The Woman at 72 Derry Lane By Carmel Harrington

The Woman at 72 Derry Lane By Carmel Harrington

carmel

 

On a leafy suburban street in Dublin, beautiful, poised Stella Greene lives with her successful husband, Matt. The perfect couple in every way, Stella appears to have it all. Next door, at number 72 however, lives Rea Brady. Gruff, bad-tempered and rarely seen besides the twitching of her net curtains, rumour has it she’s lost it all…including her marbles if you believe the neighbourhood gossip.

But appearances can be deceiving and when Stella and Rea’s worlds collide they realise they have much in common. Both are trapped in a prison of their own making.

Has help been next door without them realising it?

My Thoughts:

I found this a very powerful novel. It is about two ladies who live next door to each other and how their lives change when they meet each other. The story took me on a emotional rollercoaster, I found both of the ladies Stella and Rea stories really sad and was willing for a happy ending. From this story I realised that you are never alone and that you never know what is going on behind closed doors.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Woman-72-Derry-Lane-emotional-ebook

Paperback: pre-order as it is not released until November 16th.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Woman-72-Derry-Lane

Everybody’s Somebody By Beryl Kingston

Everybody’s Somebody By Beryl Kingston

beryl

Rosie Goodison is not one to shy away from life’s problems. Whether it’s finding work or challenging injustice, she squares her shoulders, sets her chin high and faces it full on. Born at the end of the nineteenth century, in the rural south of England and sent into service aged just twelve, Rosie quickly discovers that many people spend their lives toiling for very little reward, whilst others ‘have it all’.

Whilst working as a housekeeper Rosie starts to learn more and more about the world, gleaned from overheard conversations and discarded newspapers. This prompts a thirst for knowledge that will prevail for the rest of her life.

Rosie aspires to have a better life than that of her parents: better living and working conditions, better education for her children, to be able to vote, to be able to control how many children she has…

Without realising it, this young woman is blazing a trail for all of those who are to come after.

Whilst working in London, Rosie meets her sweetheart Jim, but The Great War puts paid to their plans, and she, along with the rest of society, must try to deal with the horrors and losses.

All that remains of Rosie now is a quartet of paintings in an art gallery. The artist is now famous, but the model is unnamed and forgotten; nobody of consequence.

But everybody has a life story.

Everybody’s Somebody.

My Thoughts:

I do like a good historical read especially when it is something I am interested in. This is Southern England up until 1939 and we see how Rosie Goodison copes with life as a twelve year old girl. It is a tale about a young girl who makes the best of what life throws at her. I found her a strong and determined young girl. The descriptions are very well detailed and very informative. I felt I learnt a great deal about that era from this book. I liked the dialogue too it made it more realistic. I hope there is a book two as it seemed like the ending wasn’t really finished with yet.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book for a honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everybodys-Somebody-Beryl-Kingston-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everybodys-Somebody-Beryl-Kingston

Doing Scary By Donald M. Bell

Doing Scary By Donald M. Bell

doing scary

This title will be released on October 5, 2017. 

Two marriages haunted by betrayal. Four people whose pursuit of the American Dream has taken a nightmarish turn.

Roman and Sage Bryant-Cole have spent nine months trying to salvage what was left of their marriage after it was rocked by the revelation of Roman’s serial affairs. Sage is dealt a second blow when she discovers that her cherished cousin, Owen Bryant, has been cheated on by his ruthless, gold-digging wife, Leah.

Sage’s discovery hits the reset button on the progress she and Roman had been making on their marriage, as all the doubts and fears she has tried to suppress come flooding back. In order to reclaim Sage’s trust, and to save a love now left dangling by a thread, Roman must take his efforts to win back his wife to another level.

Leah and Owen Bryant are visited by a ghost from their past; Leah’s college sweetheart, Casey. Leah and Owen must confront a dark secret at the heart of their marriage, if they are to stand a chance of surviving as a couple.

One family’s legacy, two marriages, four lives, and millions of dollars are at stake.

My Thoughts:

I found this read very informative and that the author has clearly done their research. I liked the concept of the book two different marriages that are affected by a betrayal and to see what becomes of them in the end was interesting. I did find myself skimming over some of the more informative side as it did get a little too much but I can see where the author was coming from. I really hope this book helps people that are in that situation.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doing-Scary-Donald-M-Bell-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doing-Scary-Donald-Bell

 

Groomed By Casey Watson

Groomed By Casey Watson

groomed

It’s late on Friday night when Casey’s mobile starts to ring. She is expecting it to be her daughter Riley. But it isn’t Riley. It’s a woman from the Emergency Duty Team. So begins Casey and Mike’s latest fostering challenge – a fifteen-year-old girl called Keeley who’s run away from her long-term foster home 25 miles away.

The Jonathan Ross Show has just started when Casey gets the call. She thinks it will be Riley – telling her that her favourite actor is going to be on TV. But it’s something far more urgent: a fifteen-year-old girl who has run away from her foster family and accused her foster father of sexual abuse. The family deny in vehemently, but such an allegation can never be taken lightly, so a new home must be found for Keeley.

