tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83489556754152479172024-03-05T16:58:40.290-08:00Today I'm ReadingSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-81202296674002790162013-12-20T04:02:00.002-08:002013-12-20T04:02:40.568-08:00Review of A Wartime Christmas by Carol Rivers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9UeXxqwMJL9SFWdYsGfHhmMtsELSUvHcuJHo_zR1nnlSW7CA7M9OO6kWTsL9wdWsOXBJHwyeyvJi4YBNHwktAoIc2lJizuxt5WqWE6KhKv2OqmAUfo9FM_v8VZ6hpI2HAjIWpHEc2pU/s1600/wartime+christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9UeXxqwMJL9SFWdYsGfHhmMtsELSUvHcuJHo_zR1nnlSW7CA7M9OO6kWTsL9wdWsOXBJHwyeyvJi4YBNHwktAoIc2lJizuxt5WqWE6KhKv2OqmAUfo9FM_v8VZ6hpI2HAjIWpHEc2pU/s320/wartime+christmas.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I was delighted to
receive a copy of A Wartime Christmas to review, as I have heard lots
of good things about Carol Rivers' books.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It's 1941 and London is
in the middle of the devastating Blitz. Kay lives on Slater Street on
the Isle of Dogs in East London, which has been badly hit. However,
she is determined to stay positive for her young son Alfie and make
sure that he has a good Christmas. However, out of the blue a strange
woman and young boy turn up on Kay's doorstep making shocking
accusations. Can they be true and what do they mean for Kay's
marriage?</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really enjoyed
reading this book and found myself completely absorbed in the story.
I instantly warmed to Kay and found her to be a very selfless
character who always puts other people before herself. There was
quite a lot of mystery surrounding Kay's husband Alan and this added
a real edge to the story and I felt like I didn't want to put the
book down.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I would highly
recommend A Wartime Christmas, especially for fans of historical
fiction and I would rate it as a five star read.</div>
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<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Simon and
Schuster for sending me a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-2613825285344606972013-12-16T02:59:00.000-08:002013-12-16T02:59:24.716-08:00Cover Reveal - The Holiday Survival Guide by Jane O'Reilly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZDhXcDYQkacl1KH5-WEG0Hw0pJsd7TBu7zmM33xn2M9qUbXG-mR0gR48HewDv6nyKzk-yD5sVcLg2UHY-RibaLU5AI8XYwN1p31IDSiAKx4-8Jit3poNrTRvvyQlig3qAHbbH2kuL7g/s1600/Holiday+Survival+Guide+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZDhXcDYQkacl1KH5-WEG0Hw0pJsd7TBu7zmM33xn2M9qUbXG-mR0gR48HewDv6nyKzk-yD5sVcLg2UHY-RibaLU5AI8XYwN1p31IDSiAKx4-8Jit3poNrTRvvyQlig3qAHbbH2kuL7g/s320/Holiday+Survival+Guide+cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
I am delighted to be taking part in the cover reveal for The Holiday Survival Guide by Jane O'Reilly.<br />
<br />
The Holiday Survival Guide is published by Harlequin Escape and is released on 1st January 2014<br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;"><i>Witty,
clever, and sharp. It's going to be the holiday from hell...and
that's just how Erica wants it. </i></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;">When
tabloid journalist Erica Parker is forced to take a holiday, she's
determined to make it the most miserable holiday she possibly can,
but not even her impressive imaginative powers could have come up
with sharing a tent with survival expert Nathan Wilde. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;">Nathan
</span><span style="color: #00000a;"><i>was </i></span><span style="color: #00000a;">a
married man with a successful TV show before Erica got to work on his
life. Now the hottest man she’s ever met is single, furious, and
he’s got her alone in the wilderness for three long days… </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;"><b>Goodreads
Praise for </b></span><span style="color: #00000a;"><i><b>Once A Bad Girl :
</b></i></span><span style="color: #00000a;"><b>“</b></span><span style="color: #00000a;"><i><b>Once
A Bad Girl </b></i></span><span style="color: #00000a;"><b>is an amazing
debut by author Jane O’Reilly. It is actually hard to believe that
it is a debut novel. The interlaced humour and sensuality in this
story sucked me in from the start and held me captive throughout...”</b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0.23cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;">Jane
O‘Reilly writes for both Escape and Carina UK. </span><span style="color: #00000a;"><i>The
Holiday Survival Guide </i></span><span style="color: #00000a;">is her third
title with Escape. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #00000a;">Perfect
for fans of Victoria Dahl </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri Light, serif;"><span style="font-size: 28pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 22pt;">About
the Author</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Jane
O’Reilly started writing as an antidote to kids’ TV when her
youngest child was a baby. Her first novel was set in her old school
and involved a ghost and lots of death. It’s unpublished, which is
probably for the best. Then she discovered contemporary romance, and
that, as they say, was that. She lives near London with her husband
and two children. Find her at </span><span style="color: #00000a;"><a href="http://www.janeoreilly.com/">www.janeoreilly.com</a>,
o</span><span style="font-size: small;">n Twitter as <a href="https://twitter.com/janeoreilly">@janeoreilly</a>,
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/janeoreillyauthor">Facebook</a> or
email her at </span><a href="mailto:jane@janeoreilly.com"><span style="color: #00000a;">jane@janeoreilly.com</span></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Pre-order The Holiday Survival Guide from amazon here: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Holiday-Survival-Guide-novella-ebook/dp/B00GXUXOHW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387191534&sr=8-2&keywords=jane+o%27reilly">http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Holiday-Survival-Guide-novella-ebook/dp/B00GXUXOHW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387191534&sr=8-2&keywords=jane+o%27reilly</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-17654719192940222272013-12-10T07:56:00.002-08:002013-12-10T07:56:30.079-08:00Review of The Forgotten Seamstress by Liz Trenow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdhULktOVJQIh3__iHVjBTnA4x88H-VcMKHJRIYRYexgg1oc8M087lsv2BHHodUscuvdpp35e_L83rE1lY-z9AKVxiaB9r9FR2NA-wqZwyxzjTFadb7YWUKigyjMFJSzt65iIpWuFN74/s1600/The+Forgotten+Seamstress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdhULktOVJQIh3__iHVjBTnA4x88H-VcMKHJRIYRYexgg1oc8M087lsv2BHHodUscuvdpp35e_L83rE1lY-z9AKVxiaB9r9FR2NA-wqZwyxzjTFadb7YWUKigyjMFJSzt65iIpWuFN74/s320/The+Forgotten+Seamstress.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really enjoyed
reading Liz Trenow's first novel <i>The Last Telegram</i> and have
been looking forward to reading her latest book <i>The Forgotten
Seamstress</i>.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Maria Romano grew up in
an orphanage in East London. At the age of fourteen, Maria and her
friend Nora are selected to become seamstresses at Buckingham Palace.
