Torn is the 3rd novel by Author Gilli Allan.

Synopsis

You can escape your past but can you ever escape yourself?

Jess has made a series of bad choices – job, relationships and life-style. All have let her down. By escaping London, she believes she has put the turmoil of her old life behind her. This time she wants to get it right. From now on her young son, Rory, is her number one priority. In the country she will find sanctuary, peace and the good-life, won’t she? But the beautiful environment does not provide the haven she craves. Nothing is as it first appears. There are stresses and strains and competing demands here too. And in the face of temptation, old habits die hard. Despite her resolution to avoid entanglements Jess is torn …. between the suitable man and the unsuitable boy.

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Gilli has written this book so beautifully, it is by no means Chick Lit, but instead a grown up romance novel that is heartfelt and sometime very passionate (but not inappropriately so!) set in the gorgeous countryside. This book is all about one young mothers struggle to provide a safe life for her child away from danger and everyone she knows in a strange new place. Before she realises what she is doing, she meet someone who seems so perfect yet has to be hidden from all those around her for reason that becomes very clear early on. So much for a quiet and easier life that she was looking for and how many of use have turned a corners into unexpected paths.

Torn is certainly not predictable, but that is what makes it a real page turner and a very strong ending that I never saw coming. Lovely engaging characters that expand and grow with every page you turn and a story that really makes you think. Highly recommended.

Thank you Gilli for sending me a copy of this book , I enjoyed reading it very much.

Why not buy a copy via Amazon UK!

TORN

Synopsis

It’s the easy option, isn’t it? As a sceptic you have nothing to explain or justify; if you see, feel or hear something unexplained, you can tell yourself you have an over-active imagination. Each experience becomes an isolated memory that you can conveniently file away in the attic of your mind. Keeping each very separate is the key, your subconscious tells you not to make connections and not to question. Until one day something happens and you begin to see that it is like a jig-saw puzzle and the pieces begin to fall into place. The truth is life-changing.

‘Being A Sceptic Is Oh So Easy’ is the true story of my personal journey to a point in my life where I can now say that I truly believe in ‘life after death’. It began with unusual experiences I had in houses I have lived in or visited, some with over 200 years of history. Then the loss of beloved family members triggered new and unexpected psychic connections. The grieving process was so hard to bear, but gradually I came to learn that they are still close and their guidance would end up taking me in a whole new direction. It would also make me take a fresh look at what I had so conveniently ‘filed away’ as unexplained or imagined, and the jig-saw began to take shape….

I have searched many times since my early adulthood for some proof that there is more to life than what we see, so I was very excited to read this book. Linn makes it extremely clear in the first few pages that what she has written is not meant to try to convince you of afterlife activity but just one families experiences. It is so beautifully written, I felt that I was sat in a chair with Linn just chatting to me rather than me reading to myself! The book is so engaging, makes you laugh, cry and want to know more with every page!

All the chapters are very personal and Linn is extremely honest in what she writes.  There are some very difficult areas of family bereavements that must have been so hard for her to write, but you can feel the love and passionate in the subject matter with each word. I appreciate that Spiritual books are not for everyone, but I certainly feel that this is a wonderful introduction that may make you think of things that may have happened to you that you have never really thought more about, or just a collection of episodes that you will enjoy reading about.

Thank you so much Linn for sending me a copy of this book, I feel so very honoured to have been able to read just a little of your life.

Why not buy a copy for yourself via Amazon uk

Being A Sceptic Is Oh So Easy

Synopsis

Karma is a bitch. Julianne has just met her.

After her younger lover chooses his career and another woman in favour of her, Julianne’s husband leaves her to be with his recently pregnant girlfriend.

She believes the events are linked by karma, and that she deserves everything that is coming to her. Allowing herself no self pity, she decides to take it standing, planning and hoping to learn and grow from the experience

Picking up the pieces and rediscovering herself, through travel, art, sexuality (occasionally at the same time) and a meaningful reconnection with family, create the rich fabric that is quickly becoming the path of her new life, and along with it a new set of rules, which she is discovering aren’t too bad at all!

