More Than Just Mum - Rebecca Smith

Date of Reading: 26/10/2019

Author: Rebecca Smith

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: December 7, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Hannah Thompson loves her family beyond words… but sometimes, just sometimes, she wishes she could be recognised as more than just ‘mum’.

Eldest son Dylan is soon to be flying the nest, sixteen-year-old Scarlet keeps asking about penalties for worryingly specific crimes, they’ve forgotten world book day and Benji absolutely will not be Where’s Wally again, and it’s at least two days before she and hubby Nick can sit down for Wine Wednesdays… and even longer until Fizzy Friday.

Determined to find herself a job that she loves, earn a whole lot of money and to have her teenagers respect her as ‘Hannah’ as well as ‘mum’; it might sound like a tall order, but she’s a mum on a mission.

A laugh-out-loud read of self-discovery, family chaos and love. Perfect for fans of Gill Sims, Fiona Gibson and Nick Spalding.

Review:

       I can't remember the last time I laughed so much reading a book. From the very first page to the last this novel was absolutely hilarious and so real. And what surprised me most that I was not able to guess where this story was heading at. The book features the day to day life of Hannah Thompson who is struggling with . . . well, practically everything.
     Rebecca Smith for sure is a gifted writer finding humour even in tragic situations. If you are a mother, you are going to find yourself in here. If you are a daughter like me, then you will feel a new appreciation for your working moms. If you are a teacher (again like me), you are going to find a comrade here, exclaiming loudly "Yes, that's what it feels like" (mimicking Loki of course).
        Hannah is your everyday mother trying hard to make ends meet with her part-time teaching job. At school, she is tortured by her class nine children and back at home, she needs to finish this marathon with three children who in my opinion talk too much. Her husband is supportive and helpful, but sometimes nothing is enough. Her life, on the whole, is pitiful and at the same time, outrageously funny.
       So pick this book to lighten up your moods and if not Hannah, you definitely will like the children; Scarlet with one 't' is my favourite but it is hard to choose. Surely a must-read!

Favourite quotes:

"We are all women who have been relegated to the status of 'someone's mum' from the moment that our children started making friends with other kids" - Loc 718

"Call me names at your peril. I am a woman. My bite is infinitely worse than my bark" - Loc 1623

"This is what I really love about writing, actually. The power. The ability to create personalities and bring forth new lives with only a few taps of the keyboard. When I am sitting at my laptop, dictating actions and deciding outcomes for these characters, I feel like a mighty deity." - Loc 3264

"It's good to know your areas of weakness, apparently. This whole experience has probably been really useful and self-improving. Even if it feels more like character assassination than character building" - Loc 3909

The Sword of Kaigen - M. L. Wang (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Date of Reading: 06/10/2019

Author: M. L. Wang

Publication Date: February 19, 2019

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A mother struggling to repress her violent past,

A son struggling to grasp his violent future,

A father blind to the danger that threatens them all.

When the winds of war reach their peninsula, will the Matsuda family have the strength to defend their empire? Or will they tear each other apart before the true enemies even reach their shores?

High on a mountainside at the edge of the Kaigenese Empire live the most powerful warriors in the world, superhumans capable of raising the sea and wielding blades of ice. For hundreds of years, the fighters of the Kusanagi Peninsula have held the Empire’s enemies at bay, earning their frozen spit of land the name ‘The Sword of Kaigen.’

Born into Kusanagi’s legendary Matsuda family, fourteen-year-old Mamoru has always known his purpose: to master his family’s fighting techniques and defend his homeland. But when an outsider arrives and pulls back the curtain on Kaigen’s alleged age of peace, Mamoru realizes that he might not have much time to become the fighter he was bred to be. Worse, the empire he was bred to defend may stand on a foundation of lies.

Misaki told herself that she left the passions of her youth behind when she married into the Matsuda house. Determined to be a good housewife and mother, she hid away her sword, along with everything from her days as a fighter in a faraway country. But with her growing son asking questions about the outside world, the threat of an impending invasion looming across the sea, and her frigid husband grating on her nerves, Misaki finds the fighter in her clawing its way back to the surface

Review:

       I knew this book would be good, but I didn't expect it to feel this great. M. L. Wang has produced an epic tale which even though it happens in another universe, felt utterly and impeccably real. Through a tale of war and family glory, she has managed to address some of the hot topics that haunt our lives today: women empowerment, government censorship and most of all the plus and minuses of our education system.

