Review: If I Could Turn Back Time

Author: Nicola Doherty
Publisher: Headline Review
Release Date: 10th April 2014
Pages: 368
Genre: Chick-Lit, Romantic Comedy

Source: Book Bridgr

Synopsis

What if you found The One, then lost him again?

Or not so much lost him as became the neurotic, needy girlfriend from hell. The girl who tried to make him choose between her and his job, and got seriously paranoid about his relationship with his best female friend...

Zoe knows she doesn't deserve another chance with David. But if there's the tiniest possibility of making things right, she'll snatch it. Even if it means breaking the laws of physics to do so...

Review

Zoe is devastated when her boyfriend David breaks up with her. She knows she hasn't been the model girlfriend but is convinced he is the one for her. When Zoe wakes up one morning a few months before she went to sleep, she's ecstatic! None of the mistakes she made with David have happened yet and she's able to do a re-write. How will Zoe edit her life and what will she learn about herself in the process?

I must admit I have a soft spot for romantic comedies. I love the combination of love and laughter. If I Could Turn Back Time had me laughing throughout, Zoe got herself into some right situations. This book was a breath of fresh air which I really enjoyed  reading.

Zoe is a brilliant main character. She is very easy to relate to, I think most women can think of events in their life that they would love to re-write! It is really interesting to see the effect Zoe has on other people as she changes events in her past. You get the feeling very quickly that not everything will go to plan. Zoe does make mistakes, but I was rooting for her to figure things out.

I really love Zoe's best friend Rachel and flatmate Max. Rachel is ambitious but also a brilliant friend to Zoe and Max may not be the perfect room-mate but is a good friend of Zoe's all the same. Even the enemy Jenny is fun to read about. She plays the first class bitch to perfection!

It was brilliant to read about Zoe's job in fashion. I loved hearing about all the latest trends, as well as the ins and outs of working in a department store. It appears that a lot of work goes into predicting next season's trends and it looks like Zoe has a knack for nailing the up-and-coming fashions much to the amazement of her colleagues.

If I Could Turn Back Time was an absolutely fabulous read, one which will stick with me for a long time. Nicola Doherty has ultimately shown that everything happens for a reason and changing our past may not actually make us happy.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: 5 Years Time by Noah and the Whale

Review: Unleashing Mr Darcy

Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher: Harlequin Mira
Release Date: 4th April 2014
Pages: 361
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge of thirty must be in want of a husband.

Not true for Manhattanite Elizabeth Scott. Instead of planning a walk down the aisle, she's crossing the pond with the only companion she needs; her darling dog, Bliss. Caring for a pack of show dogs in England seems the perfect distraction from the scandal that ruined her teaching career, and her reputation, in New York. What she doesn't count on is an unstoppable attraction to billionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. The London tycoon's a little bit arrogant, a whole lot sexy, and the chemistry between them is disarming. When passion is finally unleashed, might Elizabeth hope to take home more than a blue ribbon?

Review

Elizabeth Scott jumps at the opportunity to seek refuge in England with her dog Bliss when her teaching career in New York is engulfed in disgrace. England is the retreat she is looking for whilst the scandal in New York dies down. Looking after a group of show dogs and competing in England's finest dog shows is an added bonus. What Elizabeth doesn't expect is to be blown away by the smug and gorgeous dog show judge Donovan Darcy. How will Elizabeth react to the undeniable chemistry between her and Mr Darcy?

This fun twist on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice was a new take on the classic novel. Teri Wilson put a chick-lit spin on the original which made this an easy but pleasant read. I loved seeing London from an American's perspective, it definitely put a new and interesting spin on things. I must admit there were a few clichés in there that weren't necessarily true, but I would definitely recommend overlooking these as the story beneath is worth it. 

Donovan Darcy was a brilliant leading man. I would say he represented all those men out there that frustrate you more than anything but in the end you know they're worth it! The insight into Darcy's world was definitely an experience, even though I live in England myself I forget that the high class that Darcy belongs to still exists.

One of my favourite things about the book was the change in narrator - the book was written in both Elizabeth and Darcy's point of view. You can see them develop feelings for each other as the book progressed, even if they couldn't!

I really enjoyed this retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Teri Wilson and will be recommending it to any lovers of updated classics.

4/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Chasing Pavements by Adele 

Review: Take A Look At Me Now

Author: Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 24th October 2013
Pages: 401
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

How far would you go to make a new start?

When Nell’s on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, losing her job is the last thing she expects.

Heartbroken and unemployed to boot, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to the untested waters of San Francisco.

But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

Review

This is my first Miranda Dickinson novel and it certainly will not be my last - what a fabulous read! I am ashamed that I haven't read her books before.

When Nell walks into her office she has no idea it will be for the last time. Nell is left shocked when her on-off boyfriend Aidan tells her she's being made redundant and sends her on her way. Nell takes her broken heart and redundancy pay straight to a travel agency and books herself an 8 week trip to San Francisco. Will living in a brand new city with her cousin Lizzie heal her scars and allow her to plan her future or will her past continue to haunt her?

To be honest I really just want to gush about how amazing this book is! Miranda drew me in from the very beginning and I could not put this book down. Miranda describes San Francisco with such realistic detail - I could see Nell's view of the Golden Gate Bridge, I was there as Nell and Lizzie wandered round the Haight-Ashbury neighbourhood. In fact, I am so enthralled by this book San Francisco has moved to the top of my bucket list!

Nell is such an amazing character. She is strong-willed and brave to visit San Francisco - a place she has never visited before. She meets some fabulous people on her journey, including the tough cookie Annie and the drop-dead gorgeous Max. I was left drooling when reading about the mouth-watering food Annie serves up in her diner. I loved learning about the mysterious Max who appeared to have many secrets - this added extra suspense to the book.

The kids at the school where Nell volunteers were complete sweethearts. Seeing San Francisco through a child's eyes is brilliant. I have a major soft spot for Eva, a little girl with a love of Mary Poppins and a humongous heart.

