tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81120428912072387672024-03-05T07:33:01.908+00:00Little Northern SoulBook blog reviewing women's fiction and thriller/mystery novels. Featuring Q&A's, cover reveals, reviews, top picks and more!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-79483168719458901792016-05-25T11:54:00.002+01:002016-05-25T11:54:19.778+01:00I've got some explaining to do... <div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm aware it's been a fair old while since I posted on here and it's got to the point where I thought it was only right to update you on what's going on and why I've been absent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Firstly, 2016 started with a bit of a wobble for me. I'm not going to go into it too much, but lets just say that some big work and life changes didn't quite work out as I'd hoped and so my mood was drastically impacted. It still feels weird now to say that I was diagnosed with depression - I've never dealt with anything like it before and it always seemed like something that just wouldn't happen to me... but how wrong I was. I also felt guilty for how I was feeling - overall, life was pretty good for me and I felt that I shouldn't be feeling down - many people have it a lot worse and deal with it, so why couldn't I? As well as the guilt, I lost all enthusiasm for pretty much everything (yes, including reading!), couldn't concentrate, took to comfort eating and found myself bursting into tears a lot, for no apparent reason. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a difficult few months but thanks to support from my amazing other half, family and close friends and attending counselling, my mood seems to have lifted and I'm feeling more positive. But this is where the exciting news I have to share comes in too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I realised that part of my problem was feeling a little lost in terms of work life. I'm 25 and had NO idea exactly what I wanted to do. I felt like I should have a plan, a goal or at least some sort of idea for my future... but I didn't. So when I reflected on what makes me unhappy in my current work, I realised it wasn't the job itself or working hard, but the office politics side of working for an existing company. Lots of personalities all crammed into one space, not having the freedom to do what you feel right, it all combined to make me feel the way I did. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So this is where the idea began! After that revelation I knew I wanted to try something for myself - something that I have complete control over and will feel passionate about. The answer to that for me was easy - I've always loved baking and experimenting with recipes (I've been influenced a lot by my wonderful mum who is an amazing baker, as was my late Grandma). Being surrounded by all these talented women has always been inspiring to me and I knew that I wanted to create my own baking and catering business. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the past few months, I've been busy researching all about the ins and outs of running a business, as well as learning about food businesses specifically. I've attended seminars and workshops, local events and talks, read books, spent A LOT of time online and done as much research as possible. Now, I'm about to start the business. As of next week, For the Love of Cake will be live, delivering tasty, homemade treats to people and businesses across Yorkshire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know many of my readers aren't based in Yorkshire (or even the UK!) so I'm sorry that I won't be able to provide any goodies for you - I'm keeping things local while I find my feet - but I wanted to explain to you why I've been missing. I'm working full time while I start this venture (just to be safe and make sure I can pay my mortgage!) but who knows what will happen - all I know is that I now have a dream and a goal and something to pick me up when I'm feeling low. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If any of you want to take a peek at the business, I'm on social media, and my website should be live next week (links below) and if you're based in Yorkshire and on the hunt for baking and catering for an event, party or meeting then please keep me in mind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I guess I wanted to write this to let you know I back enjoying reading but I just don't have time at the moment to work full time, blog, start my business and live my life - something had to give and unfortunately, for now, that is this blog. I hope you understand and I hope that I'll be back book blogging at some point! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll finish this note with some advice - just remember that your problems are your own, and you shouldn't compare yourself to others. If you are feeling low, it's important to talk to someone. Anyone. And, if you can, try and get to the root of your feelings. That way, you can try and do something about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/leedscatering" target="_blank">@leedscatering </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Facebook: For the Love of Cake </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forthelove_ofcake/" target="_blank">@forthelove_ofcake</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snapchat: For the Love of Cake (lauraholds28)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-78597594231881709332016-04-22T20:32:00.002+01:002016-04-22T20:34:03.456+01:00Blog tour: One Moment at Sunrise by Karen Aldous <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Escape to the south of France with the irresistibly compelling new story from Karen Aldous – the only book you’ll need this summer!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nothing will ever be the same again…</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Evie Grant has spent two years hidden away in a quiet French village, longing to escape her beautiful villa with its blue-shuttered windows. Maybe this summer, the father of her child will keep his broken promises and return to whisk her away to another life. One way or another, Evie’s determined to stop feeling like his dirty little secret…</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yet when a mysterious stranger almost knocks Evie off her bicycle early one morning, her world begins to change in ways she never expected. Embarking on a painful journey of self-discovery, Evie begins to face her darkest fears and shatter her fragile dreams. But can she ever truly break free from her gilded cage and learn to love again?"</span></i></div>
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Okay so I have to admit, this is the first book I've read by Karen Aldous.... shocking I know! I've got her previous stories on my TBR pile, but for one reason or another haven't yet managed to pick one up. After reading One Moment at Sunrise I'll be reading them as soon as I can, as she is a fantastic storyteller that writes engaging and absorbing fiction that pulls you in from the first page. </div>
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Evie lives a very controlled life in a small french village, where she is tucked away by her partner Seb. He keeps her as his secret, and she lives a very quiet and lonely life. From the offset its clear that she's trapped and I willed for her to break free from Seb and make a life for herself and her daughter Charlotte. This element of the story did make me frustrated at times, as you just wanted her to stand up for herself and break away from Seb and his controlling nature. However, it's understandable why she's like that. She's been manipulated to believe that she isn't special and can't do anything without Seb, and you will for her to realise that. </div>
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Tucked away with Evie is her young daughter, Charlotte. Her relationship with her daughter is one of my favourite elements of this story. Charlotte is such a cute character and it's obvious just how much she means to Evie. </div>
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An accident on a bike sees Evie meeting Ben, a film director, who she strikes a friendship with following their run-in. Ben is a great character, warm and friendly and I loved seeing them become comfortable with one another and how he helps Evie to break out of her shell and grow in confidence. </div>
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As for the location... Oh boy. Please can I head there right now? It's sounds absolutely amazing and so much better than drizzly old England. I loved that a secondary element of the story was finding out the history behind this quaint little place and Karen's wonderful descriptions make this place jump of the page and seem so realistic it's like you're actually there. </div>
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Overall, One Moment at Sunrise is a lovely read. It's a gorgeous story with complex relationships, heartwarming discoveries and takes place is a gorgeous that captures you imagination from the offset. An absolute must read! </div>
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Buy the book:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Moment-Sunrise-Karen-Aldous-ebook/dp/B01ARSC5RK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459592132&sr=1-1&keywords=karen+aldous" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Moment-Sunrise-Karen-Aldous-ebook/dp/B01ARSC5RK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459592226&sr=8-1&keywords=karen+aldous" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></div>
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About Karen Aldous:<br />
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<i>Karen Aldous enjoys village life on the edge of the north-downs in Kent with easy access to the buzz of London. Not only does she love the passive pleasures of reading and writing, she also craves the more active pursuits with her family and friends such as walking, cycling and skiing especially when they involve food and wine! Karen gets much of her inspiration from her travels and if she had to choose, France, Greece, Switzerland, Italy and the USA would be her favourites. However, wherever she goes, she discovers a new character emerges in 'Karen's World'. She likes to write about strong independent women who can direct their own lives - but struggle to control them! And, of course there's always a gorgeous hunk or two!</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8212628.Karen_Aldous?from_search=true&search_version=service" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.karenaldous.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/karenAldous_" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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Giveaway<br />
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This giveaway is for a £15 Amazon Voucher and a copy of the book as first prize and a copy of the book as second prize.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="bf63305769" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bf63305769/" id="rcwidget_ab1pmap0" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-77088831934270872232016-04-20T21:02:00.000+01:002016-04-20T21:02:01.151+01:00Blog tour: The Silent Twin by Caroline Mitchell<br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;">"Nine-year-old twins </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Abigail and Olivia vow never to be parted. But when Abigail goes missing from Blackwater Farm, DC Jennifer Knight must find her before it’s too late. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.4px;">Twin sister Olivia has been mute since Abigail’s disappearance. But when she whispers in Jennifer’s ear, Jennifer realises it is Abigail’s voice pleading to be found. </span></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">A damp and decaying house set in acres of desolate scrubland, the farm is a place of secrets, old and new – and Jennifer must unravel them all in order to find the lost girl. But could Olivia’s bond with her twin hold the key to finding Abigail? And can Jennifer break through her silence in time to save her sister’s life?</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><b><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">My Review </span></i></u></b></span></span></div>
