Saturday, 5 August 2017

Cover Reveal: Fatal Masquerade by Vivian Conroy

Today I am absolutely delighted to be able to reveal the cover for the lovely Vivian Conroy's new novel Fatal Masquerade! This is the fourth one of the Lady Alkmene series and it is a cover to die for! (See what I did there?)

The Lady Alkmene series' are all 1920s based mysteries and even though this is the fourth book in the series it can easily be read as a standalone.


The novel is out on 4th October 2017 but you can already pre-order via Amazon here for an amazing £1.99! The cover, I think, screams (okay, I'll stop with the puns now!) elegance and is very chic. It definitely shows more of what to expect from Lady Alkmene! This book sounds exciting and very glamorous!

Synopsis:

Lady Alkmene and Jake Dubois are back in a gripping new adventure facing dangerous opponents at a masked ball in the countryside.

Masked danger...

Lady Alkmene Callender has always loved grand parties, but when she receives an invitation to a masked ball thrown by Franklin Hargrove - oil magnate, aviation enthusiast and father of her best friend, Denise - she's never seen such luxury. The estate is lit up with Chinese lanterns in the gardens, boats operated by footmen float across the pond and the guest list features the distinguished, rich and powerful!

But below the glamour, evil is lurking. When a dead body is discovered, it forces Lady Alkmene to throw off her mask and attempt to find the true killer before Denise's family are accused. If only her partner, Jake Dubois, weren't hiding something from her...

This case might just be more dangerous than either of them could have imagined.

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You can also purchase Vivian's other novels here.

Thursday, 3 August 2017

The Sunshine and Biscotti Club by Jenny Oliver


The Sunshine and Biscotti Club
Jenny Oliver
Rating: 4 stars
Amazon UK (K £2.49 / P £7.99)

Synopsis:

Moving to Italy to set up a baking club is a dream come true...

...until Libby catches her husband cheating just weeks before The Sunshine and Biscotti Club opens its doors.

With the first wave of guests set to arrive any day, Libby has no choice but to tie on her apron and get set to bake. But with a dash of sunshine and a sprinkling of old friends, Libby's kitchen nightmare might just become the best thing that's ever happened to her.

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What a gorgeous, summery read by Jenny Oliver. This cover is so beautiful, it's definitely one of the reasons I wanted to read this story - as well as the name! It just makes you feel so warm inside just by looking at it! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

One of the main things I enjoyed was getting to know the mix of friends that arrive to help Libby get her hotel (and The Sunshine and Biscotti Club) back on track. I loved the descriptions of each character and you really got a lovely feel of their friendships. Another thing I adored and made me long for a summer holiday of my own was the way Jenny described the hotel and the surroundings, the lake, the bar - and the lemons!

The story does alternate between the three female friends of the group - Libby, Evie and Jessica. Each very different in their own way but each fighting their own sort of personal battle. Along the way we learn more about the ladies and in turn come to realise exactly why they are like they are. This book had everything you want from a chick lit book - romance, laughter, friendship and more!

Overall, a very sunshiney enjoyable read. Would definitely recommend for a read by the pool this summer!

Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Cover Reveal: Christmas at the Dancing Duck by Daisy James

Another day, another beautiful Christmas cover reveal! This time the reveal is by Daisy James and will you just take a look at it! This is Daisy's first ever Christmas novel and by what I've read of her books before I can imagine it's going to be amazing!


This cover is absolutely beautiful - I love all the colours, the use of the snow falling and of course the absolutely gorgeous christmas trees! Everything about this cover screams cosy, warm and of course - Christmas! I simply cannot wait to read it. And I'm sure if you've read any books by Daisy James before then you will to!

It's going to be released on the 23rd of October and you can pre-order it here for just £3.99!

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Synopsis:

A wonderfully festive romantic read to curl up with this Christmas.

The most wonderful time of the year!

Kirstie Harrison is finally coming home for the holidays. Ever since tragedy struck a few years ago, Christmas hasn't felt the same - but she's determined that this year will be different...

And staying at the family pub, The Dancing Duck, means it's impossible not to get caught up in the little village of Cranbury's festive traditions. And it's equally impossible to avoid her ex, Josh Turner!

Kirstie is torn between making this the best Christmas yet and knowing that she can't stay forever. Maybe it's time to make a holiday wish of her own?

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Another wonderful sounding novel by Daisy James - cannot wait to read it!

My Top Monthly Reads: July 2017

Can you believe we're in August already?! We're zooming our way towards Christmas (I must not be the only one whose excited?!) and I am really looking forward to the new Christmas books this year - you can read my post about the new Christmas novels here.

