Review of The House on Cold Hill by Peter James - Five *


Blurb:

They said the dead can't hurt you . . . They were wrong.

The House on Cold Hill is a chilling and suspenseful ghost story from the multi-million copy bestselling author of Dead Simple, Peter James.

Moving from the heart of Brighton and Hove to the Sussex countryside is a big undertaking for Ollie and Caro Harcourt and their twelve-year-old daughter Jade. But when they view Cold Hill House - a huge, dilapidated Georgian mansion - Ollie is filled with excitement. Despite the financial strain of the move, he has dreamed of living in the country since he was a child, and he sees Cold Hill House as a paradise for his animal-loving daughter, the perfect base for his web-design business and a terrific long-term investment. Caro is less certain, and Jade is grumpy about being separated from her friends.

Within days of moving in, it becomes apparent that the Harcourt family aren't the only residents of the house. A friend of Jade's is the first to see the spectral woman, standing behind her as the girls talk on FaceTime. Then there are more sightings, as well as increasingly disturbing occurrences in the house. As the haunting becomes more malevolent and the house itself begins to turn on the Harcourts, the terrified family discover Cold Hill House's dark history, and the horrible truth of what it could mean for them . . .

Review:

I've read some of Peter's Roy Grace series and really enjoyed them. But this is a new departure.

It's a modern ghost story and good ones are few and far between these days! But this is excellent!

I'm not into gore and extreme horror any more - too much in real life! But this is a very gentle story - and he strikes the right balance between the supernatural, suspense and a touch of horror. The atmosphere becomes darker as the book progresses and I was on the edge of my seat and glad I wasn't alone! I won't go into much detail here - it's better if you go into it with an open mind.....

My favourite ghost/psychological thriller has always been Turn of the Screw by Henry James, but Peter James is right up there too! (Must be something to do with the name!)

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Heavens!!! There are THREE excellent books in the Kindle Daily Deal today! 

The Grand Reopening of Dandelion Cafe by Jenny Oliver and 
books 1 and 2 of the Polwenna Bay series from Ruth Saberton​ - 
Runaway Summer and A Time For Living!   


Amazon Kindle Daily Deal for 3rd October

Review of  A Home for Broken Hearts by Rowan Coleman - Five *


Blurb: 

Is there a cure for a broken heart?

Once upon a time, Ellen Woods had her 'happily ever after' moment when she married her beloved Nick. But fifteen years later her husband's tragic death leaves her alone with their soon-to-become-a-teenager son and a mountain of debt. 

On the verge of losing the family home Ellen decides to rent out some rooms, and all too soon a whole host of characters enter her ordered but fragile existence – each with their own messy life in tow. But will this be enough to pull her out of her grief so she can learn to live – and love – again?

Review:

I LOVE Rowan Coleman and I LOVE her books! This was no exception. I still don't understand how Rowan can write about heart-breaking subjects and still have me laughing out loud! 

Ellen's husband has been killed in an accident and there was no money. Her super-efficient sister suggested she let her rooms out and the book is about Ellen and her tenants.

I was squirming in my seat at the misogynistic staff at the lads' mag and getting angrier by the minute! But Matt's increasing discomfort at the goings on was oil on troubled waters!

Ellen's recovery was so well described and I really felt for her. So glad a happy ending seemed on the cards for her. Her relationship with Allegra was wonderful and it was fun seeing them bounce ideas off each other. 

Hannah was a very unsympathetic character until the revelation and a nasty situation occur and then the dynamics of her relationship with Ellen changed dramatically.

Sabine was a wonderfully feisty character and her list had me in stitches!

As always, I LOVED this book too and can't wait for Rowan's next one!


Amazon UK
Amazon US

Review of One Wish in Manhattan by Mandy Baggot - Five *


Blurb:

Christmas: it’s the most wonderful time of the year…to fall in love

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish… to start over. 

With her daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for adventure. But there’s more to New York than twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has her own Christmas wish – to find her real dad. 

While Hayley tries to fulfil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked. 

Can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might come true – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever? 

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they realise life isn’t just about filling the minutes… it’s about making every moment count. 

Review:

I'm a great fan of Mandy and read this in the heat of a Cyprus beach! And loved it ;)

Hayley is desperate to fulfil her daughter, Angel's wish to find her father. So they fly to New York to search for him. They stay with her brother and Hayley meets his boss, Oliver Drummond. 

