How Hard Can It Be? By Allison Pearson

How Hard Can It Be? By Allison Pearson

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Kate Reddy is counting down the days until she is fifty, but not in a good way.

Fifty, in Kate’s mind, equals invisibility, and she’s caught between her traitorous hormones, unknowable teenage children and ailing parents.

She’s back at work after a break, now that her husband Rich has dropped out of the rat race to master the art of mindfulness. But just as Kate is finding a few tricks to get by, her old client and flame Jack reappears – complicated doesn’t even begin to cover it…

My Thoughts:

If you want something a bit light hearted and very funny then this is the book for you. I found myself really warming to Kate and feeling sorry for what she has to go through with her kids and husband. I did feel as though I could slightly relate to her with her husband and his Bike collection. It really made me chuckle. I loved the story and what Kate gets up to and I shall be looking out for more of Allison Pearson’s books in the future.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review from lovereading. Check out their website below:

https://www.lovereading.co.uk/

Get your copy here:

kindle edition

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Hard-Can-Allison-Pearson-ebook

paperback

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Hard-Can-Allison-Pearson/

Stone Heart By C. D. Jameson

Stone Heart By C. D. Jameson

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Grant, a pharmaceutical scientist, loses a high profile malpractice court case. Now broke, ruined by legal fees, he along with his wife Beth and their two children, Daniel and Kate, are forced to give up the wealthy life they once knew. While Grant searches for new work they take up residence in a run-down inner-city manor house.

Already an angry and prideful man the loss is more than Grant’s weak ego can take. As his behaviour worsens it threatens to break whatever fragile bonds still hold the family together.

Daniel and his Kate try to make the best of their troubled lives but something waits for them in the city. Its only purpose, to destroy whatever happiness they still hold in their hearts.

My Thoughts:

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. This is a short story where it was very easy to get in to. The characters were all brilliant in their own ways, I liked the relationship Daniel had with his sister Kate it was really warming to see. The story flowed well and it was easy to understand what was going on. You kind of know from the beginning that something weird may happen so there is alot of suspense which was good. I really enjoyed this book and would be very happy to read more by this author.

Get your copy here:

US- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M1HSDCV

Beware that Girl By Teresa Toten

Beware that Girl By Teresa Toten

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This title will be released on January 12, 2017.

Kate O’Brien has always been known as the scholarship kid, running away from a terrible past and overcoming obstacles, some more sinister than others. She’s determined to make a better life for herself. She deserves it. And at the elite Waverly school, Kate is willing to do whatever it takes to climb the social ladder and land her spot at Yale.

There’s one girl in particular who catches Kate’s eye. Olivia Michelle Sumner, all born blonde and rich and just messed up enough for Kate to latch on to. As for Olivia, she’s a damaged girl, looking to be mended. She finds something promising in Kate. A study buddy. A best friend. A sister she never had. But even a vulnerable girl like Olivia has her own dark past to contend with.

When the handsome and whip-smart Mark Redkin joins the Waverly administration, he manages to woo the whole student body, paying particular attention to Olivia – an affair she very much wants to keep to herself, especially from Kate. And as a man who knows just how to get what he wants, Kate realises that Mark poses a huge threat, in more ways than she is willing to admit.

My Thoughts:

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book. This is a very dark twisted physiological thriller that had me guessing till the very end. There is alot of messed up stuff that happens in this book which I didn’t believe could happen but it does. It is crazy yes but you will want to keep reading on.

Pre-order your copy here:

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beware-that-Girl-Teresa-Toten

A London Affair By Jan Ellis

A London Affair By Jan Ellis

jan ellis
Turning her back on university, Kate hopes to find an exciting opportunity that will take her away from wellies and wet sheep in the English countryside to the glitz and glamour of London.

However, after a year selling chutney on a chilly market stall, the prospects for a glittering career in the capital are looking increasingly unlikely.

All that changes when Ned, the intriguing buyer from a smart London deli, brings a welcome chance to follow her dream, and Kate finally embarks on a new chapter, leaving behind rural life and ex-boyfriend, Steve, in exchange for six months in the hectic café scene.

