A mother always knows best. Doesn’t she? With her latest novel, Keep You Safe, Melissa Hill explores a really controversial topic. After having her on the blog last week for a guest post, today I am sharing my thoughts on this addictive and thought-provoking novel:

Title: Keep You Safe

Author: Melissa Hill

Published: September 21st 2017 by HQ

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: For readers who love issue-driven fiction, Melissa Hill has written a breakout novel exploring the "to vaccinate or not" debate and the tragic consequences of one mother's decision on another.

Single mom Kate O'Donnell is living her worst nightmare. Her young daughter, Clara, who has a medical condition that doesn't allow her to be vaccinated, becomes critically ill when one of her classmates, Lauren-whose family chose not to vaccinate-contracts and spreads the virus. While Lauren has no trouble recovering from the disease, Clara's condition worsens. With time spent by her daughter's bedside, Kate loses her job and slides deeper into medical debt. But when another school parent points the blame at Lauren's mother, Lucy, and the media begins an attack, we see two very different views on parenting and how badly things can spin out of control when all either of these two women wanted was to keep their daughters safe.

Review: Keep You Safe certainly delivers what it promises, this a thought provoking and addictive story that will leave no one indifferent. The core of the novel is the "to vaccinate or not" debate but the story is so much more. I didn't expect to become so attached to these characters and their lives. Melissa Hill really gave us a unbiased and open window to this debate. We got to know two families, with really different views and methods but you were never sure who to side with.

Not only that, but the tension was constant during the whole book. I never knew where the story was going to head next and it never lost this personal touch that made you relate so well to what was going on. Plus, I do love a good courtroom battle and Melissa Hill made this part fit into the whole story seamlessly. 

Keep You Safe really is an eye opener, not only with the vaccinate issue, but with society nowadays: how the media builds this persona that we are supposed to hate or this other one that we should feel sorry for and how public opinion, especially with the anonymity that Internet offers, can completely destroy and viciously attack someone. Really, food for thought.

I had read a few books by this author before and I must admit, I really liked this new directions she is taking. This book had me glued to its pages for hours, managed to surprise me several times and made me care for its characters. 

Rating: 5 stars

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

New book review today for the heartbreaking new novel from award-winning author Hayley Long, a powerfully told story of the love between two brothers in the aftermath of a family tragedy.

Title: The Nearest Faraway Place

Author: Hayley Long

Published: July 13th 2017 by Hot Key Books

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Griff and Dylan are driving into Manhattan with their parents when the worst happens. There is a terrible car accident and Dylan and Griff's 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. 

Review: This is my first book by Hayley Long and I really enjoyed her descriptive writing and her unique storyline. The story is all about two brothers, Dylan and Griff, and the it starts with their parents dying. Thanks to multiple flashbacks during the story though, we really get to know them as a family.

While reading about their lives before and after the accident, I had tears on my eyes more than once. I can't even begin to imagine what these boys were going through but the author really made a great job of writing about grief. And she combined very well these really sad scenes with brighter memories but also with shining characters that were there to help these boys. 

I found all the music references really interesting and I listened to a few of the mentioned songs while reading this book and it really made me connect with the story even more. 

I also really liked the ending of the book, I'm sure Hayley Long will surprise many readers with this story. It actually made me want to reread it as soon as I finished, and that's always a very good sign. Very touching, clever and unique story.

Rating: 4 stars

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

Christmas has arrived at Hope Island, promising snowflakes, surprises and plenty of seasonal joy. So snuggle up and fall in love at Mistletoe Cove…

Title: Christmas at Mistletoe Cove (Hope Island #3)

Author: Holly Martin

Published: September 22nd 2017 by Bookouture

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea. 

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

Review: If you have read the previous two books set in Hope Island, you know by now, who Eden and Dougie are, as they were secondary characters in those stories. If you haven't though, don't worry, Holly Martin tells their story from the beginning in this book, so it can easily be read as a stand alone. 

What I have always loved about Holly Martin's stories is the magic that surrounds them and in Christmas at Mistletoe, there's definitely a lot of magic. There's this legend that if you throw a paper with three wishes into a magic well in Mistletoe Cove, you'll get what you wished for. And obviously, our main characters try that for themselves... with really interesting results.

I really liked this magical touch, especially as it is a story set around Christmas, the most magical time of the year... I do think that September is a bit too soon to get into the Christmas spirit but the author definitely made me feel cosy and warm inside. 

The star in this story for me is Dougie, as he was so much fun! He really had the craziest ideas and he surprised me so many times! I didn't warm up to Eden that much though... but I have to admit that they made for a really interesting to read couple. 

