Book Review: The First Last Kiss by Ali Harris

Can you let go of the past when you know what is in the future?

And when you know that every kiss is a countdown to goodbye?
This is the story of a love affair, of Ryan and Molly and they how they fell in love and were torn apart.
The first time Molly kissed Ryan, she knew they'd be together forever. Six years and thousands of kisses later she's married to the man she loves. But today, when Ryan kisses her, Molly realises how many of them she wasted because the future holds something which neither of them could ever have predicted.

I loved Ali Harris's last book Miracle on Regent Street. The First Last Kiss has a very different feel but is just as brilliant. Ali Harris delivers the love story of Molly and Ryan whose relationship spans 20 years. We jump back and forth, in the present Molly is packing up her house and we know that Ryan has gone but you have to read the whole book in order to discover where. The past covers the whole of their relationship, the awkward teenage years, highs, lows, house moves, contentment and disappointment. I really enjoyed the format of the book, it allows the reader to get to know Molly and Ryan and all of those around them.
Each chapter begins with a page detailing a type of kiss, these include; The Kiss to End All Kisses, The Remorseful Kiss, The Judas Kiss and The Tell Me It's Not True Kiss. Some of these kisses are kisses that Molly and Ryan have shared and some they haven't. It's such an interesting part of the book, it really makes you think of the kisses you have taken part in in your life and the moments when they took part.
I felt that Molly and Ryan's relationship was very realistic. It's not all hearts and flowers, they show how much work a relationship takes and the compromises that have to be made. There were times when I disliked Molly a little as I felt that she was sometimes selfish. Yet I think that she changes a lot throughout the book and her regrets are heartfelt.
The First Last Kiss is a heart warming read. It had me laughing and crying but most importantly it made me think of the bigger picture and be grateful for my lot in life. You will not be disappointed with this book, Ali Harris has given us a modern day love story that I highly recommend.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Many thanks to the people at Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to review, The First Last Kiss is published on January 17th and I urge you to go get a copy!

Book Review: Miracle on Regent Street by Ali Harris

For the past two years, Evie Taylor has lived an invisible existence in London, a city she hoped would bring sparkle to her life. But all that is about to change. For winter has brought a flurry of snow and unexpected possibilities. Hidden away in the basement of Hardy's- once London's most elegant department store- Evie manages the stockroom of a shop whose glory days have long since passed.
When Evie overhears that Hardy's is at risk of being sold, she secretly hatches a plan. If she can reverse the store's fortunes by December 26th- three weeks away and then transform it into a magical destination once again, she might just be able to save it. But she's going to need every ounce of talent and determination she has, in fact, she's going to need a miracle.

This book is simply magical! I started in yesterday and finished it first thing this morning, I just didn't want to put it down.
Ali Harris has written a wonderful story about love, family, loyalty, friendship and most importantly following your dreams. Evie Taylor is instantly likeable; she has worked in the stockroom of Hardy's for more than two years but most of the staff don't even know her real name. This all changes when Evie learns that Hardy's is under threat. She comes up with a plan to save the store but to do this she is going to have to leave the stockroom and show everyone what she's really made of.
Throw into the mix Joel, the gorgeous American who has come to review Hardy's accounts; Sam the delivery guy who would perhaps like to more than good friends; her sister who is convinced that her husband is having an affair and a father that Evie feels she will never please. There are so many lovely characters in this book, especially those who work in the store; it is great to see how Evie brings them all together.
Hardy's is at the centre of the book and I loved imagining how it would look as Evie worked her magic. I couldn't help thinking that this book would make a great Christmas film; it's such a heart-warming story with lots of magical elements.
I can't recommend this book enough, Ali Harris's writing is superb. Don't let the book's festive theme put you off reading it in the new year. Reading it at Christmas time is a bonus but it would still be a great read at any time of the year. I was also very excited to read that Ali has a new book out in 2010 called The First Last Kiss, if it is anywhere near as good as this one then we are in for a treat.

Dot Scribbles Rating 5/5

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