The Rest of my Life by Sheryl Browne book review

The Rest of my Life by Sheryl Browne, publisher Choc Lit, is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

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You can’t run away from commitment forever …

Adam Hamilton-Shaw has more reason than most to avoid commitment. Living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley, his dream is to sail into the sunset preferably with a woman waiting in every port. But lately, his life looks more like a road to destruction than an idyllic boat ride…

Would-be screenplay writer Sienna Meadows realises that everything about Adam spells trouble but she can’t ignore the feeling that there is more to him than just his bad reputation. Nor can she ignore the intense physical attraction that exists between them.

And it just so happens that Adam sees Sienna as the kind of woman he could commit to. But can he change his damaging behaviour or is the road to destruction a one-way street?

I’d like to thank the author, Sheryl Browne, for a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.

This is the first book I’ve read by Sheryl; it was utterly glorious and sexy, heart warming and romantic, very emotive with tension and plenty of drama.  I will certainly be checking out the other works written by Sheryl.

Adam Hamilton-Shaw is a serial womaniser and odd job man living on a houseboat in the Severn Valley.  He’s hoping to make enough money to repair his boat so he can set sail away from responsibilities and commitment.  However, the more we hear about Adam’s very troubled past we can appreciate why he’s been on such a destructive course.  Adam has experienced a truly awful event that has left his heart shattered.  His way of dealing with it was to run away, drink to try and forget and have many casual relationships.

Sienna Meadows has rented a cottage alongside the River Severn, a stone’s throw from Adam’s moored houseboat, with her friend Lauren.  Sienna is hoping this time away in a relaxing location will help her finish her screenplay.  Sienna’s first impression of Adam is not great, she realises he is a bad boy with his many female visitors to his boat but she can’t help but wonder if there’s more to him.  Their first interaction goes quite swimmingly (literally) and a mutual attraction is felt.

Can Sienna help Adam change his course of destruction and show him the route to a better life?  Can she help him with the ghosts of his past?  Will Sienna be enough for Adam to change his ways … for the rest of his life?

A story to help and give hope and to prove that appearances and first impressions can be deceiving.  5/5*

I’d like to share one of my favourite quotes from the book …

“Sienna scanned his eyes.  Haunted eyes, she saw immediately.  Eyes where a thousand dark shadows danced, those of a man who was more than scared, she realised her heart constricting for him.  He was terrified.”

To find out more about Sheryl Browne and her books please visit the following links:

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The Magic Touch by Kelly Florentia book review

The Magic Touch by Kelly Florentia, publisher Accent Press is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

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Marriage isn’t high on 39-year-old Emma King’s list of priorities; after all, she’s been there and done it once. So there are no big surprises when, yet again, she turns down her long-term partner Harry’s marriage proposal. They’re a solid, secure couple – a piece of paper won’t make any difference. That is until she accidentally stumbles across a flirtatious text message from one of his female colleagues on his phone. Overcome with suspicion and an impending fear of losing Harry, Emma goes on a quest to get to the bottom of his secret affair with the help of her ninety-three-year-old neighbour, Alistair, her best friend Ola, and Harry’s sister-in-law’s psychic app, The Magic Touch.

I’d like to thank the author, Kelly Florentia, for an arc in return for an honest review.  This is Kelly’s debut full length novel following the success of her novella, To Tell a Tale or Two, a collection of short stories.

This was a lovely story of love and friendships and miscommunications.

Emma and Harry have been happily courting for 5 years.  Harry saved Emma from a traumatic relationship in her past and has been her knight in shining armour ever since.  However, just lately Emma feels like Harry has ‘gone off’ her and when she finds a text on his phone she feels her worries are only just beginning.

Harry’s sister-in-law, Caroline, has become close to Emma and has asked her to trial her latest venture, a phone app called ‘The Magic Touch’ that reveals predictions about your life.  Caroline is a little psychic, she likes to read palms and professes to be good at it.  Emma is quite happy to help but when the app’s predictions start becoming a reality life becomes a little mystified for Emma.

