couldn't wait to get stuck in this promising story!
Annabel Ford is the perfect mother; trying her very best to get everything just right for her twin sons and husband. However, Annabel's strive for perfection is pushing her husband away and her world crumbles down when he, out of the blue, decides he wants a divorce. Piper Whitley is a single mum, willing to do everything for her daughter Fern, and lucky to have found a dedicated boyfriend in the form of Todd. But their world is turned upside down when Fern's father suddenly shops up in town. Mackenzie Mead seems to have it all: the looks, the job, the husband, the house. But the one thing especially her mother-in-law wants, a grandchild, seems to be unreachable. Circumstances bring Annabel, Piper and Mackenzie together, which couldn't have happened at a better time, because all three women are about to be confronted with some big changes; big changes that definitely require the support of a friend.
'Some Women' is another absolutely wonderful read by Emily Liebert and one I can't recommend enough to any women's fiction/chick lit fans, just like her other novels. The book focuses on three female main characters: Annabel, Piper and Mackenzie, and each of them has her own issues in life to deal with and therefore her own story to tell. The three women become close friends as the story progresses, and support each other in their times of need. The three characters are quite different from one another, so I think there will be relatable elements in this novel for any reader, one way or another, whether it's one of the characters or something that happens to them.
I loved all three captivating storylines and how everything was brought together by the author; I really didn't feel like putting the book down and just wanted to keep on reading. The setting immediately felt really familiar, and it was easy to warm to the characters. I especially enjoyed Emily Liebert's writing; it's perfect for a read like this one and a great combination of both description and dialogue, and it just gets better with each of her releases, if you ask me. 'Some Women' is a simply wonderful, well-written and captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed and didn't want to finish; in my opinion, this really is women's fiction at its best!

Rating:10/10

  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.

Review & Giveaway: 'When We Fall' by Emily Liebert (2014)

Ready for a fresh start, Allison Parker moves back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York. While she’d once savored the dynamic pace of city life, sadly, it lost its allure after her husband’s untimely death. Now, ready to focus on her art career accompanied by her ten-year-old son, Logan, Allison doesn’t anticipate that her past will resurface. When the wife of her husband’s best friend from summer camp takes her under her wing, things begin to spin out of control.
At one time, Charlotte Crane thought she had it all—a devoted husband, a beautiful little girl, and enough financial security to never have to worry. But behind her perfect facade lie a strained marriage and a fractured relationship with her sister. When new girl Allison arrives in Wincourt, Charlotte welcomes the chance to build a friendship. Before long, Charlotte begins to see her life through Allison’s eyes, and the cracks in her seemingly flawless existence become impossible to ignore.
As Allison heals from the loss of her husband—even wondering if she might be ready to date again—Charlotte feels more distant from her loved ones than ever before. The emerging friendship between the two women appears to be just the antidote both of them so desperately need...until everything falls apart.
Last year I got the chance to read and review Emily Liebert's novel 'You Knew Me When'; a book which I fell in love with (click here to read my review). It was one of my favourite reads of 2013 and all year I've been looking forward to Emily Liebert's latest release, 'When We Fall.' The book was released on the 2nd of September and has an absolutely gorgeous cover; I really couldn't wait to finally sit down and read it, hoping the book would be just as good as the previous one! Thanks to the lovely people at Sarah Hall Productions, I am also giving away 4 copies of 'When We Fall' to US readers today, so be sure to scroll down to be in with a chance of winning!
Allison Parker lost her husband Jack over 10 years ago and she decides it's finally time for her and her ten-year-old son Logan to move to a new home in her old hometown Wincourt, in the suburbs of New York. Allison wants to focus on her art career while Logan goes to school, and it doesn't take long before the two start to feel quite at home in Wincourt. Allison becomes friends with Charlotte Crane, who seems to lead a flawless life being the perfect wife and mother. However, Charlotte is trying her very best to hide the cracks in her life from the outside world, including the strenuous relationships with her husband and sister and the difficulty she is having dealing with her young daughter. The friendship between Allison and Charlotte grows, but Charlotte worries how long she will be able to hide the cracks in her life from the people around her, how long before everything will fall apart...
Emily Liebert once again managed to write a wonderful story about female friendship; a topic she deals with in a captivating, emotional and realistic way. The two female main characters Charlotte and Allison are both great characters: different personalities with interesting stories to tell, and it was easy to warm to both of them and feel for them. I loved seeing their friendship develop and finished the book in just two sittings, because I was curious to see where the story would lead and what would eventually happen to the different characters. Next to friendship, the novel also deals with other topics, such as the relationship between sisters, dealing with grief, and marriage troubles; topics which are dealt with in a convincing and gripping way.
I personally loved the setting of the novel. The author's descriptions made it easy to picture it all in my head and I loved the whole American-suburbs feeling. The novel really has everything I look for in a good and entertaining chick lit/women's fiction book: interesting and well worked-out characters, an intriguing and captivating storyline, a comfortable and good-paced writing style and a great setting. Emily Liebert is really making a name for herself and I can't recommend her work enough to chick lit fans. Overall, 'When We Fall' is a poignant, well-written, wonderful tale of female friendship which I simply couldn't get enough of. I already can't wait for Emily Liebert's next release!  Rating:

