Blog Tour: The Missing by C.L.Taylor

"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.

Claire is sure of two things – that Billy is still alive and that her friends and family had nothing to do with his disappearance.

A mother's instinct is never wrong. Or is it?

Sometimes those closest to us are the ones with the most to hide…"

My Review 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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!'. 

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!

*A big thank you to Avon, the publishers of The Missing for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review

Blog Tour: The Broken Hearts Book Club, Lynsey James

Blurb: 

"Secrets never stay buried for long…

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid…

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the past she left behind – or spend the rest of her life on the run…" 

After reading Lynsey James' fantastic debut novel, Just The Way You Are (read my full review here) she was well and truly on my radar as one to watch, and when I read the blurb (and saw the beeeautiful cover) for The Broken Hearts Book Club, I just knew I would love her latest story.

It's safe to say I wasn't disappointed, this is a heart-warming, fun read full of friendship, love and mystery.

The story follows Lucy Harper, who is back visiting her hometown, Luna Bay, following the death of her Nana. What was supposed to be a quick visit back for a funeral extends to a potentially permanent move, when she learns her Nana Lily asked for her to inherit her beautiful cottage, on the proviso she would take over The Broken Hearts Book Club in her place. At first Lucy is torn whether to stay, but eventually the prospect of chairing the book club means that she decides to stay. I was so relieved she did, as Luna Bay is a brilliant sounding place, and I loved watching her settle back into her hometown. 

Settling back into life in Luna Bay isn't as easy as she thought though, as Lucy is dealing with the aftermath of a massive secret, that is referenced throughout the story. As a reader, the secret is shrouded with mystery until fairly late on in the story, we only really know it involves an accident involving her old best friend. Occasionally I wanted to scream at Lucy to let us know what was going on, but really it was a great aspect to the story as it created suspense and a whole load of intrigue, especially when some residents of the village (and the book club) are downright nasty to Lucy, not wanting her to stay in Luna Bay because of her past, and the accident.  


I loved watching Lucy immerse herself into the book club and start helping some of the members through their grief. Some of her suggestions do backfire, and you really feel for her as you know she is just trying to help. The book club really shows Lucy's kind hearted nature and I loved seeing her create some firm friendships that I thought were lovely.

One of the strongest points of Lynsey's writing style is her ability to create realistic dialogue. Seriously, it was like I was having a conversation with my friends most of the time. It's chatty and believable and really showcases the different personalities running through this book.

I also loved the romance element to the story. Lucy meets Jake, the local barman at the pub and there is an obvious connection from the offset. Although he's a bit of a grumpy bugger I was rooting for them to get together and be happy, as it was obvious from the offset they had a spark and connection. Jake, like Lucy, is also hiding a big secret, which explains his stressed-out, grumpy nature and provides some brilliant elements to the story. (I can't say too much or it'd ruin it!) 

The Lonely Hearts Book Club is a brilliantly written, funny read brimming with down-to-earth characters, difficult situations and strong friendships. It's a feel good, charming read that will leave a big smile on your face. I can't wait for more from Lynsey, she is an absolute gem. 

*A big thank you to the publishers of this book, UK Carina, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Links: 

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Good reads

Neverland blog tours

Book Review: A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

The gift of a lifetime?

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. 

But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

So anyone that's a regular reader of Little Northern Soul knows I'm a HUGE fan of Miranda Dickinson's... she's up there with some of my favourite authors. On the day A Parcel for Anna Browne was released I raced to the shops to get my mitts on a copy. I think I need to mention here that I absolutely adore this cover, It's my favourite of hers so far and looks absolutely beautiful on my bookshelf.

It's always a concern with my favourite authors that their latest book isn't going to live up to expectation or be as good as the previous one. A Parcel For Anna Browne is also Miranda Dickinson's first novel for her new publishing house, Pan MacMillan (her previous novels were published under Avon) I felt those stakes were even higher. However, if anything, the change has been good for Miranda, A Parcel for Anna Browne is a fantastic story that I thoroughly enjoyed, and will be recommending to anyone that will listen for the forseeable future. This story firmly reminds you why Miranda is a bestseller and a firm favourite, not just for me, but for many people across the country, if not the world. (wow, that was fairly dramatic wasn't it!?)

The concept for this story is wonderful, really unique and different. It follows Anna, a woman who lives in London and is pretty happy with her life. She has a home she loves, a job she enjoys and a circle of friends. One day, a parcel arrives for her, unannounced. The mysterious package contains a gift of a beautiful silk scarf. Wearing the scarf increases her confidence, and she begins to wonder who is behind the parcels. More and more parcels arrive, each containing beautiful gifts that boost Anna's confidence and make her reflect on her life... was she as content and happy as she thought?