The appearance of a new man in Emma’s life brings far too many complications which soon start unravelling into Emma and Harry’s relationship with almost disastrous results.

Can the couple save their relationship in time or will miscommunications be their fate?

I enjoyed this story by Kelly.  I loved the friendship Emma had with her elderly neighbour and their were some wonderful warm, heartfelt moments she shared with him.  Emma’s character was great, I loved her job of a book cover illustrator however, she had a very vulnerable side to her from her past and when more is revealed about her history you can appreciate why her personality is like so.  Harry sounded adorable and you wanted to believe he was a good man.  The story had a lot of warmth, humour, intrigue and a little magic and mystification.  I look forward to more from Kelly in the future.  4/5*

To find out more about Kelly Florentia and her writing please click on the links below:

http://www.kellyflorentia.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Florentia-1682213928702931/

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The Chic Boutique on Baker Street by Rachel Dove book review

The Chic Boutique on Baker Street by Rachel Dove, publisher Mills & Boon, is available in ebook and paperback format from THIS THURSDAY 21st April 2016.

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The perfect escape to the country…

Recently single and tired of the London rat race Amanda is determined to make her dreams of setting up an idyllic countryside boutique come true, and the picturesque village of Westfield is the perfect place to
make a fresh start.

Local vet Ben is the golden boy of Westfield, especially to resident gossip Agatha Mayweather, who is determined to help Ben get his life back together after his wife left.

When a chance encounter outside the ‘chic boutique’ sets sparks flying between Amanda and Ben, Agatha is itching to set them up. But are Amanda and Ben really ready for romance?

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this lovely story from Rachel Dove.  Rachel Dove was the winner of the Prima Flirty Fiction competition in 2015 and this is her debut and winning novel.

Amanda is a top class London lawyer with a secret weakness for all things crafty.  When her love life and her career take an unexpected stumble Amanda decides to pack her bags and move to Yorkshire.  Amanda has dreamt of owning her own craft/shabby chic boutique for a long time and finds the perfect place in the idyllic village of Westfield, Yorkshire.  Her little shop, New Lease of Life, with the flat above, has been open just a week and trade is very slow.  After noticing the Pet Parlour next door had left their sign outside she offers to take it back in for them.  This act of kindness reaps consequences that will change her outlook on life and love.

The owner of the Pet Parlour happens to be local vet and unlucky in love Ben Evans.  This first encounter of his new neighbour for Ben leaves him infuriated about a city girl wishing to bring her arty ways into his beloved village.  However, even though he’s furious about the outsider he can’t get Amanda out of his mind.  Amanda also cannot stop thinking about the handsome and at times arrogant vet.

Agatha Mayweather is the resident gossip and chief organiser of all things in the village. When she spots Ben daydreaming outside his shop with his eyes in the direction of Amanda and her shop Agatha’s mind starts whirring and with the help of her friends; Dotty, Hetty, Grace and Marlene a secret matchmaking quest is devised.

We follow the journey of Amanda settling into her new life in this gorgeous, sleep village in the Yorkshire countryside.  Making new friends with the wonderful ladies of the  village who appear to have adopted Amanda as one of their own.  Will New Lease of Life be enough for Amanda’s new life or will the bright lights of the city draw her back?

This story had so much warmth and charm to it.  I instantly liked Amanda’s character and felt for her being forced into a career that her heart is not fully into it.  You could almost feel her relaxing as soon as she moves into Baker Street.  Rachel had described the location of the story; this pretty, sleepy village in the Yorkshire countryside as idyllic.  I felt like I wanted to visit the area and browse in all the quaint shops of Baker Street.  Ben’s character was very likeable, he was handsome and rugged and loved animals and the area.  He was quite protective of his beloved Westfield, which was very endearing.  I loved the ‘silver ladies’ and would love to be a member of their gang.

