Author: Jill Mansell
Print Length: 378 pages
Published: 15 January, 2015
Description:
Hallie has a secret: she's in love. He's perfect for her in every way, but he's seriously out of bounds. And Hallie doesn't have long to live.Time is running out.
Flo has a dilemma - she likes Zander, but his scary sister really doesn't approve.
Tasha has a problem. Her new boyfriend is the adventurous type. And she's afraid one of his adventures will go badly wrong.
As Three Amazing Things begins, Hallie's about to be given new lungs. But whose?
Review:
I absolutely adore Jill Mansell and I have to say this book left me speechless. I definitely think that Jill's books just keep getting better and better! This book had me in tears, it is such a powerful and poignant book with a really strong message. It really shows how people can meet under the most unusual circumstances.
I personally feel that the book portrays how even though people may be living with unbearable memories and situations that they can get through it and be happy in the end without giving up hope!
As all Jill's books have some amount of sadness I usually find them all quite sad although this book really got to me and I could not stop thinking about it for the past few days. I definitely recommend it as it is absolutely amazing
Friday, 31 July 2015
Monday, 27 July 2015
Summer at Shell Cottage
Author: Lucy Diamond
Published: June 04 2015
Print Length: 462 pages
Description:
It should be the perfect holiday...
A seaside holiday at Shell Cottage in Devon has always been the perfect escape for the Tarrant family. Beach fun, barbecues and warm summer evenings with a cocktail or two - who could ask for more?
But this year, everything has changed. Following her husband's recent death, Olivia is struggling to pick up the pieces. Then she makes a shocking discovery that turns her world upside down.
As a busy mum and GP, Freya's used to having her hands full, but a bad day at work has put her career in jeopardy and now she's really feeling the pressure.
Harriet's looking forward to a break with her lovely husband Robert and teenage daughter Molly. But unknown to Harriet, Robert is hiding a secret - and so, for that matter, is Molly.
Review:
This was the first ever Lucy Diamond book I have read, although I've hear many people speak about her books before. I personally think her books are very like Jill Mansel and Jenny Colgan novels which I absolutely adore. Admittedly I hate long books although it only took me a day to read this because as soon as I started it I could not put it down!
The books was absolutely amazing and had so many shocks and unexpected surprises throughout it.
I loved the fact that this family had so many secrets and they always found a way to figure it out. I would definitely suggest that everyone read it as it brilliant.
Published: June 04 2015
Print Length: 462 pages
Description:
It should be the perfect holiday...
A seaside holiday at Shell Cottage in Devon has always been the perfect escape for the Tarrant family. Beach fun, barbecues and warm summer evenings with a cocktail or two - who could ask for more?
But this year, everything has changed. Following her husband's recent death, Olivia is struggling to pick up the pieces. Then she makes a shocking discovery that turns her world upside down.
As a busy mum and GP, Freya's used to having her hands full, but a bad day at work has put her career in jeopardy and now she's really feeling the pressure.
Harriet's looking forward to a break with her lovely husband Robert and teenage daughter Molly. But unknown to Harriet, Robert is hiding a secret - and so, for that matter, is Molly.
Review:
This was the first ever Lucy Diamond book I have read, although I've hear many people speak about her books before. I personally think her books are very like Jill Mansel and Jenny Colgan novels which I absolutely adore. Admittedly I hate long books although it only took me a day to read this because as soon as I started it I could not put it down!
The books was absolutely amazing and had so many shocks and unexpected surprises throughout it.
I loved the fact that this family had so many secrets and they always found a way to figure it out. I would definitely suggest that everyone read it as it brilliant.
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
In Between(A Katie Parker Production, Book One)
Author: Jenny B. Jones
Published: March 25, 2014
Print Length: 291 Pages
Description:
Can we overcome our past?
Katie Parker is about to get a new life - whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full scale plan to get sent back to the girls' home when she finds herself in over her head...and heart. When Katie and her new 'wrong crowd' get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring a historic theather with a crazy grandma who goes by the name Mad Maxine. In the midst of her punishment, Katie uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realises shes not the only one with a pain filled past. Katie must decide if she'll continue her own family's messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book as it is full of all different types of characters from crazy grandmas to estranged daughters. The main character has a wicked sense of humour and makes this book a real laugh out loud comedy despite her past and her situation! I especially loved 'Mad Maxine' she was by far my favourite character always getting up to things and trying to keep them from her daughter.
This book is a nice short comedy although it can be quite poignant in certain areas I would without a doubt recommend it and I cannot wait to read the other four books in this series.