So for todays post I thought I'd start something new - every month I shall devise a post with the top 5 books I've read that month. I'll give a brief breakdown of the rating and who it is by etc and post the link where you can buy on Amazon. Hopefully this is something you all enjoy reading!


The Summer of Serendipity
Ali McNamara
My Rating: 5 stars
(You can read my review here)


To Provence, With Love
T.A. Williams
My Rating: 5 stars
(You can read my review here)


The Cotswolds Cookery Club: A Taste of Italy
Alice Ross
My Rating: 5 stars
(You can read my review here)


Single for the Summer
Mandy Baggot
My Rating: 5 stars
(You can read my review here)


Coming Home to Cuckoo Cottage
Heidi Swain
My Rating: 5 stars
(You can read my review here)

So, there we have it! My top 5 reads of July - and funnily enough, I've rated them all 5 stars. They're all beautifully written perfect summer reads that I just couldn't get enough of! They also all have such pretty colourful covers that draws you in - making you want to read it even more!

All of the books above are written by such talented authors and I'm so pleased that I got a chance to read them all. I've posted each of my reviews for the books underneath each one separately if you want to read more of what I thought! 

What's been your favourite read of July?

Saturday, 29 July 2017

Love at the Italian Lake by Darcie Boleyn


Love at the Italian Lake
Darcie Boleyn
Rating: 4 stars
Amazon UK (£1.99)

Synopsis:

On the shores of Lake Garda, a beautiful romance unfolds. But is it only for the summer?

Sophia Bertoni discovers her boyfriend in bed with another woman, and realises her life is going no where. Leaving her high-pressure job, she travels to Italy to stay with her grandmother while she figures out her next move.

When Sophia - quite literally - bumps into devastatingly handsome Joe Lancaster her plans are turned upside down. As the two realise they're both spending the summer in the same town, a love affair seems on the cards.

But Sophia and Joe are both burdened by family secrets. Despite their attraction, will the sun set on Sophia and Joe's romance - or will they find love at the Italian lake?

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Another beautifully romantic story by Darcie Boleyn. This book really had me wanting the best for main character Sophia. Straight from the start this novel hit it off for me - I found it intriguing and I couldn't put it down. The characters were all so interesting and lovely and I was wishing I was in Italy too!
The story follows Sophia as she flies to Italy to the beautiful Lake Garda (and it is described so, so beautifully as well), to get some time away from her London life. Along the way Sophia meets some new friends, a potential love interest and finds out a huge secret that has been hidden from her and her family for years.
This is a beautifully heartwarming story about love, friendship and family. It is everything that you would want for a summer romance book and I found it really enjoyable. The characters were all really lovely and you find yourself connecting with them all - and as Darcie describes the setting and the food - it also makes you fall in love with Italy!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Friday, 28 July 2017

Christmas in July: Newly Released Christmas Novels



I suppose I can safely say that by what's been going on on my Twitter that I'm not the only one excited about all of these new Christmas releases?!




Christmas is quite possibly my most favourite time of year - I spend it with family for about 2 weeks straight and the build up to Christmas Day I find even more exciting. Which is why of course, I love nothing more than reading a lighthearted Christmas read in the build up to the big day. Last year I read A Christmas Tail by Cressida McLaughlin and thoroughly enjoyed it (You can read my review here).




This year, however, I have no idea which one I want to read because there are soooo many good choices at the moment! At this rate I'll be starting my Christmas reads in September! Hence what this blog post is about. I want to show you all which ones I've found and really cannot wait for! It also helps that Harper Impulse are doing a #ChristmasInJuly over on their Twitter and revealing all new Christmas covers and holding some giveaways! So let's get into showing you some new Christmas novels...




First up, the one I want to read the most!





Annie's Christmas by the Sea
Liz Eeles
Release date: 6th October 2017
Pre-order here

Synopsis:

On the beautiful coast of Cornwall lies the idyllic Salt Bay, where Christmas is the perfect time for bringing family and friends together…

Annie Trebarwith is happily settled in Salt Bay with her beloved great-aunt Alice and gorgeous boyfriend Josh Pasco. Snow is in the air, and Christmas is just around the corner.

But when the father she’s never met, aging rock god Barry, turns up with the half-sister Annie didn’t know existed, life suddenly gets complicated. Barry and Storm are soon clashing with the entire village, and their antics are even driving a wedge between Annie and Josh.

Can Annie prevent her new family ruining the festivities and repair things with Josh in time for a cosy Christmas? Or will their relationship end up as frosty as the Salt Bay air?

