Category: Women’s Fiction

#BookReview The Paris Secret by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview The Paris Secret by Karen Swan @KarenSwan1 @PGCBooks Title: The Paris Secret

Author: Karen Swan

Published by: Pan Macmillan on May 10, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

Not every door should be opened . . .

With stunning locations and page-turning tension, The Paris Secret is an intense and gripping tale from bestselling author Karen Swan.

Somewhere along the cobbled streets of Paris, an apartment lies thick with dust and secrets: full of priceless artworks hidden away for decades.

High-flying fine art agent Flora from London, more comfortable with the tension of a million-pound auction than a cosy candlelit dinner for two, is called in to assess these suddenly discovered treasures. As an expert in her field, she must trace the history of each painting and discover who has concealed them for so long.

Thrown in amongst the glamorous Vermeil family as they move between Paris and Antibes, Flora begins to discover that things aren’t all that they seem, while back at home her own family is recoiling from a seismic shock. The terse and brooding Xavier Vermeil seems intent on forcing Flora out of his family’s affairs – but just what is he hiding?

Review:

Compelling, emotional and deliciously mysterious!

This is a riveting tale that sweeps us into the glamorous world of art and takes us on a journey to find the true provenance of precious paintings that have been concealed for decades.

The story is predominantly set in Paris during both the latter part of WWII, as well as present day and is filled with mystique, familial drama, heartbreak, secrets, deception, history, abuse, self discovery, exotic locales and of course a little bit of romance.

The prose is precise and vividly descriptive. The characters are complex, independent and affluent. And the plot uses a present/past style to not only build suspense and tension, but to create depth and understanding to the personalities, motivations and relationships within it.

I have to admit that when it comes to Karen Swan I’m a little bit biased. I’m a huge fan (as you can see)! To me her books are like a cosy jumper, every time I pick one up I know I can snuggle down for the whole day and be immersed in a story that will captivate me, make me smile, probably make me laugh, and possibly even make me cry and this one was no exception.

 

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                            

 

 

Thank you to PGC Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Karen Swan

Karen Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest outside Sussex, England, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs.

An internationally bestselling author, her numerous books include The Rome Affair, The Paris Secret, Christmas Under the Stars, and The Christmas Secret. 

Photograph by Alexander James

Facebook

#BookReview White Sand, Blue Sea by Anita Hughes @hughesanita @StMartinsPress

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview White Sand, Blue Sea by Anita Hughes @hughesanita @StMartinsPress Title: White Sand, Blue Sea

Author: Anita Hughes

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Apr. 11, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 288

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7/10

Olivia Miller is standing on the porch of her mother and stepfather’s plantation style villa in St. Barts. They have been coming here every April for years but she is always thrilled to see the horseshoe shaped bay of Gustavia and white sand of Gouverneur’s Beach. This trip should be particularly exciting because she is celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday and hoping that Finn, her boyfriend of four years, will propose.

The only person who won’t be here is her father, Sebastian, who she hasn’t seen in twenty years. He’s a well-known artist and crisscrosses the globe, painting and living in exotic locations like Kenya and China. When Sebastian walks unexpectedly walks through the door and floats back into Olivia’s life like a piece of bad driftwood she never knew she wanted, she starts to wondering if her world is too narrow. She questions the dreams and the relationship she’s always thought she wanted. But there seems to be more to the story than an innocent fatherly visit, and Olivia must decide if love is more important than truth.

Set on St. Barts, the jewel of the Caribbean, WHITE SAND, BLUE SEA is a heartwarming story about romance and adventure, and most importantly, about knowing yourself, and what makes you happy.

Review:

Charming, engaging and lighthearted!

In this new novel by Hughes we are transported to the beautiful island of St. Barts complete with pristine beaches, exquisite restaurants, designer boutiques, and million-dollar yachts and are swept into a story that delves into the complexities of maternal, paternal and romantic relationships and highlights the importance of honesty and communication.

The writing is descriptive and smooth. The characters are an appealing variety of young and mature; unsure and grounded; stable and peripatetic; loved and secure. And the plot is a sweet journey about discovering oneself, appreciating what you have, letting go of the past and the power of unconditional love.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy read that is a nice choice for a relaxing, sunny afternoon.