Keeley is polite, but she’s sharp, and she has all the hallmarks of a child who has been in the system a long time, and knows how to play it. Whether the allegation is true or not, Casey knows there will be no winners here. If it is true, then a young girl’s life has been torn asunder. If not, then the heartache for the family will only be surpassed by the bleak outlook for Keeley.

In the short term, it’s a case of providing a safe, supportive home for a vulnerable child. But with the dangerous world of the internet at her disposal, it seems this strong-minded youngster has her own ideas of where that safe place should be…

My Thoughts:

This is the story about Keeley and her life before coming to stay with foster carer Casey and her family. This being a true story you just can’t imagine what these children have had to go through, but I am pretty sure Casey would welcome you with big open arms, she seems such a wonderful, caring lady and anyone would be lucky to have her as a foster carer. There are sensitive issues raised in the book but they have been written sensitively. I always feel when I have read one of Casey’s books that the children that are bought to her stay with me.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Groomed-Danger-lies-closer-think-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Groomed-Danger-lies-closer-think

First Crush, Last Love By Elizabeth McKenna

First Crush, Last Love By Elizabeth McKenna

first crush

Remember your first crush? How your heart raced and your cheeks flushed whenever you saw him? Jessie Baxter does, and it’s happening again. Ten years ago, despite her best efforts, Lee Archer wanted to be just friends.

Now, he wants more, but Jessie’s still recovering from a psycho ex-husband. Can she learn to trust again and make her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna’s latest novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the happiness of true love.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book I have read of Elizabeth’s and it certainly wont be the last. I really felt as though I wanted to reach out and help Jessie especially with what she has to go through with her psycho husband. The book is set out in three sections: when they are in high school, after college and the reunions. I did think Jessie and Lee were one of those couples that were destined to be together. A story that I really got involved in and couldn’t put down.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Crush-Last-Elizabeth-McKenna-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Crush-Last-Elizabeth-McKenna

The Second Son By Andy Blackman

The Second Son By Andy Blackman

the second son

As the second son of the Duke of Hampshire, Grenville St John Hampton isn’t likely to inherit his family’s title or estate, leaving him pondering an empty, aimless future. During the summer break from university, he impulsively decides to go backpacking with one of his oldest friends, Johnathan; their destination is Belize.

One sultry night on the Central American coastline, Grenville and Johnathan meet Tom. A game of darts takes a vicious turn. Realising he has nothing to look forward to back at home, Grenville decides to stay on in Belize with Tom, in pursuit of adventure. Together, the new friends establish an import business, and for the rst time in his life, Grenville has a sense of purpose.

But back in England all is not well. The sudden death of his brother leaves Grenville with an unexpected – and now unwanted – inheritance, with new consequences and responsibilities. He will return to claim the family’s seat with a dark secret in tow.

My Thoughts:

I found this an interesting read, it is a kind of quirky tale. Grenville doesn’t think he will inherit his family estate so being young he decides to go backpacking with his friend Jonathan. Things are about to happen but is it good for Grenville or not? I liked the connection he had with Jonathon. I would like to see what Andy the author comes up with his next book.

I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Son-Andy-Blackman-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Second-Son-Andy-Blackman

Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights By Carole Matthews

Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights By Carole Matthews

carole matthews

This title will be released 19th October 2017

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it’s all Fay’s ever dreamed of. But she left everything – including the delightful cake shop she used to run – to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call from her friends, a call that sends her back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn’t it?

Fay soon falls happily back in love with her passion for baking – especially now she’s on dry land again! – and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, Fay is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny?

My Thoughts:

This story follows on from The cake shop in the garden which I would recommend reading first as you can get a bit of background and also meet some of the lovely characters. I really find Fay lovely as she puts everyone before herself. I am not too keen on her sister Edie though, I thought when she came back that she might cause trouble. It was great to catch up with all the old characters but also to meet some new characters. You wont be disappointed. I love Stan bless him he is such a lovely man and the things he says melt your heart. I assume there will be another follow up as I don’t think it can be left where the story has been left.

Get your copy here:

kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Cakes-Mistletoe-Nights-heart-ebook/

Hardcover:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Cakes-Mistletoe-Nights-heart

Paperback will not be released till October 18 2018

The Little Bakery on Rosemary Lane By Ellen Berry

The Little Bakery on Rosemary Lane By Ellen Berry

ellen berry

Prepare to fall in love with beautiful village of Burley Bridge.

Growing up in a Yorkshire village, Roxanne Cartwright couldn’t wait to escape and make her place in the world. Now, thirty years later, she’s a fashion editor living a glamorous life of perennial singlehood in London – or so it seems to her sister Della. But when Roxanne finds her career under threat, she feels herself pulled back to the quiet village she’d been so desperate to leave.

