Source: Aria

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Magic Under the Mistletoe by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Magic Under the Mistletoe

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Sep. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8.5/10

Christmas and romance are in the air…

It’s December 23rd and while everyone else is rushing home for the holidays, workaholic Leesa Oliver is dreading switching on her out-of-office for the festive season. And it seems her equally driven boss, Cary Anderson, isn’t relishing spending Christmas at his family’s country estate either.

So together, they draft an unexpected Christmas contract: They’ll spend half of the holidays with each other’s families, pretending to be a couple. Leesa knows the insufferably good-looking Cary will make her Christmas more bearable, but what happens after the last of the mince pies have been eaten…?

Leesa signed off on a sensible business agreement, but somewhere, amongst the fairy lights and carols something seems to have changed… It seems there might just be some magic under the mistletoe this Christmas!


Review:

Heartfelt, festive, and romantic!

Magic Under the Mistletoe is a lovely, character-driven rom-com that sweeps you away to the city of Cardiff and into the lives of the devoted, workaholic Leesa and the arrogant, successful Cary as they discover that there may be more to their relationship than just work, pretend feelings, and fake dating.

The writing is warm and light. The characters are hardworking, complex, and supportive. And the plot is an irresistible, wintery treat bursting with heart, humour, self-discovery, secrets, heat, spirit, chemistry, Christmas cheer, and familial drama.

Overall, Magic Under the Mistletoe is another cosy, uplifting, delightfully enchanting story by Coleman that is the perfect holiday choice for any blustery afternoon read.

 

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

 

Thank you to Aria and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

Giveaway:

Win a Signed paperback copy of Snowflakes over Holly Cove and Christmas Pamper Pack. (UK only)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Terms and Conditions – UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

 

#BlogTour & #BookReview The Last Day of Winter by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

#BlogTour & #BookReview The Last Day of Winter by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: The Last Day of Winter

Author: Shari Low

Series: A Winter Day #3

Published by: Aria on Oct. 3, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 384

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

One December wedding. One runaway bride. One winter’s day to bring everyone together again.

Today is the day Caro and Cammy are due to walk up the aisle. But Caro’s too caught up in the trauma of her past to contemplate their happy ever after.

Stacey’s decision to return from L.A. is fuelled by one thing – telling Cammy how she feels, before it’s too late.

Wedding planner, Josie, needs to sort the whole mess out, but she’s just been dealt some devastating news. Can she get through the day without spilling her secret?

On a chilly winter’s day, they have twenty-four hours to prove that love can lead the way to a brighter future…

Perfect for fans of Isabelle Broom, Sarah Morgan and Amanda Prowse.


Review:

Heartwarming, genuine, and undeniably affecting!

In this latest and final novel in the Winter Day series, The Last Day of Winter, we once again head back to Glasgow, Scotland where friendship will be savoured, tears will be shed, memories will be created, lives will be celebrated, and love will be forged and shared.

The writing is heartfelt and seamless. The characters are sincere, charismatic, eccentric, and lovable. And the plot is the perfect blend of heart, hope, humour, drama, and emotion.

The Last Day of Winter is, ultimately, a story about life, love, loss, dreams, heartbreak, friendship, family, and finding happiness and I absolutely adored it. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and in the end it left me smiling and was a wonderful, unforgettable, bittersweet ending to one of my favourite series of all time.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

 

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | FacebookInstagram | NetGalley | Newsletter

#BlogTour #BookReview A Question of Us by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker @aria_fiction

#BlogTour #BookReview A Question of Us by Mary Jayne Baker @MaryJayneBaker @aria_fiction Title: A Question of Us

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Published by: Aria on Sep. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 310

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Two best friends. Eight pub quizzes. One shot at love…

There are some people who seem like they have all the answers in life. Clarrie Midwinter isn’t one of them.

At the age of 26, tomboy Clarrie is still struggling to become a ‘proper’ grown-up. She’s eternally strapped for cash, she hasn’t had a date in nearly a year and her attempts to quit smoking tend to take a nosedive after the second pint. Most annoyingly of all, her ladykiller best friend Simon just won’t stop asking her out. The only thing keeping her sane is her pub quiz team, the Mighty Morphin Flower Arrangers.