      Written as a prequel to her 'Theonite' series, this fantasy traces the ancestry of some of its main characters and can be read as a standalone. Each page is emotionally packed and thrilling and this massive book of  651 pages gets finished in no time. Trust me when I say this is nothing that you expect.

        For one, I didn't foresee some of the deaths and it gutted me thoroughly. And some of the characters that I wanted to die didn't. Obviously, I felt that to be a gross injustice. But the author's impulses were right. Those that are gone have completed their lives' mission and once that remain has a lot to do; for themselves and also to the community. If they have died, they would have never got an opportunity to change. Well, that brings me to the second element that completely endeared me to this book.

        None of the characters is flat. They change. Sometimes a tragedy is required to shook the system and us from our unpleasant, routined life. For Mamoru, this change came in the form of a new student; a war for Misaka and her husband to know each other. I was happy to see that Robin shares some Indian lineage or the counterpart of Indian in this fictional universe. His Hindi is hilarious. Finally, I found someone who is worse than me!!!

        I cannot end this review without any mention of the battle scenes. Brilliantly written, with minute details they are an absolute masterpiece. Nerve-wracking though it may be, we feel the ice piercing through our skin and the land being one with us when a Whispering Blade is made. 

     This book is a salute for those who strive for change especially the women. It will hurt you, console you and will make you smile as you change along with the tale. Without a doubt five sparkling five stars!

Meet the author:

M. L. Wang was born in Wisconsin in 1992, decided she wanted to be an author at the age of nine, and never grew up. She got her Bachelor of Arts in history in 2015 and currently works at a martial arts school in her home city of Madison.

When she isn’t building worlds on the page, she builds them in her aquarium full of small, smart fish that love to explore castles and don’t make noise during writing time.

Find her on: 

Website: https://mlwangbooks.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_L_Wang

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlwangauthor/

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Perfect Fit - Mary Jayne Baker (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 24/10/2019

Author: Mary Jayne Baker

Publisher: Mirror Books

Publication date: September 21, 2018

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

After years living in London, costume shop owner Becky Finn is trying to build a new life for herself and fiancé Cole in her old home of Egglethwaite, a sleepy village in the Yorkshire Dales.

Keen to raise funds for the struggling village hall she loved as a child, Becky soon finds herself at the head of a colourful group intent on resurrecting Egglethwaite's Christmas pantomime. But, as she quickly discovers, there is more to panto than innuendo and slapped thighs.

As the opening night grows closer, Becky starts to wonder if her embattled panto will ever make it to the stage and, with handsome co-star Marcus on the scene, if she's picked the right man for her after all.

Review:

     A small confession: I have never been to a pantomime. Oh! please don't put that horrified looks. Yes, I know this is new territory, but that didn't hinder me from enjoying it, thanks to Baker's writing skills and also to my powerful imagination.
       Becky and her fiance Cole has moved back to her native village Egglethwaite and now she is determined to save their village hall through a pantomime. So while Cole is immersed in his creative pursuits as a painter, she is fighting her own demons by making a panto from scratch with handsome Marcus. Well, we could easily guess how this story goes from the blurb itself, but I was not prepared for the way Cole is presented. He is talented and loving, in the way a genius approaches love. So I was more invested in him than Marcus and loved how Baker has ended things amicably. And I so wish, we will have a sequel continuing Cole's story.
      As with all Baker's novels, here too we find a gay couple and their adorable child named Pip who really charms everyone. We are not exempted. She is the fun resource and her words will put a smile on you as only a child can. Many of the characters from the previous book in the series ('A Bicycle Made for Two') find prominent roles here but the book can very well be read as a standalone. The panto rehearsals around which the story revolves are not only humorous but also quite refreshing. It made me so interested that I watched some pantos on youtube. Maybe one day I can watch them for real!
  On the whole, a light-hearted rom-com set in a cosy community perfect for a relaxing weekend. So forget your worries and enjoy the panto because Christmas is near . . .

Meet the author:

Mary Jayne Baker grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.

Mary Jayne also writes uplifting, feelgood romances under the pen name Lisa Swift.

Love Lettering - Kate Clayborn

Date of Reading: 24/11/2019

Author: Kate Clayborn

Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.

Publication Date: December 31, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

In this warm and witty romance from acclaimed author Kate Clayborn, one little word puts one woman’s business—and her heart—in jeopardy . . .

Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing beautiful custom journals for New York City’s elite. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Like the time she sat across from Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée and knew their upcoming marriage was doomed to fail. Weaving a secret word into their wedding program was a little unprofessional, but she was sure no one else would spot it. She hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid . . .

A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out—before he leaves New York for good—how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline, a fractured friendship, and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other about their lives, work, and regrets, both try to ignore the fact that their unlikely connection is growing deeper. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her before it’s too late . . .

Review:

        I cannot say I am someone who won't judge the book by its cover. But if a book is selected to read, then I usually give it a chance until my kindle shows twenty percentage in reading progress. Sadly this story didn't live up to its promise at that time and I almost gave up. I said 'almost' because I changed my mind after getting recommendations from some of my fellow reviewers. Today after closing my kindle I felt glad I heed their advice. I would have missed such an amazing story otherwise.

        The warm and witty romance that we expect comes only later in the story. As the relation between Reid and Meg grows slowly and steadily, the story will gradually grow on you. The dialogues interspersed with Meg's inner thoughts, which might be irritating at first, ends up endearing as her creative block evaporates. I have never given much thought to calligraphy, partly due to my terrible handwriting. But Meg's profession, the games she plays with Reid have all opened an unchartered land for me. Trust me, you will never look notice boards in the same way hereafter.

         The plot is special as is the writing. Through the eyes of Meg, we get to see another New York, a place mysterious as well as exciting. And Reid . . . is one of the best romantic heroes. If you are in search of a modern Mr. Darcy, then look no further. This man is your typical old theatre. Fewer words, extremely polite and highly intelligent -- that pretty much summarises him. Am I hearing some swooning sounds? Yup! You wouldn't want to miss this.

      On the whole, a remarkable romance that takes you to unexpected alleys and will leave you smiling and inexorably happy.

Meet the author:

Kate Clayborn lives in Virginia, where she's lucky enough to spend her days reading and talking about all kinds of great books. At home she's either writing, thinking about writing, or—during long walks around her fabulous neighbourhood—making her handsome husband and sweet-faced dog listen to her talk about writing.

Ronaldo: The Vixen Pederson Workshop - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 20/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publisher: KDP

Publication Date: November 20, 2019

Source: ARC provided by the author

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Destination North Pole! Santa’s top reindeer, Vixen Pederson, is hosting a teamwork workshop—and Ronaldo has his flying goggles packed and ready to go!

In training for a sleigh race, the cadets must work together to win the ultimate prize—Jingle Bells! But Ronaldo’s dream turns into a nightmare when Cupid joins his side. She’s the worst flying cadet, ever! And his squabbling teammates are plotting to put her out of the race.

But Cupid isn’t who she appears to be. And when Ronaldo discovers she is the granddaughter of a world-famous flying champion, he suspects she is guarding a secret. And the only way to lead his team to victory—is to find out what it is.

Review:

     Of all the books in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series, this one is my favourite. And that could probably because this story happens in Santa's own kingdom. The new characters and the illustrations that go along with are nothing but mesmerising. 

      Here in the fourth story, we are introduced to the workshop of Vixen Pederson (our hero's idol) which happens in the North Pole. There is a ride on the North Pole Sleighways, food from Jingles Cafe which by the way, offers three hundred and sixty-five flavours of hot chocolate (Yummy!). New friends are made, jealousies are overcome and finally, there is this secret meeting with . . . Oops! Sorry, I can't reveal that one.

     On the whole an amusing and entertaining story perfect for kids as well as adults who enjoy a good Christmas tale. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Ronaldo: Rudi's Birthday Extravaganza - Maxine Sylvester

Date of Reading: 19/11/2019

Author: Maxine Sylvester

Publication Date: September 29, 2017

Source: Ebook provided by the author 

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

It is summertime in Beresford. Ronaldo and Rudi are beside themselves with excitement: Monty the Moose, the most incredible Magician in the whole world is performing at Rudi’s birthday party!

But before the festivities begin, there’s the important matter of The Reindeer Flyover, an ancient tradition of The Reindeer Flying Academy that marks the end of the school term. But Rudi might not be able to fly. He’s injured his hoof and refuses to see Doctor Kloppen. Rudi is terrified of needles and, rumour has it, the Doctor’s needle is the size of a rocket!

Meanwhile, Ronaldo meets celebrity baker, Mrs Sorensson, and offers to deliver her cakes to ‘Carrot’s ‘N’ Cakes’ bakery before flying school. The weather is hot so Ronaldo rushes through the forest so he can deliver the cakes before the icing melts. But trouble is lurking in the woods. Dasher and his menacing brothers, Comet and Prancer, are hiding in the bushes. Waiting for Ronaldo!

