#BookReview How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan @SarahMorgan_ @HarlequinBooks

#BookReview How to Keep a Secret by Sarah Morgan @SarahMorgan_ @HarlequinBooks Title: How to Keep a Secret

Author: Sarah Morgan

Published by: Harlequin Books on Jul. 10, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 10/10

When three generations of women are brought together by crisis, they learn over the course of one hot summer the power of family to support, nourish and surprise

Lauren has the perfect life…if she ignores the fact it’s a fragile house of cards, and that her daughter Mack has just had a teenage personality transplant.

Jenna is desperate to start a family with her husband, but it’s… Just. Not. Happening. Her heart is breaking, but she’s determined to keep her trademark smile on her face.

Nancy knows she hasn’t been the best mother, but how can she ever tell Lauren and Jenna the reason why?

Then life changes in an instant, and Lauren, Mack, Jenna and Nancy are thrown together for a summer on Martha’s Vineyard. Somehow, these very different women must relearn how to be a family. And while unraveling their secrets might be their biggest challenge, the rewards could be infinite…

Heartwarming and fresh, Sarah Morgan’s brilliant new novel is a witty and deeply uplifting look at the power of a family of women.


Review:

Sweet, moving, and undeniably affecting!

How to Keep a Secret is a beautifully written, absorbing story that delves into the emotional ties and complex bonds between mothers, daughters and sisters and immerses you in a tale about accepting the things you can’t change, letting go of the past, taking chances, and moving on.

The prose is eloquent and well turned. The characters are genuine, sophisticated, and scarred. And the story is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, love, grief, adultery, forgiveness, familial drama, friendship, infertility, teenage angst, community, courage, happiness, and second-chance romance.

How to Keep a Secret is the perfect mix of heart, hope, grit, and humour. It’s heart wrenching, funny, encouraging, and without a doubt Morgan at her best.

This novel is available now.

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

                                        

 

 

 

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

 

About Sarah Morgan

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She is a 3 time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America and has been nominated five times. Sarah lives near London, England, and when she isn’t reading or writing she loves being outdoors.

#BookReview The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2) by J.D. Barker @JDBarker @HMHbooks

#BookReview The Fifth to Die (4MK Thriller #2) by J.D. Barker @JDBarker @HMHbooks Title: The Fifth to Die

Author: J.D. Barker

Series: 4MK Thriller, #2

Published by: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on Jul. 10, 2018

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Police Procedural

Pages: 544

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, NetGalley

Book Rating: 10/10

In the thrilling sequel to The Fourth Monkey, a new serial killer stalks the streets of Chicago, while Detective Porter delves deeper into the dark past of the Four Monkey Killer.

Detective Porter and the team have been pulled from the hunt for Anson Bishop, the Four Monkey Killer, by the feds. When the body of a young girl is found beneath the frozen waters of Jackson Park Lagoon, she is quickly identified as Ella Reynolds, missing three weeks. But how did she get there? The lagoon froze months earlier. More baffling? She’s found wearing the clothes of another girl, missing less than two days.

While the detectives of Chicago Metro try to make sense of the quickly developing case, Porter secretly continues his pursuit of 4MK, knowing the best way to find Bishop is to track down his mother. When the captain finds out about Porter’s activities, he’s suspended, leaving his partners Clair and Nash to continue the search for the new killer alone.

Obsessed with catching Bishop, Porter follows a single grainy photograph from Chicago to the streets of New Orleans and stumbles into a world darker than he could have possibly imagined, where he quickly realizes that the only place more frightening than the mind of a serial killer is the mind of the mother from which he came.


Review:

Intricate, creepy, and dark!

The Fifth to Die is a brilliantly crafted, gritty, riveting thriller that takes you on a hunt for a kidnapper with a fondness for saltwater and continues the pursuit for a sadistic serial killer with a penchant for retribution and body parts.

The writing is precise, eerie, and seamless. The characterization is spot on with characters that are driven, reckless and flawed, including the tenacious and tough Detective Porter whose greatest struggles involve his grief, secrets, and obsessions. And the plot is a violent, twisty, tension-filled thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and leaves you absolutely speechless and wanting more.