But when Simon bets her a date their team will win the quiz league, Clarrie is forced to confront what she really wants out of life – and love. Is it finally time for her to grow up?

Gloriously irreverent, badly behaved romantic comedy from the author of Meet Me at the Lighthouse.


Review:

Cheeky, hilarious, and authentically British!

A Question of Us is an engaging, humorous, friends-to-more romance that features the determined, fun-loving Simon who finally wants something more than friendship with his best mate, and the hesitant, stubborn Clarrie who may finally have to take the risk and acknowledge her true feelings for her best friend.

The writing is amusing and witty. The characters, including all the supporting characters, are gregarious, lovable, and well developed. And the plot is a delightful blend of heart, humour, spirited dialogue, pub trivia, competitive rivalry, romantic gestures, and the complex dynamics between friends.

Overall, A Question of Us is a quirky, sweet, entertaining tale by Baker that’s full of laughs, creative characters, and touching moments.

 

This book is available now. 

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

                                     

 

 

Thank you to Aria Fiction for providing me with a copy in an exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mary Jayne Baker

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | FacebookInstagram | NetGalley | Newsletter

 


#BlogTour & #BookReview One Last Greek Summer by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot @Aria_Fiction

#BlogTour & #BookReview One Last Greek Summer by Mandy Baggot @mandybaggot @Aria_Fiction Title: One Last Greek Summer

Author: Mandy Baggot

Published by: Aria on Jun. 6, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 280

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Beth Martin is 31, newly divorced and wondering just what life holds for her…

Best-friend, Heidi, is adamant that all the answers lie in Corfu – the island where the girls’ partied away their youth.

So cue a trip to a sun-drenched Greek island, ouzo cocktails, a trip down memory lane…and Alex Hallas, the man Beth has never quite forgotten.

As they dance under the stars, the sand beneath their toes, old feelings begin to resurface and Beth might just have a chance to take back her life. If they can learn to love the people they’ve become…


Review:

Funny, colourful, and reflective!

One Last Greek Summer is an engaging, summery read that takes us to the lovely island of Corfu and into the life of Beth Martin as she meanders through the loss of her mother, a recent divorce, a potential change of career, a rekindled romance from the past, and a holiday with her best friend Heidi where nothing goes as planned.

The writing is effortless and lush. The characters are quirky, relatable, and lovable. And the plot is a charming mix of light drama, heartfelt emotion, funny mishaps, friendship, family, love, and second-chance romance.

Overall, One Last Greek Summer is a heartwarming, breezy, delightful tale by Baggot that once again highlights her incredible ability to bring a country to life through her exceptional knowledge and passion for its food, landmarks, and culture.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                                       

 

 

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

 

About Mandy Baggot

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. In 2017 she was signed by Ebury Publishing (Penguin Random House).

The winner of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK’s Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists’ Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016.

Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor.

Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | FacebookInstagram | NetGalley | Newsletter

 


#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#Pricedrop #BookReview #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Summer on the Italian Lakes

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Feb. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Bestselling Brianna Middleton has won the hearts of millions of readers with her sweeping – and steamy – love stories. But the girl behind the typewriter is struggling… Not only does she have writer’s block, but she’s a world-famous romance author with zero romance in her own life.

So the opportunity to spend the summer teaching at a writer’s retreat in an idyllic villa on the shores of Lake Garda – owned by superstar author Arran Jamieson – could this be just the thing to fire up Brie’s writing – and romantic – mojo?

Brie’s sun-drenched Italian summer could be the beginning of this writer’s very own happy-ever-after…

Escape the January blues with this sun-drenched, heart-warming story from the bestselling author of Snowflakes Over Holly Cove.


Review:

Winsome, engaging, and lush!

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the uplifting, humorous story of Brie, a young romance writer who heads to Lake Garda to help out at a writing retreat even though her own heart, focus, and self-confidence are in tatters after a recent, public breakup.

The writing is beautiful and vivid. The characters are endearing, intriguing, and authentic. And the plot is a wonderful mix of life, love, family, friendship, light drama, self-discovery, romance, and all the ins and outs of writing a novel.

Overall, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another sophisticated, tender, intriguing tale by Coleman that once again highlights her phenomenal ability to sweep you away to another place through her passion and knowledge for its food, landscape, and culture.