Once there, they work very hard, but Maria catches the eye of the
handsome young Prince of Wales. Soon things get out of hand
and Maria is forced into devastating circumstances. Years later, a
quilt is discovered that has been made with a very special and
unusual material. Will this link to Maria and the Royal family reveal
what really happened to her all those years earlier?</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really loved this
book and the idea of the quilt, which held so many long forgotten
secrets. It is beautifully written and I felt that I didn't want to
put the book down until the very end. Trenow cleverly weaves in lots
of historical facts and information that create lots of twists in the
plot. I was particularly shocked by the idea of the hospital at
Helena Hall. I can't wait to read Liz Trenow's next book <i>The Poppy
Factory</i>.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The Forgotten
Seamstress is a fantastic story that I found mesmerising to read. I
was fascinated by the story and loved the the way that Maria's side
of events is told through the recordings. It is a tragic tale, but at
the same time is an utterly compelling read.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5 stars</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Olivia at
Light Brigade PR for sending me a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-89008982996440564092013-12-10T01:47:00.001-08:002013-12-10T01:47:18.309-08:00Interview with Liz Trenow - Author of The Forgotten Seamstress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKudUri31F0MtQuOQE0W_fsxJc6HOje6uRLxKEcKMyOPF0TDftVAoj2cbiEIYzbWGHKuL8ftEHpFtswRJTfB4xaprt8XRxzNaTFrXpx3TcRV1RFE8bsABehu60K4wRVjHaD5VQ53jQ5fo/s1600/The+Forgotten+Seamstress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKudUri31F0MtQuOQE0W_fsxJc6HOje6uRLxKEcKMyOPF0TDftVAoj2cbiEIYzbWGHKuL8ftEHpFtswRJTfB4xaprt8XRxzNaTFrXpx3TcRV1RFE8bsABehu60K4wRVjHaD5VQ53jQ5fo/s320/The+Forgotten+Seamstress.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
I am delighted to welcome Liz Trenow to the blog today, as part of the blog tour for The Forgotten Seamstress. Liz has answered a few questions for us here...<br />
<br />
<b>Please tell us a little about yourself</b><br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">My
family has been weaving silk for three hundred years, and I was
brought up in the house next to the mill which is still weaving
today. Although I didn’t go into the silk business myself, this
upbringing has left me with a great love of all things to do with
fabrics.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">I
came to fiction writing quite late in my career having spent </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">fifteen
years as a news journalist on regional and national newspapers, and
on BBC radio and television news. I always wanted to write fiction
(some would say journalism </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><i>is</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
fiction!) and had no idea how different it would be. I knew that I
would need someone to ‘hold my hand’ so enrolled on a part time
two year MA in Creative Writing at City University in London. For
this degree you have to write a full length novel as the
‘dissertation’, so I emerged with the draft of what would
eventually, after many rewritings, become my first novel, </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><i>The
Last Telegram. The Forgotten Seamstress</i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">
is my second novel. </span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">I
live in Essex with my artist husband, and we have two grown up
daughters. There’s more about me at <a href="http://www.liztrenow.com/">www.liztrenow.com</a></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">
and I’d love to hear from you </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">on
Twitter @LizTrenow.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><b>Please tell us about The Forgotten Seamstress and your inspiration for the book</b></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Two
stories are told in parallel: In 1910 a young seamstress, Maria, is
noticed by Queen Mary, patron of the London Needlework Guild, and
employed in the royal household. In 2010 Caroline discovers that a
patchwork quilt inherited from her grandmother contains unique royal
silks. Through the fading memories of her mother, some family letters
and photographs, some old cassette tapes and the help of a local
journalist Caroline uncovers an extraordinary story involving a royal
affair, a life of incarceration and two women whose lives collided
with devastating consequences. Finally, she comes to understand what
her Granny wanted her to know – the truth about herself and how she
wants to live her own life.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I was
inspired to write this book when I went to the Warner Textile Archive
in Braintree, Essex, doing research into my own family history, and
chanced upon a case of the ‘May Silks’: beautiful damasks and
brocades, some with interwoven gold and silver threads, hand for the
trousseau of Princess May for her wedding to the heir to the British
throne in 1893. The silks themselves were entrancing but it was the
story behind them which most intrigued me. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I decided
to set it in a mental asylum because, as a teenager, I was an
inpatient in a ward set aside for minor clinical operations at an
enormous Victorian mental hospital close to my home town. The sights
and sounds of the place left a deep impression on me. It was like a
country mansion set in its own grounds but surrounded by high fences
– outwardly grand and yet with such an oppressive and ominous
atmosphere.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Can you tell us about your typical writing day? </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB">I
write in the mornings when my mind is freshest – usually starting
around 8.30ish and continuing till my stomach rumbles for lunch. I
start by reviewing and editing the section I wrote yesterday, to get
me back into the ‘zone’ and then I usually try to write between
1,000 – 1,500 words each day. I always write in my study, a small
room at the front of the house where there are not too many
distractions. My imagination seems to close down after lunch so then
I do research, admin, replying to emails, blogging and, when I’ve
got to that stage, proof reading.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="en-GB"><b>What are you working on now?</b></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I have
already written the first draft of my next book, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The
Poppy Factory.</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> It will be published in August
2014, marking the 100</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">
anniversary of the start of the First World War. As the title
suggests, the story revolves around the work of the real-life Poppy
Factory which still employs disabled veterans making Remembrance Day
poppies in Richmond, Surrey. Besides a poignant First World War
strand it also has a powerful contemporary storyline based on
interviews with two extraordinary young women who served as army
medics on the front line in Afghanistan. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">My next
book will go back in time to the 18</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;">th</span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">
century – set among the silk weavers of Spitalfields in London,
where my family’s silk weaving history began.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>What do you like to do outside of writing? </b></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">Reading,
spending time with family and friends, walking on the coast in
Suffolk, and singing – especially early music!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">Thanks, Liz!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">Look out for my review of The Forgotten Seamstress, which is coming soon.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-36432675602087531542013-12-02T02:48:00.001-08:002013-12-02T04:16:35.797-08:00Review of Melting Ms Frost by Kat Black<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPwkgtS0BOWy3HaNtkPB0eAjtf3EhW6IcvUWEezbv7pJKrAwhVM3p6_6X5QqvLPisM2ais5AJFN7ONDai567qGTrybjUSQErv1-7qrHZlg-fqOHphpgqgm9MMBwKzWaQShWygkFgQchw/s1600/MMS+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPwkgtS0BOWy3HaNtkPB0eAjtf3EhW6IcvUWEezbv7pJKrAwhVM3p6_6X5QqvLPisM2ais5AJFN7ONDai567qGTrybjUSQErv1-7qrHZlg-fqOHphpgqgm9MMBwKzWaQShWygkFgQchw/s320/MMS+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<i>Summary from Goodreads</i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">How do you thaw the coldest of hearts? Find out in the sexiest romance to hit the shelves this year.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">When Aidan Flynn walks into Cluny’s Restaurant, he can’t take his eyes off his new boss, Annabel Frost. With his heart set on winning her over, Aidan can think of nothing but getting beneath her cold exterior.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Known as one of the toughest women in the business, Annabel is impervious to Aidan’s many charms. His compelling grey gaze and persuasive Irish lilt do anything but anything but captivate her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">But Aidan knows there’s more to Annabel than meets the eye. And he’s not going to stop until he reveals all…</span></i><br />
<br />
Annabel Frost is a
demanding and uptight boss of Cluny's an upmarket restaurant in
London. She comes across as a very cold, determined character, but
underneath that is a much more vulnerable person. When she meets new
Irish bar tender Aidan, she takes an instant dislike to him. Aidan,
however, is the opposite and sees Annabel as a project and someone he
is very attracted to.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As Aidan attempts to
seduce Annabel, we start to see how their relationship changes.
Annabel is determined not to be seduced by anyone at work and has no
intention of crossing any boundaries, but she doesn't realise just
how persuasive Aidan can be.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Aidan really pushes the
boundaries and I think that is was makes the book so gripping, I just
didn't know what would happen next. I also liked the way that he
starts to uncover Annabel's secrets and show who she really is.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I really enjoyed this
fast paced and gripping read and the tension just sizzles on the
page. It is a steamy read that I didn't want to put down.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Avon for
sending me a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-79023145965720899052013-11-29T07:16:00.002-08:002013-11-29T07:16:57.881-08:00Review of Black Roses by Jane Thynne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGPVFlVmSYNFCyCGaJ62WMjTeybAWWDqTpUAk4d8AbSHRiY1iHoSBnLrVdWAU6Zk33-cv31gKxl4uvVY38305oV9hjTZonkFRebcPQI5aaW5BnaF_lE7zSuVAUgmz-HMpjTQjPVBSYvI/s1600/Black+Roses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGPVFlVmSYNFCyCGaJ62WMjTeybAWWDqTpUAk4d8AbSHRiY1iHoSBnLrVdWAU6Zk33-cv31gKxl4uvVY38305oV9hjTZonkFRebcPQI5aaW5BnaF_lE7zSuVAUgmz-HMpjTQjPVBSYvI/s320/Black+Roses.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">At
last – a spy thriller set in 1933 which portrays the women behind
the Nazi warlords! All the history books teach us about Hitler,
Goebbels, Von Ribbentrop and Himmler but what about their wives and
girlfriends? What do they do while their husbands are secretly
preparing for war? What do they talk about and what are their lives
like?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Clara
Vine, blue-blooded daughter of a prominent member of Parliament,
breaks with the accepted tradition of her class to become an actress.