Overall, The Fifth to Die is an intelligent, gripping, exceptionally fast-paced police procedural that highlights Barker’s extraordinary imagination and talent as a spine-chilling storyteller. It’s the second novel in the 4MK Thriller series, and I have to recommend that if you haven’t already read The Fourth Monkey (4MK Thriller #1), you really have to.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

 

Thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About J.D. Barker

J.D. Barker is the internationally best-selling author of FORSAKEN, a finalist for the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel, and winner of the New Apple Medalist Award. His work has been compared to Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Thomas Harris. His latest novel, THE FOURTH MONKEY, released in June 2017. His third novel, THE FIFTH TO DIE, releases June 2018. He has been asked by the Stoker family to coauthor the forthcoming prequel to DRACULA due out in fall 2018. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and optioned for both film and television. Barker currently resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Dayna, and their two dogs, both of whom sit outside his office door daily, eagerly awaiting his next novel.

#BookReview The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall @susieschnall @StMartinsPress

#BookReview The Subway Girls by Susie Orman Schnall @susieschnall @StMartinsPress Title: The Subway Girls

Author: Susie Orman Schnall

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin on Jul. 10, 2018

Genres: Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: St. Martin's Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

In 1949, dutiful and ambitious Charlotte’s dream of a career in advertising is shattered when her father demands she help out with the family business. Meanwhile, Charlotte is swept into the glamorous world of the Miss Subways beauty contest, which promises irresistible opportunities with its Park Avenue luster and local fame status. But when her new friend—the intriguing and gorgeous fellow-participant Rose—does something unforgivable, Charlotte must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change the lives of those around her forever.

Nearly 70 years later, outspoken advertising executive Olivia is pitching the NYC subways account in a last ditch effort to save her job at an advertising agency. When the charismatic boss she’s secretly in love with pits her against her misogynistic nemesis, Olivia’s urgent search for the winning strategy leads her to the historic Miss Subways campaign. As the pitch date closes in on her, Olivia finds herself dealing with a broken heart, an unlikely new love interest, and an unexpected personal connection to Miss Subways that could save her job—and her future.

The Subway Girls is the charming story of two strong women, a generation apart, who find themselves up against the same eternal struggle to find an impossible balance between love, happiness, and ambition.


Review:

Charming, alluring, and lighthearted!

The Subway Girls is set in New York City during the late 1940s, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives, Charlotte, a young woman who yearns to have a career and be more than just a wife and mother, and Olivia a marketing executive who’s determined to prove she deserves the same recognition and success as her male counterparts.

The prose is precise and effortless. The characters are ambitious, independent, creative, and strong. And the plot, alternating between past and present, is a nostalgic, fascinating tale of life, love, deception, betrayal, heartbreak, perseverance, friendship, family, romance, and the world of marketing.

The Subway Girls is a well-written, exceptionally researched novel that highlights Susie Orman Schnall’s incredible knowledge into the Miss Subway advertising campaign that graced the inside of NY Subway cars from 1941 to 1976 and reminds us that even though we’ve come so far the work-life balance is still a very real struggle for professional women today.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Susie Orman Schnall

Susie Orman Schnall is the author of the novels THE SUBWAY GIRLS, THE BALANCE PROJECT, and ON GRACE. She grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Her writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, POPSUGAR, Writer’s Digest, and Glamour. In addition, she has spoken extensively on work-life balance and is the founder of The Balance Project interview series. She lives in Purchase, NY, with her husband and their three sons.

#BookReview Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress #NetGalley

#BookReview Tight Quarters by Annabeth Albert @AnnabethAlbert @CarinaPress #NetGalley Title: Tight Quarters

Author: Annabeth Albert

Series: Out of Uniform #6

Published by: Carina Press on Jul. 9, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQIA

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Carina Press, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

Petty Officer Bacon, a navy SEAL and ace sharpshooter, has been on the front lines of more than his fair share of dangerous ops. Yet when a minor injury relegates him to the beta team, he’s tasked with what may be his riskiest assignment yet: the silver fox journalist he’s babysitting is the hottest, most charismatic man he’s ever encountered.

Award-winning journalist Spencer Bryant may have been named one of Pride magazine’s most eligible bachelors of the year, but he’s not looking to change his relationship status. He’s a consummate professional who won’t risk his ethics or impeccable reputation by getting involved with a source. Even a sexy-as-hell military man. But while Spencer can resist his physical attraction to Bacon, he has less control over his emotions—especially when the mission goes sideways and the two men are trapped alone.

