Interview with author Melanie Jones!

  

Today I'm delighted to welcome author Melanie Jones to 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings' to talk about her novel 'L'Amour Actually', what inspires her, her second novel, and to give some tips for aspiring writers! 

Can you tell us something about your novel, ‘L’Amour Actually’?

L’Amour Actually follows the trials and tribulations of a young twentysomething woman who moves to France on a whim and a prayer. With no knowledge of life there, apart from the experience of a dreadful school exchange trip to Paris, she sets off  with a suitcase full of dreams and inappropriate footwear.  With only the English Channel to separate them, life can’t be too dissimilar to the UK can it? The reality, of course, is rather different.

You incorporated part of your own life experiences in the book, can you tell us more about that?

I’ve been lucky enough to have led a very full life and I seem to be the sort of person that things happen to so I had a wealth of funny stories which I incorporated into the book. Some of them were changed slightly, some of then were recounted exactly as they happened. A few times during editing a comment was made that some things seemed a bit far-fetched. They were always the stories that were completely true. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction

If you had to pick one thing you love most about France, what would it be? 

I think it would have to be the night markets and fetes that are held in the summer. Long tables would be put out in the square and everyone would sit together to eat and drink. Local food producers  would have stalls selling everything from paella (we were in the old Occitan area where the Spanish influence is strong), local wines and cheeses, often some sort of creole cooking. On a beautiful, balmy night you couldn’t be anywhere better. Our village’s Bastille Day fete was always brilliant. It’s featured in L’Amour Actually.

What made you decide to start writing your own novel about your experiences? 

When I lived in France I started a blog. It was my dad’s idea and it was really just done as a record of my life for my friends and family. Within a few months it was getting a thousand hits a month (and not all of them were my mum!). People seemed to like what I wrote. I had always wanted to write a novel. I’d tried a few times in the past but never got very far. When I moved back to England, I was approached by an agent who wanted me to write a ‘counter-intuitive’ book about life in France. I had to go and look up counter-intuitive! In the end, I decided to write more fictional account of my life in France because that way I could be more inventive with the characters but more importantly, not upset anyone. People don’t generally like to be written about.

There’s a great mix of characters in the novel. Besides Mel, which character did you most enjoy writing about and why? 

Tracey, definitely. She’s a great character and I had so much fun with her. She is the only character in the book who is completely fictitious and she sprang into my imagination almost fully formed.  She gave me a great opportunity for some fabulous storylines.  All the other characters were inspired by some of the people I knew in one way or another.

Do you have any plans for a next novel? If so, can you give us a sneak peak about what it will be about?

Yes, the second one is underway. Although I have had lots of requests for another book about France, maybe even a sequel, I don’t want to be a ‘one trick pony’. Writing about France is easy for me and I want to challenge myself a bit. The next book is about a women in her 40s who finds herself suddenly single when her husband leaves her. She has to rebuild her life and decides she wants to track down all the people who were, in some way, important in her life at some point; all the people who left handprints on her heart. It will involve lots of travel so it gives me another opportunity to put down some of the funny things that happened to me when I was an air stewardess.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? 

I’m asked that question a lot and my answer is always the same. Get your story down. It’s very easy to get caught up in re-reading and editing every time you open your laptop but that means that the story doesn’t get written. There’s plenty of time for editing once you’ve finished it but if you never finish it… And don’t get too wrapped up with planning. Everyone writes differently, I’m a ‘seat of your pants’ writer. I know where the story starts, a few points along the way, and where it ends but everything else that happens is just as much a surprise to me.  Each November I do a thing called NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month, where you challenge yourself to write 50,000 words between 1st and 30th November. It’s great for training yourself just to write. L’Amour Actually would probably never have got finished if it wasn’t for NaNoWriMo.

And last but not least, if you had to describe ‘L’Amour Actually’ in just three words, which words would you pick?

I’ve cheated a little bit and taken the three words that appear most frequently in my Amazon and Goodreads reviews: Hilarious, touching and brilliant. My own would probably be romance, suspense and humour.

Thanks to Melanie for taking the time for this interview! :) Be sure to check out her fabulous novel 'L'Amour Actually' on Amazon by clicking here!

Review: 'L'Amour Actually' by Melanie Jones (2013)

After one particularly bad day at work, marketing executive and confirmed city girl Melanie Jones decides to give up her old life in search of something new and simpler in South West France. With little knowledge of the country, even less of the language and just the memory of a disastrous school French exchange and a few day trips to Calais, she embarks on her adventure with a suitcase full of optimism and not a little bit of naivety. After all, how different can life in France be? After a series of adventures with skirt-ripping tractors, handsome twin farmers, celebrity not-quite-beens, unusual toilets and a bonkers ex-pat community, all topped up, of course, with lashings of rosé, Melanie begins to discover that her new life in France isn’t quite what she’d thought it would be.

I have to admit, I’ve never really been a big fan of France. I love croissants as much as any other person and Paris is a gorgeous city, but besides that the country just doesn’t really do anything for me. I don’t know why exactly, because whenever I spot a chick lit novel set in France, I immediately get excited. Suddenly the promise of French-speaking men, vineyards, and the rural countryside offers a new world to get lost in, and I can’t wait to get stuck in the story. When Melanie Jones contacted me about reviewing her novel, ‘L’Amour Actually’, I straight away loved the title (which obviously reminded me of the amazing film ‘Love Actually’), and after seeing the pretty cover and reading the interesting blurb, I was really looking forward to reading about Melanie’s French adventures!

