Alba in bookland: Juliet Ashton

Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.

Title: The Sunday Lunch Club

Author: Juliet Ashton

Published: April 19th 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: The first rule of Sunday Lunch Club is… don't make any afternoon plans.

Every few Sundays, Anna and her extended family and friends get together for lunch. They talk, they laugh, they bicker, they eat too much. Sometimes the important stuff is left unsaid, other times it's said in the wrong way.

Sitting between her ex-husband and her new lover, Anna is coming to terms with an unexpected pregnancy at the age of forty. Also at the table are her ageing grandmother, her promiscuous sister, her flamboyantly gay brother and a memory too terrible to contemplate.

Until, that is, a letter arrives from the person Anna scarred all those years ago. Can Anna reconcile her painful past with her uncertain future?

Review: The Sunday Lunch Club is an extraordinary novel about ordinary people. It tells the story of four siblings and their families. They all meet every few Sundays to eat, catch up, talk, discuss, argue about everything but also, to help each other with their issues. And as you join them in every meal, you start discovering more about them, their past, their insecurities and worries and their joys. It's easy to get engrossed in their lives and forget about yours for a few hours.

The story flows at a steady pace and although it focuses more in the eldest sister, Anna, you get to know all the characters quite well. My favorite was probably Josh, the youngest one, because even if he doesn't attend all the meals, his story is quite a special one and I might have shade a tear or two reading about him.

The Sunday Lunch Club has the perfect balance between tough moments and joyful ones. The Piper family is big, noisy and spirited but also generous and caring. I really loved when a new loved one or a friend joined the Sunday Lunch Club and everyone was welcoming but teasing too. Plus, it was fun to see the impression they made in the new-comer.

But what made this story stand out were the characters. They all were complex and felt real. Plus, they definitely developed greatly during the course of the story.

The Sunday Lunch Club is a touching and up-lifting story that will warm many hearts. A real treat that will surprise you, with both laughs and tears guaranteed!

Rating: 4 stars

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

New month, new books! Spring has finally come to Munich and with it, my new bookshelves. I am so happy with them! There's enough space for all my books and so many more to come. You can check my instagram account to have a look at them, if you are curious. Now, let's talk about new releases. April is going to be a very special bookish month with some amazing books coming out this month. Have a look at the ones I am most excited about:

Clean by Juno Dawson - April 5th

When socialite Lexi Volkov almost overdoses, she thinks she's hit rock bottom.

She's wrong. Rock bottom is when she's forced into an exclusive rehab facility.

From there, the only way is up for Lexi and her fellow inmates, including the mysterious Brady.

As she faces her demons, Lexi realises love is the most powerful drug of all...

It's a dirty business getting clean.

Addiction and redemption, love and despair. Clean will have you hooked from the first page.

Why so excited: I only discovered Juno Dawson last year with Margot & I. I fell completely in love with that story and although Clean looks like it has a completely different style, it sounds amazing. Plus, Marian Keyes said that she loved it and it is compulsively readable and touching.

Order it now!

The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies - April 5th

A sweeping, breath-taking story of love and betrayal from the Number One Sunday Times bestselling author of The Tea Planter's Wife

Ceylon, 1935. Louisa Reeve, the daughter of a successful British gem trader, and her husband Elliot, a charming, thrill-seeking businessman, seem like the couple who have it all. Except what they long for more than anything: a child.

While Louisa struggles with miscarriages, Elliot is increasingly absent, spending much of his time at a nearby cinnamon plantation, overlooking the Indian ocean. After his sudden death, Louisa is left alone to solve the mystery he left behind. Revisiting the plantation at Cinnamon Hills, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn towards the owner Leo, a rugged outdoors man with a chequered past. The plantation casts a spell, but all is not as it seems. And when Elliot's shocking betrayal is revealed, Louisa has only Leo to turn to...

Why so excited: Dinah Jefferies is one of my favourite Historical Fiction authors and her stories always transport me to the most exotic locations in the most turbulent times. I cannot wait to discover this story set in Ceylon in the thirties.

Order it now!

