30.9.13

Book Review: It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson

Best friends from work, May, Lara and Clare are desperate for some time away. They have each had a rough time lately and need some serious R&R. So they set off to a luxurious spa for ten glorious days, but when they arrive at their destination, it seems it is not the place they thought it was. In fact, they appear to have come to an entirely different village...
Here in Ren Dullem nothing is quite what it seems; the lovely cobbled streets and picturesque cottages hide a secret that the villagers have been keeping hidden for years.  Why is everyone so unfriendly and suspicious? Why does the landlord of their holiday rental seem so rude? And why are there so few women in the village?
Despite the strange atmosphere, the three friends are determined to make the best of it. But will this be the break they all need? Or will the odd little village with all its secrets bring them all to breaking point?
I started this book with the intention of taking it on holiday with me but I couldn't as I had finished it before I had even packed my case! I always know that I am in for a treat with Milly Johnson but this is my favourite of her books so far.
May, Lara and Clare find themselves in the small coastal village of Ren Dullem by accident when their booking at a luxury spa goes terribly wrong. Desperate for a holiday, the three friends decide to stay and make the most of it, yet they get much more than they bargained for.
This strange village could be beautiful yet it is the unfriendliest place these three women have ever visited. And what is with the lack of women, there are hardly any and May, Lara and Clare get stared at wherever they go. Their landlord Gene Hathersage and his brother are rather attractive but one seems to permanently be in a bad mood and the other has a vile fiancee who the whole village is terrified of.
I enjoyed this book so much. It had a slightly magical and mysterious edge to it and once I had started, I just couldn't stop reading.
I liked all three of the female characters and I enjoyed the separate story-lines that Milly Johnson had created, there is plenty going on to keep you interested.
The village of Ren Dullem is almost a character as well; I was intrigued as to what was going on and the secrets being kept by the inhabitants. I loved the ending and the little extra surprises included.
It's Raining Men is a funny, warm and entertaining read. Milly Johnson at her best.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Pages: 480

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is out now!

19.9.13

Cover Reveal: Geli Voyante's Hot or Not by Elle Field


We are very lucy here at Dot Scribbles to be able to reveal the cover for Elle Field's new book, Geli Voyante's Hot or Not, I loved Elle's last book and this one is just in time for my birthday! The cover is lovely, what do you think?

From Elle Field, the author of Kept, Geli Voyante's Hot or Not will be released on October 17th in Kindle and paperback formats. You can add it to your Goodreads shelf today!

'I think I will always be known as the Hot or Not girl, defined by it for the rest of my career. Even my tombstone will read: Angelica “Geli” Voyante, beloved trendsetter. Death? Not Hot.

Yet, it doesn’t sound right. Why won’t anyone realise that there is more to me than this fickle persona I have inadvertently become?'

Geli Voyante is bored of being the Hot or Not girl, even if it has the perk of sitting next to Theo, the newspaper's very Hot political columnist. She's also getting a little lonely being single.

When her arch-nemesis Tiggy Boodles gets engaged, and other loved ones start to settle down, it's time for Geli to convince Theo that she’s not as shallow as her column suggests and, more importantly, she’s the one for him. Geli should remember though that there are always two sides to every story, and that applies to people too...






18.9.13

Book Review: The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

From Subhash's earliest memories, at every point his brother was there. In the suburban streets of Calcutta where they wandered before dusk and in the hyacinth-strewn ponds where they played for hours on end, Udayan was always in his older brother's sight.
As the two brothers grow older their lives, once so united, begin to diverge. It is 1967. Charismatic and impulsive, Udayan becomes increasingly drawn to the Communist movement sweeping West Bengal,  the Naxalite cause. As revolution seizes the city's student community and exams are boycotted in a shadow of Paris and Berkeley, their home is dominated by the absense of Udayan, out on the streets at demonstrations. Subhash wins a place on a PhD programme in the United States and moves to Rhode Island, never to live in India again- yet his life will be shaped from afar by his brother's acts of passionate political idealism.
Udayan will give everything for what he believes and in doing so will transform the futures of those dearest to him: his newly married pregnant wife, his brother and their parents. The repercussions of his actions will link their fates irrevocably and tragically together, reverberating across continents and seeping through the generations that follow. 
This is one of the most subtle books that I have read, Jhumpa Lahiri is an excellent storyteller.
Sunhash and Udayan are brothers and this ties the whole book together. The book is about politics in that Udayan becomes heavily involved in the Communist movement but more importantly it is about the characters and their relationships.
At times this book felt breathtakingly intimate, the characters are laid bare and we are granted access to their most personal thoughts and feelings, no matter how heartbreaking or difficult. The consequences of Udayan's choices are felt by every character in this book, his presence is everywhere.
The book has two main settings, West Bengal and Rhode Island. The author describes both in great detail and I loved the comparison between the two very different cultures and the way that Subhash behaves in both.
I think that The Lowland is an incredibly difficult book to review because as I said it is so subtle. It took me a while to get into the rhythm and pace of it but once I did, I was taken aback as to how much the author packed in. Politics, love, religion, culture, parenting, siblings, loyalty, loss and so much more.
I was about halfway through the book when the Man Booker Shortlist was announced and I was so pleased to see this book there. Jhumpa Lahiri has written a fascinating story that I will be thinking of for a long time.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 352

