BOOK REVIEW: Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Miranda Dickinson

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. While grieving for the loss of her late father, and trying to save the Cornish seaside business he built, she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling- until she discovers a half finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes. Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian Beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark- and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it. Both have reasons to fight- Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 496

I completely loved this book! Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a delight from beginning to end. I have a huge desire to visit Cornwall but Miranda Dickinson created such vivid images with her descriptions that I feel like I have already been. 

Seren MacArthur is trying to keep her father’s ailing art gallery going after his death but it is a huge struggle. Jack Dixon is struggling too, he has lost his wife and is doing everything he can to support his young daughter Nessie. He and Nessie begin to make beautiful stars on the beach made from seaglass. Seren finds them and begins adding to them. For both parties it becomes the highlight of their day and they have no idea about each other. 

Seren and Jack’s paths cross when he is the lead on a new building project that Seren and the community are opposing. They are on such different pages yet there is an undeniable connection between them. Can it ever come right and is there a solution that would make them both happy?

Miranda Dickinson gets the tone just right within the book. I loved the romantic element but she makes it realistic too by exploring the many issues that Seren and Jack have independently.

The Cornish setting is beautiful and lends itself perfectly to the story. I really enjoyed reading about the community that Seren lives in and how it has both helped and hindered her. 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea made me smile and feel hopeful for life changes and new opportunities, it’s a lovely read. 

BOOK REVIEW: Wildflower Bay by Rachel Lucas

Isla's got her dream job as head stylist at the most exclusive salon in Edinburgh. The fact that she's been so single-minded in her career, that she's forgotten to have a life has completely passed her by- until disaster strikes. Out of options, she heads to the remote island of Auchenmor to help out her aunt who is in desperate need of an extra pair of scissors at her salon.
A native to the island, Finn is thirty-five and reality has just hit him hard. His best friends are about to have a baby and everything is changing. When into his life walks Isla...

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 352

Rachel Lucas is a new author for me, I loved the cover for Wildflower Bay when it arrived and I couldn't wait to read it. It was only once I'd finished that I read that Rachel's two previous novels are set on the same island but don't worry if you've not read them either as this is very much a stand-alone book.
Isla is working as head stylist in one of Edinburgh's top salons when she suddenly has the day from hell. Finding herself with two months free time on her hands, Isla is feeling a little lost. Luckily, her Aunt Jessie asks her for help; she needs to go and stay with her daughter and Isla would be the perfect person to look after her hair salon while she's away. Isla is very much used to city life so the tiny island of Auchenmor is quite a shock and she is immediately counting down the days until she can return home.
Finn McArthur, a native of the island is also a little lost. Those closest to him seem to have everything sorted and are settling down but she just seems to be floundering. Then he bumps into Isls and starts to see the world a little differently.
Rachel Lucas has written a truly lovely book. Her writing is witty, inviting and comforting. The more I got to know Isla, the more I liked her. Her interactions with Finn are great and add a lovely, romantic element to the book. The setting was perfect, Rachel Lucas provides vivid descriptions of Auchenmor and it is an integral part of the story.
Wildflower Bay by Rachel Lucas does not disappoint, make sure you read it.

Many thanks to Pan for sending me a copy of the book to review.

BLOG TOUR: A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Miranda Dickinson's latest book, A Parcel for Anna Browne, another fantastic book from this very talented author!

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more.
When a parcel addressed to Anna arrives, she has no idea who sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift- one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries; each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be.
As Anna grows in confidence others begin to notice her and her life starts to change. But who is sending the mysterious gifts and why?

Publisher: Pan 

Pages: 516

I have always enjoyed Miranda Dickinson's books and A Parcel for Anna Browne is one of her best. Anna moved from Cornwall to start a new life in London. She has a very normal life in the city, working as a receptionist at a big newspaper. Things get more exciting though when a parcel arrives for Anna at work. It contains a beautiful gift that has been especially chosen for Anna. There is no card with the gift though, Anna is overjoyed by the beautiful and thoughtful gift but she doesn't have anybody to thank. As more beautiful gifts arrive, Anna becomes more and more interested in who might be sending them. Each gift leads Anna to being more confident and they make her question whether she wants more from life.
I really liked Anna Browne as a character; she is clearly one of life's good people. I felt that at times she had very high expectations of those around her which on one hand was endearing but on the other was also slightly naive. Those around her seem to recognise that about Anna and are therefore quite protective of her.
A Parcel for Anna Browne made me th
ink a little of the early books of Cecilia Aherne. The gifts bring a magical element to the book. They bring a lovely sense of anticipation to the story as you wonder what each one will contain; how it will effect Anna and most importantly who is sending them?
I think that Miranda is always very good at describing the locations within her story, she manages to really bring them alive. I loved the description of the newspaper office and the types of people coming in and out. Having worked in a very similar building, I felt that Miranda got it spot on.
The supporting characters are all very good, each brings something to the story and some brought a great deal of humour which really lifted the story.
A Parcel for Anna Browne is a lovely book and it would make an excellent gift if you are already thinking about your Christmas shopping. Miranda Dickinson writes with warmth, humour and a little sparkle of magic in this book and I highly recommend it.

Many thanks to the lovely people at Pan for inviting me to take part in the blog tour! 

GUEST REVIEW: Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond

The very lovely Linda from LindyLit has kindly reviewed Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond, here's what she thought:

Meet the women in love with three very different brothers . . . 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 . . .

A few weeks ago I offered to review another book for DotScribbles; I enjoyed reviewing the first book she sent me, Melting the Snow on Hester Street, so I was keen to volunteer again.  This time I received Me and Mr Jones by Lucy Diamond, a chick lit novel based on three very different brothers and the women who love/fall for them.