Miranda has written a heart-warming, romantic, emotionally driven book that will stay with me for a very long time. It is a book that has encouraged me to follow my dreams, to get out there and do something new and to most of all appreciate the help of people around me.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Always Where I Need To Be by The Kooks

Review: A Cinderella Christmas

Author: Holly Kingston
Publisher: Novelicious
Release Date: 15th November 2013
Pages: 100
Genre: Chick-Lit
Source: From the publisher - thank you!

Synopsis

Lucy Tilley dreams of a career in show business. But this isn't quite what she had in mind...

This year's Cinderella pantomime is the hottest production in town. What's more, Lucy is starring alongside Ryan Aspall: famous TV actor, sex symbol and potential love of her entire life. One teeny problem - Lucy is tripping the light fantastic as... the back end of the comedy cow. Surely nothing kills a flirty moment quite like wearing a massive set of udders?

At least she has the support of glamorous (if potentially flammable) Charmaine; a reality star diva of a Cinderella, who Lucy is completely fascinated by. But behind the fame and beauty, Charmaine is not all she seems.

With more drama off the stage than on it, and everyone wanting to be star of the show, will Lucy find the confidence to make it out of the cow suit and into the spotlight this Christmas?

Review
Personally I love a good pantomime, the drama and laughter is so infectious! Pantomimes really brighten up the Christmas period so when the opportunity to read this novella came along I knew I would enjoy it - and I wasn't disappointed.

Lucy Tilley has always dreamt of treading the boards as the leading lady in a show... being the back end of a cow was not what she had in mind. When the opportunity to star in the Cinderella pantomime comes along, Lucy is ecstatic to be working with reality star Charmaine and heart throb Ryan Aspall. What Lucy soon realises is wearing a cow costume is not the best way to entice a gorgeous superstar. Will Lucy succeed at mixing with the celebrities and capturing the heart of Ryan or is she destined to babysit Charmaine's dog Lenin for the duration of the Christmas period?

There were so many laughs to be had whilst reading this novella, the comedic timing was brilliant! I got to spend some time with the lovely sweet Lucy, who wants to kick her stage fright into touch and become a big star whilst learning to fit in with the likes of Charmaine and Ryan. Lucy was down-to-earth and really loveable, she was working really hard to try and follow her dreams.

Charmaine was the diva of all divas! She has a very peculiar outlook on life and doesn't seem to have any real friends which made me feel sorry for her at first, but then I found out how devious she really was. She was your classic pantomime villain - not a fairytale princess!

Holly Kingston has wrote a really sweet novella that had me completely absorbed from start to end. I must admit I have a soft spot for Charmaine's dog Lenin who stole the show for me! I will be looking out for more books from Holly Kingston in the future.

 4/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Cinderella Shoe by Alesha Dixon

Review: Christmas at Carrington's

Author: Alexandra Brown
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 5th December 2013
Pages: 365
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

Carrington’s Department store is thrown into a spin when the staff learn that a hot new reality TV show is to be filmed in-store, featuring the formidable retail guru, Kelly Cooper. Georgie Hart, in charge of Luxury Handbags, is reluctant, but quickly realises that the show could give Carrington’s a new lease of life. With Christmas around the corner, she’s also hoping that the season will deliver her the perfect Christmas present, in the form of Tom, the store’s dishy boss.

When the film crew arrive, things start to go wrong. One of Tom’s old flames, Zara, is working on the show and then, to top things off, Tom and Zara are sent off to Paris and New York for a spot of extra filming. When Georgie settles down in front of the box to watch the first show, worse it to come – Georgie is shown in a far from flattering light and she is horrified to learn what Tom has been up to.

Georgie fears this is turning out to be the worst Christmas ever, but Santa might have a got a little surprise in store for her stocking this year – but she’ll just have to wait until Christmas to find out!

Review

Georgie loves her job at Carrington's department store and being in charge of the Luxury Handbags section. It's Christmas time and her and Carrington's boss Tom are continuing to hit it off, what could possibly go wrong? What she's not banking on is TV show ‘Kelly Cooper Comes Instore’ taking over Carrington's and giving it a makeover that Georgie is not comfortable with. To top it all off Tom is romantically linked with Zara, the daughter of Kelly Cooper. Will Georgie get the perfect Christmas she's dreamed of or will Santa have something else in store for her this year?

I am delighted to be back with Georgie Hart in the lovely town of Mulberry-on-Sea. Carrington's department store always sounds so amazing, I'd love to take a trip there myself. Georgie is back with her best friend Sam and the hilarious Eddie, both who fill this book with charm and lots of laughter. 

I love how Alexandra Brown has thrown a whole host of new characters into the mix. Kelly and Zara really ruffle some feathers in Carrington's and it's fab to see how everyone reacts. Christmas is such a magical time, especially in a department store, I think Alexandra captured the magic beautifully.

There is a big sense of community in Carrington's, the employees tend to stick together and support each other no matter what. It is interesting to see how attitudes change as the employees learn to except the TV show as part of their daily lives albeit dramas still ensue!

Alexandra has written an absolutely fabulous sequel to Cupcakes at Carrington's. I believe that Christmas at Carrington's is a book that can be enjoyed at any time of year. I am also excited for Ice Cream at Carrington's which is due out on 5th June. If you can't wait till then you can catch up with Georgie on twitter right now: @GeorgieHart.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: My Favourite Things by Julie Andrews

Blog Tour: How My Life Became Chaos by Victoria J. Brown + Giveaway!

Author: Victoria J. Brown
Publisher: Faris Publishing
Release Date: 16th January 2014
Pages: 318
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

Kat is pregnant after only being with Max for 6 months. Running her own beauty salon, dealing with her depressed alcoholic father, fighting battles with Max’s mother and facing ex-girlfriends, Kat isn’t sure if having a baby is the right thing to do. Her life feels like one big mess, whatever decision she makes will change her life either way.