9,5/10

  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.

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US Giveaway of 'When We Fall'!
I'm incredibly excited to be able to make 4 lucky US readers very happy with a paperback copy of Emily Liebert's amazing new novel 'When We Fall'! Just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below; good luck to everyone! :)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Exciting new release: 'When We Fall' by Emily Liebert

 Ready for a fresh start, Allison Parker moves back to her hometown in the suburbs of New York. While she’d once savored the dynamic pace of city life, sadly, it lost its allure after her husband’s untimely death. Now, ready to focus on her art career accompanied by her ten-year-old son, Logan, Allison doesn’t anticipate that her past will resurface. When the wife of her husband’s best friend from summer camp takes her under her wing, things begin to spin out of control.

At one time, Charlotte Crane thought she had it all—a devoted husband, a beautiful little girl, and enough financial security to never have to worry. But behind her perfect facade lie a strained marriage and a fractured relationship with her sister. When new girl Allison arrives in Wincourt, Charlotte welcomes the chance to build a friendship. Before long, Charlotte begins to see her life through Allison’s eyes, and the cracks in her seemingly flawless existence become impossible to ignore.

As Allison heals from the loss of her husband—even wondering if she might be ready to date again—Charlotte feels more distant from her loved ones than ever before. The emerging friendship between the two women appears to be just the antidote both of them so desperately need...until everything falls apart.

Last year I got the chance to read and review Emily Liebert's debut novel 'You Knew Me When' and I absolutely loved it! It was an amazing novel and one of my favourite books of 2013. So, it's no wonder I am incredibly excited about Emily Liebert's new release, 'When We Fall.' The book was released on the 2nd of September and promises to be another compelling and charming read. I can't wait to read it!

Especially for US fans:  

A turning point for the main characters in the novel takes place at Canyon Ranch, the renowned luxury spa destination offering integrative wellness programs (http://www.canyonranch.com/). For the release of the novel, Emily has partnered with Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA for a very special When We Fall Weekend taking place the weekend of October 17-19, 2014. It will be a weekend full of activities focused on building relationship bonds in your life. Guests will also be able to attend an exclusive discussion with Emily about When We Fall. 

Be sure to keep an eye on this blog for a review of 'When We Fall' coming soon!

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Favourite Books of 2013!

'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 Favourite Books of 2013   For Today's Top Ten Tuesday all bloggers got the chance to pick one of the previous Top Ten topics we'd like to do again or may have missed. Since I joined the Top Ten Tuesday club just a few weeks ago, there are quite a lot of fun and challenging lists to choose from. However, I decided to go for my 10 favourite books of 2013! I never got around to making a list of my favourite books of last year, and this is the perfect chance to do this, even though I might be about two months late, oops! 