Lives, loves and losses make up this heart aching and endearing story. Julianne’s ability to view most of her crises from a hopeful and frequently funny perspective, come together to tell a story of a woman finding strength within herself to carry on through the challenges many of us face.

This is a great story of family connections and how to cope with day-to-day life with all the struggles that goes with modern families. Jules is a very likeable leading lady with a wonderful spirit to look to the future and survive whatever life throws at her, and boy does the Author, Stacia Carlton take us down many unexpected paths and turns.

Really well written with some rather steamy bedrooms scenes but certainly not out-of-place! This book will make you laugh, cry, steam up and hold your breath in places. Certainly not a simple story but one that with keep you engaged until the end. There is a rather long Epilogue at the end (last 22% of the book) that does show you where Jules life takes her some years later that is very heart warming and does finish the story of very nicely. A really great first novel and I will certainly be reading more by Stacia!

Thank you so much Stacia for sending me a copy to review – I wish you lots of success with this book.

You can follow Stacia on twitter @StaciaECarlton

Why not download a copy for your self at Amazon UK

A New Set of Rules

I’m delighted to say that I am sitting here today with  Millie Talbot and Rob Prentis and they have agreed to give me an exclusive interview.

Thank you both for meeting me. I want to get to know you guys a little better if that’s ok?

M – Yes of course Lou, it’s nice to meet you.   
R – (nervously) It’s a pleasure to be here.

So how did it feel to get an invite to your friend Kristen’s wedding over in New York?

M– Well I haven’t been over to America in a long time, in fact since I spent a year out there at university. And to be honest I wasn’t thrilled to go back. (looks over at Rob)
R – I actually live in New York anyway. So for me it was just around the corner.

So did you both meet at the wedding or did you know each other before?

R – Millie and I go way back.

M – Yes, we um, well we dated back in college. Kristen and Joel, the bride and groom introduced us.

R – But you had introduced the bride and groom to each other.

M – Yes I did (blushes) it’s a long story.

How well did you know the other Bridesmaids Millie before the wedding?

M – Well there were seven of us bridesmaids, so it was a big wedding party. I’d met Kristen’s sister Audrey before, but not the others. Luckily Tara, one of the other bridesmaids and me got on like a house on fire. In fact she’s planning to visit me in a couple of months, as we got on that well. Then there was Collette who was the Maid of Honour, well let’s just say she didn’t like me very much.

R – I think I can verify that fact.

M – (laughs) yes, but let’s not talk about her… 

So many funny things seem to happen when you are around Millie, do you ever feel that your life would make a fabulous RomCom movie!!

M – All my friends always say that. When I start telling them a story they always roll their eyes and tell me that it could only happen to me.

R – I think when we were at college people used to think you were making that stuff up, but you were always falling over and doing stupid stuff by accident. (they look at each other laughing)

Do you have any words of wisdom to the Happy Couple Kristen and Joel?

R – They need to remember to be as honest as possible with each other, and keep talking. Communication really is the key to a happy marriage.

M – Ooh spot the marketing exec. Well to be honest I don’t know if I’m the best person to give them advice – but I know they’ve had their ups and downs as a couple (Rob shoots her a look) but they’re perfect for each other. I do agree with Rob though, they need to keep talking to each other, and not bottle things up.

Is there any hot gossip that you can share that the other wedding Guests may not know?

R – Well one of the bridal party is expecting a baby.

M – I didn’t know you knew about that!

R – Ha – I had my suspicions. You’ve just confirmed it!

M – I’m such a rubbish secret keeper. But I’m sure she must be well into her second trimester now, so it’s probably ok to say that Rachel and Brad  are expecting a baby. And they’re getting married.

R – Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t know that they were getting married. Poor Tyler.

M – I wouldn’t worry about Tyler I think he’ll be just fine. (Grins).

