#BookReview Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer @carolewyer

#BookReview Take a Chance on Me by Carol Wyer @carolewyer Title: Take A Chance On Me

Author: Carol Wyer

Published by: Bookouture on Sep. 23, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 325

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

It’s time for Charlie to ditch the life that’s been dragging her down in this romantic, funny, feel good read! 

Since splitting from her husband, Charlie’s life has been stuck in a rut. Best friend Mercedes will do anything to put a smile back on Charlie’s face and so draws up a bucket list of things to help Charlie recover her mojo. 

Sure enough, as Charlie works her way through the list, belly dancing and bungee jumping, she makes new friends and even begins to attract some male attention. 

Journalist Jake gives Charlie butterflies but he almost seems too perfect – there must be a reason why he’s single. Perhaps Rob would be a better bet – yes he’s short and he drinks too much – but a girl can’t have everything can she? 

The final challenge on Charlie’s list looms large. Can Charlie complete it and prove to herself that life is for living, whatever may have happened in the past? And can Jake get through to Charlie and stop her from settling for the single life or, the wrong man? 

Join Charlie as she finds her happy-ever-after in this hilarious, heartwarming read that will make you laugh, cry and live your life to the full! 


Review:

Deeply moving, charming, and sweet.

This is a bittersweet story that, ultimately, reminds us life is for living and that deep down inside all of us is a little bit of adventure just waiting to get out.

It has a wonderful cast of characters that are colourful, quirky, loveable, and kind. And the plot is captivating, humorous, romantic and engaging, as it weaves you through not only adventures of the heart, but adventures of the spirit.

The writing is extremely well done, and you will laugh, and possibly cry, as this story of loss, love, determination, courage, and friendship unfolds.

This truly is a lovely novel that was a pleasure to read. I especially loved the ‘Carpe Diem’ list Carol offers up at the end. There’s definitely a thing or two I’d now like to try.

This book is due to be published on September 23, 2016.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo Books

 

 

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

 

About Carol Wyer

Carol E. Wyer is an award-winning author whose humorous books take a light-hearted look at getting older and encourage others to age disgracefully. More recently she has chosen to write for the "dark side" and embarked on a series of thrillers, starting with the gripping best-seller, Little Girl Lost.
Her book Grumpy Old Menopause won The People's Book Prize Award for non-fiction 2015.
Carol has been interviewed on numerous radio shows discussing 'Irritable Male Syndrome' and 'Ageing Disgracefully' and on BBC Breakfast television. She has had articles published in national magazines 'Woman's Weekly' featured in 'Take A Break', 'Choice', 'Yours' and 'Woman's Own' magazines and for The Huffington Post.
Carol is a signed author with Bookouture and Delancey Press.

#BookReview Ganga Jamuna by Sunita Lad Bhamray

#BookReview Ganga Jamuna by Sunita Lad Bhamray Title: Ganga Jamuna

Author: Sunita Lad Bhamray

Published by: Kitaab International Pte Ltd on 2016

Genres: General Fiction

Pages: 150

Format: eBook

Source: Authoright

Book Rating: 7/10

A zealous single mother must travel from her home in Nepal to Singapore in order to access an experimental surgery that could save her conjoined twins in this empowering novel of love and survival. 

Abani has so far lived a life of quiet resolve. Admired by strangers for her striking beauty and soft-spoken demeanour, she has pressed on without complaint through the challenges life has thrown at her growing up in a poor family. After she learns she is pregnant with conjoined twins, Abani faces an even greater trial: the only hope she has of saving the lives of both her children is a revolutionary new surgery performed exclusively in Singapore. With only the few supplies she can carry – and the advice and support of her friends – Abani begins the impossible passage across the Indian continent: a mother’s mission to save her unborn children.


 Review:

“The young paediatric assistant, who was around, moved closer and within minutes he removed the blankets that covered the infants. Once the blankets were removed, they awakened and began to move their limbs about peculiarly. Their heads remained fastened to each other and the spectacle before her was devoid of normalcy. As she watched, she could hear Dr. Prasad’s voice in the background that slowly began to fade. “They are doing well. What I wanted to tell you the other day is that conjoined twins are rare.”

This is a poignant story that takes us on a journey of Abani’s life, from her first love as a young girl, through loss, heartbreak, single motherhood, and raising conjoined twins.