Review
When I saw this book advertised, I knew I had to read it. This is a book about raw, unedited life, the kind of life that all of us have to live.

Kat has a lot on her plate in her day to day life without any unexpected surprises. Not only does she run her own beauty salon, which she has built from the ground up with a lot of care and attention, she has an alcoholic father, a sister who still acts like a small child and a new boyfriend complete with his interfering mother. And then she finds out she's pregnant...

I could not put this book down as I was genuinely interested in what Kat was going through. She is a very strong character, always trying to help others before she helps herself. I really empathised with how she was feeling, it didn't matter what was happening she always tried to stay positive. I also enjoyed reading about the other characters in Kat's life - her Dad, her Dad's partner Marianne, her sister Libby, her boyfriend Max and his mother Clare. They all had different influences over Kat's life which had me thinking about what is a 'normal' family dynamic these days. I am definitely led to think that as long as you're happy it doesn't matter!

I loved that this book was set in North Yorkshire! Living there myself lets me appreciate the scenery so much more. Victoria allowed me to see the flowing river, the country roads and the market towns with such clarity. It was beautiful and really added to the story.

I believe the overall message in this book is a message of hope and positive thinking. A lot of events, good and bad, happen to people in their lifetime but there is always a glimmer of hope, that silver lining. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Kat and her trials and tribulations, so much so that I'm already onto book number three in the Chaos series! 

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

Victoria has kindly agreed to give 50% of the profits to Hope for Holly, a charity set up to help Holly and others fight Leukaemia. Also, if readers buy a copy of the book and send proof of purchase to the author, they will be sent an ecopy of Daily Inspirational Messages 2014.

About the Author

Victoria J.Brown is a chick-lit author. While studying for her MA in Creative Writing she won a short story competition judged by Adele Parks. Although, Victoria holds a MA, she sees herself as a storyteller not a literary writer.

She is passionate about people following their dreams. She has written Annual Inspirational Books which provide daily motivational messages. Also being a qualified wedding planner and Managing Director of Calm Weddings, she has written 3 weddings books.

Author Website | Facebook | Twitter @victoriajbrown

The fantastic giveaway on this tour is 1, 2 and 3 of the Chaos series in one signed paperback copy!

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Review: Truly, Madly, Deeply

Author: Various
Publisher: Mills & Boon
Release Date: 21st February 2014
Pages: 384
Genre: Romance

Source: Thanks to Cara from Harlequin for sending me this book!

Synopsis

From wedding days to special anniversaries, steamy one-night encounters to everlasting loves. Truly, Madly, Deeply takes you on an unforgettable romantic adventure where love is really all you need.

This collection brings together all new specifically selected stories from star authors from the Romantic Novelists' Association including international bestsellers Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews, Adele Parks and Miranda Dickinson, and many, many more and is edited by Sue Moorcroft.

Review

First of all I must take a minute to say what a talented bunch of authors have created this book! No two stories were the same but every single one had me equally enthralled. This anthology was an absolutely pleasure to read.

I'm not usually a big reader of short stories. I often feel like the story has reached a premature end where either the character or the storyline could have been developed. This was certainly not the case with this collection. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything, each of the stories was perfectly balanced and I felt a warm glow inside when I finished each one. What was most wonderful about this book was that I could pick it up and read a story whenever I felt like it.

Romance was presented in so many ways in this anthology. There were weddings, anniversaries, make ups, break ups, old love, new love and so much more. I think it is apparent from the numerous settings in this book that love can strike at any time, any age or any location. Love can be grand, love can be secret, love can be anything you want it to be but if you look hard enough you will find it somewhere.

My favourite story was A Night To Remember by Nikki Moore. I think what drew me to this story was its resonance with real life. I'm not going to spoil the story but I could feel the emotions spilling out of the page - it was beautiful. 

I highly recommend this short story collection. I believe there is emotional power in every single one of the stories included in this collection and I cannot wait to hear more from the authors that contributed.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Love On Top by Beyonce

Review: Me and Mr Carrington

Author: Alexandra Brown
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 10th October 2013
Pages: 40
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

Georgie Hart can’t believe her luck. It looks like Tom, the hunky boss of Carrington’s Department Store, in the picture-postcard town of Mulberry-on-Sea, is as hot for her as she is for him. After a romantic Italian get-together leaves her on Cloud Nine, Georgie is brought back down to earth with a bump when she has to get back behind the counter of the Luxury Handbags section.

But when Georgie is left open-mouthed by a revelation from one of her well-heeled customers, it seems like Tom hasn’t been entirely honest with her. Has Georgie done her usual trick of adding two and two together to make five?

Review
Georgie Hart is a very happy girl. Having bagged herself the hottest man in Mulberry-on-Sea, Mr Tom Carrington, she feels like the luckiest girl in the world. But leaving Tom behind in Italy on business after their romantic rendezvous might be harder than Georgie realises. When her customers come in gossiping about Tom and his Italian adventures, Georgie becomes more than a bit worried. Has Georgie overstepped the mark and presumed too much about her and Tom's relationship? Will all be well when Tom returns home?

Me and Mr Carrington was a welcome treat from Alexandra Brown. It was the perfect way to break up the time between Cupcakes at Carrington's and Christmas at Carrington's. This short story was a fun and easy read with some fantastic returning characters. Georgie is a relatable main character and for that reason this story has extra charm that you don't find in all books. Even though Me and Mr Carrington was a short story I didn't feel like anything was missing. It was a perfectly contained story all by itself.

