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Sep 17

Love Life By Nancy Peach

Love Life‘Love Life’ is the latest book by Nancy Peach.

Palliative care doctor, Tess Carter, is no starry-eyed heroine. After all, if your dad left without a backward glance and you found your last boyfriend in bed with another guy, you wouldn’t believe in romance either. And the voices in Tess’s head – you know, the ones that tell you you’re not good enough, not pretty enough, not clever enough – well, these voices are very loud. Very loud indeed. Especially when the disagreeable son of one of her patients starts challenging her every decision. Edward Russell might have a big job and a posh voice, but Tess is determined not to let him get to her, especially if she can get her inner monologue to stop with the endless self-sabotage. And Edward, it turns out, may be less of a prat than he first appears…

If you’re looking for a story that will tug at your heartstrings but will have you smiling then ‘Love Life’ is just the book for you.

The story is mostly seen through the narrative of hospice doctor Tess, who’s getting over a messy break up. When a new patient comes into the hospice called Mary, her son is a fond memory from Tess’s past. Unfortunately Edward does not remember Tess and is more concerned about his mother’s health than Tess. As Edward comes to terms with his mother’s health, they form an unlikely bond together.

There is also an inner dialogue that Tess has with Jane Austen as well as television who narrates the downfalls in Tess’s life. Tess’s life is complicated as she deals with self worth, heartbreak and an ongoing eating disorder battle.

The story is set in a hospice and this makes for bittersweet and warm reading as people come to terms with their mortality with humour whilst their relatives struggle with it.

This story is a heartfelt one that made for tender and fun reading that really struck a chord from the first page to the last. Filled with vibrant characters, all dealing with their internal struggles, ‘Love Life’ is a beautiful tearjerker about life, love and new beginnings.

You can buy ‘Love Life’ from Amazon.

Sep 1

The Bookshop Of Second Chances By Jackie Fraser

The Bookshop Of Second Chancesr‘The Bookshop Of Second Chances’ is the latest book by Jackie Fraser.

Thea’s having a bad month. Not only has she been made redundant, she’s also discovered her husband of nearly twenty years is sleeping with one of her friends. And he’s not sorry – he’s leaving. Bewildered and lost, Thea doesn’t know what to do. But, when she learns the great-uncle she barely knew has died and left her his huge collection of second-hand books and a house in the Scottish Lowlands, she seems to have been offered a second chance. Running away to a little town where no one knows her seems like exactly what Thea needs. But when she meets the aristocratic Maltravers brothers – grumpy bookshop owner Edward and his estranged brother Charles, Lord Hollinshaw – her new life quickly becomes just as complicated as the life she was running from…

I curled up on the Bank Holiday Monday with this book and it was just bliss from start to finish.

Set in a small Scottish village, it’s seen from the narrative of Thea who’s relocated due to her marriage breakdown and unexpected inheritance. Now living in an old house surrounded by antique books that are worth a lot of money. She’s becomes unlikely friends with Edward, who owns a bookshop and has employed her to bring his antique bookshop into the 21st century.

The 2 of them have a love/hate relationship and it’s so much fun to read their interactions between them. Edward is a charming character, who’s quite stand offish, but there’s something quite endearing about him as Thea brings him out of his shell. I loved Thea, she’s a sweetheart of a character. After her marriage broke down, she’s nursing a broken heart and through her love of books, she’s piecing it back together with new friendships and beginnings.

The story is wittily written filled with tender moments and laugh out loud scenes and Jackie surprises the reader with some colourful language that genuinely made me snort with laughter.

A romantic comedy that made for heartwarming reading and brightened up a dull bank holiday, ‘The Bookshop Of Second Chances’ is packed with joy, new starts and fun!

You can buy ‘The Bookshop Of Second Chances’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jul 9

The Idea Of You By Robinne Lee

The Idea Of You‘The Idea Of You’ is the latest book by Robinne Lee.

To the media, Hayes Campbell is the enigmatic front-man of a record-breaking boyband. To his fans, he’s the man of their dreams. To Solène Marchand, he’s just the pretty face that’s plastered over her teenage daughter’s bedroom wall. Until a chance meeting throws them together. The attraction is instant. The chemistry is electric. The affair is Solène’s secret. But how long can it stay that way?

If you like your books saucy, honest and fun then ‘The Idea Of You’ is your next summer read.

I loved this book and immediately sank into it. I received a proof of the book and the cover is a bright yellow with a warning on the front cover saying ‘This Will Keep You Up All Night’ and never was a truer word written down.