The characters are strong, courageous and resilient. The plot is unique and interesting. And the writing is atmospheric and descriptive, although I did find there were some instances when the syntax slightly disrupted the fluidity.

Overall, however, this is a bittersweet novel that introduces us to the emotional, physical, and medical difficulties involved with the birth of conjoined twins, and it certainly reminds us that life is truly a blessing.

 

This novel is available now.

To purchase this novel, please visit your favourite retailer or the following link.

Amazon  

 

 

Thank you to Authoright for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Sunita Lad Bhamray

Sunita Lad Bhamray is an author and educator living in Singapore with her husband and two children. After earning her graduate degree and enjoying a long and rewarding career teaching internationally, Lad Bhamray now devotes her time to writing. Ganga Jamuna is her third book; her first, Triumphs on the Turf, released in 2011, was about horse racing in India. It was followed by Grandma Lim’s Persimmons, a storybook for children, in 2013.

#BookReview Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand @elinhilderbrand @littlebrown

#BookReview Winter Stroll by Elin Hilderbrand @elinhilderbrand @littlebrown Title: Winter Stroll

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Series: Winter #2

Published by: Little Brown and Company on Oct. 13, 2015

Genres: General Fiction, Women's Fiction

Pages: 263

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8/10

“Happy Holidays 2015! It has been a rough year for the Quinns, but I would like to start by saying thank you for all of the well wishes and positive missives sent our way.” 

Another Christmas on Nantucket finds Winter Street Inn owner Kelley Quinn reflecting on the past year as he writes a holiday letter to friends and family. Though the year has had its share of misfortune and worry, the Quinns have much to celebrate. Kelley, now single, at least is on better terms with his first wife Margaret, who is using her celebrity to lure customers to the inn in record numbers. Their son Kevin has a beautiful new baby, Genevieve, with the Inn’s French housekeeper, Isabelle; and their daughter, Ava, is finally dating a nice guy–her devoted colleague, Scott. 

Now the Quinns are looking forward to celebrating Genevieve’s baptism, welcoming Isabelle to the family, and enjoying the cheer of Nantucket’s traditional Christmas Stroll. But just when a peaceful family gathering seems within reach, Kelley’s estranged second wife, Mitzi, shows up on the island after souring on her relationship with the inn’s former Santa Claus. Soon Kelley isn’t the only Quinn entertaining a surprise guest from Christmases past as lovers old and new gather beneath the mistletoe. With jealousy, passion, and eggnog consumption at an all-time high, it’s going to take a whole lot more than a Christmas miracle to get the Quinns–and the inn–through the holidays intact.


Review:

 The Quinns are back!

It’s been one year since we left the Quinns, and in this second novel in the Winter series we head back to Nantucket to see how the gang is faring.

It is a heartwarming story full of grief, jealousy, old loves, new loves, addiction, and the importance of family.

The writing is clear and fluent. The characters are well developed, endearing, and multi-layered. And the plot is engaging and entertaining, with an ending that has just the right amount of intrigue to leave you anticipating what comes next.

It was great to see the story and characters from Winter Street back and more developed in this novel. And although you could read it as a standalone, I think the curiosity and fascination left behind from the first novel was a large contributor to the appeal and enjoyment of this one.

If you haven’t read the first novel in the series, Winter Street, I would highly recommend reading it first, and be sure to look out for the third and final novel in the series, Winter Storms, due out this fall.

 

This book is available now.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

About Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand is a mother of three, an avid runner, reader, and traveler, and the author of twenty-three novels. She grew up outside Philadelphia, and has lived on Nantucket for more than twenty years.

#BookReview Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen

#BookReview Rookie Move by Sarina Bowen @SarinaBowen Title: Rookie Move

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Brooklyn Bruisers #1

Published by: Berkley Publishing on Sep. 6, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 336

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Berkley Publishing, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

The first novel in a sexy new series featuring the hockey players of the Brooklyn Bruisers and the women who win their hearts—from the USA Today bestselling author of the Ivy Years series.

In high school they were the perfect couple—until the day Georgia left Leo in the cold… 

Hockey player Leo Trevi has spent the last six years trying to do two things: get over the girl who broke his heart, and succeed in the NHL. But on the first day he’s called up to the newly franchised Brooklyn Bruisers, Leo gets checked on both sides, first by the team’s coach—who has a long simmering grudge, and then by the Bruisers’ sexy, icy publicist—his former girlfriend Georgia Worthington.

