Summer Fling and Dancing Dreams by Sue Watson

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams by Sue Watson

Published: 3rd July 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages:308

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

Dance like nobody’s watching. Love like you’ll never get hurt…
Laura Watkin’s heart isn’t broken, she’s just forgotten how to use it.

After years on her own, the highlight of single mum Laura’s week is watching Strictly Come Dancing with a glass of Pinot Grigio and a large helping of imagination.

With her daughter Sophie going travelling, Laura knows the time is right to do something for herself for a change. One disastrous Zumba class later and Laura ends up at the feet (literally) of gorgeous dance instructor Tony Hernandez.

A natural dancer and inspiring teacher, Tony rekindles in Laura a passion she inherited from her ballroom dancer father – and with it comes a dream… to make him proud.

But when Tony enters them to perform at the National Dance Festival, can Laura’s new-found confidence survive the test? And with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn Flamenco in Spain, could Laura truly learn to dance like nobody’s watching… and love like she’ll never get hurt?

A laugh-out-loud, uplifting comedy about finding the courage to be yourself, the importance of dreams, and learning to grab life by the glitter balls.

Review

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams is the second book by Sue Watson that I have read. After reading and loving Snow Angels, Secrets and Christmas cake last Christmas I was eager to read Sue’s next book and was so glad to find I loved it just as much. Sue’s writing style is witty, honest and heart-warming and it brings to life her ordinary characters and makes them feel very real.

Laura is a forty-something single mum who has spent her life trying to give her daughter Sophie everything she never had as a child. As the story starts poor Sophie has been left standing at the alter and is now in tears outside the church, her heart completely crushed by the man she thought would give her the perfect life. Laura, also heart-broken at the prospect at having to pay for the non-wedding after hours of overtime, is crushed even further when Sophie reveals that she doesn’t want to end up like her mother: sad and alone with only the television and a glass of wine for comfort with no ambition in her life. Devastated by the way her daughter views her life Laura vows to add a little bit more spice into her life. After a disastrous Zumba class Laura meets Tony a dance instructor who helps Laura to slowly ignite her passion for dancing and so “Lola” is born.

I found Laura a really easy character to relate to, sometimes we all fall into a rut with the everyday routine of working and bringing up children, so to have all that hard work and effort thrown back in your face is hard to take, especially if it comes from your own daughter.  Some people might sulk and moan about their life but Laura hasn’t she’s just got on with it to help her daughter have the best life possible, so I was pleased when she decided to do something for herself and follow her dancing dreams. As soon as Laura starts to dance the passion she has inside her just oozed off the paged and I just loved Tony for helping her to become the wonderful and outgoing and very brave “Lola” that she deserved to be.

This is a hilarious and uplifting novel full of laughs and comedy moments which had me chuckling all the way through. Although Laura has to endure a little heartache along the way, she ultimately ends up as the stronger more confident women she longs to be and makes her mum and daughter proud of her. It’s a novel which leaves you thinking “I can do that” which I found very inspiring. So if you have hidden dreams let this little gem with its glitter and sequins work its magic and inspire you to follow your dreams just like Laura did.

I’d like to thank Bookouture for sending me an arc copy to review, I loved it and would like to rate it a very sparkly 5/5.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisim

The Bookshop on the Corner by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 17th June 2014

Publisher: Carina UK

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?

Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.

Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…

Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!

Review

The Bookshop on the Corner is another perfect little novella by Rebecca Raisin. In this book we get to find out more about bookshop owner Sarah Smith who has been briefly mentioned in the Gingerbread Café books.

Sarah Smith is probably a character that many of us book bloggers can relate too. She’s slightly introverted and perhaps a little messy, preferring to spend every free minute lost in the pages of her latest book rather than tidy up. I instantly connected with her the way she sheltered herself from conflict and change by burrowing herself in books. Even though she feels she might be missing out of life a little by not having a boyfriend and rushing off to get married, she won’t settle for just anyone. Sarah’s looking for that perfect boyfriend who lives up to the dashing heroes in her romances novels. She wants him to be extremely hot but also kind and caring and someone who will not try and compete with her love of books. Sarah believes she’ll never find him but then one day her dream man walks straight into her bookshop and he seems to be quite keen on her too. Is he too good to be true, Sarah needs to take a risk to find out?

I read this as an introduction to The Little Bookshop on the Seine which is out October 16^th as a way of getting to know Sarah more. I adored The Bookshop Shop on the Corner and devoured it in one afternoon. It’s the perfect little romance story with the adorable Sarah and smoking hot Ridge and it was lovely to read about her letting him into her life and taking a risk.