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Giovanna Fletcher - 'Billy and Me'

 
Giovanna Fletcher released her debut novel 'Billy and Me' in May 2014 and it was a release I was really looking forward to. As soon as I read the title and the blurb and saw the cover of the book, I knew this would be chick lit I'd instantly fall in love with, and that is exactly what happened when I read the book. I can't wait to read Giovanna's second novel, 'You're The One That I Want', which will be released in May 2014!

Click here to read my review of 'Billy and Me'!

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Lindsey Kelk - 'About a Girl'

Lindsey Kelk is without a doubt one of my favourite chick lit authors. Her 'I Love...' series is an absolute must-read for any chick lit fan, but 2013 introduced us to a new Lindsey Kelk series! 'About a Girl' tells the story of new heroine Tess, and was everything I had hoped for: thoroughly entertaining, incredibly funny, and simply sparkling! In 2014 the second part of the series will be published, 'What a Girl Wants', and I can't wait to pick it up!

Click here to read my review of 'About a Girl'!

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Kirsty Greenwood - 'Yours Truly'

Kirsty Greenwood's debut novel 'Yours Truly' was one of the best chick lit debuts of 2013 and I couldn't simply not mention it on this list. 'Yours Truly' tells the story of Natalie Butterworth who manages to get hypnotized, which completely turns her life around. The novel's not just funny and a definite page-turner, but also has a lovely handsome male character at its core... I'm looking forward to reading more of Kirsty's work in 2014!

Click here to read my review of 'Yours Truly'!

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Diane Chamberlain - 'Necessary Lies'

I unexpectedly received a review copy of Diane Chamberlain's novel 'Necessary Lies' and was completely blown away by it. The book is set in America in the 1960's and tells the story of Ivy and Jane, who both lead completely different lives but are brought together, which results in a simply wonderful tale. Diane Chamberlain is an amazing author and I definitely plan on reading more of her work in 2014. 

Click here to read my review of 'Necessary Lies'!

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Kim Izzo - 'My Life in Black and White'

Kim Izzo is another author I was introduced to in 2013, and I really fell in love with her novel 'My Life in Black and White.' I can honestly say it's a book unlike anything else I read before, and I simply did not want to put it down. The book is a time-travel romantic comedy, in which the reader is transported from the present day to the 1950's, and is suitable for any reader, not just fans of chick lit. A read I still recommend to others every chance I get!

Click here to read my review of 'My Life in Black and White'!

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Miranda Dickinson - 'Take a Look at Me Now'

One of the queens of chick lit, Miranda Dickinson, treated us to another brilliant read in 2013 in the shape of 'Take a Look at Me Now.' I love love love Miranda Dickinson's novels, they are always filled with amazing characters, a wonderful storyline, and a good dose of romance. This one definitely did not disappoint; Nell's story is one I thoroughly enjoyed and the book earned a well-deserved place on my favourites list!

Click here to read my review of 'Take a Look at Me Now'!

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 Emily Liebert - 'You Knew Me When'

 

Next to 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings', I'm also a book blogger for Chick Lit Club and that is how I got into touch with a publisher about Emily Liebert's 'You Knew Me When.' Sometimes you read a book and just after a few pages you already know you've fallen in love and don't want the book to end. That's exactly what I felt when I read this novel. I loved absolutely everything about it, and it is undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of the past year.

Click here to read my review of 'You Knew Me When'!

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Charity Norman - 'The Son-in-Law'

 

Another book I was asked to review and was completely blown away by. Charity Norman's 'The Son-in-Law' is an incredibly emotional and realistic read; a story that has stayed with me up until this day. It's a book that looks at a rather serious topic from two different points of view, which really captivated me and proved once again that there are always two sides to every story. A must-read!

Click here to read my review of 'The Son-in-Law'!