London city girl Melanie Jones one day decides to do what many people dream of doing but then never dare to actually take the plunge: she gives up her life in the UK to travel to the south of France and start anew. Without a job, without speaking French, and without any family or friends around, Melanie finds herself at the start of a new adventure. However, things already start off slightly different from what she originally expected, and soon Melanie realises life in south west France might be a bit too different from her comfortable life in London... Will she decide to simply see her trip as a well-needed holiday or is she truly ready to start over and give rural France a chance?   

After reading the first few chapters of this novel, I realised I had already fallen in love with its heroine, Melanie. First of all, I admire her for daring to change her life drastically by giving up her job and following her heart to the south of France to start afresh. Next to that, the fact that Mel wears high-heeled Louboutins on her trip to the French countryside, manages to end up in a ditch, and rips her skirt while trying to step down from a tractor in a not too embarrassing way... She had me laughing out loud before I had even read the first 50 pages, so I knew I was in for an enjoyable read. Next to a lovely heroine, ‘L’Amour Actually’ has a great cast of characters at its core, including hunky farmer Julian (and his twin brother... oh, yes!), reality TV singer Tracey Tarrant (who turns out to be Mel’s not so friendly neighbour), and several other diverse but fascinating people. 

Part of the book is based on Melanie Jones’ own experiences as an expat in France, and it includes quite a few embarrassing, but extremely funny situations. Mel is trying to find a place in a new community; trying to fit in somewhere where she doesn’t know the language, doesn’t have a job, and doesn’t have any friends or family around her to make her feel at home. This plotline resulted in numerous great scenes, which made me want to continue on reading and discover what situation Melanie would find herself in next. ‘L’Amour Actually’ is a funny, thoroughly enjoyable escape read which will make you laugh out loud, and I personally can’t wait to read more of Melanie Jones’ stories!   

Rating:8,5/10

Review: 'The Blackheath Seance Parlour' by Alan Williams (2013)

In 1842, two drunken sisters debate their future. Business at the family chocolate shop has ground to a halt, and change is needed. For once, domineering elder sister Maggie doesn't get her way, and a month later Judy, Maggie, and Netta Walters—a medium with big hair and a bigger secret—open their séance parlor. The locals are shocked, but soon the shop is crammed with people wanting to contact the dead. Despite their change in fortune, a rift grows between the sisters, as Judy gets her gothic novel published, finds a man, and proves to be more capable of contacting spirits than Maggie. Spurred on by jealousy, Maggie tries harder, and soon the Church decides they must be stopped.

Several weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely Laura from Laura’s Little Book Blog to write something for the Halloween feature on her blog. I had a good think and realised I haven’t actually read any Halloween related or scary books. I’m not a fan of horror stories, mainly because I’m a sucker for and simply love happy endings (which usually do not include scary killers, monstrous animals, and at least half of the characters finding an untimely death). Unfortunately, I couldn’t take part in Laura’s feature, but when I was contacted to review Alan Williams’ novel ‘The Blackheath Séance Parlour’, I straight away saw this as the perfect opportunity to not only finally take a sneak peek into the world of spooky stories, but also to at least celebrate Halloween on my blog in a small way by posting the review of this book on the 31st of October. 

‘The Blackheath Séance Parlour’ is set in the 1840’s and tells the story of two sisters, Maggie and Judy Cloak, who own a chocolate shop in Blackheath. Times are hard, though, and in order to keep themselves fed and supplied with enough alcohol to get through the day, they need to come up with a plan for a new business. Judy, who is also busy writing her first Gothic novel, wants to set up a séance parlour, but Maggie isn’t too sure about this. With the help of medium Netta Walters, who teaches the sisters how to read tea leaves and stare into crystal balls, the girls eventually decide to give it a shot. The shop exceeds everyone’s expectations and becomes an instant success, attracting visitors from all over the country. Maggie and Judy’s lives are turned upside down, but it doesn’t take long before the success starts to influence the sisterly bond between them in the worst way…

What a read! I honestly had no idea what to expect from this novel, but after a few pages I was hooked by the unusual and original storyline, the strong female characters, and the enthralling writing style of Alan Williams. I loved the fact that the book basically has two different storylines: one that focuses on Maggie and Judy, and one that tells the story of Judy’s novel (which focuses on a beautiful count and countess hiding a horrible dark secret). Both storylines were just as intriguing, and every time the book switched from one story to another, I didn’t want to put the novel down because I simply needed to know what would happen next.

The book is a mix of horror and historical fiction, with a definite Gothic touch to it that reminded me of dark Victorian novels like ‘Sherlock Holmes’ or Charles Dickens’ work. This is also linked to the descriptive scene setting, which is apparently very true to the real Blackheath, and I could easily imagine myself walking around the town with its pubs and shops. Overall, ‘The Blackheath Seance Parlour’ is an extremely enjoyable, unusual, and gripping novel and the ideal Halloween read. As soon as I opened this book I had no idea what to expect, but it undoubtedly surprised me with its originality and addictiveness and is like nothing I’ve read before. I will definitely recommend Alan Williams’ debut novel to others, and honestly can’t wait to see what he will come up next!

(Be sure to check out the brilliant website that was made for the novel, which includes facts about the book and some great background information: www.blackheathseanceparlour.com!) 

