Book Review: Love at First Flight by Tess Woods

Looking back at it now, I can see it was instant.
The second we locked eyes. Boom. Just like that.
The Me I had spent a lifetime perfecting began its disintegration from that moment. And despite the carnage it brought to all our lives, I still don't regret it.
What would you risk to be with the love of your life? And what if your soul mate is the one who will destroy you?
Mel is living the dream. She's a successful GP, married to a charming anaesthetist and raising a beautiful family in their plush home in Perth. But when she boards a flight to Melbourne, she meets Matt and her picture-perfect Stepford life unravels as she falls in love for the first time ever.
What begins as a flirty conversation between strangers quickly develops into a hot and obsessive affair with disastrous consequences neither Mel nor Matt could have seen coming. Mel's dream life turns into her worst nightmare. 

Publisher: Aus Impulse

Pages: 283

Tess Woods has written a very entertaining, sexy and thought-provoking debut in Love at First Flight. Mel is a happily married mother of two, working part-time as a GP. She is married to a very successful doctor and life couldn't be more perfect. That is until she meets Matt on board a flight to a weekend away with her best friend. They have an inst
ant connection and this leads her to question how happy she really is. When did her husband last pay her a compliment? When did they last have amazing sex? Matt is also taken, engaged and planning his wedding but he feels like his world has been turned upside down when he meets Mel, he can't get her out of his head.
It's pretty obvious form the blurb that Matt and Mel go on to have an affair. This is not a hearts and flowers ending though; the consequences of their actions are devastating. This, I wasn't expecting; when I started the book, I thought it might be a little predictable and I would be reading about them skipping off into the sunshine. Instead Tess Woods presents a very honest account of how individuals and families are affected by infidelity. I felt that she dealt with the situation very well, she doesn't set out wanting you to love her characters etc, she is just showing you how it is.
If I have one criticism of this book then it would be the front cover. In my opinion it looks a little whimsical which is why I was taken aback by the serious undertones in the book. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I think some may overlook this book as being a girlie, romantic read when in reality it is so much more.
Tess Woods is a new author to look out for and Love at First Flight is only £1.99 on Kindle at the moment so give her a go!

I read this book via NetGalley

Book Review: Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan

Rosie Hopkins is looking forward to Christmas in the little Derbyshire village of Lipton, buried under a thick blanket of snow. Her sweet shop is festooned with striped candy canes, large tempting piles of Turkish Delight, crinkling selection boxes and happy, sticky children. She's going to spend it with her boyfriend Stephen, and her family, who are flying in from Australia. She can't wait. But when a tragedy strikes at the heart of their little community, all of Rosie's plans for the future seem to be blown apart. Can she build a life in Liption? And what's best for the sweet shop, also what's best for Rosie?

This is Jenny Colgan's follow up to Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams but it is a stand-alone book. I hadn't read the first one but I thought that this was a delightful read.
Rosie gave up her life in London to run her aunt's sweetshop. It was only supposed to be a temporary measure but she's still there. Rosie is now living with Stephen, the heir of Lipton Hall; she is happy and content but when tragedy strikes, she begins to question what she wants. But before she can deal with it all, she has the small matter of her whole family arriving from Australia to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop is a heart warming read. I loved the small village setting and I could easily imagine Rosie's beautiful sweet shop. In the main, I liked Rosie's character but there were a few instances where I thought she had a real chip on her shoulder.
There is a lot of humour in this book and I think that Jenny Colgan gets the balance right between warmth and wit.
Christmas at Rosie Hopkins' Sweet Shop is a lovely festive read; romance, humour, sweets and tinsel- perfect!

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 432

Many thanks to Jo at Sphere for sending me a copy of this book, it is out now! 

Book Review: Glittering Fortunes by Victoria Fox

Two brothers. Two rivals. One devastating family secret.
Charlie Lomax hasn't seen his brother in years. Cato's been too busy living the A-list Hollywood dream to bother with a small Cornish town. But now he's back. Hollywood and British aristocracy are about to clash as Cato sets out to claim the Lomax legacy he believes is his birthright.
Unsuspecting Olivia needs a job after spectacularly failing to make a life for herself in London. Forced back to Cornwall she has no idea what she's letting herself in for by becoming a gardener at the crumbling but beautiful Usherwood estate.
She certainly didn't bargain on becoming embroiled in the biggest scandal of the year, and not least because the brooding Charlie is a man she can't seem to stay away from...

Victoria Fox has done it again, another highly entertaining read. Glittering Fortunes is the story of two brothers, Charlie and Cato Lomax. Charlie has been running the beautiful Usherwood estate whilst Cato has been living it up as a Hollywood movie star. But Cato is back now and ready to claim his birthright.
Olivia has just arrived back in Cornwall after trying her luck in London. She takes a job at Usherwood just as Cato arrives back but it is Charlie who she can't take her eyes off.
I really enjoyed Glittering Fortunes, the conflict between Cato and Charlie added another dimension which made the story more interesting. I would have liked a little more interaction between Charlie and Olivia as they were my favourite characters.
Victoria Fox is so good at writing in this genre. Her books offer a little bit of escapism with plenty of scandal and intrigue, highly recommended.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Publisher: Mira

Pages: 384

Many thanks to Cherish PR for sending me a copy of the book to review, Glittering Fortunes is out now.

