Today I am sharing with you my review for A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson. Don’t miss out on the new Comfort Food Cafe novel and return to Budbury for a Christmas to remember.

Title: A Gift from the Comfort Food Café (Comfort Food Cafe #5)

Author: Debbie Johnson

Published: October 18th 2018 by HarperCollins

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Christmas has never been Katie Seddon’s favourite time of year. Whilst everyone else shares memories of families coming together and festive number ones, the soundtrack to Katie’s childhood wasn’t quite so merry.

But since she moved to the village of Budbury on the gorgeous Dorset coast, Katie and her baby son have found a new family. A family who have been brought together by life’s unexpected roads and the healing magic of a slice of cake and a cupful of kindess at the Comfort Food Café.

This year, Katie’s new friends are determined to give her a Christmas to remember, and with a gorgeous newcomer in town, Katie’s Christmas wish for a happy home for her son might just come true.

Review: I love the Comfort Food Café. I've completely fallen in love with this series, its characters and of course, the cosy setting. Like the previous four stories in this series, this book can be perfectly read as a stand-alone as it has its own independent story, but I would highly recommend reading all the books, as each one of them is a real treat. And the big cast of characters can be a bit overwhelming for new readers. 

This time, the focus falls on Katie. She has appeared a bit in previous books, but we just know that she is a single mum to a very active toddler and that she spends some afternoons in the Café. With this story though, we immediately discover Katie's past: coming from a very disrupted family, all her life she has been trying to escape, but she has never been sure of where to escape to.

Now she has something that she has never had before: people to rely on. Budbury's residents are a big family and they are determined to welcome Katie and her son with open arms. Something that might not have the desired effect on Katie herself... 

As usual, author Debbie Johnson balanced the sadder and harder parts in Katie's story with the more humorous scenes perfectly. It's a story that can made you cry in one page and then make you laugh out loud in the following one. And of course, for fans of the series, it's a real treat to catch up with our favourite characters. 

The only thing I didn't enjoy as much as in the previous books was actually the main character. Katie is a difficult character to like, especially at the beginning, as I couldn't understand some of her actions. But as the story unfolded, I also saw her change and evolve, which was very enjoyable. 

But all in all, this turned out to be a magical story and the setting around Christmas was perfect to put me on the a festive mood. Definitely a story to enjoy on the run up to the holidays with a hot chocolate and some Christmas treats!

Rating: 4 stars

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

One Day in December, Josie Silver's debut novel, is vert special love story about what happens after you meet, or rather, don't meet the one. A story that completely captivated me, and here is why:

Title: One Day in December 

Author: Josie Silver

Published: October 18th 2018 by Penguin

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic...and then her bus drives away.

Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.

What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness. 

Review: One Day in December is the kind of story I absolutely love. It's warm and hopeful but also hard and complex, just as real life. It spans over ten years and it follows the lives of two very close friends, Laurie and Sarah. When we meet them, they are roommates, both fresh out of university and looking for that special person that might or might not be the one. 

The story is told from Laurie's point of view and it starts with her falling in love at first sight with a stranger one day in December. It's almost a year later when she finally meets him, Jack, and he becomes a huge part of both hers and Sarah's lives, just not as Laurie had hoped. Since that first scene, I felt a huge connection to Laurie and I was completely invested in their story and with every scene and every passing year, I really had no idea where the story was going to take us.

What I enjoyed the most is seeing these friends grow up. I think Josie Silver made a fantastic job with these characters. They evolved, made mistakes, got stuck, fought for what mattered, challenged themselves, made some really bad decisions and some really good ones... just as any of us has done in the last ten years, and by the end of the book, I really felt like they were really close friends of mine. 

I have no doubt that One Day in December will resonate with many readers and its story will steal your hearts, as it did with me. I will definitely be going back to it for a re-read, to enjoy every detail again, very soon. It is one of the books that have touched me the most this past year. 

Rating: 5 stars

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

Heidi Swain's new festive book, Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland, is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

Title: Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Author: Heidi Swain

Published: November 1st 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: After calling of her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course...

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart. Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself?

Review: I have read and enjoyed several books by Heidi Swain, but I didn't read Sleigh Rides and Silver Bells at the Christmas Fair (her first book set in Wynthorpe Hall) last Christmas. So for me, all the characters in Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls were completely new.