The sparks fly between Hayley and Oliver, which adds to the confusion when he eventually tracks down Angel's father.

I loved Oliver - he was such a warm - and frightened - character. His panic attacks and heart worries really helped to drive the story. The panic attacks are so well described, I felt so sorry for him!

I'm a real fan of New York and enjoy most books set there, but this one is right at the top of the Empire State!

I received an ARC for the publisher Bookouture and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK: One Wish in Manhattan

Amazon US: One Wish in Manhattan

Review of The White Shepherd by Annie Dalton - Five *


Blurb:

First in the brand-new Anna Hopkins dogwalking mystery series: an intriguing new departure for award-winning YA writer Annie Dalton.

Anna Hopkins’ daily walk through Oxford’s picturesque Port Meadow is rudely interrupted one autumn morning when her white German Shepherd, Bonnie, unearths a bloodsoaked body in the undergrowth. For Anna it’s a double shock: she’d met the victim previously. Naomi Evans was a professional researcher who had told Anna she was working on a book about a famous Welsh poet, and who offered to help Anna trace Bonnie’s original owner.

From her conversations with Naomi, Anna is convinced that she was not the random victim of a psychopathic serial killer, as the police believe. She was targeted because of what she knew. With the official investigation heading in the wrong direction entirely, Anna teams up with fellow dogwalkers Isadora Salzman and Tansy Lavelle to discover the truth.

Review:

This was my first book by Annie Dalton and I really enjoyed it. I loved the echo of the crime with Anna's past and the way she lowly opened up with the other dog walkers, through the book. 

Loved Bonnie, the White Shepherd of the title, and how Anna and Bonnie learn to relate to each other. I thought the introduction of Bonnie's previous owner was a stroke of genius. This meant we were not only trying to work out who was the killer, but also who was the romantic lead with Anna.

Great read and highly recommended but the current price of £17.99/$27.29  for a kindle book is exorbitant! Wait until it comes down......which it must!

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK: The White Shepherd

Amazon US: The White Shepherd

Review of Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin - Five *


Blurb:

Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen. 

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded. 

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore… 

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of? 

Like a creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows, you won’t want to put this deliciously heartwarming novel down. 

Spend the perfect Christmas in White Cliff Bay this year. Snowflakes on Silver Cove coming very soon. 

Review:

This is a real Christmas treat! A warm, gentle romance between 2 emotionally insecure people. 

Everyone comes with baggage to a certain extent but Penny and Henry seem to have more than their fair share! The path of true love never running smooth is certainly true for them!

Add in Daisy, a town that interferes with their relationship and a difficult past and it's amazing that anything happens!

Penny is an ice carver and Henry is a wood carver, which makes for a natural meeting of minds. I was so hoping they would get through their problems! Add in a snowstorm, Christmas and a charity ball and you have the perfect Christmas treat!

Amazon UK: Christmas at Lilac Cottage

Amazon US: Christmas at Lilac Cottage

Review of A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson - Five *


Blurb:

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?

Review:

If you want to read something a bit different - this is the book for you. It has a very unusual storyline set in the cut-throat world of modern newspapers.

Anna is a receptionist and starts to receive parcels from an unknown source, The contents make her feel great and this in turn affects how she behaves and interacts with others.

There are 2 men in her life and we are kept guessing until the end how she will go. One is a very hot newspaper hack and the other is her friend who lives in her block of flats.

The identity of the mysterious sender is the theme throughout the book and it keeps you hooked trying to work out who it could be.

And you'll get no help from me. I'm not even saying if you'll find out or not! Suffice to say I thought Miranda wrote a wonderful, romantic book with a great mystery in it!! 

Amazon UK: A Parcel for Anna Browne

Amazon US: A Parcel for Anna Browne

Review of The Changing Room by Jane Turley - Five *


Blurb: 

"Today, I am in the changing room of my life and tomorrow, win or lose, I'll move forward a stronger and wiser woman." 

Sandy Lovett's confused mother and chaotic life are having an effect on her waistline. She knows she needs to change her life but doesn't know how until she buys a risqué dress which sets in motion a sequence of life-changing events. 