What I loved about this story is the journey you go on with Anna. She is a lovely, down-to-earth character that you immediately warm to. Although her life is fine, the parcels make her want more, to become ambitious and do what makes her happy. I loved that, seeing her grow and develop and strive for more. I thought it was an unusual element that the changes within her were down to the parcels and the beautiful gifts that were nestled between the wrapping. 

Writing strong, relatable characters is definitely one of Miranda Dickinson's strong points, and A Parcel For Anna Browne is brimming with them. I loved her work colleagues and the team behind the reception desk, who were funny and showed off Anna's kind and friendly personality. My favourite character was her best friend Jonah, who's a real sweetheart. He had such a sparkle to him and I could see why him and Anna were such good friends. 

Then there's Ben, the journalist who Anna gets to know through work shadowing. I didn't warm to him as much as I did Jonah, although it was obvious he was handsome and charming, too. I could see why Anna's interest was peaked and I enjoyed watching the two of them interact. 

The story is told mainly through Anna's viewpoint, although some chapters start from a different character's view-point and then come back round to Anna. I liked this change, as it gives a more detailed insight into some of the other characters and always links to the situation unfolding within that chapter. It's done in such a way that it adds another layer of delight to the story and isn't distracting or confusing.

This story is fantastic, really magical and gripping. To me, it wasn't obvious who the sender was, which had me hooked. I kept guessing but then changing my mind as the story progressed and I never really settled on a culprit at all. I was shocked by the reveal but not disappointed, I felt it was a fitting end to such a wonderful story. 

This is Miranda Dickinson's first book with Pan MacMillan and it certainly has been an exciting change. Her writing style is impeccable as usual, creating engaging characters, 'I want to go there now' locations and a unique storyline that is entertaining and fun. If I had to sum up A Parcel For Anna Browne in one word? Magical. 

I absolutely loved it and can't wait for more!

Links: 
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Book review: The Love Shack by Jane Costello

"Life's great when you're 29 years old with a gorgeous girlfriend and fulfilling job. Until you have to move back in with your mum .

Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum. 

It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to make it work, no matter how bad things get. 

But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not. 

Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…"

I picked up The Love Shack when I was looking for a light-hearted, entertaining read that would take my mind off things. It was the perfect fit for this criteria, and is a book I thoroughly enjoyed.

The story centres around Gemma and Dan, a young couple who are buying their first house together. After a lot of searching they eventually find the perfect house, which they both love. The only problem? It's out of their price range. Deciding that with only a few extra months of saving they'd be able to afford it, the pair move out their rental flat and back home with Dan's mum, to save money while the contract goes through.

The plot was funny and easily relateable to, which I really liked. Having just bought my first house I fully understood the emotions and thought processes of the pair which made this a really realistic and funny story.

The story has a split viewpoint between Gemma and Dan, which I think is one of my favourite things about it. I loved having the mans take on things as well as Gemma's, as it explained some of the scenarios and situations really well. It also provided some funny moments - one chapter ends with Gemma hurting her arm, and is being told from Dans perspective. He explains how she isn't very good with pain and was being pretty dramatic during the whole ordeal. The next chapter is from Gemma's point of view and starts with her saying that it's a good job she can cope with pain well, or it could have been a lot worse. This had me in hysterics as it is just what every couple are like and its realness made me laugh.

Dan is a real sweetie and probably my favourite character in the story. You can really see how much he cares for Gemma and how he just wants to make her happy. He's the ideal boyfriend and I did develop a bit of a soft spot for him as the story unfolded - especially when you see things from his point of view and so can relate to him more. He's quite a sensitive soul which I also thought was good, as its slightly different for a man.

Belinda, his mum is mad as a hatter but very entertaining. She doesn't make things easy for Gemma and Dan living there - she has loud parties and makes very inappropriate comments about their... personal life. I can fully see why they felt uncomfortable about it, but as a reader it's a brilliant addition to the story and you never quite know what she'll do or say next.

The other highlight for me was the attention to detail when it came to Dan's job. He works at a homeless charity, and you can tell Jane has gone to great lengths to ensure she gets the facts about his role correct, and that shines through. Working in the charity and homelessness sector myself, I know the kind of work that happens on a day to day, and the kind of clients that people like Dan would work with. The research had paid off, as it was very true to life and accurately portrayed how his job would be.