When she realises that, in spite of this, she is expected to marry,
she acts on impulse. A good friend of hers has recently given her a
letter of introduction to Max Townsend, a prominent film producer in
Berlin, in order to further her career. Overnight, she travels to
Germany without a word to anyone.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">There,
she goes to the Babelsburg studios and immediately makes a new
friend, Helga. The studios are in the process of being taken over by
the Hitler`s Propaganda chief, Joseph Goebbels and Clara finds
herself unintentionally included in the circle of Nazi wives amongst
whom is Magda Goebbels. This makes her an ideal source of information
for Leo Quinn, an undercover agent who recruits her to gather
information on her new circle of friends and trains her in spycraft.
She must, however, turn her back on Helga for now.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Clara
and Leo are attracted to each other and inevitably fall in love.
Clara continues making films for the Reich, collecting snippets of
information from the ladies circle and her Nazi escort and admirer
Klaus Müller and passing them to Leo. It is only when Magda confides
in Clara and entrusts her with a startling and alarming mission that
Clara feels compromised and fears for her life, feeling trapped
between duty and love. Who can she really trust?</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
found the book a really compelling read and a fascinating insight
into German society in the early 1930s. Jane Thynne has combined
historical accuracy, suspense and romance in an unforgettable book. I
cannot wait to read her next book, The Winter Garden! An excellent
read.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Reviewed by Liz.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Simon and Schuster for sending us a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-86585155722019724262013-11-21T03:49:00.001-08:002013-11-21T03:49:08.517-08:00Review of Soloman's Tale by Sheila Jeffries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGJppk13pAbUyZFV20nVi_ahRKS5vpkRJx29QWGjd18j1fP765a6L4Q4bKlMxjciXyH2k-6wqoEjRSPFwi4Vn8hyk8-9fGuGYi0KQWmA9sCN94-O7bsy7C7OvaZ9pCP8NuFOg6t0zvAo/s1600/Soloman's+Tale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGJppk13pAbUyZFV20nVi_ahRKS5vpkRJx29QWGjd18j1fP765a6L4Q4bKlMxjciXyH2k-6wqoEjRSPFwi4Vn8hyk8-9fGuGYi0KQWmA9sCN94-O7bsy7C7OvaZ9pCP8NuFOg6t0zvAo/s320/Soloman's+Tale.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Soloman's Tale is a
lovely book told from the point of view of a cat called Soloman.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Soloman has been sent
to protect his grown up owner Ellen and soon he becomes the protector
and confidante of both Ellen and her young son John, as they battle
family problems. When he arrives on Ellen's doorstep as a tiny
scruffy kitten, no one realises the impact that he will have on
Ellen's family.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It is a beautifully
written book that will appeal to all animal lovers. Keep your tissues
handy though as there are some heart breaking moments too.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is a lovely heart
warming story that was a delight to read and would make a lovely
Christmas present.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I loved the cover too.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Avon for
sending us a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-82116828295865521652013-11-18T06:45:00.001-08:002013-11-18T06:45:31.564-08:00Review of Tempting Fate by Jane Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9dPrNr8mEXlnktuodEF9buHwzG0pethuKDl7F1jkH1u5rYrNGYuuQsxURmgAtJeVlElNhlSv88d8tpx_Fh7z3NVyZ3IVyDO0nwb3otWo9Mlr1GnXahdP4Q_8Rbvb9NbkUpu-mS22pUw/s1600/Tempting+Fate+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9dPrNr8mEXlnktuodEF9buHwzG0pethuKDl7F1jkH1u5rYrNGYuuQsxURmgAtJeVlElNhlSv88d8tpx_Fh7z3NVyZ3IVyDO0nwb3otWo9Mlr1GnXahdP4Q_8Rbvb9NbkUpu-mS22pUw/s320/Tempting+Fate+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Gabby has been happily
married to Elliott for twenty years, they have two daughters, a
lovely home and close group of friends. However, Gabby longs for
another child, whilst Elliott is not so keen.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When Gabby meets
handsome and younger Matt at an event, she is flattered by his
attention and the two soon begin a secret correspondence. However,
one careless moment could wreck Gabby's life and her everything
around her. Desperate to save the family life that she cherished so
dearly, Gabby will do anything to save her marriage. But, is it too
late for that?</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is a brilliant
book that I didn't want to put down. The plot hooked me straight in
and I ended up feeling as if I knew the characters. I really felt for
Gabby's two daughtrs who were torn between their parents. It is an
emotional and thought provoking book that I highly recommend.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is the first book
by Jane Green that I have read and I absolutely loved it.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5 stars</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Penguin
for sending me a copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-30674069734124045182013-10-20T10:57:00.003-07:002013-10-20T10:57:47.314-07:00Review of Seven for a Secret by Lyndsay Faye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72bN0Ae7OFJejY5pxsr0tvzTQzWXsx99WChaIZ_OySxSXY0JuSpAX_0gtGV3DgDW5ntuuicx7R0HrRO_GnuOEmy7tRhIXk-sC0H1ln4M-9sGL3w71pMP9MKZ-VTuKJZbCqVdzVcfhyU8/s1600/Seven+for+a+Secret+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72bN0Ae7OFJejY5pxsr0tvzTQzWXsx99WChaIZ_OySxSXY0JuSpAX_0gtGV3DgDW5ntuuicx7R0HrRO_GnuOEmy7tRhIXk-sC0H1ln4M-9sGL3w71pMP9MKZ-VTuKJZbCqVdzVcfhyU8/s320/Seven+for+a+Secret+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Transported to the
Manhattan of 1846 when the police force (or Stars as its members are
called) is in its infancy, dirt and squalor in the streets and crime
is rampant, we follow the investigation of Copper star Timothy Wilde
and his capricious brother Valentine into the kidnapping of Mrs Lucy
Adams family. Tim and Val are opposites: Tim is the quiet thinker
whereas Val is brilliant, reckless and given to the pleasures of life
in all their forms. They are no strangers to hardship, having grown
up in what is, in essence, a cauldron for all types of disease and
dishonesty.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Lucy`s sister and son have
been taken by Blackbirders; slave catchers who operate within the
law in Manhattan. Tim has to delve into depths of violent depravity
on the streets in order to solve the case and rescue the family. This
is no mean feat as the devious Blackbirders make money out of
catching freed slaves as well as the runaways from the southern
plantations and are willing to stop at nothing to achieve their ends.