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The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop
Caroline Roberts
Release date: 2nd November 2017
Pre-order here

Synopsis:

The snow is falling, the hot chocolate’s warming, and hearts are melting . . .
Emma is the proud owner of The Chocolate Shop by the Sea, nestled in the heart of the cosy seaside village that’s become her home. With Christmas right around the corner, she and her assistant Holly are busy cooking up the locals’ festive favourites.
From cinnamon hot chocolates to reindeer lollipops, Christmas wouldn’t taste the same without a little cocoa magic. And for Emma it’s the perfect distraction from her romantic pains of the past. So when the shop’s miserly landlord threatens to hike up the rent, Emma’s Christmas and New Year suddenly look a lot less cheerful.
With the whole village rallying behind her – and loyal spaniel Alfie by her side – Emma’s determined to hold onto her chocolate-box dream.
The chocolate calendar countdown is on. Can Emma rescue her business and her broken heart?

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The Cosy Canal Boat Dream
Christie Barlow
Release date: 22nd August 2017
Pre-order here

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Little Rock marina – where hearts are healed and dreams are made…
For the last two years Nell Andrews has been struggling to stay afloat. As her life tumbled down around her, the only safety net has been her cosy canal boat, The Nollie. Tucked away inside, Nell has found a place to heal her broken heart. And now she’s ready to move on and follow her dream…
Gorgeous Guy Cornish, with his easy Irish charm, makes him an instant hit with everyone at the marina, and the perfect person to help Nell with her project. But Guy has his own reasons for being at the marina, and a past that threatens to sink Nell’s dream…

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The Beachside Christmas Lights Society
Karen Clarke
Release date: 26th September 2017
Pre-order here

Synopsis:

Tinsel, fairy lights and mistletoe... The Beachside Christmas Lights Society has everything you need for a perfect Christmas.

When Lily Ambrose needs a fresh start, she remembers her happy childhood holidays in the seaside town of Shipley, and decides it’s the perfect place for a cosy Christmas hideaway.

Keen to make new friends, Lily promises to source a celebrity to turn on the lights for the Beachside Christmas Lights Society. But when reality star Ollie turns up with his cameraman Craig, with plans to make a TV show out of his stay, things quickly go awry.

Ollie is gorgeous but unruly, and soon decides that staging a romance with a normal girl – a girl like Lily – is exactly what he needs to save his fading reputation…

With new neighbours to impress, and Ollie’s over-enthusiastic attentions to fend off, can Lily bring the Christmas cheer back to Shipley – and find herself a real kiss under the mistletoe?

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Christmas at Mistletoe Cove
Holly Martin
Release date: 22nd September 2017
Pre-order here

Synopsis:

Christmas has arrived at Hope Island, promising snowflakes, surprises and plenty of seasonal joy. So snuggle up and fall in love at Mistletoe Cove …

Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea. 

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

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So if they don't get you excited for Christmas this year I don't know what will! The covers are absolutely stunning and all of them are picturesque! The blurbs are equally as beautiful with their descriptions of snow, cookies and romance!

I cannot wait for these to be released - what Christmas novels are you looking forward to?

Thursday, 27 July 2017

Publication Day Review: Single for the Summer by Mandy Baggott


Single for the Summer
Mandy Baggot
Rating: 5 stars
Publication date: 27th July 2017
Amazon UK (K £4.99 / P £6.99)

Synopsis:

Tess Parks has made up her mind: love isn’t for her.

When it comes to dating she has one rule: after six weeks with a guy, she ends it. So when her heartbroken best friend invites her for a girly getaway in Corfu, Tess is sure she can stick to their pact to stay single for the summer.

But then she meets the gorgeous restaurateur Andras...

To keep his overbearing mother off his back, Tess agrees to pretend to date him. But as the two spend time together, Tess begins to realise that this fake relationship is starting to feel like the best one she’s ever had…

A feel-good escapist beach read set against a beautiful Greek island backdrop. From the award-winning author of Truly, Madly Greekly and Those Summer Nights.

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Wow, wow, wow. This is really what you call an amazing must-have summer read. The cover drew me in straight away and I fell in love with the story instantly. The setting is beautiful and the descriptions of Kalami in Greece made me want to book a flight to there now! It really is a feel-good, lighthearted and enjoyable read.

The story follows two best friends: Tess and Sonya. The two go away to Corfu after both experiences some troubles with their love lives and together they have an amazing time. This story is full of love, humour and drama. Between the two women there are tears and lots of laughter.

However, Tess is asked for a favour by local restaurant owner Andras and together the pair grow closer. Would a romance between them ever work? Andras' mother Isadora is one of his many family members trying to sway Andras' away from Tess so the pair come together in order to sort out the issues going on.

I just loved this book so much. It really will make you laugh out loud in places. It's the perfect book to relax with by the pool or just sitting on your sofa at home wishing you were in Corfu!

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.