Book Review: The Perfect Retreat by Kate Forster

Two women are in desperate need of the perfect country retreat.
With the most sought after postcode in London, an Oscar on the shelf and a rock star husband, actress Willow Carruthers seems to have it all. But appearances can be deceiving.
Kitty Middlehurst, nanny to Willow's three children, is used to discreetly making things happen. But a life changing secret forces her to rethink her position.
When Willow suddenly falls from grace, Kitty offers her and the children the perfect place to hide- Middlemist Manor, the crumbling ancestral home of Kitty and her reclusive brother, Merritt.
As both women leave the trouble of their London lives behind for the tranquility of country living, their problems begin to disperse. That is, until Merritt returns home unannounced...

I  missed Kate Forster's first book which I highly regret after having read The Perfect Retreat. It is such a good read, I'm so excited to have found a new author whose books I know I will enjoy.
Willow Carruthers looks as though she has it all, the perfect home and children, an Oscar on the mantlepiece and a rock star husband lusted after by women world wide. However, it all comes crashing down and Willow needs to hide. Kitty is Willow's nanny an she offers her the use of Middlemist Manor, the crumblin
g country estate left to her and her brother Merritt. Willow jumps at the chance to get away and Middlemist is perfect. Merritt returns while she is there which makes Willow questions everything, does she want her old life back or is there something better out there?
Kitty has to face up to her past by returning to Middlemist. She knows she has been running away but she has a huge secret which she can't bear to share with anyone. Yet she sees Willow making changes and begins to think that she should be doing the same but she has no idea where to begin.
The characters really made this book. Willow and Kitty are both extremely likable but they are far from perfect which obviously makes them very interesting. Willow's children Poppy, Lucien and Jinty are adorable and Poppy in particular brings a lot of humour to the story.
Kate Forster's writing style appears effortless; she packs so much into each chapter; I  just couldn't stop reading.
The Perfect Retreat is an entertaining, romantic and page-turning read, I highly recommend Kate Forster as an author.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Many thanks to the lovely people at Harper Collins for sending me a review copy, The Perfect Retreat is out now!

Book review: The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

Lucy has already done the whole whirlwind, heart-thumping, fairy-tale romance and she knows how it ends. Devastated by her husband's death; she's spent the last five years putting herself back together.
Now Lucy's ready to start over- but this time she's steering clear of any man who poses a risk to her heart.
Yet finding a perfectly boring husband is harder than it sounds, particularly when she's suddenly tempted by the one man she shouldn't want...

The Next Best Thing is an enjoyable read. It is light-hearted yet deals with some very sensitive issues. Lucy Lang has been widowed for five years, she has now decided that it is now time to move on and begin dating again. She immediately meets opposition in the form of The Black Widows; Lucy's mother and aunts who also lost their husbands at a young age. Jimmy's brother Ethan is also a little upset as Lucy informs him that their friends with benefits relationship must also stop. Is Lucy read though, can she truly love another man and why does she miss Ethan so much?
I really enjoyed the fact that Lucy is a baker as I own a cake shop too so I could see where she was coming from with her passion for puddings. A lot of the book takes place at the bakery with The Black Widows, I think they were my favourite aspect of the book as they provided so much humour.
I found Lucy a little irritating at times as I felt that she did  mess certain characters about but I still enjoyed reading her story. Ethan is an extremely likable character and I was hoping he'd find happiness by the end of the book.
The Next Best Thing is the second Mills and Boon book that I have read recently and they have both changed my perceptions of what this publisher has to offer.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Many thanks to Mills and Boon for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is out now.

Book Review: When I Fall in Love by Miranda Dickinson

Elsie Maynard never expected to be starting again.
But eighteen months on fron the biggest challenge of her life, she is doing just that- because she made a promise to the person who believed in her the most.
Determined to step into her uncertain future, Elsie meets handsome Oliver Hogarth who seems intent on winning her heart and inadvertently founds a choir.
Then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris- and the final item on 'The List' she never dared complete. Can Elsie follow her heart and put her past to rest?

I have read Miranda Dickinson's previous books so I knew I was in for a treat when this one arrived.
When I Fall in Love is a lovely, romantic read. Elsie Maynard is moving on with her life, her new project is a choir, she is going to be the female equivalent to Gareth Malone. Her love life is also taking a new turn in the form of Oliver Hogarth, he is happy to take things slowly but will Elsie ever be ready to love again? Add to this mix Torrin Stewart who inadvertently keeps on coming to Elsie's rescue yet she cannot bear to be in the same room as him.
I love the humour that Miranda Dickinson injects into her books, I found the character of Woody particularly funny. The ageing rocker spurs Elsie on, he is not afraid to take risks and live life to the full, which is exactly what Elsie needs.
The final part of the book takes part in Paris so you obviously can't get any more romantic. Elsie takes the trip to fulfil someone else's dream but her time there is a big turning point, it allows her to leave the past behind and face the future.
I have to say that I liked the character of Oliver but I loved the brooding character of Torin Stewart, he is like a brooding Mr Darcy and for me that is always a welcome element to a book.
When I Fall in Love is such an enjoyable read, it has plenty of humour and romance and I was truly moved by Elsie's story. Miranda Dickinson has delivered another great book and I highly recommend that you take a look.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Many thanks to the lovely people at Avon for sending me this book to review, When I Fall in Love is out now! Also I meant to say that the cover may have people thinking that this is a Christmas time book but it actually has nothing to do with Christmas and would be lovely to read any time of the year!