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Alexandra Brown - 'Christmas at Carrington's'

 

 

 At the start of 2013, I read Alexandra Brown's novel 'Cupcakes at Carrington's' and I instantly loved the storyline and the characters at its centre. At the end of last year we were treated to the Christmas-themed sequel, 'Christmas at Carrington's' which was definitely one of my favourite Christmas releases of 2013! I loved travelling back to the world of heroine Georgie Hart and Carrington's department store. A wonderfully festive novel, and I'm already really looking forward to the third part in the series which will be released this year!

Click here to read my review of 'Christmas at Carrington's'!

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Lisa Dickenson - 'The Twelve Dates of Christmas'

Another Christmas read which I enjoyed SO much it had to be the one to end this list with! Lisa Dickenson's 'The Twelve Dates of Christmas' was released at the end of 2013 as an e-book series, with 6 different parts focusing on 2 of the 12 dates as mentioned in the title. The story is incredibly funny, magical, and simply brilliant, and I honestly can't wait to see what else Lisa has in store for us. Even if it means I have to start a petition in order to have more of her work published!

Click here to read my review of 'The Twelve Dates of Christmas'!

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I'd love to hear what YOUR favourite reads of 2013 were!

Interview with Emily Liebert!

I am absolutely delighted to welcome Emily Liebert to 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings' today! Emily's debut novel 'You Knew Me When' was released on the 3rd of September and it is a heart-warming, brilliant read which I recommend to every chick lit fan out there (click here to read my review)! 

1) Can you tell us something about your debut novel, ‘You Knew Me When’? 

It’s about best friends who were like sisters to each other. Katherine Hill left her small New England hometown in pursuit of a dream. Now, twelve years later, she’s a high-powered cosmetics executive in Manhattan and a much glossier version of her former self, unrecognizable to her family and old friends. Laney Marten always swore she’d never get “stuck” in Manchester, VT. Instead, she wound up a young wife and a mother. When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her. Someone she once loved. Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their longstanding grudges. Through this, they will come to understand that, while life took them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together.

 

2) Where did you find the inspiration for the plotline of ‘You Knew Me When’? Did you incorporate any of your own life experiences in the book?

Which character in the novel did you most enjoy writing about and why? 

Yes! I most certainly found inspiration in my own life and the lives of my friends/family. I believe it’s important to write about what you know, at least it is for me. I think that’s the most organic method of bringing the characters to life. I definitely loved writing about Luella Hancock. In so many ways, she was inspired by my maternal grandmother, who’s a very important person in my life. I love that Luella is glamorous and stoic, while mysterious at the same time. I wanted readers to be intrigued by Luella and wonder what else there is to know about her.

3) This is your debut novel. How and why did you decide to start writing fiction? 

While my first book, Facebook Fairytales, was narrative non-fiction, I’ve always wanted to write fiction. I’ve long been an elaborate story teller. For example, I’d come home from summer camp and regale my parents with every last detail. I’m sure I “enhanced” the stories a bit even then!

 

4) I’ve read a second novel will be published in 2014. Can you already give us a tiny hint of what this next novel will be about? 

Yes! My second novel, The Love That Lies Ahead, is scheduled to publish in September 2014. It’s about a woman who lost her husband eleven years ago and found out she was pregnant with their son a week after he died. Now, over a decade later, she and her son are moving back to her hometown for a fresh start. Unbeknownst to her, her husband’s former best friend and his wife live there now…and that leads to lots of interesting plot twists!

 

5) Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?  

Write about what you know. Write about what you’re passionate about. Even if you’re not “feeling it,” always at least try to sit down at the computer and write something. And, finally, develop a thick skin. You will have doors slammed in your face. All you have to do is kick them down!

 

6) And last but not least, if you had to describe ‘You Knew Me When’ in just three words, which words would you pick? 

Poignant, Wistful, Bestseller(!)

Thanks so much to Emily for taking the time to answer these questions! :)

Follow Emily on Twitter via @EmilyLiebert // Get 'You Knew Me When' on Amazon by clicking here!

Review: 'You Knew Me When' by Emily Liebert (2013)

Katherine Hill left her small New England hometown in pursuit of a dream. Now, twelve years later, she’s a high-powered cosmetics executive in Manhattan and a much glossier version of her former self, unrecognizable to her family and old friends. Not that she would know—she hasn’t been home in over a decade.