At the beginning, I struggled a bit with so many of them. But Heidi Swain made a great job of explaining who was who and pretty quickly, I was completely immersed in their story. Wynthorpe Hall is quite a pretty special setting and I completely understand now why so many people fell in love with this place with the last book. And its inhabitants are just as special.

This story focuses in the housekeeper of the Hall, Hayley. Inspired by the love of her friends Anna and Jamie, she has fallen in love herself and is about to celebrate her engagement party. But she (and we) soon realize that her Prince Charming is a bit too charming with other girls...

I loved getting to know Hayley. She wanted to present herself as this tough girl who doesn't care about love and is not hurt by the actions or the comments of other people. But under this façade, she has a huge heart and is ready to help her friends with everything she's got. She was a really complex characters that felt very real.

One Perfect Christmas and Other Stories is the perfect Christmas gift for fans of Paige Toon, as it includes all the enovellas and short stories that she has written about her characters. Perfect to catch up with some old favourites.

Title: One Perfect Christmas and Other Stories

Author: Paige Toon

Published: October 3rd 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One year after movie star Joseph Strike swept schoolteacher Alice off her feet, they are spending Christmas together in snowy Cambridge. But despite the romantic setting Alice can't help but question whether life in the spotlight is really what she wants. Will a Christmas provide some perspective? Or will the life she’d be leaving behind be too much to lose?

In this irresistible collection, bestselling author Paige Toon reunites a much-loved cast from across her fifteen novels, including Johnny Be Good, The One We Fell In Love With and Thirteen Weddings. Fall in love with nine witty and heartfelt romantic stories, published in print for the very first time.

Review: One thing I love about Paige Toon books is how she always tries to link new characters with old ones, so we know that with every new story we will probably read about some old favourite. 

And this is even more the case with this collection of short stories and novellas. It gives us readers the chance to catch up with most of her characters. For me, it feels a bit like opening a tiny window to this special world where all the characters live together, overcoming new challenges, growing their families, falling in (or out of) love... So I basically read the whole book in one sitting, with a huge smile on my face. 

A few of the stories in this collection have been published before as enovellas and some others were part of the Hidden Paige. If you are wondering what it is, here is a short description:

The Hidden Paige is an email newsletter featuring exclusive free content, including occasional short stories about key characters, insight about Paige's writing, event news and offers.

This newsletter always brightens my day when I get it, so if you haven't subscribed yet, then I would definitely recommend it! 

So it's quite possible that you have read some of these stories before, as I myself had. But having them all together, in paper, was like discovering them all over again. There is also a brand new story related to The Longest Holiday, which even brought a couple of tears to my eyes. This book is a real treat and I would definitely recommend it to all Paige Toon readers.

Rating: 5 stars

I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. 

A few weeks ago I shared a very special post to celebrate Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by Siobhan Curham. Siobhan’s new book is all about empathy and seeing things from another person’s perspective and Walker Books organised a blogswap in which they invited bloggers to step into somebody else's shoes.

First, Kirsty from Books, Occupation... Magic, shared my post on Acts of Kindness in her blog (read it here) and then I welcomed Kirsty into my blog, with a very interesting post about women and fertility and how we need to talk more and be more open about it (read it here). And today I am sharing my thoughts on the book:

Title: Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

Author: Siobhan Curham

Published: August 1st 2018 by Walker Books

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: An uplifting story of friendship, unity and hope that highlights the important and topical issues surrounding young carers and young refugees.

Fourteen-year-old Stevie lives in Lewes with her beloved vinyl collection, her mum ... and her mum's depression. When Stevie's mum's disability benefits are cut, Stevie and her mother are plunged into a life of poverty. But irrepressible Stevie is determined not to be beaten and she takes inspiration from the lyrics of her father's 1980s record collection and dreams of a life as a musician. Then she meets Hafiz, a talented footballer and a Syrian refugee. Hafiz's parents gave their life savings to buy Hafiz a safe passage to Europe; his journey has been anything but easy. Then he meets Stevie... As Stevie and Hafiz's friendship grows, they encourage each other to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

Review: This is a heartfelt and hopeful story about friendship that deals in a very gentle way with several serious issues that affect many young people nowadays. The book is narrated by Stevie and Hafiz in alternate chapters, which gives us readers an insight in both their lives, their struggles and their dreams. 