Saying goodbye to Leo was one of the hardest things Georgia ever had to do—and saying hello again isn’t much easier. Georgia is determined to keep their relationship strictly professional, but when a press conference microphone catches Leo declaring his feelings for her, things get really personal, really fast….


Review:

Romantic, captivating, and wonderfully provocative!

This is a sizzling, easy read that mixes, a handsome, hard-bodied, hockey player, and a beautiful, intelligent publicist, with a heartwarming, second-chance storyline.

The writing is spot on. The characters are real, charming, and unforgettable. And the plot is intoxicating with its racy intimations, scorching tension, feisty chemistry, witty banter, emotional drama, and thrilling hockey!

Once again, Sarina Bowen has written a sweet, funny, hard-to-put-down story that will have you rooting for the underdog and wishing for a few more pages.

This is the first book in the “Brooklyn Bruisers” series, and I can’t wait to read Ari and O’Doul’s story in the next novel, Hard Hitter, due out in early 2017.

Don’t forget to check out the giveaway for your very own copy of “Rookie Move” HERE, before you go.

This novel is available now.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

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

 

About Sarina Bowen

Sarina Bowen is the RITA® Award winning author of over two dozen contemporary and LGTB romance novels. She most recently hit the USA Today bestseller's list in February, with Brooklynaire. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.

Sarina Bowen is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. On a few wooded acres, she lives with her husband, two boys, and an ungodly amount of ski and hockey gear.

Sarina's books are published in a dozen languages on four continents. In 2016, The Romance Writers of America honored HIM by Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy with a RITA award for Best Contemporary Romance, Mid-Length.

#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee

#BookReview Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee Title: Not Quite Perfect

Author: Catherine Bybee

Series: Not Quite #5

Published by: Montlake Romance on Sep. 20, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 330

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Montlake Romance, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee delivers the fifth heartwarming, flirty novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series.

Mary Kildare knows how to read people. It’s both why she makes a great therapist and why she refuses to trust the average bachelor. Staying fiercely independent has been her primary relationship strategy—until wealthy playboy pilot (and commitmentphobe) Glen Fairchild reappears in her life. After a yearlong teasing tug-of-war, Mary and Glen test the waters of attraction, only to find that their physical chemistry runs deeper than flirtation.

At first, a bicoastal romance suits them both—especially since Glen can swoop in and whisk Mary away on one of his company’s planes. But no matter how close they get, they’re still three thousand miles apart. And when Mary’s life is threatened, Glen realizes the one luxury he doesn’t have is time. Can he close the distance between them before it’s too late?


Review:

Sexy, sassy, and surprisingly suspenseful!

This is a satisfying contemporary romance story that has the right amount of everything; great characters, witty dialogue, steamy chemistry, and a touch of danger.

The writing is well done. The characters are charming, intelligent and likeable; complete with a charismatic playboy, and a reluctant therapist. And the plot has all the elements we love about rom coms, as well as a few extra twists that give it that little bit more.

This really is an engaging, easy read that is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

This book is due to be published on September 20, 2016. 

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Montlake Romance, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-five books that have collectively sold more than three million copies and have been translated into twelve languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, and the Most Likely To series.

#BookReview Mata Hari’s Last Dance by Michelle Moran

#BookReview Mata Hari’s Last Dance by Michelle Moran Title: Mata Hari's Last Dance

Author: Michelle Moran

Published by: Touchstone on Jul. 19, 2016

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 272

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Book Rating: 8.5/10

From the international bestselling author of Rebel Queen and Nefertiti comes a captivating novel about the infamous Mata Hari, exotic dancer, adored courtesan, and, possibly, relentless spy.

Paris, 1917. The notorious dancer Mata Hari sits in a cold cell awaiting freedom…or death. Alone and despondent, Mata Hari is as confused as the rest of the world about the charges she’s been arrested on: treason leading to the deaths of thousands of French soldiers.

As Mata Hari waits for her fate to be decided, she relays the story of her life to a reporter who is allowed to visit her in prison. Beginning with her carefree childhood, Mata Hari recounts her father’s cruel abandonment of her family as well her calamitous marriage to a military officer. Taken to the island of Java, Mata Hari refuses to be ruled by her abusive husband and instead learns to dance, paving the way to her stardom as Europe’s most infamous dancer.