As Roxanne reacquaints herself with life on Rosemary Lane, she slowly makes a surprising discovery: the people who live in Burley Bridge are, well, just people – different from the fashion set she’s used to, but kind and even interesting. Michael, a single dad trying to make a go of a small bakery, particularly so. Little by little, cupcake by cupcake, Roxanne and Michael fall into an unexpected friendship.

Could there be a life for Roxanne after all, in the place she’s spent years trying to escape?

My Thoughts:

This is the second book in the Rosemary lane series, the first book is called The bookshop on Rosemary Lane. The main character is Roxanne and she is a fashion editor living the high life but when a new boss comes in, her career may not be as it seems. She decided to go and stay with her sister Della and the quiet village she left behind. I felt slightly disappointed that it wasn’t really centred around the bakery, yes there is a mention of a bakery and a few other things but I was hoping for a bit more. I like the fact that we see characters from the first book popping up. I found the bookshop slightly taking over this book.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

Kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Bakery-Rosemary-Lane-feel-good-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Bakery-Rosemary-Lane

Here is a recipe from the lovely Ellen Berry just for you:

Easy-peasy Lemon and Lime Cake / Ellen Berry

 

I love this cake because it’s so simple to make – and so delicious. Kids might think it’s a little plain, but that means there’s all the more for you. With the lemon and lime flavours it’s not cloyingly sweet – and you can try it with oranges instead, which is just as delicious.

 

As a novice baker, with more than my share of failures, I treasure simple, quick recipes – this takes no more than 15 minutes to knock together.

 

You’ll need:

230 g softened unsalted butter

230 g golden caster sugar

4 eggs

175 g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

20 g ground almonds

Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top

Grated rind and juice of 1 lemon and 2 limes

(Or 2 oranges)

 

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees C/Gas 4. Grease a 20cm cake tin and line the base with a circle of baking parchment.
  2. Put the butter, caster sugar and eggs in a large mixing bowl and sift in the flour and baking powder.
  3. Add the lemon and lime rind and beat until blended.
  4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until lightly golden and a metal skewer comes out clean from the centre of the cake.
  5. Remove from oven. Leaving the cake in its tin, sprinkle with granulated sugar and dribble over the lemon and lime juice. Allow to cool in its tin, then remove and serve in dainty slices.
Moonlight over Manhatten By Sarah Morgan

Moonlight over Manhatten By Sarah Morgan

sarah morgan 2

This title will be released on 5th October 2017

She’ll risk everything for her own Christmas miracle…

Determined to conquer a lifetime of shyness, Harriet Knight challenges herself to do one thing a day in December that scares her, including celebrating Christmas without her family. But when dog-walker Harriet meets her newest client, exuberant spaniel Madi, she adds an extra challenge to her list – dealing with Madi’s temporary dog-sitter, gruff doctor Ethan Black, and their very unexpected chemistry.

Ethan thought he was used to chaos, until he met Madi – how can one tiny dog cause such mayhem? To Ethan, the solution is simple – he will pay Harriet to share his New York apartment and provide 24-hour care. But there’s nothing simple about how Harriet makes him feel.

Ethan’s kisses make Harriet shine brighter than the stars over moonlit Manhattan. But when his dog-sitting duties are over, and Harriet returns to her own home, will she dare to take the biggest challenge of all – letting Ethan know he has her heart for life, not just for Christmas?

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of Sarah Morgan’s books they never fail to put a smile on my face. This story is all about Harriet, to get an understanding of the other characters you must read Sarah’s previous novels. There is a certain warmth that brings these books to life. I loved Harriet she is conquering her fears and meets a certain sexy doctor but will he bring romance into her life? A book I could not put down.

I received a ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Get your copy here:

kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonlight-Over-Manhattan-Sarah-Morgan-ebook

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonlight-Over-Manhattan-Sarah-Morgan

The Picture House By the Sea By Holly Hepburn

The Picture House By the Sea By Holly Hepburn

holly hepburn

The picture house by the sea is the Palace at Polwhipple – a lovely art deco cinema, nestled in front of azure Cornish seas. But it is long past its heyday now, and its only saving grace is Ferrelli’s, the family run ice-cream concession in the foyer, which is widely known as the best ice-cream for miles.

So when Ferdie, the owner of Ferelli’s, breaks his leg, his granddaughter Gina drops everything to come and help out. But when she arrives she is dismayed by the state of the cinema, which she remembers fondly from summer holidays when she was little, and she is determined to give it the makeover it deserves.

Along with local renovation expert Ben, she sets about reviving the Palace to its former glory.
But the cinema needs more than a lick of paint. Its very future is  under threat from a developer with greed in his eyes. Can Gina save the place before it is too late?

My Thoughts:

The picture house by the sea is a wonderful read, I love the concept of the book and how Gina comes to help out her grandfather’s business. The idea of inventing ice cream flavours to go with the films is pure genius and I loved reading about the ice cream side of it. There is plenty of drama and romance that will have you swept of your feet.

This was originally published as four separate novella’s in e- book format.

Get your copy here:

kindle edition:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-House-Sea-Holly-Hepburn-ebook

paperback:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Picture-House-Sea-Holly-Hepburn