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S<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o you'll all know by now that I'm a HUGE fan of Caroline Mitchell. She writes addictive, gritty crime stories that have you on the edge of your seat. They also feature supernatural elements which, although not my usual choice in genre, work really well alongside the crime and mystery parts of these great stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In The Silent Twin we are reunited with DC Jennifer Knight. She's now part of the Operation Moonlight - a secret section of the police that deal with cases which involve the supernatural. Her first case is high profile - a missing nine-year-old-twin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">From the very start I was hooked - the story is fast paced and most chapters end on such a cliffhanger you just can't wait to read the next page. The most interesting part of The Silent Twin was just how differently the family reacted to Abigail's disappearance. Jennifer Knight is assigned to be their family liaison officer, so as a reader we see first hand how they deal (or don't deal) with her sudden disappearance. Abigail's twin, Olivia, has been silent since she went missing, but Jennifer is able to communicate with Abigail through her, using her supernatural powers. Then there's the parents - Nick, who avoids Jennifer and seems to have a strange relationship with Olivia and the mum Joanne, who is far too cool, calm and collected considering her daughter is missing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's hard to review this story without giving too much away, but the way that Caroline has structured it creates a gripping and massively entertaining crime story that will stay with me for some time. As usual, the balance of police investigation work and the supernatural is perfectly balanced - neither are overwhelming or boring and in fact are so realistic they draw you in further. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the third book in the DC Jennifer Knight series and is absolutely brilliant. As I was writing this, I was trying to pick my favourite of the three to suggest, but I genuinely can't. They are all great and well worth a read. They can be read as stand alone stories, but I would definitely read all three if you can as they are brilliant! </span><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Caroline has released some exciting news this week about her upcoming novels and I cannot wait to read more from this super talented author. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*A huge thank you to the publishers of The Silent Twin, Bookouture for an advance copy of the story in exchange for an honest review.</i></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-43504865974854342122016-04-20T09:29:00.001+01:002016-04-20T09:29:33.280+01:00Blog Tour: The Missing by C.L.Taylor <div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: -4px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"When fifteen-year-old Billy Wilkinson goes missing in the middle of the night, his mother, Claire, blames herself. She's not the only one. There isn't a single member of Billy's family that doesn't feel guilty. But the Wilkinsons are so used to keeping secrets from one another that it isn't until six months later, after an appeal for information goes horribly wrong, that the truth begins to surface.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Claire is sure of two things – that Billy is still alive and that her friends and family had nothing to do with his disappearance.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A mother's instinct is never wrong. Or is it?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Sometimes those closest to us are the ones with the most to hide…"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><u>My Review </u></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So if you read my review of The Lie, you'll know I'm a big fan of C.L Taylor. She's the queen of gritty, suspense-filled thrillers, and The Missing is no different. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The story centres around Claire, who are dealing with the aftermath of her son, Billy going missing. This is an intriguing and gripping topic for the story to focus on... you immediately want to know what happened, why Billy went missing and if he is dead or alive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The suspense is heightened at the start of each chapter, which focuses on a online chat between two anonymous people. It's not clear who they are (although I had my suspicions for one of the people from early on) but the way they talk has you hooked... it's obviously linked to Billy's disappearance and so it's another mechanism to try and get you to fit the pieces together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you'd expect from the topic of this story, it's an emotional roller-coaster filled with ups and downs. You really feel for Claire, who is struggling to deal with the unanswered questions Billy's disappearance creates. She tries her best to keep her family together as one unit, but as everyone deals with the situation in different ways, she struggles to do so. C.L. Taylor has wonderfully crafted their emotions so you really feel their pain and will for them to get answers, even if it's not the answer they hoped for. I found this such an interesting plot and think that C.L Taylor executes it brilliantly - it's clear she did a lot of research to get it right. The emotions, the police procedures - its all expertly crafted and is so realistic it's easy to get lost in the story and so absorbed that you begin to forget it's fiction. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll admit, I really wasn't sure how the story would end, but they way it does is so good. I obviously don't want to say too much and spoil anything, but you won't be disappointed. I don't think it's an obvious ending, I was surprised by it, but once you know what happened and who's involved you sit back and think 'ohhh, of course!'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As expected, The Missing is a brilliantly written, clever story filled with complex and intriguing characters that will hook you in from the very first page. An absolute must-read, but make sure you have plenty of time on your hands as you won't want to put it down!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>*A big thank you to Avon, the publishers of The Missing for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review</i></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Will you…date me?</i></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?"</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was asked to be a part of the Jennifer Joyce blog tour, I was thrilled. She is a witty, brilliant author and I was super excited to get my hands on a copy of her latest novel, <i>The Wedding Date.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Wedding Date</i> lived up to expectation. It's an immersive, fun novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. The main character, Delilah, is leading a pretty stale life. Working in a boring admin job, living at home with her parents and still not over her break-up from the supposed love of her life, Ben, she's kind of coasting through life. When an old school friend invites Delilah to her wedding and announces Ben is going to be the best man and will be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">bringing his fiance with him, Deliah is on a mission to find someone to stand by her side during the wedding do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The plot for <i>The Wedding Date</i> provides the funny and awkward situations you'd expect from it. We see a string of disastrous dates that had me cringing for Delilah and also get to see her come out of her shell a bit. Delilah is a relatable character, you fully understand how she's in the situation she's in and how she's really struggling with the idea of the man she loves not loving her back. Sometimes I did struggle with this aspect though - she's so determined to use her wedding date to make Ben jealous and ultimately win him back, which seems stupid when it's so clear he's just not into her anymore. I wanted her to be excited about the prospect of a new romance, not using it to reconcile with her stupid ex. However, like I said.. that's a really relatable part of the story as so many people have thoughts and ideas like that when they go through a break-up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favourite characters was Adam, the office hottie. He's funny and relaxed and brings normality to Delilah's otherwise crazy workplace. I loved seeing him and Delilah getting along - there's clear chemistry and I was willing for one of them to actually act on it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Wedding Date</i> is an entertaining story that just makes you smile. It's addictive - you really want to see how things will turn out for Delilah and will her to do something that makes her happy. I enjoyed seeing her character develop and grow, Jennifer Joyce has a real talent at making loveable yet complex characters who you root for from the very beginning. This is a great easy-going read perfect to curl up with and relax. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author bio:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jennifer Joyce is a writer of romantic comedies who lives in Manchester with her husband and their two daughters. Her latest novel, The Wedding Date is out now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can find out more about Jennifer and her books on:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferjoycewrites</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Twitter: www.twitter.com/writer_jenn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blog: www.jenniferjoycewrites.co.uk</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-14646674795851793592016-02-24T07:55:00.001+00:002016-02-24T07:55:35.632+00:00Blog tour: The Silent Girls by Ann Troup - book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Returning to Number 17, Coronation Square, Edie is shocked to find the place she remembers from childhood reeks of mould and decay. After her aunt Dolly’s death Edie must clear out the home on a street known for five vicious murders many years ago, but under the dirt and grime of years of neglect lurk dangerous truths.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>For in this dark house there is misery, sin and dark secrets that can no longer stay hidden. The truth must come out.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Finding herself dragged back into the horrific murders of the past, Edie must find out what really happened all those years ago. But as Edie uncovers the history of the family she had all but forgotten, she begins to wonder if sometimes it isn’t best to leave them buried."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After reading The Lost Child, Ann Troup is well and truly on my radar. She has a great, descriptive writing style, able to build up tension and intrigue in a fast paced, well-thought through story. The Silent Girls does exactly that, it's a gripping story full of mystery. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The story begins with a man being hung for the murder of five young girls. Fast-forward to present day and we are introduced to Edie, who is in the same town clearing out her deceased auntie's property. It's clear that the family has been fractured and distant of late and that she hasn't seen her auntie for some time. As she begins to clear the house, she finds things that begin to uncover deep, dark secrets that cast a rather unforgiving light on Edie's family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'll admit, I thought the story started off fairly slow, but after a few chapters the tension really ramps up, as does the intrigue. I was eager to find out what would happen next and this is a rollercoaster journey, full of twists and turns. There are many questions about the murders all those years ago, and if the right man was executed for the crimes. Just when you think you have an answer something else crops up to cast further questions on the events. Although towards the end I did actually guess the ending of the story, I still wasn't completely comfortable with my guess being correct right up until the very end- there's so many other twists throughout the story that I wasn't convinced I'd know exactly what was going on right until the last sentence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What stands out for me about Ann Troup's writing is her ability to create tension you could cut with a knife and mysterious situations that have you gripped from the offset. The description throughout <i>The Silent Girls </i>is meticulous and really builds up a picture in your mind of the characters, setting and events that make this such a thrilling, dark story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>The Silent Girls</i> is a fantastic, dark thriller jam-packed with tension and mystery. It's a great story to get lost in, and you'll want to race through it to find out what happens. Ann Troup is a master storyteller and someone who's books I enjoy immensely. I can't wait for more! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Links: </u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Silent-Girls-Ann-Troup-ebook/dp/B015QM8AP8" target="_blank">Buy the book </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://anntroup.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Author website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/TroupAnn" target="_blank">Twitter </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anntroupauthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://neverlandblogtours.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Neverland blog tours </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.carinauk.com/" target="_blank">Carina </a></span></div>
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<i>*A big thank you to Jenny from Neverland blog tours for organising the blog tour, and Carina UK for providing a copy of The Silent Girls in exchange for an honest review</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-60795248328216280772016-02-14T09:43:00.002+00:002016-02-14T09:43:46.226+00:00Blog Tour: How to Get Hitched in Ten Days by Samantha Tonge - book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoYs5B-P53gWydjMiev-xArp0YWY16ciplwKXMz5aakYLBkDuSwAKAjETHIBejHgzYXlknZULMUWpTlHpef3ubaqdI6zYCjybVwXxqh24YnB3Zi_wuecuiqJqY6rdJ4Ocn0vsfu_AdDk/s1600/CYvy3MaWAAAGXwA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyoYs5B-P53gWydjMiev-xArp0YWY16ciplwKXMz5aakYLBkDuSwAKAjETHIBejHgzYXlknZULMUWpTlHpef3ubaqdI6zYCjybVwXxqh24YnB3Zi_wuecuiqJqY6rdJ4Ocn0vsfu_AdDk/s320/CYvy3MaWAAAGXwA.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>HOW NOT TO GET THE GIRL…</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Meet Mikey, every girl’s best friend – he bakes the creamiest cheesecake, loves movie nights and is a great dance partner.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For Jasmine, Mikey is the perfect flatmate – he owns a 50s diner that turns out the best food around, gives the best bear hugs and amazing romance advice – after all they’re scoping out the same hot guys! So when her boyfriend proposes in the worst possible way, Jazz knows her best friend will be there to pick up the pieces with gourmet popcorn, Pinot sleepovers and a shoulder to lean on.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But Mikey isn’t about to let Jasmine give up on love, and he’s ready to do whatever it takes to mend her broken heart – even if it means helping the one person who sees him as the enemy…</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Because at the end of the day, all’s fair in the pursuit of true love… right?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I found out Samantha Tonge was releasing a short story, I was thrilled. I fell for her writing style when I read <i>Game of Scones</i> (read my review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-game-of-scones-by-samantha.