When I first spotted The Assistants on twitter, it instantly picked my curiosity. What exactly had this assistant done? And more importantly, how? I was very glad when I received a review copy and I started reading immediately. Here are my thoughts: 

Title: The Assistants

Author: Camille Perry

Published: April 21st 2016 by Corgi

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Behind every successful man is a busy assistant and Tina’s boss is very successful.

But Tina is tired of being overworked and underpaid. 

She’s bored of her damp flat and her mounting debts. 

Then a blip in the expenses system sends Tina a cheque.

She’s a good person. 

But she’s desperate.

This isn’t stealing. 

It’s an administrative error.

Right?

What would you do if you thought you’d get away with it?

First of all I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: After reading the blurb, I was very curious about this story. How could two simple assistants become modern day Robin Hoods without any of the big bosses realising? Well, for starters, one thing that we soon found out is that these girls were not simple nor stupid. They were intelligent, educated and capable women that had an underpaid job in a huge corporation that had more money than most countries. So when one of them finds herself with a check that will cover her college debt because of an administrative error, the temptation is too high.

The story is narrated by one of these assistants, Tina Fontana, the original thief. Her situation made me think a lot, that check could completely change her life. For the same amount, her boss would fly a tree from the other side of the world just because it looked good in his garden. How could she not take it, especially when no one would even realise it was missing? Difficult to answer, right?

But as in many things, once you've tried it... you can't stop. When an other assistant realises what Tina has done, she wants to do the same. And from this moment we witness a snowball effect. They turn into "professional thieves" and you never know when or how they are going to stop. 

But this story is not only about how they stole money but a very clever and sharp critique to the capital world we live in and how big corporations rule the world and basically decide what is legal and what is not. Tina Fontana's comments and insights were smart and sassy and I really enjoyed living this adventure through her eyes. I had no idea how the story was going to end and it managed to surprise me more than once. It also had a sweeter subplot involving a certain Kevin Handsome that I found really cute and contrasted really well with the main plot.

All in all, The Assistants is a clever and well executed story with some killing one liners that will make you laugh but also will make you stop and think, how can this world we live in work the way it is? 

Rating: 4 stars

Title: After the Lie

Author: Kerry Fisher

Published: April 29th by Bookouture

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: An addictive and gripping read about love, life and living a lie. 

One little lie can make one big difference… 

Lydia has the ‘right’ kind of friends, her children are at the ‘right’ kind of school and she’s married to the ‘right’ sort of man – kind, steady, reliable Mark. Her wedding business is flourishing and even though she is at loggerheads with her mother, she couldn’t ask for anything more from life. 

But the truth is that Lydia has been lucky. She has been living a lie for years and Mark has no idea who he is really married to. But nothing lasts forever and the past has a funny way of catching up with the present. When the person who knows all of Lydia’s dark little secrets turns up at the school gates, his presence threatens to blow Lydia’s life apart. 

What is Lydia’s terrible truth? Once the secret is out, you can’t put it back… 

First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: First of all, what a tense read! I read it in two sittings because I needed to know it all, at once. As soon as I picked it, I was curious to know about Lydia's life, what had happened to make her and her family change their lives completely and start anew in a completely different place? It was obvious that even if they all acted as life was good, it was eating at them in the inside. 

I was really surprised to read about Lydia and her mother's relationship. That woman! Seriously, how can a mother be so cruel  to her daughter? Maybe cruel is not the word for it, as she claims to do it all for Lydia's own good, but seriously, give her a break, woman! This character really got on my nerves and even if Kerry Fisher tried to soften her a bit once the story got messy, I just couldn't stomach her. I have to admit though, that I loved hating her. 

Lydia herself was a really complex character. It was difficult to really understand her without knowing her whole story. But as bits and pieces started to be unveiled, I also started to get her. I think she went through something really unfair but that something kind of spiraled out of control and when she found herself facing her past she just made some really poor choices. But I couldn't help root for her. 

