Hello From The Gillespies By Monica McInerney

Hello From The Gillespies By Monica McInerney

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For the last thirty years, Angela Gillespie’s annual Christmas letter has been full of her family’s triumphs. But this year Angela surprises everyone, including herself – she tells the truth.

Angela’s husband is in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Her grown-up daughters are more out of control than ever. And her youngest child spends all of his time talking to an imaginary friend.

With fantasy thoughts of a life before marriage and motherhood becoming more than just an innocent daydream, Angela’s real life is slowly slipping out of focus.

But, as the repercussions of her ruthlessly honest letter begin to pile up, a shocking event takes Angela from her family, and she realises she should have been more careful of what she wished for. . .

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I loved the plot and the fact that I could relate to the characters and that they seem a fairly normal family. I think the problems that this family had are mostly what normal families can go through. I loved all the characters in this book especially Joan as she seemed an absolute star. Don’t be put of if you read the blurb and it says about a Christmas Letter as it isn’t really a Christmas book. I found this book to be heart warming but emotional, I did laugh out loud at parts. It made me think about what I have to come when I have kids. This book will definitely leave you feeling happy. I am going to be looking out for more of Monica’s books now.

State of Wonder By Ann Patchett

State of Wonder By Ann Patchett

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There were people on the banks of the river.

Among the tangled waterways and giant anacondas of the Brazilian Rio Negro, an enigmatic scientist is developing a drug that could alter the lives of women for ever. Dr Annick Swenson’s work is shrouded in mystery; she refuses to report on her progress, especially to her investors, whose patience is fast running out. Anders Eckman, a mild-mannered lab researcher, is sent to investigate.

A curt letter reporting his untimely death is all that returns.

Now Marina Singh, Anders’ colleague and once a student of the mighty Dr Swenson, is their last hope. Compelled by the pleas of Anders’s wife, who refuses to accept that her husband is not coming home, Marina leaves the snowy plains of Minnesota and retraces her friend’s steps into the heart of the South American darkness, determined to track down Dr. Swenson and uncover the secrets being jealously guarded among the remotest tribes of the rainforest.

What Marina does not yet know is that, in this ancient corner of the jungle, where the muddy waters and susurrating grasses hide countless unknown perils and temptations, she will face challenges beyond her wildest imagination.

Marina is no longer the student, but only time will tell if she has learnt enough.

My Thoughts:

A friend recommended this book to me as I hadn’t read any of Ann Patchett’s books before. I loved the blurb on the back as it seemed an interesting read and the cover looked amazing, so I felt drawn in, but I didn’t really get where the author was going with the story. I found the story to be quite slow but the middle part wasn’t too bad. I don’t think I have ever felt like this about a book before.

Dreaming Of Love By Melissa Foster

Dreaming Of Love By Melissa Foster

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Emily Braden is a leader in architectural preservation, a pillar in her small hometown, and successful in everything she does—with the exception of finding true love. She’s watched several of her brothers fall in love, and she needs this trip to Tuscany to get away from it all and to stop focusing on what she doesn’t have.


Dae Bray doesn’t do flings, and he never stays in one place for very long. As a demolitionist, he goes where jobs take him, and the more often he travels, the better. His trip to Tuscany is all work—until he meets smart and sexy Emily, who makes him reconsider his fear of settling down, his no-fling rule—and just about everything else he’s ever believed about himself.

Passion sizzles as Dae and Emily explore the history and beauty of Tuscany. Their romance moves beyond tourist attractions to the bedroom, blossoming into a deep connection neither can deny. But their worlds collide when Emily wants to preserve the property that Dae is there to demolish. Can a woman who sees the beauty in preservation and a man whose life is spent tearing things down find a solid foundation for their love?

My Thoughts:

I dare you to read a paragraph of this book and not be hooked. I love the way Melissa writes with such emotion and passion, This is a book with a fantastic story, very hot characters and steamy love scenes. Even though this book is part of a series I like the fact you can read it as a standalone but believe me once you have read one of Melissa’s books you will want to read all of the others. Look forward to the next book.