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

And now a little word from Lucy Coleman:

The fun part about being an author is that you get to spend your days in some wonderful locations, even if it’s virtually! But the only way to be able to sit down and really share with the readers what the experience is like, is to visit in person.

Lake Garda is a place I have visited several times over the years, and it will always be one of my all-time favourite holiday destinations. Whether you fly direct or are planning a grand European tour by road – it is a dream destination.

The villa featured in Summer on the Italian Lakes is fictitious but based on a composite of two properties in which I have stayed. But the descriptions of being up in the hills and the trips taken are real-life experiences.

Italy is an overload of stimuli – everywhere you look, every breath you take in, and everything you touch, fills your heart with love for the vibrancy and warmth of this beautiful country. It’s full of passionate people – for love and life. Fiery temperaments, fabulous food and wonderful wines; flavours that literally grab you with their freshness and taste. Wonderful music and art; scenery that will make your jaw drop; beautiful architecture around which to saunter and so many hidden gems to discover.

But up in the hills where it’s quieter, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with the inner you. For me a holiday has to combine everything – lots of exciting things to experience, but also some time to relax and chill.

So, it was the perfect setting for this book and the only sadness for me, was that I didn’t get to do a research trip! I didn’t need to as all of those memories are locked inside my head, and my heart – but, oh, Italy is calling me loud and clear! If you haven’t been, please do add it to your list of must-sees and Lake Garda is the perfect place to begin.

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

 

Thank you to Lucy Coleman for being featured on my blog today!

 

Competition/Giveaway:

Hello lovely readers and bloggers!

To celebrate the price drop to 99p I will be running a competition on Twitter for one lucky person to win some goodies –  an Aria tote bag, two beautiful hand-made Italian soaps and a limited edition mug!

No purchase is necessary to join in – just RT one of my lovely blogger’s Tweets for the 99p promo including @LucyColemanAuth and #SummerOnTheItalianLakes, to take part.

If you have already read/reviewed Summer on the Italian Lakes and take a photo of it on your reading device and/or send a link to your review in your Tweet – IF YOUR NAME is the ONE drawn by the third party, I will add two signed paperbacks from my backlist to the prize!

Don’t forget to include @LucyColemanAuth and #SummerOnTheItalianLakes so we can include your Tweet in the competition. Thank you so much for dropping by and good luck!

 

 

*Terms and Conditions – Competition closes noon GMT 29 April 2019; international; anyone can enter; prize to be provided by the author; prize winner will be announced on Twitter by @LucyColemanAuth and on Lucy and Linn’s website (competition page) at noon on 30 April 2019 after being selected at random by a third party.

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources

#BookReview #BlogTour #Giveaway Summer on the Italian Lakes by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth @aria_fiction @rararesources Title: Summer on the Italian Lakes

Author: Lucy Coleman

Published by: Aria on Feb. 5, 2019

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, Rachel's Random Resources

Book Rating: 9/10

Bestselling Brianna Middleton has won the hearts of millions of readers with her sweeping – and steamy – love stories. But the girl behind the typewriter is struggling… Not only does she have writer’s block, but she’s a world-famous romance author with zero romance in her own life.

So the opportunity to spend the summer teaching at a writer’s retreat in an idyllic villa on the shores of Lake Garda – owned by superstar author Arran Jamieson – could this be just the thing to fire up Brie’s writing – and romantic – mojo?

Brie’s sun-drenched Italian summer could be the beginning of this writer’s very own happy-ever-after…

Escape the January blues with this sun-drenched, heart-warming story from the bestselling author of Snowflakes Over Holly Cove.


Review:

Winsome, engaging, and lush!

Summer on the Italian Lakes is the uplifting, humorous story of Brie, a young romance writer who heads to Lake Garda to help out at a writing retreat even though her own heart, focus, and self-confidence are in tatters after a recent, public breakup.

The writing is beautiful and vivid. The characters are endearing, intriguing, and authentic. And the plot is a wonderful mix of life, love, family, friendship, light drama, self-discovery, romance, and all the ins and outs of writing a novel.

Overall, Summer on the Italian Lakes is another sophisticated, tender, intriguing tale by Coleman that once again highlights her phenomenal ability to sweep you away to another place through her passion and knowledge for its food, landscape, and culture.