Will either of you be going to any more American Weddings together?

R – Well I don’t know about another Wedding, but we’ll be at a Christening in a few months.

M – Yes, an American christening, let’s just say there was a honeymoon baby!

Synopsis

Millie accidentally accepts an invitation to be a bridesmaid at an American Wedding in New York. It’s Millie’s worst nightmare. Not only has she slept with the groom, but her ex boyfriend (the one that got away) is the best man and he’s married.

As her friend, Kristen, gets ready for the best day of her life, Millie gears up for the worst week of hers.

Buy ‘Millie and the American Wedding’ for Kindle now  

AmazonUK:

Millie and the American Wedding

AmazonUS: http://amzn.to/yteivS

Read my full review of this fab book http://tiny.cc/64qwn 

A little bit about Anna Bell (links to Authors website)

She is a Wannabe Chick Lit Author. Half way through writing her 3rd novel which we will hear more about later in 2012 when the first draft is finished! Anna has already written two novels The Thailand Fling (unpublished) and Millie and the American Wedding

Priceless Love
“For Richer, For Poorer.” – Lavada Dee

Taylor Hamilton, dissatisfied with a life designed by her parents, attends a friend’s fall wedding and finds small town life agrees with her. The problem is, her wealth doesn’t agree with the man she falls for. Is their love strong enough to find a bridge of trust where money isn’t an issue?

Healing Love
“In Sickness and in Health.” – Laurie Ryan

Nicole Milbourne’s single-minded focus on a medical research career is thrown for a loop when charismatic Dr. Damien Reed shows her there’s more to life than studying diseases. Will an unexpected Christmas fill Nicole’s lonely heart and show her the healing power of love?

First time I have ever read two books in one. When I started them, I wondered if the story would start by one Author and finished off by another, However that is not the case. Within these covers you have two fabulous but very separate stories with just a couple of things in common, beautifully written, very engaging leads (most male and female) and the hope!

Whilst they are both set around the christmas period, they certainly do not need to be read around this time of year … with Valentines Day coming up, I couldn’t think of a better time for you to reach for these two (quite short) but packed full of page turning words. I read both stories in a single sitting each as they flowed so well and I really wanted to know what happens next. Lovely emotion in both and both so very believable.

These are a must read to get you in the mood for love (and give you hope!!)

Thank you so much Lavada for sending me a copy to read – I am totally thrilled I have read them and think they are both wonderful stories.

Why not buy your copy for you kindle via Amazon (you won’t be disappointed!)

Holiday Magic – The Gift of Love

This is a story about a young woman called Millie, living in the UK who receives through the post  a Fridge Magnet for “Save the Date” for the upcoming Wedding of old college friends Kristen and Joel. This really should be really exciting but there are a couple of problems, the wedding is in America, she slept with the groom whilst at College and her ex boyfriend, who broke her heart is married to the dragon who is the Maid of Honour.

Everything is telling Millie not to go, but all America is a great place for some shopping! Will the past stay in the past where it belongs or will a whole week of wedding activities and events send Millie running for the airport?

This story had me in stitches in places and hiding behind my hands in others. Anna has really captured the mood of how Millie is feeling and the apprehension she has around attending this wedding. It really is a very funny book with lots of laugh out loud moments. Beautifully written and certainly is a fabulous Chick Lit that I could see so easily working as a RomCom movie. Loved it!

I listened to this book in July 2011 via a free podcast on iTunes read by the Author Anna Bell (Anna does apologies for her attempt at an American accent!) However this book is now available as an eBook and I think if you like a funny book that hooks you straight away, this is for you!

You can follow Anna on twitter @AnnaBell_Writes

Why not purchase a copy of this book via Amazon

Millie and the American Wedding

Why did I pick this book as my Book of the Month?

