29 Aug 2017

Book Review / The Escape by CL Taylor



The new psychological thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Accident, The Lie and The Missing.

"Look after your daughter's things. And your daughter…"



When a stranger asks Jo Blackmore for a lift she says yes, then swiftly wishes she hadn't.
The stranger knows Jo's name, she knows her husband Max and she's got a glove belonging to Jo's two year old daughter Elise.

What begins with a subtle threat swiftly turns into a nightmare as the police, social services and even Jo's own husband turn against her.

No one believes that Elise is in danger. But Jo knows there's only one way to keep her child safe – RUN.

Published:     23rd March 2017
Publisher:  Avon
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Stand-Alone
Source:  Review Copy from Publisher




MY REVIEW


Now this story was a roller coaster ride!  You have Jo Blackmore, the main character, who we follow throughout the story.  Right from the start of this story I had the feeling that there was more to the story and more to certain characters than meets the eye.  What I enjoyed most was the suspense aspect to the story.  You have Jo meet a stranger on the street who she thinks is only a stranger, but she's not.  She knows more about Jo and her family than she should.  Someone in this story has a secret past, trying to figure out who that was was the best part for me.  I just could not put it down!  I have to be honest and say that there were a few parts in the middle of the book that dragged a bit but once I went over that halfway point and certain things happened I could not stop reading!

If you are after a great suspense build up, this is the perfect book to pick up.






Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson







Love and longing in the bright lights of London…
A ballerina dies, a nation mourns – and a legend is born. Sixteen years later, Ava comes to London to learn about the famous mother she never knew. With actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover in this crazy, colourful city. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole world of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself. Can Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And will Seb be waiting for her there, in the light?

Kindle Scout link


About the Author

Once upon a time a little girl told her grandmother that when she grew up she wanted to be a writer. Or a lollipop lady. Or a fairy princess. ‘Write, Charlotte,’ her grandmother advised. So that’s what she did.

Thirty-odd years later, Charlotte writes the kinds of books she loves to read: soulful, coming-of-age romance. She lives in a village of Greater Manchester with her husband and two children, and when she’s not reading or writing, you’ll find her walking someplace green, baking up a storm or embarking on a DIY project. She recently achieved a lifetime ambition of creating a home library for her ever-increasing collection of books. She pretends not to notice that the shelves are rather wonky.

Connect online:
Website: http://bookishcharlotte.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookishcharlotte/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookishcharlotte/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15932269.Charlotte_Wilson





28 Aug 2017

Book Extract / Escape to Willow Cottage by Bella Osborne


The Escape to Willow Cottage was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.
 
A cosy and heartwarming seasonal romance, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley.
 
Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a warm, caring and safe place for little Leo.

When she finally uncovers the cottage from underneath the boughs of a weeping willow tree, Beth realises this is far more of a project than she bargained for and the locals are more than a little eccentric! A chance encounter with gruff Jack, who appears to be the only male in the village under thirty, leaves the two of them at odds but it’s not long before Beth realises that Jack has hidden talents that could help her repair more than just Willow Cottage.
Over the course of four seasons, Beth realises that broken hearts can be mended, and sometimes love can be right under your nose…

Escape to Willow Cottage was originally digitally published as a four-part serial under the title Willow Cottage. This is the complete story.



Chapter 11 p.104-106

Three fully leaded takeaway coffees later, Carly and a sick bag were on their way back to the train station. Leo was zoned out playing a game on Beths phone, so Carly and Beth were able to have a hushed conversation in the front of the hire car.

I cant believe you were going to kiss Jack, said Beth.

I wasnt!’ protested Carly, although she was scowling as she spoke. Well, it was only going to be a little kiss on the cheek not a full-on snog fest!’

You were not heading for his cheek!’

That was probably the wine doing the steering, said Carly glumly rearranging her sick bag.
Why were you going to kiss him at all? You dont know him, hes a stranger and you have Fergus.
He said something lovely but I cant remember what, said Carly pulling the same face she pulled when she accidentally switched on University Challenge and tried to join in. She sighed. ‘Im sorry I was drunk.

And what did you talk about anyway?’

Im so sorry, but I cant remember, said Carly, hugging the sick bag as Beth went a little too fast over another village speed bump.

Nothing at all?’

Nope. Carly shook her head. Ouch. Wishing I hadnt done that, she said, putting a hand to her forehead.

Me too, muttered Beth.

Are you and he you know?’ asked Carly.

No! Seriously, do you think I would get involved with someone else so quickly after Nick? Or even get involved with anyone at all after Nick?’ Beths voice was rising.

I dont know. Carlys expression was pained. No. Of course not. Again, very sorry.

Good, said Beth, relaxing her tight grip on the steering wheel. They bumped along the hedgerow-lined lane in silence for a while before Carly spoke. You cant pledge not to have any more relationships because of Nick.

I can, said Beth with a snort.

You shouldnt, said Carly, as Beth opened her mouth to contest. ‘I dont want to argue. I’m your friend and I’m just saying, you never know. And while I’m at it from what I can remember Jack was really nice to me, so don’t judge him the same as Nick. If he wants to help you, give him a chance.’ ‘I’m thinking he might not want to do that after today,’ said Beth and she started to grind her teeth.





23 Aug 2017

Book Review / Summer at Rose Island by Holly Martin

Fall in love with the gorgeous seaside town of White Cliff Bay this summer and enjoy long sunny days, beautiful beaches and… a little romance.

Darcy Davenport is ready for a fresh start. Determined to leave a string of disastrous jobs and relationships behind her, she can’t wait to explore White Cliff Bay and meet the locals.

When Darcy swims in the crystal clear waters of the bay, she discovers the charming Rose Island Lighthouse. But it’s not just the beautiful building that she finds so intriguing…

Riley Eddison doesn’t want change. Desperate to escape the memories of his past, he lives a life of solitude in the lighthouse. Yet he can’t help but notice the gorgeous woman who swims out to his island one day.

Darcy is drawn to the mysterious and sexy Riley, but when it seems the town is trying to demolish his home, she soon finds herself having to pick sides.

She’s fallen in love with White Cliff Bay. But is that all Darcy’s fallen for?

Pull up a deck chair, sink back with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and pick up the summer read you won’t be able to put down.


Published:     13th May 2016
Publisher:  Bookouture
Goodreads :  Click here
Series or Stand-Alone:  Book 3, White Cliff Bay
Source:  Review Copy from Publisher




MY REVIEW

What I liked about this story...  Having read the first book in this series a little while ago (and loved it) I was really excited to pick this one up.  I know this is book 3 in the series but book 2 looked like it was based around Christmas time and I'm not going to read a Christmas book in the summer.  I was hoping that this was one of those book series that I can just dip in and out of and I was right.  To me, it really didn't matter that I had skipped a book, this book had its own plot line.  

What I liked the most was the dynamic between Darcy and Riley.  You have Darcy who is new to White Cliff Bay and doesn't like being told what to do.  Riley has lived in White Cliff Bay for most if not all of his life and doesn't like change but change is what is happening.   

What I didn't like about this story...   There were some parts of the story that didn't feel right to me.  You have Darcy who up until now has been a failure in the job department having unsuccessfully had 17 jobs.  She is then offered a job at the local council, a job that looks like it holds a lot of responsibility and something that she has no qualifications for and seemingly no training for.  She is a trained marine biologist which is vastly different to what she has ended up doing (although I do admit that there is a reason for why she has stopped doing that).  I also didn't agree with the choice that Darcy made when working for the council.  The decision she made just made her seem a bit unlikeable in that moment.