A lovely, warm hearted story.  I look forward to more from Rachel Dove and wish her well with her new career.  4.5/5*

To find out more about Rachel Dove and her writing please visit the following links:

https://racheldoveauthor.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Rachel-Dove-Author-373524896089079/

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The Obsession by Nora Roberts blogtour book review

The Obsession by Nora Roberts, publisher Piatkus, is available NOW in ebook, hardcover and audio download format.

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Naomi Carson is a survivor. As a child, her family was torn apart by a shocking crime. It could have destroyed her, but Naomi has grown up strong, with a passion for photography that has taken her all around the world.

Now, at last, she has decided to put down roots. The beautiful old house on Point Bluff needs work, but Naomi has new friends in town who are willing to help, including Xander Keaton – gorgeous, infuriating and determined to win her heart.

But as Naomi plans for the future, her past is catching up with her. Someone in town knows her terrifying secret – and won’t let her forget it. As her new home is rocked by violence, Naomi must discover her persecutor’s identity, before it’s too late.

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour promoting Nora Roberts latest novel, The Obsession. Nora Roberts is one of the top selling authors in the world and has written over 200 novels.

From the gob-smacking shocking first chapter I was gripped with this story.  I am not a huge fan of thrillers but Nora Roberts spins a tale that has so much warmth and hope it balances out the grizzlier side.  The story had an underlying current of darkness but there was so much light shining through to redress this side of the story.

At the tender age of 11 Naomi witnesses a crime that your worse nightmares couldn’t imagine.  However, her strength and bravery for someone so young is worthy of an award.

Naomi, her brother and mother changed names and moved away but this terrible event in their past would not be forgotten.  Naomi sadly witnesses another tragedy.  However, her sadness turns to anger and she does all she can to make her life as normal as possible to try and escape the demons from her past.

Naomi is now in her late twenties and is a successful photographer. She’s been travelling around most of her life but falls in love with Sunrise Cove in the State of Washington.  The house she has purchased needs a major renovation.  Naomi realises she will have to get use to being around a lot of new, strange people.  As a loner and independent woman she finds this quite alien at first.  However, the people of Sunrise Cove soon make her feel welcome in the friendly lakeside town.  One particular guy who helps her feel at ease is local mechanic/singer in rockband, Xander Keaton.  When Naomi first meets Xander she believes him to be arrogant, over confident and annoying but the chemistry between them soon starts sizzling.

Naomi’s past comes back to haunt her when she comes upon a terrible violent act.  The whole town is put on alert and Naomi is fearful of her past life being discovered.

Can the townfolk help Naomi with her dark secret and will they be able to stop the terrible events from the past repeating themselves?

A fantastic, gripping story I couldn’t pull myself away from.  5/5*

I’d like to share a quote from the novel that I thought was really clever and beautiful.

“Had she really told herself, really believed, the past was done?  Never done, she thought now.  Never over.  The ghosts never exorcised.”

To find out more about Nora Roberts and her books please visit the following links:

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Natalie’s Getting Married by Rosa Temple book review

Natalie’s Getting Married written and self-published by Rosa Temple is available NOW in ebook format and is also available under the kindleunlimited scheme.

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Career minded, Natalie Spencer, had never been in love. She could never understand what all the fuss was about. But when she met Jackson Humphries during Fresher’s Week at university, that all changed.
Utterly infatuated, Natalie quickly discovers the meaning of love and, before she knows it, she’s heading up the aisle – for the first time, that is.
This is a tale about four wedding dresses, a runaway groom and a girl who got so carried away, she couldn’t see true love staring her right in the face.

I’d like to thank the author, Rosa Temple, for an arc in return for an honest review.

This is the first full length novel written by Rosa.  I read her novella, Sleeping with your Best Friend, last year and really enjoyed it.  Natalie’s Getting Married is a fun filled romantic comedy that I was totally absorbed with.