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and so was really looking forward to seeing what she'd do next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>How to Get Hitched in Ten Days</i> follows best friends Jasmine and Mikey. Jasmine is reeling after the terrible proposal from her long-term boyfriend Dave, and so Mikey starts to pick up the pieces. But, when he's asked by Dave for help to propose to her properly, they set aside their differences and embark on making a swoon-worthy proposal happen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to say this is where my only slight niggle with the story is, as Dave sounds like a brilliant boyfriend and, sure it's not wise or romantic to propose when you're very,very drunk but it's not like he's done anything terrible. Jasmine is offended by the proposal as it reminds her of her alcoholic, waste-of-space father which I kind of get, but I do think she should have cut him a bit of slack and remembered that she loves him. And why wouldn't she? He's fab and the character I warmed to most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jasmine and Mikey's friendship is great - they're so close and comfortable around one another. Mikey is super-sensitive and a great listener, the perfect companion for Jasmine. It becomes clear that this could be Dave's problem - that her and Mikey are so close he feels like a spare part. Aside from the fact that Mikey is gay and so has no interest in Jasmine whatsoever. Their friendship was heart-warming and I really loved seeing the two of them interact and be so happy around each other. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seeing Dave and Mikey interact was also interesting and at times really funny. They clearly have their differences - Mikey thinks Dave has a problem with him being gay - so the mission to create a perfect proposal doesn't exactly run smoothly. This was my favourite part of the story, the two men getting to know each other better and understand why they don't get on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That leads me nicely on to explain why I really love Samantha Tonge stories. It's never just about romance with her. There's always an underlying, more serious issue going on. In <i>Game of Scones</i> it was about refugees and the crisis happening there, in <i>How to Get Hitched in Ten Days</i> it's about homophobia and Mikey still finding it hard to be himself around people. I found that really interesting as, in this day and age, I certainly forget that there are still people that find homosexuality a difficult thing to understand... it's an issue that's well identified and tackled by Samantha and really shows off her writing talent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>How to Get Hitched in Ten Days</i> is a brilliant short story that you should definitely read! It's heart-warming, funny and romantic- filled with great friendships, more complex relationships and topped off with Mikey's wonderful diner that I'd quite like to visit please, as it sounds delicious! A perfect story for Valentine's Day.... or any other day in fact! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Links: </u></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Get-Hitched-Ten-Days-Short-Story-ebook/dp/B01AKV8EEC" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Buy the book </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://samanthatonge.co.uk/tag/how-to-get-hitched-in-ten-days/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author website</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/samtongewriter?lang=en-gb" target="_blank">Twitter </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook </a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.carinauk.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Carina UK </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://neverlandblogtours.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Neverland Blog Tours </a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-24428284444045216602016-02-10T08:04:00.000+00:002016-02-10T08:04:11.455+00:00Blog Tour: Review - A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8hVCwLJtExTQ7Ii1sLyhVHUPbCpLHYm799iYAipic9QbEXPzAEhfgIt3YUAaTGfZigHf2r4Gc3PACH95j2CDBmbs0ezo-TuOoTZ73C4Gjlk919h6Na6vM8_DjE23p5U0rJhZl6JuihA/s1600/download.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Rebecca Pugh" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8hVCwLJtExTQ7Ii1sLyhVHUPbCpLHYm799iYAipic9QbEXPzAEhfgIt3YUAaTGfZigHf2r4Gc3PACH95j2CDBmbs0ezo-TuOoTZ73C4Gjlk919h6Na6vM8_DjE23p5U0rJhZl6JuihA/s1600/download.jpeg" title="A Home at Sunset Bay" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Enough is enough! The always perfect Laurie Chapman had jumped in her car and raced as fast as she could from London heading to Sunset Bay and (she hopes!) the open arms of her estranged sister…</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mia Chapman loves running Dolly’s Diner in the picture-perfect coastal Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Now that her and Grandma Dolly’s dream is finally a reality Mia has never been prouder! Until Laurie suddenly turns up on her doorstep… How can she forgive the sister who walked away?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Once upon a time Mia and Laurie were best friends. Back together after so long, the time has come for the sisters to figure out what went so wrong all those years ago – and whether they can ever put it right!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>An uplifting romantic comedy about sisters, friendship and the love of good food.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you read <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-return-to-bluebell-hill-by.html" target="_blank">my review</a> of Rebecca Pugh's debut novel, <i>Return to Bluebell Hill</i>, you'll know I'm a big fan of hers. Rebecca is a fellow blogger over at Becca's books and someone I regard as an internet friend. I was blown away by her debut and so when her second novel, <i>A Home in Sunset Bay </i>landed on my kindle I couldn't wait to read it, knowing I'd be in for a treat.... and boy was I! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A Home in Sunset Bay</i> has a lovely premise and I really enjoyed the plot of this story. It follows Mia and Laurie Chapmen, sisters who lead very different and far apart lives. Mia is living out her dream running the amazing-sounding Dolly's Diner in an idyllic and small village, Sunset Bay. Meanwhile Laurie is living in London, struggling with a demanding job she doesn't enjoy. When she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating, she leaves behind London to reunite with her sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I loved watching their relationship unfold - the story delves into their past, and shows how close they were, but then how they drifted apart. Their relationship is fairly strained and complicated when Laurie first turns up in Sunset Bay and I was rooting for them to make up, as it's clear from the offset how much they both mean to one another. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As individual characters, they are both great but I definitely had a soft spot for Mia. She truly believes in herself and is doing what makes her happy. It's so inspiring to read and, actually, really resinated with me on a personal level. I know this is a fiction novel, but it really makes you think about your own life - I couldn't help but look at Mia living her life to the full and doing exactly what she wants to do and be inspired by it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which leads me nicely onto the centre of the story - Dolly's Diner. Oh my GOD I loved this as a setting for a story. It is amazing! First of all, there's the delicious, drool-enticing food which sounds amazing... I'll have a cheeseburger, fries and chocolate milkshake please! Then there's the vintage-style layout... red leather booths and a jukebox. It sounds like the kind of place I want to visit and I can see why it captures Mia's - and Lauries' Hearts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rebecca Pugh is a really talented author - her knack of producing fantastic descriptions without going overboard is second to none. She provides immense detail to really build up a picture in your mind, but without boring you to death. I loved her description of Dolly's Diner and Sunset Bay - it was like I'd been transported there. She really is one to watch and if you haven't read anything by her, I'd urge you to do so, quickly. She's absolutely brilliant and I'm so proud of her! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>A Home at Sunset Bay</i> is a heart-warming, lovely story that has you racing through chapters to find out what happens. There's budding romance, a wonderful location as well as more complex and fractured relationships that you're eager to delve into. It's a realistic and engaging - a story that will stay with me for a long time. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Home-In-Sunset-Bay-ebook/dp/B014I6EZV6" target="_blank">Buy the book </a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/BeccasBoooks?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Beccas-Books-1436342789930632/" target="_blank">Facebook </a></div>
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<a href="http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Becca's Books </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.carinauk.com/" target="_blank">Carina UK</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-88870682522903012552016-02-01T20:49:00.000+00:002016-02-01T20:49:46.071+00:00Monthly Round-Up: January<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So the first month of 2016 is behind us and, if I'm honest, I'm pretty glad. You may have noticed I haven't been posting on the blog as regularly as normal, but life has seemed to be getting in the way somewhat more than usual lately, causing a disruption to my blogging schedule. A new year brought a new job for me and it's taking some getting used to. I'm enjoying it, but on an evening I'm wiped out and the longer days mean I'm not reading as quickly as I was. I'm hoping now I'm settled and more into it I'll be back to normal soon - please bear with me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's my bookish round-up for January. </span></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/review-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me.html" target="_blank">The Unfinished Symphony of You & Me</a>, Lucy Robinson (5/5)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/book-review-you-and-me-always-by-jill.html" target="_blank">You and Me, Always</a>, Jill Mansell (5/5)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/book-review-stirred-with-love-by-marcie.html" target="_blank">Stirred with Love</a>, Marcie Steele (4/5)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/book-review-deadly-obsession-by-nigel.html" target="_blank">Deadly Obsession </a>, Nigel May (3/5)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/book-review-wickham-hall-by-cathy.html" target="_blank">Wickham Hall</a>, Cathy Bramley (5/5)</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Match Me If You Can, Michelle Gorman (4/5 - <i>review to come</i>)<br /></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Kindle paperwhite! I absolutely love it. Up until now I'd been reading e-books on the kindle app on my phone... not ideal due to a small and bright screen. This purchase is a revelation and I am so happy with it. I'm going to be doing a post about it soon, so keep an eye out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are all made of stars, Rowan Coleman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Secrets of Happiness, Lucy Diamond</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel, Jane Costello </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Perfect Gift, Emma Hannigan </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How To Get Hitched in Ten Days, Samantha Tonge </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My Map of You, Isabelle Broom </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Silent Girls, Ann Troup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always find this such a tough decision, but I love doing it as at the end of the year it means I can look back on some of my favourite reads. This month was full of amazing books that all helped me get through the January blues with a smile on my face. I absolutely loved <i>You and Me, Always</i> and <i>The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me</i>, but January's book of the month has to go to Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley. The story has stuck with me since reading and I keep daydreaming about the fabulous stately home setting of the story. An absolute corker of a novel that you MUST read if you haven't already! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-50334011353220488212016-01-28T07:43:00.000+00:002016-01-28T07:43:57.138+00:00Book review: You and Me, Always by Jill Mansell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"On the morning of Lily's twenty-fifth birthday, it's time to open the very last letter written to her by her beloved mother, who died when she was eight.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Learning more about the first and only real love of her mum's life is a revelation. On the same day, Lily also meets Eddie Tessler, a man fleeing fame who just might have the ability to change her world in unimaginable ways. But her childhood friend Dan has his own reasons for not wanting Lily to get too carried away by Eddie's attentions.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Before long, secrets begin to emerge and Lily's friends and family become involved. In the beautiful Cotswold village of Stanton Langley, nothing will ever be the same again..."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Reading a Jill Mansell story is like a comforting hug. It's warm and reassuring, makes you happy and cheers you up if you need it. That's exactly how <i>You and Me, Always</i> made me feel when I read it earlier this month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Picture the scene- Christmas is over. The decorations are down, mince pies are eaten, the back-to-work blues are setting in and everything's a bit... 