Year: 2014

Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas Cake by Sue Watson

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My Rating: 5/5

Synopsis: For Tamsin Angel, Christmas is always the biggest and best… chic parties and a little showbiz sparkle are a must. This year though, things aren’t going quite as planned… 

With bailiffs suddenly at the door and her husband nowhere to be found, it looks like Christmas just got downsized. Moving into her sister’s one-bedroom flat, she wonders whether things will ever be the same again. 

After losing her husband on Christmas Eve, Sam Angel has rebuilt her life around her son Jacob and her new business – The White Angel Bakery. She’s also found herself a very handsome, loving boyfriend, but is struggling to let go of the past. 

Thrown together with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, Sam and Tamsin might just learn a little more about each other – and themselves. But when disaster strikes at the bakery, will they be able to save the day in time for Christmas? 

My Review: I was delighted that Sue Watson had produced a lovely Christmas book to get me through the next year until her next release. Thankfully this little baby could tide me over until then and FYI how lovely and Christmassy (that’s a real word you know) is the cover?! 

At 254 pages this felt a little bit too short for me but I forgive the wonderful Sue as the book was so enjoyable! I adored the two main characters of this story who are sisters from the get go! Sam Angel is the sensible sister, but having lost her husband on Christmas Eve she now dedicates her time to her Bakery and her son Jacob. Her elder sister Tamsin is living what appears to be the high life.

Although I loved both sisters Tamsin (also called Tammy) stole the limelight a little bit in my opinion. Tammy’s life is just about being seen at the right parties, with the right people and being the best at everything among the other women who are part of the ladies that lunch group. When Bailiffs arrive at her door everything in her life is taken from her in the blink of an eye and she literally has to start again! Tamsin in particular is a brilliant character, and one that you end up rooting for even though she makes some shocking decisions.

One thing Sue Watson has is this magical ability to create characters you connect with. In addition her humour is apparent throughout this, and every other book she writes. Some of the characters that she throws in the mix are hilarious and in this case it’s most definitely Mrs J. This book also manages to transport you into that very fluffy and warm and cosy Christmas that will soon be upon us. I can’t say this is my favourite as that is reserved for Love, Lies and Lemon Cake. All this book resulted in was me wanting to read what happens next for Tammy. A total tease until the next novel is released. Come on Sue, stop all that Social Networking malarkey and get writing woman!

Race to Death by Leigh Russell (Ian Peterson #2)

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My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Kobo and Nook

Synopsis: When a man plummets to his death from a balcony at York races, his wife and brother become suspects in a murder enquiry. Meanwhile Richard is being stalked by a killer issuing death threats. Richard is reluctant to go to the police, for fear his own dark secret will be exposed. Newly promoted Detective Inspector Ian Peterson is investigating the death at the races when a woman’s body is discovered. Shortly after that, Richard is killed. With three murders and no suspect, the investigation seems to be going backwards. Ian is determined to discover who is responsible. Afraid the detective is on his track, the killer abducts Ian’s wife. Ian must solve the case to find her, before she becomes the next victim of a serial killer.

My Review: I was unsure about the rating of this and felt it was only fair to give it a 4 (although I considered a 3 as there were things I disliked immensely). The Geraldine Steel series that Russell writes took its time to really come into its own and now as the 7th book approaches (next year I guess) it’s a brilliant series.  I feel like it’s the same with this new Ian Peterson series. It’s a slow burner but have a feeling once we are 3 or 4 books in it will come into its own. It always difficult to split a series but Leigh Russell has managed to do that and Ian Peterson (who used to work for Geraldine Steel) now has his own series. This second book in the series starts off re-introducing the readers to Ian and his wife Bev. They have relocated to York due to Peterson getting promoted to D.I. 

I’m going to start with the negatives, and yes I know I gave it 4 out of 5 but there were still things I didn’t like. First off, what is with Ian’s wife? I have never liked her, but for some reason she became even more irritating in this book. There is absolutely nothing to like about the woman and she grated on me from start to finish. Secondly, the book was a little bit slow in places and took some time to get going. I also feel like Ian is almost a novice at policing, which is odd because when he was working for Geraldine he was an amazing copper. Maybe this is him showing his lack of confidence, who knows.

Aside from those niggles the story kept me entertained as soon as it picked up its pace. The murders are plentiful starting with a guy at the races, and then it all seems to go downhill from there. I was a bit bewildered at the relationship with the widow of the first murder victim and the brother. There seemed so much potential and then it seemed to just disappear. We also see a man named Richard on the receiving end of some nasty threats from a stalker.  