Natalie has three men in her life: Jackson the first guy she fell in love with from afar at Uni; Liam the charming and sweet local shop owner and Gabriel the guy who took her under his wings at Uni and has been her best friend since.

We follow Natalie stumbling through her life falling in and out of love and planning 3 weddings.  Who will be the one to succeed in marrying Natalie? Will Natalie realise too late who her heart truly belongs to …?

I adored Natalie’s character, she had such a big heart and was shy revealing her true feelings to her intended.  When she did let herself go there was no stopping her and her heart and she found herself walking down the aisle 3 times!

The wonderful array of sub characters added much humour and warmth to the story: Bella her fun loving man hungry friend; Margie from Margie McGee’s Wedding Dress Emporium, this shop was so quirky and reminded me of Mr Benn’s costume shop and her lovable and over emotional mum.

A brilliant debut full length novel from Rosa and I look forward to more from her.  4.5/5*

To find out more about Rosa Temple and her writing please visit the following links:

https://www.facebook.com/RosaTempleWriter

http://rosatemplewrites.blogspot.co.uk/

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The Vintage Springtime Club by Beatrice Meier blogtour book review

The Vintage Springtime Club by Beatrice Meier, publisher Little, Brown Book Group, is available NOW in ebook and audio download format.

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Newly retired Philip returns home to Cologne and is thrown into emotional turmoil upon bumping into his long-lost sweetheart. In the midst of a domestic crisis, Ricarda confides in Philip that she is looking for somewhere to live. And there and then, Philip suggests that she move in with him – he is setting up a flatshare. Will she join him with his mischievous dachshund named Ralf?

To his surprise, Ricarda agrees, leaving Philip to scramble together a crew of retires in time for spring, for the most unlikely of social experiments. There’s grumpy cigarette-smoking grandfather Harry; quiet and discreet Eckart, curiously carting around his late wife’s headstone; Uschi, brimming with life, harbouring a passion for leotards and aerobics, along with sausages and outrageous knitting patterns; and then, ever-practical and warm-hearted Ricarda, towards whom Phillip is developing real feelings.

Despite their differences, the flatmates thrive and embark on a series of new adventures. But when Uschi falls unwell, familiar cracks begin to show and this uniquely spirited club of friends must work together in order to survive – and truly blossom.

I am so pleased to be involved in the blogtour promoting Beatrice Meier’s debut novel.

This was such a wonderful, uplifting story.  When I finished I felt a warm frisson of emotion enveloping me.  It’s difficult to believe this is Beatrice’s first novel.  I am looking forward to more from this talented author.

Newly retired Philip returns to his home town in Cologne, Germany.  His emotions are still quite raw following the death of his mother.  He bumps into his old friend Ricarda who he hasn’t seen in a very long time.  Ricarda is quite stressed at the moment, she is having to move out of her current home due to urgently required major home improvements.  Philip, on a whim, invites Ricarda to move in with him, in the inherited apartment he has been given from his late mother’s estate.  He decides to turn the apartment into a flat share.  After Ricarda’s acceptance of the invite he goes about seeking other more mature tenants for the remaining 3 flats.

A few months later the flats are ready to be lived in.  Philip, the owner and retired doctor; his old friend and widower Ricarda; Harry, another old mutual friend from school and uni; Uschi, a lady in her late 50’s who is a delicatessen and helped care for Philip’s mother; and Eckart, a retired Bank Clerk makes up the final tenant.  Oh and not forgetting Ralf, the chubby daschund who came with the inheritance.  The odd bunch soon settle into their new home but living with each other’s personalities and possessions isn’t as easy as agreeing where to put the furniture.

After a memorable time at the lake were wonderful moments were shared and personalities were growing on them the health of one of the flatmates took an unexpected turn for the worse.  This unfortunate event was to change the lives of all five of the flatmates and their furry friend Ralf.

We follow the quirky fivesome on their journey discovering a new lifestyle for them all and learning how to cope with new surroundings, new friends, new loves and new worries.