The Law does not mean anything to them – in fact some corrupt
politicians actively encourage the practice, so how will Tim, with
Val`s help, bring these people to some form of justice?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-size: small;">Lyndsay
Faye creates the lurid atmosphere of lawlessness, brothels and the
desperation of the Irish immigrants flowing into New York in the
1860s to escape the potato famine with astounding accuracy. We suffer
the injustices and gasp at the often brutal attitudes of those in
charge towards the lives of others which are held cheaply. Her
characterisations are insightful to the point where we become part of
the plot and experience the despair, helplessness but also the dreams
of all concerned.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">A vibrant and exciting
read – highly recommended.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Reviewed by Liz.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Thank you to Headline for sending us a copy to review.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-61415553178824939012013-09-26T04:56:00.001-07:002013-09-26T04:56:27.437-07:00Review of Megan's Game by Tony Drury<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WI0WdjeOfUhWOIfcpPzXGqW8zjAF5VGRJFZerpUC81ItrzVrbAxcnQ_EHR1kpAMAL4ncQIP4QHehEzsJHO8qgQ3mC2iJmWC7lvA2tD1S8Hv5ZUyVLfgHlqq9ALVyOak5K7ZhW623xU/s1600/Megans+Game+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_WI0WdjeOfUhWOIfcpPzXGqW8zjAF5VGRJFZerpUC81ItrzVrbAxcnQ_EHR1kpAMAL4ncQIP4QHehEzsJHO8qgQ3mC2iJmWC7lvA2tD1S8Hv5ZUyVLfgHlqq9ALVyOak5K7ZhW623xU/s320/Megans+Game+cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Megan is a sports and Outward Bound teacher living
in Abergynolwyn, a small town in Wales, who is still coming to terms with the
death of her soldier husband, Rhys, in Basra. She has somewhat lost her way in
life until she is invited to play at the annual tennis tournament held by the
owners of the mansion in Aberdovey on Cardigan Bay. Here she partners new
arrival David Rensburg to win the doubles tournament – thus starting a new
chapter of her life. David works in the City and owns a cottage in Aberdovey.
They have a passionate affair and Megan begins to move forward at long last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">However, the path of true love never did run smooth,
as the saying goes, and back in London David becomes embroiled in the unethical
financial dealings of Martin van Dijl on behalf of his brokerage firm,
culminating in being imprisoned for a high-profile murder. Megan, by now loved
by David`s two sons Matthew and Josh, has to do her utmost to prove that David
is innocent, no mean task for a small-town lady in the imposing and raw city of
London. Will she succeed, and will David ever be able to fulfil his ambition to
explain the intricacies of high finance to the public by means of a
simply-written book? Read on……!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Tony Drury himself <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>was a
financier in the City with a love of Wales and this is his first work of
fiction. His written style is easy to read and he builds the tension very well
– I couldn`t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next! I would thoroughly
recommend this book and look forward to Tony`s next offering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Reviewed by Liz.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-56838055751381350192013-09-23T13:23:00.001-07:002013-09-23T13:24:18.715-07:00Review of Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzHuYmaWcsmCzdSWRckTS4gqRHkGs2xAzctR71IxcarAZzhaz6DJO8PvJUne55tNMIteX-qhbrbcwAbvTGra6d7BOQDRY0f5W4cLs3ow27XqFKPH6q8ad9lz2rltruBpA3tqGHUhWlCc/s1600/Bernadette+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzHuYmaWcsmCzdSWRckTS4gqRHkGs2xAzctR71IxcarAZzhaz6DJO8PvJUne55tNMIteX-qhbrbcwAbvTGra6d7BOQDRY0f5W4cLs3ow27XqFKPH6q8ad9lz2rltruBpA3tqGHUhWlCc/s320/Bernadette+cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I read Where'd You Go, Bernadette as
part of my reading group and it is, without doubt, one of the
funniest books that I have read. I absolutely loved it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
At first glance, Bernadette Fox is wife
to senior Microsoft employee Elgie Branch and loving mother to Bea.
However, to the other mothers at Bea's school, Bernadette is
glamorous but unfriendly and even slightly crazy. When one of the
mother decides to google Bernadette, the only thing that she can find
online is an entry about a trailblazing architect who hasn't been
seen for over twenty years. Surely that is not the same Bernadette,
is it?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Everything seemed as normal as could be
in Bea's household until she asks to go to Antartica after getting
straight As at school. Much to everyone's surprise (even her own),
Bernadette throws herself into preparing for this trip. However, all
is not as it seems and when the illusive Bernadette goes missing, her
daughter Bea tries every to track her down. Told through a series of
emails, letters and messages, finding Bernadette also becomes a story
about finding who she is and what she is really afraid of. I loved
Bernadette's character with her outlandish theories and names for
people. I also found the character of Majula, the online assistant,
to be a brilliant if somewhat frightening addition.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I sat down to start reading this book
on a Saturday morning and literally did not move until I finished it.
It is a real feel good book with lots of laugh out loud moments with
my particular favourite being a hilariously timed landslide. I could
imagine this being made into a film.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Highly recommended and one of my
favourite books of the year.</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-7666167084608556602013-09-18T13:23:00.003-07:002013-09-18T13:23:41.096-07:00Review of Cruel Crossing by Edward Stourton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83NixyP0fRD-ex5KQSpVpQDyLvhTWk1KA1ihfNzQBq9rNFLRZeI0DfoDlxK_MSYoPF-xUfQ_yaS6SBhoFkwwH9JI13dOkL5huUV6B1uVodY7r_fMbV2zO-_-ef42mvXvqc5Sm30HdgC0/s1600/Cruel+Crossing+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83NixyP0fRD-ex5KQSpVpQDyLvhTWk1KA1ihfNzQBq9rNFLRZeI0DfoDlxK_MSYoPF-xUfQ_yaS6SBhoFkwwH9JI13dOkL5huUV6B1uVodY7r_fMbV2zO-_-ef42mvXvqc5Sm30HdgC0/s320/Cruel+Crossing+cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Cruel Crossing is a fascinating book
full of the horror and tragedy that occurred during World War Two. In
France, the pyrenees were used as a daring and extremely dangerous
escape route into France. As Stourton takes part in the Chemain de la
liberte, a walk commemorating the route used by so many to escape the
Nazi, he pieces together the stories from people who were actually
involved.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The horrors that befell both ordinary
people and the armed forces are all too apparent in this book, but
what really stands out is the unwavering selflessness and bravery
shown by those who helped the escapees. Cruel Crossing is thorough
and brilliantly researched and has made me want to visit this area of
France that I knew little about.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It is a heart-wrenching, but utterly
compelling collection of accounts of people involved in the daring
escapes across the Pyrenees during the Second World War.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I highly recommend this book and would
rate it as a 5 star read.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I read this as part of the Transworld
Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-79920149982969194412013-09-16T02:35:00.001-07:002013-09-16T02:35:23.815-07:00Review of Hawthorn and Child by Keith Ridgway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOgYPvQJZ1ynofsxXbaohdsN9EnLQZHVUW1fV9rOu1t1WEYkBGuGBtRFyZV823Vwd5smVOw1ODYlHCZZZDTpHB6TIi2gjBJ1uGL6ng1uTkkLzqhFkruOovPBHny6FW2DcOpkkr2ovjuA/s1600/Hawthorn+and+Child+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOgYPvQJZ1ynofsxXbaohdsN9EnLQZHVUW1fV9rOu1t1WEYkBGuGBtRFyZV823Vwd5smVOw1ODYlHCZZZDTpHB6TIi2gjBJ1uGL6ng1uTkkLzqhFkruOovPBHny6FW2DcOpkkr2ovjuA/s320/Hawthorn+and+Child+cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, what can I say? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A detective novel with no plot, no suspects
but plenty of crimes. There is no story – it is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">about</i> two detectives: Hawthorn, the introspective one and Child,
the extrovert. Beyond that, this novel delightfully disconcerts the reader, who
is naturally looking for a developing story with a beginning, a middle and a
(hopefully ) satisfying conclusion. This does not happen. Instead one is
presented with a series of intense insights into what any one of the characters
may be thinking about any subject<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at any
one time, with the added confusion of who `s thoughts they are and what
time-scale they are in. It reminds me of Samuel Beckett`s “Waiting for Godot”
and would, indeed, make a superb theatrical production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is very thought-provoking book, keeping the
reader avid to know more and gratifying nothing. I was beguiled by the style
and the perceptions express by the author. It is a book that needs to be read
at least twice, as there is a new twist each time you read it. I will look
forward to reading it again and experience the pathos and the humour. Highly
recommended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Reviewed by Liz.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-51200767275036668242013-09-08T01:23:00.003-07:002013-09-08T01:23:46.798-07:00Review of Midsummer Magic by Julia Williams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-tOnX-Kj2AksedxQGdPmTZ-G18Ck3TCDsPuX1cmp6Abz9xfXk9ELz4eqLl9X68zVan-7S-_54gT_2790flde32sO_KcbzGkLgbjyj-BM7oxkQDuT-vL4fadxNtj5P3U-2_8HsYxG9zc/s1600/Midsummer+Magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-tOnX-Kj2AksedxQGdPmTZ-G18Ck3TCDsPuX1cmp6Abz9xfXk9ELz4eqLl9X68zVan-7S-_54gT_2790flde32sO_KcbzGkLgbjyj-BM7oxkQDuT-vL4fadxNtj5P3U-2_8HsYxG9zc/s1600/Midsummer+Magic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As soon as I saw the beautiful cover on
Midsummer Magic, I knew that it was a book I wanted to read.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Recently engaged Josie has jumped into
wedding planning and left her fiance Harry feeling a little left out.