By now, I know what I am getting with a Holly Martin book: a heartwarming romance with a good dash of craziness and this one delivered exactly that. Perfect book to pick up on a rainy weekend and enjoy with a hot chocolate and some fairy dust!

Rating: 4 stars

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

Today I am delighted to welcome Melissa Hill on the blog for the Blog Tour for her new novel, Keep You Safe, which was published yesterday. All yours, Melissa:

Expecting the Unexpected

by Melissa Hill

My husband realised that something was up when I’d gone off Mexican food. Rarely a week goes by when we don’t tuck into something spicy and for him this was a major red flag. 

Nah, I thought, quickly dismissing the thought. Surely if I was pregnant I would know? I hadn’t gained weight, been sick, hormonal or experienced any of the usual giveaways. To say nothing of missing a period. 

Had I? 

I’d just delivered a new novel to my publishers, and the lead-up to this time is always hugely frenetic with the weeks tending to run into each other. I couldn’t remember when (or if) I’d had my last period. 

So while I was still convinced that there was simply no way I could be pregnant and not know it, I bit the bullet and took a test - just in case. 

The result immediately came up positive; in fact, the little white stick practically exploded in my hand.

My GP suggested I book a dating scan since I couldn’t be sure of my dates, but given that I hadn’t experienced any symptoms I figured I really couldn’t be more than a few weeks along. 

Imagine my disbelief when during that first ultrasound - unlike the little seahorse I’d been expecting - a ginormous baby exploded onscreen, while the obstetrician cheerily informed me that I was in my twentieth week. 

Besides being in complete shock (and berating myself for being an utter disgrace to womanhood), I felt incredibly guilty and began worrying about those cocktails I’d had on a recent sun holiday, the precarious ducking through traffic during a weekend in New York, those hot-tub soaks on a spa break… not to mention all the so-called ‘danger’ foods I’d been polishing off in the meantime. 

But the doc was quick to reassure that baby seemed perfect and was doing fine. My recent aversion to all things chilli was the only hint of her existence and luckily for us, my other half paid attention – if it were up to me I may well have ended up in the labour ward before I figured it out.

But as it happened, there was another surprise in store. 

Almost two weeks before my due date, we booked a weekend away in a hotel to celebrate my birthday, and mark what could well be our last time away as a twosome. How right we were – on the first night of the stay our daughter decided to announce her premature arrival and I went into labour at the hotel.

Luckily, we made it back to the hospital in time for her to be born safely, but I guess the entire experience set the tone for my parenting philosophy from thereon: expect the unexpected…

Melissa Hill, 2017.

About the book:

Title: Keep You Safe

Author: Melissa Hill

Published: September 21st 2017 by HQ

Amazon | Amazon UK

Lindsey Kelk fans, stop everything you are doing! Angela Clark is Back! Yes, I might be a little bit too excited about this! I'll now stop using exclamation marks, and get reviewing:

Title: I Heart Forever 

Author: Lindsey Kelk

Published: September 7th 2017 by HarperCollins

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: The day her husband Alex picks up a backpack and goes travelling, Angela Clark promises to stay out of trouble and keep both Louboutins on the ground.

So when her best friend’s boyfriend confides in her, it can’t hurt to help him pick out a ring at Tiffany’s surely?

And when her fashion magazine announces major changes, being terminally late and arguing with your boss isn’t that bad, is it?

Then suddenly there’s another big secret Angela’s got to keep – and the man she loves is still thousands of miles away. As the wedding of the year looms, and Manhattan switches on its Christmas lights, Angela is going to need her friends by her side as her old life looks set to change forever.

Review: I hadn't realised how much I had missed Angela, Jenny and the gang until I was back with them. I was contemplating a re-reading marathon of the I Heart series before reading this one but curiosity won and I just started with this one as soon as I got my hands on it. And OMG I absolutely loved it. I'm still planning a marathon though, because I am already missing these characters immensely again.

In this new I Heart book, I laughed like never before. But I also marveled at how these characters have evolved since the first book. Take Angela for example, she still might think that running away from problems is the best solution but she now faces them (reluctantly and waiting until the last minute, but you get it, at least she doesn't move to another continent), she really has become a strong and wise(ish) woman and I admire her. She is hard-working, passionate and cares a lot about her loved ones. I have to say that she has been role model for me for many years. 

Let's not forget about La Jenny Lopez though, she gets her own spotlight in this story and she does not disappoint. So many years with Angela have mellowed her a bit, and I couldn't love her more. Every time I read about her, I wish I had my own Jenny cheerleader. Nobody can threaten disappearing husbands like her. 