Review:

      This is the third book in the 'Ronaldo the Flying Reindeer' series. Having read the other two I was really excited to have this copy from the author and it doesn't disappoint. You don't have to read the other books to know the premise, but I highly recommend it. These books are super cool and funny no matter your age.

       The story revolves around the events leading to Rudi's birthday party. There is a visit to the doctor (poor Rudi!), the end of term exams and a lot of delicacies to eat as we are getting acquainted with Mrs. Sorensson. There will be tons to laugh about and the pictures are beautiful. I think our dear hero is showing the signs of a potbelly. Careful there Ronaldo. We need you whole and healthy for the workshop to come in the next book.

Meet the author:

I was born in Hounslow, Middlesex in the south of England. As a child, I loved drawing and took private art classes with a wonderful teacher called, Pearl Lee. She had an abundance of Disney magazines, and I would paint the characters on wood, card, canvas or anything else I was allowed to use, including walls.

  

When I was nine, my mum took me on holiday to Majorca. I clearly remember being fascinated by how other people lived outside of England. Travelling became my new obsession.

After Sixth Form College, I intended to go to art school, but my travel bug got the better of me and chose to work as a holiday representative in Greece instead. This was followed by seven years working on cruise ships, two years in Israel and Palestine, and six years in Russia and Armenia. Although I lapped up the different cultures, I found my work over the years very unfulfilling. I decided to dig out my Caran d’Arche pencils, and do something about it!

I enrolled in The College of Cartoon Art and was mentored by the renowned caricaturist, Steve Chadburn. I created a character called Ronaldo and decided to write a short story about him. Before I knew it, my head was spinning with ideas and the first book, The Reindeer Flying Academy, went from a small picture book into a full-blown chapter book … but more importantly, I loved every minute of the writing and illustrating process.

Nowadays, I live in Bali, Indonesia, with my amazing partner, Mark, (Bristol born and bred) and am currently illustrating the third book for the Ronaldo series, Rudi’s Birthday Extravaganza.

I am still a self-confessed Disney geek and get excited as a five-year-old whenever a new Disney animated film comes out. I love the Disney theme parks and have visited Orlando, Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo – California and Shanghai are next on my bucket list.

I have an unhealthy fondness for pizza and chocolate but a healthy love of Pilates - I like to think they balance each other out. And finally, I am a lifelong Arsenal supporter … although sometimes I wish I wasn’t!

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2019

    

     This year I am going to participate in the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge starting from November 25th. Here are the rules:

 

• challenge will run from Monday, November 25, 2019, through Monday, January 6, 2020 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
• cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged! 
• These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a children's Christmas books level! 

Levels:

--Candy Cane: read 1 book

--Mistletoe: read 2-4 books

--Christmas Tree: read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)

Additional levels:

--Fa La La La Films: watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!

--Visions of Sugar Plums: read books with your children this season and share what you read

*the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above.

 

 I am going to keep my expectations to the minimum and aim for Mistletoe. Who knows I may get a Christmas Tree eventually. . .

 

At present the following books are in the list:

• One Night on Ice - Mandy Baggot
• Starlight over Bluebell Castle - Sarah Bennett
• Let it Snow - Sue Moorcroft
• One Day in December - Josie Silver
•  Christmas Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella
• We Met in December - Rosie Curtis

Wish me luck! Have a great festive season everyone. . .

 

Magic Under the Mistletoe - Lucy Coleman (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 14/11/2019

Author: Lucy Coleman

Publisher: Aria

Publication Date: September 5, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

 

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

 

About the book:

 

Christmas and romance are in the air... 

 

It's December 23rd and while everyone else is rushing home for the holidays, workaholic Leesa Oliver is dreading switching on her out-of-office for the festive season. And it seems her equally driven boss, Cary Anderson, isn't relishing spending Christmas at his family's country estate either.

So together, they draft an unexpected Christmas contract: They'll spend half of the holidays with each other's families, pretending to be a couple. Leesa knows the insufferably good-looking Cary will make her Christmas more bearable, but what happens after the last of the mince pies have been eaten...?

Leesa signed off on a sensible business agreement, but somewhere, amongst the fairy lights and carols, something seems to have changed... It seems there might just be some magic under the mistletoe this Christmas!