From exotic Indian temples and glamorous Parisian theatres to stark German barracks in war-torn Europe, international bestselling author Michelle Moran who “expertly balances fact and fiction” (Associated Press) brings to vibrant life the famed world of Mata Hari: dancer, courtesan, and possibly, spy.


Review:

This is a fascinating and engaging story about the life of Mata Hari, the famous dancer, courtesan, who was tried and convicted by the French for being a double agent during WWI, and was subsequently executed for treason by firing squad in 1917.

It is told in first-person narration, and it takes us through a life filled with abandonment, abuse, poverty, riches, love, loss, and wartime.

Mata Hari lived in a time when respectable woman were meant to be demure and obedient and she was certainly nothing of the sort. She appeared to be extremely independent and passionate, but one wonders if this was simply a facade for loneliness and naiveté.

I have to admit that I knew very little about Mata Hari when I started this book, and I found her story to be extremely captivating and intriguing.  It certainly leaves you questioning whether she was truly a spy or whether she merely got caught up in all the glitz and glamour and, ultimately, chose the wrong paramours.

The writing is poetic and the story flows effortlessly from page to page. 

I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

 

This novel is available now.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon CanadaChapters/Indigo

 

 

About Michelle Moran

Michelle Moran is the international bestselling author of seven historical novels. A native of southern California, she attended Pomona College, then earned a Masters Degree from the Claremont Graduate University. During her six years as a public high school teacher she used her summers to travel around the world, and it was her experiences as a volunteer on archaeological digs that inspired her to write historical fiction.

In 2012 Michelle was married in India, inspiring her seventh book, Rebel Queen, which is set in the East. Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, and archaeology. She is also fascinated by archaeogenetics, particularly since her children's heritages are so mixed. But above all these things Michelle is passionate about reading and can often be found with her nose in a good book. A frequent traveler, she currently resides with her husband, son, and daughter in the US. Her books have been translated into more than twenty languages.

#BookReview Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde @KatieFforde

#BookReview Recipe for Love by Katie Fforde @KatieFforde Title: Recipe for Love

Author: Katie Fforde

Published by: Bookouture on Sep. 14, 2016

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Pages: 300

Format: eBook

Source: Bookouture, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Take one aspiring cook, one judge, and a spoonful of romance…

When Zoe Harper wins a coveted place in a televised cookery competition she’s thrilled. It’s a chance to cook her way to fame and fortune and the little delicatessen she’s set her heart on.

The first task has hardly begun when she finds herself with rather too much on her plate. Not only has she got to contend with the fiercely competitive and downright devious Cher, but she’s fast developing an inconvenient crush on one of the judges – the truly delicious Gideon Irving.

All too soon there’s more than canapes, cupcakes and cordon bleu at stake. Will Zoe win the competition or is Gideon one temptation too far? And is Zoe really prepared to risk it all for love?


Review:

Sweet, warm and enchanting!

This is an uplifting story with lots of delicious food, familial dynamics, friendship, competitive rivalry, and love.

The writing is graceful and smooth. The characters are quirky, kind, and loveable. And the plot is interesting and engaging with a good dish of lighthearted drama, engaging wit, and lots of heart.

Overall, this is a lovely story that will have you daydreaming of the english countryside and a nice hot cuppa in no time.

 

This story is due to be published on September 14, 2016.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

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

 

About Katie Fforde

Katie lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England with her husband, some of her three children and many pets. Recently her old hobbies of ironing and housework have given way to singing, Flamenco dancing and husky racing. She claims this keeps her fit. The writers she likes herself is also in the romantic genre, like Kate Saunders.

#BookReview The Fortunate Brother by Donna Morrissey

#BookReview The Fortunate Brother by Donna Morrissey Title: The Fortunate Brother

Author: Donna Morrissey

Series: Sylvanus Now #3

Published by: Viking on Sep. 6, 2016

Genres: General Fiction

Pages: 260

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

A powerful tale of a family reeling from the tragic loss of a son, while facing a mysterious murder on their doorstep–told by one of Canada’s most beloved voices. 

After being uprooted from their fishing outport, the Now family is further devastated by the tragic loss of their eldest son, Chris, who died working on an Alberta oil rig. Kyle Now is still mourning his older brother when the murder of a local bully changes everything. The victim’s blood is found on the family’s pier, and suspicion falls first on an alienated wife, and then finally on the troubled Now family.