A Proper Family Holiday By Chrissie Manby

A Proper Family Holiday By Chrissie Manby

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Could you survive a week-long holiday with your entire family?

Newly single magazine journalist Chelsea Benson can’t think of anything worse.

Your grubby small nephew torpedoing any chance of romance with the dishy guy you met on the plane . . .

Your eighty-five-year-old granddad chatting up ladies at the hotel bar . . .

Getting nothing but sarcastic comments from your older sister, who’s always been the family favourite . . .

And all this is before your parents drop their bombshell.

Is a week enough time for the Bensons to put their differences aside and have some fun? Or is this their last ever proper family holiday?

My Thoughts:

Ahhh I loved this book, having never read any of Chrissie’s books before I was drawn in to this story. I absolutely love the cover of this book, it makes you want to be on holiday somewhere nice and hot. There are quite a few characters in this book but do not be put of by that as each one has their own story but it all comes together in the end. I would love it if Chrissie would do a follow up to this book as I would love to find out how the characters are once they are back home. Very good author will be buying more of her books.

The Butterfly Box By Santa Montefiore

The Butterfly Box By Santa Montefiore

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Federica Campione adores her father. No matter that Ramon, a distinguished traveller and writer, spends months away from their home on the exotic Chilean coast; as soon as he’s back, his daughter has eyes for no one but him. When he gives her a magical box from Peru she believes he will always be there for her.

As she grows to womanhood, Federica attempts to recapture that long-forgotten sense of security in the arms of the debonair Torquil Jensen. From the sanctuary of a seemingly perfect marriage, she embarks on a painful journey of self-discovery. But can Federica ever truly escape her gilded cage and learn the true lesson of the butterfly box?

My Thoughts:

This book was given to me for Christmas, having never read any of Santa Montefiore’s books before I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have seen some good reviews about this book so thought I would give it a try. I have to say I read it in a few days but I was utterly enthralled by it. Santa has unfolded the story with beautiful settings and the characters were written with so much detail. I have even decided to treat myself to one of Santa’s other books.

Stable Mates By Zara Stoneley

Stable Mates By Zara Stoneley

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Welcome to tranquil Tippermere, an idyllic village nestled deep in the Cheshire countryside. Home to lords and ladies, horsemen and farmers, and plenty of secrets and scandals…

Leaving a scumbag ex behind her, Lottie Brinkley has hotfooted it out of Spain and back home to the country in serious need of some flirtatious fun to soothe her aching heart.

Luckily for her she’s spoilt for choice with not one but three eligible bachelors offering a steamy romp in the hay! But faced with the attentions of roguish eventer Rory Steel, the smiling Irish eyes of hunky farrier Mick O’Neal, and mysterious newcomer Tom Strachan, how can she possibly choose?

When billionaire landowner Marcus James drops dead unexpectedly, his WAGish wife Amanda threatens to sell the heart of the village and sets her sights on Tom! It seems things are heating up for little Tippermere… both in and out of the saddle.

My Thoughts:

I loved the fact that this book is set in the Good old English countryside. This is a book that has raunchy parts in it but what more could you ask for as all the characters seem to be falling in and out of bed with each other. I knew when I saw the cover that this book would be for me as it seems fun and I couldn’t wait to get stuck in. I will be reading more of Zara’s books and I would recommend her.

Goodbye, Jimmy Choo By Annie Sanders

Goodbye, Jimmy Choo By Annie Sanders

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Under normal circumstances, Izzie and Maddy would never have met. Their lives are a million miles apart – Izzie is bohemian and skint, Maddy is Gucci-clad and loaded. But, thanks to their respective husbands’ careers, both have been dumped into the English countryside, fish out of water with five young children between them. Thrown together at a ghastly women’s lunch, they quickly discover a shared longing for mucky London streets and the residents’ parking permits they’ve left behind.