Our House by Louise Candlish - April 5th

FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE.

When Fi Lawson arrives home to find strangers moving into her house, she is plunged into terror and confusion. She and her husband Bram have owned their home on Trinity Avenue for years and have no intention of selling. How can this other family possibly think the house is theirs? And why has Bram disappeared when she needs him most?

FOR RICHER, FOR POORER.

Bram has made a catastrophic mistake and now he is paying. Unable to see his wife, his children or his home, he has nothing left but to settle scores. As the nightmare takes grip, both Bram and Fi try to make sense of the events that led to a devastating crime. What has he hidden from her – and what has she hidden from him? And will either survive the chilling truth – that there are far worse things you can lose than your house?

TILL DEATH US DO PART.

Why so excited: I've already read and reviewed this one and Our House is a really original and unique story that stretches the boundaries of a family to the limit. It's domestic noir at its best and the writing is exquisite. Read my full review here. You can also learn more about this book in the write up of the Spring Blogger Evening.

Order it now!

Never Greener by Ruth Jones - April 5th

The past has a habit of tracking us down. And tripping us up.

When Kate was twenty-two, she had an intense and passionate affair with a married man, Callum, which ended in heartbreak. Kate thought she’d never get over it.

Seventeen years later, life has moved on – Kate, now a successful actress, is living in London, married to Matt and mother to little Tallulah. Meanwhile Callum and his wife Belinda are happy together, living in Edinburgh and watching their kids grow up. The past, it would seem, is well and truly behind them all.

But then Kate meets Callum again.

And they are faced with a choice: to walk away from each other . . . or to risk finding out what might have been.

Second chances are a rare gift in life. But that doesn’t mean they should always be taken...

Why so excited: Ruth Jones is a well-known actress and screenwriter, so I am really curious to discover her debut novel. It sounds like a touching and live-affirming story and the proof is beautiful. Plus, the early reviews have been ravishing about it.

Order it now!

The Holiday Cottage by the Sea by Holly Martin - April 12th

The new book from the bestselling author of Summer at Buttercup Beach. Escape to Sandcastle Bay, where you’ll discover a charming little seaside village brimming with heart-warming friendships, quirky characters and plenty of sunshine.

The perfect place to fall in love this summer…

Tori Graham is in need of a holiday. Trying to piece her heart back together after losing the love of her life, she escapes to Blossom Cottage, with its picturesque views of the sea. And plans to spend the summer in gorgeous Sandcastle Bay, where her best friend Melody Rosewood lives.

Tori’s not expecting her summer by the beach to be eventful, until she meets handsome and mysterious Aidan Jackson…

Aidan looks after the holiday cottage Tori is staying in. Healing from past hurts, he wants to avoid any further chance of heartache. But could this newcomer be the breath of fresh air he needs?

Finding herself embracing life in the coastal community, Tori starts to fall in love with Sandcastle Bay and its welcoming cast of residents. But that’s not all she begins to fall for, as Tori is swept away by Aidan’s genuine heart and mischievous sense of humour. The attraction between them is undeniable, but will a simple holiday romance be enough?

As Tori’s stay in Sandcastle Bay comes to an end she has a tough decision to make…. Has her heart found a new place to call home?

Why so excited: I've lost count of how many books by Holly Martin I've read and loved. Her stories are always romantic and a little bit crazy, the perfect combination to disconnect for a few hours.

Order it now!

You, Me, Everything by Catherine Isaac - April 19th

You Me Everything is a heartfelt and unforgettable story about the lengths we are prepared to go to for those we love. Guaranteed to make you laugh and cry, this is novel you will never forget.

You and me, we have history.

We have a child together.

We have kept secrets from each other for far too long.

This summer, in the beautiful hills of the Dordogne, it is time for everything to change.

Why so excited: I read this one a couple of months ago already and completely fell in love with this story. It reminds you how frail life is and how important it is to cherish both the little things and the big ones too. Don't miss my review next week! Hint, it's a 5 stars one. You can also learn more about this book in the write up of the Spring Blogger Evening.

Order it now!