This book is great for a catch up with Georgie and the gang. Eddie is funny and quick with his remarks and Sam is there to support Georgie whatever happens. I also really loved one of Carrington's customers, the Countess. She was hilarious without even meaning to be! I will definitely be recommending this book to all fans of the Carrington's series.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Summer Boy by Lady GaGa

Review: I Heart Christmas

Author: Lindsey Kelk
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 21st November 2013
Pages: 384
Genre: Chick-Lit

Source: NetGalley

Synopsis

Angela’s planning her very own fairytale of New York…

• Enormous Christmas tree
• Eggnog
• Eccentric British traditions
• Gorgeous man

But Santa’s throwing her a few curveballs – new job (as if it’s not mental enough already), new baby-craze from her best friend Jenny, and Alex determined they should grow up and settle down. Once friends start turning up uninvited on her doorstep (and leading her astray), can Angela really have a merry little Christmas? So much for happy holidays – something’s got to give…

Review

There are two reasons why I was crazily excited for this book. One: Christmas in New York, what could be any better?! Two: Angela is back! I've really missed Angela's madness and I was desperate to know what she was like in the Christmas period.

Angela has planned the perfect Christmas holidays in New York. She's booked time off from her new job, planned some lovely Christmas themed activities for her and husband Alex and she's looking forward to some relaxation time. What Angela didn't factor into her plan were her family and friends. Angela's best friend Jenny has a rather special gift in mind this year - a baby and Angela's family have Christmas plans of there own. With all this to bare in mind Angela isn't sure how her Christmas will work out after all.

This book really was a laugh a minute. One of my favourite lines in the entire book had to be:
"‘And I want a unicorn to fly me to work every day but that’s not going to happen, is it?’
‘Unicorns don’t fly!’ Jenny shouted.
'That’s not the point!’ I shouted back."

I was in stitches! The relationship between Angela and Jenny was as brilliant as ever. Watching them deal with life's dramas added to the hilarity, they have such a unique way of dealing with their problems.

It was definitely interesting to catch up with the gorgeous man in Angela's life: Mr Alex Reid. Alex is ready to settle down and have grown up conversations about future plans which as you can imagine freaks Angela out and provides a whole other host of problems for her. I love that Alex is maturing and thinking about the future, he's a man with the full package: good looking and the perfect man for a long term relationship!

I loved reading about Christmas in New York. The huge Christmas trees, ice skating in Central Park - it all sounded so magical and I could completely appreciate why Angela felt that Christmas was a special time of year. Lindsey Kelk has such a fantastic writing style that kept my immersed in the story and eager to read on to find out what other messes Angela and co. had got themselves into!

Another absolute kicker from Lindsey Kelk, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'll be eagerly anticipating Angela's next appearance!

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding

Review: There's More to Life Than Cupcakes

Author: Poppy Dolan
Publisher: Novelicious
Release Date: 10th October 2013
Pages: 295
Genre: Chick-Lit

Source: Received a copy from the publisher - thank you!

Synopsis

Ellie Redford has a husband, a job and a home. According to the rest of the world, it’s baby o’clock already. Shame life doesn’t come with a recipe…

Ellie knows that starting a family with lovely husband Pete would be an amazing adventure. Pete would make a brilliant dad and she’d have an excuse to eat shed loads of Cherry Bakewell. But Ellie’s bestie would rather she was up at 3am with a bottle of Malibu, not formula. And with redundancies looming, Ellie’s boss isn’t exactly going to throw her a shower if she disappears for a year, with pay.

While Ellie juggles her feelings (and everyone else’s) as competently as a drunken clown, she finds herself signing up for a baking class, alongside the young, free and sizzling hot Joe. As they work buns and shape tarts, is there more to their friendship than a shared appreciation of Paul Hollywood?

Ellie’s soufflés may be rising, but her personal life is one big soggy mess. If she doesn't make a decision soon, she may just lose everything that matters to her. Maybe it's time to take off the pinny and face up to the truth: there’s more to life than cupcakes...

Review

Ellie Redford is perfectly happy with her life. She has a husband who adores her, a lovely home to live in and a job that she is happy with. Whilst she is content with her life, it appears everyone else is waiting for the baby news. But is she ready for the next step? When Ellie's friend Lydia asks her to attend a baking class to stake out a hot guy, Ellie decides to play along. There's nothing better than baking some culinary delights to take your mind off life's stresses. But with crazy in-laws, a best friend who is not feeling the baby fever and added pressure from her own parents, will Ellie be able to figure out the baby mess before someone else makes the decision for her?

First of all I must say I really enjoyed this book. The main character Ellie was a delight to read about and how could I not empathise with a girl who loves The Great British Bake Off as much as I do. It was a refreshing change to read about a woman who is happily married to a great guy, Pete was so supportive of Ellie which I loved. Ellie was down-to-earth, thoughtful and so funny - I laughed like a loon whilst reading this book. I loved Ellie's baking family, Hannah and Joe. The baking goodies that these three cooked up had me practically drooling. My advice for this book is to have some sweet treat to hand - you're going to need it!

What I enjoyed most about this book was Ellie was just an average girl trying to figure out the best course of action for her life. Quite frequently in fiction the reader is faced with a main character who they have nothing in common with but Ellie was completely relatable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a sweet escape for a few hours. There may be more to life than cupcakes but I think cupcakes definitely make life that little bit better!

4/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Army of Two by Olly Murs.

Review: Wing Girl

Author: Nic Tatano
Publisher: Harper Impulse
Release Date: 29th August 2013
Pages: 288
Genre: Chick-Lit

Source: Netgalley

Synopsis

Wing Girl: [wing-gurl] noun
1. A young, single woman frequenting liquor-serving establishments who attracts then later repels eligible men that are eventually picked up by her friends.
2. The essential accessory for dating in Manhattan.

For years guys have cruised bars using the "wing man" as a divide and conquer weapon designed to liberate a gorgeous woman from her not-so-beautiful friend.

Meet Belinda Carson, Wing Girl.

She's a kick-ass, take-no-prisoners investigative reporter fighting for truth, justice and higher ratings. But while her fame draws in the hotties, it’s unfortunate that you can’t buy a new personality at Bloomingdales!

Because up close and personal these unsuspecting suitors get fried by a snarky attitude that's sharp enough to slice a stale bagel… which leaves her grateful friends to swoop in for the delectable leftovers!