Review:

       The fake date trope has been used and reused by many authors but one could never get tired of this storyline. So when I got this book, I was expecting a very predictable albeit relaxing storyline. Suffice to say, I was never prepared for this unique take on such an age-old storyline.
     Leesa Oliver is not a swooning heroine; she is a businesswoman keeping to the realities of life. Wedding? Been there, done that and now it is over. So a business contract to pretend to be someone's boyfriend (even if he is a hot CEO), is not supposed to be hard. Surprisingly, she keeps to her bargain. There is an attraction for sure, but both know from their experience that chemistry won't necessarily mean a happy marriage. As you must have guessed by now, this is a slow-burning romance. Written solely from Leesa's perspective, we come to know of a really powerful and caring woman who comes to her decision with the head as well as her heart.
      And it is not simply about two lovers. This is also the story of two families mending their inner struggles with the help of these two brilliant, brave people. Spanning from one Christmas to another, this also brings the two families together as an ideal marriage should be. They are really an entertaining bunch, especially Cressida, Cary's grandmother. I relished each moment with her as if I have read all her romance works.
      Beginning with a Christmas where winter roars with fury and ending in the next year under the mistletoe, Lucy Coleman has produced a well crafted, brilliantly engineered Christmas story to remind us once again that the season is magical whether we believe it or not. So hop on guys, we are in for a ride . . .

Meet the author:

From interior designer to the author, Linn - who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman - says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’ When she’s not writing or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been shortlisted in the UK's Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.
   

Identity - Camille Peters

Date of Reading: 10/10/2019

Author: Camille Peters

Publication Date: June 25, 2019

Source: I am a Reader 

Rating: 3/5

 

About the book:

 

Anwen's uncanny resemblance to Princess Lavena has been a curse since the moment she entered her service, as the spoiled princess has frequently used it to her advantage by forcing Anwen to switch places with her. But Princess Lavena’s latest scheme is her worst—and most dangerous—yet: compelling Anwen to take the princess’s place in her marriage to her loathed fiancé, Prince Liam.

Bound by an enchanted contract not to reveal the charade, Anwen is forced to go through with the masquerade and endure a marriage to a man who despises the woman he believes her to be. As time goes on, Anwen struggles not only to maintain her identity, but to fight her deepening feelings as she begins to fall in love with her new husband, a man who not only isn't hers to keep but who has no idea who she really is.

Inspired by “The Goose Girl” 

 

Review:

 

      'Identity' is the third book in the Kingdom Chronicles, a series focusing on the retelling of fairy tales. And this time we have The Goose Girl. Prince Liam is one of the characters I loved in the first book and here also he doesn't disappoint a bit. The funny, easy-going boy has not changed at all. We also get to see some of the characters from the previous books, and that was another boost. Don't fret if you haven't touched the other books, this can perfectly be read as a standalone.

     While the first book -- 'Identity' -- is still my favourite, this story has its plus points. Narrated from the view of Anwen, the maid of Princess Lavena (she is as scary as before), we are introduced to a slow-burning romance that will keep you in angst just like the original fairy tale. We get to see a bunch of splendid characters, including Liam's sisters and Anwen's brother. I really hope that the author has a story planned for each of them because this is a series I hate to say goodbye.

     Now to the things that I didn't love. For one, the plot could have been more complex since it had all the elements necessary and a very 'good' villain. Another thing is the way the author gave out the insecurities enveloping Anwen during her false charade. This became too tedious and repetitive as the story progressed. Good editing and revision could have produced better results. Anyway, these are just my thoughts.

    If you are a fan of fairy tale retellings, then this is a series not to be missed. Even with the minor blemishes I truly enjoyed the story and would love to see it extended.

 

Meet the author:

 

Camille Peters was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where she grew up surrounded by books. As a child, she spent every spare moment reading and writing her own stories on every scrap of paper she could find. Becoming an author was always more than a childhood dream; it was a certainty.

Her love of writing grew alongside her as she took local writing classes in her teens, spent a year studying Creative Writing at the English University of Northampton, and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and History. She’s now blessed to be a full-time author.

When she’s not writing she’s thinking about writing, and when’s she’s not thinking about writing she’s…alright, she’s always thinking about writing, but she can also be found reading, playing board games with her family and friends, or taking long, bare-foot walks as she lives inside her imagination and brainstorms more tales.

One Week 'Til Christmas - Belinda Missen

Date of Reading: 10/11/2019

Author: Belinda Missen

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: November 1, 2019

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

Two people. One chance meeting. Seven days to Christmas.