 Rating:9/10 

 

Review: 'Accused' by Lisa Scottoline (2013)

Mary DiNuzio has just been promoted to partner and is about to take on her most unusual case yet, brought to the firm by a thirteen-year-old genius with a penchant for beekeeping.  Allegra Gardner’s sister Fiona was murdered six years ago, and it seemed like an open-and-shut case: the accused, Lonnie Stall, was seen fleeing the scene; his blood was on Fiona and her blood was on him; most damningly, Lonnie Stall pleaded guilty.  But Allegra believes Lonnie is innocent and has been wrongly imprisoned. The Gardner family is one of the most powerful in the country and Allegra’s parents don’t believe in reopening the case, so taking it on is risky.  But the Rosato & Associates firm can never resist an underdog.  Was justice really served all those years ago?  It will take a team of unstoppable female lawyers, plus one thirteen-year-old genius, to find out.

Thanks to the lovely people at Sarah Hall Productions, I received a review copy of bestselling author Lisa Scottoline’s new novel, ‘Accused’, which will be released on the 29^th of October. I hadn’t read anything by Lisa Scottoline before, but after a search on the Internet I discovered that she has written a very successful series of books about an all-female law firm called Rosato & Associates. The first part of the series was published in 1993, and 10 years later Lisa Scottoline is back with the 12^th part, ‘Accused.’ I was not sure whether I needed to have read any of the other books to be able to understand what was going on, but what better way to find out then to just dive straight in?

‘Accused’ is the twelfth part of the successful book series that focuses on the all-female law firm Rosato & Associates. One of the female characters working at the law firm, Mary DiNunzio, has just been promoted to partner, and got engaged to her boyfriend Anthony. However, Mary does not have time to enjoy these personal celebrations, because a young girl needs the firm’s help. Thirteen-year-old Allegra Gardner is looking for a lawyer to help her free the innocent man who was put in jail for murdering her older sister Fiona several years ago. Mary and her colleague Judy decide to take on the case, but things aren’t looking too good when they find out Allegra’s partners do not support their daughter’s decision to seek legal help and state that Allegra is depressed and unbalanced. Even though everyone else says otherwise, Mary continues to believe Allegra, but where is the evidence to solve the case and, more importantly, how can she find it?

At first I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to follow the storyline, since this is the twelfth part of a series of which I haven’t read any of the other books before. Thankfully, this didn’t turn out to be too much of a problem, even though I do think knowing all the characters’ backgrounds will definitely help while reading the novel. I can understand why the Rosato & Associates books are quite popular, because there’s a strong and fascinating all-female cast of characters at the centre of it consisting of Bennie Rosato, Mary DiNunzio, Judy Carrier and Anne Murphy. However, the story also benefits by the inclusion of other characters such as thirteen-year-old genius Allegra (I loved the bond that develops between her and Mary throughout the story), but also Mary’s amusing Italian family.

I was definitely intrigued by the murder case and finding out whether Allegra was right or not; did someone else kill her sister Fiona, and if so, who could be the killer? I couldn’t predict where the story was going to end, which made me want to read on and not put down the book until I had finished it. I also really liked the more personal touch to the story; the focus on Mary’s engagement and her friendship with Judy. Yet, I felt that perhaps the author could have focused a bit more on the law firm and Mary’s relationships with her colleagues, because I would have enjoyed reading about them, the female cast that turned this series into such a success. I definitely look forward to picking up the other parts of the series to hopefully learn more about these characters and their relationships.

‘Accused’ is a thrilling, realistic and well-plotted must-read that will keep you in its grip until the very last page; a novel that I’d recommend to anyone who loves a bit of suspense, but I’m sure all kinds of readers will be able to enjoy this novel and especially the great cast of women at its centre!

Rating:8,5/10  

Review: 'Mutton' by India Knight (2013)

What's a woman to do when she wakes up one morning and finds an enormous freak-wrinkle bisecting her forehead? When she walks past the buildings site and nothing happens? When she catches the eye of a nice young man and is rewarded with a kind, patient, for-granny smile?

 

Clara Hutt, 46, feels herself to be in her absolute prime. She is chipper. Her sap is rising mightily, as it happens. But then her friend Gaby comes back from California and moves in with her. Gaby is no stranger to Los Angeles's more invasive cosmetic procedures. She may be pushing 50 but she looks 35. And Clara wonders: should she follow suit? A little Botox, a little filler, a little nip, a little tuck . . . but where to stop? And is nostril-waxing ever a good idea

Unexpectedly, I received a review copy of ‘Mutton’, written by India Knight, which immediately caught my eye with its colourful cover. I had heard of India Knight before, and knew she is quite well-known as a journalist and author in the UK, but I hadn’t read any of her work before. I was quite curious to read ‘Mutton’, especially after finding lots of mixed reviews online. It seems people either loved or hated it, and I wondered in which category I would eventually end up in.

 

‘Mutton’ is a novel told from the perspective of forty-something Clara Hutt, a woman in her prime who, at first, doesn’t seem to have any trouble with ageing. Until she notices that the builders around the corner aren’t whistling at her anymore. Until her childhood best friend Gaby comes to live with her, who has lived in LA, started her own very successful yoga business, and looks like she’s closer to thirty than fifty. Clara suddenly finds herself wondering whether she should perhaps start using botox, care more about her appearance, long to stay ‘forever young’ for as long as possible... Or is ageing perhaps not as bad as modern-day society manages to make it look?

Clara, who is apparently based on India Knight herself, is an honest and blunt forty-something, whose thoughts pave the main path in this novel. Clara speaks her mind, which results in both amusing and funny situations, but unfortunately also in long pieces of prose that seem to go on without any specific meaning to them. The plot is often taken over by these long monologues, which I personally thought was a waste, because I actually really liked the plot. I enjoyed reading about Clara and Gaby’s friendship, family events such as Clara’s daughter’s birthday party, and the relationship between Jack (Clara’s son) and his girlfriend Sky. ‘Mutton’ has a charming mix of characters at its core, and I wish I could have found out more about them, instead of simply Clara’s thoughts.