Both characters have a very difficult life and have had to grow up faster than their peers at school. After her dad's death, Stevie takes care of her mum, who suffers depression and is not able to leave the house. She worries constantly about their lack of money and tries to find solutions to their problems. Music is her only scape. She is a great musician and thanks to her dad's love of music she always has a song to make every situation better. I tried to listen to the same songs she was listening to while reading her chapters and I felt really connected to her. I would definitely recommend checking the songs, as it gives the story a very special touch.

Hafiz is a Syrian refugee. He had to leave his family and friends behind and leave the country with smugglers. After a very long and arduous journey through Europe, he is finally in the UK with his uncle and wife. He is new at Stevie's school and not exactly welcomed by her classmates. Somehow though Hafiz and Stevie gravitate towards each other and start a tentative friendship. Little by little, their bond grows stronger and they are able to share their stories with each other. 

I especially liked Stevie as a character, she was such a determined and inspiring young girl and I hope she inspires many readers. As I said, this story handles very important topics that don't get enough attention in books or media in general, which makes this book very special and especially recommended for readers looking for something different and heartfelt. It reminds us that every single person has a story and it's worth listening to it.

Rating: 4.5 stars

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

Lisa Dickenson's new book is a feel-good, kick-ass novel about sisterhood and second chances. I love her her hilarious remarks and her strong and relatable characters so I am very excited today to share my review for her latest release: 

Title: My Sisters And Me

Author: Lisa Dickenson

Published: August 23rd 2018 by Little Brown

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: They're fixing up their childhood home. It's going to get messy.

When Willow Lake asks her daughters for help renovating the family home, each has a reason to hesitate about returning to Maplewood...

For quiet and bookish Emmy going back to the town that ridiculed her fills her with dread.

The youngest Noelle is perfectly comfortable in herself now, but once wanted to fit in so badly that she walked away from her first love. A first love who still lives in Maplewood.

And outspoken Rae is painfully aware of how much the townspeople hurt her little sisters growing up. She didn't protect them then, but there's no way she'll let history repeat itself.

The sisters agree to go home and make the best of it. After all if they've changed over the years, it's possible the townspeople have too... isn't it?

Review: The story revolves around three sisters, Rae, Emmy and Noelle. They didn't have the easiest of childhoods in their small village of Mapplewood, as they were bullied for being different. So since moving out to start their adult lives, they haven't been back that often. But when their mother asks them to re-do the whole house while she is away, they all agree to go back for three months. As you can imagine, when they arrive, they are not ready yet to face their past demons, but they soon realize that it is about time to show Mapplewood they are kick-ass women who don't care any more about what others think. Or do they?

I really loved the whole message in the story, how we need to embrace our own selves and be proud of who we are. It's not an easy task, but every little step forward counts. The sisters were always supportive of each other and had a very special bond. Eldest sister Rae was also very protective of her two younger sisters and was always on fight-mode, ready to defend them. It was great to see her character develop and how her sisters made her understand fight or flight are not always the only options.

In general, I think there was a very clear evolution in the main three characters. We really got to know them and we were able to understand them: we knew about their fears and their doubts but also about their strengths and their dreams. Also, there wasn't only hostility waiting for them in Mapplewood, some old flames and old friendships were also back in the village, ready to turn the sisters' lives upside-down. So we got to know some new sides of them because of that. 

If you have read Lisa Dickenson's previous books, you will know about her hilarious sense of humour. Maybe this story is not as funny as her previous ones, but there were some great moments that added the perfect fun spark to the more serious tone of this book. They had me giggling repeatedly and I had such a great team down memory-lane with the sisters. There were many nineties references and as I am the same age as youngest sister Noelle, I loved reminiscing with them about the best of the decade.

My Sisters And Me has a very autumnal and cosy feeling, it even has a Halloween party. So I would definitely recommend picking it up and spend a few evenings reading it with a nice blanket and a hot drink. Best cure for the colder months!

While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins is out now, a brand new and brilliant emotional family drama for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson, from the bestselling author of Fractured.

Title: While I Was Sleeping 

Author: Dani Atkins

Published: August 23rd 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: What if someone else was living your happy ever after? 

When Maddie wakes up in a hospital bed, she can't remember anything about what happened to her or what has changed.

She just remembers she was about to be married and had everything to look forward to.

But it seems life has become a lot more complicated while she has been asleep...

Review: Dani Atkins' stories should come with a warning: This book will break your heart. Every single one of her novels has stolen a tiny bit of mine. 