Overall, The Love Shack is a brilliant read and I genuinely don't have any niggles or bad points to pick up on. The plot is a bit different and well thought through and Jane (as usual) has a humorous writing style that is funny and engaging. This book is a great form of escapism - it's a light-hearted and fun read that transports you into the world of the characters and allows you to forget real life while you get absorbed into it. Jane's writing talent shines through with this story- a brilliant, funny read that I absolutely loved.

Book Review: Appleby Farm by Cathy Bramley

"Freya Moorcroft has wild red hair, mischievous green eyes, a warm smile and a heart of gold. She’s been happy working at the café round the corner from Ivy Lane allotments and her romance with her new boyfriend is going well, she thinks, but a part of her still misses the beautiful rolling hills of her Cumbrian childhood home: Appleby Farm.

Then a phone call out of the blue and a desperate plea for help change everything…

The farm is in financial trouble, and it’s taking its toll on the aunt and uncle who raised Freya. Heading home to lend a hand, Freya quickly learns that things are worse than she first thought. As she summons up all her creativity and determination to turn things around, Freya is surprised as her own dreams for the future begin to take shape.

Love makes the world go round, according to Freya. Not money. But will saving Appleby Farm and following her heart come at a price?"

For those of you that read my Ivy Lane review, you'll know I'm a HUGE fan of Cathy Bramley. Her writing style is engaging, detailed and so well thought through, her characters are lovable and realistic, and the stories are set in the prettiest English locations. She also has the most beautiful book covers. I mean seriously, feast your eyes on that delight above... I think that cover and the one for Ivy Lane are my favourites of the year. So pretty. 

Now, I'm a pretty impatient person and as much as I disliked having to wait this long to get my hands on another of her masterpieces, I couldn't bring myself to read Appleby Farm in it's original, four-book-series form. The wait between each part would have been too much, so I decided to hold out for the full paperback version, which was released last week. I'm so glad I did, as this is an immersive, brilliant read that more than lives up to expectation following the high standards of Ivy Lane. 

The story follows Freya, who you may remember as the waitress at the tea rooms at Ivy Lane. She receives a call from her Aunt Sue, to say that her Uncle is ill and they need help at the farm. She swiftly heads over to Appleby Farm to help them, which reveals the extent of the trouble they're in. Freya starts coming up with ways to get the farm thriving again and diminish the debt that has piled up, all while trying to deal with being separated from her boyfriend Charlie and working on her distant and poor relationship with her parents. 

I loved, loved, lovedddd Freya. She is a great main character to follow - generous, kind and family-focused, doing all she can to make sure her Aunt and Uncle are OK. She's quite flitty and not comfortable settling down in one place, always looks for the next adventure and place to explore. This made me like her even more, it added depth to her character and it was intriguing seeing her inner battle between settling down at the farm to help her family, or move on to the next thing. She's funny too, some of my favourite parts of the story were her chats with her uncle, who is a real sweetheart, and her reunion with her old childhood friend Harry (who is pretty great too). I also really liked Lizzie, the bartender at the local pub and Freya's firm friend from the moment she arrives at the farm. She is funny and a little kooky, and I thought she was a brilliant addition to the gang. 

Appleby Farm is set in the Lake District, which provides some beautifully described scenery - I particularly loved the little shepherds huts which Freya changes into a 'glamping' destination - they sound pretty fun! Any book that focuses on tea and cake is a winner in my eyes, so when Freya set out to make the old unused barn a vintage tea room I was in my element, it sounded so cute and dainty, not to mention tasty!

I really enjoyed how this story linked back to Ivy Lane. It features a couple of appearances from Tilly, who I loved from that story. Appleby Farm can be read as a stand alone novel in itself, it won't be confusing, but it's more fun if you've read the first so you can see the link and reconnect with characters you loved from Ivy Lane. I'm so chuffed that this didn't disappoint and was as brilliant, if not better (?!) than Ivy Lane.  I really, really enjoyed it.

So, if you're looking for a story that's comforting, homely and absolutely absorbing look no further. Appleby Farm is an absolute treat of a story and showcases the wonderful talent of Cathy Bramley. I can't wait for more....

Links: 

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Book Review: Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell

"Hallie has a secret. She's in love. He's perfect for her in every way, but he's seriously out of bounds. And her friends aren't going to help her because what they do know is that Hallie doesn't have long to live. Time is running out...Flo has a dilemma. She really likes Zander. But his scary sister won't be even faintly amused if she thinks Zander and Flo are becoming friends - let alone anything more.
Tasha has a problem. Her new boyfriend is the adventurous type. And she's afraid one of his adventures will go badly wrong.

THREE AMAZING THINGS ABOUT YOU begins as Hallie goes on a journey. A donor has been found and she's about to be given new lungs. But whose?"