 

‘Mutton’ focuses on an important contemporary theme: the discussion of the importance of appearance and the influence other people and the modern-day society have on this. India Knight focuses on the message that we should all feel comfortable in our own skin and shouldn’t simply change because of others or what society might expect of people. At the end of the day, ageing is unavoidable, and it’s up to every single individual to deal with this in their own way. I think this is a fascinating topic, and one that speaks to all women. I’m a twenty-something, but didn’t really feel like there was too much of an age-gap between Clara and myself, because the novel deals with a topic that is on the minds of almost all modern-day women, I think.

 

‘Mutton’ is a contemporary, at times amusing, read with a great mix of characters and a distinctive voice at its core. All the mixed reviews I’ve read came from people who either loved or hated this novel. Well, if I’m honest, I think I’m somewhere in the middle: I didn’t love it, but because of some elements (a great mix of characters, a fascinating plotline hidden underneath it all), I definitely didn’t hate it either.

Rating:6,5/10

Blog Tour & Giveaway: 'The Lie' by Ashley Fontainne (2013)

Award-winning and international bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is taking her new suspense book, The Lie, on tour! Find out all about the new release, read guest blogs and interviews with Ashley, PLUS enter to win an eBook copy of The Lie, an audio copy of Accountable to None (from the hugely popular Eviserating the Snake Trilogy) and the chance to interview Ashley live on Blog Talk Radio!

   

The Lie - Ashley Fontainne

'Karmen Moncrille's name has been known throughout the world since the age of sixteen when her first book shot to the top of the bestseller's list. Now everything she writes is an instant hit, and her legions of devoted fans eagerly await her next release. The mysterious Karmen always blamed debilitating panic attacks as the reason she avoided publicity and has become a recluse. Which is exactly what she wants the world to think. Only Karmen knows the truth behind her introverted nature. Terrified of being asked where her ideas come from, she fears being branded a raving lunatic. Now just a week before her twenty-third birthday, Karmen s world implodes. The madness that haunts her dreams spills over to her reality and she questions her sanity. Suddenly everything has changed and now the world will transform with her. Her last book will unleash the truth and alter mankind forever. Is Karmen's ability to write a gift or a curse? She's about to find out if her entire life is a lie. And why she was destined to write it.'

  

  Click Here To Buy This Book!  

***What Would You Do If You Discovered Your Entire Life Had Been A Lie?***

(Guest Post by Ashley Fontainne)

What would you do if you discovered your entire life had been a lie?

That is the central theme of my latest release, The Lie. Let’s face it: there is not one single person alive on this planet who hasn’t told a lie in some form or another. Sometimes, little white lies slide off of our tongues with ease so as to not hurt the feelings of a friend or loved one. Really, are you supposed to tell your friend/loved one, “Yes, that does make your butt look big” or “I’m sorry, but your baby isn’t adorable at all, in fact, I’m going to run away screaming now.” Of course not! Most of us try to temper our words so that our loved ones won’t burst out in to tears.

Other times, little white lies are useful in everyday life. For example, if you are late to work because you simply couldn’t drag yourself out from under the warm covers on time, do you tell your boss that? Ummm, no, not if you want to keep your job. That’s when the “there was an accident” or “my car wouldn’t start” or “I’m really sick but I’ll take some medicine and be right in” or “my child/spouse/pet is sick” comes in handy. Nor harm, no foul, right?

We base our lives and the sense of self, our place in the world, upon not only our own concepts but the feedback from others. From an early age, every falsehood, whether said in good or bad faith, imprints inside our souls. We drink it in and it becomes part of us. Whether truthful or not, everything we hear about ourselves from others becomes the foundation that we stand on as adults.

So, what would happen if that foundation was yanked out from under your feet? How would you handle startling revelations that completely alter your perception of not only yourself, but others? These are some of the things I wanted to explore in The Lie.

   

Author Bio:

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is an avid reader of mostly the classics. Ashley became a fan of the written word in her youth, starting with the Nancy Drew mystery series. Stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within us are her favorite reads.

   

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

         

***GIVEAWAYS***

Win the chance to interview Ashley Fontainne LIVE on Blog Talk Radio

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Giveaway closes on 9th November

   

Win 3 e-Copies of The Lie by Ashley Fontainne

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Win an audio version of Ashley's bestseller Accountable to None (Eviscerating the Snake Trilogy) via Audible.com
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Want more from Ashley?

Why not check out Ashley's other books, such as the bestselling Eviserating the Snake Trilogy and award-winning thriller Number Seventy-Five.

Review: 'Take a Look at Me Now' by Miranda Dickinson (2013)

What a difference a day makes…

Nell Sullivan has always been known as ‘Miss Five-Year Plan’. But when she finds herself jobless and newly single on the same day, Nell decides it is time to stop planning and start taking chances.

Nell blows her redundancy cheque on a trip of lifetime to a place where anything is possible – San Francisco. There she meets a host of colourful characters, including the intriguing and gorgeous Max. Very soon the city begins to feel like Nell’s second home.

But when it’s time to return to London, will she leave the ‘new Nell’ behind? And can the magic of San Francisco continue to sparkle thousands of miles away?

