Girl in the Castle - Lizzie Lamb

Date of Reading: 13/05/2018

Author: Lizzie Lamb

Publication Year: 2017

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Love Books Group Tours)

About the book:

Her academic career in tatters, Dr Henriette Bruar needs somewhere to lay low, plan her comeback and restore her tarnished reputation. Fate takes her to a remote Scottish castle to auction the contents of an ancient library to pay the laird's mounting debts. The family are in deep mourning over a tragedy which happened years before, resulting in a toxic relationship between the laird and his son, Keir MacKenzie. Cue a phantom piper, a lost Jacobite treasure, and a cast of characters who - with Henri’s help, encourage the MacKenzies to confront the past and move on. However - will the Girl in the Castle be able to return to university once her task is completed, and leave gorgeous, sexy Keir MacKenzie behind?

My Review:

       The book's cover was not to my taste and being averse to highland adventures, it was not my intention to read it. But then comes the matter of heroine who is an academic which I can't pass on. So here I am, finishing another enchanting novel and happy in being so wrong in first impressions. 
      
Here are the reasons why I enjoyed the story so much:

Protagonist: As mentioned above a willful heroine with strong academic credentials is one of my weaknesses. And Dr. Henriette Bruar more than qualifies the description. She reminded me a lot of Evelyn in "The Mummy", with all her I-am-the-expert speeches. The author has managed to weave along with it the not so pretty picture of the university politics showing the cutthroat competition that has begun to degrade even our scholarly pursuits.

Setting: An ancient Scottish castle -- the most beautiful background for an amazing Gothic romance! Added to this is the perfect blend of supernatural, family tragedy and a hidden treasure making this an unforgettable read. If you haven't visited the Highlands, after this you will definitely want to.

Characters: Author creates a cosy scene with a few servants, the master and his son. Even the wicked cousins are difficult to hate. I loved Sandy aka Alexander even though he is far from being the rugged hero.

Narration: The omniscient narrator follows the perceptions of Henriette which was a welcome change from the usual romance reads. Kind of felt like going through the modern 'Jane Eyre'.

      All in all, I will recommend this book to anyone who likes romance with a slight sprinkle of mystery.

Meet the author:

After teaching her 1000th pupil and working as a deputy headteacher in a large primary school, Lizzie decided to pursue her first love: writing. She joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, wrote Tall, Dark and Kilted (2012), followed a year later by Boot Camp Bride. Although much of her time is taken up publicising her novels she published a third novel Scotch on the Rocks in July 2015. It achieved Best Seller status within two weeks of appearing on Amazon. Her latest novel Girl in the Castle was published in 2017 and reached #3 in the charts. Lizzie is a founding member of indie publishing group – New Romantics Press and has held author events in many venues and loves meeting readers. In March 2016, Lizzie was a finalist in the prestigious Exeter Novel Prize for Scotch on the Rocks. In November, she co-hosted an author event at Aspinall, St Pancras, talking about writing and the amount of research she puts into her novels. Lizzie lives in Leicestershire (UK) with her husband and a naughty parrot called Jasper.

What Kitty Did Next - Carrie Kablean

Date of Reading: 23/05/2018

Author: Carrie Kablean

Publisher: Red Door

Year: June 2018

Rating: 3.4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour hosted by Love Books Group Tours)

About the book (Goodreads):

England, 1813. Nineteen-year-old Catherine Bennet lives in the shadow of her two eldest sisters, Elizabeth and Jane, who have both made excellent marriages. No one expects Kitty to amount to anything. Left at home in rural Hertfordshire with her neurotic and nagging mother, and a father who derides her as "silly and ignorant," Kitty is lonely, diffident and at a loss as to how to improve her situation. 

When her world unexpectedly expands to London and Darcy’s magnificent country estate in Derbyshire, she is overjoyed. Keen to impress this new society, and to change her family’s prejudice, Kitty does everything she can to improve her mind and manners—and for the first time feels liked and respected. 

However, one fateful night at Pemberley, a series of events and misunderstandings conspire to ruin Kitty’s reputation and she is sent back home in disgrace. But Kitty has learnt from her new experiences and what she does next will not only surprise herself but everyone else too.

