Blog Tour: Wish Upon a Christmas Cake by Darcie Boleyn

"The most wonderful time of the year? Katie Warham has just one wish this year…to have the best Christmas ever! 

If only she could lock herself away in a cloud of flour and sugar at her cosy little tearoom, Crumbtious Cakes, instead of spending the festive season trapped with her judgemental mother, crazy Aunt Gina and loved-up celebrity brother Carl… But Katie never expected her ex-boyfriend, widower Sam – and his two adorable children – to turn up on her doorstep. She didn’t think that any man could tempt her under the mistletoe this year, but Sam might just prove the exception! 

And as the snow begins to fall and Katie puts the final touches to her famous Christmas cake, she begins to wonder, could her Christmas wish actually come true?"

Wish Upon a Christmas Cake is a perfect festive read. Filled with friendship, fun and food (oh, the food!) it is all you want when curling up on a winters evening with a good book. I was really taken by this story and enjoyed it a lot. This is Darcie's debut and is truly wonderful, she perfectly captures the essence of Christmas, family and love and creates an emotional, immersive read.  

The story is filled with emotional ups and downs as Katie is still coming to terms with the death of her Granny. She makes a wish to have the best Christmas ever and so, as you'd expect, there's plenty of spanners thrown into the works that challenge this wish.

Relationships form a huge part of Wish Upon a Christmas Cake and I loved watching them play out. There's Katie's controlling and (if I'm honest) fairly irritating, Mum Esther, who always makes her thoughts known. This is offset by her kind and caring Dad, who I loved. The main relationship I loved watching unfold was with her first love, Sam. She finds out he's recently widowed, and meets his two children who are truly adorable. It's obvious there's still a spark between the two of them and when they're reunited a wave of different emotions to come over Katie. I was really rooting for the two of them as Sam is a great character who's a perfect fit for Katie. 

The settings in Wish Upon a Christmas Cake are brilliant - the tearoom that Katie runs, Crumbitious, holds a special place in my heart - it sounds absolutely wonderful (and what a brilliant name for a tearoom!) I'm a sucker for a story with a tearoom and so this perfectly delivered. Then there's the manor house where they all spend Christmas... a gorgeous setting for the festive period, Darcie really brings it to life and transports you to this beautiful location, she has a brilliant way of describing situations and events that pull you into that world and engross you in this story. 

As the story centres around grief and loss it's expected that Wish Upon a Christmas Cake is an emotional rollercoaster, with loads of ups and downs. It really hit home for me and there were a couple of occasions where I found myself with a lump in my throat. 

Overall this is a fantastic story, perfect to read in the build-up to Christmas and had firmly put Darcie Boleyn on my radar, she is a talented author and I can't wait for more! 

Author Bio

Darcie Boleyn has a huge heart and is a real softy. She never fails to cry at books and movies, whether the ending is happy or not. Darcie is in possession of an overactive imagination that often keeps her awake at night. Her childhood dream was to become a Jedi but she hasn’t yet found suitable transport to take her to a galaxy far, far away. She also has reservations about how she’d look in a gold bikini, as she rather enjoys red wine, cheese and loves anything with ginger or cherries in it – especially chocolate. Darcie fell in love in New York, got married in the snow, rescues uncoordinated greyhounds and can usually be found reading or typing away on her laptop.

Buy the book:

Amazon UK

Amazon.COM

Author links:

Twitter

Facebook

Blog

Book review: 24 Hours by Claire Seeber

"My best friend, Emily, is dead – killed last night in a hotel fire.

But it was meant to be me.

Now I have 24 hours to find my daughter.
Before he finds out I’m still alive.


24 Hours is a fast-paced, intelligent psychological thriller that will leave you breathless."

24 Hours is hands down one of the best thrillers I've read this year. It's fast paced, gripping and has you eager to find out what happened from the very first page. 

The story follows Laurie, who we meet in the aftermath of a large explosion at the hotel she's staying at, which kills her best friend Emily. However, Laurie fully believes that it wasn't an accident, and that it was meant to be her that was killed. Scared that someone wants to kill her, and possibly her daughter, she races off to find her daughter, Polly, who has been away on holiday with her Mum. 

24 Hours is split into two types of chapters - present day, with each chapter covering one hour within the 24 hour period after the fire, and the past,  which looks into Laurie's complex and rather dangerous relationship with her separated husband, Sid. I felt that the split chapters are what created such a gripping plot - most chapters in the present day were left on a cliffhanger which had you racing to find out more. 

In a weird way I enjoyed the flashbacks delving into her past- I say weird way as it's a difficult past she's experienced, with many dark times. We learn Laurie and Sid's relationship was toxic, she was constantly walking on eggshells as Sid could be violent or difficult, and even though they clearly have deep feelings for each other, they aren't right for each other. During these flashbacks we learn more about Laurie's friendship with Emily, her best friend, who supports her during difficult times and clearly dislikes Sid. We also meet Mal, a man who's son is in Polly's school, and who takes a liking to Laurie. At first, I was eager for them to get together, for Laurie to let her guard down and be with a man who seems kind and caring. However Mal's ex comes to stir up trouble- saying he gets too involved and becomes obsessed with the women he feels for. With any other story, I'd have thought this was a case of a woman scorned and not believe her for a second. However, because of the complexity of 24 hours and the way you never quite know what's happening, doubts niggled in my mind. Should Laurie trust him? Or could he have been behind the fire? I don't want to spoil it so I won't say any more, but it just shows how Claire Seeber has created a real psychological thriller where it's difficult to trust even the nicest of characters. 