I certainly didn’t see the ending coming and was surprised at the turn of events. The second half of the book was much better and it seemed Leigh Russell got into her stride very quickly after that. Overall an enjoyable book but I’m looking forward to the next one much more.

Poppy Does Paris by Nicola Doherty (Short Story)

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My Rating: 3/5

Availability: Kindle, Nook and Kobo

Synopsis: The first instalment in this hilarious, romantic and un-putdownable five-part series. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk’s I Heart… novels.

Paris. City of love, city of romance. The last place you want to go to on a work trip when you’re in the middle of an epic dry spell. But that’s where Poppy is headed, along with her colleague Charlie, who’s shallow and annoying but very, very good-looking. During a white-wine-fuelled session with her friend Alice, Poppy concocts the perfect plan: work by day, and have some no-strings fun with Charlie by night. Of course, it might prove a little more complicated than that, but it’s nothing Poppy can’t handle – or is it?

Girls on Tour is an irresistible series of interlinked stories about four friends, ordinary girls who have extraordinary fun in faraway places. Expect the unexpected, the utterly hilarious and unforgettable, on this rollercoaster ride of love, laughs, surprises and sparks. You have a VIP pass to join each girl’s adventure, so pack your bags and buckle your seatbelts, because just about anything is possible…

My Review: The first thing I need to mention is that this is a short story. AT only 66 pages long, it’s a VERY short story. When you look at the title and details on Amazon it isn’t very clear that it’s a short story (which is a little bit annoying). That aside we meet Poppy, the Editor who is on her way to Paris with her colleague Charlie to try and wow an author into signing with them. Poppy is likeable, as is Charlie and Nicola Doherty does a great job of describing Paris. 

However, at 66 pages you don’t get a lot of story, and if I’m being 100% honest this is the reason I am not a lover of short stories. Just as you are beginning to get to know the characters they leave you. I suppose if you like short stories this will be very enjoyable and I can certainly see how she is compared to the likes of Lindsey Kelk. I think I liked this enough to maybe read the rest of the Girls on Tour but my preference would definitely be a full length , especially  as I really enjoyed Nicola Doherty’s debut so much.

This particular series has a number of books, all featuring friends from the same group, and all short stories, and they are as follows:-

Poppy Does Paris – Girls on Tour 1 (June 2014) 

Lily Does LA – Girls on Tour 2 (Sept 2014)

Maggie does Meribel Girls on Tour 3 (Dec 2014)

Rachel Does Rome – Girls on Tour 4 (Feb 2015)

The Good Life by Martina Cole

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Availability: Hardcover (09.10.14), Paperback (07.05.15), Kindle (09.10.14), Kobo (09.10.14)

Synopsis: THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE NEVER FREE.

Cain Moran wanted Jenny Riley more than he had ever wanted anyone or anything before in his life. But loving Jenny Riley was the easy part; it was telling his wife he wanted a divorce that was going to be the killer…

Jenny is not just any girl. She cares nothing for Cain’s hard-man reputation – she just wants to be with him.

But Cain is not a free man. And he’s about to find out that when his wife Caroline said ’til death us do part, she meant it.

When Cain is sentenced to life in prison it seems that Caroline might have got her wish. All Cain and Jenny know is that if their love can survive such separation, then one day they will have a chance at the Good Life together again.

But there are greater trials ahead than either can foresee. They’re about to learn the hardest lesson of all:

LIVE THE GOOD LIFE. PAY THE PRICE.

My Rating: 4/5

Continue reading “The Good Life by Martina Cole”

WATCH ME BY JAMES CAROL (JEFFERSON WINTER #2)

My Rating: 4/5

 Availability: Paperback, Kindle and Kobo

 Synopsis: Ex-FBI profiler Jefferson Winter has taken a new case in sunny Louisiana, where the only thing more intense than the heat is a killer on the loose in the small town of Eagle Creek. But in a town where secrets are rife and history has a way of repeating itself, can Winter solve the case before someone else dies?

 My Review:   I read the first Jefferson Winter Book (Broken Dolls) and absolutely LOVED It. I was looking forward to once again meeting the white haired, Whisky loving profiler Jefferson Winter. Jefferson has a unique angle from his job as his father was once a serial killer. This makes Jefferson a somewhat more complex character than most. However, when it comes down to it, he seems reasonably sound considering his circumstances. He does however have a habit of drinking too much coffee, smoking too many cigarettes and partaking in great whiskey (in other words a very readable and likeable bloke). 

He is essentially freelance so when the latest case comes to his attention he jumps on a place bound for Louisiana. He’s met by man-mountain named Taylor who just clicked with Winter from the second they meet. Jefferson has his work cut out trying to figure out the latest case and the murder he has witnessed on screen seems to be only the beginning.