Miranda Dickinson is, without a doubt, one of my favourite authors. The first novel I read of hers was ‘Welcome to My World’ and I was immediately taken in by her captivating writing style and amazing romantic stories. The past few years I’ve devoured her other works (‘When I Fall in Love’, ‘Fairytale of New York’ and ‘It Started with a Kiss’) and I’ve been looking forward to the release of her fifth novel ever since I heard she was busy writing it. I was lucky enough to be picked by the lovely people at Avon as one of the book bloggers to become a part of Miranda’s promotion team for this novel, Team Nell, which meant I received a review copy of ‘Take a Look at Me Now’ before it’s official release on the 24th of October! As soon as I found it in my mailbox, I put everything else aside and started reading, not being able to wait any longer to dive into Nell’s world!

To Nell Sullivan it seems like just any ordinary day at the office, but a simple post-it note stuck to her computer screen suddenly changes her entire life. Within just a couple of hours, she has lost her job and the chance of getting together with her ex-boyfriend Aiden. On a whim, she decides to use her redundancy cheque to book a flight to a destination far away from England, to get away from it all. Soon, Nell finds herself in San Francisco where she is staying with her cousin Lizzie for 8 weeks. Nell falls in love with the city and can’t imagine going home, back to the job hunt and her ex-boyfriend... But can Nell step back into her old life like that, or is it time to embrace the new Nell and the dreams that come with that?

I don’t even know where to start with this novel, except by stating the fact that Miranda Dickinson has done it again; what a brilliant and captivating read! I straight away fell in love with the heroine of this novel, Nell. I felt for her, because of how she unexpectedly loses her job and hopes to get back with her ex which then doesn’t happen, but I also admired her, for taking the plunge and booking that plane ticket to San Francisco, forgetting about everything else and simply doing what she wants. Throughout the novel, Nell experiences so many things and develops as a person, and I continued to root for her, secretly wishing I could be a bit more like her, taking control of my own life and following my dreams. Nell is such a loveable character, and I am sure lots of readers will adore and relate to her, just like I did.

The scene setting of the novel is fantastic. I discovered San Francisco when I read Niamh Greene’s ‘A Message to your Heart’ earlier this year, and Miranda Dickinson only managed to convince me even more that this is a city I definitely need to visit at least once in my life. The descriptions of all the different neighbourhoods, the tourist attractions, and the basic atmosphere of the entire city sparked of the page, making me feel like I was walking besides Nell, experiencing everything with her. I fell in love with everything about this novel, and I highly recommend it to any lover of romantic comedies or chick lit out there: you don’t want to miss this one! ‘Take a Look at Me Now’ is a fabulously enchanting and inspiring novel that will sweep you off your feet and convince you to not let go of your dreams, whatever might be thrown at you.

Rating:10/10 

Review: 'Sense and Sensibility' by Joanna Trollope (2013)

From one of the most insightful chroniclers of family life working in fiction today comes a contemporary retelling of Jane Austen's classic novel of love, money, and two very different sisters.

John Dashwood promised his dying father that he would take care of his half sisters. But his wife, Fanny, has no desire to share their newly inherited estate with Belle Dashwood's daughters. When she descends upon Norland Park with her Romanian nanny and her mood boards, the three Dashwood girls-Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret-are suddenly faced with the cruelties of life without their father, their home, or their money.

As they come to terms with life without the status of their country house, the protection of the family name, or the comfort of an inheritance, Elinor and Marianne are confronted by the cold hard reality of a world where people's attitudes can change as drastically as their circumstances.

I like to think of myself as a true Janeite; a big fan of absolutely anything related to Jane Austen. I’ve been fascinated by her work since I read ‘Pride and Prejudice’ when I was 15 years old, which eventually led to me writing two master theses at university about her work. I have a large collection of all kinds of Austen adaptations, which is why it’s no surprise I got really excited as soon as I heard about Harper Collins’ The Austen Project. For this particular project, six bestselling contemporary authors will rewrite one of Jane Austen’s works, giving their own unique twist to it. The first author to take on this challenge is Joanna Trollope, who wrote 17 bestselling novels, and the story she took on is Jane Austen’s second novel, ‘Sense and Sensibility.’ I was so excited when I managed to get a review copy of the novel, which will be released on the 24th of October (click here to pre-order it on Amazon), and I couldn’t wait to get back to this Austen classic and see what Joanna Trollope had done with it!

‘Sense and Sensibility’ tells the story of the three Dashwood sisters: Elinor, the oldest and most sensible sister who studies Architecture; Marianne, the emotional and slightly dramatic middle sister who adores music; and Margaret, the youngest Dashwood who is slowly turning into a typical modern-day teenager. Due to family circumstances, the Dashwood girls and their mother Belle can’t stay in their beloved house, Norland. Money is tight and they are forced to take on a generous offer from a relative, which means moving to a small cottage in Devonshire. The girls have to get used to their new home while life continues to go on around them, which includes incredibly curious and money-obsessed family members and a fair amount of romance trouble…

Reimaginings of classic tales such as this one usually have a divided audience: there are those people who think you should never touch a literary classic and those who are curious to see what an author decides to do with a novel they either loved or hated. I personally love the fact that Austen’s stories continue to live on in different shapes and sizes, and of course there are some retellings which I didn’t particularly like, but Joanna Trollope’s 'Sense and Sensibility’ is definitely not one of them. I really enjoyed how she managed to bring this classic novel into the modern day and age, changing certain elements to give it that modern touch, but at the same time also sticking to a slightly old-fashioned feel, reminding readers of the origin of the story. The topics of the book are still as relevant today (money, family, love), but perhaps in a different light. Yes,  Joanna Trollope could have made the story more modern than she decided to do, but I liked the mix of modern and old and appreciate how she decided to stay relatively close to the Austen original.