 

This book is due to be published on April 11, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

                                          

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Anita Hughes

ANITA HUGHES is the author of Monarch Beach, Market Street, Lake Como, French Coast, Rome in Love, Island in the Sea, Santorini Sunsets, and Christmas in Paris. She attended UC Berkeley’s Masters in Creative Writing Program, and lives in Dana Point, California where she is at work on her next novel.

Website | Facebook

#BookReview It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany @AmyHatvany @AtriaBooks

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview It Happens All The Time by Amy Hatvany @AmyHatvany @AtriaBooks Title: It Happens All the Time

Author: Amy Hatvany

Published by: Atria Books on Mar. 28, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Atria Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

From master storyteller Amy Hatvany—whose writing has been hailed as “gripping and emotionally honest” (Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times best-selling author)—comes a provocative and compelling novel about two friends whose lives are changed by a drunken kiss.

I want to rewind the clock, take back the night when the world shattered. I want to erase everything that went wrong.

Amber Bryant and Tyler Hicks have been best friends since they were teenagers—trusting and depending on each other through some of the darkest periods of their young lives. And while Amber has always felt that their relationship is strictly platonic, Tyler has long harbored the secret desire that they might one day become more than friends.

Returning home for the summer after her college graduation, Amber begins spending more time with Tyler than she has in years. Despite the fact that Amber is engaged to her college sweetheart, a flirtation begins to grow between them. One night, fueled by alcohol and concerns about whether she’s getting married too young, Amber kisses Tyler.

What happens next will change them forever.

In alternating points of view, It Happens All the Time examines the complexity of sexual dynamics between men and women and offers an incisive exploration of gender roles, expectations, and the ever-timely issue of consent.

Review:

Intense, emotional and extremely impactful!

This is a heartbreaking story that delves into the devastating and enduring physical and psychological effects of acquaintance rape and reminds us that sometimes good people make bad decisions and do bad things.

The story is narrated from two different perspectives and uses a past/present style to give both depth and understanding to all the relationships and connections between the characters. 

The prose flows seamlessly. The characters are young, multi-layered and sympathetic. And the plot is engrossing, fast paced and full of ups, downs, tension and drama.

This ultimately is a deeply moving story about friendship, trust, sexual dynamics, power, violence, betrayal and revenge and even though the subject matter is incredibly dark I highly recommend it.

 

This book is due to be published on March 28, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository, B&N, Kobo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Atria Books, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Amy Hatvany

Amy Hatvany was born in Seattle, WA in 1972, the youngest of three children. She graduated from Western Washington University in 1994 with a degree in Sociology only to discover most sociologists are unemployed. Soon followed a variety of jobs – some of which she loved, like decorating wedding cakes; others which she merely tolerated, like receptionist. In 1998, Amy finally decided to sell her car, quit her job, and take a chance on writing books.

The literary gods took kindly to her aspirations and THE KIND OF LOVE THAT SAVES YOU was published in 2000 by Bantam Doubleday. THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS was picked up by NAL in 2002. (Both titles published under "Yurk.")

Amy spends most of her time today with her second and final husband, Stephan. (Seriously, if this one doesn’t work out, she’s done.) She stays busy with her two children, Scarlett and Miles, and her “bonus child,” Anna. Their blended family also includes two four-legged hairy children, commonly known as Black Lab mutts, Kenda and Dolcé. When Amy’s not with friends or family, she is most likely reading, cooking or zoning out on certain reality television shows. Top Chef is a current favorite. She eagerly awaits auditions for the cast of “Top Author.” (“Quick Edit” instead of “Quick Fire” Challenge? C’mon, producers! That’s gripping television!)

Website | Facebook | Instagram

#BookReview City of Friends by Joanna Trollope #JoannaTrollope @PGCBooks

Published on by Zoe2 Comments
#BookReview City of Friends by Joanna Trollope #JoannaTrollope @PGCBooks Title: City of Friends

Author: Joanna Trollope

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Mar. 24, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 304

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Publishers Group Canada, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

She glanced at her phone again. There were appeals from the girls, from her colleagues, a text from Steve reading with uncharacteristic imperiousness, ‘Call me.’ She couldn’t. She couldn’t call anyone . . . She leaned forward, gripping the edge of the bench, and stared at the ground. God, she thought, am I losing my mind? Is this what happens when you lose your job? 