Getting out of the jungle alive turns out to be easy compared to facing the truth about their feelings for one another back in the real world. And whether or not they can build a future is a different story altogether.


Review:

Playful, sexy, and full of genuine emotion!

Tight Quarters is a gritty, sensual, military romance featuring the reliable, confident, skilled Petty Officer Bacon and the mature, principled, successful Spencer Bryant as they learn firsthand the power of attraction and discover a sense of purpose, passion, and fulfillment beyond their careers.

The writing is ardent and fluid. The characters are hot-blooded, tenacious, and supportive. And the alluring plot is a perfect mix of slowing burning seduction, suspense, danger, action, adventure, palpable chemistry, SEAL team dynamics, journalistic integrity, and unconditional love.

Tight Quarters is the sixth novel in the Out of Uniform series, and it’s definitely one of my favourites. I’m not sure how Albert continues to do it, but this series keeps getting better and better and continues to leave me wanting more.

This book is available now.

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

           

 

 

Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Annabeth Albert

Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

#BookReview #BlogTour #LilyPondLane The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane Part 2: Summer Secrets by Emily Harvale @emilyharvale @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #LilyPondLane The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane Part 2: Summer Secrets by Emily Harvale @emilyharvale @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #LilyPondLane The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane Part 2: Summer Secrets by Emily Harvale @emilyharvale @rararesources Title: The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane-Part Two: Summer secrets

Author: Emily Harvale

Published by: Crescent Gate Publishing on Jun. 11, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 192

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Emily Harvale, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Escape to the seaside village of Little Pondale with Part Two of this heart-warming and romantic, four-part serial. 

Mia Ward was amazed to inherit her great-aunt Matilda’s thatched cottage in the tiny seaside village of Little Pondale – especially as Mia didn’t know she had a great-aunt Matilda. She was even more astonished to discover she’d only inherit the place if she lives there for a year. 

Now Mia and her friends, Ella and Garrick are embracing village life. Garrick’s also embracing someone in The Frog and Lily, so Mia turns her attention to one or two of her sexy, single neighbours. But great-aunt Matilda remains an enigma and Mia’s still determined to discover who she was.

When Mia’s mum, Lori arrives, she’s eager to see what the summer has to offer. There’s the Kite Festival, the Fête, the Frog Hill Run, but what really appeals to Lori, much to Mia’s horror, is the Midsummer Night’s naked bathing in the pond at Frog’s Hollow.

As sweltering days surrender to sultry nights, love is definitely in the air. And when an incident means Mia has to face her greatest fear, help arrives from a surprising source. But one thing is clear… someone is trying to make sure Mia doesn’t stay in Little Pondale…


Review:

Winsome, lighthearted and fun!

In this second outing in The Cottage on Lily Pond Lane series, Summer Secrets, we head back to Little Pondale with Mia and the gang and find that love is definitely in the air, great-aunt Mathilda’s identity and secrets are slowly being uncovered, and the pub is still the best place for handsome, single men and town gossip.

The writing style is warm and witty. The setting is idyllic. The characters are quirky, intriguing, and lovable. And the engaging plot is a lovely mix of budding romance, sentimental moments, friendship, family, community, and a touch of mystery.

Overall, Summer Secrets is a quick, charming, easy read that certainly leaves you feeling fulfilled but undoubtedly eager for more.

 

This book is available now. 

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from the following link.

 

 

Check out and pick up the other books in the series so far!

 

           

 

About Emily Harvale

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing... and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She's an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily says, "I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings." When she isn't writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies - and will do anything to avoid both.

 

Thank you to Emily Harvale and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

#BlogTour #BookReview The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista @KateEvangelista @XpressoTours

#BlogTour #BookReview The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista @KateEvangelista @XpressoTours

#BlogTour #BookReview The Boyfriend Bracket by Kate Evangelista @KateEvangelista @XpressoTours Title: The Boyfriend Bracket

Author: Kate Evangelista

Published by: Swoon Reads on Jun. 19, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 240

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Xpresso Book Tours

Book Rating: 7.5/10

The only way to get over a hopeless crush is to find someone new…Enter: The Boyfriend Bracket!