When she invites Harry, her bridesmaid Diane and Harry's best man Ant to
Cornwall for the weekend she imagines a relaxing couple of days
talking about the wedding. However, what she doesn't realise is that
Diane and Ant already know each other and are not the best of
friends. To make matters worse, when Harry and Ant meet famous
magician Freddie Puck in the local pub they drunkenly agree to take
part in a hypnosis stunt on Mid summer's Eve for his new show. As
Midsummer Night comes round, the four realise that the tv show could
be a mistake and before they know it long buried secrets and feelings
start coming to the surface.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The use of local mythology is a strong
part of the storyline and the beautiful setting in Cornwall really
emphasises this. There is something about the caves and rugged
coastline that makes myths seem like possibilities.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This is a fun, magical story that I
really enjoyed reading. I thought that the references to
Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream were a very clever addition
and I am looking forward to reading Williams' next book.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thank you to Avon for sending me a copy
to review.</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-10610241704619915412013-09-06T02:13:00.000-07:002013-09-06T02:13:36.114-07:00Woman Walks into a Bar by Rowan Coleman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyLBLgWy1HguBTyG76YhD1XbsCYBlZi1pNfGP_Ipva_dgLz9gNpBS23DB5YtGORQryb_5Yr1WbUo-YlGYvHVk7pu47kExYeZ7KPGwaMm4oujcD2JhTt-k3YIwK2-uESSpUXiobW7sSpY/s1600/WOMAN+WALKS+INTO+A+BAR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyLBLgWy1HguBTyG76YhD1XbsCYBlZi1pNfGP_Ipva_dgLz9gNpBS23DB5YtGORQryb_5Yr1WbUo-YlGYvHVk7pu47kExYeZ7KPGwaMm4oujcD2JhTt-k3YIwK2-uESSpUXiobW7sSpY/s320/WOMAN+WALKS+INTO+A+BAR.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rowan-coleman.tumblr.com/post/56504074980/help-me-raise-10-000-for-refuge"><span style="color: #eb374b; font-size: 20.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Help Rowan Coleman raise £10,000 for Refuge</span></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 20.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<o:p><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On September 10<sup>th</sup> Rowan
is publishing her novella </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E5D94SC" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #eb374b; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Woman Walks into a
Bar</span></span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> as
an ebook for the first time. And <b>100%</b> of her proceeds will be
donated to Refuge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her goal is to raise
£10,000 and you can help. All you have to do is buy a book, or two, and get
your friends to buy one too. You’ll get a funny, romantic and touching summer
read <i>and</i> you’ll be helping women you’ve never even met at the
same time and all for the </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E5D94SC"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">price of £1.59!</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 22pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The story behind
the story<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every book Rowan have
ever written has meant a lot to her, but with her latest book ‘</span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dearest-Rose-ebook/dp/B008KYWHLI/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1374828120&sr=1-1&keywords=dearest+rose" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #eb374b; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dearest
Rose</span></span></i></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">,’
something really special happened when the real world and the fiction she loves
to write collided. It changed her as a person and a writer, forever.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was getting ready
to research her tenth novel, which with the help of her Facebook readers she
decided should pivot around the theme of domestic abuse. It was a subject she’d
touched on briefly once before, when she wrote a short novella as one of the
first Quick Reads called <i>Woman Walks into a Bar</i>, which to this day
remains one of the pieces of work of which she is most proud.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> So she posted
on her Facebook page asking if anyone had any personal experiences of domestic
abuse, and any stories they might share with her in confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She was shocked and
amazed by the response; there were more than 200 emails waiting in her inbox
the next day. Each story she read was horrific and frightening in its own way,
giving her an insight into the secret lives of many women; lives that all too
often remain hidden. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone - well educated
wealthy women are just as likely to suffer as women from a working class
background - but the one thing all those women had in common was that they were
survivors. After years of being mentally and physically beaten down, they had managed
to find the emotional strength, somehow, to break free and start again. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 12.45pt; mso-outline-level: 2; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now Rowan wants to do
something that will help other women find that inner courage, and change their
lives.<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E5D94SC"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri Light;">£1.59 Amazon Kindle</span></span></b></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span> </div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, come on and join
Rowan, and help to #supportafriend on September 10<sup>th</sup>. Every time you
buy or pre-order ‘Woman Walks into a Bar’ you’ll be entered into a prize draw
for fabulous prizes every week, while the #supportafriend #womanwalks campaign
is running. On 10<sup>th</sup> September, </span></span><a href="https://twitter.com/rowancoleman"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">tweet Rowan</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> photos of you and your friends, tell
her your ideas to support a friend, and why your friends mean so much to you.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can be a best
friend to someone you have never even met. You can help someone out there find
the support they need to change their lives.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are a blogger
or tweeter, spread the word using #supportafriend #womawalks. If you are a company
who could offer a prize to drive book sales and thereby money for Refuge,
please get in touch. If you are a woman in an abusive relationship, or if you
have a friend about whom you are worried, please get in touch with </span></span><a href="http://refuge.org.uk/get-help-now/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #eb374b; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Refuge</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and ask for
help today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 16.5pt;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 22pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="font-family: Calibri Light;">About Rowan<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rowan Coleman grew up in
Hertfordshire secretly longing to be a writer despite battling with
dyslexia. After graduating from university she worked in bookselling and
publishing for seven years before winning Company Magazine Young Writer of the
Year in 2001. Her first novel</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘Growing Up Twice’</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">was
published in 2002.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rowan
has gone on to write eight novels for women including the bestseller ‘<em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Accidental Mother, The Baby Group’</span></em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘The
Accidental Wife</span></em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">‘
and eight novels for children and teens including the paranormal adventure
novels Nearly Departed and Immortal Remains under the name Rook Hasting. Her
books are published around the world. She now lives in Hertfordshire with her family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://rowan-coleman.tumblr.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">Woman Walks into a Bar website</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-14650547540812536882013-09-05T02:25:00.002-07:002013-09-05T02:25:48.764-07:00Review of Sophie's Encore by Nicky Wells<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitByA_ZVBlAWg04ISn-7f_K4y5PZJAQbiSABTfBO9-J_Ifi4CHgMXwkT27JakJwyiLbIRPkg3xCtF1qkxEXOjdB4GvNTCOhV78XFHubG_D_3u-M2a7_bxMnSI-MiOpV1eZAD6EehiqoRw/s1600/SETourGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Her rock star is waiting in
the wings, but will he get a second chance?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><em>It’s all change for Sophie Jones—only this
time, there is more at stake than just her happiness.</em></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><em>Rock star extraordinaire, Dan Hunter, has
been her patient and caring friend through the highs and lows since her wedding
day, but now he figures it is time for her to start over. By stealth, the rock
singer draws Sophie into the behind-the-scenes work for his band’s latest
album. Through the days and weeks spent together at the mixing desk, Sophie
discovers whole new horizons for her life, yet before she can even begin to
explore them, she faces the very real threat of losing her rock star for good.</em></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><em>Join Sophie and Dan in Sophie’s Encore to find out how their journey will end…</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been eagerly awaiting the final instalment in the
Rock Star Romance trilogy and I am pleased to say that it did not disappoint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophie has had a difficult couple of years and Dan had stood
by her through thick and thin. When Dan offers Sophie the chance to work behind
the scenes she jumps at the opportunity and loves the idea of working as a
sound engineer. Things between Sophie and Dan seem to be amicable and Dan<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even helps look after Sophie’s two children
who are his godchildren. However, when Dan becomes ill the tables are turned
and it is Sophie who has to look out for Dan. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a fast paced book that I found addictive to read. I found the parts about the music industry to be fascinating and I loved the hearing about Dan's tour - it all sounded so glamorous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m so pleased with the way that the book ended and will miss reading about Dan and Sophie now that the trilogy has ended.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophie’s Encore is available to buy now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Party
Time — The ENCORE PARTY!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Join
in the release day fun!! Come on and party with Nicky —</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://wp.me/p1HzVM-1ce"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">On her blog</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicky-Wells-Author/240322162658246"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">On
Facebook</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On
Twitter — #SophiesEncore</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moreover!
