The Warrior Maiden - Melanie Dickerson

Date of Reading: 10/5/2019

Author: Melanie Dickerson

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: February 5, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

Mulan isn’t afraid to pretend to be a son and assume her father’s soldier duties in war. But what happens when the handsome son of a duke discovers her secret?

Mulan is trying to resign herself to marrying the village butcher for the good of her family, but her adventurous spirit just can’t stand the thought. At the last minute, she pretends to be the son her father never had, assumes his duties as a soldier, and rides off to join the fight to protect the castle of her liege lord’s ally from the besieging Teutonic Knights.

Wolfgang and his brother Steffan leave Hagenheim with several other soldiers to help their father’s ally in Poland. When they arrive, Wolfgang is exasperated by the young soldier Mikolai who seems to either always be one step away from disaster... or showing Wolfgang up in embarrassing ways.

When Wolfgang discovers his former rival and reluctant friend Mikolai is actually a girl, he is determined to protect her. But the battle is a dangerous place where anything can happen — and usually does.

When Mulan receives word that her mother has been accused of practising witchcraft through her healing herbs and skills, Mulan’s only thought is of defending her. Will she be able to trust Wolfgang to help? Or will sacrificing her own life be the only way to save her mother? 

My Review:

       I can't believe this is the ninth book in the Hagenheim series. It seems only yesterday I was glued to my kindle with 'The Healer's Apprentice' starving for more stories. For those who are not familiar with the series, each of these books retells a fairytale and can absolutely be read as standalone. I had religiously followed them until book five . . . well, then life intervened, as usual, directing me to other pursuits. But now, I am finally reunited with one of my favourite series and this time we have the story of Mulan.

        Time for a confession. I started the novel without any idea whatsoever of the story of Mulan. Ok, I know it's about a girl who disguises as a boy but obviously, I am one of those few who missed the Disney remake. Still, that was not a problem as Melanie's able hands will pull you to the story whether you know the premise or not. Her writing is beautiful as always, but sadly not the best. Nothing has so far topped the first book in the series for me. I need a slightly better dose of mystery and angst to give five stars.

      That being said, this is still a good one for all fairytale enthusiasts. War, intrigue, rumours of sorcery .  .  . oh, the plot thickens with every page. It is not always we come across a retelling of Mulan; as a matter of fact, this is my first one. So if you love fairytale retellings, don't miss this amazing series. 

Meet the author:

Melanie Dickerson is a New York Times bestselling author, a two-time Christy Award finalist, two-time Maggie Award winner, Carol Award winner, two-time winner of the Christian Retailing's Best award, and her book, The Healer's Apprentice, won the National Readers Choice Award for Best First Book. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Melanie earned a bachelors degree in special education of the hearing impaired from The University of Alabama and has worked as a teacher in Georgia, Tennessee, and Ukraine. She lives with her husband and two children in Huntsville, Alabama.

Probably the Best Kiss in the World - Pernille Hughes (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 12/05/2019

Author: Pernille Hughes

Publisher: Harper Impulse

Publication Date: April 12, 2019

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4/5

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

About the book:

Jen Attison likes her life Just So. But being fished out of a canal in Copenhagen by her knickers is definitely NOT on her to do list.

From cinnamon swirls to a spontaneous night of laughter and fireworks, Jen’s city break with the girls takes a turn for the unexpected because of her gorgeous, mystery rescuer.

Back home, Jen faces a choice. A surprise proposal from her boyfriend, ‘boring’ Robert has offered Jen the safety net she always thought she wanted. But with the memories of her Danish adventure proving hard to forget, maybe it’s time for Jen to stop listening to her head and start following her heart…

A fabulously feel-good rom-com that will make you laugh till you cry and fall in love with the romance! This is a must read if you love romantic comedies by Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk or Mhairi McFarlane!

My Review:

       It would probably have been the best book if it is not for the hugely annoying heroine. Yes, I am being harsh. There is no rule which says that the protagonist needs to be perfect. But being narrow-minded, I found her a constant eyesore in an otherwise perfect book. Overprotectiveness, stupidity, pure judgement of character -- Jen Attison can be summarised this way. I am not saying that my moral compass is pointed exactly to north, but betraying your fiance is a mistake in bold letters in my book. That was wrong to both men. 

        So, of course, I wanted to wrangle her neck . . . until the last chapter. The author has wrapped it up unexpectedly well with Jen realising her mistakes and giving room to others that it was hard to stay angry on her. What a perfect ending! Not only for the protagonist but to everyone involved. As far as rom-coms go, this is one of the best.

       Oh! I am almost carried away by my ranting. Let's have a look at the premise. Our Jen is a brewer, a unique one for a woman. This has been new territory for me and I enjoyed all the talks on beer and brewing. Then there is Lydia, the physically challenged sister. If it is not for her, I would have thought that the story is anti-feministic. She is an inspiration to all to take life by its horns. I am sure you must have earned multitudes of fans by now and I am counting myself as one among them.

      Altogether, a delectably put together feast for all book lovers. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Pernille Hughes is a RomCom author and mum, whose debut novel was SWEATPANTS AT TIFFANIE'S, soon to be followed by PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD (April 2019). Previously her writing has been printed in The Sunday Times and the fabulous SUNLOUNGER summer anthologies. Find out about her new books at www.pernillehughes.com Pernille (pronounced Pernilla) studied Film & Literature at uni and took her first job in advertising, having been lured by the temptation of freebies, but left when Status Quo tickets were as good as it got. After a brief spell marketing Natural History films, she switched to working in Children's television which for a time meant living in actual Teletubbyland, sharing a photocopier with Laa-Laa. Now, she lives in actual Buckinghamshire, sharing a photocopier with her husband and their four spawn. While the kids are at school she scoffs cake and writes Rom-Com stories in order to maintain a shred of sanity.