In Chelsea, Kate finds a bunch of ready-made friends in her flat-mates and grows close to Clare, Imogen, Freddy and the glamorous Russian heiress, Valentina. Imogen’s many comical attempts to find Kate a boyfriend backfire for Kate, but result in a twist in Immy and Freddy’s relationship.

Friendships deepen and secrets are revealed when Kate accepts an invitation to spend Christmas at the coast with Ned.

Back from the holidays, the flat-mates receive news that changes everything and forces Kate to make some big decisions: stay in London, return home or follow her heart to Cornwall?

My Thoughts:

I was asked to review this book by Jan Ellis the author herself, she asked me a she knew how much I had loved her previous books. I didn’t waste too much time and managed to read it within a day and a half, it was brilliant. I felt as though I was transported into the places where Jan takes us in her stories. I liked Kate the main character and her story. It was a really interesting but light read. I loved it. I look forward to reading the next book.

If you would like to purchase this book please click on the link below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/London-Affair-Jan-Ellis-ebook

Silver Rain By Jan Ruth

Silver Rain By Jan Ruth

jan ruth

Al is the black sheep of his family, Kate, the good shepherd of hers. Can black and white become silver, or just a dark and dangerous grey? Alastair Black has revealed a secret to his wife in a last ditch attempt to save his marriage.

A return to his childhood family home at Chathill Farm is his only respite, although he is far from welcomed back by brother George. Kate, recently widowed and increasingly put upon by daughter, sister and mother, feels her life is over at fifty.

Until she meets Alastair. He’s everything she isn’t, but he’s a troubled soul, a sad clown of a man with a shady past. When his famous mother leaves an unexpected inheritance, Kate is caught up in the unravelling of his life as Al comes to terms with who he really is.

Is Alastair Black her true soulmate, or should Sleeping Beauty lie?

My Thoughts:

I was given this book from the lovely Jan Ruth herself.With this book I would say do not judge a book by it’s cover. I loved it, it had a brilliant beginning, middle and ending. I was sad when it ended. This is my first book by her and I would definitely want to read more of Jan’s books. This is a modern family saga with some clever twist and turns. One not too be missed.

If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the link below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silver-Rain-Jan-Ruth-ebook/

The Bones Of You By Debbie Howells

The Bones Of You By Debbie Howells

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The Bones of You is a gripping psychological thriller from author Debbie Howells; a story of full of dark secrets, obsession and suspense.

I have a gardener’s inherent belief in the natural order of things. Soft-petalled flowers that go to seed. The resolute passage of the seasons. Swallows that fly thousands of miles to follow the eternal summer.

Children who don’t die before their parents.

 

A community in shock

 

When eighteen-year-old Rosie Anderson disappears, the idyllic village where she lived will never be the same again. Local gardener Kate is struck with guilt. She’d come to know Rosie well, and thought she understood her – perhaps better even than Rosie’s own mother.

A family torn apart

 

Rosie was beautiful, kind and gentle. She came from a loving family and she had her whole life ahead of her. Who could possibly want to harm her? And why?

A keeper of secrets

 

Kate is convinced the police are missing something. She’s certain that someone in the village knows more than they’re letting on. As the investigation deepens, so does Kate’s obsession with solving the mystery of what happened to Rosie.

My Thoughts:

This is a book I liked the look of from Richard and Judy’s book club reads. I am really into my psychological thrillers at the moment so this was a must to read. This book is Debbie Howells first novel too and I loved it, I was so into it from the first chapter I couldn’t put it down. I loved the storyline, it felt creepy and I honestly thought I knew what had happened but as the story went on, I wasn’t sure if I had got it right and I hadn’t. Lots of twists and turns make this a must read of this year. A book I will be recommending to friends and family and one that I wont forget. I can’t wait for Debbie’s next book now.