The actual story itself was told well and there was enough threads and intrigue to keep me very interested. However, although the story didn’t have quite the same pull that the first book did, the characters definitely held my attention. For some reason Jefferson, Taylor and Hannah (the owner of the place Jefferson is staying) just worked. The dynamic between them was good and I really hope this book isn’t the last we see of them!

I think this outing was definitely a page turner, however didn’t quite live up to the first book. Having said that I think this series has huge potential and most definitely has me hooked already. I can’t wait to see where Winter goes next and will really look forward to reading the next book.

The French for Love by Fiona Valpy

My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Paperback and Kindle

Synopsis: Can happy-ever-after get lost in translation? 

Gina has lost her perfect job, her boyfriend and her favourite aunt all within the space of a few months. So when she inherits her aunt’s ramshackle French house, Gina decides to pack her bags for the Bordeaux countryside – swapping English weather for blue skies, sunshine, great wine and a fresh start. What she hasn’t factored in is a hole in the roof, the most embarrassing language faux pas, and discovering family secrets that she was never supposed to know. 

Suddenly feeling a long way from home, Gina will have to rely on new found friends, her own hard work – and Cédric – her charming, mysterious and très handsome new stonemason. But whilst desire needs no translation, love is a different matter. Can Gina overcome the language barrier to make her French dream come true?

My Review: The synopsis is certainly not original and I have seen these ‘relocations and fresh starts’ many times in other books. However, Fiona Valpy has done the MOST important thing in my opinion. She has managed to weave a tale that is descriptive enough to actually take me to France in my mind and picture the village and house, as well as giving me the main character Gina who I just fell in love with. If you can get the setting right, and characters that are likeable that’s half the battle.

Gina seems to have lost everything in a very short space of time including her boyfriend, her job and now her aunt. Her aunt has left her ramshackle farmhouse in France to Gina and she decides to give life in France a try…after all she has nothing holding her back now. We watch as she makes a fresh start and decides to take time out and study, as well as adjust to a slower pace of life. When the roof on the farmhouse is damaged in high winds, her wonderful neighbour Mereille involves her four sons in the repairs.

In the meantime, Gina is discovering that her Aunt Liz had secrets of her own. Gina starts to delve and soon realises that there was more to her Aunt than she originally thought. This along with the wonderful storyline that involves Gina working on her Masters of Wine qualification makes for a very interesting read. This book was a wonderful and uplifting read, just perfect for a beach, a plane or even a comfy sofa. It will transport you to the beautiful area in Southern France and give you a much needed break from real life.

I am so pleased I got around to reading this book and was especially pleased at the Epilogue (I do love it when authors add this in). I am now totally ready to read another book in this series and cannot wait.

*It may be worth noting that the ‘French Series’ is not a continuation with the characters, merely a series of books based in France *

Cruel Justice by M A Comley (Justice Series #1)

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My Rating: 3/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Nook and Kobo

Synopsis: The headless body of a wealthy widow is discovered decomposing in Chelling Forest. Then a second victim is found. Detective Inspector Lorne Simpkins and her partner, DS Pete Childs are assigned the case.

Before they can discover the identity of the killer they must make a connection between the two victims.

After a third murder, Lorne receives a grisly surprise. Clearly, a vicious serial killer is on a rampage…and Lorne has become the killer’s fixation.

 Lorne can’t allow her failing marriage or her new boss–a man with whom she shares a sensuous secret–keep her from focusing on her job. She must catch the macabre murderer, or risk becoming the next victim.

My Review: I was looking forward to reading the first in the Justice Series by Mel Comley as I keep seeing such great things about it. I am however very behind considering I think she has now released book 10 in the series’ most recently. Detective Lorne Simpkins is the main lead of this series and it seems from the very beginning that all is not well in her marriage. Along with her partner DS Pete Childs they seem to work long and laborious hours. When a headless body is found, it seems their next long and arduous case has been found.

I certainly liked Lorne however although she was a good character and the writing was pretty good, there were parts of the story that felt a bit too stilted and maybe not as realistic as they could have. We meet additional characters but none that leave you wanting to know too much more. The story was interesting and certainly kept me reading, but there were parts that just weren’t authentic enough for me.

Having said all of that, the writing was great and flowed well and although Lorne may not be a favourite character she held my interest. I think that this is a great start to a series, and am pretty sure that Mel Comley, like other authors has just improved with each book she writes. I am actually looking forward to how this series progresses and have already ordered book 2. Certainly a series that has a lot of potential and is great for people looking for new authors. 