As with previous books by Rebecca, The Bookshop on the Corner is set in Ashford and I find it so comforting to read about somewhere which is becoming very familiar to me. I also loved that previous characters CeeCee, Lil and Missy are mentioned as it just adds to that cosy feeling Rebecca’s writing seems to bring out in me. I have to give this book 5/5 as everything is just perfect and seamlessly written. Thank you Rebecca for bringing us another lovely read.

The Beachside Guest House by Vanessa Greene

The Beachside Guest House by Vanessa Greene

Published: 10th September 2015

Publisher: Sphere

Pages: 336

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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Blurb

When Rosa and Bee get together in the run-up to Bee's wedding, they reminisce about the holiday they took together as teenagers to the beautiful Greek island of Paros. They remember the sandy coves, the guest house in the converted windmill where they stayed with their friend Iona, and the gorgeous local men. As memories of that long-forgotten holiday resurface, they are forced to confront the turns their lives have taken - and the guilt they both feel about letting Iona slip away from them. When they learn that the windmill guest house is going bust they form a plan: why not go back to the island and take it over themselves? And so begins a life-changing journey - because it turns out that opening a guest house and reliving their teenage dreams isn't that easy ...Full of romance and friendship, love and life, laughter and tears, The Beachside Guest House is an uplifting novel about the magic of starting over with friends by your side.

Review

Rosa, Bee and Iona have been friends since they were children, sharing everything together as they grew up, especially a wonderful holiday they had on the Greek isle of Paros as teenagers before they went into the world as adults. More recently Iona has slipped off into her own world with boyfriend Ben and Rosa and Bee feel her loss as they struggle with issues in their own lives. When they learn that the windmill guesthouse where they stayed on the island is for sale Rosa decides its time for a career change and buys the place. Bee feeling unhappy with her impending marriage to boyfriend Stuart ends her relationship and joins Rosa. Can the two of them make a go of running the windmill and can they reach out and bring Iona back into their lives?

This is the first book by Vanessa Greene which I have read and its one which I became hooked on straight away. Vanessa’s writing style is heartfelt and emotional and I connected with the three main characters almost instantly and all the way through I was rooting for them and hoping they were going to make a success of the guesthouse, despite a number of setbacks.

Of all the three main characters I found Iona the most interesting, her struggles with her anxieties made her more complex than Rosa and Bee for me. Vanessa has written her character is such a way that I felt Iona’s pain and wanted her to make the right decision, I know I could so easily have found her annoying and become easily frustrated by her reasoning.

I loved how the Guesthouse became a sanctuary for all three woman while they lived there. As the guest house became ready for visitors the three women found they were able to move on from the past and embrace new adventures and new relationships and find true happiness.

Friendship and its importance is a big theme in this book. Despite years and miles apart Rosa, Bee and Iona have come together and their friendship is just as close as when they were teenagers. Proving that no matter what the problems you face are or the distance apart true friends will always be there to help you through the difficult times.

The Beachside Guest House is the perfect read for this time of year when the nights are growing colder and we’re all hanging to the last threads of summer, it’ll remind you of that perfect holiday you once had.  It’s a book to curl up with and will make you feel warm and cosy when you’ve finished.  I loved everything about this book as it kept me interested all the way through and the characters were ones which I really came to care for. I loved the ending as it tied things up for each character but also left the book with a potential follow on (please!).

It was a joy to discover Vanessa Greene’s writing and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. Thank you to Little Brown and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.

Rosa, Bee and Iona have been friends since they were children, sharing everything together as they grew up, especially a wonderful holiday they had on the Greek isle of Paros as teenagers before they went into the world as adults. More recently Iona has slipped off into her own world with boyfriend Ben and Rosa and Bee feel her loss as they struggle with issues in their own lives. When they learn that the windmill guesthouse where they stayed on the island is for sale Rosa decides its time for a career change and buys the place. Bee feeling unhappy with her impending marriage to boyfriend Stuart ends her relationship and joins Rosa. Can the two of them make a go of running the windmill and can they reach out and bring Iona back into their lives?

This is the first book by Vanessa Greene which I have read and its one which I became hooked on straight away. Vanessa’s writing style is heartfelt and emotional and I connected with the three main characters almost instantly and all the way through I was rooting for them and hoping they were going to make a success of the guesthouse, despite a number of setbacks.

Of all the three main characters I found Iona the most interesting, her struggles with her anxieties made her more complex than Rosa and Bee for me. Vanessa has written her character is such a way that I felt Iona’s pain and wanted her to make the right decision, I know I could so easily have found her annoying and become easily frustrated by her reasoning.

I loved how the Guesthouse became a sanctuary for all three woman while they lived there. As the guest house became ready for visitors the three women found they were able to move on from the past and embrace new adventures and new relationships and find true happiness.