'meh'. I wanted to read something I could get lost in and would life my spirits, and it didn't take very long to choose this book that was practically yelling to me from my kindle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The story follows Lily, who, on her 25th birthday opens the last letter from her mum, who passed away when she was younger. Before she died, Lily's mum wrote her a series of letters to open on her birthday, but this is the last one. In it, she talks about her first love (before Lily's absent father) which inspires Lily to try and find the man who meant so much to her mother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We also meet Lily's life-long friends Patsy and her brother Dan. I LOVED these two, I thought they were both brilliant in different ways. Patsy is brash and outgoing and I really enjoyed hearing about her string of disastrous dates. As well as that she's kind and caring and overall I think is a really great support to Lily. Her brother Dan is wonderful, he's a womaniser but is also funny and handsome, so you can see why! The three characters friendship is lovely to see... they'd do anything for each other and I thought this was the highlight of the story for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then there's Eddie Tessler, an actor who's seeking a bit of quiet time away from the spotlight. When he and Lily meet there's a spark, an instant fizz of attraction that has you intrigued from the offset. He's so different to Lily's small-town-girl life, which makes it so interesting to see how the two work out. I'm not going to spoil anything (what would be the fun in that!?) but I will say that although</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I'd guessed how this, and Lily's love-life, would turn out - I wasn't disappointed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, with Jill Mansell stories I come to expect a pretty, quaint location and </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You and Me, Always </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">delivers on this front. The small village where Lily lives sounds beautiful and charming and captured my imagination from the offset. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In such a small place though, everyone knows everyone and no secret is rarely left unturned. As the story progresses, you can see the tangled webs that have formed and discover some shocking secrets along the way. They're what make this story a bit grittier and absorbing - it adds a dynamic edge to a lovely romantic fiction story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overall, <i>You and Me, Always</i> is a wonderful read. Packed with great characters, a pretty location, friendship, romance and secrets it's what you expect from a Jill Mansell novel and it certainly delivers. I think she just gets better and better each time and this is up there as one of my favourites. It's engaging, funny and emotional and picked me right up out of my January slump! Thanks, Jill! </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*A big thank you to the publishers of the book, Headline, for an advance copy on Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. </span></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-8089790070337366352016-01-24T17:34:00.000+00:002016-01-24T17:34:49.252+00:00Book review: Wickham Hall by Cathy Bramley<div class="x_MsoNormal">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Holly Swift has just landed the job of her dreams: events co-ordinator at Wickham Hall, the beautiful manor home that sits proudly at the heart of the village where she grew up. Not only does she get to organise for a living and work in stunning surroundings, but it will also put a bit of distance between Holly and her problems at home.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;">As Holly falls in love with the busy world of Wickham Hall - from family weddings to summer festivals, firework displays and Christmas grottos - she also finds a place in her heart for her friendly (if unusual) colleagues.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22.4px;">But life isn’t as easily organised as an event at Wickham Hall (and even those have their complications…). Can Holly learn to let go and live in the moment? After all, that’s when the magic happens…"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For those of you that read my blog regularly, you’ll know I’m a HUGE fan of Cathy Bramley. I find it hard to believe that this time last year I hadn’t read anything by her, and yet now she’s up there as one of my favourite authors. Wickham Hall is her latest release, originally split into a four part serial like her other stories, and then released in a full paperback version earlier this month. When I heard the description for Wickham Hall, I was hooked. The story follows Holly as she lands her dream job - events organiser for the prestigious and beautiful Wickham Hall. </span></div>
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First of all I need to talk about the setting for this fabulous story. Wickham Hall sounds bloody amazing! A proper stately manor home with gardens, a tea room and gift shop… it captured my heart as much as it did Holly’s. When I was younger I actually worked in a manor house in my local village and it certainly wasn’t as fun as working at Wickham Hall sounds - I’m jealous! I loved the community spirit the place has - everyone works well together and they become almost like a family which is lovely to see.</div>
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As usual, Cathy has created a heroine that you instantly warm to and hope everything works out for her. Holly is down-to-earth and relatable, a great trait for stories like this. When she gets the job at Wickham Hall - a place that has meant a lot to her and her mum for many years - I was thrilled for her, and that was after only reading for a few pages. Imagine what it’s like when you’ve got to know her through the whole story!</div>
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Although I really liked Holly, she does seem quite lonely at first. She lives at home with her Mum and has one best friend and no love interest. Now, I’m not in any way saying she has to have a love interest to not be lonely, but it’s clear her world is fairly small and closed - off. That’s what I loved about her working at Wickham Hall - seeing her make new friends, becoming part of a team and even finding a potential love interest.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That’s where Ben (or Benedict) comes into play. Oh, Ben. Straight away he peaked my interest and I warmed to him. He’s the son of Lord and Lady Fortescue, who own Wickham Hall, and, with some reluctance from him, is next in line to inherit this amazing Hall. Sounds dreamy, right? Right. But the problem is he wants freedom - he’s a talented artist and wants to follow his passion, not be cooped up and taking orders from his Dad. For a ‘trial run’ he starts working alongside Holly in the events team. I loved watching the two of them interact and the chemistry is fizzing from the offset. Holly also tries to get him to see the opportunity he has ahead of him and how, actually, returning to Wickham Hall could be an amazing thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved getting an insight into her job as she settles into her role at Wickham Hall. The events organisation sounded so much fun and I loved her ideas. Fireworks night sounded beautiful and putting together a special calendar to sell in the gift shop really built up a picture of the place in my head and captured my imagination. Wickham Hall itself is the driving force of this story and one that thrilled me from the very beginning -I LOVED it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cathy also explores some different issues in this story, in a perfectly crafted way. From early on there are hints that all isn't well with Holly's mum, and as the story progresses its clear she's a hoarder. She can't let anything go and the small cottage is brimming with unecessary items. The way Cathy introduces this is seamless - it isn't spelt out to you as a reader, but hinted at... building up a picture. I thought this really showcased Cathy's amazing writing skills and also kept me interested as a reader. Her mum's issues also explain the organised and the need to be obsessively tidy from Holly - it's a way to counteract her mum's problem and almost done as a coping mechanism. A clever addition to the story and one that really showed the different layers of Holly's personality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, this is another absolute corker from Cathy Bramley. She just gets better and better - creating beautiful locations, gripping and lovely storylines and fantastic characters that stick with you a long time after reading. Like in Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm, community spirit is a dominating feature of this story and I loved watching such a range of characters with different and vivid personalities work together. If you want a read that captures your imagination, warms your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face then look no further - Wickham Hall is what you need. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-54630780841714711282016-01-20T18:35:00.000+00:002016-01-20T18:35:57.737+00:00Cover reveal: The Dangerous Gift by Jane Hunt <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhMR8SL0XPauv_4aCa2s8UvKlvTG7Vt65kK6zxyuLC6CVnab9RzZHXVpAx0nYnfEzO5ftyJHSobYkf3S3UXpTSKMQSc5Bg_FKtI2f9iN9uoDM-IJO5Ya1u-eS7ptV1L3QHGWPzVCnPKA/s1600/cover+reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhMR8SL0XPauv_4aCa2s8UvKlvTG7Vt65kK6zxyuLC6CVnab9RzZHXVpAx0nYnfEzO5ftyJHSobYkf3S3UXpTSKMQSc5Bg_FKtI2f9iN9uoDM-IJO5Ya1u-eS7ptV1L3QHGWPzVCnPKA/s320/cover+reveal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today on the blog I'm delighted to share the cover for Jane Hunt's next novel, <b><i>The Dangerous Gift</i></b>, published Feb 9th. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jane is the mum of one of my great Uni friends <a href="http://seekmyscribbles.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Megan</a>, so I was really excited when she got in touch and asked me to share her latest cover on my blog as it's pretty swoon-worthy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">= SYNOPSIS =</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After a tragic plane crash kills Jennie Taylor’s guardians, she returns to her childhood home—and her first love, Jared Stewart.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At just eighteen years old, Jennie had left the Unicorn Ranch in Texas to seek a life in the outside world. But she wasn’t just running toward independence. Heartbroken and confused, Jennie fled her home after Jared harshly rejected her on the eve of her birthday.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now she must choose between making a new life on the ranch she has grown to love, or returning to her simple but empty life in England. The choice seems obvious at first, but nothing in life is simple…</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jared is forced to share control of his beloved ranch with the woman he wants but can't have.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Jennie receives an anonymous note, she goes to Jared for support. But what she finds is more than she was prepared for, driving the two further apart than ever. When an old friend is murdered and suspicious accidents escalate, endangering Jennie’s safety, Jared becomes her reluctant protector.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jennie knows Jared is hiding something, but does he really want her gone from the ranch? And if so, could he be the one behind the ominous threats?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Determined to prove Jared isn't involved, Jennie turns detective. Can she succeed in her courageous but reckless investigation…or is the truth a dangerous gift she won’t survive?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">‘Writing has touched my life in every decade. At fifty, I took a risk and made writing my career, fulfilling a lifetime ambition.'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I enjoy writing blogs, book reviews and especially stories. Vivid imagery, atmospheric settings, strong females and sensual males are essential for my stories. Everyday life and ordinary people inspire me. How would someone react, if faced with something extraordinary? A thread of romance runs through my all my books, whether they be suspense, fantasy or historical.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">I want to let my readers escape their lives for a while, experience new places, new people and most importantly, new emotional lows and highs My favorite parts of the writing process are; finding a person, event or place that makes me want to write a story about it and the writing itself; when your fingers cannot type fast enough, to transcribe your thoughts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Family is very important to me. My two children are my greatest achievement to date.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am an animal welfare supporter and regularly use social media to promote animal welfare issues.</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Links: </span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/jane-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Limitless Publishing</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/jane.hunt.509511" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Facebook</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://jolliffe01.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Website </span></a></div>