Joanna Trollope’s writing is amazing and it absorbed me completely; even though I haven’t read any of her other novels before, I can definitely understand why she’s a bestselling author. I really enjoyed what was done with the characters: I instantly warmed to Elinor and got slightly annoyed by Marianne (the same feelings I had when reading the original novel), and I specifically liked the character developments of Margaret and Bill Brandon, which really added another layer to the story for me. This version of ‘Sense and Sensibility’ is an engaging, timeless and delightful retelling of an Austen original, and Joanna Trollope has proven this classic is in very capable and safe hands. The fact that this is only the first Austen Project novel is getting me incredibly excited about what is still to come! 

Rating:9/10

Review & Giveaway: 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' by Caroline James (2013)

Mix together…
A tough-cookie media agent who's clawed her way to the top, and a con-man who wants to open a cookery school. Add in a washed-up celebrity chef whose career needs re-building…

Flavour with…
An aging rock star fresh from rehab, and a Sloane Ranger food writer who gets her own TV show…

Bring to the boil…
At a Gourmet Food Festival, in Ireland, where anything goes!

When media agent Hilary Hargreaves travels to Ireland to look at a campaign for a new cookery school, she meets a blast from her past - the romantic but feckless chef Mickey Lloyd, who is hell-bent on resurrecting his flagging career. Her tough demeanour is rocked as it becomes apparent Mickey's intentions involve more than a stint behind a stove in his quest to pursue her. But as plans for the school gain momentum, she realises that she's developing more than a passing interest in reformed alcoholic Long Tom Hendry, who owns the crumbling old mansion where the school will be homed. Hilary has many ingredients to juggle with her demanding client list - which looks set to boil over if she doesn't keep control. From London's bustling Soho, to Southern Ireland and the sunny shores of the Caribbean, has Hilary got too much on her plate and is she really prepared to risk it all for love?

I'm delighted to be a part of the 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' blog tour this month, organised by Fiction Addiction Book Tours! It gave me the chance to review Caroline James' lovely new release, 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?', which not only promised a unique read, but also a yummy one!

Hilary Hargreaves is a succesful media agent who runs her own business representing culinary stars. When she goes on a trip to Ireland to find out more about a new cookery school that will be set up, she unexpectedly bumps into Irish chef Mickey Lloyd, with whom she had a short but steamy relationship numerous years ago. Hilary wants to do everything she can to stay away from Mickey, but this proves to be a bit more difficult than she expected. Next to that, she suddenly starts developing feelings for Long Tom Hendry, a recovering alcoholic with a touch of mystery to him. Hilary already has several demanding clients to deal with, let alone make time to figure out her own love life, and within the world of celebrity chefs, nothing is what it seems...

What I immediately liked about this novel is the fact that it focuses on a topic I hadn't read a book about before: the world of celebrity chefs. It was fabulous to have a look into this glamorous and delicious world, which has a diverse and captivating mix of characters at its centre. I really liked Hilary (I loved the glance into the life of a busy media agent) and the other people working at the agency: spiritual Bob, dependent Heidi and colourful Lottie. Next to that, there are the various chefs, of which I particularly warmed to Zelda and her story, which takes on an important role in the book.

Caroline James' writing is fast-paced and entertaining, jumping from one scene to another, making sure there is never a dull moment in this novel. I haven't read any other book that deals with cooking and the world of celebrity chefs, which made it a unique read, an aspect that I thoroughly enjoyed. 'So, You Think You're a Celebrity... Chef?' is an entertaining, fun and tasty read which offers readers a chance to have a sneakpeak into the delicious and scandalous world of celebrity chefs!

Rating:7,5/10

Giveaway!

To promote her new novel, Caroline James is running a brilliant giveaway with several prizes for both UK and international readers. Be sure to give it a go by following the instructions in the Rafflecopter form below! :)

5 x Chocolate Brownies (UK only)
In the book, gorgeous Gary from Bon Appetite! makes sublime melt-in-your-mouth brownies. We’ve commissioned award winning Brownie Queen, Justine Forrest to supply her amazing brownies, individually boxed as a giveaway treat!  

5 x Bespoke Book Bags (UK and International)
The perfect little bag to pop your book or kindle in – don’t forget your glasses and a bar of chocolate! Individually designed for this tour by Leanda Peters Designs.

Signed Paperback copy of So You Think You’re a Celebrity … Chef?(UK)  

Kindle Gift Copy of So You Think You’re a Celebrity … Chef?(International)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: 'The Love of a Lifetime' by Mary Fitzgerald (2013)

Can love survive the worst betrayal of all?

From the moment Elizabeth Nugent arrives to live on his family's farm in Shropshire, Richard Wilde is in love with her. And as they grow up, it seems like nothing can keep them apart. But as the Second World War rages, Richard is sent to fight in the jungles of Burma, leaving Elizabeth to deal with a terrible secret that could destroy his family. 

Despite the distance between them, though, Richard and Elizabeth's love remains constant through war, tragedy and betrayal. But once the fighting is over, will the secrets and lies that Elizabeth has been hiding keep them apart forever?

A couple of weeks ago I unexpectedly received a review copy of this novel in the mail; ‘The Love of a Lifetime’ by Mary Fitzgerald. I had never heard of Mary Fitzgerald before, but I liked the cover of the book (reminds me of romantic wartime stories) and the blurb managed to grab my interest as well. After doing some research online, I discovered the book had already been published as an e-book in 2011, but under the title ‘Richard Wilde.’ I noticed straight away that the novel had received some great reviews, which got me even more curious and determined to find some time to read it!