My review:

Jill Mansell is one of my favourite authors because I just know that whenever I pick up one of her books I'm going to enjoy it. Her writing style is always engaging, humorous and descriptive and I find myself catapulted into a world of wonderful characters, idyllic villages and intriguing story lines. There's something really comforting about picking up a Jill Mansell novel, and Three Amazing Things About You doesn't disappoint.

True to Jill's usual writing style, the book follows three different main characters - Tasha, Hallie and Flo who lead separate lives at first, but are linked without realising it towards the end. I'll say now that I really wish I could tell you who my favourite character was and why, but its an impossible task. Each of the main characters have some brilliant traits that make them so realistic and likable that it's hard to choose who I preferred. Tasha may just pip the others to the post just because she is introduced as 'bin girl', which is a hilarious first scene that is referenced to throughout the story and kept making me laugh.

The supporting characters are also brilliant, they have clear identities and are just as realistic and brilliant as the main characters. A few of my favourites were Rory's best friend, Joe, who is cheeky and funny but with a kind heart. The older people who Flo looks after in the care home are also great, providing interesting anecdotes and stories of their past. Jeremy, the cat that Flo is left to look after adds to the story and is brought to life by Jill's talent for making characters (even cats!) jump off a page and seem so real its hard to believe they are nestled in amongst the pages of a story. Even Lena, Zander's sister is so selfish and infuriating you grow to really dislike her, but she is still an integral part to the story, and I always believe that any character that provokes emotion is brilliant, even if they are annoying!

From the very start of the book and from the blurb you know that this is going to be an emotional story, but I must admit that I wasn't quite prepared for the twists and turns that would lead us to the end. I don't want to spoil anything but I will say that it leads to a pretty shocking turn of events that had me biting my lip so I didn't cry. Jill has created a story that provokes all sorts of emotion and will stay with you for a long time after reading.

Three Amazing Things About You doesn't disappoint - Jill Mansell just keeps getting better and better! If, somehow, this book has passed you by then what are you waiting for? Go grab a copy and become engrossed in a story full of emotion, brilliant characters and difficult decisions.

Six in Six, 2015 - my year in books so far...

I stumbled across the Six in Six 2015 meme over on The Book Jotter's blog and thought it looked like a great way to summarise my year in books so far. Jo has a few suggestions for different categories or you can make your own - I did a mixture of the two. My answers are below, with links to any books that I've reviewed. If you have a go, send me a link to your post below, I'd love to read it, and also remember to post back to The Book Jotter.

Six books I have enjoyed the most: (This was so difficult!)

1. Ivy Lane, Cathy Bramley 
2. I Let You Go, Clare Mackintosh
3. Summer at Shell Cottage, Lucy Diamond 
4. The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance, Kirsty Greenwood
5. The Broken, Tammy Cohen
6. Silent Scream, Angela Marsons

Six books by authors I've never read before: 

1. Learn to Love Again, Ellen Faith
2. The Very Happy Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP), Kate Winter

3. Fairytale Beginnings, Holly Martin
4. Don't Turn Around, Caroline Mitchell
5. The Temp, Emily Benet
6. The Great Village Show, Alexandra Brown

Six book covers I love:






1. Ivy Lane, Cathy Bramley
2. Appleby Farm, Cathy Bramley (can I just put all of Cathy Bramley's books?!)
3. The Day We Disappeared, Lucy Robinson
4. Just The Way You Are, Lynsey  James
5. His Other Life, Beth Thomas

6. Pippa's Cornish Dream, Debbie Johnson

Foodie stories I enjoyed:

1. The Dish, Stella Newman

2. The Cake Shop in the Garden, Carole Matthews
3. Game of Scones, Samantha Tonge
4. Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery, Jenny Colgan 

5. The Gingerbread Cafe Trilogy, Rebecca Raisin
6. Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe, Milly Johnson

Six books from some of my favourite authors:

1. The Year of Taking Chances, Lucy Diamond
2. Three Amazing Things About You, Jill Mansell 

3. Always the Bridesmaid, Lindsey Kelk
4. Summer at Little Beach Street Bakery, Jenny Colgan 

5. I'll Take New York, Miranda Dickinson

6. Village Fortunes, Rebecca Shaw

Six books that are on my bookshelf, shouting out to be read 

1. The Love Shack, Jane Costello 

2. Trouble at the Little Village School, Gervase Phinn

3. The Dead Wife's Handbook, Hannah Beckerman
4. The Memory Book, Rowan Coleman 

5. The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins

6. Yours Truly, Kirsty Greenwood