Book Review: On the Island by Tracey Garvis Graves PLUS Author Interview

Anna, a thirty-year old teacher and T.J., who's she's tutoring over the holidays are en route to join T.J.'s family in the Maldives when their pilot suffers a fatal heart attack and their sea-plane crash-lands in the Indian ocean.
Marooned on an uninhabited island, Anna and T.J. must work together to obtain water, food, fire and shelter. But as the days turn to weeks, then months and then to years, Anna begins to wonder if the biggest challenge of all might be living with a boy who, with each passing day, is becoming more of a man...

This book is extremely exciting; it has spent five weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and film rights have already been sold to MGM. Tracey Garvis Graves has written a book that you will not want to put down so be warned!
T.J. and Anna are marooned on a desert island when their pilot suffers a heart attack. Initially they are certain that they will be rescued but days turn into weeks, months and then years. They only have each other and obviously a particularly strong bond is formed but a fourteen year age gap is quite a big hurdle to get over, no matter how strong each others feelings are.
It's very hard to review this book without giving too much away but I really want to emphasise how much I enjoyed it. Each chapter is either from Anna or T.J.'s perspective which is a brilliant idea as we get to know them both really well and gain an insight into what they are thinking and more importantly what they are hiding from each other.
On the Island was such a different read, it is part adventure and part love story. I was completely captivated by Anna and T.J. and how they would survive.
The only slight criticism I have of this book is the front cover. If I were to see it in a shop then I may not have picked it up as it gives the impression of something much more light hearted. So don't let the cover put you off as what's inside is truly excellent.

Dot Scribbles Rating 4.5/5

Many thanks to Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of the book to review, On the Island is out now!

The very lovely Tracey Garvis Graves answered some of my questions, here's what she had to say:

1. Where did the idea for On the Island come from?

I loved the movie Castaway but could never quite wrap my head around a relationship between a man and a volleyball. I couldn't help but think how interesting the desert island premise could become if there were two people on the island. Two people that really shouldn't have a relationship.

2. The film rights have been sold which is very exciting, will you be involved at all?

Sadly, no. I do have a clause in my contract that gives me veto power if they try to insert any elements that really don't fit with the storyline (I've interpreted that to mean the addition of aliens or dinosaurs or something equally as silly!).

3. If you were marooned on a desert island, what three objects couldn't you live without?

A book (I'd prefer my Kindle but there wouldn't be anywhere to plug it in!), a picture of my family, and a satellite phone so I could call for rescue.

4. I loved the characters of T.J. and Anna, do you think they would have fallen in love anyway, without the shared experience of the crash and the island etc?

No, I really don't. It was the crash and being marooned - and relying solely on each other - that allowed them to form such a bond. Age was irrelevant on the island; there were no societal norms in place.

5. Can you tell us anything about your next book?

Covet is the title of my next book. It's my first foray into upmarket women's fiction (but it will still have plenty of romance). It's the story of a married couple's struggles after the husband loses his job in the recession. It's a story of hope and heartbreak and though it is ultimately uplifting, you should have your Kleenex box handy.

Book Review: Second Time Around by Erin Kaye

With a successful business and two loving children, divorcee Jennifer Irwin is quite content. But when her forty-fifty birthday approaches, Jennifer starts to feel lonely in her empty nest.
Then she meets the handsome and self-assured Ben Crawford and while sixteen years her junior, he sweeps Jennifer off her feet. Knowing the residents if their small town wouldn't approve, they conduct their affair in secret.
But a secret is never a secret for long in Ballyfergus...

Second Time Around is a really lovely read. This is Erin Kaye's eighth novel but the first that I have read.
Jennifer Irwin is a likeable character, she is divorced and mum to Matt and Lucy who are both grown up and have flown the nest. Just as Jennifer begins to notice the empty house, she meets the gorgeous Ben Crawford, the attraction is instant but he is sixteen years younger than her. She fights against her feelings as she knows that people will talk but Ben is not prepared to take no for an answer. Their affair becomes a secret but when you live in a small town, secrets become very hard to keep.
Erin Kaye has a very warm and inviting writing style. The relationship between Jennifer and Ben is believable and I really wanted it to work out for them. It seems as though Jennifer deserves some happiness and Ben could be the one to offer it to her.
Second Time Around is an absorbing and lovely read, I shall be looking at Erin Kaye's other books as I enjoyed this one so much.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 4/5

Many thanks to Avon for sending me a copy of the book to review, Second Time Around is out now!