Friendship and its importance is a big theme in this book. Despite years and miles apart Rosa, Bee and Iona have come together and their friendship is just as close as when they were teenagers. Proving that no matter what the problems you face are or the distance apart true friends will always be there to help you through the difficult times.

The Beachside Guest House is the perfect read for this time of year when the nights are growing colder and we’re all hanging to the last threads of summer, it’ll remind you of that perfect holiday you once had.  It’s a book to curl up with and will make you feel warm and cosy when you’ve finished.  I loved everything about this book as it kept me interested all the way through and the characters were ones which I really came to care for. I loved the ending as it tied things up for each character but also left the book with a potential follow on (please!).

It was a joy to discover Vanessa Greene’s writing and I cannot wait to see what she writes next. I give The Beachside Guest House 5/5 it was brilliant.Thank you to Little Brown and Netgalley for the review copy of this book.

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm by Rebecca Raisin

Published: 17th July 2015

Publisher: Carina UK

Pages: 384

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

Secrets...we all have them.

Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart…

Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…!

But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Tree Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup!

Review

Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm is another fabulous read from Rebecca Raisin who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. She has an amazing ability to write magical stories which instantly capture your heart and this one is no exception.

In this book we meet Lucy who has spent the last few years devotedly caring for her ill mother and spending every spare moment working to keep a roof over their heads. Lucy’s mother begs Lucy to go out into the world and experience life for a year, so she can develop her passion of panting and hopefully apply for the prestigious Van Gogh Institute in Paris. Reluctantly Lucy agrees and catches the first bus she finds which takes her to Ashford, that wonderful town Rebecca Raisin fans have all grown to love. Aboard the bus Lucy meets Ashford resident CeeCee who mentions Lucy may be able to earn some money at the local maple syrup farm. At the farm Lucy meets Clay, the mostly silent and brooding handsome owner of the farm. Despite a rough start Lucy begins to fall for the charms of the maple trees, the town of Ashford and a certain gorgeous farmer.

I loved being back in Ashford, it sounds like the perfect little American town with The Gingerbread Café at the heart of it and everything else you might need located within easy reach. The community spirit which flows through this town is overwhelming as everyone seems to get along and pull together when needed, making this book a joy to read. Not mention another festival is celebrated, which I have adored from previous books, the food descriptions are to die for! This time it’s a maple syrup festival to celebrate the new harvest and my goodness the food they cook up sounds utterly delicious!

The dynamic between the lovely caring Lucy and the gruff but extremely hot Clay was brilliant. I just loved how they bickered with each other like a couple of teenagers, pretending to dislike each other but secretly hoping the other person likes them back and something will happen. It was a joy to read and all the way through I was wanting that magical moment to happen…and when it did it was perfect.

The thing I love most about Rebecca’s writing is the way she includes her previous characters into each new book, so while reading it’s just like going on a holiday to catch up with old friends. It was lovely in this book to catch up with Lil, CeeCee, Missy and Becca and find out how they are all doing and new character Lucy just fitted in so well with them.

Secrets of the Maple Syrup Farm is a lovely tale of friendship, community, romance, opportunities and of course finding out all the secrets hidden within the Maple Syrup Farm. I have loved returning to Ashford and all its inhabitants and eagerly await Rebecca’s next novel, where hopefully the characters will return. This book gets a rating of 5/5 easily, it’s just lovely.

Thank you to Carina UK and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy.

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

 

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

Published: 24th September 2015

Publisher: Pan

Pages: 501

Available in Paperback and on Kindle

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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

Anna Browne is just an ordinary girl going out about her everyday life as a receptionist at the Daily Messenger a tabloid newspaper in London .She just hopes to blend in and have an easy life. But someone believes Anna deserves more from her life and soon beautifully wrapped parcels begin to arrive for Anna from a mystery sender. The parcels are beautiful and remind Anna of happier times from her childhood. With each new parcel Anna grows in confidence and her everyday life begins to get more exciting as Anna edges out of her comfort zone.

As Anna tries to work out who the mystery sender is she begins to come closer to two men in her life.  Straight talking next door neighbour Jonah Rawdon and flighty but handsome news reporter Ben McAra, both have feelings for Anna but does she have feelings for either? Will Anna find out who is sending the mystery gifts? Will she find out why?

A Parcel for Anna Browne is the latest enchanting tale from Miranda Dickinson, it’s a book I’ve been very much looking forward to reading as I’m a girl who loves getting parcels (even the ones I’ve paid for), so to read about someone receiving beautiful mystery gifts for no reason was very intriguing and an ideal plot for a good story.