First the eldest brother, Hugh, whose wife Alicia is dreading the imminent approach of her fortieth birthday; she wants fun and excitement, a chance to spice up her happy, but somewhat plodding along, marriage.  Then there is David, who has been made redundant and seems slightly lost, none of this is helped by his wife, Emma's desperate quest to have a child.  And finally, the younger brother, Charlie, a bit of a ladies' man who, whilst charming, is hardly what one would call reliable, so it is with good reason that Izzy has her doubts about getting too close, especially considering her relationship history.  On top of this, the brothers' parents are contemplating selling the childhood home and B&B, leaving a chance for new and exciting business opportunities well and truly open...for anyone brave enough to win the admiration of the dreaded mother-in-law that is.

I love a good chick lit novel and I feel they have been slightly missing from my reading in recent months, and whilst I have not read any previous work by Lucy Diamond, I was eager to pick up Me and Mr Jones.  It came at a time where I was at a go slow with my personal reading; school had started to take over my life and the book I was attempting to read was far too dense, meaning I wasn't getting much enjoyment out of the limited time I had for reading.

And then I began Me and Mr Jones.  It was the perfect, relaxed, easy going read for those evenings where I just couldn't summon the energy to move too far, or concentrate too hard.  This is not to say it is a basic, easy read, but it is certainly an enjoyable, light hearted one.  There were times when I felt the plot was a tad too predictable (not that I minded) and then something completely unexpected would happen.  There was one particular incident when I actually exclaimed 'no way' out loud during my reading because I was so shocked, and no I am not going to spoil it by saying which part.  I loved how it ended on a cheerful and promising note and how Diamond successfully conveyed the message about first appearances being decieiving.

Overall this was an enjoyable, light hearted read that certainly landed through my letterbox at the right time and I look forward to reading more of Diamond's work in the future.

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 400

Book Review: The Antenatal Group by Amy Bratley

Seven months pregnant, Mel is dumped by her partner and is suddenly facing parenthood alone.
But at her antenatal class, she meets a group of women who quickly become invaluable friends in the terrifying new world of birth and babies...
Katy- rich, successful and with the dream husband- has her delivery planned to perfection. But she soon realises that nature doesn't always follow suit.
Lexi, loud and confident, is coping well on her own. Until the only man she has ever loved reappears at the most unexpected moment.
Rebecca is the youngest of the group- not long out of her teens, in fact- but she's determined to hold onto her dreams, even without her family's support.
Erin already seems to be an expert on babies, but her quiet nature hides a secret tragedy.
When you're contemplating pain relief, birth positions and sleepless nights you really need a good friend- or four.

I have been seriously busy with work so I was only able to dip in and out of this book occasionally but I loved it.
The Antenatal Group is the first book by Amy Bratley that I've read but this author had me laughing and crying on several occasions.
Mel, Katy, Lex, Rebecca and Erin are five very different women but they all have something in common, they are about to become first-time mums. The story follows them from antenatal classes, through their five very different labours to the first few months of looking after a newborn.
As a mother of a one year old, this book totally resonated with me. Amy Bratley shows the mixed emotions and experiences of pregnancy and childbirth and then the elation and terror of holding your child and then taking them home.
The characters in this book were very realistic and likeable. I really did feel that the author presented a very honest picture of motherhood while still being entertaining and providing a gripping story.
The Antenatal Group is an excellent read, I would highly recommend it to parents to be or any new mothers who finally have five minutes to pick up a book again!

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Pages: 400

Publisher: Pan

Many thanks to the lovely Roisin at Midas PR for sending me a copy of the book to review, The Antenatal Group is out now.

Book Review: The Love of My Life by Louise Douglas

Wow, this book completely blew me away, it is definitely the best book that I have read so far this year. This is Louise Douglas' debut novel which is hard to believe as you read it due to how accomplished the writing is. Here is the story:

Olivia knew she'd never love anyone like she'd loved Luca. He was everything to her, her whole world, and now he'd gone. They had grown up together in a bleak, northern, sea-side twon, where his family ran Marinella's restaurant, and when they eloped to London his mother never forgave Olivia for taking him away.
As she begins to try and come to terms with Lucas' death, Olivia realises that she has to return to Watersford, where he has been buried. It is in a chance meeting with his twin brother, Marc, that she realises his loss is almost as painful as her own. Their desolation leads them to follow a path which has no future, and which will prove to have devastating consequences for the entire family.

This book reminded me so much of Maggie O'Farrell's book After You'd Gone, these two books are the best that I have ever read about dealing with grief and loss.
Initially, I was quite shocked at Olivia starting a relationship with Marc so soon after Lucas' death but as I got to know her character and the relationship she had lost, I could understand how she could do such a thing, she needed to do it in order to grieve and move on in life.
I loved how Louise Douglas personified Olivia's grief as a black dog. I know that it is often a way of describing depression but I thought that it was so appropriate for grief. This black dog of grief becomes Olivia's faithful companion:

On the occasional instance when I forgot what had happened, the dog was there to remind me, its breath hot in my ear. At some point, I thought, I would have to chase the dog away, throw metaphorical stones at it or something. But for the time being I welcomed the dog into my own life, even went so far as to talk to it.

Louise Douglas really gets under the skin of Olivia; she is such an honest character, she has done things that she isn't proud of but she doesn't try to hide them. The book stirred up so many emotions in me and there was a couple of times that I had to put it down as it had made me cry. Even though I have never expereinced grief at the level that Olivia does in the book, I still felt as though I could identify with her. The author gives you such a complete picture and history of her and Luca's relationship that you can fully understand her pain.
This book is beautifully written, the subject matter is dealt with brilliantly, I can't wait for Louise Douglas' next book.