At the end of 2011 I was talking with my good friend, Sue Uden about a book she was reading, His Last Duchess and how much she was enjoying it. I realised that I purchased this book a few months back so decided to give it a try and I loved it. As a huge fan of historical fiction I was gripped (you can read my review on this blog). It was only natural that I would then rush to buy Gabrielle’s next book, The Courtesan’s Lover and I have to say I loved it even more than His Last Duchess, which I didn’t think possible!

Also .. being the Month with Valentine’s Day – seems the perfect time to feature it!!

Synopsis

Francesca Felizzi, former mistress of the Duke of Ferrara, is now an aspiring courtesan. Astonishingly beautiful and ambitious, she revels in the power she wields over men.

But when she is visited by an inexperienced young man, it becomes horribly clear to Francesca that despite her many admiring patrons, she has never truly been loved. Suddenly, her glittering and sumptuous life becomes a gaudy facade.

And then another unexpected encounter brings with it devastating implications that plunge Francesca and her two young daughters into the sort of danger she has dreaded ever since she began to work the streets all those years ago.

My Review

Yet again Gabrielle has written another novel that is gripping, full of plot twisting pages, slightly sinister but packed full of romance (most not in the traditional way!) Set in Naples 1564, whilst the book is focused on the lead, Francesca Felizzi who was in His Last Duchess, she was only a very small part of that book and you certainly do not have to have read that book before reading The Courtesan’s Lover (mind you it is a great book so why wouldn’t you want too!!)

The book starts with Francesca doing what a good Courtesan’s does best, being the Mistress of some well to do and then we follower her life as she earns her living. Until one day, a new ‘Client’ makes her stop, think and realise what she is missing in her life. Can she go back to her old ways when there is something she wants more? Over a dinner one evening her whole world changes, but can she hide her past long enough for the real her to shine through?

I adored this book, from the moment I opened the first chapter I was hooked. Historical fiction is my favourite genre (as anyone who follows my blog now knows!!) Gabrielle has clearly researched the period in time and the role a Courtesan has to play. There are some very strong bonds between a few of the characters that are totally believable and extremely heart warming in places and heart wrenching in other, I particularly want to mention Modesto. There is far more to him than first meets the eye.

This really is a must read for anyone that like some grit to their novels they read. By no means a gentle romance but a real page turner that will have you hiding behind a pillow in places, crying in others and desperate for things to turn out ok in other.

Truly a fantastic novel and totally worthy to be my 2nd Book of the Month in 2012.

I asked Gabrielle the following:-

1) Both your books have really grabbed me due to the Historical theme before I even turn the pages, what inspires you to write this genre over any other (so far!)
It all started because of the Robert Browning poem, which inspired my first book ‘His Last Duchess’. The narrator of that poem is a historical figure – the complicated and dangerous fifth duke of Ferrara – so when I decided to tell the back-story to that poem, I realized the book would have to be set in northern Italy in 1559 (the year of the duke’s marriage). I discovered in the writing of that book, that I love writing historical fiction – not something I’d ever thought of writing before.

2) Clearly a huge amount of research has to go into each book. How do you go about doing this?
Research is really painstaking for historical fiction writers – but I really enjoy it! I start with browsing in books, and internet articles, and then try to contact the authors whose information I find most helpful. Once you’ve made personal contact (and people are almost always hugely generous) you can discover the specific things you need to know. I try to do as much hands-on research as I can, too: for ‘The Courtesan’s Lover’, for instance, I spent one wonderful day with an antiquarian book conservator (the books are antiquarian, not the conservator!) There was a fair amount in ‘The Courtesan’s Lover’ for which I definitely DIDN’T do any hands on research though!

3) If you could be transported back into any date in time, what would you pick and why?
I would definitely have to have proof that the return journey to the present day was guaranteed, as the thought of being trapped in a century without decent dentists or medicine or plumbing fills me with horror! But of course, I’d love to go back to Italy in the Renaissance, to see if I’ve got it right!

4) What can we expect from your next novel and when will it be available?
Ooh, my new novel is a very tender and delicate little shoot at the moment – it’s a brand new idea, and I’m just reading around my first thoughts, and letting the story grow and take shape as I read and discover the things I need to know, in order to begin writing properly. I promise I’ll keep you posted, though!