But behind this new turmoil, Chris’s death continues to plague the family. Father Sylvanus Now drowns his sorrow in a bottle, while mother Addie is facing breast cancer. And the children fight their own battles as the tension persists between Kyle and his sister, Sylvie, over her role in their brother’s death.

A cast of vivid characters surrounds the Now family, some intriguing, others comical–all masterfully crafted. As the murder mystery unfolds, other deeper secrets are revealed. Wise in the ways of the heart, The Fortunate Brother is a moving family drama from beloved storyteller Donna Morrissey.


Review:

Intriguing, poignant, and deeply moving!

This story is steeped in the rugged history, hardships, landscape, dialogue, and culture that is unique to Newfoundland. 

The writing is smooth and flawless.  The characters are grounded, raw, hardy and loyal. And the plot has a nice mix of suspense, tragedy, and emotion.

It is, ultimately, a murder-mystery that takes us on a subtle journey through loss, love, grief, guilt, perseverance, community dynamics, and family relationships.

This is definitely a well written, character-driven novel, by a respected Canadian author, that shouldn’t be missed.

 

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

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

Chapters/IndigoAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Penguin Random House Canada, for providing me with a copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Donna Morrissey

Donna Morrissey has written six nationally bestselling novels. She has received awards in Canada, the U.S., and England. Her novel Sylvanus Now was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, and she was nominated for a Gemini for best writing for the film Clothesline Patch. Her fiction has been translated into several different languages. Born and raised in Newfoundland, she now lives in Halifax.

Photo by Bridgette Morrissey

Some Noteworthy Book Releases in September!

 septembers-books-3

 

September 1

September 6

September 12

  • The 48-Hour Hookup – Sarah Ballance

September 13

  • You’re the One That I Want – Angela Britnell

September 14

September 20

September 23

September 27

  • Sparking the Fire – Kate Meader

#BlogTour #BookReview Good Girl Bad Girl by Ann Girdharry @GirdharryAnn

#BlogTour #BookReview Good Girl Bad Girl by Ann Girdharry @GirdharryAnn Title: Good Girl Bad Girl

Author: Ann Girdharry

Series: Kal Medi #1

Published by: Chassagnard Publishing on Jul. 7, 2016

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 338

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Ann Girdharry

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Mother missing, the discovery of a powerful and corrupt syndicate and dark secrets about her father revealed leaves 28-year old Kal determined to pursue her own investigations, no matter what sinister truths she uncovers, in this intense psychological thriller.

Kal is convinced her investigative journalist mother must have been working on a controversial, and top level, news story, it is the only explanation for her sudden and suspicious disappearance. Although mistrustful of the police, Kal allows Detective Inspector Spinks, the officer assigned to her mother’s case, to accompany her when she visits her grandmother to break the news. What they don’t expect is to uncover a file of shocking research cataloguing the deviant activities of seven members of London’s political and business elite. Back on the streets of London, the survival instincts and specialist expertise she learned from her late father, kick into overdrive, as Kal resolves to not only find her mother but continue her work and unveil the conspiracy hidden amongst those in power.


Review:

Incredibly dark, disturbingly clever, and exceptionally creepy!

This is a spine-chilling thriller that transports you into a gritty world full of secrets, lies, corruption, malfeasance, sadism, torture, psychological manipulation, and deviant ideologies.

The prose is precise, original, and exceptionally detailed. The characters are dynamic and complex, especially the heroine, Kal, who is tenacious, brave, strong, yet vulnerable. And although the plot seems to get a little bogged down at the beginning of the story, it quickly turns into a faced-paced, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that’s hard to put down.

This is the first novel in the Kal Medi series, and I look forward to reading about all the suspense-filled drama she gets mixed up in next.

 

This novel is available now.

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

Amazon UKAmazon USAmazon Canada

 

 

Thank you to Ann Girdharry, the author, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has been a pleasure.

 

About Ann Girdharry

Ann Girdharry is a British crime suspense thriller author.

A trained psychotherapist, she worked for many years as a manager in the not-for-profit sector, for agencies working with carers, vulnerable older people, survivors of abuse, and victims of racial attacks.

She currently lives in Montpellier, France with her husband and two children.

Her debut novel, GOOD GIRL BAD GIRL, is an ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD Finalist 2017. Her second crime suspense thriller, LONDON NOIR, will be published October 2017. She is also author of Chilling Tales of the Unexpected Short Reads.