 

This book is available now.  

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

 

 

About Lucy Coleman

From interior designer to author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Harper Impulse (Harper Collins) and Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

 

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

 

Giveaway:

Win a Chocolate dipping set (UK only)

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*Terms and Conditions – UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box above.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

 

#BlogTour & #BookReview Another Day in December by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

#BlogTour & #BookReview Another Day in December by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: Another Day in December

Author: Shari Low

Series: A Winter Day #2

Published by: Aria on Oct. 2, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 297

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 9/10

On a chilly morning in December… Forever friends Shauna and Lulu touch down at Glasgow Airport on a quest to find answers from the past.

George knows his time is nearing the end, but is it too late to come to terms with his two greatest regrets?

His Grandson Tom uncovers a betrayal that rocks his world as he finally tracks down the one that got away.

And single mum Chrissie is ready to force her love-life out of hibernation, but can anyone compare to the man who broke her heart?

After the success of the No1 best seller ONE DAY IN DECEMBER, comes the second unmissable read in Shari Low’s Winter Day trilogy.


Review:

Enchanting, absorbing, and exceptionally touching!

In this latest novel in the Winter Day series, Another Day in December, Low once again transports us to Glasgow, Scotland for one chilly day in winter when four lives will cross bringing closure for some, forgiveness for others, new family, old loves, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The writing is vivid, eloquent, and fluid. The characters are complex, quirky, and authentic. And the plot is a series of engaging, at times humorous subplots that unfold into an amusing, unputdownable story about life, loss, love, familial drama, secrets, misunderstandings, friendship, romance, acceptance, hope, and unconditional love.

Overall, Another Day in December is thoughtful, emotive, funny, festive, and endearing and with its rich characterization and beautiful storyline, it’s another stunning example of why Shari Low is one of my favourite authors of all time.

This novel is available now.

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

                                            

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

 

 

For more information on Aria visit them at:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

#BlogTour & #BookReview With or Without You by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction

#BlogTour & #BookReview With or Without You by Shari Low @sharilow @Aria_Fiction Title: With or Without You

Author: Shari Low

Published by: Aria on Jun. 1, 2018

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction

Pages: 438

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

Have you ever made a life-changing decision and then wondered if you made the right one…? A clever, captivating and bittersweet story of what might have been. Perfect for the fans of Jojo Moyes and Marian Keyes.

When Liv and Nate walked up the aisle, Liv knew she was marrying the one, her soul mate and her best friend.

Six years later, it feels like routine and friendship is all they have left in common. What happened to the fun, the excitement, the lust, the love?

In the closing moments of 1999, Liv and Nate decide to go their separate ways, but at the last minute, Liv wavers. Should she stay or should she go?

Over the next twenty years we follow the parallel stories to discover if Liv’s life, heart and future have been better with Nate… Or without him?


Review:

Intriguing, thought-provoking, and creative!

With or Without You is a moving, parallel-universe tale that takes us into the life of Liv, a young woman whose fate will be decided by the choice she makes one New Years Eve, and by dividing the story into two parts highlights the effects either choice has on her own life and those she loves.

The writing is emotive and fluid. The characters are flawed, supportive, and real. And the multi-layered plot is a heartfelt, absorbing story about life, loss, love, family, friendship, compassion, romance, happiness, and destiny.

Overall, With or Without You is a fascinating, pensive read that reminds us that life is complicated, things happen for a reason, and often the choices we make have far-reaching consequences.

 

This novel is available now.

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

                                       

 

 

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

 

About Shari Low

Shari Low is the No1 best-selling author of over 20 novels, including With Or Without You, Another Day In Winter, One Day In December, A Life Without You, This Is Me and The Story Of Our Life. And because she likes to over-share toe-curling moments and hapless disasters, she is also the shameless mother behind a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. Once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband, a labradoodle, and two teenagers who think she's fairly embarrassing except when they need a lift. 