In While I Was Sleeping we meet Maddie, who is about to get married to the most wonderful guy. I liked her since page one and during the first part I really warmed to her character. But then, she had an accident and went into a coma. I really had no idea how the story was going to unfold after this but Dani Atkins had so many surprised in store for us that I was glued to the pages of this book for hours.

I felt so many emotions while reading Maddie's story. I went from rage to tears and from tears to joy and then back again to tears several times. I think I hadn't felt so strongly about a book in a long while. All the characters felt real, like the story was happening to close friends of mine, not to fictional characters. This story really got under my skin.

If by now you are wondering, why would I pick this if it is only going to make me suffer? Well, the story telling is beautiful and the character development is stunning. You are going to step in their shoes and your opinion about them will change. You are going to wonder, more than once, what would you do in their place? And above all, you are going to share all little joys and the tender moments with them. This book will make you cry, yes. But it will also bring you so much joy. 

If you have loved Dani Atkins' previous books, then you are in for a real treat, as this is, without a doubt, her best and most emotional story yet. If you are new to her stories, then grab some tissues, some comfort food and enjoy, you are in for quite an eventful ride!

Rating: 5 stars

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

Cathy Bramley is spoiling us this year. The lovely Hetty's Farmhouse Bakery came out earlier this year and now we have the serialized enovel A Match Made in Devon finally out as a whole. Here are my thoughts on her latest story:

Title: A Match Made in Devon

Author: Cathy Bramley

Published: Published July 26th 2018 by Corgi

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A Match Made in Devon was published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

Sometimes you have to play a part to realise who you really are… 

Nina has always dreamed of being a star. Unfortunately her agent thinks she’s more girl-next-door than leading lady and her acting career isn't going quite as planned. Then, after a series of very public blunders and to escape a gathering storm of paparazzi, Nina is forced to flee from London.

Her plan is to lay low with a friend in Devon, in beautiful Brightside Cove. But soon Nina learns that more drama can be found in a small village than on a hectic television set.

And when a gorgeous man (and his adorable dog) catch her eye, it’s not long before London and showbiz start to lose their appeal. Will Nina choose to return to the bright lights or has she met her match in Brightside Cove?

Review: A Match Made in Devon is a gorgeous novel. I fell completely in love with the story, the characters, the location and with every little detail. I love Cathy Bramley's books but this one might be my new favorite. 

The story follows Nina, who is an actress in London, on her temporary move to Devon. After a few unfortunate events, she decides to escape the big city and lay low for a few weeks. She ends up in the beautiful Brightside Cove, helping a past love interest with his new business.

I liked Nina instantly and with every passing chapter, I liked her more and more. She was a box full of surprises, she was lively, had a great heart and always tried to find the funny side in everything. I loved her attitude towards life and how much she cared for what she loved. 

The cast of secondary characters was also delightful. They all had their own story and their own dreams and insecurities and I loved how they all added to the main plot. I definitely had a soft-spot for mermaid-to-be Eliza. I loved her energy and her crazy ideas. She was such a breath of fresh air and she definitely created some hilarious moments.

A Match Made in Devon is a great read that has a really positive vibe around it. I was grinning non-stop during the whole book and it left me in such a good mood. But the story also had some more serious issues, which really touched my heart. Definitely another winner by Cathy Bramley! 

On her latest book, Isabelle Broom takes on an amazing tour around Sri Lanka. There are monkeys aplenty, wild elephants and stunning views all around. Are you ready for your next adventure? This is why you should read this amazing book:

Title: One Thousand Stars and You

Author: Isabelle Broom

Published: August 23rd 2018 by Michael Joseph

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: One spark will light up both their lives

Alice is settling down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy - her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother - even if it means a little part of her will always feel stifled.

Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure.

A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice's last hurrah - her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home.

It's also the moment she meets Max.

Alice doesn't know it yet, but her whole life is about to change.

Max doesn't know it yet, but he's the one who's going to change it.

Review: Isabelle Broom is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her stories are getting better and better with each new book and she always takes us readers to the most wonderful places. In her latest book, she takes us on a stunning tour of Sri Lanka. 

Full of magical moments, heart-melting romance and intense emotions, One Thousand Stars and You is unmissable. I fell completely in love with this story and its characters and I am now 100 % obsessed with Sri Lanka. I even cooked a Sri Lankan Chicken Curry this weekend and made Chicken Kottu Roti with the leftovers. I cannot wait to go there myself and try the real thing. 

Also, don't you just loved it when you get to a scene in a story and then boom! The title makes so much sense and is so perfect? This happened here and I loved it, so much. 

Alice is such and interesting and intriguing character. I really couldn't wait to discover all her secrets. I enjoyed it so much reading about her friendship with her two child-hood friends and how they interacted with each other. And then we had Max. He stole a tiny be of my heart and kept it to himself. 

This is one of those reads that makes you remember what is important in life and that there's always the possibility of an adventure around the corner if you are willing to turn the corner. Definitely a story that I will be re-reading soon to enjoy all the little details again. 

Bestselling author, Santa Montefiore, returns with an unforgettable tale of love lost and rediscovered, set across the beautiful landscape of Italy. 

Title: The Temptation of Gracie

Author: Santa Montefiore

Published: July 12th 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how long you hold on to them...

Gracie Burton is a grandmother, living quietly in Devon. She has rarely left the village over the past forty years. Her daughter, Carina, is immensely high-powered with her own fast-paced business in London. She has very little time for her 17-year-old daughter, Anastasia, away at boarding school, and even less time for her aging mother. In many ways, the three of them barely know each other. Then Gracie stumbles upon an advertisement for a weeklong cookery course in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. She cannot resist and ploughs her life savings into the trip. Carina and Anastasia accompany her. They have no idea why Gracie has been drawn to this venture. They have no sense of her past; she has never spoken about it. They have no idea that Gracie is harbouring the secret of an extraordinary life that preceded them...

Review: The Temptation of Gracie is a beautiful story set in a stunning location, a castle in Tuscany. It is also the first book I have ever read by Santa Montefiore, so I was really curious to discover why so many readers had fallen in love with her stories. 

I'll admit that at the beginning I was a bit in two minds about this story and its characters. We meet Gracie Burton in her quiet village in Devon, a village ruled by queen of gossip Flappy Scott-Booth, who wants to know and control everyone's business. Gracie is not close with her workaholic daughter Carina and spoilt grand-daughter Anastasia. For me, it all sounded a bit silly and felt unreal. But as soon as we arrived in Tuscany, my feelings changed completely.

In Castello Montefosco, we really got to know these characters and their secrets and I was surprised to discover that Gracie had such an intriguing and eventful life before moving to England. I had a great time following her younger self in her adventures under the Tuscan sun and I couldn't wait to find out all her secrets. Also, in the present day, I really enjoyed seeing the changes in both Carina and Anastasia. It was great that Gracie and Anastasia formed a really special bond during their stay in the Castelo and were able to confide in each other.

The descriptions of the stunning scenery and delicious food were generous and detailed and I felt like I could picture the castle and the village next to it in my mind perfectly. Italy is a beautiful country and this novel has definitely made me want to go back soon. I am now looking forward to discovering more stories by Santa Montefiore.

Rating: 4 stars

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

Today I have a very special post to celebrate Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by Siobhan Curham. Siobhan’s new book is all about empathy and seeing things from another person’s perspective and Walker Books has organised a blogswap in which they have invited bloggers to step into somebody else's shoes. 

Last week, Kirsty from Books, Occupation... Magic, shared my post on Acts of Kindness in her blog (read it here) and today I welcome Kirsty into my blog, with a very interesting post about women and fertility and how we need to talk more and be more open about it. Thank you Kirsty for sharing your experience with us, and sending you luck and lots of positive energy on your journey:

Empathic Conversations to Women about Children 

This is a PSA to approach conversations about having children with others sensitively and with an open mind, and try not to make assumptions. 

Not all women are broody. 

Some women don’t want children.

Some women have partners who don’t want children.

Some women can’t have children. 

Some women can’t relax and let it happen naturally. 

Some women have lost children. 

Adoption is not an easy process. 

Did you know that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage? I was totally shocked it was that high a percentage. And yes women do grieve these losses. 

Here’s a really useful video on how to support (and not support) people through grief - http://www.refugeingrief.com/2018/07/19/help-a-friend-video/. 

Despite what we are led to believe, age is a limiting factor in having children. Women are born with all the eggs they will ever have and over time the quantity and quality of eggs diminishes. Supposedly this dips rapidly after the age of 35 but may affect people younger. Being aware of the age your mother went through the menopause (yet another thing we don’t talk enough about) may be a useful indicator for you. 

I am turning 40 in August and am still single. I have recently had a number of fertility tests that indicated that my fertility is not as good as I’d have hoped. I have been blogging about my experience in order to raise awareness including my recent round of IVF which sadly failed. 

If you’d like to read more of my journey search IVF on Books, Occupation... Magic! at https://kirstyes.co.uk/

About the Book:

Title: Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

Author: Siobham Curham

Published: August 2nd 2018 by Walker Books

Amazon | Amazon UK

Like her bestselling debut, The Keeper of Lost Things, Ruth Hogan's second novel introduces a cast of wonderful characters, both ordinary and charmingly eccentric, who guide us through a moving exploration of the simple human connections that make life worth living.

Title: The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes

Author: Ruth Hogan

Published: May 3rd 2018 by Hodder and Stoughton

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Masha is drowning.

Once a spirited, independent woman with a rebellious streak, her life has been forever changed by a tragic event twelve years ago.

Unable to let go of her grief, she finds solace in the silent company of the souls of her local Victorian cemetery and at the town's lido, where she seeks refuge underwater - safe from the noise and the pain.

But a chance encounter with two extraordinary women - the fabulous and wise Kitty Muriel, a convent girl-turned-magician's wife-turned-seventy-something-roller-disco-fanatic, and the mysterious Sally Red Shoes, a bag lady with a prodigious voice - opens up a new world of possibilities, and the chance to start living again.

Until the fateful day when the past comes roaring back...

Review: last year I read and thoroughly enjoyed Ruth Hogan's debut The Keeper of Lost Things, so I was really curious to see what the author had in store for us this time. The first thing I noticed is that The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes is a darker and more serious story, but equally beautiful. The main character Masha lost someone very important more than ten years ago and is still struggling with her grief, unable to see the good in life and just barely surviving. 

Thanks to two quite unexpected new friendships though, her life is about to change. I really enjoyed how this story developed and how Masha's character evolved. It was a treat to follow her and her friends around and to get to know them and their secrets. The author balanced very sad and serious scenes with some light humor and kind scenes, which made the story very appealing and always interesting.

I really enjoy Ruth Hogan's gentle style and her complex and intriguing characters. Once again, she has created a beautiful and inspiring tale that celebrates friendship and love that I am pretty sure will touch many hearts, it definitely touched mine. 

It's both sad and hear-warming at the same time and it has a couple of unexpected revelations that took me quite by surprise. All in all, The Wisdom of Sally Red Shoes is a very well-crafted story with multiple voices that will capture the reader.

Rating: 4.5 stars

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

Today is my stop on the blog tour for In Bloom, the darkly comic crime sequel to Sweetpea, following girl-next-door serial killer Rhiannon as she’s now caught between the urge to kill and her unborn baby stopping her.

Title: In Bloom (Sweetpea #2)

Author: CJ Skuse

Published: August 9th 2018 by HQ Stories

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!

Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.

Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex-lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws' garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.

But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?

Review: last year I was completely shocked with Sweetpea, the brutally honest diary of Rhiannon, a serial killer that gets a thrill every time she harms and kills bad guys. It was something completely unique and darker than anything I have ever read. Now we have its sequel, In Bloom, so I was a bit worried at the beginning as this time around there was no surprise or shocking factor, we know already what Rhiannon is capable of. But somehow, she managed to surprise me once again.

Rhiannon as a mother to be is quite the character. She stills makes her (hilarious) kill lists every day and her need to kill hasn't disappeared at all but there is a small problem, her baby doesn't want her to kill. During the whole story you can feel her frustration and you really wonder if she will just explode one day and be done with everything. 

Another thing I really enjoyed in this story was Rhiannon's new friendship with Marnie. It's really interesting to read about her trying to be a "good" friend and how their friendship evolved. I think we got to see a new side of Rhiannon that made me even like her (sometimes). I also think the ending of this story was very good.

If you enjoyed Sweetpea, definitely pick up the sequel as you won't be disappointed with Rhiannon's new adventures. And if you haven't met her yet and you enjoy dark humor and are looking for something completely shocking and outrageous, definitely pick these two books. I would definitely recommend reading Sweetpea before reading In Bloom though, as you need to know these characters and what they did to really understand and enjoy In Bloom. 

Rating: 4 stars

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

            

With no holidays planned until October, this month I am really looking forward to discovering new places through books, like California or Sri Lanka. Plus, some favorite authors of mine have novels out in the next few weeks, so August looks like is going to be a great reading month:

Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow by Siobhan Curham - August 2nd

An uplifting story of friendship, unity and hope that highlights the important and topical issues surrounding young carers and young refugees.

Fourteen-year-old Stevie lives in Lewes with her beloved vinyl collection, her mum ... and her mum's depression. When Stevie's mum's disability benefits are cut, Stevie and her mother are plunged into a life of poverty. But irrepressible Stevie is determined not to be beaten and she takes inspiration from the lyrics of her father's 1980s record collection and dreams of a life as a musician. Then she meets Hafiz, a talented footballer and a Syrian refugee. Hafiz's parents gave their life savings to buy Hafiz a safe passage to Europe; his journey has been anything but easy. Then he meets Stevie...

As Stevie and Hafiz's friendship grows, they encourage each other to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.

Why so excited: last year I read Siobhan Curham's The Moonlight Dreamers series and really loved those inspirational and heart-warming stories. Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow sounds just as special and I am already looking forward to meeting these new characters.

Order it now!

Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Katherine Webber - August 2nd

Reiko loves the endless sky and electric colours of the Californian desert. It is a refuge from an increasingly claustrophobic life of family pressures and her own secrets. Then she meets Seth, a boy who shares a love of the desert and her yearning for a different kind of life. But Reiko and Seth both want something the other can’t give them. As summer ends, things begin to fall apart. But the end of love can sometimes be the beginning of you...

From the author of the acclaimed Wing Jones comes a 'break-up' book about a Japanese-American teenager, set in the Palm Springs desert, California. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon's Everything, Everything and Sara Barnard's Beautiful Broken Things.

Why so excited: Katherine Webber is another author I discovered last year with the amazing Wing Jones and I've heard a lot about this story on Twitter, especially as Walker Books even organized a prom dance to celebrate it. I would have loved to attend it! 

Order it now!

In Bloom (Sweetpea 2) by CJ Skuse - August 9th

Makes Hannibal Lecter look like Mary Poppins… this is going to give me a serious book hangover’ John Marrs, author of The One

If only they knew the real truth. It should be my face on those front pages. My headlines. I did those things, not him. I just want to stand on that doorstep and scream it: IT WAS ME. ME. ME. ME. ME!

Rhiannon Lewis has successfully fooled the world and framed her cheating fiancé Craig for the depraved and bloody killing spree she committed. She should be ecstatic that she’s free.

Except for one small problem. She’s pregnant with her ex lover’s child. The ex-lover she only recently chopped up and buried in her in-laws garden. And as much as Rhiannon wants to continue making her way through her kill lists, a small voice inside is trying to make her stop.

But can a killer’s urges ever really be curbed?

Why so excited: Rhianon is back. I read Sweetpea last year and she is probably the most shocking and the darkest character I have ever met. But her dark humor and brutal honesty turned out to be highly entertaining. I am really looking forward to discovering her new life, now that she is with baby.

Order it now!

The Book Ninja by Ali Berg and Michelle Klaus - August 9th

**Could you find your perfect man by looking at his book shelf?** 

'Frankie, think about it. Literature is your life. You've been trawling Tinder looking for well-read intellectuals, but it's not working. Let's shake things up! Just use your favourite books to find a man.' 

Frankie Rose is desperate for love. Or a relationship. Or just a date with a semi-normal person. It’s not that she hasn’t tried – Frankie is the queen of online dating. But she has had enough.

With the help of her best friend and colleague Cat, Frankie decides to embark on the ultimate dating experiment. Inspired by her surroundings at The Little Brunswick Bookshop where she works, Frankie places her hope in her favourite books to find her the perfect man… Secretly planting copies on trains, trams and buses, Frankie hopes to find the man of her dreams through a mutual love of good books. The only flaw to the plan? That she may never get her books back! 

But that turns out to be the least of her worries... In between crazy dates and writing them up on her blog, Frankie stumbles upon her perfect man. There's just one problem...Frankie is strictly a Jane Austen kind of woman and Sunny is really into Young Adult. Seriously, obsessively into it...

Can Frankie overcome her book snobbery for the man of her dreams? Or will she be left searching the trains for her modern-day Mr Darcy forever?