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<a href="http://jolliffe01.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blog</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOJPublishingServices" target="_blank">Cover designer</a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-23681905525121281732016-01-17T12:36:00.000+00:002016-01-17T12:36:33.851+00:00Book review: Deadly Obsession by Nigel May<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Amy Barrowman</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"> grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. So when she falls in love with millionaire Riley Hart and he asks her to marry him she can’t believe her luck. She has found true love and her happy ever after. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Riley Hart</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"> is a Millionaire Man about Town. Men want to be him and women want to bed him. But to achieve Riley’s status, you have to tread on a lot of toes and make a lot of enemies. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">When Riley is gunned down at the nightclub they own, Amy is determined to avenge his death. She receives a mysterious letter detailing a list of suspects including Riley’s sworn enemy, actor </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Grant Wilson</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">. But with an obsessive passion brewing between her and Grant and a dangerous assassin trailing her every move it would seem Amy has opened a deadly and tempting Pandora’s Box. In settling the score for her husband has Amy put herself into terrible danger? </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you know me well by now, you'll know that picking up a bonk-buster style novel isn't usually for me. However, when I read <i>Scandalous Lies</i> by Nigel May (you can read my review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/book-review-scandalous-lies-by-nigel-may.html" target="_blank"><i>here</i></a>) I was pleasantly surprised - it was a gripping, well-written story with some added steamy sex scenes. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Deadly Obsession</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is Nigel's new book and will be released on 19th February. I was very excited when I received a copy through NetGalley to read and eagerly started reading. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What struck me first about <i>Deadly Obsession</i> is how dark and twisted it is. Nigel May usually explores tense and intriguing storylines, but this one is another level. It follows the main character Amy, who is dealing with the murder of her beloved husband, Riley. After a few months of grief, all she knew becomes questionable when she receives a hand-written letter from her dead husband, explaining he's actually alive. Amy starts to try and find out the truth- finding out on the way her husband, who she believed to be running a wealthy plastics business, was actually a high-profile gangster, running a crime empire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I enjoyed watching her find out the truth, even at times if it was difficult, and there were many twists and turns throughout the story that keep you on your toes. You couldn't really trust anyone, which kept me hooked.... would <i>anyone </i>be able to help her get to the truth?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is such a range of different, gritty characters throughout Deadly Obsession that keeps the story interesting. I really felt for Amy and, as time passed, Riley made me so irritated. His past is so dodgy and it's clear he's spent the whole duration of their relationship lying through his teeth. Nothing is as she thought and it's extraordinary how different his life actually was, instead of what she thought. Grant Wilson, actor mega-star and Riley's life-long rival is a charming addition to the story and I was rooting for Amy to fall for him as he seemed so kind and supportive. I will say that there are lots of characters in <i>Deadly Obsession</i> and occasionally it was hard to keep up, or someone would be mentioned and I'd have to think about who they were and how they fit into the story. However, after a while I got into it and began to remember how the large cast fit together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I'm being honest, this book didn't absorb me as much as previous Nigel May books did. Certain parts just didn't hook me in as much as others have. I also found the sex scenes slightly awkward - I know I've admitted that I don't usually enjoy this genre anyway, but in this story the sex scenes just didn't add as much to the story as they have in previous books... I felt some were put in just so it could fit into the bonk-buster genre and that didn't really sit well with me. I know that though is more down to my personal tastes and I can imagine that if you're a fan of steamy romance, then this will definitely be a story you want to read. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Overall, <i>Deadly Obsession</i> is worth a read. It's a gritty, crime-ridden plot with an outstanding twist. Seriously, I didn't see the ending coming at all. You're taken down so many different routes on this story that it's really hard to imagine just how it will end and it's a really shocking ending that I really enjoyed. So, for me, <i>Deadly Obsession</i> was an enjoyable story but maybe not my favourite by Nigel May. When it comes out next month, I'd definitely recommend it if you're a fan of bonk-busters with a gritty plot and an intriguing twist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>*A big thank you to the publishers of Deadly Obsession - <a href="http://www.bookouture.com/" target="_blank">Bookouture</a> - for an advance copy of the book via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review </i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-72271312366941332082016-01-13T19:01:00.001+00:002016-01-13T19:01:16.301+00:00Book review: Stirred with Love by Marcie Steele<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Lily Mortimer</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"> is determined to do something with the time she has left. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Kate</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"> is trying hard to mend her broken heart. </span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: justify;"><b style="line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">Chloe</b><span style="line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life. </span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around. </span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix. </span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds? </span></i></div>
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As I said in my <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/review-unfinished-symphony-of-you-and-me.html" target="_blank">review of The unfinished Symphony of You & Me</a>, I'm really enjoying spending this month indulging in some older reads that I've been longing to pick up from my bookshelf for some time. <i>Stirred with Love</i> by Marcie Steele is one of those books that I've been wanting to read for some time now... it sounds great, looks great and is just my kind of story. Really, that could actually be my whole review. Job done. However, I will go in to a little more detail.... seen as it's you ;) </div>
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So the story centres around Lily, who is re-opening her cafe following the death of her beloved husband. She hires Kate and Chloe to work full-time for her to help her get it back up and running. Chloe is a great character - a feisty teen who's also a little lost, feeling pressured by her Dad to go to University when it's clear she doesn't really want to. Then there's Kate, who is mending a broken heart following the break-up of her marriage. </div>
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What I loved most about <i>Stirred With Love</i> was the unlikely friendship between the three women. They're all different ages - generations, even, yet they get along so well. By the end of the story they're not just colleagues or friends - they're family, and I thought that was such a lovely aspect to the story. They really support each other through tough times and good, and I liked that the story centred more around friendship that romance. </div>
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The setting for <i>Stirred With Love</i> is the tearoom and if you read my blog regularly then you'll know that I'm a sucker for a good tea room. I LOVE them as a basis for a story and this one is no different. In fact, it's exceptional. It really stuck in my mind and captured my heart. It's a wonderful place to read about and is the driving force of the book.</div>
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Marcie Steele is wonderful - she has an engaging way with words and the ability to make a straight-forward storyline something more complex and exciting. This is a story that pulls you in and absorbs you, as well as sticking in your mind for sometime afterwards. It's a heartwarming tale full of friendship, hard work and coffee. The perfect story to relax with and one I'd highly recommend. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-68155308082852323782016-01-09T09:54:00.000+00:002016-01-09T09:54:26.543+00:00Review: The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGZFfHgxUxMcOpCjAreJa8sZ_jfzPPGZpxpcw6_OZRIuBjCp8uHCg_SZO-k78Qyq_NheCpYJaaKqOMvCgsnqmLLc7fOr0mlYwQ6WR277n0n8ZPQNA1J_Nx4VtzDeCjaQOnW53MX-4-cQ/s1600/unfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGZFfHgxUxMcOpCjAreJa8sZ_jfzPPGZpxpcw6_OZRIuBjCp8uHCg_SZO-k78Qyq_NheCpYJaaKqOMvCgsnqmLLc7fOr0mlYwQ6WR277n0n8ZPQNA1J_Nx4VtzDeCjaQOnW53MX-4-cQ/s320/unfin.jpg" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;"><br />"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;">Sally is an incredible singer but she sings only in her wardrobe where nobody can hear her. She'd rather join a nudist colony than sing in public.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;">That is until she ventures to New York where a wild and heady summer of love and loss changes her forever. No longer able to hide in the shadows, Sally must return home to London to fulfill a promise she cannot break - to share her voice.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;">But just as she's about to embark on her new life, a beautiful man turns up on Sally's doorstep bearing a sheepish smile and a mysterious hand-written message.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;">How did he find her? Why is he here? Does he hold the truth to what happened back in New York? And, with him back on the scene, will she still have the courage to step into the spotlight?"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So, January is now upon us and I'm trying to dispel any pre-Christmas blues by immersing myself in some bloody good books! January is fairly quiet on the blog-tour front, so I'm enjoying being able to work my way through some books that have been shouting at me from my bookshelf for a very long time, as well as reading some amazing proofs for books coming later this month (I feel very lucky!). I decided to read <i>The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me</i> straight after Christmas and I loved it! I had no doubts that I would (Lucy Robinson is a genius!) but I really, really, really loved it. Here's why! </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Unfinished Symphony of You and Me was released in 2014, so I'm a bit behind the times with this one. If, like me, you haven't had chance to read this delight yet - then please, please, do. Go, now. Now I tell you! It's FAB. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lucy Robinson's writing style always brings a smile to my face. It's witty, absorbing but also so genuine. She creates characters that are so<i> real</i> and you really relate to. They have good points, bad points, flaws and strengths and I just love that about her stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sally, the main character in this story, is no exception to that. She is a great main character that I rooted for from the very start. She's a super-talented singer but has no self belief. Thanks to her unsupportive parents she doesn't act on her amazing skill, instead choosing to sing opera in a wardrobe. Yes, you head that right. A wardrobe. This is such a funny and unique aspect to the story, but also really defines her character. Sally isn't one to take a chance on her dream or do something for herself, she's too busy worrying about others. She's a kind and caring soul, who I hoped would find some confidence and inner strength to follow her dream, rather than everyone else's. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's pretty deep, but this is what happens when you read a Lucy Robinson novel! Light 'chick-lit' reading it is not. There are so many layers to her books that make them stand out from the Women's Fiction crowd. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So anyway, back to the book. The story is split into two time-frames: the past, when Sally and her friends take on some work for an opera company in New York, where they enjoy being in a new country and city, doing what they love, but also get up to all sorts of mischief. Then there's the present, where we see Sally take on the (rather unwanted) challenge of starting opera school, as she promised she would to the person that means the most to her. I liked the switch in times, it kept the story fast-paced and also added a layer of mystery as there are hints at a big drama occurring in New York which you don't find out about towards the end. I also loved that Lucy had made the different chapters 'acts' or 'scenes', to keep within the opera theme. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The story is jam-packed with wonderful characters. I loved Jan, Sally's larger than life opera school buddy, who had me laughing out loud on many occasions. Barry, her friend who she travels to New York with is also hilarious and then Julian. Oh, Julian. Sally's love interest is quirky but lovely. Their romance had me on tenterhooks, I loved seeing their relationship unfold in the flashbacks to New York, but wanted to know why they weren't together in the present day. I really rooted for it to work out between them as it was obvious they were meant to be together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not a big opera person really, but that doesn't matter. There is plenty of detail in the story to show that Lucy has done some great research which brings the setting to life, but doesn't bore you to tears if you're not a fan. A wonderful balance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As usual, Lucy Robinson has created a funny, tongue-in-cheek romance story with MUCH more to it. There's plenty of emotion and mystery to go alongside the romance storyline, which makes it stand out from the crowd. This is one of those stories that you'll think about for a long time after finishing, it's so good. You really become invested in the plot and the characters, so much so that it's a weird point of wanting to race through to find out what happens but being sad when it gets to the end. A wonderful all-rounder and an absolute must read! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-4627059599080984182016-01-03T20:15:00.000+00:002016-01-03T20:15:38.545+00:002015 book awards: best seasonal stories (Summer & Christmas)<div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's something really fun and comforting about reading a book about the season you're in. Over Christmas, I love settling down with a festive book to get me in the Christmas spirit and in the Summer, I enjoy reading books jam-packed with summery activities and good weather. These are my picks of the best Summer and Christmas-themed books from 2015. </b></div>