Putting a new spin on a classic trope, Kate Evangelista explores family bonds, changing relationships, and senior year as our heroine tries to get over her brother’s best friend.

Stella has had a hopeless crush on Will, her older brother’s best friend FOREVER, but now that Cam and Will have graduated and are going off to college, this year is her chance to really strike out on her own. Without her overprotective brother and his sidekick around to distract her, she can focus on having all the typical high school experiences that she’s always dreamed of―starting with finding a boyfriend! With the help of her best friend, Franklin, she comes up with the perfect plan to have a boyfriend by Christmas: The Boyfriend Bracket.

Or it seems like the perfect plan . . . right up until Will starts showing up again. How is she supposed to find the perfect boyfriend when none of her dates measure up to the one boy she can never have?

The Boyfriend Bracket puts a new spin on a classic genre in a fun, unforgettable way.


Review:

Cute, charming, and sweetly romantic!

The Boyfriend Bracket is an engaging, heartwarming tale that takes us into the life of Stella, a young, Filipino senior who is determined that with the help of her best friend Franklin this is the year she will get over her longtime crush on her brother’s best friend, Will and find herself the perfect boyfriend.

The writing is witty and light. The characters are diverse, supportive, loyal, and endearing. And the plot told from differing perspectives is a unique, uplifting, coming-of-age tale about overprotective brothers, teenage struggles, dreams, goals, Filipino culture and traditions, first love, and the power of friendship.

Overall, The Boyfriend Bracket is an entertaining, easy, enjoyable read and even though I would have liked the romance to be a little more gradual, the amusing characters, heartfelt moments, and happy-ever-after ending still left me completely satisfied.

 

This book is available now.

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

         

 

 

Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and Kate Evangelista for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Kate Evangelista

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn’t going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is a graduate of De La Salle University – Manila with an Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She taught high school English for three years and was an essay consultant for two. Currently she writes full time and is based in the Philippines.

 

Giveaway:

Tour Wide Giveaway: Print copy of The Boyfriend Bracket (US/CAN)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Boyfriend Experience

Blog Tour

 

July 2nd
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!  >> Review
The Candid Cover  >> Guest post 
Whatever You Can Still Betray  >> Interview
Smada’s Book Smack  >> Review
Tale Out Loud  >> Review

July 3rd
Rainy Days and Pajamas  >> Excerpt
June Reads Books  >> Excerpt
RiverMoose-Reads  >> Interview
Pages and Pugs  >> Excerpt

July 4th
A Book Addict’s Bookshelves  >> Excerpt
Underneath the Covers  >> Interview
The Book Slayer  >> Excerpt
Firstbooklove  >> Review

July 5th
The Nocturnal Fey  >> Review
Character Madness and Musings  >> Guest post 
Lisa Loves Literature  >> Excerpt
Book Dragon Lair  >> Review

July 6th
Abooktropolis >> Review
Sincerely Karen Jo  >> Review
What’s Better Than Books?  >> Review
The Hopeless Romantic Bookworm >> Review
Supercalireader  >> Excerpt
Elley the Book Otter  >> Excerpt

 

#BookReview Untamed Cowboy by Maisey Yates @maiseyyates @HarlequinBooks

#BookReview Untamed Cowboy by Maisey Yates @maiseyyates @HarlequinBooks Title: Untamed Cowboy

Author: Maisey Yates

Series: Gold Valley #2

Published by: Harlequin Books on Jun. 19, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 473

Format: Paperback, ARC

Source: Harlequin Books

Book Rating: 8.5/10

In Gold Valley, Oregon, love might be hiding in plain sight…

Some things are too perfect to mess with. Bennett Dodge’s relationship with Kaylee Capshaw is one of them. They work together at their veterinary clinic and have been best friends for years. When Bennett’s world is rocked by the appearance of a son he didn’t know he had, he needs Kaylee more than ever. And he doesn’t want anything else to change. But then Kaylee kisses him, and nothing will ever be the same…

Kaylee’s done her best to keep her feelings for the man she’s loved since high school hidden away, but one unguarded moment changes everything, and now there’s no more denying the chemistry that burns between them. But the explosion of desire changes all the rules, and what’s left could destroy their bond—or bring them to a love that’s deeper than she ever imagined…


Review:

Beguiling, touching, and downright swoon-worthy!