Published: March 25, 2014
Print Length: 291 Pages
Description:
Can we overcome our past?
Katie Parker is about to get a new life - whether she wants one or not. With her mom in prison, and her father AWOL, Katie is sent to live with a squeaky-clean family who could have their own sitcom. She launches a full scale plan to get sent back to the girls' home when she finds herself in over her head...and heart. When Katie and her new 'wrong crowd' get into significant trouble at school, she finds her punishment is restoring a historic theather with a crazy grandma who goes by the name Mad Maxine. In the midst of her punishment, Katie uncovers family secrets that run deep, and realises shes not the only one with a pain filled past. Katie must decide if she'll continue her own family's messed up legacy or embrace a new beginning in this place called In Between.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book as it is full of all different types of characters from crazy grandmas to estranged daughters. The main character has a wicked sense of humour and makes this book a real laugh out loud comedy despite her past and her situation! I especially loved 'Mad Maxine' she was by far my favourite character always getting up to things and trying to keep them from her daughter.
This book is a nice short comedy although it can be quite poignant in certain areas I would without a doubt recommend it and I cannot wait to read the other four books in this series.
Monday, 13 July 2015
My Little Runaway(Destiny Bay Romances: Forever Yours Book One)
Author: Helen Conrad
Published: October 15, 2011
Print Length: 247 Pages
Description:
She ran. He wants answers. But some secrets are just too painful to share.
Jenny jumps out of airplanes in order to block out the painful memories of what made her runaway from her family. Reid wants to fix the damage. The only problem is, he doesn't know how deep it is, and how impossible it will be to cover over.Will his intoxicating love tempt her to risk it all again? Or will it end up making everything worse after all?
Review: Honestly, I did not enjoy this book very much. I guess it was okay and the story was not that bad. However, the book was extremely predictable and you could pretty much guess what was going to happen.
I loved the characters and the stories behind them all! It was a feel good book with many hilarious twists and turns throughout it. Although it wasn't one of my favourites I would still suggest that you give it a go!
Published: October 15, 2011
Print Length: 247 Pages
Description:
She ran. He wants answers. But some secrets are just too painful to share.
Jenny jumps out of airplanes in order to block out the painful memories of what made her runaway from her family. Reid wants to fix the damage. The only problem is, he doesn't know how deep it is, and how impossible it will be to cover over.Will his intoxicating love tempt her to risk it all again? Or will it end up making everything worse after all?
Review: Honestly, I did not enjoy this book very much. I guess it was okay and the story was not that bad. However, the book was extremely predictable and you could pretty much guess what was going to happen.
I loved the characters and the stories behind them all! It was a feel good book with many hilarious twists and turns throughout it. Although it wasn't one of my favourites I would still suggest that you give it a go!
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Murder in Bermuda: An Anna Winters Cozy Mystery
Author: Penelope Sotheby
Published: June 05, 2015
Print Length: 82 Pages
Description:
Event Planner, Anna Winters, wants nothing more than to ensure the wedding reception for millionaire Tony Giovani and his beautiful new bride, Meadow, proceeds without a hitch. So far, things have gone exactly as planned. The happy couple's friends and family have gathered at the Grand Palatial, a posh hotel in Bermuda which caters exclusively to the rich and famous, and are anxiously awaiting the cutting of the cake.
Just when Anna is about to call the night a smashing success, the police are summoned to investigate a murder. The cake was poisoned, the groom is dead and suddenly everyone is a suspect. The pandemonium infuriates Anna's boss. Mr. Puccio. He's more worried about the hotel's reputation than the fact a guest is dead and, to make matters worse, he's holding Anna responsible for restoring the hotel's good name. Now it's up to her to find out who killed Tony or else she's out of a job.
The police order the hotel and its occupants detained until further notice and Anna discreetly enlists a few trusted employees to help with her investigation. Clues are discovered, leads are followed, and it isn't long before Anna is dangerously close to the truth. But someone isn't happy about her involvement and Anna has to work fast before she becomes the next victim.
Review:
I loved this book from the beginning and was intrigued from the first sentence. The book is very short which is also why I liked it because once I start a book I cannot put it down until I have finished it. It was a very mysterious book and had many twists and turns along the way. The characters in the book were very mysterious and shady so you really did not know who the killer was or if they were involved in the murder.
I decided to read this book as I enjoyed the first cozy mystery book I read, However, I enjoyed this book far more than the first book.