The day Stacey Grant loses her job feels like the last day of her life. Or at least, the only life she’d ever known. For who was she if not a City high-flyer, Senior Partner at one of the top private equity firms in London? As Stacey starts to reconcile her old life with the new—one without professional achievements or meetings, but instead, long days at home with her dog and ailing mother, waiting for her successful husband to come home—she at least has The Girls to fall back on. Beth, Melissa and Gaby. The girls, now women, had been best friends from the early days of university right through their working lives, and through all the happiness and heartbreaks in between. But these career women all have personal problems of their own, and when Stacey’s redundancy forces a betrayal to emerge that was supposed to remain secret, their long cherished friendships will be pushed to their limits.

Review:

Thought-provoking, intriguing and deeply moving!

This is Joanna Trollope’s twentieth novel and once again she has written a mature story that delves into the complexities and inevitability of change on relationships, both familial and friendship, graciously.

The characters are strong, ambitious, troubled and real. The prose is smooth and sophisticated. And the plot is an engaging mix of depth, emotion, determination, acceptance, communication, love and support.

Overall I would have to say this is an enjoyable, satisfying story that highlights the difficulties and struggles women still face today when juggling high-powered careers, marriage and motherhood and reminds us how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.

 

This novel is available March 24, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links. 

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository, Kobo

 

 

Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Joanna Trollope

Joanna Trollope is the author of twenty highly acclaimed and bestselling novels, including City of Friends, Friday Nights, Second Honeymoon, and The Other Family. She was appointed OBE in 1996, and a trustee of the UK National Literacy Trust in 2012. She has chaired the Whitbread and Orange Awards, as well as being a judge of many other literature prizes; she has been part of two DCMS panels on public libraries and is patron of numerous charities, including Meningitis Now, and Chawton House Library. In 2014, she updated Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility as the opening novel in the Austen Project.

Website | Facebook

#BookReview The Mercury Travel Club by Helen Bridgett @Helen_Bridgett @RedDoorBooks

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview The Mercury Travel Club by Helen Bridgett @Helen_Bridgett @RedDoorBooks Title: The Mercury Travel Club

Author: Helen Bridgett

Series: Mercury Travel Club #1

Published by: RedDoor Publishing on Mar. 16, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 308

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: RedDoor Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

‘Hi, I’m Angela. My husband ran off with the caterer we hired for our daughter’s graduation party – pleased to meet you.’

Meet Angie Shepherd who, after 24 years and 11 months of marriage, finds herself divorced and driven by friends and family to move on. From hangover to makeover, Angie steps firmly away from the sensible knitwear, and launches into every adventure on offer – from baking classes and book groups, to speed dating, and even ‘The Granny-Okes’, a 1980s tribute act and YouTube sensation.

But Angie needs more than a bar of galaxy and a night in with Murder She Wrote… what she dreams of is entrepreneurial success. Channelling her inner Richard Branson, the light bulb moment happens: it’s time to take the plunge and invest her divorce settlement into The Mercury Travel Club, an exciting new business venture. But as the Travel Club gets going, things never go according to plan, and in this digital age a little chaos brings the fame she’s been looking for.

Set in present-day Manchester, this classic mid-life journey features the 1980s soundtrack from Angie’s youth, and sees her travel the world whilst coping with life after the Ex. Angie’s journey is the catalyst her friends need to examine their own lives; as they start to find their true callings, will Angie find hers?

Review:

Exceptionally sweet, pleasantly whimsical and incredibly funny!

This is an intelligent, engaging story about moving onward and upward after divorce and reminds us to always grab life by the horns no matter your age.

The writing is descriptive and smooth. The characterization is spot on, with a whole gang of quirky, unique and lovable characters. And the plot is a good mix of family drama, friendship, emotion, humorous escapades, as well as some great 80s references and flashbacks.