Laney Marten always swore she’d never get “stuck” in Manchester, Vermont. No, she was destined to live out her glamorous big-city dreams. Instead, she wound up a young wife and mother. That was when her best friend ran out.

When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her—someone she once loved.

Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?

Next to my own blog, I’m also a book reviewer for Chick Lit Club (a website which I’m sure all chick lit fans are familiar with!), which is how I got into touch with Sarah Hall Productions, Inc. about reviewing Emily Liebert’s debut novel ‘You Knew Me When.’ I immediately loved the sound of this book and really looked forward to reading it. I’d heard of Emily Liebert’s other release, ‘Facebook Fairytales: Modern-Day Miracles to Inspire the Human Spirit’, which is a collection of true stories about people who experienced something surprising, touching, amusing through their Facebook account. ‘You Knew Me When’ is Emily’s first venture into the world of fiction, and I was quite curious to find out more about it!

After her mother’s unexpected death, Katherine and her dad move to a new neighbourhood in Manchester, Vermont, in order to start afresh. From the first second in this new town, Katherine becomes best friends with Laney, and the two are quickly inseparable. Over the years, they start planning their future: going to college, moving to New York, having glamorous and successful careers... All of it together, obviously. However, when the end of high school is near, suddenly everything changes. Fast-forward twelve years, and Laney and Katherine are no longer in touch. Until they both receive the same letter: their old neighbour and friend Luella has passed away and she has named both Laney and Katherine in her will. They are forced to work together again after all these years and everything that has happened. Will the girls be able to set aside their problems and differences, or is it true that some things can be forgiven, but never forgotten?

‘You Knew Me When’ is mainly written from Katherine’s perspective, with some chapters from Laney’s point of view as well, and numerous flashbacks to when the two girls were growing up together. The mixture of both Katherine and Laney’s voices, and the portrayal of the two characters as teenage girls and as grown-up women, is really well-done. Especially the flashbacks revealed the closeness of their friendship, and this really added a nostalgic layer to the story. I could easily relate to some of Laney and Katherine’s experiences growing up, and the feeling of having that one best friend who is basically your whole life at that moment, and I think most female readers will recognise this while reading. The tale even reminded me a bit of Emily Giffin’s ‘Something Borrowed’, which is also a brilliant novel about a friendship between two female characters, Rachel and Darcy. 

Emily Liebert’s writing is fantastic: easy to read, captivating, and she manages to capture certain emotions perfectly. The novel mainly focuses on the two primary characters, Laney and Katherine, and the other characters aren’t really worked out in close detail. However, this didn’t bother me in any way, because it is Katherine and Laney’s story that is central to the novel; two best friends trying to find their way back to one another, after life has come in the way. ‘You Knew Me When’ is a heart-warming, thoroughly enjoyable novel about the power of friendship and the trials of growing up, which any female reader will be able to relate to. I loved this novel and it is definitely one of my favourite 2013 releases; I can’t wait to read more of Emily Liebert’s work!  

Rating: 9,5/10

Keep an eye on this blog for an exclusive interview with author Emily Liebert!

September 2013 releases to look forward to! (Part 1)

Even though some of you are lucky enough to still be on holiday, or might even have a last-minute weekend away booked, summer is slowly coming to an end! September is almost upon us, which means Autumn isn't too far away. I'm already looking forward to sitting inside, getting comfortable on the couch with a warm blanket, a cup of tea, and a good novel! When it comes to books, September has plenty to offer, so be sure to have a look at these upcoming releases and add the ones you like the sound of to your to-read list!

Emily Liebert - 'You Knew Me When' (3rd of September 2013)

When Katherine Hill receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her—someone she once loved. Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?
  
Why so excited? --> Emily Liebert's debut novel 'You Knew Me When' is released on the 3rd of September, and this is a release I've been excited about for quite some time. I was lucky enough to receive a review copy and absolutely loved it. Katherine and Laney are great characters, and the story made me just want to keep on reading, while at the same time I didn't want it to finish. Definitely pick up this novel as soon as you can, you won't be disappointed!