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<b>Summer at Shell Cottage by Lucy Diamond</b></div>
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Lucy Diamond novels always bring a smile to my face. She manages to create a vivid fictional world that pulls you in and absorbs you from the first page until the very end and Summer at Shell Cottage is no exception. This story follows the Tarrant family on their annual trip to Devon. I loved the different situations the characters were in and finding out what the cottage meant to them. Setting the novel in Devon during the Summer was blissful and made for perfect Summer reading... pass me a cocktail please! <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-summer-at-shell-cottage.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br />
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<b>A Seaside Affair by Fern Britton</b></div>
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This was the first story by Fern Britton I've read and I really enjoyed it. Set in a seaside town, it was a fantastic location to be set in for this season and sent my imagination into overdrive. Filled with a variety of different characters all working together to save the local theatre that's set to be bought out by a high-street coffee chain, the plot for this story really resinated with me and felt very true to life. <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-seaside-affair-by-fern.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<b>Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan </b></div>
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I LOVED this story - absolutely everything about it was great... the characters, the setting, the plot. The seaside location of this book perfectly suited the season, which was so well described and brought to life by Jenny. With the gorgeous sounding food from the bakery and the beautiful location, this story was a perfect Summer read that I thoroughly enjoyed. <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/review-summer-at-little-beach-street.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<b><u>Christmas</u></b></div>
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<b><br />How to Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake</b></div>
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First of all just look at that sparkly, festive cover. I knew from the offset this would be a brilliant book to get me in the festive spirit, and I wasn't wrong! This is a great book that I absolutely adored. Rosie Blake's writing style is fantastically unique and I can't wait to read more from her. It's a fun, festive read perfect for dark winter nights. <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/book-review-how-to-stuff-up-christmas.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<b>The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Lisa Dickenson</b></div>
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This story had me laughing out loud from the first page - it's a witty, hilarious read jam-packed with funny situations, likeable characters and lots and lots of festiveness. It's the prefect easy read for Christmas time and one that got me in the mood for celebrating. I'm already looking forward to reading it again next year! <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/little-northern-christmas-book-review_6.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<b>Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin </b></div>
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Romance writing at it's finest, Holly Martin once again creates an addictive story filled with romance and sexual tension. I was willing for the main characters, Penny and Henry to act on their feeling for each other and just get it to together already! Aside from that, there's lots of festive sparkle in the story too which I loved. A brilliant all-rounder that I thoroughly enjoyed. <i>You can read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/little-northern-christmas-book-review_22.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i> </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-83826544563505094332016-01-03T17:47:00.000+00:002016-01-03T17:47:52.266+00:002015 book awards: best debuts<div>
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<b>2015 saw some truly wonderful debuts from authors that will remain firmly on my radar in the coming years. What's interesting is when I was compiling this list, I realised that all three of my top choices were from the same publisher, UK Carina! They are a fab publisher with some fantastic authors, including these three who joined the Carina party in 2015. </b></div>
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<b>Return to Bluebell Hill by Rebecca Pugh</b></div>
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Rebecca was one of the first bloggers I spoke to when I started Little Northern Soul and I class her as one of my good blogging friends. When I found out she was releasing her first novel in early 2015 I was so excited for her and couldn't wait to read it. Return to Bluebell Hill is a brilliant story - her writing is magical, she has such a great way of describing locations and characters that really brings them to life. Rebecca's second novel is out early this year and I can't wait - I just know I'm going to love it. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-return-to-bluebell-hill-by.html" target="_blank">here</a></i><br />
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<b>Just The Way You Are by Lynsey James </b></div>
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I really enjoyed the format of this story, I thought the plot was original and entertaining. It follows Ava, an unlucky-in-love office worker who suspects the reason she's never had a successful relationship is because she's actually in love with someone she's never met. Her secret admirer (aka Mr Writer) used to write her letters and she realised she'd actually fallen for him. I loved watching the mystery unfold and was dying to know who Mr Writer was. A great story and a cracking debut. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-just-way-you-are-by-lynsey.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<b>The Lost Child by Ann Troup </b></div>
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The Lost Child is a gripping, intriguing novel that I absolutely raced through when I got my hands on it. It is so well written it's hard to believe this was Ann Troup's debut and I'm eagerly awaiting her second novel, which will be released soon. The Lost Child is a fast-paced mystery novel packed with suspense and twists and turns. <i>Read my Q&A with Ann Troup <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/blog-tour-lost-child-by-ann-troup.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-70119819091175042942016-01-03T14:00:00.001+00:002016-01-03T14:00:42.535+00:002015 book awards: favourite fictional characters <div>
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<b>A good book is often most memorable if it has stand-out characters that you remember for a long time after finishing the book. For me, this was one of the simplest book awards to decide, as these three characters mean a lot to me. I enjoyed reading their stories, fell for them as soon as I started reading the books they were in and still think about them now - some time after finishing the books. Also, they're all strong, female leads - girl power! </b></div>
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<b>Jessica Beam </b></div>
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<b>The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood </b></div>
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This book is AMAZING. A-bloody-MAZING. One of the funniest and most special books of 2015- this story is absolutely brilliant. Kirsty Greenwood is an utter genius at bringing the characters of her stories to life. Jessica Beam isn't your typical female lead. She's feisty, unmotivated, clumsy and, at times, a little grose. Still, she's brilliant - funny, caring and just a little lost. I loved her from the offset and loved following her on her journey - I was rooting for things to work out for her. She is one of the funniest main characters in a long time (if not ever?!) and I still think about how brilliant she was now, nearly a year after reading. I can't wait for her next adventure. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-vintage-guide-to-love.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<b>Anna Browne</b></div>
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<b>A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson </b><br />
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A Parcel For Anna Browne is a magical story, one of my firm favourites by Miranda Dickinson. The story follows Anna, who leads a happy, yet unadventurous life. One day, she starts receiving parcels from a mystery sender. The parcels contain the most beautiful gifts which help Anna find out more about herself and grow in confidence. This is a wonderful story, but for me it was made by how lovely and sweet Anna is. She's the kind of person you can imagine easily being friends with and I really, really enjoyed watching her grow and develop throughout the book. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/book-review-parcel-for-anna-browne-by.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i></div>
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<b>Maddie</b></div>
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<b>Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk</b><br />
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Lindsey Kelk's writing is always absorbing and witty, and Always The Bridesmaid is no exception. This book had me laughing out loud and was a perfect, relaxing easy-read. I loved Maddie, there was just something about her that struck me. She seemed so real and relatable, the situations she found herself in and the way she reacted was so true to life that I felt like I knew her. Lindsey Kelk always writes characters that jump off a page and make you feel like you know them, and Maddie is certainly one of them. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-always-bridesmaid-by.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-90298278642131923282016-01-03T08:49:00.000+00:002016-01-03T08:49:27.303+00:002015 book awards: best series or serial <div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I love a great series... there's something comforting about returning back to a favourite set of characters and locations. It feels familiar and homely, especially when the book is based around characters you've really warmed to. A recent trend is 'serialising' stories, which is where one book is split into parts and released as numerous short stories, before being collated into one full story. You can see from my favourites that I'm a big fan of this idea, especially as it has produced some absolutely brilliant stories, but I will admit that I usually wait until the full novel is released as I struggle to wait so long between each novella! So, here you have my top 3 series of 2015... </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pWPPaX57QRSqa9KexUMne_KtXp8tyAqL8dkwhYSINYr3iA2ggFiNqsWDt2-p1Tj33rfpbgUOZXV91e7tHE-YLAnU9C4BM3yssi9ouR-8Qd3mOpUQcpX5GoCFXSCuoL7_euyyMcnjefY/s1600/ivy+lane+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pWPPaX57QRSqa9KexUMne_KtXp8tyAqL8dkwhYSINYr3iA2ggFiNqsWDt2-p1Tj33rfpbgUOZXV91e7tHE-YLAnU9C4BM3yssi9ouR-8Qd3mOpUQcpX5GoCFXSCuoL7_euyyMcnjefY/s640/ivy+lane+series.jpg" title="Ivy Lane Cathy Bramley" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley </b></div>
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I firmly believe Cathy Bramley is the queen of serials - her Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm and Wickham Hall novellas have been hugely popular and as soon as you start reading you can see why. She has a fantastic way of drawing you into a story - you really warm to the characters, root for them to succeed and become absorbed in what's happening to them. I haven't read Wickham Hall yet (I'm waiting until the full novel is out in January) but I LOVED Ivy Lane and Appleby Farm. I've chosen Ivy Lane to go in this shortlist as it was the first story I'd read by Cathy Bramley and is the one that propelled her onto my list of favourite authors. The story is beautifully written, set on an allotment which is an usual and brilliant location and is just a genuinely lovely, heart-warming read. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-ivy-lane-by-cathy-bramley.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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<b>DCI Kim Stone Series - Angela Marsons</b></div>