This truly is a lovely, heartwarming debut novel that will make you smile, amuse you from start to finish, and will definitely leave you hoping for more.

 

This book is due to be published on March 16, 2017. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Kobo, Indigo

 

 

Thank you to Helen Bridgett and RedDoor Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Helen Bridgett

Helen has always loved books and always loved writing. One year she decided her New Year’s resolution would be “Write a novel to give as a Christmas present”. She spent the year writing and The Mercury Travel Club was born.

Helen hails from the North East but now lives in Manchester with her Husband and their Chocolate Labrador Angus. When not writing, Helen can usually be found walking or drinking wine – not usually at the same time.

Like many people, Helen believes that the music you grow up with as a teenager stays with you for the whole of your life. Being a child of 80’s rock, when she hears the opening riff to Sweet Child of Mine, she cannot be held responsible for her actions!

Website | Goodreads

#BookReview A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @HarlequinBooks

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery @SusanMallery @HarlequinBooks Title: A Million Little Things

Author: Susan Mallery

Series: Mischief Bay #3

Published by: Mira Books on Feb. 28, 2017

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 368

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

From the bestselling author of The Girls of Mischief Bay and The Friends We Keep comes a twisty tale of family dynamics that explores what can go terribly, hysterically wrong when the line between friendship and family blurs 

Zoe Saldivar is more than just single-she’s ALONE. She recently broke up with her longtime boyfriend, she works from home and her best friend Jen is so obsessed with her baby that she has practically abandoned their friendship. The day Zoe accidentally traps herself in her attic with her hungry-looking cat, she realizes that it’s up to her to stop living in isolation.

Her seemingly empty life takes a sudden turn for the complicated-her first new friend is Jen’s widowed mom, Pam. The only guy to give her butterflies in a very long time is Jen’s brother. And meanwhile, Pam is being very deliberately seduced by Zoe’s own smooth-as-tequila father. Pam’s flustered, Jen’s annoyed and Zoe is beginning to think “alone” doesn’t sound so bad, after all.

Friendship isn’t just one thing-it’s a million little things, and no one writes them with more heart and humor than book club sensation Susan Mallery! 

Review:

Charming, lighthearted and thought-provoking!

This is an affecting novel that reminds us of the importance to always live life to the fullest, understand and accept that some things are beyond our control and that there truly is no age limit for falling in love. 

The writing is smooth and even. The main female characters are strong, determined, sympathetic and real. And the plot is a heartfelt journey full of self discovery, friendship, familial relationships, love, loss, and motherhood.

This is the third novel in the Mischief Bay series and once again Mallery has written a novel that is touching, compelling and highly entertaining.

 

This book is due to be published on February 28, 2017.

Pick up a copy of this novel from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository, B&N

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Harlequin – MIRA for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Susan Mallery

#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur.

Photo by Annie Brady

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Pinterest

#BookReview Learning to Love by Sheryl Browne @SherylBrowne @ChocLituk

Published on by Zoe1 Comment
#BookReview Learning to Love by Sheryl Browne @SherylBrowne @ChocLituk Title: Learning to Love

Author: Sheryl Browne

Published by: Choc Lit on Jun. 14, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 268

Format: eBook

Source: Choc Lit, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places … 

Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well. 

Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and in the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs …

Review:

Heartwarming, moving and exceptionally authentic!

This is a charming story that reminds us that life is unpredictable and full of curve balls and it’s how we approach and handle these highs-and-lows and ups-and-downs that truly make all the difference.

The writing is precise and smooth. The characterization is well done, with a variety of characters that are genuine, compassionate, strong, quirky and lovable. And the plot is a compelling, engaging, emotional tale of heartache, loss, grief, jealousy, friendship, family dynamics, manipulation, mysterious mishaps and romance.

Overall, this is a sweet, enjoyable read about multi-generational, blended families that will have you laughing, weeping and certainly cheering until the very last page.

This novel is available now.