Book Review: Breakfast at Darcy's by Ali McNamara

When Darcy McCall loses her beloved Aunt Molly, she doesn't expect any sort of inheritance- let alone a small island! Located off the west coast of Ireland, Tara hasn't been lived on for years, but according to Molly's will, Darcy must stay there for twelve months in order to fully inherit. It's a big shock. And she's even more shocked to hear she needs to persuade a village full of people to settle there too.
Darcy must leave behind her independent city life and swap stylish heels for muddy wellies. Between sorting everything from the plumbing to the pub, she meets confident, charming Conor and sensible, stubborn Dermot but who will make her feel really at home?

I didn't get chance to read Ali McNamara's first book but my sister did and she loved it so I was really looking forward to trying Breakfast at Darcy's. My sister obviously has very good taste in books as Ali McNamara is brilliant and Breakfast at Darcy's is a great read.
I loved the whole idea of the book and I think the author has been very clever. All of the characters have been taken out of their comfort zones when they are put on the island and they all change so much during the book; obviously this makes for very entertaining reading. Darcy McCall is central to it all, she has to make Tara work and get everyone to pull together even though she has only just met most of the characters. Darcy is particularly likable and I enjoyed reading about what she was getting up to. Her relationships with Conor and Dermot add a romantic side to the book and there are quite a few surprises towards the end.
Ali McNamara's writing is extremely witty, life on Tara gives the reader many funny moments and although the book is set on a tiny remote island, the author makes sure that there is plenty going on to interest the reader.
My only gripe with this book has nothing to do with the writing; it's the front cover that I don't understand. Whilst it is lovely looking, I don't think it gives the reader any idea of what this book is about. This might just  be me though and I didn't have any issues with the book itself.
I am going to have to get Ali McNamara's first book now and I enjoyed this one so much, I wonder what she will write next?

Dot Scribbles Rating 4.5/5

Many thanks to the lovely people at Sphere for sending me a copy of Breakfast at Darcy's, it is available now.

Book Review: Postcards from the Heart by Ella Griffin

Saffy has a dream job at a top Dublin ad agency. She's got her high-maintenance purple-boot-wearing mother at a safe distance. And she thinks her actor boyfriend Greg- the next Colin Farrell is going to propose.
Conor worships the beautiful Jess. But after seven years and twins, she still won't marry him. He spends his days teaching terrifying teenager and his nights writing the book he hopes will change everything- including her mind.
But happy endings are playing very hard to get...

Postcards from the Heart is one of my favourite books of 2011. Marian Keyes describes Ella Griffin as a 'fresh, funny voice' and I think she is spot in, I think Ella Griffin will be an author to watch out for in 2012!
The book revolves around Saffy and her relationship with Greg and then the relationship of Conor and Jess. Saffy would like nothing more than for her actor boyfriend Greg to propose but things don't go to plan and Saffy's life is turned upside down.
Conor and Jess are settled with their twins but Connor has his sights set on more. He would love for Jess to be his wife but she is having none of it. Writing by night and teaching by day, Conor is chasing his dream of being a published author. However, his dreams are not shared by all of those around him and he is running out of the effort needed to convince them.
I think that Postcards from the Heart has a great balance of humour and poignancy. I had several laugh out loud moments but also felt that the characters had enough depth for me to want to invest my emotions in them.
Of the two female characters, I liked Saffy a lot more than Jess. I felt that Jess was quite selfish and at times I was questioning why Conor thought she was so wonderful. I think this just added to my enjoyment of the book though as predictable, likable characters can become a little boring.
I think that Ella Griffin has written a really lovely book that explores different types of relationships including those between friends also those between parents and their children. There was a lot going on in the book but I felt that the author tied the sub-plots together very well. The different story lines meant that the books had a really good pace; I always wanted to read on to the next chapter in order to find out what was going to happen next.
I am very excited by Ella Griffin's writing. I hope that she has many more books to offer in the future as I know I would definitely  buy them.

Dot Scribbles Rating 4.5/5

Many thanks to Ella for sending me a copy of her book  to review, Postcards from the Heart is published by Orion and is available now.

Book Review: Build A Man by Talli Roland

How far would you go to create the perfect partner?
Slave to the rich, rude and deluded, cosmetic surgery receptionist Serenity Holland longs for the day she's a high-flying tabloid reporter. Unfortunately, every pitch she sends out disappears like her clients' liposuctioned fat, never to be seen again. Then she meets Jeremy Ritchie- the hang-dog man determined to be Britain's Most Eligible Bachelor by making himself over from head to toe and everything in-between, giving Serenity a story no editor could resist.
With London's biggest tabloid on board and her very own column tracking Jeremy's progress from dud to dude, Serenity is determined to be a success, even going undercover to gain intimate access to Jeremy's life. But when Jeremy's surgery goes drastically wrong and Serenity is ordered to cover all the car-crash goriness, she must decide how far she really will go for her dream job.