‘The Love of a Lifetime’ tells the story of Richard Wilde, a 95-year-old man who is terminally ill and doesn’t have long to live anymore. Before he goes, he wants to write down his family’s story, both the good memories and the dark secrets he had been forced to hide over the years. Richard recounts his time growing up on the family farm in Shropshire, his relationship with his older brother Billy, his time in the army and the war which brought him to different places including India and Burma. But, at the centre of all these memories and events, is Richard’s love for Elizabeth Nugent, the girl who shows up to help out at his family’s farm one day. As the years pass, Richard’s love for Elizabeth only grows stronger, but it’s a continuous fight for them to be together, with a big secret at the core of it all...

It took me about 100 pages before I really got into this novel. There are a lot of wordy descriptions, setting the scene, but as soon as I felt I started to get to know the characters, and things started to happen, I really began to enjoy the book. Richard is a fascinating character who has experienced a lot, and I liked how the author decided to switch between past and present in the form of flashbacks. From the constant farm life in Shropshire to the war adventures in India and Burma, Mary Fitzgerald manages to create realistic situations with a mix of captivating characters. However, I personally found myself enjoying the love story between Richard and Elizabeth the most. I kept searching for those elements in the story, the hidden glances and secret moments together, constantly keeping my fingers crossed for a happy ending for both of them.

In his story, Richard mainly focuses on his family: his mother and father, his older brother Billy, and Elizabeth, who comes to help out at their farm. A close family with hidden secrets and feelings that no one talks about. Themes such as loss and betrayal are central to the story, and even though certain passages were a bit too long and too detailed in my eyes, I was captivated by Richard’s life story and even shed a few tears here and there. ‘The Love of a Lifetime’ is a sentimental and, at places, entrancing tale with a true love story at its core, which I’d recommend to any romance/historical fiction fan out there.

Rating:7,5/10

Review: 'Kissing My Old Life Au Revoir' by Eliza Watson (2013)

Event planner Samantha Hunter is prepared for a few challenges when escorting a group of good ole boy beer distributors to Paris, the city of haute cuisine and fine wines. However, she doesn’t foresee being passed up for a promotion because she is too professional and doesn’t knock back beers with her clients.

Her focus soon switches from landing the well-deserved promotion to finding her free-spirited sister, who lives in Paris and has disappeared, leaving behind family secrets to be uncovered. A sexy puppeteer helps Samantha search for clues to her sister’s whereabouts and teaches her to embrace her inner child. And a funeral-crashing psychic demonstrates the importance of living life to the fullest. It takes Samantha’s life spiraling out of control for her to finally get a life.

When I was contacted by Eliza Watson with the question whether I wanted to review her novel, ‘Kissing My Old Life Au Revoir’, I didn’t really need to think twice. I instantly liked the title, and when I read the story was mainly set in Paris, I was definitely sold. What better place to set a romantic tale than in the city of love, right? I couldn’t wait to discover more about Samantha Hunter (I’ve always secretly wanted to be an event planner, it’s just one of those jobs that sound so glamorous and like so much fun) and her Parisian adventures!

Samantha Hunter seems to have everything going for her: she has a fabulous job as an event planner (and a big well-deserved promotion coming her way), a handsome boyfriend, and a few days to spend in the amazing city of Paris, partly working, partly visiting her younger sister Libby. However, when Samantha is unexpectedly confronted with not getting the promotion she had been working hard for, but also finding out her boyfriend actually knew about that decision and supporting it, and Libby being 8 months pregnant, without wanting to tell anyone who the father is... Her Paris trip is suddenly turned upside down. Soon, Samantha is running around the city of Paris, not only to try and help her sister, but also making some important decisions about her own life in the process.

I already enjoyed this novel from the first few pages, mainly because of its quick pace and the great main protagonist. The reader is immediately thrown into the story, and after a quick setting of the scene, we are taken along on Samantha’s journey. I loved how strong and independent Samantha is; she’s ambitious and with her fight for gender equality within the business world, a true example for female readers all over the world. However, she also shows her more emotional side, which comes to the surface in relation to her family, specifically her relationship with Libby. Of course, the setting of the novel, the city of Paris, also adds a charming, French touch to it all, which made me crave a croque monsieur and a trip to the Eiffel Tower!

Some elements in the novel slightly confused me, and I think at times certain parts of the plotline could have been left out without doing any damage to the main storyline. I felt a bit lost every now and again, trying to connect all the pieces, but sometimes that connection wasn’t that straightforward. Next to that, I also wasn’t particularly taken in by the romance tale at the centre of the novel. I don’t want to give too much away, but I would have liked to be thrown off my feet by a male character, which didn’t happen for me with this particular novel. However, overall, ‘Kissing My Old Life Au Revoir’ is a fun, engaging, fast-paced read with a great heroine at its centre, and a book that will certainly make you want to book a short trip to Paris yourself!

Rating:7,5/10

Review: 'Won't Last Long' by Heidi Joy Tretheway (2013)

Can two people who are totally wrong for each other ever be right?

She's a feisty, sly marketing exec intent on hiding her small-town roots. He’s a laid-back engineer with a shaggy mutt and a pushy ex.

When Joshua asks Melina out, she asks what kind of car he drives. She’ll do drinks, not dinner. She’s always in control. But with Joshua’s easy confidence and sharp wit, Melina is soon breaking the dating rules she made for herself.