My Review: 

       It goes without saying that I am a HUGE Austen fan. But I am not fond of sequels as they usually never live up to the original. Still, the cover was too persuading and I also felt the need to relive the characters and gave it a try. I would have liked to read about Mary rather than Kitty as she is the bookish sister.

      Kablean does a nice work of capturing the spirit of  'Pride and Prejudice' using almost similar language and narrative style. Nothing happens much in the first half other than what is described in the cover blurb -- gatherings, visits and dresses. We are slowly eased into the world of the sisters again, but this time Jane is going to be our favourite. Then comes the conflict resulting in Kitty's disgrace and after that the story takes momentum.

      You might be wondering about Kittie's love interest, and though I am itching to reveal that, it will be better if you find it yourself. It is only in the last pages the readers are enlightened as to who it is and until then it was quite fun guessing. Happy reading!!!

Meet the author:

I was born and raised in London and came to Sydney in 1990. I love both cities - shame they are so far apart.

I have always loved reading and when I was a kid and the mobile library made its weekly stop nearby I read anything in the historical fiction genre I could get my hands on. Especially loved Tudor England. Then Jane Austen came into my life and never left. And I started working my way through other great English classic novels (an ongoing pastime). But my tastes range farther afield too, Junot Diaz, Stella Gibbons, Tom Wolfe, Graham Greene, Karen Joy Fowler, Alice Sebold.... have to stop, it will go on forever.

The theatre is also a passion. I reviewed for The Sunday Telegraph for more than a decade, and still post the occasional review. 

I was a journalist with The Australian for more than 20 years, and now write for my own amusement - and hopefully yours!     

Don't forget to check out the other stops in the tour 

The Forgotten Guide to Happiness - Sophie Jenkins

 

Date of Reading: 15/06/2018

Author: Sophie Jenkins

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: July 26, 2018

Rating: 4.5/5

From: NetGalley 

About the book:

You can lose your memory, but you never forget how to love…
 
Lana Green has a talent for pushing people away. As a writer, she’s perfectly happy to be left alone with her books. But when she meets Jack Buchanan and Nancy Ellis Hall, Lana’s solitary life will change for ever.

Nancy has dementia, and social services believe this makes her vulnerable. But Lana can see the funny, brilliant woman underneath the illness.

As Lana and Jack struggle to keep Nancy out of a care home, Lana starts to question everything she ever thought mattered.

Because what’s the point in stories, if there is no one to share them with?

My Review:

       Have you ever read a book that makes you feel warm, happy and content? If you have gone through a similar experience, then you won't be able to pass this one by. The stunning debut with its unique perspective and story line will endear anyone with at least a small inkling to write.
        The story was quite engaging from the start itself and we immediately connect with Lana Green, the author of a single famous romantic novel whose life is now in shatters. Her quirky but insightful comments on other writers (especially the one about Hemingway) and about writing had me grinning from ear to ear.  
       And I never thought that someone with dementia can contribute so much fun. In reality I don't think they will, but here I completely agree with Kitty, "no one wants to read how it all went wrong . . . they can look to their own lives for that sort of thing."
      The characters we meet are also quite distinctive, starting from Nancy. Then there is Jack and we can't but admire how he pedalled  through some really dark periods in life. Love is insanity (some loves at least) and it is good to see him so forgiving. He has become one of my favourite heroes.
      That being said, I won't classify this as a romance novel since that plays only a minor role here. This is a writer's search for her novel, that particular story which is waiting for her to be written. Endowed with one of the perfect endings, this uplifting book will make you happy irrespective of whether you forgot the feeling or not. 

Something to ponder ...

"Generallay, you have to be thin-skinned to be a writer, so you can be insightful and all that, but you have to be thick-skinned too, because no one in the history of the written word has ever written anything that everyone likes" - Loc 169
 
"I can spot a teacher a mile off. They'r e the ones telling people off." - Loc 427

"Self-pity is seductive, but it makes you pitiful." - Loc 479

"A photograph is like a stare, a voyeuristic activity in which you can study someone with all the time in the world and make up a narrative about them" - Loc 2982

"The problem I've always had with real life is, you never know what's going to happen." - Loc 3986

Meet the author:

Sophie Jenkins

Sophie Jenkins is a serial joiner of writing groups and workshops and a prolific short story writer. To encourage her creativity she regularly enters half-marathons and trains by running from her home in North London to breakfast in the centre of town with a notepad.