Published: June 05, 2015
Print Length: 82 Pages
Description:
Event Planner, Anna Winters, wants nothing more than to ensure the wedding reception for millionaire Tony Giovani and his beautiful new bride, Meadow, proceeds without a hitch. So far, things have gone exactly as planned. The happy couple's friends and family have gathered at the Grand Palatial, a posh hotel in Bermuda which caters exclusively to the rich and famous, and are anxiously awaiting the cutting of the cake.
Just when Anna is about to call the night a smashing success, the police are summoned to investigate a murder. The cake was poisoned, the groom is dead and suddenly everyone is a suspect. The pandemonium infuriates Anna's boss. Mr. Puccio. He's more worried about the hotel's reputation than the fact a guest is dead and, to make matters worse, he's holding Anna responsible for restoring the hotel's good name. Now it's up to her to find out who killed Tony or else she's out of a job.
The police order the hotel and its occupants detained until further notice and Anna discreetly enlists a few trusted employees to help with her investigation. Clues are discovered, leads are followed, and it isn't long before Anna is dangerously close to the truth. But someone isn't happy about her involvement and Anna has to work fast before she becomes the next victim.
Review:
I loved this book from the beginning and was intrigued from the first sentence. The book is very short which is also why I liked it because once I start a book I cannot put it down until I have finished it. It was a very mysterious book and had many twists and turns along the way. The characters in the book were very mysterious and shady so you really did not know who the killer was or if they were involved in the murder.
I decided to read this book as I enjoyed the first cozy mystery book I read, However, I enjoyed this book far more than the first book.
Tapas, Carrot Cake and a Corpse(A Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery Book 1)
Author: Sherri Bryan
Published; May 24, 2015
Print Length: 124 pages
Description:
Charlotte Denver runs her marina front cafe in the bustling seaside town of St. Eves, nestled in the south-west corner of England. While she loves the tranquillity of St. Eves, where crime is almost unheard of, and nothing really exciting ever happens, her good friend, Chief inspector Nathan Costello, is longing for a good, juicy felony to get his teeth into.
When the arrival of newcomers to the community of St. Eves triggers a chain of events that end in tragedy, Nathan relishes the thrill of investigating his first murder, while Charlotte unwittingly turns amateur-sleuth to help solve the case and restore peace and harmony to the town as quickly as possible.
Twists and turns abound in Tapas, Carrot Cake and a Corpse, the first book in the Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery series.
Review:
I usually don't read murder mystery books although I have been trying to broaden my options so the other day I decided to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because as the name states it is a 'cozy' mystery with no gory details.
I think this book would be a great book to read if your looking to start reading murder mystery books. I also enjoyed this book as it is a short novella and a nice easy read. I would definitely recommend it.
Published; May 24, 2015
Print Length: 124 pages
Description:
Charlotte Denver runs her marina front cafe in the bustling seaside town of St. Eves, nestled in the south-west corner of England. While she loves the tranquillity of St. Eves, where crime is almost unheard of, and nothing really exciting ever happens, her good friend, Chief inspector Nathan Costello, is longing for a good, juicy felony to get his teeth into.
When the arrival of newcomers to the community of St. Eves triggers a chain of events that end in tragedy, Nathan relishes the thrill of investigating his first murder, while Charlotte unwittingly turns amateur-sleuth to help solve the case and restore peace and harmony to the town as quickly as possible.
Twists and turns abound in Tapas, Carrot Cake and a Corpse, the first book in the Charlotte Denver Cozy Mystery series.
Review:
I usually don't read murder mystery books although I have been trying to broaden my options so the other day I decided to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because as the name states it is a 'cozy' mystery with no gory details.
I think this book would be a great book to read if your looking to start reading murder mystery books. I also enjoyed this book as it is a short novella and a nice easy read. I would definitely recommend it.
Friday, 10 July 2015
From The Wreckage
Author: Michele
G Miller, Stacy Sanford.
Published: June
11, 2014
Print
Length: 232 pages
Description:
'In a
matter of minutes on a Friday night, I lost my school, my identity,
the security of my first love, the personality of my sweet fearless
brother, my best friend, my town, everything as I knew it. Everything
changed.'
'Minutes
- that's all it takes to change your entire life. How do you deal
with that?'
For
high school senior Jules Blacklin surviving the storm is only the
beginning. Faced with the new reality of her life, she must find a
way to rise From The Wreckage and answer the question - how do you
get back to normal, when everything that was normal is gone?