When tragedy hits and Maddy’s world collapses, they have to make money fast. A chance discovery leads this unlikely partnership to launch a natural cosmetics company from the kitchen table, with consequences beyond their wildest imaginings. Then the media spotlight turns on them, and Maddy and Izzie have to give up all they hold dear to embrace a lifestyle they hate. But just how far are they prepared to go?

My Thoughts:

This is the first book I have read by Annie Sanders, it is written by two friends called Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders. I found this book a great read especially as it had family problems that everyone can relate to, but it was also funny and emotional. I loved the two main characters Izzie and Maddy and liked how there friendship evolved. I will be looking out for more of these books.

As Good As It Gets? By Fiona Gibson

As Good As It Gets? By Fiona Gibson

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This title will be released on February 26, 2015 in paperback.

fiona gibson

“Midlife crisis? WHAT midlife crisis?!”

Charlotte Bristow is worried about her husband Will. Their fourteen years of marriage have been rather lovely so far, but things have been a bit odd lately.

With their stunning 16-year-old daughter Rosie newly signed to a top modelling agency and Will recently out of a job, Charlotte can’t help but notice that things are changing in their household.

As Will dusts down his old leather trousers and starts partying with their new, fun neighbours, Charlotte begins to wonder what on earth is going on.

So when Fraser, Charlotte’s ex – and father of Rosie – suddenly arrives back on the scene, Charlotte starts to wonder what might have been…

My Thoughts:

I have only read one of Fiona’s books before but I am really looking forward to reading more of her books. This was an enjoyable read, and I was able to finish it within three days. There are some quite funny comical moments which I liked, and the way that family situations can get out of hand. I would of liked to find out a bit more about what happened with Rosie’s biological father Fraser as I feel there wasn’t much said about him near the end. Maybe there will be another book I am not sure but still an enjoyable read nether the less.

Ties That Bind By E.R.Chissick

Ties That Bind By E.R.Chissick

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Alexandra Dinapoli has everything she could ever wish for, except what she really wants. Leaving her family behind, she heads for New York City and starts on a journey to make her own way in the word. Whilst there, she bumps into Gabriel Harland, an enigmatic Chief Assistant District Attorney with whom she begins a love affair that is cruelly cut short when someone from her past surfaces in Gabriel’s life. Will their relationship be worth fighting for or will the truth tear them apart?

Join Alexandra on her journey as she discovers the tenderness of new love, the sorrow of losing someone close, the pulse racing suspense of running from the past, the anger of not being in control and the admission that some sacrifices have to be made for the sake of others. Ties That Bind is a story of love and life, light and shade, a story told from both sides.

My Thoughts:

I was given this book for an honest review. It is Elaine’s first book and I have to say she needs to write more. I loved the story I felt it flowed well throughout. I loved the two main characters Alex and Gabriel, they both seemed liked real people and I loved reading about their life. There are erotic scenes between them in this book but don’t be alarmed as Elaine has written it well and some of them leave me a tad breathless. Wow!! is all I can say. I really enjoyed the fact Alex was into her horse riding and setting up her own business as I love horses and horse riding and one day I would love to set my own business up, so I was incredibly happy when this happened to Alex. Even though this is quite a large book I couldn’t put it down and managed to read it in 2 days. I am really looking forward to Elaine’s next book to see what happens with Alex and Gabriel, I think they will take an interesting journey but I will just have to wait and see.

I heart Christmas By Lindsey Kelk

I heart Christmas By Lindsey Kelk

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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…

My Thoughts:

I had never read any of Lindsey Kelk’s books before. I have to say I really enjoyed this book, I managed to read it in two days. It is a nice easy read that deals with real people or should I say women’s problems. Will definitely be looking into reading the other books in this series. Even though it is after Christmas I still found this book enjoyable. Maybe it was a predictable ending but I loved the storyline and I loved the fact I could really relate to Angela. Great characters in a heart warming story.