This story had warmth, humour, compassion, romance, it was very emotive and enlightening.  An uplifting tale of friendship.  5/5*

About the Author (as per amazon page)

Beatrice Meier was born in Germany and studied literary translation at Düsseldorf University. She then went on to complete a scriptwriting programme at Munich Film School in 2002-03, and attended the Cologne International Film School in 2006. She won the Best Screenplay Award at the German Film Festival in Ludwigshafen in 2013 for the feature film Offside Trap, which was screened at festivals, the European Parliament and at trade union events. The Vintage Springtime Club is her first novel. A German television adaptation was broadcast in spring 2015. Beatrice Meier lives and works in Strasbourg.

You can follow Beatrice and her work on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/author.beatrice.meier/

 

Perfect Weddings by Lynda Renham book review

Perfect Weddings by Lynda Renham, publisher Raucous Publishing is available in ebook format from TUESDAY 12th April and also in paperback format on the 30th April 2016.

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Product Details (as per amazon page)

Every bride wants a perfect wedding and that includes Georgina Winters. Amy Perfect is the crème de la crème of wedding planners so who best to plan Georgina s wedding… except the man Georgina plans to marry is the same man who jilted Amy three years ago. Will her plan to give Georgina the most imperfect wedding backfire on her? Is this the chance for Amy to win back the love of her life, or will insufferable Ben Garret put a spanner in the works? Arab princes, spoilt brides and wedding catastrophes make Perfect Weddings a page-turning romantic comedy that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

I’d like to thank the author, Lynda Renham, for an arc in return for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this novel by Lynda, I believe it’s her best yet.  Perfect Weddings is just perfect.  It’s raucously funny, has great characters, a fabulous storyline that keeps you wanting to turn the pages … and it has a book boyfriend to fall in love with (sigh)!

Amy Fisher has just been unceremoniously dumped on her wedding day.  Greg Martin doesn’t turn up and doesn’t give an explanation why he doesn’t want to get married.  Amy believes the reason she’s been dumped is because she’s a little overweight.  She’s heartbroken and feeling sorry for herself, after a few weeks of sobbing and eating Amy decides to join a slimming club and gym.

A few weeks later Amy has a vision; if she can’t have her own perfect wedding she’ll become a wedding planner, so Perfect Weddings is born.

Three years later and Amy Perfect (as she is now known) is a new woman, she’s fit, slim and successful.  Her wedding planning business is going from strength to strength however, when her next prospective client calls, her world starts tumbling around her.  Georgina Winters would like Amy Perfect to arrange her wedding to Greg Martin.  The same Greg Martin that dumped Amy a few years ago.  Amy thinks this is a ‘perfect’ opportunity to win back the love of her life, Greg.  She agrees to arrange Georgie’s perfect wedding but secretly wants to make it non-perfect!

We follow Amy on her journey to win back Greg.  We come across an amorous Arab Prince; bridezillas a sausage loving vegan; an annoying but handsome bestman; mishaps after mishaps.  A laugh out loud story that will keep you entertained to the end and beyond.  5/5*

Lynda is currently running a giveaway on her facebook page.  If you like Lynda’s page your name will be put in a hat with the chance of winning a signed copy of her book.  Please click on the link below for Lynda’s facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/lynda.author

To find out more about Lynda Renham and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.renham.co.uk/

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Meddling with Murder: A Crouch End Confidential Mystery by Ellie Campbell

Meddling with Murder: A Crouch End Confidential Mystery, publisher Across the Pond Press, is available from SATURDAY 9th April 2016, in ebook and paperback format.

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Product Details (as per amazon page)

Crouch End Confidential, the agency started by housewife and mother, Cathy O’Farrell, with ex-cleaner, Pimple, is failing badly. Hardly surprising when Cathy’s too soft-hearted to charge their only clients, little old ladies seeking lost pets and a school kid searching for his stolen bike.