Many thanks to Madeleine at Bloomsbury for sending me a copy of the book to review, The Lowland is out now.

16.9.13

Book Review: Dot by Araminta Hall

In a higgledy-piggledy house situated in a sleepy Welsh village, two girls play hide and seek within its maze of tunnels and range of turrets.
Squeezed under her mother's bed. Dot's hand brushes against a long-forgotten photograph of a man, his hair blowing in the breeze. Dot stares so long at the photograph, the image begins to disintegrate before her very eyes, leaving her with just one thought; 'it's him.'
Dot weaves together the heartbreaking yet powerful story of three generations of women whose lives are dramatically changed by one small act. 
This book is really special. The modern parts of the book are set in 2005 yet it is almost timeless; it made me think a lot of I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith.
Araminta Hall has written a real coming of age tale that many readers will identify with. Dot is waiting for her A-Level results and about to leave the small Welsh village where she has lived her whole life. Living in a huge house with her mother and grandmother, Dot has so many questions. She wants to know who her father is and why he left. Her mother is extremely difficult to talk to though so she decides to find out for herself; unaware that her actions will have consequences for those around her.
The book is written mainly from female perspectives and it is very interesting to hear from three different generations; the secrets they keep and the regrets they have.
Dot is beautifully written, Araminta Hall draws you into her expertly drafted story, you feel like it is being woven round you as the reader has all the information that Dot is looking for and you are willing for it all to come together.
Dot is a truly interesting read that I highly recommend, Araminta Hall has written another book, Everything and Nothing which I will definitely be reading.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5
Pages: 288
Publisher: Harper Collins

Many thanks to Harper Collins for sending me a copy of the book, Dot is out now!

12.9.13

GUEST REVIEWERS NEEDED!!!

Okay, I have been having a little sort out again and am snowed under with books so I am looking for 6 guest reviewers, here's the rules:

1. If you want to review one of the books then please email me on dotscribbles@googlemail.com and tell me which book you would prefer. If you have a blog then please include a link to it in the email, if you don't have a blog then you can still review.
2. Please try and review the book within 3 weeks of receiving it.
3. I certainly don't expect to like every book that I read but all I ask is that you provide an honest, fair and respectful review.
4. Send me your review and I will post it on Dot Scribbles and Twitter. If you have your own blog then we can agree a date for it to go on at the same time.
5. This is only open to UK residents.


The books available are set out below, I shall try and update as they are taken but they will be given on a first come, first serve basis:

Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond (Pan Macmillan) Izzy's determined to escape her troubled past with a new start by the sea- but flirtatious Charlie Jones is causing complications. 
Alicia's been happily married to loyal Hugh for years but secretly craves excitement. Maybe it's time to spice things up? Emma's relationship with David was once fun and romantic but trying for a baby has taken its toll. Then temptation comes along...
As the future of the family's B&B becomes uncertain, Izzy, Alicia and Emma are thrown together unexpectedly. It seems that keeping up with the Joneses is harder than anyone thought. TAKEN

An Enormously English Monsoon Wedding by Christina Jones (Piatkus) Life simply couldn't be better for Emma Boswell. At twenty-seven she is engaged to the divine Jay Keskar, and every minute of her day revolves round planning the wedding of her dreams. Until, that is, Jay's parents announce that they want to 'get involved', and Erins' wedding heaven turns very much into wedding hell...
As Indian parents, Tavish and Deena have very firm beliefs about the kind of wedding their only son should have. Of course Erin will be wearing a sari! And of course all the Indian pre-wedding ritual ceremonies will be observed! 
As Bollywood comes to Berkshire, can East eventually meet West in perfect harmony? And what will happen to Erin and Jay's dream wedding if they don't?