5) What was your favourite read of 2011?
Oh, golly, that’s a hard one. So many wonderful books – many by people I’ve come to know and admire, too, so I’d love to be able to mention them all. But I think the book which stayed longest with me after I’d finished it, was ‘Florence and Giles’ by John Harding. It’s a genuinely scary gothic ghost story – a homage to Henry James’ ‘The Turn of the Screw’ – and the story is told by a narrator with a truly unique ‘voice’. I loved it! I’m re-reading ‘Great Expectations’ at the moment, and marvelling all over again at Mr Dickens’s story telling skills.

Synopsis

Steph is a special, but troubled young woman. Chosen by the most venerated man in Appley Green to fulfil his mission, she feels publicly admired rather than privately loved. She certainly does not trust men!

In helping a once famous, elderly architect with Parkinsons regain a social life, she finds herself taking personal risks, fending off objections, blind to danger. We wait for the moment when it dawns on Steph what is driving her deep-seated obsession; for only then can she find the happiness she deserves. Appley Green is a charming English village. Everyone says so. But people are still people. With the emotional turmoil that comes with love, birth and death, a close-knit community can harbour betrayal and guilt, as well as joy and laughter.

This is third book of Miriam’s that I have read. Whilst this is written in the fictional (but beautifully sounding) village of Appley Green just like the previous two books and has references to people mentioned in the other two books, it certainly can be read on its own and works very well.

This novel focuses on the life of Steph and her family. Miriam has written flash backs to Stephs life that helps us understand her more and she really is an extremely likable lady and you so desperately want her to have the happiness she deserves. The final chapters were very unexpected and added a real twist to the tale! Steph and her children’s (Faith and Barnaby) connection with Jackson Jeffrys is truly lovely and I too become ‘very fond of the old chap! He became more than just her client via Special Support for Seniors, he become a friend to all of them.

Miriam writes with a gorgeous flow and a great depth to her characters with her books and whilst they won’t have your windows steaming and champagne flowing, they are very addictive and wonderful to read!

Shades of Appley Green gives you faith in human kindness! Another deeply engaging read by Miriam Wakerly

Thank you so much Miriam for sending me a copy of this book to review, like your previous two, they are all a real pleasure to read.

You can follow Miriam via twitter @MiriamWakerly or via her website http://miriamwakerly.com/

Why not purchase this book via Amazon UK as a paperback or for Kindle!

Shades of Appley Green

Other books by Miriam Wakerly

Miriam Wakerly Books

Synopsis 

All she has left is hope

When Kaz Elmore is told her five-year-old daughter Jamie has died in a car crash, she struggles to accept that she’ll never see her little girl again. Then a stranger comes into her life offering the most dangerous substance in the world: hope.

Devlin, a security consultant and witness to the terrible accident scene, inadvertently reveals that Kaz’s daughter might not have been the girl in the car after all.

What if Jamie is still alive? With no evidence, the police aren’t interested, so Devlin and Kaz have little choice but to investigate themselves.

Devlin never gets involved with a client. Never. But the more time he spends with Kaz, the more he desires her – and the more his carefully constructed ice-man persona starts to unravel .

The desperate search for Jamie leads down dangerous paths – to a murderous acquaintance from Devlin’s dark past, and all across Europe, to Italy, where deadly secrets await. But as long as Kaz has hope, she can’t stop looking…

I am always very excited to review a new book from Publishers Choc Lit. Their books are  fast paced, gorgeous strong women and to die for Heroes, but this book is completely different to the others I have read. You still get the fantastic page turning story but gone are the polite ladies and romantic adventures. Evonne has written what I can only described as a suspense novel that you really don’t know where it will lead you until the final chapters.