Pick up a copy of this novel from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, Book Depository, B&N

 

 

Thank you to Sheryl Browne and Choc Lit for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sheryl Browne

Hi, I’m Sheryl Browne. I live in Worcestershire with my partner and a variety of disabled dogs. According to readers of my thrillers, I also apparently make an excellent psychopath. Writing powerful psychological thriller and contemporary fiction, my latest thriller THE BABYSITTER is published by fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and previously writing for award winning Choc Lit, I have several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where, after half a lifetime, I finally completed my MA in Creative Writing.

Website | Facebook | Pinterest | Google+ | YouTube

#BookReview The House of New Beginnings by Lucy Diamond @LDiamondAuthor @PGCBooks

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview The House of New Beginnings by Lucy Diamond @LDiamondAuthor @PGCBooks Title: The House of New Beginnings

Author: Lucy Diamond

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Feb. 24, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 352

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Publishers Group Canada, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

Number 11, Dukes Square, looks just like the other houses on the Brighton seafront: a Regency terrace with elegant sash windows, a winding staircase, and post piled up in the hall for its tenants. It might be part of the city’s history, but it’s also a place of brand new beginnings.

Georgie has followed her childhood sweetheart to Brighton but is determined to carve out a career for herself in journalism. Throwing herself into the city’s delights is fun and exciting, but before she knows it, she’s sliding into all kinds of trouble . . . 

Charlotte’s in the city for a new start, hoping to keep her head down and somehow get over the heartbreaking loss she’s suffered in the past. But Margot, the stylish old lady on the top floor, has other ideas. Like it or not, Charlotte must confront the outside world, and the possibilities it still holds.

A terrible revelation sent Rosa running from London to start again as a sous chef. The work is gruelling and thankless but it’s a distraction at least . . . until she comes up against the stroppy teenager next door who challenges her on her lifestyle choices. What if Rosa’s passion for food could lead her to more interesting places?

As the three tenants find each other, it’s as if a whole new chapter of their lives has begun. The House of New Beginnings is a moving and uplifting novel from bestselling author Lucy Diamond.

Review:

Absorbing, beguiling, and incredibly touching!

This is a heartwarming story that reminds us to always live life to the fullest and never be afraid to try something new.

The prose is effortless. The plot is a wonderful blend of heart, humour and hope. And the characterization is spot on with a wonderful cast of characters, including some strong, determined, courageous women who learn through compassion and friendship to let go of the past and embrace the future.

This is, ultimately, a story about dreams, heartbreak, goals, loss, love and finding one’s true self and I absolutely adored it. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and in the end it left me smiling.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links. 

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Book Depository, Kobo

 

 

Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Lucy Diamond

Lucy Diamond lives in Bath, England with her husband and their three children. She has penned numerous bestselling novels, including The House of New Beginnings, The Secrets of Happiness, Summer at Shell Cottage, and The Year of Taking Chances.

Website | Facebook

#BookReview Revenge by Nigel May @Nigel_May @bookouture

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview Revenge by Nigel May @Nigel_May @bookouture Title: Revenge

Author: Nigel May

Published by: Bookouture on Feb. 10, 2017

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 386

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

If you keep dangerous secrets you’ll pay the ultimate price… 

In the South of France, playground of the rich and famous, world renowned chef Dexter Franklin is organising a night to remember. As he opens the doors to his exclusive restaurant for the first time, he’s handpicked a list of guests, as hot and dazzling as the St Tropez sun itself: 

Mew Stanton: Fashionable, beautiful and a notorious TV chef, Dexter’s ex-girlfriend has all the ingredients for success. As her books fly off the shelves, a secret from her past is about to surface with explosive consequences. 

Holly Lydon: Ex girlband star who has fallen on hard times. Forced to make ends meet she’s having to sleep her way to the top. Now she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons. 

Rosita Velázquez: Brazilian actress extraordinaire and girlfriend of Dexter’s brother, Leland. When she’s in town everybody needs to know about it, but this is one show-stopping entrance she’ll live to regret. 

Three women have a past with Dexter and a grudge to bear against him. As fireworks ignite in the jet set capital of Europe, there’s murder on the menu. Who will be served their just desserts? 

The sun is setting in the South of France. Pour yourself a glass of champagne and sit back for a read of revenge, regrets and shocking revelations that will have you hooked to the very last page. 