But what I loved about this novel is how with every new bit of information the story got even more complicated. The Lie continued to affect not only Lydia's and her parents' current life but also her husband's and kids'. I really had no idea how the story was going to end and its turns and twists had me glued to its pages for hours. 

After the Lie is a tense and clever story that will keep you on your toes. You might think you know what's going to happen but I'm quite sure you'll be wrong. Kerry Fisher certainly keeps some aces up her sleeve with this one.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over there at The Broke and the Bookish. And who doesn't love a good list?

This week’s topic is Bookworm Delights or Experiences, aka, those things that make you love reading and the reading community and make you feel proud to be part of it. 

1. Dusting off and rearranging your shelves. Seriously, there's something magic in this! And how good they look then!

I rearranged mine this weekend and I can't stop looking at them

2. That moment when you meet another bookworm. And you could talk for hours and hours about books.

3. When your favourite author announces a new book. Even if the pub day is months away, the excitement is out of this world.

4. When you actually meet one of your favourite author and basically fangirl a lot. 

With Lindsey Kelk on the left and Paige Toon on the right

5. Getting bookish stuff. There are so many amazing bookworms designers who create the most wonderful stuff to turn your place into a bookheaven.

My bookish pillow from Evie Seo

6. Bookpost. It's like Christmas morning, but several times per week!

7. When there are so many releases on the same day that you can't actually handle it. 

8. Discovering a new favourite author. I love reading debuts because there's nothing better!

9. When trips to the bookstore turn into treasure hunts.

10. And basically reading. Picking up your latest book, a tea and some chocolate and take it all to bed to get lost in magical world for a few hours. And if it's raining outside, even better. 

 4) Roll the dough tightly to form the rose shape. Press the edge to seal. Grease a muffin/cupcake tin and put the apple roses in it. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the pastry is golden.

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for The Chic Boutique on Baker St., Rachel Dove's debut novel with Mills & Boon. Rachel is the proud winner of the 2015 Flirty Fiction Competition with Prima Magazine and Mills & Boon. And to celebrate Publication Day this week, she has stopped by to talk with us about her book. 

1) Hi Rachel and welcome to Alba in Bookland. First, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi and thank you! I am a qualified adult education teacher, and I live in Wakefield, West Yorkshire with my husband Peter, our boys Jayden and Nathan, our dog Max and our cat Tilly. 

2) Your debut, The Chick Boutique on Baker Street, is a heart-warming romantic story about a woman who leaves her old life in London behind to set her dream boutique in an idyllic village in Yorkshire. What inspired you to write this story?

I love Yorkshire life, and the appeal of living in a small picturesque village. My husband had just opened a new business on a parade of shops, and there was a dog groomers next door, so when I saw the competition in Prima, I sat down to write and the idea just arose from there. 

3) Do you have your own secret dreams?

Yes, lots! I always wanted to be a teacher and an author, so over the last two years, both my dreams have come true after a lot of hard work! My dreams now are things like writing more books, buying a bolthole in the sticks somewhere, and seeing the world before my boys grow up and go off to have their own adventures. 

4) Tell us a bit about the location of your book, I always love that little village atmosphere where everyone knows everyone.

Westfield is a creation of mine, and it comes from a mixture of where I live, and Haworth, a place I love. Westfield is all mapped out in my head, and I have so many characters clamouring for attention in my head! Westfield is a very tranquil place, full of quirky characters. It's a beautiful place year round, with many different things to offer in different seasons. 

5) Also, there's a sexy vet on the book! I think vets and firemen are the sexiest professions. What made you choose a vet for your story?

A fireman, now there is an idea....

I wanted Ben to have a job that mattered, something that would show his caring side, his sense of community and family, and show off his intellect too. A village vet is integral to village life, and with my love of animals, it seemed to be the perfect role for him. The research was fun too!

6) You won the Prima Flirty Fiction Competition. What did it mean for you?

It meant everything. It was an amazing feeling, and I will forever be humble and grateful for everything that has happened since. It's been a whirlwind, but I am really proud of how Chic Boutique came out, and I can't wait for it to be out there in the world. 

7) How does your writing process work? Are you a planner or do you prefer to just write and see what the characters do?

I do a bit of both, and I find that I work out scenes and plot points when I am not actually writing. It tends to happen when I am on the school run, or cooking tea. That's when the characters often pipe up and say their piece. I write when and where I can, fitting around the children. 

8) And finally, are you working on your next book already? 

I am! I have been working away since January, and have lots of ideas for others, too. I intend to keep writing books as long as people want to read them!

Thank you Rachel for sharing with us a bit more about The Chic Boutique on Baker Street and its setting in Westfield. 

About the book: 

Title: The Chic Boutique on Baker St.

Author: Rachel Dove

Published: April 21st 2016 by Mills & Boon

Amazon | Amazon UK

Weddings can be stressful – for both the bride and groom and their guests. So I’ve put together a few little reminders to ensure you – and the happy couple – enjoy the big day.

RSVP ASAP

Check your diary (and note down the new entry if you can make it) and let the bride and groom know whether you’re able to attend their wedding or not. Acting promptly is good for both sides – it not only allows you to organise childcare or time off work if needed, it also helps out the happy couple – who are probably up to their eyeballs in wedding prep – as it will mean they don’t have to chase up their guests for a response.

Get To The Church On Time

Turning up late may be the fashionable thing to do, but not when it comes to a wedding. You don’t want to stumble into the church/register office mid-vow because you forgot to set your alarm clock. All eyes should be on the bride as she makes an entrance, not on you (even if you paid a small fortune on your outfit and want to show it off).

Patience Is A Virtue – Even When You’re Hungry

If you’re attending both the ceremony and the reception afterwards, weddings can be a long, drawn-out affair and you don’t always have the chance to eat in between so that buffet can look very tempting as you make small-talk with distant relatives or members of the bride or groom’s family. But be patient. Little children can get away with having a sneaky lift of the cling film and slipping crisps from bowls – grown-ups can’t. Unfortunately.

All You Can Drink

If there’s an open bar, don’t rub your hands in glee and take full advantage. An open bar doesn’t equal all you can drink. Don’t be that guest who gets hammered and has to be shoved in a taxi before they puke on their own shoes – or worse, the bride’s.

And finally…

Remember to have fun! This is a day of celebration, a day of love and romance and new chapters. The bride and groom have put a lot of effort into organising this day not just for themselves but for their guests. They want you to have a good time so get on that dance floor and have a boogie to wedding party classics. Catch up with family and friends you may not have seen since the last wedding you both attended, toast the bride and groom and finally tuck into that buffet.

Thank you Jennifer for stopping by and sharing these useful tips. I'll have to keep them in mind for my next wedding.

The Wedding Date is out now. You can find out more about Jennifer and her books on:

And don't miss any stops of the Tour for more fun content and reviews:

Today is my stop for The Obsession Blog Tour. The Obsession is Nora Robert's latest book. It still amazes me that she has written more than 200 books and she still has so many stories to tell. Fun fact, did you know that over the last 30 years, an average of 27 Nora Roberts books have been sold every minute? I have enjoyed every book I have read by her and The Obsession is no exception. Read my thoughts about it:

Title: The Obsession

Author: Nora Roberts 

Published: April 14th 2016 by Piatkus

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: She changed her name. She changed her life. But someone won't let her go. The brand-new novel of love, drama and hope from legendary Nora Roberts.

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.

First of all I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: I only started reading books by Nora Roberts a couple of years ago, but the ones I have read since then have shown me what a great writer she is. The first thing I thought when The Obsession landed on my hands was, what a huge book, it is going to take me forever to read. Wrong. This story captured my attention since page one and the hours flew by while reading it.

The story starts when Naomi is only 11 years old, about to be 12, and discovers something horrible about her father. Something no kid should know nor see. After that, Naomi, her younger brother and her mother move with their uncles to leave their old life behind. As the years past, though, we soon discover it is not that easy to leave your past behind. I found this part really fast paced and highly interesting. Naomi won my heart on the first page and held it until the end so I think that this first part was crucial to make us understand her and her actions better.

The main part of the book is set a small village in the state of Washington, where Naomi, already an adult, has decided to finally put down roots after years of moving around the country. She wants a quiet and isolated life but her new friends have another idea and she soon falls in love with the community and an adorable stray dog (he is probably the star of the book). This part of the story starts quite slow, we get quite a lot of descriptions of her new place and the surroundings. But I enjoyed it anyway, especially as we get to know gorgeous Xander. I loved this character and how confident and honest he was. Also, his house was full of books, as in every wall was covered in book shelves!

But then, when everything seems to be going too well to be true, Naomi's past catches up with her and the story turns into a tense mystery. By then, I was so immersed in Naomi's story that I found myself reading non stop, holding my breath with every new developement. I found it interesting to read some scenes from the "monster"'s point of view. They were really chilling, not suited for light-hearted people, but gave another deeper dimension to the story.

All in all, The Obsession delivered what it had promised (and some more): friendship, love, romance, mystery, tension and drama. Another winner by this author in my opinion. I have to admit that I guessed the ending when I still had 80 pages left (after suspecting about everyone possible) but this fact didn't spoil the story at all. Especially with such well crafted and deep characters. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Hello! Thanks so much for having me – it’s such a pleasure to be here. Who am I? Well, on top of being a very excited debut author, I’m also the Book Reviews Editor at heat magazine, huge lover of holidays, adventures, my dog Max, wine, nice chats with lovely friends and, most importantly of all, laughter. I’ve been working at heat for over ten years now, and before that I did a media degree and lots of travelling. I’ve been a book fan since I could hold one up, and have been writing since the age of five. Only took me thirty years to get published, then. Ha! 

2) Your debut, My Map of You, is such a well-crafted story with lots of family secrets and twists. What inspired you to write this story?

It came from my love of Zakynthos. Ever since I first visited the island in 2000, I felt this pull to the place. I’ve lived in London for almost 15 years now, but it’s still never felt as much as a home to me as Zakynthos does. When I’m there, I feel at peace; I’m the best version of myself, and it was this feeling that I wanted to convey through the novel. Holly’s story grew from that original idea, but I always knew I wanted to set my debut novel in my beloved Greece.

Frappe on Zakynthos

3) I completely fell in love with the island of Zakynthos, the setting for My Map of You. Why did you choose this setting and what makes it special for you?

Ah, see above! And as far as the reasons I love it so much go, there are a few. First of all, it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I could sit on that beach in Kalamaki and watch the water for hours, and I love how unspoiled much of the island is. Secondly, the Greek people are just amazing – hospitable, hilarious, genuine, patriotic, warm, welcoming – I could go on and on. I love the way of life over there, and the gorgeous weather. Every time I head there, as soon as the plane wheels hit the tarmac I start smiling, and I don’t stop until the trip ends.

4) Do you have a favourite character from the story?

Oh, it has to be Aidan, although I have a huge soft spot for Kostas and Nikos, too, as well as my darling Holly. And Phelan. In fact, all the animals!

5) Mine is also gorgeous Irish Aidan. Did you have anyone in mind while writing him? 

While I was writing him, no, but people have asked me since who I’d pick to play him in a film version of the book, and I always choose Aidan Turner (aka Poldark). He has that tall, dark, Irish sexiness in abundance.

6) You're quite a traveller yourself. What's the best place you have ever visited and would like to escape to right now?

Oh gosh, what a question! Zakynthos always tops my list – I fully intend to retire there one day. But I also love Prague, purely for the magic and welcoming people, and LA is a lot of fun. I went to Sri Lanka last year, which was captivating, and I’d love to head back there and see more of it. 

7) And what place you haven't visited yet would you love to discover?

As far as dream destinations go, my number one is Hawaii. I’ve never been, but I’m desperate to go! I’d also love to go on a wine tour in New Zealand, do some charity work in India, drive through Alaska, and see Easter Island. I have a very long list!

8) You are the Book Reviews Editor at heat magazine. Do you think that reviewing books helps your own writing process?

It certainly sets the bar high. I think reading a wide range of books is so important for writers, because it keeps you inspired and motivated. I’m always reading something, even while writing my own novels, and I don’t have a problem separating the two. If I couldn’t, I’d be very sad indeed, because reading is second only to writing when it comes to stuff I love to do. I’ll tell you a little secret, though – being a reviewer doesn’t make the prospect of reading reviews of your own book any easier. That stage of the process is nerve-wracking, because what I want most is for people to enjoy the story.

9) What are your most anticipated books of the year?

This is SUCH a stellar year for books, but I’m very excited to read new titles from Katie Marsh, Claire Mackintosh, Stella Newman, Giovanna Fletcher and – fingers crossed – Lucy Robinson. There’s also the small matter of a new Harry Potter script coming out in July and a brand-new epic beast of a bonkbuster from Jilly Cooper in September. All these make me very excited indeed!

10) And finally, can you tell us what can we expect from you next?

I can! My second novel, which is entitled A Year and a Day, is arriving in November, and follows three couples who head to Prague over the same long weekend, and whose lives end up colliding. I can’t give away too many details just yet, but I can tell you that it will have plenty of laughter, love, tears and even magic.

About the book: 

Title: My Map of You

Author: Isabelle Broom

Published: April 21st 2016 by Michael Joseph

Amazon | Amazon UK

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over there at The Broke and the Bookish. And who doesn't love a good list?

This week’s topic is books that will make you laugh (or at least chuckle). I love a good chuckle so it was a bit difficult to pick only ten books but I think I have managed to narrow it down to quite a great list. Let's see:

Always the Bridesmaid by Lindsey Kelk. Or anything by her. I love Lindsey's sense of humour and her stories always go one step farther and have me in stitches.

The Love Shack by Jane Costello. Or anything by her too. Jane Costello is the queen of rom coms. She always comes up with the most hilarious situations. 

How To Get Ahead in Television by Sophie Cousens. I read this debut last year and enjoyed it so much! During the story you get tips about the TV world that don't always end up being all that helpful.

I Followed the Rules by Joanna Bolouri. This is FUN stuff, in capitals. Also Joanna's debut, The List. 

The Greatest Love Story of All Time by Lucy Robinson. Her books are packed with hilarious moments, a lot of swearing and quite a few twists. What's there not to like?

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. If you haven't heard of Don Tillman yet, you are missing out. There's going to be a movie, so get reading before it comes out.

How To Stuff Up Christmas by Rosie Blake. You don't feel like reading a Christmas book, you say? Then pick Rosie's debut, How to Get a (Love) Life. Both are really worth a read.

You Had Me at Merlot by Lisa Dickenson. Or anything by her. I just love Lisa and her crazy sense of humour and her stories always make me laugh and chuckle like there's no tomorrow.

The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. Or anything by her too. I think I am here today thanks to this woman and her fabulous books. The funniest ones for me would be this one and Twenties Girl. 

The Vintage Guide of Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood. Starring Jessica Beam, aka my imaginary best friend. Seriously, this is GOOD stuff, yes, in capitals again.

So this is it! In need of a good chuckle? Then I've got you covered. Let me know which books have made you laugh! 

Today I am really excited to finally share with you my review for My Map of You. I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this book at the beginning of the year and I couldn't resist reading it straight away. And guess what? I completely fell in love with this story. It's such a special book and I can't wait for all of you to get it this Thursday when it's finally out. 

Title: My Map of You

Author: Isabelle Broom

Published: April 21st 2016 by Penguin

Amazon | Amazon UK

But when Holly receives an unexpected letter explaining that an aunt she never met has left her a house on the Greek island of Zakynthos, the walls she has built begin to crumble. Arriving on the island, Holly meets the handsome Aidan and slowly begins to uncover the truth about the secret which tore her family apart.

But is the island where Holly really belongs? Or will her real life catch up with her first?

First of all I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: On her debut novel, Isabelle Broom takes us to the incredibly beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos. Only for this setting, you need to pick this book. And then, once you've picked it, you will discover one of the most well crafted stories you have ever read. Consider yourself warned, once you start reading, you won't be able to stop until you know everything.

In My Map of You we meet Holly, who at first sight has a great life. Nice job, charming boyfriend, fun friends. Everything would be perfect if she actually enjoyed any of it. After a very difficult past, Holly thinks getting close to anyone is overrated. But when a letter from Greece arrives, she must face some truths. She is now the owner of a house in the island of Zakynthos who belonged to an aunt she knew nothing about. So it's time to travel there and discover the secrets that await.

Through Holly's eyes we soon discover that we have landed in paradise. Seriously, I've always wanted to visit Greece and its islands but now I need to visit it, especially Zakynthos. With every bit that Holly discovered, I felt a little bit more in love with it. Plus, Holly found the perfect guide to discover this island and its idyllic beaches, gorgeous Aidan. He had his own secrets and reasons for living in this island, but his easy-going and affable nature made it impossible not to fall in love with him.

Zakynthos held more secrets than both Holly and I were expecting, Isabelle Broon managed to surprise me with unexpected twits and truths that held me glued to the pages of My Map of You for hours. I felt like I was part of the adventure too, trying to unravel the truth about Holly's past and her family's. Between chapters, there were old letters from her mother to her aunt that hinted to a big secret and I just wanted to know more, so much more!

You know when sometimes a book takes your breath away and you are left thinking about it for days, unable to focus on anything else? Well, My Map of You is one of those books.

Another thing that stole my heart in this story were all the secondary characters, they all had their own spark and added so much to Holly's story. I especially enjoyed the Greek characters. They all helped Holly and welcomed her as an old friend. They were key to make this journey magical.

My Map of You is brilliant. It delivered so much more than I was expecting, I seriously cannot recommend this book enough. A must read and a firm contender to debut of the year for me. Pick your copy and get lost in turquoise waters and family secrets.

Rating: 

Today I review Jennifer Joyce's fourth book, The Wedding Date. After self publishing her first two novels, Jennifer signed a book deal with Carina UK, so this is her second book with them. I've read some of her previous books and they are always a lot of fun. Let's see how I liked her latest one:  

Title: The Wedding Date

Author: Jennifer Joyce

Published: March 28th 2016 by Carina UK

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Delilah James, singleton and smoothie-addict, has six months to find a date for her oldest friend’s wedding. Oh, and to prove to her ex, best man Ben, that she has totally moved on since he dumped her out-of-the-blue nine months, eight days and seventeen hours ago…

So, with her two BFFs playing Cupid, Delilah launches herself into the high-tech, fast-paced and frankly terrifying world of dating. Luckily there’s the hot new guy at work, Adam Sinclair, to practice her flirting on – even if, as a colleague, he’s strictly off-limits!

Yet time’s running out and date after disastrous date forces Delilah to tell a little white lie – and invent a fake boyfriend! But will her secret crush on Adam ruin everything? Does she even care about Ben anymore? And is it too late to untangle her web of lies and take a real date to the wedding…?

First of all I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: Before picking this book, I had already read some of Jennifer Joyce's previous work so I knew that I was in for a fun lighthearted book. And I was not wrong, The Wedding Date certainly delivers what it promises: lots of laughs, quite a big web of lies with hilarious consequences, a good pinch of romance and best friends who are worth their weight in gold. 

The story revolves around Delilah (I know what you are thinking, "hey there Delilah..." and all that, she has heard it before, a thousand times, which made me giggle every time it got mentioned). Basically, Delilah has been dumped by perfect Ben and they both are attending a friend's wedding. Very maturely, Delilah needs a wedding date to prove to Ben that she is over him, which she evidently isn't. But well, she is quite young and I actually really liked her, so I'm going to forgive her immaturity here. 

The first part of the book then centers on all the dates Delilah goes to to find the perfect wedding companion. Let's say they all go horribly well (for me, seriously, I was laughing out loud with some of those guys). And the second part of the story focuses more in Delilah's two possible new love interests. There was a moment there I really didn't know which way it was going to go. I really enjoyed this suspense and how the author played a bit with us. 

I really liked seeing Delilah grow and mature during the story. As I said, I really liked her from the beginning, but she was a bit naive and she was kidding herself if she thought she was over her ex. But as the story progressed, we saw new parts of her, and she became more invested in her job, in her friends and in her own happiness. So I ended up really caring for her.

Around Delilah there was also a whole bunch of characters, from her lovely parents and her best friends to her not so lovely employers, they all formed a great community and I had lots of fun with them. Plus, Delilah worked at a biscuit factory (which, apparently, is not that much fun) and I loved reading all about biscuits and the recipes they all came up with for a campaign at the factory. I can't wait to try some myself.

All in all, The Wedding Date is a fun and cute story that will put a smile on your face. With lovable characters and quite a lot of drama, you won't get one bit bored with this one.  

Rating: 4 Stars

Today I am kicking off the Blog Tour for Laurie Ellingham's latest book, How to Throw Your Life Away, with a review. This is Laurie Ellingham's second book and she has self published it. How to Throw Your Life Away is out this week. Read my thoughts on this fun book here: 

Title: How to Throw Your Life Away

Author: Laurie Ellingham

Published: April 14th 2016

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Have you ever wondered how much it would take to make you snap? For thirty-two year old Katy Davenport it was the littlest thing... All her boyfriend of five years had to do was answer her question about dinner. Not ignore her. Not continue to watch the football like she didn't exist.

In that moment Katy snaps. One moment of insanity and Katy throws her life away.

The policeman who arrests her laughs. Her best friend cheers. And her anger management counsellor insists on embarrassing her in front of the entire class. For Katy this is just the beginning as she struggles to find her place in a whole new world where her ex-boyfriend refuses to move out of her house, and Katy finds herself snapping again and again. Will Katy be able to control her anger for long enough to pick up the pieces of her life?

I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour for Sara Sheridan's latest book, Operation Goodwood. It is the fifth installment of her successfull Mirabelle Bevan Series and to celebrate its publication, Sara has stopped by to talk about her books and her writing with us. 

1) Hi Sara and welcome to Alba in Bookland. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your latest work?

I’ve been writing for ages - about 20 years or so! I started with contemporary commercial fiction but it wasn’t long before I got fascinated by history and I started to write adventure/epic novels set in the early 1800s and this series of 1950s murder mysteries. I’m hooked now! 

She has been described as Miss Marple with an edge and I think that just about sums her up. Though she’s younger than Miss Marple.

3) Why did you choose the 50s? What makes that decade special for you?

It was a connection with my father. He grewup in the 1950s and met my mother late in the decade. He occasionally told me stories about London and Brighton at that time - he lived in London and his grandmother lived down in Brighton, you see. I thought I’d write him a short story for his birthday set in Brighton in 1951. The 1950s for me meant Grease - that was pretty much it. So off I went. I am a bit of a swot, so I did some research and just got sucked in.

4) How do you research your settings?

It can be anything that gives detail - old newsreels, magazines, newspapers, photographs even items in vintage shops. Sometimes I luck out and I meet someone who lived in Brighton in the 1950s and I pump them for information. 

5) Are you a plot planner or do you prefer to just write and see what happens?

I plan very little. Agatha Christie said that if she knew who did it, the writing would be too obvious. I wouldn’t dream of disagreeing with her so I write the books like people read them - not know exactly what’s going to happen next. 

6) You also write historical novels set in the nineteenth century. How do they differ to your crime series?

It’s a very different process. There are different materials - no video obviously and not many photographs prior to about 1840. I spend a lot of time in the archive for those. I find myself fascinated by the lives of explorers and adventurers of that period. They were immensely brave. I rarely set out without a google map in hand. They had no idea where they were going! But they went anyway. Extraordinary.

7) What are the authors that you admire the most or have inspired you the most?

T C Boyle. I love his book Water Music - it inspired me to want to write historical fiction. His narrative voice is absolutely immediate. You’re there (in the case of Water Music, you’re there in 1799 on Mungo Park’s doomed trip up the Niger)

8) If you had a time machine, which era would you like to visit? 

Can I go forward? I’m curious about the history we’re making today. I want to know what happens next.

9) And which personality would you like to meet?

My great great grandchildren, I suppose. 

10) Finally, can we expect more Mirabelle Bevan books?

Heavens, YES. I have a not-very-evil masterplan to write 11 in the series. One a year from 1951 to 1961. It’s a fascinating decade and I want to cover it. Who knows, maybe I’ll even do Mirabelle’s last case - in a Poirot-like flourish.

Thank you so much to Sara Sherida for answering all my questions. I always find it fascinating to learn how authors write and research their books. Operation Goodwood will be a great addition to this series. Read all about it here:

Title: Operation Goodwood (Mirabelle Becan #5)

Author: Sara Sheridan

Published: April 7th 2015 by Constable

Amazon | Amazon UK

Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for May Day Murder by Julie Wassmer. May Day Murder is the third book in the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries, a series of crime novels set in the charming coastal town of Whistable. Here are my thoughts on the latest addition:

Title: May Day Murder (Whistable Pearl Mysteries #3)

Author: Julie Wassmer

Published: April 7th 2016 by Constable

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: It's springtime and Whitstable is emerging from hibernation.

While neither the restaurant nor detective agency is too busy, Pearl resolves to spend some time at the family allotment. But her best friend, Nathan, has persuaded one of his favourite actresses to open the May Day festivities at Whitstable Castle and involves Pearl in his plans.

Like Pearl, Faye Marlowe is a Whitstable native, but having left the town more than two decades ago, the star has been living in the South of France since her agent's phone stopped ringing. Charming but 'sensitive', she arrives with a small entourage and though her presence in the town causes a stir Pearl's mother Dolly remains unimpressed, choosing to remember Faye Marlow when she was plain old Frankie Murray, the daughter of a local whelk merchant.

Nathan soon realises he has made a mistake with this invitation and his doubts are confirmed when Faye is nowhere to be found on the morning of May Day. And as 'Jack in the Green' puts on his impressive costume to lead the parade, the actress's dead body is discovered - tethered to the maypole on the Castle grounds . . . and so it's left to Pearl and DCI Mike McGuire to unravel the mystery of the May Day murder.

*First of all I would like to thank the publishers for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: After reading and enjoying the first two books in the series, I was excited to get my hands on the latest addition, May Day Murder. As usual, the star of the story is lovely Pearl, owner of a successful oyster restaurant turned private detective, her attention to detail and intuition never fail her and she soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation again. 

With the murder investigation, an old friend comes back to the picture, DCI Mike McGuire. His relationship with Pearl has gone from hot to cold several times already and he has been quite distant lately but, as with the previous stories, their chemistry is obvious. I was happy that in this installment, we get a bit more insight in their relationship and their feelings and I think there's a very interesting future ahead for these two. 

But the story in May Day Murder revolves around Faye Marlowe, an actress from Whitstable who left in her youth to become quite a famous actress. Now, she is back with all her secrets. I sensed that Faye had something to hide since the beginning, but I really couldn't put my finger on it. When her murder starts unraveling some of her secrets, just as Pearl and McGuire, I started collecting clues about what might have happened to her. I did have my suspicions but, as usual, the author managed to surprise me at the end.

Once more, Julie Wassmer has delivered an enjoyable and interesting story, set in the always charming town of Whitstable. If you enjoy cosy crime fiction and you still haven't picked this series, then you are missing out. I am already looking forward to more stories with Pearl and her lovely lot. 

Rating: 4 stars

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