Opposites attract—but friends think Melina and Joshua can’t possibly last. When crisis throws their world off its axis, Melina must confront her childhood family, the people she’s come to care about, and the destruction of her pristine image.

I’m also a reviewer for Chick Lit Club (click here to visit the website, a definite must for any chick lit fan!), which is how I got into touch with author Heidi Joy Tretheway about reviewing her novel ‘Won’t Last Long.’ I liked the cover of the book from the first moment I saw it (it makes me long for summer and going on holiday) and the blurb also interested me. There’s nothing like a good love story, so I was quite curious to find out more about Joshua and Melina!

Melina and Josh are complete opposites from one another. Joshua is a laid-back guy; an engineer who works with pacemakers, likes to play basketball games with his friends followed by a couple of beers, and keeps himself busy by working on his old car. Melina is a true perfectionist; she works as a senior account manager at an advertising firm and she has worked very hard to be where she is now, she believes in first impressions, and tries everything to hide her small-town background. Even though Joshua’s friends are warning him that he and Melina are too different, he can’t get her out of his mind and asks her out on a date. They say opposites attract, but might this relationship be doomed to fail from the start...?

In a nutshell, ‘Won’t Last Long’ is about two people who are complete opposites of one another, but decide to start dating to see whether their differences will mix well together or whether the relationship will end in disaster. The two characters at the core of this story are Melina and Joshua. I liked Joshua from the start; he seemed like a genuine good guy who has been through a lot and now wants to settle down. The first time he sees Melina, he is immediately interested and wants to find out more about her. Personally, I did not particularly like Melina at the start of the novel. I thought she was a bit shallow, and not the girl for a guy like Joshua. However, as the story progressed (in my opinion, it started off a bit slow), the reader gets to know more about Melina and Joshua , about their personalities and their backgrounds, and I felt myself warming to both characters, wanting to read more about both of them, and the development of their relationship.

Next to Melina and Joshua, there’s a good mix of characters in the novel, including the lovely Momo, an older lady who reminded me of my own grandmother and really added something special to the story. A relationship is always influenced by the people around you, and this is also something that is included and focused upon in the novel. Heidi Joy Tretheway gives the reader a realistic and enjoyable account of a relationship between two completely different people, including the bumps in the road and the effort it takes to stay on that road together. ‘Won’t Last Long’ is a light read, perfect for a sunny day or a road trip, centred around the question whether opposites really attract, or whether it’s the basic recipe for something that won't last long.

Rating:8/10

Review: 'I Came to Say Goodbye' by Caroline Overington (2013)

It was four o'clock in the morning.

A young woman pushed through the hospital doors.

Staff would later say they thought the woman was a new mother, returning to her child - and in a way, she was.

She walked into the nursery, where a baby girl lay sleeping. The infant didn't wake when the woman placed her gently in the shopping bag she had brought with her. There is CCTV footage of what happened next, and most Australians would have seen it, either on the internet or the news.

The woman walked out to the car park, towards an old Corolla. For a moment, she held the child gently against her breast and, with her eyes closed, she smelled her.
She then clipped the infant into the car, got in and drove off.

That is where the footage ends.

It isn't where the story ends, however.
It's not even where the story starts.

I think I am not the only one who was immediately taken in by the blurb of Caroline Overington's latest release, 'I Came to Say Goodbye' (admit it, you must have been at least a little bit intrigued, right?). The novel was published in the UK on the 29th of August 2013 and I was lucky enough to receive a review copy, thanks to the amazing people at Arrow. I didn't really know what to expect from the novel at first, because I hadn't read anything by Caroline Overington before, and the blurb is definitely gripping, but doesn't give too much about the plot away. So, I just started reading, and before I knew it I was completely taken in by the story inside and couldn't put the book down until I had finished it!

Med Atley is a single father living in Australia in the 1970's, trying to raise his three children on his own, after his wife suddenly left him, never to return. His daughter Kat and son Blue are already teenagers and living their own lives, but toddler Donna-Faye, nicknamed Fat, is still dependent on her dad. Years later, and also where the reader meets Med for the first time, he is 60 years old and writing down his life story, which ultimately leads to the event that is at the core of this novel, the abduction of a small child from a hospital. The main question: how did we get there and what exactly happened? 

As soon as I started reading the first pages of this book, I got lost in the story and only managed to get out as soon as I finished it. 'I Came to Say Goodbye' is told from the perspective of 60-year old Australian Med, a character to which I warmed straight away. There's something about his voice that immediately spoke to me, and I just wanted to keep on reading to find out about everything he had to say. All the characters in the novel felt extremely real (I personally really enjoyed reading the parts told from Kat Atley's perspective), and Caroline Overington manages to capture topics like grief and family ties perfectly.

I don't want to give too much away about the plotline, because it would definitely spoil the reading process and that would be a real shame for those of you who plan on reading this book. I really enjoyed the way in which the novel was written, namely like a letter, and from different perspectives, but all third parties, instead of the main character whom it all evolves around. As soon as you discover the background and use of the letter you are reading, the story becomes even stronger and it really added another fascinating layer to it all for me. If I have to criticize something, it has to be the choice of cover. The child with the prominent tear on its cheek caused me to expect a completely different story from what this novel is actually about, something in the line of a basic drama, while this is a original and captivating book, a book that needs a cover that shows this and immediately draws people in, just like the story itself.

Overall, 'I Came to Say Goodbye' is a compelling, heart-breaking, thoughtful story which will keep your mind occupied; a story with a powerful voice at its core that will stick with you for quite some time after you've finished it. A must-read!

Rating:9/10