In honor of the launch, the first two books in the Rock Star Romance Trilogy
are available on Kindle for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">only
$0.99/£0.77 for a limited time only</b>! </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you haven’t already got them, go get them here:</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophie’s
TURN: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophies-Turn-Rock-Romance-ebook/dp/B00961HXC2/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">AMAZON.CO.UK
</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">| </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophies-Turn-Rock-Romance-ebook/dp/B00961HXC2/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">AMAZON.COM</span></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophie’s
RUN: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sophies-Rock-Romance-Series-ebook/dp/B00BBK38UM/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">AMAZON.CO.UK</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
| </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophies-Rock-Romance-Series-ebook/dp/B00BBK38UM/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">AMAZON.COM</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If
you’ve already read them, share the joy and spread the word!</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Party
Time — The GIVEAWAY!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>1 x signed Sophie’s
Encore Poster<br />
2 x Sophie’s Encore Mugs<br />
1 x Sophie’s Run Mug<br />
1 x $10 Amazon Gift Voucher (or equivalent currency)<br />
2 x Sophie’s Encore Key Ring<br />
1 x Sophie’s Run Key Ring<br />
2 x “Swag Pack” featuring 2 postcards (1 signed) each </strong></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong>for
all three Rock Star Romance books, and 2 bookmarks each for Sophie’s Turn and
Sophie’s Run</strong></span></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Enter the giveaway here:</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black;">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/926ff65/</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span lang="EN-US">The giveaway
closes 30 September at 12 midnight BST.</span></strong><b><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></b><span lang="EN-US">Entrants must be 18 or over. Giveaway is open
internationally.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mD9gue_iL62-cl3nWomZ5IibTL_ibFtaVDSOHFCaSzlhg_XAzKkXybm5qLvegHpevx_LIAtMu67-E3h2doYNRtEmnHF6mREogXDKzSo_x8cPd8hCQjJ1MFb56OT9WGSGlrkFCsFCf_o/s1600/Nicky_NEWAuthorPic_April12_useforwebsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mD9gue_iL62-cl3nWomZ5IibTL_ibFtaVDSOHFCaSzlhg_XAzKkXybm5qLvegHpevx_LIAtMu67-E3h2doYNRtEmnHF6mREogXDKzSo_x8cPd8hCQjJ1MFb56OT9WGSGlrkFCsFCf_o/s320/Nicky_NEWAuthorPic_April12_useforwebsite.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick
author. Signed to US Publisher, </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: blue;">Sapphire Star Publishing</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, Nicky writes <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Romance That Rocks Your World</span></strong>,
featuring the rock star and the girl next door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Nicky’s books offer <strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">glitzy, glamorous contemporary romance with a
rock theme</span></strong> ~ imagine Bridget Jones <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ROCKS </span></em>Notting Hill!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Born in
Germany, Nicky moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 and currently lives in
Lincoln. In a previous professional life, Nicky worked as a researcher and
project manager for an international Human Resources research firm based in
London and Washington, D.C. Like her leading lady, Sophie, Nicky loves
listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing,
she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor to The
Midweek Drive show on Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-62157808000225835532013-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:002013-09-01T13:45:13.876-07:00Review of The Elephant Girl by Henriette Gyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdz5dMs1iO0M4akZX-zUi_1uxeB5VWYwZ4UX63ev7jhXJ4onhyphenhyphen47-r7zU8o67QvO_7tt6ePwVbbRAg2PsQGPT9TcZQWbbcHZMG6JO-gZ2Fwpr41Y-pEEAiZ8QxorZQ9sOmzY-h5F6gcI/s1600/The+Elephant+Girl+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdz5dMs1iO0M4akZX-zUi_1uxeB5VWYwZ4UX63ev7jhXJ4onhyphenhyphen47-r7zU8o67QvO_7tt6ePwVbbRAg2PsQGPT9TcZQWbbcHZMG6JO-gZ2Fwpr41Y-pEEAiZ8QxorZQ9sOmzY-h5F6gcI/s320/The+Elephant+Girl+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed reading Henriette
Gyland's debut novel <i>Up Close</i> and have been looking forward to
reading The Elephant Girl.</div>
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Five year old Helen Stephens witnesses
the shocking murder of her mother in London. Twenty years later after
a terrible childhood, she is summoned by her step-grandmother who
abandoned her. When she arrives back in London, she finds out that
the woman convicted of her mother's murder has just been released
from prison. Determined to avenge her mother, Helen goes looking for
the convicted killer Fay Cooper in London. However, finding her
unleashes emotions and memories that Helen thought were long buried.
After twenty years could there still be new information to uncover?</div>
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Helen is a strong, likeable heroine who
comes across as a very determined person. I thought that all of the
characters were well formed and had a strong presence on the page.</div>
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This is a gripping and fast paced read
and I enjoyed every minute of it. There are lots of surprises in
store for the reader as Helen tries to narrow down the events
surrounding the murder. The mysterious circumstances intertwine with
a strong romantic element. I loved this book and highly recommend it.</div>
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Thank you to Choc Lit for sending me a
copy to review.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-86162361050917182792013-08-27T05:52:00.002-07:002013-08-27T05:52:31.842-07:00Review of The Ways of the World by Robert Goddard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZwJtyvRN1QU7yjEwuORvF3022Wg2sKYRWwOC-wHQ54tRbZNj1k8Ox9z3rfXn9IppK0k2TIvrZeqq0TTPHYIt_MV2havd7qkjH-2CHdqtq5qpW0W0yRq07L7UKzPd9jj__J4U31Ha56Q/s1600/The+Ways+of+the+World+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZwJtyvRN1QU7yjEwuORvF3022Wg2sKYRWwOC-wHQ54tRbZNj1k8Ox9z3rfXn9IppK0k2TIvrZeqq0TTPHYIt_MV2havd7qkjH-2CHdqtq5qpW0W0yRq07L7UKzPd9jj__J4U31Ha56Q/s320/The+Ways+of+the+World+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Ways of the World is set in Paris during the peace
conference after the first world war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">James ‘Max’ Maxted, war hero and second son of Sir Henry
Maxted, is devastated to hear of his father’s death in Paris. Alongside his
elder brother Sir Ashley, Max travels to France and is shocked to discover
suspicious circumstances surrounding his father’s death. Against his brother’s
wishes, he decides to stay in Paris and uncover the truth. However, in looking
for his father’s killer, Max steps into a world full of secrets, spies and
assassins. In some ways, his life is put in even greater risk than it was during
the war.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was fascinated by the historical context of this novel
with its details about the 1919 peace conference. There are so many twists and
turns in the plot that I was suspicious of many of the characters at various
points. This is a truly outstanding story that will have you guessing until the
very end. I highly recommend it for fans of historical fiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking
out for more books by Robert Goddard. The cliff hanger ending has left me
desperate to know what will happen next.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I read this as part of the Transworld Historical Fiction
Reading Challenge.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-87014805980552840372013-08-26T01:32:00.004-07:002013-08-26T01:32:43.221-07:00Review of A Jersey Kiss by Georgina Troy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsc5eARzo3-bj4uk0IkuwzaTEu6xK6R4NhTG29RCljBY7prKTQa0e2Z2fU3FB9BJeIoGYrGQc5JA2PYc5D3_hRLbMmzapSm08hkm5wty9lEHIss22EafNxi9KJ7Y66-3gfpNQaSFfIu8/s1600/A+Jersey+Kiss+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCsc5eARzo3-bj4uk0IkuwzaTEu6xK6R4NhTG29RCljBY7prKTQa0e2Z2fU3FB9BJeIoGYrGQc5JA2PYc5D3_hRLbMmzapSm08hkm5wty9lEHIss22EafNxi9KJ7Y66-3gfpNQaSFfIu8/s320/A+Jersey+Kiss+cover+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Bea is mourning the death of her aunt
and is struggling to cope with the beautiful old house that she
inherited. It is called The Brae and was her aunt's pride and joy, so
Bea is determined that it must stay in the family. However, she has
recently separated from her husband Simon and he is demanding a share
too. The will also states that Bea has been left something called the
Jersey Kiss, but no one seems to know what this is. Could it be
something that might help her save the house?</div>
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The last thing Bea is looking for at
this difficult time is romance, but when handsome builder Luke
arrives to start work on the house she can't help but feel a
connection. The problem is that her boss Tom also seems determined to
strike up more than a friendship. When Tom delivers some shocking
news about Luke, Bea must decide who, if anyone, to choose.