From Notting Hill With Four Weddings Actually by Ali McNamara

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My Rating: 5/5

Availability: Paperback, Kindle, Released 23.10.14

Synopsis: Movie addict Scarlett O’Brien is finally living the jet-setting life she’s dreamed of – but it all hangs by a shiny, golden thread.

Flying between London and New York, running two businesses, planning her wedding to handsome fiancé, Sean, with best friends Oscar and Maddie – life couldn’t be better.

But then Scarlett meets paparazzi darling, Gabriella Romero, and life suddenly becomes even more extravagant and glamorous. As she begins to experience the other side to being rich and famous, it’s not only Scarlett’s perfect wedding that’s put in jeopardy, but her whole world. 

 **Please note if you would like to read this series in order, please don’t continue with my review as it will inevitably contain spoilers**

Continue reading “From Notting Hill With Four Weddings Actually by Ali McNamara”

First Love by James Patterson

My Rating: 4/5

Availability: Hardcover, Paperback (14.04.15), Kindle, Audio, Nook and Kobo

Synopsis:  An extraordinary portrait of true love that will move anyone who has a first love story of their own.

When Axi Moore decides to take a road trip across the US, the only person she wants to go with her is her best friend Robinson – who she also happens to be secretly in love with. She’s planned it all out, and all he has to do is say yes.

 Axi has had a tough life: her little sister died young, her mother walked out and her father turned to the bottle for comfort. Her parents escaped their grief in their own ways; this trip will be hers. But life doesn’t always work out as you plan it, and there are some things you just can’t run away from.

My Review: I knew this wouldn’t be a typical Patterson Book and the cover gave away very little. When I read the synopsis, I have to say I wasn’t overly excited but still got stuck in. The first thing that struck me was it seems more like a Young Adult novel (it may well be for all I know). I also don’t say that as a negative as it’s written beautifully. We meet the two your adults Axi and Robinson as they run away and decide to take a road trip.

Their motivation becomes clear very quickly and between them they seem to have experienced many trials and tribulations for their young ages. Before long we see them take small steps in opening up to each other and becoming the people they think they want to be. It is also while we are seeing them experiment with different things that we learn of their histories. The story itself is nothing short of heart wrenching. 

There are moments in the book where I feel it’s going too far towards the unrealistic, but to be honest I didn’t actually care that much. The characters and their lives are what make the book interesting, heart-warming, sad and very readable. There are moments of recklessness and moments when you just want to sob into your hands. Overall, although the feel of the book leans towards the younger crown, I thought it was a beautifully written book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

SAVING GRACE BY JANE GREEN

My Rating: 4/5

Synopsis: Grace Chapman has an enviable set-up, living comfortably with her husband, bestselling author Ted, in a picture-perfect farmhouse on the Hudson River in New York State.

Then Ted advertises for a new assistant, and Beth walks into their lives. Organized, passionate and eager to learn, Beth quickly makes herself indispensable to Ted and his family. But Grace soon begins to feel side-lined in her home – and her marriage – by this ambitious younger woman.

Is Grace just paranoid, as her husband tells her, or is there more to Beth than there first appears?

My Review: I just loved the sound of this latest Jane Green book. It kind of has that ‘Single White Female’ feel to it. Grace Chapman is a woman seemingly living on the edge. Within the first few chapters I absolutely loathed her bullying author husband. However, a few chapters in and you realise that Grace knows no different. Her life has been ruled and surrounded by people that control the way she feels. On the surface she has the perfect marriage. Everyone seems to fawn over her bestselling author husband Ted Chapman (Lord knows why). Ted used to have an assistant Ellen, who had to suddenly leave to care for her Mother. It now seems like Grace has even more pressure upon her as her life seems to get even more disorganised by the minute.

Enter Beth! From the minute the reader meets Beth you just know there is something not quite right about her. Beth has by chance been introduced to Grace and seems like the answer to her prayers. Before long Beth has managed to integrate herself into Grace and Ted’s lives and has become almost indispensable. The way Jane Green has written Beth’s character makes it clear that something isn’t right but you just don’t quite know what. It meant I just had to keep reading, and dinner would have to wait.

Pretty soon Grace feels like she is losing her mind as her life seems to slowly slip away from her. I love reading books like this that make me want to stand up and shout and scream at Grace to see sense. Jane Green has done another stellar job in weaving a tale of an ordinary woman whose life becomes somewhat disjointed. The book kept me reading until slowly the layers of deceit and betrayal are unravelled. The only reason I didn’t score this 5/5 is that there were a couple of points in the story that didn’t quite sit right with me towards the end. Other than that another fantastic read.