Untamed Cowboy is a sweet, provocative tale about the intelligent, kindhearted Kaylee who’s finding it harder and harder to keep her attraction for her best friend a secret, and the easygoing, handsome Bennett who may just discover that sometimes things happen for a reason, and everything he’s ever wanted may be standing right in front of him.

The prose is lighthearted and sultry. The characters are amusing, entertaining and supportive. And the plot is a wonderful combination of light drama, heartache, parenthood, family, friendship, fervour, introspection, and undeniable chemistry.

Untamed Cowboy is the second title in the Gold Valley series, and once again Yates has written an engaging, tender, romantic tale with just the right amount of heart, humour, and heat to be truly satisfying.

 

This book is available now.

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

                                        

 

 

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

 

About Maisey Yates

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.
In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

#BookReview Dead If You Don’t by Peter James @peterjamesuk @PGCBooks

#BookReview Dead If You Don’t by Peter James @peterjamesuk @PGCBooks Title: Dead If You Don't

Author: Peter James

Series: Roy Grace #14

Published by: Pan Macmillan on Jul. 3, 2018

Genres: Mystery/Thriller, Police Procedural

Pages: 400

Format: Paperback

Source: Publishers Group Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

A parent’s worst nightmare is Grace’s deadliest case.

Shortly after Kipp Brown and his teenage son, Mungo, arrive at the Amex stadium for their team’s biggest-ever football game, Mungo disappears. A short while later Kipp receives a text with a ransom demand and a terrifying warning: We have your son. If you wish to see him alive again you will not contact the police and you will follow our instructions very carefully.

But as a massive, covert manhunt for the boy and his kidnappers begins, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace starts to realize that not all is what it seems.


Review:

Thrilling, action-packed, and twisty!

In this compelling fourteenth installment in the Roy Grace series, Dead If You Don’t, James has written an adrenaline pumping, police procedural that will have Detective Superintendent Roy Grace and his team investigating a bomb threat, identifying a dismembered body, delving into Brighton’s Albanian underworld, and in a race against time to find a missing teen.

The writing is taut and descriptive. The characterization is spot on with a cast of characters that are astute, tenacious, and quirky, and a few evil and wicked villains that are easy to loathe. And the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat with its short, zippy, intense chapters that submerge you, page after page, into a world full of football, explosives, gang violence, abduction, greed, arrogance, gambling, deception, secrets, lies, and murder.

Overall, Dead If You Don’t is an intricately woven, meticulous, complex mystery with a nice sense of urgency, palpable fear, good characterization, and great pace that’s a wonderful addition to the Roy Grace series and shouldn’t be missed.

This book is available now.

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

                                          

 

 

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

 

About Peter James

Peter James is the international bestselling author of many award-winning novels. His Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, set in Brighton, has been translated into thirty-seven languages with worldwide sales of over eighteen million copies, and has given him eleven consecutive Sunday Times number ones. In 2015 WHSmith customers publicly voted him the Greatest Crime Author of All Time and in 2016 he became the recipient of the coveted CWA Diamond Dagger lifetime achievement award for sustained excellence. Peter has also written a short story collection, A Twist of the Knife, and his standalone titles include Perfect People and The House on Cold Hill. He has also co-written a non-fiction account of Brighton’s toughest cases with former detective Graham Bartlett entitled Death Comes Knocking. The Perfect Murder, Dead Simple and Not Dead Enough have all been turned into smash-hit stage plays. All his novels reflect his deep interest in the world of the police. Three of his novels have been filmed and before becoming a full-time author he produced numerous films, including The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons. He divides his time between his homes in Notting Hill, London and near Brighton in Sussex.

#BookReview Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce @ajpearcewrites @SimonSchusterCA

#BookReview Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce @ajpearcewrites @SimonSchusterCA Title: Dear Mrs. Bird

Author: A.J. Pearce

Published by: Scribner on Jul. 3, 2018

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 288

Format: Paperback

Source: Simon & Schuster Canada

Book Rating: 9/10

A charming, irresistible debut novel set in London during World War II about an adventurous young woman who becomes a secret advice columnist—a warm, funny, and enormously moving story for fans of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and Lilac Girls.