Only enough is enough – isn’t it time for Belinda to stop taking one for the team and land her own Mr Right?

Review

Belinda Carson AKA Wing Girl thinks she has it all going on. She's a very successful investigative reporter who does a lot of good for the people of New York City. The only thing missing in her life is a suitable man. With her fierce attitude, she has an awful habit of repelling men, leaving the leftovers to her friends. Is it time to let someone beyond the barriers and find her own happy ending?

I really loved Belinda. She is a strong female character who shows on a daily basis that she can be successful at work and maintain a social life - with a little help from her friends! Ariel, Roxanne and Serena were brilliant and I loved that they had distinct personalities and their own part to play in Belinda's life. In fact, I believe Belinda would be a little bit lost if she didn't have the strong grounding that her friends provide! Although Belinda mostly shows that tough exterior shell, the one that tells people not to mess with her, you can tell that she has a softer side hiding underneath.

I think New York was a fabulous setting for this book. From its wide variety of men to the beautiful backdrop of New York itself, Belinda definitely had a fighting chance of finding the man of her dreams - even if she didn't want to!

The butterflies inside me intensified as I read further into this story. I really did have a giggle as I read what Belinda and Co got up to, but I also felt sad as I read the more poignant moments in the story. The romance gradually builds up as Belinda begins to understand her feelings, although her plight isn't without its twists and turns! Overall, this book is very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good romantic comedy.

4/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Crazy Love by Michael Bublé

Review: Christmas Carol

Author: Michele Gorman
Publisher: Notting Hill Press
Release Date: 15th September 2013
Pages: 101
Genre: Christmas
Source: From the publisher - Thank you!

Synopsis

One winter wedding, two happy couples, three ex-boyfriends. And a very uncomfortable weekend.

Carol hates Christmas. Being recently dumped, she’s not crazy about weddings either. So her sister Marley’s nuptials, over the Christmas weekend, are making her positively Scrooge-like. When she arrives at the stately home in rural Scotland to find her three ex-boyfriends in attendance, Carol has no choice but to face her ghosts to discover what really happened in those relationships, learning a lot about herself in the process. As the snow falls outside and the fire crackles in the hearth, might one of the wedding guests become the harbinger of Christmases to come?

Review

It may only be October but this Christmas novella has really got me in the festive mood. I have never read a book by Michele Gorman before but I will definitely be adding her backlog to my TBR pile. I was engrossed in this story from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down!

Carol is not overly pleased when her sister Marley insists on having a Christmas wedding. She has never been a big fan of Christmas and having also being dumped recently, this wedding is bound to bring up bad feelings. Proceedings are not made any better when Carol finds out 3 of her ex-boyfriends have been invited to the wedding. This gives Carol a choice: should she embrace the Christmas celebrations and face up to her past or hide away and suppress all her feelings?

I loved the storyline in this book. It was pacey and interesting and I was always wanting to know what would happen next. The link with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens added an extra level to the story. I enjoyed the juxtaposition between Carol's story and Scrooge's story, they had a lot in common! Both hated Christmas time, both had pushed everyone away that they should have held close, they both needed to learn a lesson! The setting of snowy Scotland was magical! I felt like I was transported to a completely different world. I could imagine the snow falling and the coldness of the snowflakes melting on my skin.

I loved Carol. I know she was having trouble facing up to her past but she made me laugh so much! She had such a sarcastic sense of humour which I could completely understand, being rather sarcastic myself. I was really rooting for her to face up to her past mistakes, she was so set on thinking her ex-boyfriends had made all the mistakes, she'd never taken the time to sit and look at herself and the problems she had created. I also loved all the secondary characters in this story. The ex-boyfriends were actually nice people who enjoyed reading about and Carol's sister Marley was so happy it was just infectious.

Michele Gorman created a story that looked at relationships in a new and refreshing way. I was able to objectively look at Carol's life and look at all the different reasons relationships can go wrong and learn some important lessons along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to reading more books by Michele Gorman!

5/5 Stars 

My Song Choice: Let it Snow by Michael Bublé

Review: Annabelle

Author: Nancy Christie
Publisher: Pixel Hall Press
Release Date: 8th September
Pages: 28
Genre: Literary, Short Story
Source: From the publisher - thank you!

Synopsis

We all have our fantasies—our hopes and dreams of what we want our future to be. But what happens when our fantasies are based on an erroneous interpretation of past events, when our hopes and dreams are so far from reality that they prevent us from having any kind of a normal life? A lonely young woman, all Annabelle wants is to love and be loved. But the twin emotions of fear and guilt, from a passion born on a summer day so many years ago, hold her fast.

Review

This may have been a short story but it had more impact then many full-length novels do. Annabelle is woman who is trapped by her past. Talking to her psychiatrist as an adult, she is torn between revealing her childhood troubles or keeping them a secret, locked up in her heart forever.

Annabelle's parents were more interested in each other then they were in their child. Her father was an artist, her mother his model. They spent a significant amount of time locked up in her father's studio painting and posing, leaving Annabelle alone to muddle her way through her own childhood. Now Annabelle has left her childhood behind, she has found she is struggling to cope with adult life and the time seems to have come where she must release her past.

Annabelle is a dark, traumatic and heart-breaking story of a girl who just wants to be loved. I felt sorry for Annabelle, I wanted to save her from her corrupt childhood and show her what love is. Nancy Christie evoked emotion from me for this lost little girl in such a short space of time. It takes a good writer to give you the detail you need in a short story without slowing the pace down but Nancy Christie did it brilliantly. Nancy Christie may have written a dark and chilling story but there are lessons to be learned and the message is clear: your family is important whether you want them to be or not. Nancy Christie has created a deeply colourful short story that will be thought-provoking to many, many people.