I found the initial chapters a little slow as nothing much happens, but in these we get to know Anna and her everyday life with her friends and colleagues. Anna is essentially a “nice” girl, she doesn’t say anything bad about anyone, she avoids confrontation, she agrees with people just to keep the peace. At first I did find her a little boring as a main character but after the first parcel arrives she begins to change and gradually take steps out of her comfort zone she begins to believe she is worth more and that she matters. This slowly turned her into a stronger character, who is not afraid to stand up for herself and make herself heard, this Anna I liked very much. What made her endearing was she even when she was more confident she was still a good person who was able to forgive and see the good in people…well most people.

The thing I really enjoyed in this book were all the extra characters, each which have been given their own personality and felt very real. My personal favourites were security guard Ted and fellow receptionist Sheniece, I just loved the easy banter between them and they way they both obviously cared about Anna very much.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is a story which celebrates ordinary people and what makes them special. It is a novel full of mystery and intrigue with a sprinkle of romance and I loved the message it gives us. That each and every one of us has the choice to live our own life and be the best we can be. I think this is the perfect heart-warming, feel good read to curl up with this autumn. I’d like to thank Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for the chance to review this delightful novel and I rate it 4 out 5.

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 11th September 2015

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 300

Available on Kindle

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Blurb

New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…

After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

 

Review

 

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is Christie Barlow’s second novel featuring mum of four Rachel Young and her adventures in the playground in the village of Tattersfield. If you read the first novel then like me you will have been longing to find out what happened after Rupert was a little too honest on New Year’s Eve.  Luckily for me I already had a copy of the second novel already to go so I could dive straight in. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book (but you really should its brilliant!) Christie gives us enough background information in the first couple of chapters so you can work out who is who and what happened previously.

I think I loved this one even more than the first book. Penelope has become even worse for Rachel to deal with, subjecting her to tacky speed dating, airport hysterics and meltdowns at the school fair. I really liked the introduction of new character Melanie and liked that Rachel was able to make a normal friend to counteract Penelope’s craziness. It was also good to read about the little romance blooming between Melanie and the hunky farrier.

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother is a book which echoes the reality of the playground and vamps it up making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. All the way the book you’re just longing for Rachel to tell Penelope No!! As the book comes full circle back to New Year’s Eve Penelope finally gets her comeuppance and it’s just perfect for her!

As a sequel this is just as good as Christie’s first novel and one I enjoyed immensely. I love her to revisit Rachel’s life again, but if not I’m sure her next novel will be just as brilliant and one I can’t wait to read.

I’d like to thank Bookouture for sending me a review copy though Netgalley and give this book 5 out 5.  

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

 

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother by Christie Barlow

Published: 9th June 2014

Publisher: Bookouture

Pages: 336

Available on Kindle

Order now from Amazon

 

Blurb

A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A PLAYGROUND MOTHER Ever had the pleasure of collecting your children from the school playground? Even if you haven't this is a hilarious must read. A month by month comical tale of a young mother fighting for her place in the world against the backdrop of the Playground Mafia. As her life unfolds and she takes us through from one amusing anecdote to another the characters come to life. There is Penelope who has a lot more going on in her life than she bargained for and Mrs Noland who has a lot less than she claims, not to mention Rupert who is a VERY busy man. With Mrs High School Musical, The International Sex God and The Frisky Pensioner, the characters are undeniably fascinating and leave you compelled to read more. Who knew that one false move in the playground, one step in the wrong direction or smile at the wrong person could lead to such complications? The witty one liners and side splitting stories will keep you amused from beginning to end. Lively and entertaining, a hilarious comedy that every playground mother can relate to.

 

Review

A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother follows life of Rachel Young as she leaves behind the bitchiness and competition of the suburban mothers and sets off for a quiet life in the county…or so she thought. Instantly Rachel is catapulted into the extreme madness of the playground mothers in Tattersfield, a small village and unwittingly she befriends probably the maddest and most competitive person of them all Penelope Kensington. As the school year progresses will Rachel make it out sane or will she succumb to the playground mafia.

I loved this book so much, it’s probably one of the funniest books I’ve ever read with the most annoying characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about: Penelope Kensington. Imagine every annoying thing that a primary school mother can do and this woman will do it and no one will stand in her way as she just doesn’t understand the word NO. Penelope is a woman who you just love to hate and throughout reading this book you will just want to shout NO PENELOPE!! Many, many times. Poor, poor Rachel being stuck with her, the woman deserves a medal!

This was a hilarious and quick read for me as the writing style is very easy flowing. It felt like Rachel was telling me the story herself over a coffee and it was very addictive. I also loved the way so much happened, there was constantly some drama taking place, usually with Penelope at the centre of it and dragging Rachel along for the ride.

I was lucky that I was able to read the follow on book for this straight after as there was a cliff-hanger ending that just made me desperate to find out what was going to happen. So I would definitely suggest you pick up this book and its sequel Misadventures of a Playground Mother and read them back to back.

I loved this book and rate it 5/5, one to share around the playground with your fellow mums.