London 1940, bombs are falling. Emmy Lake is Doing Her Bit for the war effort, volunteering as a telephone operator with the Auxiliary Fire Services. When Emmy sees an advertisement for a job at the London Evening Chronicle, her dreams of becoming a Lady War Correspondent seem suddenly achievable. But the job turns out to be typist to the fierce and renowned advice columnist, Henrietta Bird. Emmy is disappointed, but gamely bucks up and buckles down.

Mrs Bird is very clear: Any letters containing Unpleasantness—must go straight in the bin. But when Emmy reads poignant letters from women who are lonely, may have Gone Too Far with the wrong men and found themselves in trouble, or who can’t bear to let their children be evacuated, she is unable to resist responding. As the German planes make their nightly raids, and London picks up the smoldering pieces each morning, Emmy secretly begins to write letters back to the women of all ages who have spilled out their troubles.

Prepare to fall head over heels with Emmy and her best friend, Bunty, who are spirited and gutsy, even in the face of events that bring a terrible blow. As the bombs continue to fall, the irrepressible Emmy keeps writing, and readers are transformed by AJ Pearce’s hilarious, heartwarming, and enormously moving tale of friendship, the kindness of strangers, and ordinary people in extraordinary times.


Review:

Spirited, poignant, and moving!

Dear Mrs. Bird is an intriguing tale that takes you back to the streets of London during WWII and into the life of Emmeline Lake a cheery, optimistic, young woman who after finding herself inadvertently working on the advice column for Woman’s Friend magazine takes it upon herself to begin secretly doling out guidance to those on the home front seeking advice for “inappropriate topics”.

The prose is comical and light. The characters are plucky, sympathetic, and real. And the plot is an engaging, perfectly paced tale about life, loss, self-discovery, friendship, tragedy, heartbreak, uncertainty, hilarious misunderstandings, good intentions, meddling, and the realities of war. 

Overall, Dear Mrs. Bird is a delightfully heartwarming, wonderful debut for Pearce that does an exceptional job of highlighting the incredible impact war had on the personal lives of those it touched both at home and away and the significant roles and contribution of women during those dark times.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About A.J. Pearce

AJ Pearce grew up in Hampshire and studied at the University of Sussex. A chance discovery of a 1939 women's magazine became the inspiration for her ever-growing collection and her first novel Dear Mrs Bird. She now lives and writes in the south of England.

It’s Monday (July 2, 2018)! What Are You Reading! #IMWAYR #Books #Reading #TBRList

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn at Bookdate is a weekly post to share what you’ve recently finished reading, what you’re currently reading, and what you plan on reading this upcoming week.

 

So here is what I just read, am reading, and what I plan to read next:

 

What I Read Last Week (Ebook ARCs):

 

Title: Bad Reputation

Author: Stefanie London

Immediate Thoughts: Sultry, emotive, and intriguing!

Rating: 9/10

Publication Date: August 7, 2018

 

 

Title: Game Changer

Author: Rachel Reid

Immediate Thoughts: Seductive, passionate, and timely!

Rating: 10/10

Publication Date: October 22, 2018

 

 

 

What I Read Last Week (Physical ARCs):

 

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Authors: Miranda Dickinson

Immediate Thoughts: Captivating, warm, and uplifting!

Rating: 9/10

Publication Date: July 26, 2018

 

 

Title: In Prior’s Wood

Authors: G.M. Malliet

Immediate Thoughts: Mysterious, intriguing, and atmospheric!

Rating: 8/10

Publication Date: April 17, 2018

 

 

Title: Untamed Cowboy (Cold Valley #2)

Author: Maisey Yates

Immediate Thoughts: Heartwarming, touching, and swoon worthy!

Rating: 8.5/10

Publication Date: June 19, 2018

 

 

What I’m Currently Reading:

 

 

 

What I’m Reading Next:

 

                                 

 

Current Stats:

 

# of NetGalley ARCs Outstanding: 17 (up 1)

 

# of Books Still on my Goodreads TBR List: 922 (no change!)

 

 

# of Books Read in the #20BooksofSummer Challenge: 4/20

(getting way behind 😳)

 

 

#BookMail:

 

Thank you to Midas Public Relations (Thomas & Mercer) for:

 

 

Thank you to Harlequin Books for:

 

 

Have you read any of my upcoming reads? What do you have coming up? How are your stats?

Happy Reading!