4/5 Stars

Review: Cupcakes at Carrington's

Author: Alexandra Brown
Publisher: Harper
Release Date: 17th January 2013
Pages: 401
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

Georgie Hart loves her job – running the luxury handbag concession at Carrington's Department store in the pretty seaside town of Mulberry-On-Sea, and treating herself (once too often!) to a red velvet cupcake with buttercream icing in Carrington's café.

But Georgie is thrown into disarray when Carrington's is plunged into a recession-busting makeover, cueing the arrival of femme fatale Maxine, who wields the axe in her immaculately-manicured hands.

It spells a recipe for disaster for Georgie and soon she is fighting not only for her job, but also for the attentions of her gorgeous boss, James. And when hot newcomer Tom arrives, who may or may not be the best thing since sliced bread, Georgie must decide where her loyalties really lie…


Review Alexandra Brown had me at the word cupcake! From the gorgeous cover to the delicious title, I knew this book was the one for me. I'm partial to a cupcake or 5 so I was looking forward to finding out what Cupcakes at Carrington's had in store.
Georgie feels like the luckiest girl in the world working at Carrington's Department Store. Not only does she spend her days surrounded by designer bags and other luxury items, her best friend Sam runs Carrington's Café, the perfect place to pop in for a red velvet cupcake. Everything is pretty cushty at work until Maxine is forced upon them like a case of the plague. Maxine's job is to make sure Carrington's can weather the recession storm and she doesn't take ANY prisoners.

Now not only does Georgie have to fight to keep her job, she has to compete against her boss James, who may or may not be flirting with her of late. And when the gorgeous new employee Tom is thrown into the mix Georgie is struggling to keep her life under control.

This book was a breath of fresh air from the more 'heavy' books I have been reading lately. Georgie is a likeable main character, she is relatable, kind and a good friend. I also adored Georgie's friends Sam and Eddie! Sam and Georgie have been friends since they were little girls and are still as close as ever. Their friendship felt very real and I could feel how close they were through Alexandra's writing. And Eddie... I need a friend like Eddie! He was the sweetest guy ever and gossip queen of Carrington's - no gossip could get passed his radar.

Alexandra Brown has come up with the perfect recipe. There were great characters, plenty of laughs, delicious cupcakes, a bit of mystery and plenty of romance in the air. But what made this book extra special was that Alexandra incorporated a serious undertone to the story. Georgie has to deal with some rather serious problems in her personal life that are handled with a lot of tact and understanding.

I really enjoyed Cupcakes at Carrington's and I cannot wait for the sequel Christmas at Carrington's which is out 7th November. 

4/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Boys and Girls by Pixie Lott

Review: The Sea Sisters

Author: Lucy Clarke

Publisher: Harper

Release Date: 9th May 2013

Pages: 400

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery

Synopsis

Two sisters, one life-changing journey…

There are some currents in the relationship between sisters that run so dark and so deep, it’s better for the people swimming on the surface never to know what’s beneath . . .

Katie’s carefully structured world is shattered by the news that her headstrong younger sister, Mia, has been found dead in Bali – and the police claim it was suicide.

With only the entries of Mia’s travel journal as her guide, Katie retraces the last few months of her sister’s life, and – page by page, country by country – begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her death.

What she discovers changes everything. But will her search for the truth push their sisterly bond – and Katie – to breaking point?

Review

When I picked this book up from my local library, I did not know what to expect. I had heard very good things so I was expecting something great but I don't think I realised what a fantastic story I had fallen upon at the time.

Katie is devastated when her sister Mia is found dead in Bali, and to make things worse the police claim it was suicide. Now everything Katie believed she knew about her sister is thrown into question - had life become so bad for Mia that she felt she had to commit suicide? Katie decides to leave her carefully planned life behind and go searching for answers. Following Mia's travel journal, Katie travels to some of the most beautiful places in the world. But what murky mysteries lie in wait for Katie as she traces through the last few months of Mia's life?

This book literally blew me away. Lucy Clarke truly amazed me with her depth and understanding of family relationships. Katie is the responsible sister, she is sensible, thoughtful and never dives head first into anything without a plan. Mia is a risk-taker, she goes wherever the wind takes her and seizes any opportunity thrown her way - she is a free spirit at heart. Katie and Mia may seem like polar opposites but Lucy Clarke gradually reveals their true feelings and brings some clarity to the complex relationship that Katie and Mia have.

Not only do we follow Katie's journey in this story but Mia's travels are also recounted. The narrative flowed seamlessly between Mia and Katie in a way that made the story extra special. I really enjoyed taking a tour of all the locations Lucy Clarke took me to. Her descriptions were colourful and vivid, she painted the picture of each specific place fantastically. Each place had its' own specific vibe, and Lucy caught these vibes with such authenticity I felt I was there following my own journey.

Lucy Clarke sent me on an emotional roller coaster that both broke my heart and warmed my soul. It will be a journey I will never forget. If this book teaches you anything it is that you should confront your emotions and always listen to your heart. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be taken on an emotional and fulfilling ride in the comfort of your own home.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Hey, Soul Sister by Train

Review: Lying to Meet You

Author: Anna Garner
Release Date: 5/09/13
Pages: 328
Genre: Chick-Lit
Source: Review Copy from Anna Garner

Synopsis
Does being in a relationship make you a hot commodity in the eyes of would-be suitors?

Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.

However…

Opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?