 

For more information on Aria Fiction visit them at:

Website | Twitter | FacebookInstagram | NetGalley | Newsletter

 

#BlogTour & #BookReview The Concubine’s Child by Carol Jones @Aria_Fiction @HoZ_Books

#BlogTour & #BookReview The Concubine’s Child by Carol Jones @Aria_Fiction @HoZ_Books Title: The Concubine's Child

Author: Carol Jones

Published by: Aria on Apr. 1, 2018

Genres: Historical Fiction

Pages: 320

Format: eBook

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 8/10

In 1930s Malaya a sixteen-year-old girl, dreaming of marriage to her sweetheart, is sold as a concubine to a rich old man desperate for an heir. Trapped, and bullied by his spiteful wife, Yu Lan plans to escape with her baby son, despite knowing that they will pursue her to the ends of the earth.

Four generations later, her great-grandson, Nick, will return to Malaysia, looking for the truth behind the facade of a house cursed by the unhappy past. Nothing can prepare him for what he will find.

This exquisitely rich novel brings to life a vanished world – a world of abandoned ghost houses, inquisitive monkeys, smoky temples and a panoply of gods and demons. A world where a poor girl can be sold to fulfil a rich man’s dream. But though he can buy her body, he can never capture her soul, nor quench her spirit.


Review:

Somber, evocative, and poignant!

The Concubine’s Child is a compelling tale that sweeps you away to a country where money is power, freedom is often beyond reach, and the people are governed by the ancient superstitions, traditions, and spirituality that have been passed down and ingrained from generation to generation.

The prose is vivid and rich. The characters are multi-layered, sympathetic, and vulnerable. The plot is well crafted and uses a back-and-forth, past/present style to unravel all the motivations, relationships, and personalities within it. And the story set in Malaysia during both the 1930s, as well as present day, is full of familial drama, heartbreak, lost love, jealousy, obsession, discord, mystique, culture, courage, grief, self-discovery, hope, solace, and survival.

Overall, I would have to say that The Concubine’s Child is a heart-wrenching tale that does an exceptional job of highlighting the indomitable spirit of women and their ability to face, endure, survive, and conquer any challenges, struggles, or tragedies that come their way.

 

This book is available now.

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

                  

 

 

Thank you to Aria, an imprint of Head of Zeus for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Carol Jones

Born in Brisbane, Australia, Carol Jones taught English and Drama at secondary schools before working as an editor of children’s magazines. She is the author of several young adult novels as well as children’s non-fiction.

 

 

#BlogTour & #BookReview Killing Time by Mark Roberts @MR_CrimeWriter @Aria_Fiction @HoZ_Books

#BlogTour & #BookReview Killing Time by Mark Roberts @MR_CrimeWriter @Aria_Fiction @HoZ_Books Title: Killing Time

Author: Mark Roberts

Series: DCI Eve Clay #4

Published by: Aria on Apr. 1, 2018

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 400

Format: eBook, ARC

Source: Aria, NetGalley

Book Rating: 7/10

Before night falls, someone will die…

A young Czech girl, missing for eight days, is found in a deserted playground. Starving and terrified, she may be alive but the horrors she’s survived have left her mute.

DCI Eve Clay is on her way to try and interview the girl, when another case is called in. Two Polish migrant workers have been found dead in their burnt out flat. But this is no normal house fire. The men’s bodies had been doused in petrol.

Then Clay uncovers a sinister message at the scene: killing time is here, embrace it. It’s clear this is only the beginning, but how long does Eve have before another life is taken?  


Review:

Disturbing, menacing, and tortuous!

Killing Time is a complex tale that immerses you into the hunt, evidence collection, and investigation of a serial killer with a penchant for fire.

The prose is dark and eerie. The characters are devout, fanatical, and manipulative. And the plot is an incredibly twisty tale that delves into a world filled with deception, mental illness, obsession, malice, hatred, religious indoctrination, violence, and murder.

Killing Time is the fourth novel in the DCI Eve Clay series, and even though I found a few parts a little hard to follow in the early part of the story and could never pinpoint why it was set in the future rather than present day, it was still an entertaining, fast-paced, gripping read that fans of police procedurals will certainly enjoy.

 

This book is available now.

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

                   

 

 

Thank you to Aria, an imprint of Head of Zeus for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

About Mark Roberts

Mark Roberts was born and raised in Liverpool. He was a teacher for twenty years and now works with children with severe learning difficulties. He is the author of What She Saw, which was longlisted for a CWA Gold Dagger.