Talli Roland has done it again! This is the third book that I have read by this author and I think she just gets better and better. Build A Man is very different from The Hating Game and Watching Willow Watts but you always know that you will get an entertaining story with this author.
Serenity is so determined to succeed as a journalist; she cannot believe her luck when Jeremy comes along; he is the perfect subject to write about. Yet as the story develops and Serenity gets to know Jeremy, she begins to question just how far she will go for success but the problem is, she may have already gone too far.
I really enjoyed the cosmetic surgery setting in this book, the clients that Serenity encountered brought a lot of humour to the story. I think that Talli Roland is extremely witty as a writer but I also enjoyed the fact that Build A Man felt a little bit deeper than Talli's previous books. I was really interested in the relationship that develops between Serenity and Jeremy and the way in which it makes her question what she is doing. .
If you have read any of Talli's other books then you already know that you're in for a treat. If not then I recommend that you give Build A Man a go, I don't think you will be disappointed!

Dot Scribbles Rating 4.5/5

Many thanks to Talli for sending me a copy of Build A Man, it is available for download on Amazon now!

Book Review: Heaven Scent by Sasha Wagstaff

When Cat Hayes impulsively married a handsome, penniless French waiter in St Tropez, she didn't realise she'd be widowed in just a few weeks. Neither did she know that her late husband was actually Olivier Ducasse, heir to the Ducasse perfume empire.

Invited by the Ducasse family to their glamorous French mansion, Cat finds the family in chaos. What's more, she's regarded with suspicion and hostility, especially by Olivier's playboy cousin Xavier. Will she run for the hills as her high heels can carry her? Or will she realise that she's exactly what this mixed-up family truly needs?

I knew that I was in for a treat when this  book arrived as I really enjoyed Sasha Wagstaff's last book Wicked Games. I think that Heaven Scent is even better and each page was a pleasure to read.
Cat Hayes has been widowed after only a few weeks of marriage; she thought she had married a penniless waiter but in fact had tied the knot with Olivier Ducasse who was heir to a huge perfume empire. The Ducasse family want to meet Cat, however, they have no intention of welcoming her to the family, instead they want to ward off any claim she may have on Olivier's part of the business.
Stranded at the beautiful Ducasse chateau in France after her passport disappears, Cat has never felt more unwelcome or stupid. Why did Olivier lie about his identity and how naive must she have been to fall in love with such a man?
The actual Ducasse family were my favourite part of the book. The author gives each individual member their own story line but she expertly links them so that the plot flows effortlessly. Delphine Ducasse is the matriarch of the family and is not interested in getting to know Cat, business comes before everything for this woman but at what cost? Guy is Delphine's son and is in charge of the company, he lost his beloved wife two years ago and is now struggling with his grief plus raising his twin teenagers Max and Seraphina who seem determined to get into as much trouble as possible. Xavier is Guy's oldest son and is well known as a playboy. He used to be the 'nose' of the business but events in the past have meant that Xavier has  not created a new scent for years; it seems that nothing will convince him to work for the Ducasse empire. Leoni Ducasse is Olivier's sister and one of the most diligent and hard working members of the family; it's just a shame that nobody takes her seriously or appreciates all she does. Leoni can't even bear to be around Cat; who is this woman her brother apparently loved enough to marry?
So as you see Cat has a lot on her hands with this ambitious, powerful family. However unwelcoming they have been, it is in Cat's nature to try and help those in need. She is soon helping the twins deal with the loss of their mother, offering ideas to the business which could do with a fresh perspective and unwittingly reigniting Xavier's passion to create a much needed new scent.
I found the relationships that Cat formed with each family member very interesting, especially those between her and Xavier. Was she wrong to view him purely as a spoilt playboy and how can she possibly have feelings for the cousin of her dead husband?
Heaven Scent is my favourite read of the summer so far. It is glamorous and fast paced with believable characters who you quickly become attached to. It was fascinating to read about the world of perfume and the intricate way in which a scent is created, Sasha Wagstaff's research into this shines throughout the book. Heaven Scent had me gripped from start to finish, I can't wait to read what Sasha Wagstaff writes next.

Many thanks to Headline for sending me a copy of this book to review, it is out now. You can follow the lovely Sasha Wagstaff on Twitter, she is @SashaWagstaff.

Dot Scribbles rating: 5/5

Book Review: Sometimes It Happens by Pauline Barclay

Winning the lottery was just the beginning for Doreen Wilkinson, nothing prepared Doreen for her holiday at Villas Bonitas and nothing prepared Villas Bonitas for Doreen Wilkinson. 

Sometimes It Happens is about secrets, deception, lies, love and laughter. Tears will flow because this is one holiday that will never ever be forgotten by many! 

Sometimes It Happens is a really fun book written by the lovely Pauline Barclay. I read it in just two days and seriously felt as though I had been on a little mini-break in the sun.
Doreen Wilkinson checks into Villas Bonitas with her daughter Trisha. She has just won a lot of money on the lottery, eleven million, three hundred and fifty four thousand, two hundred and ten pounds and nineteen pence to be exact. This luxurious holiday in Spain is just the beginning of Doreen's new life.
Villas Bonitas has a fair few guests staying at the same time and they make this book very entertaining. There are gay barristers Simon and Chicky who are just trying to get away from it all; Jack and Sheila Hoskins who like to think they rule the place and are not impressed by Doreen and her 'new' money. Finally we have Frau Hecks, she lives permanently in Villas Bonitas and is still mourning her late husband. Most of the staff and guests are terrified of this officious German lady but we soon realise that she is a teddy bear underneath the hard exterior.
Doreen is trying to adjust to her new found wealth and mix with these people. She feels inferior until she realises that they are no better than her, especially Sheila and Jack who have a huge skeleton in their closet. Add in to this mix, Pat Greenwood, Doreen's first love who has shown up in Spain, is he just after her money or could this be the real thing?
Sometimes It Happens is a really feel-good read. Pauline Barclay writes with a lot of wit and warmth and this book had me smiling long after I had finished it.