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I really recommend this book as a fun
summer read that is full of romance and mystery in a beautiful
setting. I look forward to reading more by this author.</div>
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I loved the cover on this kindle
edition!</div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-72227302497505540372013-08-20T02:56:00.001-07:002013-08-20T02:56:34.041-07:00Review of The Old Rectory by Julia Ibbotson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5AQ3MWLb7ep3HZDXT6r6a2FLimzbcHz66yW0UvvVQ4OiPL6avS9F2KHgojbGUGPQ32m3YuOl3ZdpgAQmDoMNQsiVyti73ua4zo_ye5ZoFUKdWjxDgQsRHpt30dksk9Z7CKUfKpZO4sE/s1600/Old+Rectory+cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5AQ3MWLb7ep3HZDXT6r6a2FLimzbcHz66yW0UvvVQ4OiPL6avS9F2KHgojbGUGPQ32m3YuOl3ZdpgAQmDoMNQsiVyti73ua4zo_ye5ZoFUKdWjxDgQsRHpt30dksk9Z7CKUfKpZO4sE/s320/Old+Rectory+cover+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am delighted to be hosting The Old Rectory blog tour
today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Old Rectory is Julia Ibbotson’s real life account of
buying and restoring a Victorian rectory in the countryside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a fascinating and absorbing book and I enjoyed the author's accounts of settling into life in the village. Over a two year period, the author and her husband gradually renovate the house and fill the reader in on all of the trials and tribulations involved in this process. Ibbotson also tells the reader about the history of the house and surrounding area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I really enjoyed reading this book and I particularly loved
the inclusion of seasonal recipes at the end of each chapter. I plan to try a
number of the dishes mentioned, especially the sticky toffee pudding. The Old Rectory will be a perfect book for fans of biographies and cookery books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can follow the blog tour tomorrow at: <a href="http://www.crimsonflowerreview.com/">http://www.crimsonflowerreview.com/</a></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-46586282334561669902013-08-13T06:47:00.003-07:002013-08-13T06:47:39.728-07:00Review of Nearest Thing to Crazy by Elizabeth Forbes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlXDhZIkTcpXorgBcj7nTM8QzgCUCYbRoIcAF-MwlrVnO8Rf0CwpAJMnv7ALidH8HUBipSkzN-Lr9d69PjR8VxsUp8-X4xyxxYYAEP4GhdfWHfxcV_tdCBkmL0Z9nePQzlF9fpVRHGC0/s1600/Nearest+Thing+to+Crazy+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlXDhZIkTcpXorgBcj7nTM8QzgCUCYbRoIcAF-MwlrVnO8Rf0CwpAJMnv7ALidH8HUBipSkzN-Lr9d69PjR8VxsUp8-X4xyxxYYAEP4GhdfWHfxcV_tdCBkmL0Z9nePQzlF9fpVRHGC0/s320/Nearest+Thing+to+Crazy+cover.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nearest Thing to Crazy is a real edge of your seat, gripping
and pacy read that I didn’t want to put down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ellie Black arrives in a sleepy country village and is soon
at the heart of local society. Everything about her from her red shoes to
sports car screams glamour and different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ellie befriends Cass and Dan and soon they start to plan
outings together. At first, Cass and Ellie seem to get on really well and Cass
is excited about her new friend. However, soon Cass starts noticing strange
behaviour from Ellie - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>just small things
at first, but the problem is that no one believes her – not even her husband
Dan and daughter. As Ellie works her way into village life, Cass feels that
people are turning against her and starts to feel that her life is spiralling
out of control. Is Cass imagining things and blowing them out of proportion or
is her distrust of Ellie justified?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This book is full of suspense and will really have you
questioning what you believe to be true. I was taken by surprise so many times
by the many twists and turns in the plot – it will keep you guessing right
until the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a stunning debut novel that had me hooked from the
very first page. I look forward to reading more from this author and wouldn’t
hesitate to rate this as a five star read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to Cutting Edge Press for sending me a copy to
review.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-30869191234450912692013-08-11T07:45:00.003-07:002013-08-11T07:49:33.590-07:00Review of My Husband Next Door by Catherine Alliott<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI2OlnEyX_AiGqx1t2o9BsfesQEpRP8U9h2FcKVsQziUFc6k4RQAHdA9daVzy1dKXb7qFcESmHpFI9uJs7LBFzwN8wvlsrNu5LFYCam-bvqFBZETNdOPHtMBtrMAx6mbS8ViCDOsSeW8/s1600/My+Husband+Next+Door+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI2OlnEyX_AiGqx1t2o9BsfesQEpRP8U9h2FcKVsQziUFc6k4RQAHdA9daVzy1dKXb7qFcESmHpFI9uJs7LBFzwN8wvlsrNu5LFYCam-bvqFBZETNdOPHtMBtrMAx6mbS8ViCDOsSeW8/s320/My+Husband+Next+Door+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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I am a big fan of Catherine Alliott’s books and had been
looking forward to reading her latest novel ‘My Husband Next Door’.</div>
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Ella was just nineteen years old when she married well known
artist Sebastian Montclair. They had a whirlwind romance and two children soon
followed. At first, their lives seemed idyllic with a large London townhouse,
lots of invitations flowing in and a private education for the children all
within their means. However, fast forward the clock and things have drastically
changed. Ella and Sebastian now live separate lives on the same farm in the
countryside with their fashionable London days a world away.</div>
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With Sebastian living in the out-house, everything is left
to Ella and you can tell that she is just about at the end of her tether. It is
made all the worse by her sister who seems to have a perfect life with a large
house and no money worries. However, when Ella strikes up a friendship with
handsome gardener Ludo she wonders if there could be more to their relationship than just a friendship.</div>
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Alliott has filled this book with a whole host of coulourful, larger than life characters. I particularly liked the animals characters featured and, as the owner of some rather unruly chickens, I found a certain scene with Ella's cockerels to be hilarious. </div>
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This is another fun, witty read from Alliott that would make perfect reading on a summer’s day.</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-17958769607437260612013-08-06T04:10:00.001-07:002013-08-06T04:10:43.218-07:00Review of Millie and the American University by Annabel Scott<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rdh0HN_KXA4JwmsY0s-BxneM7HTUhYNLKlHu3qKWr2VGHkKN_VvSvK5fwPXTmnbAUuMzufr6AkIyvv7WgFu4I-qP7yCyXVftbqc38SqMn06CZaLS7kT4I52GsgRqe1ZIC5hGt48-z24/s1600/dfw-ab-matau-cover-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rdh0HN_KXA4JwmsY0s-BxneM7HTUhYNLKlHu3qKWr2VGHkKN_VvSvK5fwPXTmnbAUuMzufr6AkIyvv7WgFu4I-qP7yCyXVftbqc38SqMn06CZaLS7kT4I52GsgRqe1ZIC5hGt48-z24/s320/dfw-ab-matau-cover-large.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Millie and the American University is the prequel to Millie
and the American Wedding, which was released last year. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The novel follows University student Millie as she goes on a
year abroad to Kendry University in Pennsylvania. Millie finds herself the
centre of attention on this small US campus, as the only British student there
and people (especially boys) are fascinated by her accent. Everything about Kendry
is different from her UK University from the intense workload to the fraternity
parties and the way that students don’t drink in bars as much. Determined to
make friends, Millie is initially introduced to Jen and Casey two girls from
one of the sorority houses. At first, she thinks that they are genuine friends,
but soon their bossiness about her clothes and weight begin to seem more like
bullying. When Millie makes friends with Kristen and begin going to parties
together, Jen and Casey turn on her and things become particularly nasty when
Millie shows interest in a guy that Casey likes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each chapter begins with an email entry from Millie to her
friends in the UK and this was one of my favourite features of the book. It is interesting