The story is seen through the narrative of Solene who falls for Hayes Campbell, star of boyband August Moon and almost half her age. The pair have a passionate and turbulent relationship much to Hayes fans disgust including Selene’s daughter, Isabelle and focuses on the struggle of a high profile relationship and the age difference. I really enjoyed Selene, she’s vibrant and outspoken character, who unfortunately has to make some harsh decisions in her life due to her love interest.

This is Robinne’s debut novel and to be honest, it’s great. Right from the first page, we are treated to a story that is vividly written with witty and engaging dialogue and a love story that’s far from perfect.

A page turner from the first page, this book encapsulates the ultimate fantasy of falling for a rock star and is delivered with humour and warmth. ‘The Idea Of You’ takes you on an emotional journey and tears you apart at the final page.

You can buy ‘The Idea Of You’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jul 6

Songs In Ursa Major By Emma Brodie

Songs In Ursa MajorWith a beautiful and vibrant cover ‘Songs In Ursa Major’ is the debut novel by Emma Brodie.

From the moment Jane Quinn steps barefoot onto the main stage at Island Folk festival, her golden hair glinting, her voice soaring into the summer dusk, a star is born – and so is a passionate love story. Jane’s band hits the road with none other than Jesse Reid, the musician whose bright blue eyes are setting hearts alight everywhere. And as the summer streaks by in a haze of crowds, wild nights and magenta sunsets, Jane is pulled into the orbit of Jesse’s star. But Jesse’s rise could mean Jane’s fall. And when she discovers a dark secret beneath his music, she picks up her guitar and writes her heartache into the album that could make or break her: Songs in Ursa Major.

Set in the folk/rock music scene of the 1960/70’s, this story is loosely based on the great love affair between Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. Jane Quinn is the face of the Breakers, a musician who can sing as well as play instruments, she catches the eye of rockstar Jesse Reid when her band ends up playing his set. The pair share a mutual bond for music and begin an affair whilst touring together and Jane’s becomes more successful and recognised for her performing and songwriting skills.

The story is well written and feels very authentic of this era and it’s obvious that Emma is a huge music fan with the level of the knowledge that is applied to the story. The story not only focuses on the rise of Jane’s stardom, her relationship with Jesse but also the music industry and how it’s perceived to a female artist, the misogyny and the sexism. I loved the characters in the story, both Jane and Jesse are battling their own personal demons and this is probably what makes them such accomplished writers and why their connection is so strong. Jane has never fully recovered from her mother leaving her family and she also was a songwriter but Jane is a strong woman raised in a family of strong women who do not marry, nor do they rely on men. The book focuses on the mental health and substance abuse attached to the rock and roll lifestyle of this time and parts of this makes for sad reading as people battled addictions.

For music lovers, this book is a must read, hazy, romantic and full of sass, ‘Songs In Ursa Major’ is an accomplished debut that made for intoxicating reading from the first page.

You can buy ‘Songs In Ursa Major’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

Jun 28

The Mix Up By Holly McCullough

The Mix Up‘The Mix Up’ is the latest book by Holly McCullough.

Paige might bake wedding cakes for a living but that doesn’t mean she’s dreaming about her own perfect day. Far from it. Trusting people is hard after she was badly let down by her family and boyfriend just when she needed them most. And to make things worse, her ex has just walked into her bakery with his new fiancée. Needing a little no-strings-attached fun, Paige goes to a party where her friend knows just the guy – the guy in the black top. There’s just one problem. There are two men wearing black tops. Noah was meant to be her perfect distraction…instead, he wants more than just a bit of fun. But could the wrong guy turn out to be the right choice?

The story is seen solely through the narrative of Paige. An up and coming baker who’s been asked to bake a wedding cake for her ex-boyfriend and his wife to be. To help deal with this heartache, she takes her friend’s advice and decides to get back out there and meets Noah, a handsome and fun ENT who unfortunately would like something a bit more serious then what Paige was looking for.

I loved this story, it was heartwarming, funny and had such a lovely protagonist that I immediately sunk into this story.

I loved Paige, she’s a relatable character who’s been heartbroken and really doesn’t value her worth. Her best friend is constantly telling her how great she is, but Paige still doubts herself and keeps people at a distance to avoid more headache. Even though her ex Chris, treated her terribly, Paige feels his behaviour is justified and to be honest it makes for hard reading when you discover what he did. Before the big revelation, I already didn’t like Chris, so this was intensified by the end of the book. I loved Noah, he’s fun, caring and even though Paige pushes him away, he’s determined to stay.

A sweetly written story that blooms beautifully as our leading lady grows in confidence and lets people get close to her, ‘The Mix Up’ is a tender and romantic comedy about love, friendship and facing fears.

You can buy ‘The Mix Up’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops.

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