A new case involving a teenager in possession of an unexplained Glock pistol promises to change all that. Quickly Cathy’s deep in waters over her head, forced with hilarious results to pose as a mathematics tutor, a subject of which she’s truly clueless. There’s also the tricky situation of best friend and new mother Rosa hiring her to investigate her fiancé, Alec, plus the mysterious sabotage of Cathy’s friends’ cycle shop and a gang of yobbos dealing drugs at her children’s primary school.

Worst of all, an ill-fated trip to rural Norfolk has Cathy’s husband, Declan, intent on buying a post office and transplanting the family to safer climes, threatening to tear Cathy permanently from her beloved North London home.

Pretty soon Cathy’s risking her friendships, her marriage and even her life untangling all these messes. But that’s what you get for meddling in murder…

I’d like to thank the author, Ellie Campbell, for an arc in return for an honest review.

This is the first book I’ve read by Ellie Campbell, although I have to put my hands up to having one on my kindle patiently waiting to be read.

Meddling with Murder is a Crouch End Confidential Mystery story.  Housewife and mother, Cathy O’Farrell, with her ex-cleaner, Pimple, set up Crouch End Confidential, an agency to help members of the local community with unsolved mysteries.  Their business is failing, they appear to be busy looking for lost cats and dogs, stolen bikes etc but Cathy is too kind-hearted to charge her clients.

One of the first scenes in the book we catch Cathy in a very unfortunate funny scene, all in the name of duty.

Cathy and Pimple’s next case sees them investigating a teenager in possession of a gun.  Somehow this leads Cathy to masquerade as the teenager’s Maths Tutor resulting in comedic moments.  Cathy’s husband, Declan, has also decided he’d like to uproot the whole family and move away from London to the coast and for him and Cathy to work together!  Cathy is very confused and worried with all the goings on with her clients, friends and loves ones.  On top of all this there is an unsolved murder in the village that Cathy is now wondering if it ties in with any of her cases …

We follow Cathy, with the help of her partner in crime, Pimple, trying to solve the mysteries of all concerned in Crouch End.  Cathy’s life soon starts spiralling out of control when she puts her life at risk trying to solve all the mysteries.

This was such a great, fun read.  Cathy is a very crazy character with a big heart, I really took to her.  I’m looking forward to catching up with Crouch End Confidential mysteries back catalogue and can’t wait for more.  4/5*

About the author

Ellie Campbell is a pseudonym for sisters, Pam Burks and Lorraine Campbell who collaborate across the mighty Atlantic, finding writing together the perfect excuse for endless phone conversations. They are equally passionate about travel, animals and the great outdoors. Although Pam lives near London, with husband, three children and a dog, while Lorraine is on a Colorado ranch near wild and wonderful Boulder with husband, five horses, five cats, one dog and four chickens – they both believe in enjoying life to the fullest, be it discovering new remote locations or going on trail rides in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. They love any chance to connect with their readers.

To connect with Ellie please visit the following links:

http://chicklitsisters.com/

https://twitter.com/ecampbellbooks/

https://www.facebook.com/EllieCampbellbooks/

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick book review

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick, publisher MIRA is available from THURSDAY 7th April 2016 in ebook, hardcover and audio download format.

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Product Details (as per amazon page)

40 Years of Marriage.
8 Golden Charms.
One Man’s Journey of Discovery.

‘Eccentric, charming and wise, this will illuminate your heart’
Nina George, author of The Little Paris Bookshop

Having been married for over 40 years, 69-year-old Arthur Pepper is mourning the loss of his wife. On the anniversary of her death, he finally musters the courage to go through her possessions, and happens upon a charm bracelet that he has never seen before.

What follows is a surprising adventure that takes Arthur from London to Paris and India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife’s secret life before they met, a journey that leads him to find healing, self-discovery, and love in the most unexpected of places.

I’d like to thank the publishers for an arc in return for an honest review.