Review:
Okay,
well first things first, if you're looking for a happy and uplifting
book this definitely is not the book to go for. However, if you are
looking for a sad and poignant book this is the perfect one.
When
I first started this book I really was not sure if I would
enjoy it or not as I really was not sure what it was about but after
a chapter or two I began to really get into this book. Although be
warned that it ends on a real cliffhanger. I was so intrigued that
after five minutes of finishing the book I purchased the second and
I'm already excited to read it.
This
book really focuses on how different people are affected by death and
loss and how everyone reacts differently to it. I personally cried a
few times throughout the book because the authors have really
captured the characters feelings and it definitely pulls you in and
leaves you wanting to find out more.
Thursday, 9 July 2015
Love and Rumours
Author: Jean Oram
Published: June 24, 2014
Print Length: 288 pages
Description: Hailey Summer needs more time. As the eldest Summer sister she's always taken on the task of solving everyone's problems - including finding ways to hold onto the family's precious historic cottage. Only this time she's stretched too far and is in danger of losing absolutely everything that matters to her from her dream photography business to her sisters' trust to the cottage that's been in the family for over a century. Will Hailey find the money she needs or will she have to confront a lot more than just the family members she's kept in the dark?
When Finian Alexander closes his eyes he is haunted by his family's destitute past and the unfulfilled promises he's made to others. Only a fraction away from making the A-list food chain and fulfilling his promises , Finian needs help from the paparazzi to push his next bad boy of Hollywood escapade into the limelight. Problem is he's in the Canadian Muskokas and the only photographer he'd consider partnering with slaps him every time he deserves it- which is increasingly often as he becomes more desperate.
Will Hailey and Finian give into the easy way out of their problems, or will they discover how alike they truly are when they hit the tabloids -together?
Review: Honestly I didn't particularly enjoy this book as it was quite repetitive and predictable although others may enjoy it I did not. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about each and everyone of the characters as they were presented in great detail and I enjoyed reading all about them. In some respect the book was sort of enjoyable although at times it seemed to drag on and I could not wait until I had finished the book.
The plot of the book was good and the story line was great although at times certain parts were irrelevant to the story. Although others may enjoy it so I suggest
you read it then tell me what you thought of it!
Published: June 24, 2014
Print Length: 288 pages
Description: Hailey Summer needs more time. As the eldest Summer sister she's always taken on the task of solving everyone's problems - including finding ways to hold onto the family's precious historic cottage. Only this time she's stretched too far and is in danger of losing absolutely everything that matters to her from her dream photography business to her sisters' trust to the cottage that's been in the family for over a century. Will Hailey find the money she needs or will she have to confront a lot more than just the family members she's kept in the dark?
When Finian Alexander closes his eyes he is haunted by his family's destitute past and the unfulfilled promises he's made to others. Only a fraction away from making the A-list food chain and fulfilling his promises , Finian needs help from the paparazzi to push his next bad boy of Hollywood escapade into the limelight. Problem is he's in the Canadian Muskokas and the only photographer he'd consider partnering with slaps him every time he deserves it- which is increasingly often as he becomes more desperate.
Will Hailey and Finian give into the easy way out of their problems, or will they discover how alike they truly are when they hit the tabloids -together?
Review: Honestly I didn't particularly enjoy this book as it was quite repetitive and predictable although others may enjoy it I did not. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about each and everyone of the characters as they were presented in great detail and I enjoyed reading all about them. In some respect the book was sort of enjoyable although at times it seemed to drag on and I could not wait until I had finished the book.
The plot of the book was good and the story line was great although at times certain parts were irrelevant to the story. Although others may enjoy it so I suggest
you read it then tell me what you thought of it!
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery
Author: Jenny Colgan
Published: February 26, 2015
Print Length: 449 pages
Description:
Summer has arrived in the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne and Polly Waterford couldn't be happier. Because Polly is in love; she's in love with running the bakery on Beach Street, and she's in love with her boyfriend, Huckle.
And yet there's something unsettling about the gentle summer breeze that's floating through town. Selina, recently widowed, hopes that moving to Mount Polbearne will ease her grief, but Polly has a secret that could destroy her friends fragile recovery. Responsibilities that Huckle thought he'd left behind are back and Polly finds it hard to cope with his increasingly long periods absence
Polly sifts flour, kneads dough and bakes bread, but nothing can calm the storm she knows is coming; is Polly about to lose everything she loves?