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If you read my crime book award, you'll see I put Silent Scream as one of my favourite crime stories of the year. However, Angela Marsons is making a reappearence in this shortlist, as the books she's released this year are SO hard to pick between. Silent Scream, Evil Games and Lost Girls have all been released in 2015 and follow DCI Kim Stone as she solves various crimes or murders. All of the stories have been gripping, fast-paced and brilliantly written, which is why it is one of my favourite series of the year. I can't wait for more! <i style="text-align: justify;">Read my full reviews of <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/book-review-silent-scream-by-angela.html" target="_blank">Silent Scream</a>, <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/book-review-evil-games-by-angela-marsons.html" target="_blank">Evil Games</a> and <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/book-review-lost-girls-by-angela-marsons.html" target="_blank">Lost Girls </a></i><br />
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<b>The Primrose Terrace series (full book: A Christmas Tail) by Cressida McLaughlin </b></div>
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A christmas Tail was originally released as a 4-part E-book series, but I read the story as a whole over Christmas and I completely adored it. Despite it being focussed around dogs (and I'm not really a dog person - sorry!) it wasn't too much... the dogs provided some hilarious situations and also showed off the passions of the main character (ironically named Cat). The setting of a quiet residential street, Primrose Place, was cosy and wonderful and the story is filled with great characters. I really, really enjoyed this series (although I read it as the full novel - A Christmas Tail) and I am already excited for Cressida's next release. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-11538668509430428572016-01-02T14:30:00.002+00:002016-01-02T14:30:55.991+00:002015 book awards: the most shocking twists<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>There have been a few books I've read this year that have completely taken me by surprise by a shocking twist - whether at the end or part-way through a story. For me, a twist that shocks you and has you telling anyone and everyone you know about it (or, if you don't want to spoil the actual twist, just constantly talking about how twisty and shocking the book was!) is a sign of a great story. These three books below are ones that had me gasping in surprise and I still think about now as they were so good.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6O-s2SA9JCPiv7KRyizjCIUqfpKHYh9qdz4pC7NUFuvVgsIw1pLWpl0vsKc3Pwtkh1LICIuKgIyBEZ9DdS8SjC4wEUm-lhcFxAq6RaLzHHEeRr32TQYSc5Kmn9GVcehmyfAxTkqc8jM/s1600/letyougo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6O-s2SA9JCPiv7KRyizjCIUqfpKHYh9qdz4pC7NUFuvVgsIw1pLWpl0vsKc3Pwtkh1LICIuKgIyBEZ9DdS8SjC4wEUm-lhcFxAq6RaLzHHEeRr32TQYSc5Kmn9GVcehmyfAxTkqc8jM/s200/letyougo.jpeg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<b>I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh</b></div>
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This is an absolutely sensational debut from Clare Mackintosh and has done so, so well. It's thoroughly deserved - this is a fast-paced, well written story that had me completely hooked. I still remember reading the end of the story and not quite believing it - I had to re-read it a few times to fully absorb what had just happened. Then, I bored my partner to death by talking to him over and over again by how shocking and unexpected the twist was (I think he was interested the first time, maybe not so much by the 55457th time!) If you haven't read this yet, then what are you waiting for?!<i> Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/review-i-let-you-go-by-clare-mackintosh.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgdduSZEkcx0QDcRQUIoq5Gh_4pYuDaplzAz3Re23E2n-0VbMQ0b4ZWamFs1FdH-y11wWJ352Ky_P82PBhTFDjvp7arsNPmk32_KVHXADLQGpBwGihrwGxE0dHo2D62Zd64niRG0JwUQ/s1600/day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgdduSZEkcx0QDcRQUIoq5Gh_4pYuDaplzAz3Re23E2n-0VbMQ0b4ZWamFs1FdH-y11wWJ352Ky_P82PBhTFDjvp7arsNPmk32_KVHXADLQGpBwGihrwGxE0dHo2D62Zd64niRG0JwUQ/s200/day.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b>The Day We Disappeared by Lucy Robinson</b></div>
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Lucy Robinson is a master of emotion, writing stories that will have you holding back tears and laughing out loud all in one go. The Day We Disappeared is no exception and I was absorbed by the great plot and wonderful characters. The biggest thing about this is the amazing twist that I really didn't see coming at all. I was so shocked and surprised (in a good way) and the twist took this from being a great book to a truly excellent, tell-everyone-you-know-and-have-ever-met book. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/review-day-we-disappeared-by-lucy.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd7aNguE3IrwryEOP-epSQlCAOj7k4cqRr7yw0KPu2E1GPawgpXf54KEzKDdPEyR9O6cC98qj_IzH9JuUtYpLhwMKvp1kZ5JM0kchyphenhyphenoBA2EqTUly521Ru7hXS116bmXJ8TkrsB3prui4/s1600/three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimd7aNguE3IrwryEOP-epSQlCAOj7k4cqRr7yw0KPu2E1GPawgpXf54KEzKDdPEyR9O6cC98qj_IzH9JuUtYpLhwMKvp1kZ5JM0kchyphenhyphenoBA2EqTUly521Ru7hXS116bmXJ8TkrsB3prui4/s200/three.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b>Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell </b></div>
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I love Jill Mansell. She is one of my favourite authors and whatever she writes, I'll buy as I just KNOW I'll love it. I read Three Amazing Things About You this year and was completely blown away by it. It has the usual charm, intriguing characters and lovely locations that you come to expect from a Jill Mansell novel, but with another, more serious layer. One of the main characters in the story is Hallie, a girl waiting for a transplant. The story starts with her receiving a call to say she can have a transplant, so as a reader you realise that someone must have died to enable her to receive the set of lungs she so desperately needs. The rest of the story builds up to that moment and, I don't want to say anymore in case of spoiling it, but I was really shocked with how the story turned out. It was a clever conclusion which quickly propelled this into being one of my favourite-ever stories by Jill. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/book-review-three-amazing-things-about.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-4941757148976788092016-01-02T09:14:00.000+00:002016-01-02T09:14:44.569+00:002015 book awards: best romance<div>
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<b>I love a good romance storyline - whether it be centred around an already happy couple, or a long build-up into a budding romance. Either way, I enjoy stories that feature great couples and sweet, romantic storylines. The selection below have just that! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ynWepIEklT5XUW_Knpi4AbO0x-s2_ifeOzBcOng2TIN8YjtEh2PFZ3MzPOTft019acmsj_Bm1ToS9YEa5zvwO7-OL2_V3PLGWICbJjYhj1AMFQOUTLQvgFrxptlotjWnwV3KNDvGC4A/s1600/51MKXzlv1lL._SX332_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Conditional Love" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ynWepIEklT5XUW_Knpi4AbO0x-s2_ifeOzBcOng2TIN8YjtEh2PFZ3MzPOTft019acmsj_Bm1ToS9YEa5zvwO7-OL2_V3PLGWICbJjYhj1AMFQOUTLQvgFrxptlotjWnwV3KNDvGC4A/s200/51MKXzlv1lL._SX332_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" title="Cathy Bramley" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cathy is brilliant at creating fantastic characters and even more fantastic couples. In Conditional Love, Sophie meets Nick when she asks him to do some architecture work on the house she has inherited. He's not your typical hunky male lead, but she likes his quirkiness (as did I!). As the story develops, so too does their relationship and there are many hints towards romance for the two of them. I was eager for them to get on with it and get together as they'd make a great couple - I loved watching their stories unfold separately and together<i>. Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/book-review-conditional-love-cathy.html">here</a></i></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9n6OQdWZNZ3bAeVE7YFzcsgPXftwVgn24cImk2S61ADVv6IYtls-1LoXPShg4AT8x9_-OJZN2SlUV7bOiXgs579qF0KuzGVpNR_NlfloSNNg3IdwoL46Gy-1VK-v_RK1WStGwdVPFA4/s1600/ls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Jane Costello" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9n6OQdWZNZ3bAeVE7YFzcsgPXftwVgn24cImk2S61ADVv6IYtls-1LoXPShg4AT8x9_-OJZN2SlUV7bOiXgs579qF0KuzGVpNR_NlfloSNNg3IdwoL46Gy-1VK-v_RK1WStGwdVPFA4/s200/ls.jpg" title="The Love Shack " width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>The Love Shack by Jane Costello </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I absolutely loved this story, it had me smiling from ear to ear. Dan and Gemma are already a great, solid couple when we meet them and, as readers, we follow them as they start the process of trying to buy their first house together. As a couple they are brilliant, they play to each others strengths and I thought they were really cute. Their relationship is so realistic and true to life it made the story shine and I enjoyed seeing them go through the usual trials and tribulations of love, while supporting each other. (P.S. I really developed a soft spot for Dan - he was an absolutely wonderful main character.) <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/book-review-love-shack-by-jane-costello.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyV9HvtB4046bR59Lk4nukely4o6AHLOd5ihEapfhg2hh3EQyx7WvqZ35OtR6-QSvueP5aWeb9dmXS9PIwVNvtyUDZXF2k60o6PzU-OZwFoSSCNh0CJUxE1zxWNDwPs5LuOqWZoNZoPU/s1600/11195426_10152825979918587_923465943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyV9HvtB4046bR59Lk4nukely4o6AHLOd5ihEapfhg2hh3EQyx7WvqZ35OtR6-QSvueP5aWeb9dmXS9PIwVNvtyUDZXF2k60o6PzU-OZwFoSSCNh0CJUxE1zxWNDwPs5LuOqWZoNZoPU/s200/11195426_10152825979918587_923465943_n.jpg" title="Dear Darling Ellen Faith " width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>Dear Darling by Ellen Faith </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I loved Dear Darling, the format of it being written as a diary was a unique twist that pulled me in. At the start of the story Sophie ends her relationship with her current idiot boyfriend, deciding to move onto better things. Cue us meeting Adam - sexy, caring and all-round drool-worthy, Adam is also Sophie's boss, so a crush is highly inappropriate but she just can't help it... and who could blame her, really?! I loved seeing them get to know each other and their relationship unfold. They are both great characters who you really root for. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/blog-tour-dear-darling-by-ellen-faith.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-1146569663320603622015-12-31T12:38:00.000+00:002015-12-31T12:38:54.170+00:002015 book awards: favourite locations <div>
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<b>To me, one of the main strengths of a story is a great location. Whether it be the full setting of a book or one or two places within the story, if it stands-out and is memorable, it means a lot to me. I love vivid descriptions and when a location is so well described by an author that you have no trouble imagining it. When you're fully absorbed and transported to a great location in a story, I think you're onto a winner. For me, these are some of the best locations in stories for 2015 - a very varied and perhaps surprising list! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrDMkNXnPb33s92AJfBr6MInBAD4aAmoNnW3ib5htLDFSQLSGMQ7HOuXGy-BoxXJBwSyc-s08vozkAKN6_9Qbs1jbcfNyrlJuIMOHgqgmAinVOaO5A-ZNR-wvI251y2jKoE9aB987K6s/s1600/littlevillageschoool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrDMkNXnPb33s92AJfBr6MInBAD4aAmoNnW3ib5htLDFSQLSGMQ7HOuXGy-BoxXJBwSyc-s08vozkAKN6_9Qbs1jbcfNyrlJuIMOHgqgmAinVOaO5A-ZNR-wvI251y2jKoE9aB987K6s/s200/littlevillageschoool.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b><b>The Little Village Series by Gervase Phinn</b></b></div>
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This is a series that I really enjoy, mainly because of the fantastic location it's set in. I'm all for books that are set in small villages - I love the community feel and the way everyone knows everyone as it creates great drama, as well as feeling comfortable and warming. Barton-in-the-Dale, the village this series is based around, is one of my favourites. There is a great mix of personalities living there and it has a real country-vibe to it, which I absolutely love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqDuWxbM0eCrnGFIxR3dM4Xnk9PNMAh20nd9Qowsq1tJKWWcVpfC4YuNBnqYBzSrZxDXSC-wSadRvlkQWGORUk-nwSCR9awVlbBfV33tw268xGU0h33NhH2VDw3o8ZW4IkzJmaMIpyo/s1600/pleasure+island.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdqDuWxbM0eCrnGFIxR3dM4Xnk9PNMAh20nd9Qowsq1tJKWWcVpfC4YuNBnqYBzSrZxDXSC-wSadRvlkQWGORUk-nwSCR9awVlbBfV33tw268xGU0h33NhH2VDw3o8ZW4IkzJmaMIpyo/s200/pleasure+island.jpeg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<b>Pleasure Island by Anna-Lou Weatherley</b></div>
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I was completely surprised and taken aback by this story. I'll admit, I'd pre-judged somewhat and thought it was going to be a story that centred around sex, but it is SO much more than that. It is a clever and twisty psychological thriller that I raced through as it is so, so good. The story follows a select group of individuals who are invited by a billionaire to a luxury island. They think they are just there for an indulgent, relaxing time but what they don't know is a different, select group have paid the billionaire to watch them... think Big Brother but with less viewers and them not knowing they are being watched. Not only was it a great plot and well written, but the island itself sounded amazing... (short of the secret cameras, of course) which is why I chose it as best location. The island sounded beautiful and a real luxurious place that I could easily picture and would love to visit - once the cameras were gone! <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/book-review-pleasure-island-by-anna-lou.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv06vkAkf1rOpLdld69zk_0Tr0NIqPGQsm9-KNYWuk1JmjFPZXWa-_tYMeJZdv2nDWh2OWR6ZikBtehoP0VhQcjh4KqvOwXaVvb8-al9d7ke9DPx46qu2FMTUbdNgICOT0-J1Uf3HT-oA/s1600/Mile-High.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv06vkAkf1rOpLdld69zk_0Tr0NIqPGQsm9-KNYWuk1JmjFPZXWa-_tYMeJZdv2nDWh2OWR6ZikBtehoP0VhQcjh4KqvOwXaVvb8-al9d7ke9DPx46qu2FMTUbdNgICOT0-J1Uf3HT-oA/s200/Mile-High.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>Mile High by Rebecca Chance </b></div>