If you would like to find out more about Pauline and her other books then check out her blog here. 

Book Review: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth fell head over heels in love. But Anne's snobbish family put a stop to their engagement, believing the young naval captain wasn't good enough for her. Pretty, intelligent Anne soon realises it was a terrible mistake, and spends her twenties in the shadow of her father and her selfish sisters. But she never forgets.

Then Captain Wentworth- by now a successful, wealthy man, looking for a wife- walks back into her life. Can he forgive her? Does he still love her? And could they ever be happy after all this time?

By turns achingly sad and intensely romantic, Persuasion is the ultimate wish-fulfilment novel about love lost and regained. It's a true Cinderella story, for anyone who's ever felt overlooked or anyone who's ever had their heart broken...

Persuasion was the only Jane Austen novel that I hadn't read. I can't say that it has taken the place of Pride and Prejudice as my favourite but I still enjoyed it.
As the blurb says, it is very much a Cinderella story, Anne Elliot is very much put upon and overlooked by her other family members. Her opinion is never sought and her feelings are very rarely considered. Anne Elliot was not allowed to marry Frederick Wentworth as he was deemed below her. She has spent the subsequent years wondering what would have been and feeling the loss of a relationship so it comes as a shock when Frederick Wentworth comes back into her life. He is now Captain Wentworth, having gained both success and a considerable fortune, he is now considered very much a catch. Anne does not find it easy to spend time in his company, especially as it appears that he is on the look out for a wife and several women in her company have their sights firmly set on him.
Persuasion is classic Jane Austen, the path of romance in no way runs smoothly. There are misunderstandings, unrequited love and the dreaded social etiquette of the day. Anne is very different from her family so it seems even harder when they are able to make decisions on her behalf. I was willing Anne to get the relationship that she yearned for. I felt that she truly deserved to be loved by someone who would appreciate who she is and what she had to offer. Captain Wentworth is a good hero, for me he is not as attractive as Mr Darcy but I did like how determined he was and I felt that he and Anne were extremely well matched.
Persuasion is a beautiful story and I am very pleased that I took the time to read it.

Book Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum + Give away!!

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister Georgia and I were orphans. We put our loves into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy and unnervingly charming. Vincent appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk everyday. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

Can I risk putting my heart as well as my life and my family's in jeopardy for a chance at love?

Firstly let me say that the cover for this book is beautiful, it really captures the romantic nature of the story, especially with the Paris backdrop.
Die For Me is the first in the Revenants series by Amy Plum and what a brilliant beginning- this is one of the best paranormal, young adult books that I have read in a long time.
A revenant is an immortal being; in certain circumstances, people who die in the place of others come back to life 3 days later. They then continually save others even if that means dying again, they will always return to life unless someone burns their body, that is the only way they can truly die. Vincent is a revenant and he has fallen for Kate, who is only just getting over the death of her parents so the idea of being with someone who is going to have multiple deaths absolutely terrifies her.
Vincent is not alone, he lives with his 'uncle' Jean Baptiste and more of his kindred, as they call themselves, Charlotte, Charles, Ambrose and Gaspard. They work together to save the lives of others across the city of Paris.
The revenants have a major enemy in the Numa, they are the complete opposite, they have gained their immortality by taking the lives of others. Once immortal they continue to try and murder people, which is what the revenants have to work to prevent.
Kate has no contact with the Numa until the end of the book. A rescue attempt goes wrong and Charles cannot handle what happened and so he turns to the Numa to end it all for him. Lucien is head of the Paris Numa and is happy to take advantage of Charles' misfortune, especially as it means that he can gain revenge on Vincent who is his sworn enemy. However, Lucien didn't imagine that Vincent would ever fall in love with a human and so Kate finds herself in mortal danger and Lucien knows that Vincent will do anything to protect her.
Amy Plum has created such a beautiful story, I loved the romantic idea of the revenants, they are like angels on earth. Vincent is a very attractive character and I can see why Kate falls for him. Kate is a very likable character too but she is very vulnerable so it is understandable that she questions this new relationship. Kate needs somebody like Vincent but she has to decide if she will be able to cope with the fact that she will lose him again and again.
I'm so excited that this is just the first in the series as I just want to know more and more. Vincent and Kate's story will have great appeal for the YA market and I believe it will easily cross the gap to slightly older readers.
If you like your books with a paranormal edge then give this one a go, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Many thanks to Atom for sending me a copy of the book to review, it is out on May 26th!

I actually have a copy of Die For Me to give away to any UK followers. If you would like a chance to read this book then please leave a comment below this post, the comment must include your email address so that I can contact the winner. This give away is open until midnight on Tuesday May 24th, good luck!!