Review: I have to admit that this book takes a while to get into, I think it took me three weeks to read this book because it has a slow beginning although once I got halfway through the book I began to really enjoy it. It is a really heart-warming book although it is quite long it's one of those books you want to sit down with at night with a big mug of tea! Jenny Colgan really shows how hard it is growing up and trying to run a business whilst keeping all your friends by your side the whole way.
This is the second book in this series or whatever you would call it. I feel that the first book was far better than the second although I equally enjoyed both books and many other Jenny Colgan books.
Published: February 26, 2015
Print Length: 449 pages
Description:
Summer has arrived in the Cornish town of Mount Polbearne and Polly Waterford couldn't be happier. Because Polly is in love; she's in love with running the bakery on Beach Street, and she's in love with her boyfriend, Huckle.
And yet there's something unsettling about the gentle summer breeze that's floating through town. Selina, recently widowed, hopes that moving to Mount Polbearne will ease her grief, but Polly has a secret that could destroy her friends fragile recovery. Responsibilities that Huckle thought he'd left behind are back and Polly finds it hard to cope with his increasingly long periods absence
Polly sifts flour, kneads dough and bakes bread, but nothing can calm the storm she knows is coming; is Polly about to lose everything she loves?
Review: I have to admit that this book takes a while to get into, I think it took me three weeks to read this book because it has a slow beginning although once I got halfway through the book I began to really enjoy it. It is a really heart-warming book although it is quite long it's one of those books you want to sit down with at night with a big mug of tea! Jenny Colgan really shows how hard it is growing up and trying to run a business whilst keeping all your friends by your side the whole way.
This is the second book in this series or whatever you would call it. I feel that the first book was far better than the second although I equally enjoyed both books and many other Jenny Colgan books.
The Bookshop on the Corner
Author: Rebecca Raisin
Published: June 17, 2014
Description:
Sarah Smith had an addiction- she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this would not have been such an issue if she had not been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.
Ever since her close friend Lil, from the Gingerbread Cafe, had become engaged. She had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find- especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop...
Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy ever after can happen in real-life too!
Review: I don't even know where to begin with this book! It is such a feel good, hilarious book. It is definitely a beach read I think it only took me about one hour to read this book because its a lovely short book, it was impossible to put it down! I can definitely relate to Sarah's character as she would rather curl up with a good book and a cup of tea rather than go out and socialise which I completely agree with!
This book really highlights how peoples ridiculous expectations in love may come true without you even realising, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice short read!
Published: June 17, 2014
Description:
Sarah Smith had an addiction- she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this would not have been such an issue if she had not been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.
Ever since her close friend Lil, from the Gingerbread Cafe, had become engaged. She had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find- especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop...
Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy ever after can happen in real-life too!
Review: I don't even know where to begin with this book! It is such a feel good, hilarious book. It is definitely a beach read I think it only took me about one hour to read this book because its a lovely short book, it was impossible to put it down! I can definitely relate to Sarah's character as she would rather curl up with a good book and a cup of tea rather than go out and socialise which I completely agree with!
This book really highlights how peoples ridiculous expectations in love may come true without you even realising, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a nice short read!
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Paper Towns
Author: John Green
Published: October 16, 2008
Print Length: 320 pages
Description:
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for a ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows.
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues - and they are for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
Review:
I recently read this book while I was on holiday in Spain. I decided to read it as the movie is coming out soon and when The Fault in our Stars came out I went to see it then read the book after. Watching the movie first completely ruined the book for me so that's why I decided to read the book first.
I loved this book and I cannot wait to read it again! It is such a realistic book and really highlights all the problems teenagers face in high school. This book really symbolises that all things have to come to an end and that you have to accept it. John Green is an extremely talented author and I cannot wait to read the rest of his books as they are all very inspiring and uplifting.
I would really recommend this book to people of all ages and I would also encourage you to read more of John Green's books.
Published: October 16, 2008
Print Length: 320 pages
Description:
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for a ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows.
After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues - and they are for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.
I recently read this book while I was on holiday in Spain. I decided to read it as the movie is coming out soon and when The Fault in our Stars came out I went to see it then read the book after. Watching the movie first completely ruined the book for me so that's why I decided to read the book first.
I loved this book and I cannot wait to read it again! It is such a realistic book and really highlights all the problems teenagers face in high school. This book really symbolises that all things have to come to an end and that you have to accept it. John Green is an extremely talented author and I cannot wait to read the rest of his books as they are all very inspiring and uplifting.
I would really recommend this book to people of all ages and I would also encourage you to read more of John Green's books.
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