to see Millie’s summary of what has happened whilst she has been away. I loved
reading about all of the frat parties and drinking games that went on, there
are some hilarious moments with one particular incident with whipped cream that
had me laughing out loud. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a really fun, romantic, feel good story that I read
in one sitting, it made me feel nostalgic for my university days! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also think that it
would appeal to fans of New Adult fiction.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-80137051278267066902013-08-05T06:26:00.002-07:002013-08-05T06:26:41.641-07:00Review of Always You by Erin Kaye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO67qA2uK1cNujXSiSR7Hp1pFdw9JCl7bSawk3lyMawciF93vGD87ySXrdi5heO3xhIn4rRm1R7qvxkBPQvNor0wYbBixUia0b2P9goNWjRJ1G2bdeABOCuYnYZk6Y4xSdJ5D-SizickM/s1600/Always+You+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO67qA2uK1cNujXSiSR7Hp1pFdw9JCl7bSawk3lyMawciF93vGD87ySXrdi5heO3xhIn4rRm1R7qvxkBPQvNor0wYbBixUia0b2P9goNWjRJ1G2bdeABOCuYnYZk6Y4xSdJ5D-SizickM/s320/Always+You+cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 1992, Sarah and Cahal meet at University and plan to
spend the rest of their lives together, it is love at first sight and they are
certain that they will never be apart. However, Sarah’s family believe that
Cahal is not suitable for her and she is forced to choose between her family
and her boyfriend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The novel then jumps forward twenty years to 2012 and we see
Sarah as a career woman with two children and divorced – but not from Cahal.
The two have lost touch and we have to work out what happened between them and
just why Sarah’s family hated Cahal so much. A chance meeting brings Sarah and
Cahal together twenty years later and it is evident that there is still a spark
between them, but is it too late for their romance?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Always You is a compelling and emotional book that had me
hooked straight away, it is a story of love, loss, hope and loyalty. The chemistry
between Sarah and Cahal is strong and believable from the very beginning and it
was interesting to see how their lives had worked out. There are lots of twists
to the plot that really kept me on my toes. It’s a wonderful love story that I
highly recommend.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is the first book by Erin Kaye that I have read and I
loved it! I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you to Avon for sending me a copy to review.</span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8348955675415247917.post-60967158939888814522013-08-01T01:30:00.002-07:002013-08-01T01:30:28.706-07:00Interview with Wendy Wallace - Author of The Sacred River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVoZXQSclRiil8EnJtSGq7tsfFZZo9Ep2kZwI8K3Ib5weX7yvLil5lrErNzYLpol7Gkz0jc2st8CiAp2FoxgPO-OAEdol_iKVgMXn_PfJYAd1NovZgqbElhyua24nK9-UKJSnoohUv8/s1600/Sacred+River+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVoZXQSclRiil8EnJtSGq7tsfFZZo9Ep2kZwI8K3Ib5weX7yvLil5lrErNzYLpol7Gkz0jc2st8CiAp2FoxgPO-OAEdol_iKVgMXn_PfJYAd1NovZgqbElhyua24nK9-UKJSnoohUv8/s320/Sacred+River+cover.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
I am delighted to welcome Wendy Wallace to the blog today. I am a big fan of Wendy's books and loved reading <em>The Painted Bridge</em> last year. Her latest book <em>The Sacred River</em> is published today.<br />
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Please tell us a little about yourself</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hi! I was born in Kent and moved to London aged 17. Apart
from the times I’ve spent travelling and sometimes living abroad – in the US,
Egypt and Sudan - I’ve lived in London all my adult life and am very attached
to it.</span><br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m married to a photographer, Mike Goldwater. We have two
sons in their 20s, both also living in London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I like reading, swimming in the women’s pond on Hampstead heath and exploring
old parts of the city.</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> <strong>
</strong></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Please tell us about 'Sacred River' and your
inspiration for the book</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Sacred River is a novel about three women who leave a
fog-bound London for Egypt, trying to escape a prophesied death. It’s set in
1882, at the time of an earlier Arab spring, and the background is of political
turmoil in the country. I was interested in exploring whether and how you can
be a different person, away from the constrictions and comforts of home. All
three women alter radically over the course of the story, in different ways and
for different reasons.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong> </strong></span></o:p></div>
<strong>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did you research <em>The Sacred River</em>?</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I once lived in Egypt for a few months, in Cairo, in a flat
just off Tahrir Square. Later I worked as a journalist in many north African
countries, and wrote the biography of a Sudanese woman. I’ve always been
interested in Arab life, language and culture and enjoyed trying to bring Egypt
- the place and people - to life in the novel. I made another trip to Egypt
before writing the book, to Luxor to research the Valley of the Queens. I then
returned there for a few days earlier this year in order to make a trailer for
the novel, that you can see on my website!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Here, I researched at the British Museum, the Petrie Museum,
through Victorian books on Egypt borrowed from the London Library and I got
help on hieroglyphs from a wonderful Egyptologist who I met on a day’s study
course.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What are you currently working on?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I set out to write three Victorian novels. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Painted Bridge</i> was the first, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Sacred River</i> is the second and I am
now writing the third. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Blue Room</i>
is set in rural England in the 1850s and is the story of a woman sold by her
father into a travelling show, in which she appears as a ghost. We sometimes
wonder if a person can become a ghost but this story is about whether a ghost
can become a person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m also writing features related to The Sacred River and –
for the first time for years – some short stories.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice would be that if you want to write
– then write. Try not to get discouraged, or let other people’s opinions
influence you too much. Keep going and don’t expect first drafts to be as good
as later ones can be. Get into the habit of reading your work aloud to
yourself; often, you can hear what is bogus or clumsy more easily than you can
see it on the page. It goes without saying that reading is the great teacher. I
think that different writers have different issues to deal with but persistence
can probably tackle many of them. I too am an aspiring writer, despite having
published four books. We all want to bring the prose more vividly to life, move
deeper into character and story, create a more unique and convincing world,
arrive more convincingly at our own idiosyncratic </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">truths.
Otherwise why write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>What do you like to do outside of writing?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I like being with friends, seeing my family, pottering in
the garden. I really enjoy hearing great writers talk about their process,
which is something you can do in London. Recently, I’ve seen Hilary Mantel,
Richard Ford, Rose Tremain.. I also quite like doing nothing much – staring out
of the window or standing at the sink or walking in the woods near my house. Ideas
can float up when you relax like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks Wendy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can find out more about Wendy on her website: <a href="http://wendywallace.co.uk/">http://wendywallace.co.uk/</a></span></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11249272486032418367noreply@blogger.com0