Occasionally, I thought I knew what was going on and who was behind the fire and chasing Laurie, so I'd sit rather smugly thinking 'ha, nice try, but I've got this'..... only for something to happen that dispelled my idea and had me further questioning what on earth was going on. Serves me right for being smug I guess! Like Laurie, I was clueless throughout, but I certainly didn't trust any of the characters in the story. 

Claire Seeber is a truly talented author, this is the first book I've read by her, and it's introduced me to her fantastic writing style and ability to create suspense. From the offset you see the sheer terror and frantic worry that is hanging over Laurie, and her desperation to find her daughter safe. The emotions portrayed not only from Laurie, but throughout 24 hours, are complex and expertly crafted by Claire Seeber, and really show off her brilliance. 

All the characters in 24 Hours are complex and guarded, clearly hiding secrets and dealing with their feelings. Polly provides some light relief from heavy situations as well as Emily, who we see from the flashbacks was a caring and kind friend. The most complex character is Sid, who in his own messed up way really does seem to love Laurie, but he can't stop hurting her - emotionally and physically. I wanted to scream to Laurie to cut ties with him and stop going back to him as it was clearly not going to end well, especially when he gets a new girlfriend, young pop singer Jolie. Jolie acts care-free about Laurie and Poppy, but clearly isn't happy about Sid's inability to cut himself off from them. 

The whole of the story is leading up to a big climax, and the build-up towards it is incredible. I just couldn't put this book down, I read it over two days (if I hadn't been working it would have easily been in one sitting!) as it's just impossible to find a good point to put it down. I didn't guess the ending at all, it was a big shock to me and there's also a huge twist which shocked me too. 

Claire Seeber is brilliant, as is 24 hours. A gritty, thrilling read that has you hooked from the first page. I loved the complexity of the characters and their emotions and how difficult it was to work out what happened - there are so many twists and turns with this intricate plot that you never quite know where it's going to lead to next. A fantastic read that I'd highly recommend. 

*A big thank you to the publishers of 24 Hours, Bookouture, for a review copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

Links: 

Buy the book 

Website

Twitter

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: 

Buy the book

Lynsey James website

Twitter 

Good reads

Neverland blog tours

Book review: Mile High by Rebecca Chance

First class is about to get dangerous . . . Pure Air's new LuxeLiner is flying from London to LA - its inaugural journey - with a first-class cabin packed with A List celebrities. As the feuding crew compete to impress their famous passengers, the handsome pilot tries to win the attention of a pretty young stewardess.

But one VIP singer is battling something seriously sinister: watching her every step is a very determined stalker, someone who will go to any lengths to get the star to satisfy their desires. At thirty thousand feet there is nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide . . .

Rebecca Chance is an author who I've seen pop up many times on my favourite blogs... she is well known by the blogging community and well loved. Up until I read Mile High, I hadn't read any of her books and I'm pleased to say it more than lived up to expectation. 

Mile High mainly takes place on a plane, but it isn't any ordinary plane. This is the launch event of a a new, deluxe flight for only the rich and famous. Cramming this many stars into a small place is obviously going to create some drama... and boy does it.

I did wonder if the location could become dull, as it is a  small space to set a whole book around. However, it isn't a problem at all... there is more than enough drama going on to keep the story pacey and interesting. The glamorous surroundings of the plane heighten the wealth and status of it's high-profile passengers and really adds to the story. Mile High offers the reader some indulgence, it allows you to escape to the world of a mega-famous celebrity and imagine how it would be to be that famous or wealthy - indulgent escapism at it's best!

The bulk of story centers around Catalina, a global superstar and songstress with a difference - she hasn't completely let fame get to her head. I really liked Catalina, despite her fame and fortune she's actually pretty grounded and a really caring character. Sure, on occasion she takes the luxuries, or her PA's presence for granted and starts looking like your typical super-star, but on the whole she's a nice, normal person. It's clear from the offset she's recovering from a huge break-up and betrayal, but you don't find out until later on who that is with (although it does become quite obvious before it's revealed). Catalina is a very closed book and dependent on her strong friendship with her PA to distract her from her heartbreak, especially as she is struggling with the level of her fame even more than usual.

Why? because she has a stalker. Someone who leaves 'loving' messages on her dressing room wall and intrudes on her privacy. The uneasiness of this situation heightens when it appears the stalker is on the flight with her. Being in such close proximity to the stalker is, as you'd imagine, terrifying and it really adds to the drama and suspense of the story.

Then there's the bitchy air hostess Lucinda who, frankly, is a nasty piece of work. I had no idea flight crews were so full of bitchiness, never mind bitterness. There is a real hierarchy among cabin crew, and being the lead air hostess on this crew definitely massages Lucinda's already over-inflated ego. She is sleeping with the handsome pilot who can't seem to keep it in his trousers. Despite it being obvious he is only using her for her good looks, she is very, very protective over him, hoping that one day they will be together properly and not just a fling. She sets out to destroy anyone else he takes a liking to and doesn't mind what lengths to go to.... which happens on this flight. 

I was really surprised by who the stalker was. There are many hints leading up to the reveal and I thought I had it in the bag as to who it was. Safe to say I didn't, it was a big twist I didn't see coming and it just added to the enjoyment of the story. 

Mile High is really well written. It's gripping, intriguing and sexy. I'm not usually a big fan of bonk busters but this has just the right amount of detail without being too cringy to read. Overall, the story is great. I loved the location being set on a plane, it was different and created even more drama than usual due to it being such an enclosed space. The glamour of the place really transported me away from my life and into the rich, wealthy world of these celebrities which was fun! Also Rebecca makes her characters jump off the page, whether you love them, hate them, are infuriated by them or upset for them, they make you react and engage with them.

I really enjoyed Mile High and will now be familiarising myself with more of Rebecca Chance's work! 

A big thank you to the publishers for an advance copy of this story on Netgalley.