Review This is Anna Garner's first book under her own name and I love it. Having previously used her pen name of Libby Mercer she decided to revert to her real name for this longer, grittier chick-lit novel. And what a fabulous story she has created!
Meet Chloe Lane. Between fashion designing and running her boutique, there is little time for finding a suitable man. And why does it always seem like men are only interested in the chase? Enter Ethan Webster. When Ethan comes up with a plan to enter into a fake relationship Chloe decides to play along. She doesn't have a particular target right now but going on dates with her childhood friend sounds like fun.
Enter William Shannon. When Chloe is asked to feature as a judge on  reality show she is over the moon at the opportunity. However it's not just stage fright that's playing on her nerves. William Shannon, her fellow judge is ultra rich and amazingly hot - what is a girl to do?! Chloe now had to juggle the boutique, friends, her fake relationship as well as working on William Shannon, can Chloe cope with all the new additions in her life?
This was such an amazing storyline. It often seems like men are interested in unavailable women so I was interested to see how Chloe and Ethan's experiment would play out. I really loved Chloe. She was hard-working, down to earth and easy to empathise with, which made her a wonderful main character. Ethan was such a lovely man, I wanted him to be my boyfriend - fake or otherwise!
The detail Anna Garner put into this book was fabulous. I got a real insight into the world of fashion and with the descriptions Anna gave I could 100% see the designs Chloe created. I love a girl who's in fashion so Chloe was the perfect character to take me on a tour of New York! This book was unputdownable, especially towards the end, I could not wait to find out what was in store for Chloe and Ethan. I believe this book really showcased Anna Garner's talent and  I will be seeking out Anna's books in the future!
4/5 Stars
My Song Choice: Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys

Review: Midsummer Magic

Author: Julia Williams

Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 6/06/13

Pages: 353
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

Recently engaged Josie is visiting her parents in Cornwall with best friend Diane, fiancée Harry and his pal Ant. Josie can’t wait to start wedding planning, if only Harry was more interested, and Diane and Ant weren’t at war with each other.

As the four make amends over a drink in the local pub, they meet Freddie Puck, a well known TV hypnotist and find themselves agreeing to a dare – to stay out all night on the hills by the standing stones.

Local mythology says a young married couple will find true happiness if they can last a whole night there on Midsummer’s Eve. But as night time falls, not everyone seems to have remembered the boundaries of love…

Review
I was immediately drawn in by the cover of this book! I know they always say don't judge a book by its' cover but wow this one is just so pretty. I have heard good things about Julia Williams' books so I was looking forward to reading Midsummer Magic.

Josie is over the moon when her boyfriend Harry proposes. She cannot wait to dive head first into wedding planning with the help of her best friend Diane. To celebrate, Josie, Harry, Diane and Harry's friend Ant decide to visit Josie's parents in Cornwall to partake in pre-wedding celebrations. Josie just wants to settle down in the countryside, spend some time with her family and friends and plan her dream wedding but it's not that easy. Harry doesn't seem as keen to get married as he once did and Diane and Ant have a secret that is causing them to fight like cats and dogs.

When the gang decide to take some time out and go to the local pub they bump into celebrity TV hypnotist Freddie Puck. After some gentle persuasion the four of them are persuaded to take part in a Midsummer Night's dare. Will they find true happiness and ever-lasting love or will their lives change forever for all the wrong reasons?

I enjoyed having multiple narrators in this book. It meant I could really see what motivated the main characters. I think Diane was my favourite character of them all. She was very honest and a very good friend. I could empathise with her more than any of the others as she was so likeable.

The subject of hypnotism is very fascinating to me. The thought of someone being able to influence the mind without the owner's permission is scary but interesting. The way Julia Williams approached this subject was thought-provoking but still kept an air of mysteriousness. It made me wonder how I would react if I had been hypnotised!

I loved that Midsummer Magic had a Shakespeare tie-in. Having studied A Midsummer Night's Dream in school I loved analysing the juxtaposition of storylines. It was fun to draw comparisons between the two works and decide which of Julia Williams' characters represented Shakespeare's characters.

Julia Williams described the Cornwall countryside so vividly I felt like I was there with the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading her descriptions, it sounded like a beautiful area to set this book in and it is a place I am now determined to visit.

Review: Wicked Wives

Author: Anna-Lou Weatherley
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: 18/07/13
Pages: 466
Genre: Contemporary

Synopsis
A tale of intrigue, revenge and excess…

When the ‘Blue Angel’ yacht is found abandoned off the coast of Antigua and Playboy and Casino owner, Tom Black, who was on board is pronounced missing, foul-play is suspected. After all, the serial gambler and womaniser has made plenty of enemies.

As events come to light however, the finger of suspicion points to three women in particular – and the men they’re married to.

Ellie Scott, the beautiful socialite with a dubious past; Loretta Fiorentino, the fame-seeking gold-digger and Victoria Mayfield, the glamorous successful author.

Full of intrigue, revenge and decadence, this is a tale you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Review

After absolutely adoring Anna-Lou Weatherley's first book Chelsea Wives I knew I had to get my hands on this one! Anna has a talent for creating complex intriguing tales that have you hooked from the first page. Her stories are full of powerful women and shady men who live in an elite world we couldn't even dream of...
When serial gambler and Playboy Tom Black disappears off the 'Blue Angel' yacht there are several suspects to contend with. Tom Black has a bad habit of making enemies out of people. His womanising ways have never left him - you know what they say about a woman scorned. Has one of these women finally caught up with him?
Ellie Scott is the ultimate story of rags to riches and has spend her whole life trying to bury her past. Loretta Fiorentino is a cold-hearted gold-digger who will claw her way to the top not caring who she hurts in the process. Victoria Mayfield is a successful author who has made her own fortune but has a secret which is threatening to throw her over the edge. All three women and their husbands have there own axe to grind with Tom Black but could any of them have actually done the dirty deed?
I enjoyed having three main characters to devour in this book. At first the women seem unconnected but as the story develops we get to see how their paths cross. Anna-Lou Weatherley created characters that were so complex and dimensional that I did not see the plot twists coming at all! Ellie, Victoria and Loretta have so many layers that made this book such a mysterious and captivating read.
Ellie is the sweet girl with the humble beginnings who has married into this high-class world. She has worked very hard to keep her past a secret but there are no secrets in a world full of gossiping women with no end to the amount of money they can spend. 
Victoria has made her own fortune but is fighting her demons the whole way. She may have a successful career and a loving husband but she is finding it more and more difficult to keep up her façade and her mask is starting to slip. 
Loretta is just your average money-grabbing, social climbing bitch who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She has played her way to the top and is under no circumstances going to let anyone bring her back down. Loretta was a character I loved to read about. It was interesting to see what motivates her in her scheming ways.
Anna-Lou Weatherley has given us a mysterious and exciting insight into the secret world of the rich and famous. She has presented us with an array of characters to give us just the right amount of excitement, revenge, sex, money, gorgeous men and enough gossip to keep you going for years! This is one of my favourite books of 2013 so far and I cannot wait for further books from Anna-Lou Weatherley.
5/5 Stars
My Song Choice: Billionaire by Travie McCoy and Bruno Mars