How (Not) to Date a Prince - Zoe May (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 11/4/04/2019

Author: Zoe May

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: May 4, 2018

Source: NetGalley

My Rating: 4.5/5

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

About the book:

Surely fairy tales don’t happen in real life?

After being jilted at the altar, high-flying journalist Sam doesn’t believe in love any more – and she certainly doesn’t believe in fairy tales! So, when she’s asked to cover the Royal Wedding, it’s the last thing she wants to do.

And when she crashes into a ridiculously handsome stranger, Fredrik, later that day, things are going from bad to worse. But as the big day draws closer, Sam finds herself being swept up in the excitement – as well as swept off her feet by Fredrik!

But there’s something that Fredrik’s hiding from her – and when he finally reveals his secret, might Sam just have the happy-ever-after she never thought she wanted…?

My Review:

        Anyone who follows my reviews might surely know that I am a fan of royalty. Oh! not in real life (I am all for democracy), but everyone is allowed to have a bit of closet adoration. So without a doubt, the book had clinched me with the title and what is more, it is a Zoe May novel. And that sealed it for me.

      Probably the best that is produced out of this delightful author's hands, 'How (Not) to Date a Prince' can be termed as another modern version of Cinderella story (we even have a glass slipper moment) where dreams are merged with practicality. It is so romantic to get married into the royal family, not that enjoyable if you have a name of your own and a promising career in front of you. Or what if you want a normal life in spite of being in love with a prince? A modern woman obviously faces this dilemma. And I so admire the way Zoe has put them all together in the story.

     If you are a fan of 'Prince and Me' movie series like me, go blindly to take a copy. This is the perfect weekend getaway with lots of fun and a heartwarming story.

Meet the author:

Zoe May lives in Oxford and writes romantic comedies. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material! 

Perfect Match was one of Apple's top-selling books of 2018. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award, with judges describing it as 'a laugh out loud look at love and self-discovery - fresh and very funny'. As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zoe_writes/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zoemayauthor/

Coming Home to Wishington Bay - Maxine Morrey (Blog Tour & Giveaway)

Date of Reading: 29/04/2019

Author: Maxine Morrey

Publisher: HQ Digital

Publication Date: May 1, 2019

Source:NetGalley

My Rating: 3.5/5

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

About the book:

Holly doesn’t have time for a holiday this year. But when her job threatens to send her over the brink, her boss insists she takes a sabbatical. So she packs her bags and escapes to her beloved grandmother Gigi’s house on Wishington Bay, which has sat empty since Gigi passed away.

But Holly’s dreams of a coastal escape take an unexpected turn. Holly didn’t expect to spend time with any man this summer – let alone an Aussie Adonis…but when she meets her next-door neighbour Gabe and his tiny dog Bryan, it’s clear her quiet summer of strolling along the sand and wandering through the seaside village’s tiny streets on her own will come with a hefty dose of distraction.

With a summer to fill and Gigi’s wonderful and surprising house to sort through, Holly knew it would be a summer packed with old memories. She just didn’t expect to make so many new ones…

Coming Home to Wishington Bay is the new gorgeous uplifting rom-com from Maxine Morrey, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Tilly Tennant!

My Review:

     I was planning to read a Maxine Morrey book for long and finally, the day has come. The story is not one of her best I assume,(yes, I have most of her books decorating my TBR) since this is a recurrent theme nowadays - girl inherits property and chances upon a man. But that should not dissuade you from meeting the charming folk and dreamy beaches of Wishington Bay. And the funny banter between the two protagonists makes it so worth it.

      Holly is not a heroine I identify with as I usually label her type as difficult-to-manage or in other words, unpredictable. Her self dependence borders on pride and the constant self-denials on her mental health were getting on my nerves most of the time. More than anyone else, she needs someone to rely upon and I am not being an anti-feminist here. But who can convince her?

     So why did I continue to read? Simple. There is Gabe, our ever-patient Aussie doctor and . . . a dog who is the embodiment of cuteness. I wish the story were from Gabe's perspective with some glimpse of his hectic medical practice. Well, not everything happens the way we want; so I licked my wounded hopes and eagerly savoured the scenes both these adorable guys are featured. Even with the minor flaws, this is an absolutely sweet quirky read which won't fail to tempt you to the beachside.

Meet the author:

Maxine has wanted to be a writer for as long as she can remember and wrote her first (very short) book for school when she was ten. Coming in first, she won a handful of book tokens – perfect for a bookworm!

As the years went by, she continued to write, but ‘normal’ work often got in the way. She has written articles on a variety of subjects, as well as a book on Brighton for a Local History publisher. However, novels are what she loves writing the most. After self-publishing her first novel when a contract fell through, thanks to the recession, she continued to look for opportunities.

In August 2015, she won Harper Collins/Carina UK’s ‘Write Christmas’ competition with her romantic comedy, ‘Winter’s Fairytale’.

Maxine lives on the south coast of England, and when not wrangling with words loves to read sew and listen to podcasts. As she also likes cake she can also be found either walking or doing something vaguely physical at the gym.

Giveaway:

Giveaway to Win a Wishington Bay notebook, a Wishington Bay canvas shopper bag, and an e copy of the book. (Open to UK only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will be passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for the fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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