The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne (Quercus) Amy Wilde is tired of the idiots her glamorous flatmate Jo tries to set her up with- she'd much rather be landscaping a garden with her dog Badger at her side than trying to find the man of her dreams. That is, until she meets Leo Wolfsburg. Handsome, polite, funny, intriguing- Leo is everything Amy could want in a man. Best of all, the attraction seems mutual. 
But Leo's lifestyle is a world away from her own. Private planes, charity balls, exclusive member's clubs- Amy begins to realise that her simple existence has been turned upside down. And just where is Leo's home country of Nirona anyway? Is this all too good to be true? TAKEN

Wicked Wives by Anna-Lou Weatherley (Avon) Casino owner and serial gambler Tom Black leaves a trail of broken hearts wherever he goes. So when he disappears, it's no surprise that foul play is suspected. 
Suspicion points to three women from his past; Eleanor, the socialite with a sordid past, Loretta, the power-hungry gold-digger, and Victoria, the glamorous, heartbroken author. 
But in the game of love there can only be one winner, and these woman will stop at nothing to get what they want. TAKEN

Me & You by Claudia Carroll (Avon) Angie thinks she knows a lot about her best friend Kitty. She knows Kitty is funny and generous but also unreliable. So she knows  there's a perfectly good explanation for Kitty standing her up on her birthday. Isn't there?
Kitty knows that she's the happiest she's ever been. She knows she's lucky to have a lovely boyfriend, Simon, and a best friend like Angie. But what she doesn't know is that her past is finally about to catch up with her. 
Heartbreaking and uplifting. Me & You is about how hard it is to leave our old selves behind and how love and friendship can heal even the most damaged hearts. 

Left Overs by Stella Newman (Avon) According to a magazine, Susie is a 'leftover'- a post-Bridget Jones thirty-something who has neither her dream man, job, nor home. She doesn't even own six matching dinner plates. 
According to her best friend Rebecca, Susie needs to get over her ex, Jake, and start online dating- or at least stop being so rude to every guy who tries to chat her up. 
But Susie's got a plan. If she can just make it to the 307 days till her promotion and bonus, she can finally quit and pursue her dream career in food. The surely, everything else will fall into place. If only her love life wasn't so complicated... TAKEN

There you go, six lovely books up for review! 















9.9.13

Books Are My Bag Campaign

Have you heard about the BOOKS ARE MY BAG campaign yet? I think it's something we really need to get behind in order to champion our local independent book shops. I am very much guilty of buying from Amazon, mainly because it is quick and convenient but I do try to buy from a local book store as often as I can. Nothing beats wondering round a beautiful book shop and finding something new to read, the staff are often incredibly helpful and enthusiastic and we must do all we can to keep these shops going. So all you have to do is visit your local book shop on Saturday 14th September and buy a book, tweet about it, facebook it, blog, just let people know that you are supporting the campaign! 

Here's a little more information plus the website address:


Booklovers across the UK & Ireland are being encouraged to join an unprecedented nationwide campaign – BOOKS ARE MY BAG – that celebrates high street & campus bookshops. BOOKS ARE MY BAG is a collaboration between publishers, bookshops, authors and agents, devised by advertising agency, M&C Saatchi, to champion the passion for books and bookshops and celebrate their cultural importance on the high street.
For many people bookshops conjure fond images of book readings, in-store cafes and delight at the discovery of a new author. In fact, 56% of all book buying decisions are made by consumers in a bookshop and high street bookshops (both chains and independents) still account for almost 40% of books bought by consumers (by value) (Bowker Research 2013).  Yet, many high street bookshops are under threat from punitive rates and rents, as well as pressure from the internet book retailers.
BOOKS ARE MY BAG aims to reverse this process by reigniting the nation’s love of bookshops, calling on book lovers to show their support by visiting and purchasing a book from their favourite bookshop on Saturday 14th September. A full list of the events can be found at the BOOKS ARE MY BAG website (www.booksaremybag.com).
BOOKS ARE MY BAG was launched to the bookselling industry in April at The London Book Fair and has since recruited around 100 high profile UK and international authors, broadcasters, models, sports stars, actors, politicians, chefs, journalists and comedians willing to lend their image to the campaign, to be photographed with the iconic canvas bag which has been designed as the centrepiece for the movement.

The BOOKS ARE MY BAG bag carries a simple and powerful message allowing readers to display their love and support for local bookshops while encouraging others to do so.  Over a quarter of a million bags will be distributed from 14th September to Christmas at over 1,800 chain and independent bookshops from across the UK & Ireland.