Sue Margolis - 'Coming Clean' (3rd of September 2013)

Eleven years ago, Sophie and Greg couldn’t get enough of each other. A pair of full-time jobs and two kids later, they’re in therapy asking themselves where all the sexy times went. Sophie thinks she knows: They’re buried under Greg’s mess. And even though her slob of a husband tries to make up for his shortcomings by cooking the occasional meal, Sophie is left to clean umpteen dirty dishes.

The last straw is when Greg uses some inheritance money to buy a World War II Sherman tank, which starts World War III in their marriage.

Sophie doesn’t so much surrender as retreat—right out of the relationship. While Greg almost immediately shacks up with someone else, Sophie finds herself facing even more uncertainty due to a job reorganization. And even though she begins to lose her heart to a high school crush, Sophie starts to realize that a shiny new relationship doesn’t always offer the softest place to fall…and she may find self-acceptance and love in the place she least expects it.

Why so excited? --> I'm not familiar with Sue Margolis' work, but I've read and heard that her novels are 'wickedly funny'. The blurb already shows traces of this, and I am quite curious to find out more about Sophie and Greg, and their own World War III!

Victoria Fox - 'Glittering Fortunes' (6th of September 2013)

Charlie Lomax hasn’t seen his brother in years. Cato’s been too busy living the A-list Hollywood dream to bother with the likes of a small Cornish town. But now he’s back. Hollywood and British aristocracy are about to clash, as Cato sets out to claim the Lomax legacy he believes is his birthright.

Unsuspecting Olivia needs a job after spectacularly failing to make a life for herself in London. Forced back to Cornwall, she has no idea what she's letting herself in for by becoming a gardener at the crumbling but beautiful Usherwood estate.

She certainly didn’t bargain on becoming embroiled in the biggest scandal of the year, and not least because the brooding Charlie is a man she can’t seem to stay away from…

Why so excited? --> I love the glamour and scandal of Victoria Fox's novels, and it sounds like 'Glittering Fortunes' definitely fits those two keywords! The clash of Hollywood and British aristocracy sounds fabulous, and I'm looking forward to reading more about Charlie and Cato, and the Usherwood estate (already love the sound of this)!

Amy Silver - 'The Reunion' (12th of September 2013)

They thought they'd be friends forever.

Jen, Andrew, Lilah, Natalie and Dan were inseparable at university, but in the seventeen years since they left they have hardly seen each other. Until Jen invites them all to stay at her house in the French Alps. The house where they once spent a golden summer before tragedy tore them apart.

When a snowstorm descends, they find themselves trapped and forced to confront their unresolved issues, frustrated passions and broken friendships. And as relationships shift and marriages flounder, the truth about what really happened years before is slowly revealed. And Jen realises that perhaps some wounds can never be healed...

Why so excited? --> I just love the cover of 'The Reunion' and I think it fits the story very well, from what I can gather from the blurb. I am intrigued by the idea of these four university friends, getting together again after seventeen years, to see what has changed and what might still be the same. I'm already looking forward to finding out more about these characters and the storyline!

Jane Green - 'Tempting Fate' (12th of September 2013)

When Gabby first met Elliott she knew he was the man for her. In twenty years of marriage she has never doubted her love for him - even when he refused to give her the one thing she still wants most of all. But now their two daughters are growing up Gabby feels that time and her youth are slipping away. For the first time in her life she is restless. And then she meets Matt...

Intoxicated by the way this young, handsome and successful man makes her feel, Gabby is momentarily blind to what she stands to lose on this dangerous path. And in one reckless moment she destroys all that she holds dear.

Consumed by regret, Gabby does everything she can to repair the home she has broken. But are some betrayals too great to forgive?