Review:

Wildly addictive, blissfully entertaining, and sinfully salacious!

This is a provocative novel that takes us into the lives of the rich, glamorous and famous and reminds us that not everything is always as it seems and as well as having fancy yachts and designer clothes they also seem to have an abundance of sex, power, temptation, rivalry, jealousy, revenge, deception, tragedy and murder.

The writing is effortless. The characters are self-obsessed, shallow, and ambitious. The settings are exotic and picturesque. And the plot is clever, humorous, mysterious, unpredictable and incredibly captivating.

What can I say, this truly is a jouissance or indulgence you don’t want to miss!

If you haven’t had a chance to check our my review for Nigel May’s previous novel, Lovers and Liars, be sure to check it out HERE!

This book is due to be published on February 10, 2017.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Indigo, Kobo, B&N

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Bookouture, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Nigel May

Nigel May has been described as "the UK's male Jackie Collins" and is an author, TV host and journalist. His three fiction novels have all been published by Bookouture.

His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.

Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.

On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.

As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.

Website | Facebook | YouTube

#BookReview Love, Alice by Barbara Davis @bdavisauthor

Published on by ZoeLeave a comment
#BookReview Love, Alice by Barbara Davis @bdavisauthor Title: Love, Alice

Author: Barbara Davis

Published by: Berkley on Dec. 6, 2016

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 432

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Berkley Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

From the author of Summer at Hideaway Key comes a sweeping new Southern women’s fiction novel about forgiving the past one letter at a time…

The truth lies between the lines…

A year ago, Dovie Larkin’s life was shattered when her fiancé committed suicide just weeks before their wedding. Now, plagued by guilt, she has become a fixture at the cemetery where William is buried, visiting his grave daily, waiting for answers she knows will never come.

Then one day, she sees an old woman whose grief mirrors her own. Fascinated, she watches the woman leave a letter on a nearby grave. Dovie ignores her conscience and reads the letter—a mother’s plea for forgiveness to her dead daughter—and immediately needs to know the rest of the story.

As she delves deeper, a collection of letters from the cemetery’s lost and found begins to unravel a decades-old mystery involving one of Charleston’s wealthiest families. But even as Dovie seeks to answer questions about another woman’s past—questions filled with deception, betrayal, and heartbreaking loss—she starts to discover the keys to love, forgiveness, and finally embracing the future…

Review:

Perceptive, haunting, and profoundly thought-provoking!

This is a heartbreakingly sweet novel that delves into the emotional, physical and mental anguish experienced by young pregnant girls who historically were spurned, institutionalized and forced to give up their babies, and the incredible power and importance of hope and forgiveness.

The prose is eloquent and beautifully descriptive. The characters are determined, intelligent, consumed, and sorrowful. And the story is written in a back and forth, past/present style that gives a wonderful depth and understanding to all the subplots, relationships, and predicaments within it.

Overall this is, ultimately, an intriguing, deeply moving novel about familial relationships, friendship, love, loss, secrets, abandonment, guilt and grief.

 

This book is due to be published on December 6, 2016. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Chapters/Indigo, Book Depository

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Berkley Publishing, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Barbara Davis

I’m a Jersey girl raised in the south, now living and writing in New England. Confused? Constantly. Happy? Deliriously! But then, living your dream will do that! After fifteen years of wearing heels and schlepping a briefcase as an executive in the jewelry industry, I traded in my pinstripes for a little peace of mind, and decided to follow my dream of becoming a women’s fiction author. And what a ride it’s been! Six books later, I’m still pinching myself, and I’m still as much in love with writing as I was the day I began this journey. Maybe it’s because I believe in miracles, in happy endings and new beginnings. Heaven knows I’ve had my share.

I’m blessed to be married to my best friend and soul mate, Tom, who I must say, sets the bar pretty high for my on-the-page heroes. We also have a lovely ginger cat named Simon, who is twenty years old, wretchedly spoiled, and doesn’t give a fig if I’m on deadline or not. When I’m not making up stories, you’re likely to find me reading, cooking, watching college football, (Go Gators!) or spreading a little sunshine over on Facebook, on The Sunshine Page.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram