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09:56


It's time again for my new releases post as we start a new month tomorrow! My office has relocated and we start at the new place tomorrow. It's a bit farther from my place so the commute time has increased... good thing though? More time for reading in the train! 

Tell it to the Moon by Siobhan Curham - August 3rd


To make a dream come true, tell it to the moon!

Tell It to the Moon continues the story of Moonlight Dreamers Amber, Maali, Sky and Rose, who are not like everyone else and don't want to be: becoming friends gives them the courage to be themselves. After failing to find her surrogate mother, Amber is left unsure of who she is and what she wants to do; Maali's spiritual faith is tested when her father becomes ill; Sky, previously home-schooled, struggles to adapt to the pressures of the school system; and after having found the courage to come out, Rose begins to pursue her dream of becoming a patissier. Once again the four girls band together to help one another overcome their individual challenges and fulfill their dreams in this fabulous and heart-warming celebration of friendship.

Why so excited: this is the sequel of the inspiring and warm The Moonlight Dreamers, a story I really enjoyed. This is actually my current read and it's as charming and fun as the first book. 

Order it now! 

The Picture House by the Sea by Holly Hepburn - August 10th 

The brilliant new novel from the bestselling author of A Year at the Star and Sixpence. Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley. All four Picture House novellas in one book!

The picture house by the sea is the Palace at Polwhipple – a lovely art deco cinema, nestled in front of azure Cornish seas. But it is long past its heyday now, and its only saving grace is Ferrelli's, the family run ice-cream concession in the foyer, which is widely known as the best ice-cream for miles.

So when Ferdie, the owner of Ferelli's, breaks his leg, his granddaughter Gina drops everything to come and help out. But when she arrives she is dismayed by the state of the cinema, which she remembers fondly from summer holidays when she was little, and she is determined to give it the makeover it deserves. Along with local renovation expert Ben, she sets about reviving the Palace to its former glory. 
But the cinema needs more than a lick of paint. Its very future is under threat from a developer with greed in his eyes. Can Gina save the place before it is too late?

Why so excited: this is the complete novel of the previously released serialised enovel and I was waiting for it so I can read it all at once. I really enjoyed Holly Hepburn's previous book, so I have high hopes on this one. Plus, how summery does that cover look? 

Order now! 

Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica - August 10th

She always trusted her husband.

Until he died.

Clara Solberg’s world shatters when her husband and four-year-old daughter are in a car crash, killing Nick while Maisie is remarkably unharmed.

But when Maisie starts having nightmares, Clara becomes obsessed that Nick’s death was far more than just an accident.

Who wanted Nick dead? And, more importantly, why? Clara will stop at nothing to find out the truth – even if it makes her question whether her entire marriage has been a lie…

Why so excited: Mary Kubica's psychological thrillers are always something else, full of twists, dark secrets, lies... I cannot wait to find out more about Clara and her life!

Order now! 

The Lemon Tree Café by Cathy Bramley - August 24th

The Lemon Tree Cafe was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

When Rosie Featherstone finds herself unexpectedly jobless, the offer to help her beloved Italian grandmother out at the Lemon Tree Cafe – a little slice of Italy nestled in the rolling hills of Derbyshire – feels like the perfect way to keep busy.

Surrounded by the rich scent of espresso, delicious biscotti and juicy village gossip, Rosie soon finds herself falling for her new way of life. But she is haunted by a terrible secret, one that even the appearance of a handsome new face can't quite help her move on from. 

Then disaster looms and the cafe’s fortunes are threatened . . . and Rosie discovers that her nonna has been hiding a dark past of her own. With surprises, betrayal and more than one secret brewing, can she find a way to save the Lemon Tree Cafe and help both herself and Nonna achieve the happy endings they deserve?

Why so excited: Two words... Cathy Bramley! I absolutely love her stories and I am always so excited for her new releases! I always wait for the full novels because I know once I start I won't be able to stop reading. 

Order now! 

08:16


Today is my stop on the Blog Tour for Mothering Sunday by Rosie Goodwin. It's also its publication day, so huge congratulations to Rosie! To celebrate, she shares with us a beautiful post about mothers:

To mothers everywhere
by Rosie Goodwin

I was amazed when I began to research Mothers’ Day to discover for how long it has been celebrated! In Victorian times, young women in care who lived away from home working in service were allowed to have the morning off so that they could return to their families and attend the Mother’s Day church service with their mums. 

Most working-class people back then had very little money, so, when the service was finished their mothers would normally be presented with bunches of wild flowers or posies of violets, as feature in the book. Cards seem to be an addition to the day that came much later. In my book, I have tried to bring to life the true meaning of Mothers’ Day; it is a time when we can give thanks for our mothers and show them just how much they appreciate all they have done for us. For little Sunday Small, the main character in the story, each year when she attends the service at the local church with the other foundlings, it brings home to her just how much she has missed in not having a mother of her own. She clings to the hope that one day her mother will come to claim her, whilst not so far away in a beautiful manor house a lonely woman mourns the death of her three stillborn daughters. Materially she has everything she could ever wish for, but she would give it all up in a sigh for a tiny bunch of violets.

Many aspects of Mother’s Day remain the same today and I’m sure all you mums still enjoy it, just like me. There is nothing quite so special as the cards our children make for us, and the gifts they give, no matter how small, mean the world to us. We’re such a sentimental lot when it comes to our children! Lurking in my loft, I have boxes full of cards that my children and the dozens of foster children I have cared for over the years have laboriously made for me, and I treasure each and every one of them. We are all so busy with our lives, what with work commitments and one thing and another, but Mothering Sunday is a time when the whole family can come together to show our mums just how much they mean to us. 

Since losing my own mum seven years ago, it is a very poignant time for me now. I always visit the churchyard with her favourite flowers or a plant on that special day, but it isn’t the same as being able to give her a kiss and a cuddle and telling her how much I love her. Perhaps there’s a lesson there? We should all show our mums how much we love them while we can and not let life get in the way. 

For me, there is nothing quite so perfect as being presented with a bunch of daffodils or a small box of chocolates that the children are eager to give, and I love seeing their faces when they present them to us! 

About the book:

Title: Mothering Sunday
Author: Rosie Goodwin
Published: July 27th 2017 by Zaffre
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: ALL SHE WANTS IS SOMEONE TO CALL HER OWN

1884, Nuneaton.

Fourteen-year-old Sunday Small has never lived outside the Nuneaton workhouse. The regime is cruel, and if it weren't for Miss Beau - who comes in every week to teach the children their letters - and her young friend Daisy, Sunday's life wouldn't be worth living. And now she's attracted the unwelcome attention of the workhouse master.

With no choice but to leave behind everything she knows, Sunday strikes out on her own to make her fortune and to fulfil her promise to come back for Daisy. And, secretly she dreams of finding the long-lost mother who gave her away.

But she's about to discover that, try as she might to escape, the brutal world of the workhouse will not let her go without a fight...

Follow the Blog Tour for more content and reviews:


08:34



Let's go to the Rome today with One Italian Summer. Although Keris Stainton has written many books, this is only my first book by this author. I had heard great things about her writing so I was really curious to find out more.

Title: One Italian Summer
Author: Keris Stainton
Published: May 4th 2017 by Hot Key Books
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: It's been a year since Milly, Elyse and Leonie's dad died, and a year since their last trip to Rome. Summer's here again, and once again they are heading with their mum to Italy - but what's it going to be like going without Dad? Rome still holds its familiar charms - the sun is still as warm, the gelato as delicious, the people as welcoming. But nothing is quite as it once was... 

With grief still raw for all of them, Milly is facing the additional awfulness of having to see Luke again - gorgeous, gorgeous Luke, who she had a fling with last year, and who she made a total fool of herself with - or so she thinks. What's going to happen this time? What's more, things between Milly, her sisters and their mum are rocky - Leonie is being tempestuous and unpredictable, Elyse is caught up with her new boyfriend, and Milly feels like she just doesn't know how she fits in any more. 

Over one Italian summer, can Milly find a way back to the life she once had?


Review: In One Italian Summer we meet Milly and her sisters, Elyse and Leonie. They have a really close relationship, even more after their dad's death a year go. As you can imagine, their grief is palpable during the whole story and the fact that their mother has chosen to hide in her work as her coping mechanism doesn't help the situation. This though makes you, as a reader, really care about these girls.

I always enjoy reading about siblings and how they interact with each other. In this story, Milly and her sisters are a lot of fun to follow around, with their teasing, but it's also very warming to read how they support each other. I had really great expectations about this story after reading the first few chapters and I couldn't way to go to Rome with them. 

Rome is a place they have always shared with their father so there some tough moments for them, being back without him. Reading about him, as they reminisce, you feel even closer to them, as he really seemed like a great dad. And I think the author makes a good job of writing about grief and how it affects their day to day life. 

But as we discover Rome with them, a few more characters are introduced to the plot, including Luke, who had some kind of history with Milly but seems to be completely over her, kissing girls right and left. This is the part I enjoyed less, as I felt like some of the plots twits involving their relationship were a bit rushed and didn't fit with the whole tone of the story. 

When I first picked this book, I thought it would be a light cute summer read but I soon discovered that it has so much more. In depth emotions, especially grief and love, play big roles in this story and even if I didn't like all the plot lines as much as I had hoped, I did have a really nice time reading about these siblings. Although this is only my first book by Keris Stainton, I'm sure it won't be my last one. 


I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

08:29



Today's review comes with a big serving of delicious Italian gelato. Perfect for the summer holidays, Love & Gelato is Jenna Evans Welch's debut. Read my thoughts about it here:

Title: Love & Gelato
Author: Jenna Evans Welch
Published: June 1st 2017 by Walker Books
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: The dying wish of 16-year-old Lina's mother was for her daughter to live in Tuscany and get to know her father, whom Lina has never met. 

"Howard is the best man I've ever known," her mother says, "he'll keep you safe." Why did her mother wait so long to tell her about him? Lina has a happy life in Seattle and doesn't want to leave. Shortly after she arrives at Howard's home, Lina meets Sonya, who gives Lina a diary that belonged to Lina's mother, the one she had kept while she was a photography student in Florence. While Lina is living her life and exploring Tuscany with her handsome neighbour, Ren, she follows in the footsteps of her mother and gets to know her as never before. She also finds out the truth about her father. Mostly she finds out about herself.


Review: Love & Gelato certainly delivers what it promises: lots of love and delicious Italian Gelato. The story starts in Seattle where Lina lives with her dying mother. Her last wish is for Lina to go live in Italy with Howard, an old friend. After her death though, Lina discovers that Howard is actually her father and she is moving in with him in an isolated house in the Tuscany. 

I can't even imagine what a confusing and saddening situation Lina finds herself into. She has lost the most important person of her life and now she needs to leave everything and everyone she knows behind to go live with a stranger. But we soon discover Lina is a very strong and lively girl, who is not afraid of change. I think the author made a really good job of balancing the sadness and the happiness in this story, and it's obvious that adding a little bit of sunshine and laughs into Lina's life is exactly what she needed.

The two main characters that Lina meets in Italy are Howard, her father, and Ren, who lives in a neighbouring field. They are both really great characters with a huge heart and they both help Lina in their own ways. Thanks to them too, Lina (and us) get to discover the beautiful Tuscany and the stunning Florence. Reading about their adventures in the north of Italy is a real treat and you really feel like you are there with them. 

There's also mystery in the story. Lina gets a diary that belonged to her mother when she arrives in Italy and little by little we get to know her and what she was up to when she lived in Italy herself as a young woman. I found these passages really moving and I loved how Lina tried to recreate her steps. I was also really curious to know about these event and how they related to the present. I was quite surprised to see how everything intertwined. 

All in all, this is a very heart-warming and fun story that will make you want to take the first plane to Florence. The characters are very well developed and interesting and I think they act their age, they can be a bit silly but they have no malice. I definitely ended up caring a lot Lina and Howard and Lina's friends were such a fun bunch! A highly recommend summer read for YA readers. 

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

08:20


Today I'm reviewing the super fun story Big Sexy Love, Kirsty Greenwood's 3rd book. This came out a couple of weeks ago and it's the perfect holiday read. Here are my thought on it, I'm sure after reading it, you'll get your own copy.

Title: Big Sexy Love
Author: Kirsty Greenwood
Published: June 29th 2017 
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Olive Brewster is a scaredy cat. She doesn't do new or risky. She’s happy enough with her job at the local market, it’s cool that she has no boyfriend to fret over, she even likes that she still lives in her childhood home. No drama, no fuss, no problems. Everything is fine. Super duper fine.

Except… Olive's best friend in the world, Birdie, is dying.

Birdie has one final wish. She wants to track down her first love, Chuck, and because she's stuck in the hospital she needs Olive's help to do it. But there’s a teeny problem: Chuck is somewhere in New York and Olive has never even left her home town, let alone roamed the crazy streets of Manhattan.

As if the big city isn't scary enough, Olive has to contend with Seth, a cocky comedy TV writer who thinks she’s a joke; Anders, a bored socialite who’s taken a shine to her; and the fact that no matter how hard she tries to track down Chuck, he doesn't seem to want to be found.

Can Olive learn to overcome her fears, abandon her old safe routine and fulfil her best friend’s last wish? It's going to take extra bravery, one badass attitude and a whole lot of big sexy love to make this happen…


Review: I love Kirsty Greenwood's stories because they are always crazy, full of laugh out loud moments and with really lovable characters. So I was very excited about Big Sexy Love. Now that I have read it, let me tell you, this story is a whole new level of craziness and brilliance. 

I absolutely loved this book and its characters, especially Olive. She is very happy with her life and her routine. Or that's what she thinks... until she embarks in the adventure of a lifetime in New York. Her life back home suddenly doesn't seem as exciting. 

As we follow Olive around New York, it is difficult not to fall in love with her and her sense of humor. She manages to find herself in the most absurd situations. Seriously, they are so absurd that they are just hilarious. Every time I thought she couldn't possibly get into more trouble, she did. But she always finds a way to make it work and along the way, she makes some really great friends. 

These friends are definitely something else. From the eccentric billionaire to the goofy comedy writer, they all stole a bit of my heart and made the perfect companions for this crazy adventure. 

If you are looking for a really fun read to escape for a few hours to the amazing New York, then look no further! Big Sexy Love will definitely become your own big sexy love. Perfect holiday read, laughs guaranteed, but also a lot of heart and some tears. What else can you ask for?

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

08:26


Today I am reviewing a very special story. I included it on my post Top Ten 2017 Releases I Have Read So Far This Year as I absolutely loved it. Here's my full review: 

Title: Lost of Words
Author: Stephanie Butland
Published: April 20th 2017 by Bonnier Zaffre
Amazon | Amazon UK


Blurb: You can trust a book to keep your secret...

Loveday Cardew prefers books to people. If you look closely, you might glimpse the first lines of the novels she loves most tattooed on her skin. But there are things she'll never show you.

Fifteen years ago Loveday lost all she knew and loved in one unspeakable night. Now, she finds refuge in the unique little York bookshop where she works.

Everything is about to change for Loveday. Someone knows about her past. Someone is trying to send her a message. And she can't hide any longer.

Lost for Words is a compelling, irresistible and heart-rending novel, with the emotional intensity of The Shock of the Fall and all the charm of The Little Paris Bookshop and 84 Charing Cross Road.

Review: I always love books about books so I couldn't resist picking Lost for Words, I mean, it even has a bookshop on the cover! As soon as I read the first few pages though I realized that this book was something special. In fact, I would say it is a book lover's dream, with endless references to all our favorite books, charming and really interesting characters and the perfect setting, a bookshop full of rarities, surprises and secrets.

The story is narrated by Loveday, a bookworm who works in a bookshop and who definitely prefers books to people. She keeps herself to herself. The only exception is her boss Archie. He has managed, over the years, to become a closer friend. But he doesn't know everything about her, she has managed to keep her past a secret from everyone.

Thanks to flashbacks we get to know more about her story. The chapters titled History are all about her childhood and the ones titled Crime are from a few years ago. These really help us understand her better and with every new bit of information I became more and more engrossed in her story. I ended up really caring for Loveday and hers is a story I won't forget in a long time.

But Loveday is not the only amazing character in the story. As I said, her boss Archie is one of the few friends she has and what a friend. He was a people person, easily chatting to everyone, with a lively social live and a certain eccentricity that far from making him arrogant and unapproachable made him endearing and generous. He would be a friend that we would all love to have and his relationship with Loveday was a joy to read.

There were also other characters that played a big role in Loveday's story, like the magical Nathan, but I'd rather you discovered them for yourself. All I can say is that every single one of them felt real and managed to steal a bit of my heart. I am certainly gonna miss them.

All in all, I cannot recommend this story enough. It had been a while since I had felt so involved in a story like this one. It is inspiring but heat-breaking, a real gem of a book that I have no doubt will be on my top ten books of the year.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. This is my honest opinion. 

08:39


Today's review is for Graeme Simsion's latest book, The Life of Adam Sharp. You probable heard about The Rosie Project a few years ago. I loved that book and its sequel, so I couldn't not pick his new work. Here are my thoughts:

Title: The Best of Adam Sharp
Author: Graeme Simsion
Published: February 9th 2017 by Penguin
Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Can you define your life by a single song?

Adam Sharp - former pianist in a hip Melbourne bar, now a respectable IT consultant in Norwich - can. And it's 'You're Going to Lose that Girl' . . .

On the cusp of fifty and a happy introvert, Adam is content. He's the music expert at his local pub-quiz and he and his partner Claire rumble along. Life may not be rock n' roll, but neither is it easy listening. Yet something has always felt off-key.

And that's his nostalgia for what might have been, his blazing affair - more than twenty years ago, on the other side of the world - with Angelina Brown, a smart and sexy, strong-willed actress who taught him for the first time, as he played piano and she sang, what it meant to find - and then lose - love. How different might his life be if he hadn't let her walk away?

Then, out of nowhere, Angelina gets in touch. Adam has sung about second chances, but does he have the courage to believe in them?

Review: I really enjoyed both The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect so I was very curious to see what that author would write next. The first I noticed about this story is that it is quite different to his previous books. It is less humorous, drier and less touching. The characters in this one are difficult to like and they usually take quite questionable decisions. It doesn't mean that it is not a good story, but I have to say that I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted.

First of all we have Adam, almost fifty with quite an easy even if a bit boring life. That is until he gets un email from his first love, Australian actress Angelina Brown. She stole his heart more than 20 years ago and they haven't been in touch since then. During the first part of the book, we get to know what happened back then and also how they interact now via email. There's a certain mystery surrounding their story so I was really curious to find more about them as a couple. This is definitely the part I enjoyed the most.

When they finally meet again, the story takes quite an unexpected turn that I am not sure worked that well. They were not their better self when they were together and I found the relationship between Angelina and her current husband plain weird. I then realized that I didn't like Adam and I even liked Angelina less, so I didn't care about what would happen to them next. But I guess, like in life, you cannot like everybody.

All in all, this is quite an interesting story that reflects on what could have been and long lost loves but also on how we don't appreciate what we have until it's too late. I was expecting something a bit more fun but it turned out to have quite a serious tone, which was OK as it was well written and engaging. But it won't be for sure a story that will stay with me. 

Rating: 3 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

09:32



July is here! How did this even happen? Oh well, this means that with the new month, new books are coming our way! I have the impression that this month doesn't have that many new releases (probably everyone is on holiday) but there are a few that have me really excited:


The Summer of Serendipity by Ali McNamara - July 13th

You'll find a warm welcome in the latest novel from Ali McNamara, bestselling author of The Little Flower Shop by the Sea and From Notting Hill with Love, Actually

One summer, property seeker, Serendipity Parker finds herself on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, hunting for a home for a wealthy Irish client. But when she finds the perfect house in the small town of Ballykiltara, there's a problem; nobody seems to know who owns it.

'The Welcome House' is a local legend. Its front door is always open for those in need of shelter, and there's always a plentiful supply of food in the cupboards for the hungry or poor. 

While Ren desperately tries to find the owner to see if she can negotiate a sale, she begins to delve deeper into the history and legends that surround the old house and the town. But for a woman who has always been focussed on her work, she's remarkably distracted by Finn, the attractive manager of the local hotel.
But will she ever discover the real truth behind the mysterious 'Welcome House'? Or will the house cast its magical spell over Ren and help her to find true happiness?

Why so excited: well, her Actually series is still one of my favorite series ever, so whenever Ali McNamara releases a new book, I'm always really curious. It sounds like a lovely story.

Order it now!

Coming Home to Cuckoo's Cottage by Heidi Swain - July 13th

From the bestelling author of Mince Pies and Mistletoe at the Christmas Market and The Cherry Tree Café comes a glorious summer treat of glamping, vintage tearooms and love ...

When Lottie Foster’s grandmother’s best friend Gwen dies, she leaves Lottie her lovely home, Cuckoo Cottage.

Lottie loves the cottage but Matt, a charming local builder, points out that beneath its charm it is falling apart. Luckily he is always on hand to help with the problems that somehow seem to keep cropping up. But is he just a bit too good to be true? Certainly Will, Lottie’s closest neighbour, seems to think so.

Lottie plans to set up her own business renovating vintage caravans. She hasn’t told anyone about the project she has cooked up with Jemma from The Cherry Tree Café to repurpose Gwen’s old caravan and turn it into a gorgeous tearoom.

But before she can finally enjoy living with her legacy she must uncover who she can trust, and who to avoid. And with two men vying for her attention, will she also find love?

Why so excited: although I didn't read Heidi Swain's festive book last year, I did enjoy a lot her previous summer reads so I'm really looking forward to discovering Cuckoo Cottage and its lovely characters. 

Order it now!

Together by Julie Cohen - July 13th

Is this a great love story?
Or a story about great love?
You decide.

On a morning that seems just like any other, Robbie wakes in his bed, his wife Emily asleep beside him, as always. He rises and dresses, makes his coffee, feeds his dogs, just as he usually would. But then he leaves Emily a letter and does something that will break her heart. As the years go back all the way to 1962, Robbie's actions become clearer as we discover the story of a couple with a terrible secret - one they will do absolutely anything to protect.

Why so excited: Julie Cohen's stories are always really special and she always surprises me with unexpected twists and fascinating characters and this new book looks and sounds very promising.

Order it now!

The Nearest Faraway Place by Hayley Long - July 13th


A powerfully told story of the love between two brothers in the aftermath of a family tragedy

Griff and Dylan are driving into Manhattan with their parents when the worst happens. There is a terrible car accident and Dylan and Griff¹s parents are killed.

The boys are suddenly orphans with nowhere to go, until a kind aunt and uncle give them a new home in Wales. Now Dylan and Griff have everything they need ­ love, a happy home and a future. But Dylan is worried about Griff: whether he is OK, whether he is coping with his grief. He doesn¹t seem to want to speak about it or really acknowledge the loss of their parents.

But Dylan needs to be even braver than Griff, because there is something very important he needs to face up to before he can move on.

The heartbreaking new novel from award-winning author Hayley Long.

Why so excited: Quite surprisingly I have never read a book by Hayley Long, but given that this year I am enjoying YA immensely and that I have only heard great about this author, I have decided to read this one. Plus, how beautiful is the cover?

Order it now! 

Chasing the Sun by Katy Colins - July 27th

Georgia Green is on the conveyor belt to happiness.

Live-in boyfriend, perfect career and great friends, it seems like Georgia is only a Tiffany box away from her happily ever after. But when she arrives in Australia for her best friend’s wedding and is faced with the bridezilla from hell, she starts to realise that she might not want the cookie-cutter ending she thought.

What was meant to be a trip full of sunny days at the beach and wedding planning over cocktails, has turned into another problem for her to fix – just like the ones she’d left behind. With hardly any time for her boyfriend, let alone herself, it feels like there is just too much to juggle. It might be time for Georgia to step off the conveyor belt to find the balance in life and see if she really can have it all…

Why so excited: remember Georgia Green? We followed her to Thailand, India and Chile in The Lonely Hearts Travel Club series and now she is taking us to Australia. Georgia is a character that I love and Katy Colins' fun and fresh style make this the perfect summer read. Who's coming to Australia with us?

Order it now! 

08:39


Can you believe that half of 2017 is gone already? I know we are all saying this but I had to acknowledge it. I have been very busy with work these past few months so I have read less books so far this year than last year. But I wanted to take a minute to have a look at the books I've read and see which ones have stood up. From the 44 books I've read, my top picks would be:

Lost for Words by Stephanie Butland: I have just finished reading this book and I couldn't not include it here. It really is a book lover's dream, with endless references to all our favorite books, charming and really interesting characters and the perfect setting, a bookshop full of rarities, surprises and secrets. 

The Last Piece of My Heart by Paige Toon: when I first discovered Paige Toon a few years ago, I was completely captivated by her love stories and she soon became one of my favorite authors. But in her last few books she has reached a new level, her stories are always something special, full of heart, with incredible settings and complex characters that feel absolutely real. And The Last Piece of My Heart is the perfect example of this. 

The Summer of Impossible Things by Rowan Coleman: what a well crafted and magical story this is. It left me completely in awe, as it's like nothing I had read before. Rowan Coleman makes you believe that the impossible is possible and takes you in a journey like no other.

Then. Now. Always. by Isabelle Broom: Isabelle Broom is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is a truly special and magical story that will bring lots of sunshine to your life, with a stunning setting, really interesting characters and lots of surprises in store for them and us. 

The Escape by CL Taylor: This is C. L. Taylor's latest clever and absorbing psychological thriller. For me, she is one of the best authors in this genre and she did not disappoint at all with The Escape. It made me scared, it surprised me, it completely captured me. 

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella: My Not So Perfect Life is such a fun, warm and entertaining read with everything I love in a story, relatable and lovable characters, a bit of love and lots of laughs. It has the same fresh and fun touch that Sophie Kinsella has us accustomed to but it also a heart-lifting and inspiring story about believing in yourself and fighting for what you deserve.

The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas: what a book, what a story, what a main character! Unbelievably good and definitely a firm contender to book of the year, if not the decade. A fantastic book with a well-thought plot and with complex and engaging characters that handles an important and current topic.

The Year of Saying Yes by Hannah Doyle: this serialized enovel was such a great surprise. It's a story that will put a smile in your face (more than once) and will inspire you to be bolder, stronger and more confident. With a really fresh and fun style, I felt like I really connected with it. 

Margot & Me by Juno Dawson: a story about coming out of age in two very different times but that reminds us about all the good and important things in life. A beautiful novel that will move many hearts.

The Song of Tomorrow by Alice Peterson: since discovering Alice Peterson a few years ago, I've fallen in love with every single book she has written. Her stories always make me cry but somehow, she always manages to make feel better about life. And A Song for Tomorrow is no different in this sense, an unforgettable heart-breaking and uplifting story. But it's also so much more. I'd might even say that A Song for Tomorrow is Alice Peterson at her best. 

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