The character of Nancy in The Forgotten Guide to Happiness is based on her experiences with her own mother, who was diagnosed with dementia fifteen years ago.  

Clutch - Lisa Becker

Date of Reading: 08/06/2018

Author: Lisa Becker

Publisher: Becker Press

Publication Date: October 10, 2015

Rating: 4.3/5

From: NetGalley 

About the book:

Clutch is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.  

My Review:

        A completely predictable, utterly enjoyable romantic comedy -- that is how I would like to describe this novel. Starting from Caroline's days at Harvard, it follows the friendship and witty banter she shares with Mike. Mike is a playboy who leaves behind a string of broken hearts everywhere while Caroline is in search of the Mr. Right or the 'Clutch'. Clutch is the name of her business venture, something she has built because she held onto her passion. Now she needs a man whom she can hold onto.

         There follows a series of dating adventures with the chapter titles giving a rough notion about the suitors. The only downside is, we know it will all end badly, that is until we reach the chapter 'Clutch'. So a small advise: better not read this in one sitting, it tends to be a bit boring then.

        More than Caroline, I liked the character of Mike. He has an insight that Caroline totally lacks. We can't but wonder how she became a successful businesswoman. Still, it was total fun reading about her dating blunders :)

Meet the author: 

Lisa Becker is a romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas. In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened to her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com. 

The Distance between Us - Georgie Capron

 

Date of Reading: 10/06/2018

Author: Georgie Capron

Publisher: Aria

Publishing Date: July 1, 2018

Rating: 4.5/5

From: NetGalley 

About the book:

Happy children, happy husband, happily ever after? 

Tasha knows that she should count her blessings: married for eleven years, mother to three healthy children, she should be content with her lot. However, feelings of frustration have settled over her like a dark cloud. Despite living under the same roof and sharing the same bed, Tasha has never felt so distant from her husband, Charlie. She feels worn down by the mental load of motherhood, drowning in the never-ending chores that keep the family and household afloat. Most of all she worries that her once happy marriage is slipping away from her. 

Tasha longs for something to change, but when change comes calling will it really be the answer she was hoping for? And is it possible to fall in love with the same person twice? 

A modern day love story about family, marriage and risking it all to have it all. 

My Review:

     This book has surprised me beyond expectations. I opened it for a realistic and sombre story which may require some time to finish. Sure, it deals with a serious theme, but the gripping language and narration won't allow you to put it down for a second. Consequently, my plans for the day has gone awry, and the notes I need to prepare are lying there neglected.

      The story follows the perspective of Tasha who opted to become a stay at home mom since she didn't enjoy her profession as a doctor. But as years passed by, her husband and three children have begun to take her for granted, leaving her to wallow in a never ending frustration. Then she does the unthinkable. She sleeps with her neighbour Javier and the guilt set in. The plot plummets into action from there, following the repercussions of this deed and concludes with a very deserving end.

        Tasha's story is not a singular one. It is not hard to relate to her feeling as we encounter many Tashas often in our lives. The book felt like a modern retelling of 'A Doll's House', reminding us once again that a woman also has a duty towards herself. She could never be complete just as a mother.

      A well written, beautiful story that every woman should read.

Meet the author:

Georgie Capron is a bestselling author of contemporary women's fiction. She lives and works in South West London. Her novels Just the Two of Us, One Summer in Positano (previously published as It was Always You) and The Distance between Us are published by Aria Fiction, an imprint of Head of Zeus and winner of Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2017. To find out more find her on Twitter (@georgiecapron), Facebook (Georgie Capron Author), Instagram (@georgiecapronauthor) or visit her website www.georgiecapron.com        

Coming Home to Ottercombe Bay - Bella Osborne

 

Date of Reading: 07/06/2018

Author: Bella Osborne

Publisher: Avon

Place: London

Publication Date: 28th June 2018

Rating: 4/5

From: NetGalley 

About the book:

Ottercombe Bay was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.
 

Daisy Wickens has returned to Ottercombe Bay, the picturesque Devon town where her mother died when she was a girl. She plans to leave as soon as her great uncle’s funeral is over, but Great Uncle Reg had other ideas. He’s left Daisy a significant inheritance – an old building in a state of disrepair, which could offer exciting possibilities, but to get it she must stay in Ottercombe Bay for twelve whole months.

With the help of a cast of quirky locals, a few gin cocktails and a black pug with plenty of attitude, Daisy might just turn this into something special. But can she ever hope to be happy among the ghosts of her past?  

My Review:

        The moment I saw the cover I totally fell in love with this book. Yes, yes I know. I should not be judging by appearances. But what was inside was equally heartwarming and comforting. The book traces one year in Daisy's life when she is forced to stay in Ottercombe Bay in order to get her inheritance. So keeping her wanderlust on hold, she is forced to confront the painful memories related to her mother's death.

         There is  a mystery, a bit of romance and a lot of funny moments all thanks to the cunning black pug, Bugsy. I am glad Osborne gave him much importance, we can't help but adore him. I  eagerly waited for his pranks all the time.

        Osborne has successfully captured the life of Ottercombe in its true beauty and it stays as a soothing, calm village with helping, lovely neighbours till the very end. Quirky Tamsyn, sweet Jason, annoying but loving Max, caring Coral and the list goes on. It was almost as if I was living there myself. We could feel the salty sea breeze and a certain cosiness that can only be found in Ottercombe Bay. 

        Thank you, Avon, for giving me a review copy via NetGalley. It was an enjoyable read!

Meet the author:

I've been jotting down my stories as far back as I can remember. Somehow life took over, I got a sensible job in project management and the writing has remained a passion.

I live in The Midlands with my lovely husband and our wonderful daughter, who thankfully, both accept me as I am (with my mad morning hair and a penchant for skipping).
You can follow me on Twitter @osborne_bella. 

Happily Never After - Emma Robinson

Date of Reading: 01/06/2016

Author: Emma Robinson

Publisher: Bookouture

Place: London

Year: 2018

Rating: 3.5/5

From: NetGalley 

About the book (Goodreads):

Rory doesn’t believe in love. She’s got far too many real problems to deal with.

She’s just bought a tumbledown house. Her mother is generally behaving like a wicked witch, insisting on calling her Aurora, and generally interfering in her (admittedly pitiful lack of) love life. And her 16-year-old daughter has finally grown out of Disney princesses and discovered dating…

But Rory’s adamant that she doesn’t need saving. In fact, the only thing she’s wishing on a star for is a bit of practical help. However, when she meets a builder whose name is John Prince and who seems to be in the habit of rescuing her (right down to finding her lost shoe one evening) she might have to face a truth as uncomfortable as hobbling home barefoot – that maybe there’s something enchanted in the air.

Her mother, daughter and friends are convinced her prince has come, but Rory just wishes everyone could let it go. Especially when she hears a story that makes her question whether he is really the hero everyone thinks he is…  

My Review:

        I don't know why it is given the subtitle 'A laugh out loud romantic comedy' because there is nothing much to laugh in this. The story is more about parenting troubles, teenage rebellion and the challenges of teaching profession. It was a story with great potential, one I would have loved more with the addition of humour. 

      We encounter a bunch of realistic characters. Rory is not a fan of HEA and her daughter lives in search of a fairy tale prince charming. We could see the clouds of disaster approaching there itself. I really admire Rory even with her stubborn attitude, she is the type of teacher I would like to be one day. 

       Since it is the story of a single parent, instead of giving much interest to Rory's potential partner, it also focuses on the love life of her intimate friends - Susie and Penny. Rory's mother Sheila, I feel, is the sole fun element. Still this was an enlightening read, beautifully structured around the renovation of Rory's new home, aptly ending with housewarming party where all loose threads come together.