Book Review: The Perfect Hero by Victoria Connelly

The circus has come to town...Die-hard romantic, Kay Ashton, uses her inheritance to open a B&B in the seaside town of Lyme Regis and is dumbstruck when the cast and crew of a new production of Persuasion descend, needing a place to stay. Kay can't believe her luck- especially when she realises that heartthrob actor Oli Wade Owen will be sleeping under her very own roof! 

Meanwhile, co-star Gemma Reilly is worried that her acting isn't up to scratch, despite landing a plum role. She finds a sympathetic ear in shy producer, Adam Craig, who is as baffled by the film world as she is. Kay thinks that the two are meant for each other and can't resist a spot of matchmaking. Then Oli turns his trademark charm on Kay, it seems that she has found her real-life hero. But do heroes really exist?

I read Victoria Connelly's first book, A Weekend With Mr Darcy and thought it was great. Although The Perfect Hero is not a sequel, it does still have a heavy Jane Austen influence on the form of her book Persuasion. Unfortunately Persuasion is the only Austen book I haven't read (this is soon to be remedied) but for review purposes I can say that this wasn't a bad thing as I don't think I missed anything in The Perfect Hero.
Kay is a very likable character, she hasn't had a great life so when she unexpectedly comes into some money, she knows she has to grasp the opportunity with both hands. She has always wanted to live by the sea and Lyme Regis has a particular pull due to it featuring in Jane Austen's Persuasion. Kay is a true Austen fan and her real passion is illustrating Austen's books. She knows that her illustrations are good but she hasn't found the courage to send them to any publishers yet.
Kay buys the B&B in Lyme Regis and hasn't even finished decorating when the cast of Persuasion check in. They are filming on location and Kay finds herself surrounded by film stars that she had previously admired from afar. Oli Wade Owen has Kay completely star struck and she soon has a full on crush. Oli is happy to turn the charm on but he isn't all he seems.
Gemma Reilly is playing the lead role of Anne Elliot but she is painfully shy. She has been pushed into acting by her famous mother but her heart really isn't in it. Gemma gets on well with Kay but is confused as to why she is trying to match her up with producer Adam when it is clear that he has had a crush on Kay from the very start.
I really enjoyed The Perfect Hero, it is very reminiscent of Austen, with the gossip, intrigue, mysterious male leads and misunderstandings in love. Victoria Connelly's writing is extremely witty and I love her enthusiasm for Austen and her ability to recognise and represent a true Austen fan,
I would highly recommend both of Victoria Connelly's books. I found The Perfect Hero to be very entertaining and it has finally made me put Persuasion at the top of my TBR pile.

Many thanks to Charlotte at Avon for sending me a copy of the book to review, The Perfect Hero is out today.

Book Review: To Marry a Prince by Sophie Page

Bella Greenwood isn't a fairytale girl. If pushed, she'd probably tell you that her perfect wedding would involve a handful of close friends and family. But as she's never met anyone she'd like to marry, it's a moot point.

Until, in a midnight garden, Bella is helped out of an embarrassing situation by a tall, dark, handsome man with laughing eyes. And suddenly her life changes for ever, because the man is the world's most eligible bachelor: Prince Richard, heir to the throne.

Richard sweeps her off her feet, and before she knows it they're engaged, which is when Bella's problems really begin. Suddenly she's public property and as if it isn't enough to have her every move watched- while also learning to curtsy and negotiating the etiquette of how to address her future mother-in-law- she soon finds herself embroiled in bridesmaid politics, a right royal hen night, and a wedding dress controversy that causes a national scandal...

Can this ordinary girl survive the preparations for her very own royal wedding?

To Marry a Prince is a great book to get you in the mood for the upcoming Royal Wedding. Sophie Page has Bella and Richard as the main characters but they are clearly representing Prince William and Kate Middleton.
You don't have to be a devout royalist to enjoy this book. I am not a huge fan of the royal family but I still enjoyed this modern, romantic, fairytale.
I'm not sure how Sophie Page did her research but I felt that she painted a very honest and realistic picture of what it is like to grow up in the royal family. Prince Richard is a lovely character but you can feel the immense pressure he is under and the scrutiny that he endures from the public and his own family. Bella is  very normal and extremely independent and headstrong. She makes allowances for Richard but she is in no way a pushover.
I read To Marry a Prince very quickly and I found the writing to be very addictive. It is like getting a sneak peek behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace, you almost forget that it is a work of fiction.
Sophie Page has written a highly entertaining and relevant book. If you allow yourself to be taken off in the fairytale world of royal palaces and tiaras then you will enjoy this one.

Many thanks to Arrow for sending me this book to review, it is out now!

Book Review: Dirty Tricks by Jo Carnegie

Fashion Queen Saffron is leaving the London party scene for the country, to write her bonkbusting novel. It means six months without gorgeous boyfriend Tom... but at least his supermodel twin brother will be there to keep her company!

Good girl Harriet, meanwhile, has swapped country life for the bright lights of London, and finds herself working with quite possibly the sexiest man she has ever met. But what dangerous secrets lurk behind those twinkling blue eyes of his?

New lives, new temptations. Have both girls bitten off more than they can chew?