7.9.13

Book Review: Playing Along by Rory Samantha Green

Two lives. Two Continents. One Song...
Then: George Bryce was an awkward, English schoolboy fantasising about being in a band.
Now: George is front man of Thesis, an overnight Indie scene sensation. Intense, creative and self-effacing, his childhood dreams have all been fulfilled- so why does George still feel so lost?
Then: Lexi Jacobs was a confident Californian high school cheerleader, planning her future marriage and a meaningful career.
Now: Lexi is searching for substance in a life full of mishaps. Cautious, bemused and rapidly losing the control she used to rely on., none of her teenage dreams have delivered and she's left wondering "What's next?"
Follow George and Lexi as they navigate their days thousands of miles apart. Fly with them from London to LA and back again, as George copes with the dynamics of his tight knit band and loose knit family, while Lexi juggles her eccentric new boss, bored best friend and smother mother.
Even though there's an ocean between them and their worlds couldn't be further apart, George and Lexi are pulled together through music, and their paths appear determined to cross.
The question is- when?
Playing Along by Rory Samantha Green was such a refreshing read that I had real trouble putting it down.
The book doesn't contain chapters but instead shifts between George and Lexi's perspectives in short bursts. I really enjoyed this style as it felt extremely personal so I got to know the two main characters very quickly.
I liked Lexi and I thought that her character brought a lot of humour to the story. But it was the character of George that made this book so good. I loved the way in which the author explored the many sides of him. There's the rock star who lo
ves being on stage and meeting the fans but behind all of that is an incredibly vulnerable person who is chasing acceptance and respect from his own parents.
I was willing Lexi and George to get together as you get the feeling that they would be perfect for each other. I don't know if Rory Samantha Green knows someone in the music business but I felt that she painted a very realistic picture of life within a world-famous band.
Playing Along will capture your attention and emotions from beginning to end, you will fall in love with George but more than anything you will want George and Lexi to be find each other.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4.75/5
Pages: 290
Publisher: Write To Be You Press

Many thanks for the review copy of this book, Playing Along is available to buy now!

3.9.13

BOOK TOUR: The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty

I was really excited when I was asked to taken part in the book tour for Liane Moriarty's new book, The Husband's Secret. I received a copy of the book which has a ridiculously beautiful cover plus a letter which looked like this:

How long did I wait to open the letter? Hmmmmm, about 30 seconds! It's such a good idea though as it made me see
how I would react if in the same position as one of the book's characters. I won't tell you what was in the letter though as I know some people taking part in the tour have far better will-power than me and still haven't opened them! Anyway, let me tell you a little bit about the book and share my review, The Husband's Secret is going to be a big hit, it is a fantastic read!

Imagine your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret- something so terrible it would haunt not just the life you built together, but the lives of others too. Imagine then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive...
Cecilia Fitzpatrick achieved it all- she's an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia- or each other- but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband's devastating secret.
You have to read this book! It is my favourite book of 2013 and I just didn't want it to end. I very much enjoyed Liane Moriarty's previous book What Alice Forgot but I believe that The Husband's Secret is even better and I am so excited as to what this author will do in the future.
Cecilia Fitzpatrick is a loving wife and a mother of beautiful daughters. However, her whole world comes crashing down when she finds a letter from her husband to be read upon his death. But John-Paul is not dead, he is just away on a business trip. There are many references to Pandora's Box in the book and it is a perfect comparison. The letter written by John-Paul acts as a devastating catalyst, it sets off a series of events that will change their lives and those around them forever.
The Husband's Secret is a seriously gripping read as you are constantly asking yourself what would you do, what would you say, how would you react? All of the characters in this book have secrets, some more serious than others; Liane Moriarty looks at why we keep secrets, what our limits are and the consequences of secrets being discovered. Cecilia Fitzpatrick is a particularly interesting character, she is a woman very much in control at the beginning of the book but when she discovers her husband's secret, her life seems to unravel layer by layer and you get a real sense of the burden she feels knowing the truth and the responsibility placed in her hands.
It's hard to review the book without giving the plot away but I urge you to read The Husband's Secret, it is a fascinating book with an intricate plot and it will leave you with so much to think about.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5
Pages: 416
Publisher: Penguin

Many thanks to Penguin for inviting me to take part in this blog tour, here's a little video about this book, it is out now!

All change here!

I have made the decision to stop doing written reviews on here for a little while. I shall keep this page open but for the time being I sha...