Why so excited: this sounds like a bookworm's perfect story: literary references aplenty and finding love through books. I am really curious to see how the concepts translates to the page.

Order it now!

Are We All Lemmings and Snowflakes? By Holly Hebpurn - August 9th

Welcome to Camp Reset, a summer camp with a difference.

A place offering a shot at 'normality' for Olive, a girl on the edge, and for her new friends, who are all dealing with their own battles.

But as Olive settles in, she starts to wonder - maybe it's this messed up world that needs fixing, and not them. And so she comes up with a plan. Because together, snowflakes can form avalanches...

A trailblazing and painfully honest novel about mental health, friendship and making this crazy world a kinder place.

Why so excited: I only discovered Holly Bourne's YA books earlier this year, but I absolutely love them. I wish I could have read her stories, full of feminism discussions and great friendships, when I was a teenager myself. But no matter what age you are, hers are very important and special stories and this one sounds just as good.

Order it now!

The House of Birds and Butterflies by Cressida McLaughlin - August 9th

Abby Field loves every inch of Meadowsweet Nature Reserve on the idyllic Suffolk coast where she lives and works. Especially Swallowtail House, the rambling but empty country house that seems to look out at her each time she passes it’s shut-up windows.

When a TV wildlife programme choses a rival location for their new series, Meadowsweet is under threat – unless Abby can whip up a plan to keep the visitors flocking. But she finds herself distracted by the arrival of a brooding – and annoyingly handsome new neighbour… bad-boy novelist, Jack Westcoat.

With the pressure on, Abby and her cute rescue huskie, Raffle, must pull something special out of the bag. But with Jack in need of a good friend – and Abby feeling the pull of attraction, she can sense her resolve fluttering away…

Why so excited: Cressida Maclaughlin's stories are very feel-good and cosy and perfect to disconnect for a while from your busy life. I am definitely planning on reading this one by the pool and forgetting about everything else. 

Order it now!

My Sisters and Me by Lisa Dickenson - August 23rd

They're fixing up their childhood home. It's going to get messy.

When Willow Lake asks her daughters for help renovating the family home, each has a reason to hesitate about returning to Maplewood...

For quiet and bookish Emmy going back to the town that ridiculed her fills her with dread.

The youngest Noelle is perfectly comfortable in herself now, but once wanted to fit in so badly that she walked away from her first love. A first love who still lives in Maplewood.

And outspoken Rae is painfully aware of how much the townspeople hurt her little sisters growing up. She didn't protect them then, but there's no way she'll let history repeat itself.

The sisters agree to go home and make the best of it. After all if they've changed over the years, it's possible the townspeople have too . . . isn't it?

The BRAND NEW feel-good, kick-ass novel about sisterhood and second chances. Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk, Mhairi McFarlane and Anna Bell.

Why so excited: It's been too long since Lisa Dickenson published a story. I am so looking forward to her hilarious remarks and her strong and relatable characters! This will be such a treat. 

Order it now!

One Thousand Stars and You by Isabelle Broom - August 23rd

One spark will light up both their lives

Alice is settling down. It might not be the adventurous life she once imagined, but more than anything she wants to make everyone happy - her steady boyfriend, her over-protective mother - even if it means a little part of her will always feel stifled.

Max is shaking things up. After a devastating injury, he is determined to prove himself. To find the man beyond the disability, to escape his smothering family and go on an adventure.

A trip to Sri Lanka is Alice's last hurrah - her chance to throw herself into the heat, chaos and colour of a place thousands of miles from home.

It's also the moment she meets Max.

Alice doesn't know it yet, but her whole life is about to change.

Max doesn't know it yet, but he's the one who's going to change it.

Why so excited: Isabelle Broom is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Her stories are getting better and better with each new book and she always takes us readers to the most wonderful places. I cannot wait to discover our next destination, Sri Lanka.

Order it now!

While I Was Sleeping by Dani Atkins - August 23rd

A brand new and brilliant emotional family drama for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson, from the bestselling author of Fractured.

I don't remember what happened or what has changed.

I can still hear your voices but you can't seem to hear me.

I was about to be married and had everything to look forward to.

Now I have to find a way back - to you, to our family, to us.

Why so excited: I've already read this one and wow. I ugly-cried, I laughed out loud and I am still missing these characters. A stunning story and highly recommended. I'll share my review this month, so don't miss it! 

Order it now!