After years as a mother, carer and full-time employee, Sandy quits her job and places her mother in a care home, and life seems on the up. But disaster is never far away for the hapless Sandy as her mother’s obsessions continue to wreak havoc and her husband’s business begins to fail. Short of cash and needing a flexible job, Sandy joins a sex-chat service. At The Beaver Club Sandy discovers a talent for selling telephone sex - a skill she later regrets when she meets unscrupulous local politician and prospective MP, Trewin Thackeray. 

The Changing Room is a comedy-drama for all those whose glass is half-full. Preferably with gin and a big fat cherry.

Review: 

I don't think I've ever read a book that has made me laugh and cry so much! Sandy and her family and friends are the funniest people . 

Jane takes difficult subjects - Alzheimer's and cancer - and treats them respectfully but with a ton of humour! She is the master of the throwaway line. I also loved the way she finishes paragraphs and chapters with one of those throwaway lines, leaving the actual description of the situation to the reader's imagination. 

I so hope we will follow Sandy in another book, Jane seems to have opened another door and I hope any sequel is treated just as irreverently!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon UK: The Changing Room

Amazon US: The Changing Room

Review of  Survivor by Marissa Farrar - Four * (To be published 24/09/15)


Blurb: 

Broke and fallen from grace after her billionaire father is convicted of embezzlement, ‘It Girl’, Charlie Charleston has little choice but to accept the offer her agent makes for her to appear in the reality television show, Celebrity Survivor. 

The thought of being stranded in the middle of nowhere without so much as a scrap of makeup, and all for the general public’s entertainment, scares the life out of her. Charlie hasn’t even so much as been camping before, never mind existed without any creature comforts, and with food she has to catch and kill herself. 

Upon being introduced to ex-marine and survival expert Tyler Janson, the man who will be guiding her through all matters to do with surviving in the wild, she wonders if things might have started looking up. 

The problem is Tyler seems to think she’s about as pointless as a pedicure, and nothing she does gets his attention. 

But when their plane goes down in the middle of nowhere, something Charlie is sure is a set-up by the producers of the show, she is determined to show Tyler Janson exactly what she’s made of. 

Review:

This is an amazing book! I started it yesterday, had to force myself to put it down last night, and finished it today!

It is a totally addictive read. Celebrity Charlie enters a reality TV show where she has to survive on a desert island surrounded by hidden cameras. She has a survival expert with her to help her - the very hot Tyler!

But the plans go awry in a very dramatic way and Charlie and Tyler find themselves alone on a deserted island. Charlie refuses to believe it isn't the planned island and we are left to draw our own conclusions for a few chapters. I actually felt thirsty reading about their dehydration and search for water!

The book follows their time on the island as they change and their attraction to each other becomes stronger. I loved the arguments, followed by the making up - very realistic.

The stress of their situation is treated sensibly and had my attention the whole time. No skimming paragraphs in this book!

Thank you to the author and THE Book Club on Facebook for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Amazon UK: Survivor

Amazon US: Survivor

Publication date: 24th September 2015

Special Price if ordered now: 99p/99c :)

Exclusive (sort of!) Cover Reveal of Trisha Ashley's A Christmas Cracker!!

Gorgeous cover!!

A Christmas Cracker from Best Selling Author Trisha Ashley



The queen of Christmas Trisha Ashley is back this festive season summer with her eagerly anticipated new novel, A Christmas Cracker.


Releasing just in time of the yuletide season on 22 October on Kindle and in hardback by Avon, A Christmas Cracker is a heart-warming, funny and simply gorgeous Christmas read.


This Christmas is about to go off with a bang!


Things can’t possibly get worse for Tabby. Framed for her boss’s dodgy dealings, she’s landed an eight month prison sentence. Then Tabby’s boyfriend dumps her and gives her cat away to a shelter.

But rescue comes in the form of Mercy. A master of saving waifs and strays and impressed with Tabby’s creativity, Mercy wants her to breathe new flair into her ailing cracker business. Together with a staff of quirky ex-cons, they’ll save Marwood’s Magical Christmas Crackers.


But someone’s not happy. Mercy’s nephew Randal wants to turn the mill into a shopping outlet and he thinks Tabby’s a fraudster. Stubborn, difficult and very attractive, suddenly Tabby’s future depends upon winning the brooding nephew round. Standing under the mistletoe, Tabby’s Christmas is set to be one that she will never forget . . .

Amazon UK: A Christmas Cracker

Amazon US: A Christmas Cracker

The review will follow as soon as I can lay my paws on a copy!!