This is Phaedra Patrick’s debut novel and what a treat she has written for us all.  I utterly adored this sweet, quirky novel.  Devouring each chapter full of adventure and promise of more.  The adventure came at a time in Arthur’s life when he was very low and feeling lost.  The journey he took discovering the stories behind each charm were enlightening, sometimes they brought emotions out of Arthur he thought he’d never feel, but ultimately they opened up his mind to memories he had forgotten which gave him hope for the future.  A truly wondrous story full of adventure and quirks, a discovery to affirm what is most important in life.

A year on since Arthur’s beloved wife, Miriam, had died he plucked up the courage to sort out her belongings.  Whilst moving things from her wardrobe he came upon a locked heart shaped box.  When he eventually got the box open it revealed a gold charm bracelet with a collection of unusual charms adorned on it.  Arthur had never seen his wife wear this charm bracelet before and he was very curious as to why his wife kept it hidden in a box and secret from him.

We follow Arthur’s journey discovering the origins of each charm which takes him on a journey to India, Bath, London, Paris and Scarborough.  Arthur discovers many wonderful characters along the way, sees sights and hears sounds he’s never heard of before and makes lasting friends he can rely on.

This was such a remarkable story and has been one of my favourite reads so far this year.  I believe it would make a great movie and would love to see the actor Bill Nighy play the character of Arthur.

A wonderful, charming, quirky, life affirming story.  5/5*

To find out more about Phaedra Patrick and her books please visit the following links:

http://www.phaedra-patrick.com/

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I Wish for You by Camilla Isley book review

I Wish for You by Camilla Isley is available NOW in ebook and paperback format.

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Product Details (as per amazon page)

If all your wishes could suddenly come true, what would you do?
A year ago when the love of her life dumped her for no apparent reason, Ally thought she had hit rock bottom. But now that she has seen him with another woman, and one she knows only too well, her life seems to have reached a whole new level of low.
Yet, when she stumbles across an ancient object infused with magical powers and a stranger with a dark past appears out of nowhere promising to grant all her wishes, she finds herself hoping again.
Suddenly Ally’s life is turned upside down; she has a mystery to solve, a rival to beat, a millenarian curse to break, and well, she wants to have some fun playing with her new “gifts”…
But can she wish her way to happily ever after?

I’d like to thank the author, Camilla Isley, for an arc in return for an honest review.

This is Camilla’s debut novel self-published under the Pink Bloom Press label.  I was first drawn to Camilla’s novels by the gorgeous covers, I love the silhouetted figures against the pretty pink background for this cover and the blue background for her second novel A Sudden Crush.  Please find my review for A Sudden Crush here.  I also love Camilla’s style of writing contemporary fiction with a grown up fairytale twist to them.

This was such a fun, whimsical read with a touch of fairytale magic thrown in, and who doesn’t love a Disneyesque story to fill you with hope and warmth?!

Ally is still heart broken a year on from her break up with her boyfriend James.  She still cannot understand why, when they were both at their happiest, James suddenly broke up with her.  She has been avoiding all James’ old haunts for a year but when she suddenly bumps into him with Vanessa, her nemesis from work, she can no longer avoid him and his new relationship status anymore.

Ally feels this new hurt even more and hits a new low.  She visits an antique market with her mother to take her mind off things and becomes enchanted with a stunning, antique box. She doesn’t buy the box.  However, when she returns home she discovers the box alongside with a dark, handsome stranger has magically made their new home with her.  This stranger is an English gent in all his finery, going by the name of Arthur, and can grant Ally 5 wishes.

Will this stranger be able to grant Ally her true desire to be reunited with her one true love James?  Will the possession of this magic solve all Ally’s woes or will it lead to more problems?

We follow Ally and the gallant Arthur on her journey to win back her lost love.  We also discover the secret of Arthur’s past, which is quite tragic and beautiful.

Can the power of her wishes be enough for Ally’s happy ever after?

A gorgeous, romantic, modern fairytale 4/5*

To find out more about Camilla Isley and her books please visit the following links:

WELCOME TO MY WEBSITE

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