If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bones-You-Debbie-Howells

High Tide By Veronica Henry

High Tide By Veronica Henry

 

Pennfleet might be a small town, but there’s never a dull moment in its narrow winding streets …

Kate has only planned a flying visit to clear out the family home after the death of her mother. When she finds an anonymous letter, she is drawn back into her own past.

Single dad Sam is juggling his deli and two lively teenagers, so romance is the last thing on his mind. Then Cupid fires an unexpected arrow – but what will his children think?

Nathan Fisher is happy with his lot, running picnic cruises up and down the river, but kissing the widow of the richest man in Pennfleet has disastrous consequences.

Vanessa knows what she has done is unseemly for a widow, but it’s the most fun she’s had for years. Must she always be on her best behaviour?

My Thoughts:

I have now read quite a few of Veronica Henry’s books and loved them, this one was just as good. There are lots of interesting main characters and when I first started the book and read about Kate and Vanessa I felt drawn to them and cared for them. Veronica brings the small Cornish town to life with her beautiful descriptions you can almost imagine you are there. There are four main characters really including Vanessa, Kate, Sam and Nathan and I loved going on each and every one of their journey and finding out more about them, I really recommend reading this book and I love the way Veronica Henry’s books make you feel. Such a good read.

If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/High-Tide-Veronica-Henry

If you would like to have a look at Veronica Henry’s other books, please click on the link below:

http://www.veronicahenry.co.uk/

A Way from Heart to Heart By Helena Fairfax

A Way from Heart to Heart By Helena Fairfax

 

A knock at the door shatters Kate Hemingway’s life when she’s informed of her husband Stuart’s death in Afghanistan. She struggles to care for their young son George with only Stuart’s aloof best friend Paul as emotional support. Piece by fragile piece, she tries to rebuild her life, realising Paul and her son have formed an unlikely bond.

When Paul agrees to accompany Kate and a group of disadvantaged teenagers on a trip to the Yorkshire moors, he finally reveals something he’s kept secret for years. Kate’s own scarred heart begins to open up … but can she risk her son’s happiness as well as her own? A novel about friendship, loss, and the human heart’s enduring capacity for love, this stunning debut explores one woman’s attempt at survival when her world comes crashing down around her.

My Thoughts:

I was drawn to this book by the cover, it looks so inviting and vibrant. The story is such a lovely and heart warming contemporary romance. This story is about widower Kate and how she has to face bringing up her young son George. Her husband’s best friend and godfather to George helps and supports Kate in everything that she does, When both of them are together she realises he is not the indifferent man she thought he was and their relationship deepens. I was completely caught up in the relationship between them, so much so I wanted them to find happiness. Such a warm and tender book that I just couldn’t put down and managed to read in a day.

If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Heart-Helena-Fairfax

The Day We Disappeared By Lucy Robinson

The Day We Disappeared By Lucy Robinson

 

Annie has a secret. But if she’s not going to tell, we won’t either. It’s a heart-breaking secret she wishes she didn’t have – yet Annie isn’t broken, not quite yet. Especially now there’s someone who seems determined to fix her.
Kate has run away. But she’s not going to tell us why – that would defeat the point of running, wouldn’t it? It’s proving difficult to reinvent herself, however, with one person always on her mind.
Scratch beneath the surface and nobody is really who they seem. Even Annie and Kate aren’t entirely sure who they are any more.

My Thoughts:

I had heard so many great reviews on this book that I just had to go and buy it. I am very glad I did, even though I had heard of Lucy Robinson I am not really sure what I haven’t read any of her books before. Well, that is going to change. I loved the beginning, middle and end of this book. I really enjoyed reading the equestrian side of this book, I loved Stumpy, I am a big fan of horses so that was a winner when read this book. I also enjoyed the reading the parallels of their two lives with Annie falling for Stephen and Kate falling for Mark, he seemed very nice ;). The best part of this book was the twist, I would never of seen it coming. Just Wow, An all together brilliantly written book.

If you would like to purchase this book, please click on the link below:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Day-Disappeared-Lucy-Robinson