I read Jo Carnegie's other book Country Pursuits and really enjoyed it so I was looking forward to this one when it arrived. Corgi appear to have given the author's front cover a different feel and I personally think it's an improvement, I would definitely pick it up in a shop.
Saffron and Harriet are both extremely likable characters and it's a great idea to have one in the country and one in the city, I really enjoyed reading about what they were getting up to. Both women are effectively trying out new lives; Saffron is pursuing her writing career and Harriet is pursuing romance. There are a fair few supporting characters in this book and I think that is one of the main reasons that I enjoyed it so much. Harriet's father, Sir Ambrose has been left to fend for himself at the stately home whilst his wife is off travelling. He provides many comical moments and almost plays his daughter at her own game of trying something new in life.
There is a lot of romance in Dirty Tricks, Saffron has steady boyfriend Tom and the surprising arrival of his supermodel  brother Rex. Meanwhile Harriet has fallen for her new boss who has more secrets than she ever could imagine. Throughout the book we get snippets from the bonkbuster that Saffron is writing; they are very entertaining but you soon realise that Harriet and Saffron are having a few romps of their own.
This book has been perfect for sitting in the sunshine with over the past two days. Jo Carnegie's writing is incredibly warm and inviting, I would highly recommend Dirty Tricks.

Many thanks to Corgi for sending me a copy to review, Dirty Tricks is out now!

Book Review: RSVP by Helen Warner

Anna's world is rocked when she receives an invitation to her ex Toby's wedding. Toby was The Love of Her Life, The One That Got Away. Will attending his Big Day finally give her the sense of closure she needs?

Clare is Anna's best friend, the person who was there for her when she and Toby split all those years ago. But little does Clare know that Toby's wedding day will change her own life forever. 

Ella is a femme fatale. She loves men and leaves them without a backward glance. But the one who's never fallen in love with her charms is Toby. As he prepared to get hitched, is it too late for a last-ditch attempt to win his heart?

Rachel is the blushing bride-to-be. This should be the happiest day of her life. So how come she feels nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding?

RSVP is one of those books that you don't want to end. Anna and Toby split up over 10 years ago but she still can't handle it when she receives an invitation to his wedding to Rachel. However, best friend Clare persuades her to go as she thinks it will finally give her closure. Closure is not at all what Anna gets from the wedding. All the feelings she has been trying to hide are reignited and she and the rest of the congregation are left to believe that Toby feels the same way.
Each chapter revolves around one of the characters and jumps back and forth between the past and the present. It is the characters that make this book, I took to all of them. Surprisingly, Ella was probably my favourite character, in the beginning she is definitely cast as the villain but by the end of the book I really liked her and the way she had changed.
RSVP explores how one bad decision can change the whole course of a person's life. I think the idea of a wedding is a brilliant device in a book as it allows you to bring lots of characters together at once, all looking each other up and down and judging what has become of their lives since they last saw them.
This book was an extremely enjoyable read, once I had started it, I couldn't put it down. It is Helen Warner's first book but I sincerely hope that she writes many more.

Book Review: Secret of the Sands by Sara Sheridan

Will their fate be decided on the sands?

The year is 1833 and the British Navy are engaged in surveying the coastline of the Arabian Peninsula. Young and ambitious, Lieutenant James Wellstead is determined to use his time in His Majesty's Service as a path to glory. His plans are thrown into disarray when two of his shipmates go missing while gathering intelligence and Wellstead must mount a daring rescue.
Slavery is still rife throughout Arabia. Zena, a headstrong Abyssinian beauty who was torn from her village, is now being offered for sale in the market of Muscat. However, her fortunes change when she finds herself the property of the Lieutenant. She must accompany him on his hazardous mission, little knowing the fate that awaits them.
Each will be forced to make a choice- one that will change their lives forever.

In the historical note at the back of the book, Sara Sheridan explains that Secret of the Sands belongs to the 'faction' genre. The author read the real life accounts of naval officer, especially those of Lieutenant Wellstead and then has created the story around them. In some ways I wish I had known this at the beginning as I think it would have made the book even more interesting knowing that the characters actually existed.
However, Secret of the Sands is excellent, it is quite different from what I normally read but I really enjoyed it. Sara Sheridan has written a believable and entertaining story and packed it with rich details. I loved the descriptions of the people, the food, the landscapes, the dialogue, the religion, even the smells. There is a lot to take in during the book but I felt as though I had been given a breathtaking tour of the Arabian Peninsula.
I don't want to tell you too much more about the story, the blurb says it all and I don't want to spoil it for anyone. What I will say though is that the characters in the book are extremely well created, there are a lot of characters both British and Arabic and the differences and similarities that Sara Sheridan highlights are fascinating.
Zena was probably my favourite character. She is stolen from her village by slavers but shows tremendous resolve and bravery at the fate that has befallen her. When she comes under the care of Lieutenant Wellstead she can see that he is a kind man but she had no idea of the kind of feelings he would stir in her. Zena realises that she will do anything for Wellstead and this loyalty is greatly tested on several occasions.
Secret of the Sands is a romantic adventure, the story jumps from Britain, to Muscat to the wilds of the Arabian desert. I have found myself thinking of this book long after I finished the last page so I would highly recommend that you check it out.

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