Yes, there is romance/connection between the Kaz (Heroine) and Devlin (Hero) and I’ll be honest, I was concerned that the attraction arrived too early. I put myself in Kaz’s place being a single Mum of a daughter, I imagined what I would be feeling if I’d just been told my whole had been turned upside down again. I wasn’t sure I’d react the same way and even notice how attractive Devlin was so early one, however, Evonne has such a strong plot through out. The mystery and drama of what is happening and where the story leads you to is brilliant and somehow the connections became totally appropriate me.

Very well written with a slight American feel to the writing. This is not a light-hearted novel by any means, there is some strong language which seemed to fit the situations, violence and sometime graphic descriptions of incidents. Also very pleased that Cardiff is mentioned (living in Wales, always makes me smile) even if it is only brief!!

I love the fact Choc Lit has spread its net and caught a new and exciting Author like Evonne Wareham to add to their already superb collection! A wonderful story and an author that I think shows excellent potential. I certainly will be reading her second novel, Out of Sight, Out of Mind which will be published in 2013.

Thank you Choc Lit UK for sending me an advanced copy of this fabulous book. I wish Evonne lots of success with it!

You can follow Evonne and Choc Lit on twitter @evonnewareham @choclituk or via their website http://tiny.cc/zm5vf

Never Coming Home is available from March  to purchase via Amazon UK

Never Coming Home

Gypsies Stop tHere and No Gypsies are both books written by Miriam Wakerly.

Whilst they do following on from each other they can be read as a stand alone, my recommendation would be that you read them both as the stories flow together. Because of this I am reviewing them together!

Gypsies Stop tHere (synopsis taken from Author’s Website)

Will uprooting herself from London to live in the country help Kay escape guilt-ridden memories of her husband’s death? Far from finding a quiet life, she is caught up in an age-old village conflict where passionate opinions on Romany Gypsy Travellers divide the local people.

A young woman, Lena, enters her life, unwittingly putting Kay’s plans on hold. Kay struggles to not only come to terms with her emotional past but also to resolve Lena’s problems, those of the village and the Gypsies. And another relationship blossoms that she would never have dreamed of…

No Gypsies Served (Synopsis taken from author’s website)

Two years have passed since Kay successfully campaigned for the Appley Green Gypsy Site, and four years since her husband was murdered. Life in the village was going so well, until the phone call and letter. Then comes the disastrous site opening. Worst of all, Dunstan, whom she realises is her best friend and ally, is giving her the cold shoulder for some unknown reason.

Dunstan is taking an emotional trip down memory lane, into childhood as a Gypsy on the road, and his eventual break from his people. Why is he so angry with Kay that he keeps away from her? Chances of a longed for reconciliation look slim…

Miriam had touched upon a subject that some could find controversal with a very skilled hand and care. It is extremely clear that she has conducted a large amount of research on the subject matter and often includes the actual words used by the travellers (thankfully a conversation into English is included in both books at the back!). Over the years this has been a subject that has been highlighted in the media with a lot of negativity and I feel that whilst these are just stories, Miriam has really helped me understand the Gypsy community a little bit better with some compassion.

These books are not just about Gypsies, the main focus of the story is about the widowed Kay and her struggles to restart her life after the death of her husband and her children grown up with lives of their own. What she thinks will be a quiet existence turns into a very busy life in the picturesque village of Appley Green. You get what you’d expect from a Village community – the local shop owner, the nosy neighbours and the rich man in the large house!

Miriam has beautifully written a fabulous pair of books which are gentle but whilst both just over 220 pages in length, packed full of substance that will keep you wanting to read on. Kay is a wonderful leading lady for the books who is a strong woman, maybe is a little too trusting but you can’t help but admire her strength and positive out look on life and those around her, gorgeous connections between Kay and her daughters. Dunstan the gardener sounds like the perfect Gent! All wrapped up with a will they won’t they get together!!

Thank you so much Miriam for sending me a copy of both of these books. Really enjoyed them both very much

Why not buy a copy from Amazon uk – available in both paperback and for your Kindle

Appley Green Collection