Review: About a Girl

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Publisher: Harper

Release Date: 4/07/13

Pages: 416
Genre: Chick-Lit

Synopsis

I’d lost my job. I’d lost the love of my life. My mum wasn’t talking to me. My best friend was epically pissed off. And my flatmate probably had a hit out on me by now. I never meant for things to get so out of hand…

Tess Brookes has always been a Girl with a Plan. But when her carefully constructed Plan goes belly up, she’s forced to reconsider.

After accidently answering her flatmate Vanessa’s phone, she decides that since being Tess isn’t going so well, why shouldn’t she try out being Vanessa? With nothing left to lose, she accepts Vanessa’s photography assignment to Hawaii – she used to be an amateur snapper, how hard can it be? Right?

But Tess is soon in big trouble – she isn’t a photographer, she isn’t Vanessa, and the gorgeous journalist on the shoot with her, who is making it very clear he’d like to get into her pants, is an egotistical monster.

Far from home and in someone else’s shoes, Tess must decide whether to fight on through, or ‘fess up and run…

Review Lindsey is back with a brand new book and a brand new character! Having devoured the I Heart... series I could not wait to embark on Tess Brookes' adventure. I was not disappointed! 
Tess has had her life planned out from a young age. She had spent 7 years carving out her career path to Creative Director when she is sacked unceremoniously with absolutely no warning. To escape the mess that has become of her life, Tess jets off to Hawaii under her flatmate's name and takes on  her photography job. How hard can it be to play the part of Vanessa and take a few pictures? Tess is about to find out!
Tess finds herself in beautiful Hawaii with breathtaking scenery and a new gay best friend - Kekipi, who is the perfect guy to show her the sights. However not all is perfect, she has to work with an arrogant journalist, Nick, who knows exactly what buttons to press to get her riled up. Can Tess resist Nick's advances and stay strictly professional on the job?
I thought Tess was a really great character. I sympathised with her when her life fell apart and I thought it took real guts to take a step away from her life and go to Hawaii - even if she did take her flatmate's place! I laughed when she laughed, I cried when she cried and I felt I was completely involved in her story. She was such a funny character and I found this really refreshing. 
Nick was such an arse! I wanted to punch him at first for being an arrogant pig but in the end who doesn't love a bad boy?! As more and more layers of this gorgeous man are revealed, I warmed to him and I really liked what was inside his steely interior.
Lindsey has created another stunning book. The one liners were hilarious and I found myself laughing out loud in a variety of situations. Hawaii was such a stunning place and I felt that Lindsey described the location amazingly. I could clearly imagine the soft white sand and the turquoise blue sea. A brilliant summer read which I will be recommending to all my friends. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
5/5 Stars
My Song Choice: Get Lucky by Daft Punk No explanation needed ;)

Review: The White Queen

Author: Philippa Gregory

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Release Date: 18/08/09

Pages: 444

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

Internationally bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings the tumult and intrigue of The Wars of the Roses to vivid life through the women of the House of Lancaster and the House of York, beginning with the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. A woman who won the love of a king and ascended to royalty by virtue of her beauty, Elizabeth fought tenaciously for the success of her family -- her daughter who would one day unite the warring dynasties, and her two sons whose eventual fate has confounded historians for centuries: the Princes in the Tower. An active player in the power struggles that surrounded her, she made hard and courageous choices, always trying to protect those whom she loved. Informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills, Philippa Gregory gives an unforgettable voice to an extraordinary woman at the heart of a devastating conflict.

Review

This is actually the first historical fiction novel I have read and I really enjoyed it. I think Philippa Gregory was the perfect author to introduce me to this genre. The War of the Roses was a fantastic backdrop for this novel and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of England.

When Elizabeth Woodville's husband Sir John Grey dies in battle, she is left with nothing. Her husband's lands are confiscated and her young sons, Thomas and Richard, are left without an inheritance. Elizabeth is a loyal Lancastrian but must approach the Yorkist King Edward IV to retrieve her sons' lands. What Elizabeth does not count on is falling in love with this Yorkist King - her sworn enemy.

It is love at first sight for Edward and Elizabeth. They marry in secret to curb any opposition to their union - it was uncommon in those days to marry for love. Edward was expected to marry a foreign princess, not a commoner like Elizabeth. Elizabeth faces resistance as soon as she is crowned Queen of England - many people believed she bewitched the King to marry her. How will she deal with the challenges that are presented to her during these hard times of the Cousin's War?

I found Elizabeth a likeable narrator, she was a very strong woman and very ambitious. When history is studied, men are the main focus of a historian's research and it is refreshing to see the War of the Roses through a woman's eyes, especially one who I think has been overlooked.

What I found interesting about this book is that Elizabeth and her Mother Jacquetta are portrayed as witches. They were supposedly descended from Melusina the water goddess. Whenever a situation was not falling in Elizabeth's favour, Jacquetta and Elizabeth would turn to their ancestor for some other-worldly help. I enjoyed this aspect of the book, the magic gave the story another dimension.

Philippa Gregory entwines fact and fiction together beautifully. Where historical information was not available, Philippa used her own imagination and knowledge of the characters to add to the story of Elizabeth herself. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series.

5/5 Stars

My Song Choice: Wicked Game by Coves
This is the music used for the TV series The White Queen. It gives me goosebumps listening to it!