Isobel Bennett is waiting for the number 11 bus when a man quite literally falls into her lap. Snow is falling, Christmas lights are twinkling, and a gorgeous man with dark brown hair has just slipped on ice and is now pressed against Isobel.

Isobel knows she’s not imagining the chemistry between them. But then his ride arrives and, embarrassed, he beats a hasty retreat, murmuring apologies – and Isobel realises only too late that she didn’t manage to catch his name…

When she runs into him again the next morning, she decides it’s fate.

It’s a second chance for Isobel and Tom – but there’s only one week until she’s leaving London for good. Seven days of enjoying all the festive delights the city has to offer: ice-skating at Somerset House, mulled wine on the Southbank, Christmas shopping at Liberty.

There’s magic in the air and mistletoe in the trees – but what will happen when the week is over?

For fans of Josie Silver, Lucy Diamond and Marian Keyes, this is one Christmas romance you don’t want to miss!

Review:

       Being a hardcore fan who gobbles up all her beautiful rom coms, I surely deserve a Christmas present from Belinda Missen. And . . . voila . . . here it is . . . a magical Christmas romance set in the wintry London. It's beautiful, funny, romantic and so, what can I say, Christmaseque!

    Beginning with an accident, fate has thrust Isobel into the arms of a popular actor and they have seven days to check whether the chemistry between them is for the long run or not. As you can expect this is a bumpy ride, considering the fact that they are from two sides of the world -- Australia and England. How can it work? Surely we need a Santa with his magic powder.

      While reading I was more invested in the way Missen constructs a Christmas side of London than the romance bit. Every page seems to provide a visual travelogue and for someone who has never been to London, this was a total treat. Ice-skating, mulled wine, Christmas market . . . well, festivities are in the air. This is a story that will wrap and encase you completely in a real but magical world and just like the sweet dreams in the mornings, you will never want it to end. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.     

The Poison Bed - E. C. Fremantle

Date of Reading: 07/11/2019

Author: E. C. Fremantle

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Published Year: 2018

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

A king, his lover and his lover's wife. One is a killer.

In the autumn of 1615 scandal rocks the Jacobean court when a celebrated couple are imprisoned on suspicion of murder. She is young, captivating and from a notorious family. He is one of the richest and most powerful men in the kingdom.

Some believe she is innocent; others think her wicked or insane. He claims no knowledge of the murder. The king suspects them both, though it is his secret at stake.

Who is telling the truth? Who has the most to lose? And who is willing to commit murder?

Review:

      What will you do if your best friend is besotted with an evil person? If you are someone who will resort to any means to save your friend, then you need to hear this story. The death of Thomas Overbury is a lesson that history teaches us; in the tug of war between friendship and love, the winner will always be the latter. 

      Reading 'The Poison Bed' helped me brush up some of my history lessons. The fact that I was not familiar with this poisoning case which shook the Jacobean court at least played in my favour. But those who are familiar with the story will surely know the real culprit. All the same, this is going to give you a different perspective and will surely satisfy the history buff in you.

     Fremantle's beautiful and strong writing shook me and I closed the book with a feeling of distaste to all this political warfare. No one is invincible here and a mere lack of judgement will result in the downfall of even the mightiest. Isn't that one of the amusing things about historical fiction? It gives the reader a sense of power which comes from the knowledge of the futures of the characters involved. The story of Robert Carr and Frances Howard is no different. A love story, a murder, a tragedy -- you can call it what you may. It is all these.

Meet the author:

As a child I was the one in the corner with my nose in a book who wanted to be a writer, but with the onset of a turbulent adolescence I left school, under a cloud, aged fifteen with nothing more than a fistful of O Levels and a hapless sense that things would somehow work themselves out. Eventually, after working in various dodgy dives – I've served grey scrambled eggs to squaddies at 5.30am; I've served vintage champagne to raucous hoorays; I've pulled pints for all and sundry – I managed to find myself, much in the way Forrest Gump always landed on his feet, working as a dogsbody on a fashion magazine. Over a decade, I worked for titles such as Vogue, Elle and The Sunday Times and contributed to many others. Marriage took me to Paris, a stint at French Vogue and the birth of my two children but divorce saw me back home in London where I have remained. Fuelled by frustration with a fashion world that does no favours to women, I decided to complete my truncated education as a mature student which led, in a long and roundabout way with many frustrating impasses, to my fulfilling that childhood dream to become a novelist.