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This story is set in a slightly unusual location, in that it is entirely set onboard a new luxury airliner. Only the most prestigious celebrities have been invited on board for it's first flight and so, as you'd expect, major drama ensues. This was a really enjoyable story and I loved that it was set on a plane, which was the driving force of the brilliant plot. The setting really heightened the drama and was also really well described - it sounds like a blumming amazing plane! <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/book-review-mile-high-by-rebecca-chance.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-13207429962387900832015-12-31T08:56:00.000+00:002015-12-31T08:56:01.498+00:002015 book awards: funniest humour<div>
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<b>Reading is, for me, a form of escapism. I love getting lost in different worlds and loosing myself in a good story. I also really enjoy funny stories that can instantly change your mood - they can cheer you up, help you forget the bad things happening in real life and can even make you feel more positive. These three stories are the ones that had me genuinely belly-laughing and causing people to look at me strangely when in a public place... oops!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW4f82jcD2FjvD9ZDe2x1XSdkcRQKGi7jwMkKm_DrySrjUNnbNNaMl2pBlfClcvvty36tEeHJb6KQhmnqLicRYPr57idISqh3jxMAqQ4Oqwbe5JZX2DDMBau2eYLosALzWcWCnYyvsEM/s1600/vgtlr.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHW4f82jcD2FjvD9ZDe2x1XSdkcRQKGi7jwMkKm_DrySrjUNnbNNaMl2pBlfClcvvty36tEeHJb6KQhmnqLicRYPr57idISqh3jxMAqQ4Oqwbe5JZX2DDMBau2eYLosALzWcWCnYyvsEM/s200/vgtlr.jpeg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<b>The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood</b></div>
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I absolutely loved this story which had me laughing out loud from the very first page. Jessica Beam is an all-round hilarious character, the situations she lands herself in and the way she deals with them is just utterly hilarious. Kirsty Greenwood's writing captured my heart and my imagination and this is a story I well and truly fell for... I still keep thinking about it now and is one of my reading highlights of 2015. <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-vintage-guide-to-love.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jz_i0BpkaLvSH1jMufKVZTyAbhH1WT8pAj-bZd42Ig-5eVZXL8NQ6hNzqU6GaNAqWKmHciQqfC8ubZdIJTTCPXShIVAdtsrIgYVC0XiLwXGUU_TI4kBw94DhupwlUYFhFb6W1mZqovE/s1600/the+temp.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Jz_i0BpkaLvSH1jMufKVZTyAbhH1WT8pAj-bZd42Ig-5eVZXL8NQ6hNzqU6GaNAqWKmHciQqfC8ubZdIJTTCPXShIVAdtsrIgYVC0XiLwXGUU_TI4kBw94DhupwlUYFhFb6W1mZqovE/s200/the+temp.jpeg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>The Temp by Emily Benet </b></div>
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This is an absolutely brilliant read that follows Amber, a recent graduate wanting to make her mark on the world. While she works out what to do, she flits from temp job to temp job and also dabbles in art (her passion) as she does so. This is a sharp and witty read and Emily Benet has created a fun, tongue-in-cheek story with fantastic characters. <i style="font-style: italic;"> Read my full review<a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/harper-impulse-fortnight-temp-by-emily.html" target="_blank"> here</a></i></div>
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<b>The Very Happy Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP) by Kate Winter</b></div>
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The idea for this story is so different and entertaining I was absorbed from the first word. The story follows Rosie Potter as she wakes up one day to discover she isn't actually dreaming... but she's dead. We follow Rosie as she sees her loved ones react to her death and tries to work out how she died. It might not sound like the sort of story to have laugh-out-loud moments, but it SO does. Rosie is a funny and witty main character and really takes the whole 'being dead' thing in her stride. She does exactly what you'd want to do if you found out you were dead and I enjoyed following her on her journey. There are some emotional and heart-warming moments too, but for me the humour and wit in this story stood out the most.<i style="font-style: italic;"> </i><i style="font-style: italic;">Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/review-very-happy-after-life-of-rosie.html" target="_blank">here</a> </i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-4530265711886371622015-12-30T15:52:00.000+00:002015-12-30T15:52:25.723+00:002015 book awards: best foodie novels<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Novels that revolve around food are one of my favourites. I love when food is the driving force of a story and there are many books that do this so well. Here are the three books that stand out to me for their fantastic food - I was drooling when reading these! </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSahQ8iSXbW3E8IartG7NLUCj8YVnwrujDhlmqqkZdMagBaZ2ZoxmW6HGYHNUKaPkQMpcCKIbABRjBJEXz5LYIPAm1yr8km2a4_l5C2W7PJM4oTKrhMlRf4Ok6bz4o06NZ-YcUcFs7T4/s1600/dish.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSahQ8iSXbW3E8IartG7NLUCj8YVnwrujDhlmqqkZdMagBaZ2ZoxmW6HGYHNUKaPkQMpcCKIbABRjBJEXz5LYIPAm1yr8km2a4_l5C2W7PJM4oTKrhMlRf4Ok6bz4o06NZ-YcUcFs7T4/s200/dish.jpeg" title="The Dish stella newman" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b>The Dish by Stella Newman</b></div>
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This book is phenonomal. Seriously. I could have shortlisted it for many of my 2015 awards - humour, best main character, best romance etc as this book has it all. It is witty and brilliantly written and my only problem with it was how quickly it seemed to end! One of the stand-out features of The Dish though is the food. Oh, the food! The main character Laura is a food reviewer so is naturally passionate about food. There were so many mouth watering dishes featured in this story - Stella Newman is very talented writer and at writing delicious sounding food - have you ever thought of writing a cookbook next, Stella? The Dish is one of those books that sticks with you a long time after reading, and I would heartily recommend to anyone! <i>Read my full review of The Dish, <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/book-review-dish.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADPDV2SPvCaAFGrfrAa3r_uDojUrfGSClShsy4yJDtbCt0t_S5QGackpilOe5R-OWSEKv5LMyKlOpyTAj6sT87H3ZSiEBVGPtbS5REQq6tfj3A1OhYA55wr-dHGIVdlVdiucjJ3fd7eo/s1600/ChocLoversChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chocolate lovers christmas" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADPDV2SPvCaAFGrfrAa3r_uDojUrfGSClShsy4yJDtbCt0t_S5QGackpilOe5R-OWSEKv5LMyKlOpyTAj6sT87H3ZSiEBVGPtbS5REQq6tfj3A1OhYA55wr-dHGIVdlVdiucjJ3fd7eo/s200/ChocLoversChristmas.jpg" title="Carole Matthews" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>Chocolate Lover's Christmas by Carole Matthews</b></div>
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So. Much. Chocolate. Seriously, I have a sweet tooth but the ladies of the chocolate lover's club sure can knock back the sweet treats! This is a lovely festive story that is filled with relationships and strong friendships, but the stand-out factor for me had to be the chocolate. There were so many indulgent treats being consumed in this story that my stomach was grumbling throughout. Brownies, hot chocolates, cake... you name it, it's been given a delicious chocolatey twist. Yum! <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/little-northern-christmas-book-review_20.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJUG7mOH57CTkXNNdavSYxEr8P0VuFqrWnv1KlDVcShbxFxmZ03aqpQ0401Uh8qjZN37fOWwQI_eBhLC6HZwiIWWOu0VWg6IJ6id-kX1x7s532ZVK6s8rIW6KWBi33YH8qj79YQEN0-c/s1600/gos.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Samantha Tonge" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJUG7mOH57CTkXNNdavSYxEr8P0VuFqrWnv1KlDVcShbxFxmZ03aqpQ0401Uh8qjZN37fOWwQI_eBhLC6HZwiIWWOu0VWg6IJ6id-kX1x7s532ZVK6s8rIW6KWBi33YH8qj79YQEN0-c/s200/gos.jpeg" title="Game of scones" width="124" /></a></div>
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<b>Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge</b></div>
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This story was the perfect summer read. Set in Greece, it transported me to warmer climates. The location and romantic storyline are excellent, but the food for me was a winner. Who knew there were so many types of scones?! seriously, I thought it would be all cream and jam, but I was so wrong! The main character, Pippa, frequently bakes gorgeous sounding scones and tops them with ingredients I'd never think to use - think Feta and Pepper, Lemon and Yogurt... the list goes on! This fab story gave me a craving for a scone, jam and clotted cream and I loved seeing all the different ideas and versions of this indulgent treat. Foodie reading at it's best! <i>Read my full review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-game-of-scones-by-samantha.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8112042891207238767.post-57803828000842565032015-12-29T17:15:00.000+00:002015-12-29T17:15:11.115+00:002015 book awards: best crime novels<div>
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<b>2015 was the year I discovered crime novels. This time last year, I was a Women's Fiction only reader. No crime or mystery for me, thank you very much. But, thanks to blogging, this year I've discovered a whole host of brilliant new authors and books, including new genres. I've really got into crime and mystery type novels and I feel these three were the best crime or murder mystery stories that were released this year. </b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8PgCrVeWWAw4Q6PHqENWBytIP774qSoJkLmc52Onkr9ib8-gOaXTCyM1eWOdSjSVtqRtOK1H__7f7c3q4zYxAURaTCkXPBcBBL5lcJCZ6Xnn_CvkubOKFwr72mmmtRyt9U4dooYiwpg/s1600/Silent-Scream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8PgCrVeWWAw4Q6PHqENWBytIP774qSoJkLmc52Onkr9ib8-gOaXTCyM1eWOdSjSVtqRtOK1H__7f7c3q4zYxAURaTCkXPBcBBL5lcJCZ6Xnn_CvkubOKFwr72mmmtRyt9U4dooYiwpg/s200/Silent-Scream.jpg" title="Silent Scream angela marsons" width="129" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Silent Scream by Angela Marsons</b></div>
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If I could have done, I'd have put all three of Angela Marson's DCI Kim Stone stories in this shortlist, but it wouldn't really be fair. Angela Marsons has taken the book world by storm this year, and it's so easy to see why. Not only has she released three (yes, three!) books in one year, but she has also now sold over one million copies of her books - an incredible achievement. I've loved all three of her books - they are jam-packed with grizzly murders, interesting characters and a gripping storyline. Kim Stone is a gritty, difficult main character who you still have a soft spot for because of her hardworking and (secretly) caring nature. I loved watching her develop over the course of the different stories. Silent Scream was the one that story that propelled Angela onto my radar, which is why it's one of my favourite crime stories of the year... a truly gripping, well-written and twisty crime novel. <i style="text-align: center;">Read my review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/book-review-silent-scream-by-angela.html" target="_blank">here </a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tIGr6JBTqR9csLMo1cjnPh1kZncNFSGg4vaoV_pSXCf683ZbYV6RMvnd-ehs53mY2POeJwWpGrADKAmxsT6xwGjcvf3cvPEasx2CrfFmOXFIU0HAxsKD2cfZymdrCPgpHVaosZ4RD_0/s1600/dta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tIGr6JBTqR9csLMo1cjnPh1kZncNFSGg4vaoV_pSXCf683ZbYV6RMvnd-ehs53mY2POeJwWpGrADKAmxsT6xwGjcvf3cvPEasx2CrfFmOXFIU0HAxsKD2cfZymdrCPgpHVaosZ4RD_0/s200/dta.jpg" title="Dont turn around book" width="125" /></a></div>
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<b>Don't Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell </b></div>
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Another Bookouture crime author that is doing exceptionally well. Caroline Mitchell has released two books this year - Don't Turn Around and Time to Die. Like Angela's books, I struggled to decide which to shortlist, but decided on Don't Turn Around as it was a story that absolutely absorbed me. DC Jennifer Knight is another strong female lead - feisty, determined and tough, I really enjoyed watching her solve the complex case that Don't Turn Around followed. There is a psychic, paranormal element to the story too, which provides a more unique approach to a crime story. <i style="text-align: left;">Read my review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/book-review-dont-turn-around-by.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILtFCcM-VgXp2aInbC7lUoNE0WOcCMyBLSMLPwZPUGO2fH6zJ7_pdj6TlNLnZ702jSsd383a7jsWxQNn5Nbda4EDpVlPQWivUocYEWnByCxhxmoX29O45ITq6_qGBd3Ao_ilj_qnzF9c/s1600/dead+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILtFCcM-VgXp2aInbC7lUoNE0WOcCMyBLSMLPwZPUGO2fH6zJ7_pdj6TlNLnZ702jSsd383a7jsWxQNn5Nbda4EDpVlPQWivUocYEWnByCxhxmoX29O45ITq6_qGBd3Ao_ilj_qnzF9c/s200/dead+dog.jpg" title="The dead dog day book" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b>The Dead Dog Day by Jackie Kabler </b></div>
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This is a really interesting and different approach to a crime novel, as the genre itself is a mix of romance and crime. The story follows a murder at a TV station and I loved that aspect of it - you can clearly see that Jackie has first-hand experience in this industry and I enjoyed seeing how it linked into the crime aspect of the story. The genre mix didn't seem muddled, it actually helped drive the plot and peak my interest. This is a story I really, really liked and it kept me gripped - I was really surprised my the ending and who the killer was. <i style="text-align: center;">Read my review <a href="http://littlenorthernsoul.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/book-review-dead-dog-day-jackie-kabler.html" target="_blank">here</a></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08794062853811167080noreply@blogger.com0