Talking about disappearing husbands, rockstar Alex is not as present in this story as I would have liked... And I'll leave it here, so you can find for yourself why that is!

I Heart Forever is a real treat for I Heart fans, it's we were wishing for: laughs, tears, love, weddings, fights, mistakes, challenges and so much more. I really hope we get something more (maybe a Jenny Lopez spin-off?) but if we don't, this is the perfect ending to a fantastic series. So thank you Lindsey Kelk for all the wonderful moments!

Rating: 5 stars

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

Title: The Picture House by the Sea

Author: Holly Hepburn

Published: August 10th by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: 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?

Review: last year I read Holly Hepburn's debut and fell in love with her fresh style, her fun characters and her cosy settings, so I was really looking forward to the paperback with her latest four novellas. As soon as I started with the first part, I instantly felt that same warm feeling inside. This time we follow Gina to a village in the Cornish coast, where her grand-parents live. 

Polwhipple has this small village community feeling, where everyone knows about everything going on but also where everybody is ready to help. But the place itself has lost a bit of its sparkle, with tourists opting for bigger and fancier towns. The arrival of Gina, who used to spend her summers as a teen there, is exactly what the place needs though. I loved her enthusiasm to try to restore the cinema and all the ideas she came out with were so much fun. I certainly wished Polwhipple was real to be able to attend one of the screenings at the Palace.

Along the way Gina also connected with old friends and made new ones, which made the story a lot more interesting. I was really curious to know how Gina would combine her life in London with this new life she was creating in Cornwall. 

Another thing that stole my heart completely were all the cinema references. Each part of the book is related to a classic and I'm definitely planning to rewatching these movies after reading about them. And it certainly gave me ideas to throw a little theme party myself with friends. And it was real fun to see how the story in each part mirrored a bit the classics. 

All in all, I had a great time in Polwhipple and I was really sad when the story ended because I had really grown attached to this lovely place and its fantastic characters, although I have to say I loved how the story ended. I would highly recommend this read, perfect to escape reality for a while, and especially to movie lovers. I am already looking forward to Holly Hepburn's next book.

Rating: 5 stars

After loving The Moonlight Dreamers, an unforgettable story of friendship, self-belief and love, I was really looking forward to catching up with these girls again. Here are my thoughts on this sequel:

Title: Tell it to the Moon (The Moonlight Dreamers #2)
Author: Siobhan Curham

Published: August 3rd 2017 by Walker Books

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: 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.

Review: Tell it to the Moon is the sequel of The Moonlight Dreamers and it starts right where the previous book ended. It was lovely to be back with these girls. Amber, Maali, Sky and Rose have their own club where they can be themselves and support each other to be able to achieve their dreams. After getting to know them in the first book, I was really looking forward to joining them in their new adventures. 

Each of them faces their own troubles and challenges. I love how diverse their stories are, from sexuality to religion, passing by struggling to find your identity or simply not fitting in. This is one of those reads that I would have loved even more if it has existed when I was in high school and struggling to fit in myself. But reading about these girls, I can still see a bit of myself in there, which makes me really connect with their story.

What I love most about this series is how friendship is portrayed. Thanks to being friends, these girls are more confident, they aim higher and they achieve more. It reminds us it always better to support than to make fun of. And, of course, I also love the literary references. Those Oscar Wilde quotes really fit with the story and I have started using them myself in my daily life to motivate me. Because sometimes you all need to be reminded that:

 "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken"

All in all, I would highly recommend these series to YA readers looking for something special, something different from your usual love story. This is a very inspirational and heart-warming story that will connect with a lot of readers. 

Rating: 4,5 stars

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

Winter in Manhattan…and someone’s keeping a secret.

The day her husband Alex picks up a backpack and goes travelling, Angela Clark promises to stay out of trouble and keep both Louboutins on the ground. So when her best friend’s boyfriend confides in her, it can’t hurt to help him pick out a ring at Tiffany’s surely? And when her fashion magazine announces major changes, being terminally late and winking at your new boss in the lift isn’t that bad, is it? Then suddenly there’s another big secret Angela’s got to keep – and the man she loves is still thousands of miles away. As the wedding of the year looms, and Manhattan switches on its Christmas lights, Angela is going to need her friends by her side as her old life looks set to change forever.

Why so excited: Since Lindsey Kelk announced she was writing a new I Heart stories, I've been counting the days until its release. I absolutely love Angela Clark, Jenny Lopez and the gang. 

Order it now!

The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor - September 7th 

The New York Times bestselling author turns the clock back to a time when two young girls convinced the world that fairies really did exist…

1917: When two young cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright from Cottingley, England, announce they have photographed fairies at the bottom of the garden, their parents are astonished. But when the great novelist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, endorses the photographs’ authenticity, the girls become a sensation; their discovery offering something to believe in amid a world ravaged by war.

One hundred years later… When Olivia Kavanagh finds an old manuscript and a photograph in her late grandfather’s bookshop she becomes fascinated by the story of the two young girls who mystified the world. As Olivia is drawn into events a century ago, she becomes aware of the past and the present intertwining, blurring her understanding of what is real and what is imagined. As she begins to understand why a nation once believed in fairies, will Olivia find a way to believe in herself?

Why so excited: Hazel Gaynor's stories are always something special and this one sounds even more so. I cannot wait to discover this story inspired by the fairies of Cottingley. It is out in ebook in the UK and in paperback in Ireland.

Order it now!

The Break by Marian Keyes - September 7th

Amy's husband Hugh has run away to 'find himself'. But will he ever come back?

'Myself and Hugh . . . We're taking a break.'

'A city-with-fancy-food sort of break?'

If only.

Amy's husband Hugh says he isn't leaving her.

He still loves her, he's just taking a break - from their marriage, their children and, most of all, from their life together. Six months to lose himself in South East Asia. And there is nothing Amy can say or do about it.

Yes, it's a mid-life crisis, but let's be clear: a break isn't a break up - yet...

However, for Amy it's enough to send her - along with her extended family of gossips, misfits and troublemakers - teetering over the edge.

For a lot can happen in six-months. When Hugh returns, if he returns, will he be the same man she married? Will Amy be the same woman?

Because if Hugh is on a break from their marriage, then so is she...

The Break is a story about the choices we make and how those choices help to make us. It is Marian Keyes at her funniest, wisest and brilliant best.

Why so excited: I've read everything Marian Keyes has written, so how could I not be excited for her new book? And the first reviews have been really good! 

Order it now!

The Hygge Holiday by Rosie Blake - September 21st

The perfect recipe for hygge this autumn: make a hot chocolate, draw the curtains, snuggle under a blanket and read your way to happiness!

It's autumn in Yulethorpe and everyone is gloomy. It's cold, drizzly and the skies are permagrey. The last shop on the high street - an adorable little toy shop - has just shut its doors. Everything is going wrong for Yulethorpe this autumn. Until Clara Kristensen arrives.

Clara is on holiday but she can see the potential in the pretty town, so she rolls up her sleeves and sets to work. Things are looking up until Joe comes to Yulethorpe to find out exactly what is going on with his mother's shop. Joe is Very Busy and Important in the City and very sure that Clara is up to no good. Surely no one would work this hard just for the fun of it?

Can a man who answers emails at 3 a. m. learn to appreciate the slower, happier, hygge things in life - naps, candles, good friends and maybe even falling in love?

Why so excited: Rosie Blake has quickly become one of my favourite authors, her novels are always so much fun and The Hygge Holiday looks beautiful and sounds amazing. Let's get they hygge on!

Order it now!

Keep You Safe by Melissa Hill - September 21st

What if your choice for your child could harm someone else’s?

Every mother faces impossible choices. Vaccination is one of the hardest. For single mum Kate O’Hara, there was no decision to make. Her daughter Rosie is one of a small percentage of Irish children who can’t be vaccinated against measles. All Kate can do is hope that her little girl is safe.

For mummy blogger Madeleine Cooper, it was a leap of faith she wasn't prepared to take when she and her husband declined controversial measles jabs for their daughter Clara. All she can do is pray that it’s the right decision.

But when classmates Clara and Rosie both become sick will Kate pay for Madeleine’s choice?

A stunning and addictive new book club read from beloved bestselling Irish author Melissa Hill that explores every mother’s worst fear.

Why so excited: This is the only book in the list that I have already read and I can tell you it is a very interesting and addictive read. I really enjoyed this new direction that Melissa Hill took with her writing. 

Order it now!

Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin - September 22nd

Christmas has arrived at Hope Island, promising snowflakes, surprises and plenty of seasonal joy. So snuggle up and fall in love at Mistletoe Cove…

Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea. 

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

Why so excited: I know it's only the beginning of September and we shouldn't mention the C word yet, but come on, it's Holly Martin! Who is better at christmassy cosy love stories? And I'm really curious about Eden and Dougie's story after meeting them in the previous book. 

Order it now!