Why so excited? --> Is there a reason not to be excited about a new Jane Green novel?! Most chick lit fans will be familiar with Jane Green and her work, and will understand why I'm really looking forward to picking up my own copy of this novel! Gorgeous cover, fascinating blurb, and a handsome male character named Matt (a name I've always had a particular weakness for)... I can't wait!

Wendy Holden - 'Gifted and Talented' (12th of September 2013)

It's the new university term among the dreaming spires. The start of a whole new life.

Meet Isabel, beautiful, clever, shy - and leaving home for the first time. Meet Olly, recently graduated, idealistic and a little hopeless, a man whose heart leads his brain and for whom opportunity just hasn't come knocking - yet. Meet Amber, the It girl who is soon partying with the fast set - and no-one is faster than Jasper de Borchy, glamorous leader of the notorious Bullinger club. Meet the grown-ups: Diana, recently divorced mother-of-one, newly arrived in town to take up a post as college gardener - and Richard, the new college head, a widower, a scientist, and as lonely as some of the specimens he captures in his science lab.

The rich, the poor, the shy, the extrovert, the givers, the takers. Meet the Gifted and Talented.

Why so excited? --> It was love at first sight for me as soon as I saw this cover on Amazon. Isn't it stunning?! I almost wouldn't even care what the book is about with a cover like that and Wendy Holden's name on it! However, the blurb luckily doesn't disappoint either, so I am thoroughly looking forward to this!

Melissa Hill - 'The Guest List' (12th of September 2013)

When funny, kind and gorgeous Shane proposes, Cara is over the moon, and can't wait to share the news of their engagement with all their friends and family.

Excitement, however, quickly turns to apprehension when it seems that everyone has a fixed idea of the perfect wedding and offers to 'help' with the planning. With tussles over the ceremony and the size of the guest list, sibling rivalry and insistent in-laws-to-be, Cara can see the vision she has of her big day being ripped to shreds.

So she and Shane determine to make a stand and do things their way. But when they announce their plans for a beach wedding on a beautiful Caribbean island, there is uproar. Threats are made, family secrets are revealed, and things turn decidedly stormy.

Will Cara and Shane manage to overcome all obstacles? Or will their dream wedding turn into a nightmare?

Why so excited? --> To those of you who visit my blog often, this cover might seem familiar. That's because the hardback version of 'The Guest List' was one of my April 2013 picks, but I couldn't help but pay some attention to the paperback release as well! Melissa Hill is one of my favourite chick lit authors and I can't wait to pick up a copy of this gorgeous novel in September!

Be sure to keep an eye on the blog for more upcoming September 2013 releases!

September 2013 release: 'You Knew Me When' by Emily Liebert

 

Best friends forever… until life got in the way. Katherine Hill left her small New England hometown in pursuit of a dream. Now, twelve years later, she’s a high-powered cosmetics executive in Manhattan and a much glossier version of her former self, unrecognizable to her family and old friends. Not that she would know—she hasn’t been home in over a decade.

Laney Marten always swore she’d never get "stuck” in Manchester, Vermont. No, she was destined to live out her glamorous big-city dreams. Instead, she wound up a young wife and mother. That was when her best friend ran out.

When Katherine receives word of an inheritance from former neighbor Luella Hancock, she reluctantly returns home to the people and places she left behind. Hoping for a second chance, she’s met by an unforgiving Laney, her former best friend. And there’s someone else who’s moved on without her—someone she once loved.

Tethered to their shared inheritance of Luella’s sprawling Victorian mansion, Katherine and Laney are forced to address their long-standing grudges. Through this, they come to understand that while life has taken them in different directions, ultimately the bonds of friendship and sisterhood still bind them together. But are some wounds too old and deep to mend?

September has lots of amazing releases in store for us, but one of the novels I am personally most excited about is Emily Liebert's 'You Knew Me When.' I love tales about best friends, and Laney and Katherine's friendship already intrigues me! I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this book, and I can tell you it's fabulous! Keep an eye on the blog for a review of 'You Knew Me When' and an exclusive interview with Emily Liebert, both coming in September!

 

Be sure to pre-order your own copy now on Amazon by clicking here!