The Sunday Lunch Club by Juliet Ashton - April 5th

The first rule of Sunday Lunch Club is… don't make any afternoon plans.

Until, that is, a letter arrives from the person Anna scarred all those years ago. Can Anna reconcile her painful past with her uncertain future?

Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.

Why so excited: I've read this one and I can tell you that The Sunday Lunch Club is a touching and up-lifting story that will warm many hearts. A real treat that will surprise you, with both laughs and tears guaranteed. Plus, I'm quoted in the book, how cool is that! You can also learn more about this book in the write up of the Spring Blogger Evening.

Order it now!

The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae by Stephanie Butland - April 19th

Ailsa Rae is learning how to live.

She's only a few months past the heart transplant that - just in time - saved her life. Life should be a joyful adventure. But...

Her relationship with her mother is at breaking point and she wants to find her father.

Have her friends left her behind?

And she's felt so helpless for so long that she's let polls on her blog make her decisions for her. She barely knows where to start on her own.

Then there's Lennox. Her best friend and one time lover. He was sick too. He didn't make it. And now she's supposed to face all of this without him.

But her new heart is a bold heart.

She just needs to learn to listen to it...

Why so excited: Lost for Words, Stephanie Butland's previous book, was one of my top reads of last year, so as you can imagine I'm excited to discover her new story. It sounds like Ailsa Rae is a very special character and her story will surprise us.

Order it now!

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Blogger Evening, organised by Books and the City. I'd attended a couple of their events so I knew it is always a great opportunity to hear about new books, chat with authors and bloggers and of course, eat all the cupcakes, but what made this event so special was the panel of authors. There were 10 authors invited! It was amazing to hear really well-known authors talk about their new books but also discover new talents and their debuts.

The first thing that caught my attention when I first arrived at the brand new offices of Simon & Schuster were the beautiful cupcakes. Restoration Cakes had designed a cupcake for each book and they really looked like a work or art.

The event was chaired by editor Jo Dickinson and she had the most interesting questions for our authors. Here's a little information in each of the 10 books presented:

Random Acts of Kindness - Part 3: Crossroads by Victoria Walters

Victoria Walkers' new book is a serialised enovel and Crossroads (the third installment) is out on April 2nd. This story is all about kindness and during her turn, Victoria shared with us how she felt when she herself experienced a random act of kindness from a stranger. It sounds like a lovely read and I am looking forward to discover more about this story. If you are curious too, you can get Part 1 for free here.

Our House by Louise Candlish

I've already read and reviewed this one and it left me completely speechless. What a clever and unique story (you can read my review here). It was a real treat to hear Louise talking about it. She basically wanted to write a story about a new crime, not what you usually find in books, and was inspired by an article about a house theft involving mafias. According to her, if you follow the book step by step, you can steal a house for yourself! Our House is out on April 5th and I highly recommend you get a copy of it.

The Sunday Lunch Club by Juliet Asthon

Next, it was the turn of Juliet Ashton. I got an early review copy of her latest, The Sunday Lunch Club, and devoured it immediately. It was such a warm and funny story and I'm over the moon that they are quoting me on the final book. Juliet talked about the Piper family, the stars of the story, and their love for bickering. And the short extract she read had everyone laughing. An extraordinary story about ordinary story, The Sunday Lunch Club is out on April 19th.

You Me Everything by Catherine Isaac

Catherine Isaac might look familiar to rom-com fans, as she is also the best-selling author Jane Costello (a firm favorite of mine). Catherine talked about her new story and how the more serious and deep tone of it called for a brand new name. She also stressed that You Me Everything is not a story about an illness but a story about love, all kinds of love. I've read this one already and I can tell you that this is, indeed, a very special story, out April 19th.

Starry Skies at Castle Court by Holly Hepburn

Starry Skies is Part 4 of Holly Hepburn's latest serialized enovel. I haven't read this one yet, but I loved Holly's previous books so it was great to learn a bit more about Castle Court. Holly talked about the research she did for this story: the main characters open a biscuit shop so she made, iced and ate biscuits herself (what hard work researching is!). Also, while writing this story Holly had in mind Kingly Court, in Carnaby Street, so I decided to go there to discover this location the following day. Following Holly's recommendation, I had some chicken and waffles in Dirty Bones, delicious! Now I cannot wait to discover Castle Court. Part 4 is out on May 1st.

Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

I love Paige Toon's stories, so for me, hearing her talk about her new one was a highlight of the night. Five Years From Now was inspired by en event in her own life, when something went quite wrong and her dad told her that five years from then she'd look back and understand why that happened, and she did! The story follows a couple and their encounters every five years and it sounds amazing. It's out on May 17th.

Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square by Heidi Swain

During her turn, Heidi talked about her inspiring story. She had always wanted to write but had never really gone for it. But when she finally decided to do so, she entered the one day submission Digital Original scheme organized by Books and the City. And 3 years later, here she is about to publish her 6th book! Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square sounds like a delightful story and it is out on May 31st.

Best Practice by Penny Parkes

Best Practice is the third book the Larkford series. I've loved the previous two books set in this lovely village, with the practice in its centre, and I am really looking forward to catching up with these characters and meeting the new ones. So I had so much fun listening to Penny talk about them! She sometimes forgets that they are not real and was shocked to discover that Elsie's house was being sold. Best Practice is out now in Hardback and will be released in paperback on June 28th.

The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore

I haven't read any books by Santa Montefiore yet, but I have heard great things about her stories. The Temptation of Gracie is her first novel after her latest series and it's set in beautiful Tuscany. Hearing her talk about the castle and the stunning area, I could already picture it in my head, so I cannot wait to be transported there! The Temptations of Gracie is out this summer on July 12th.

The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris

And last but not least, it was Anstey Harris' turn. Hers was the only name I didn't recognize when I got the invite, so I was curious to find out more about her and her novel. She was actually not allowed to share a lot about her debut but what she shared had me really excited. Her story has music at its core, so imagine her surprise when she first sat to write and through her window she saw her neighbor playing the cello! The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton isn't out until January next year, but I would definitely recommend pre-ordering it!

What a panel, right? I am looking forward to discover this amazing stories!

Afterwards, we still had time to keep eating some more cupcakes, chat with the authors and get our booklets signed. All in all, it was a lovely bookish evening and as usual, I was left wishing I lived in London to be able to attend more events like this. But, thanks to SJV, I flew back home with a suitcase full of goodies. Thanks so much to Books and the City for yet another amazing event.

New month means new books, right? As usual, I'm sharing my top new releases for this month. It's looking like it's going to be a very interesting month with releases by some of my favourite authors!

Catch Me If You Cannes by Lisa Dickenson - April 3rd

WARNING: reading Catch Me If You Cannes may result in embarrassing outbursts of belly-aching laughter on public transport. Romantic, funny and full of Cannes Film Festival magic, it's perfect for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Paige Toon and Mhairi McFarlane.

Jess has decided it's time to get out of her comfort zone and live a little. So when her best friend Bryony, a journalist on a gossip magazine, is sent to cover the Cannes Film Festival, Jess decides to seize the day and go along for the ride. Two weeks of sun, glamour and exclusive entry into celeb-filled parties is just the kind of adventure Jess needs.

Reality soon bites though when Jess and Bryony find they're staying in a dingy hotel far away from all the action and Bryony's expenses budget barely covers a glass of local wine. Undeterred, the two women are determined to live like the elite and enjoy one fancy night out to begin their holiday. So what if they have to tell a few white lies along the way? It's just this once. No harm done... right?

Full of hilarious one-liners, sparkling blue seas and plenty of romantic moments, Catch Me If You Cannes is the story of two friends, a few white lies and one very sticky situation...

Why so excited: I had the pleasure of reading this story when it was first released as a serialised enovel and I loved every single page! It's now out as a whole novel, in ebook format today and paperback next month. Don't miss it!

Pre-order now!

The Choir on Hope Street by Annie Lyons - April 6th

The best things in life happen when you least expect them.

Nat’s husband has just said the five words no one wants to hear – ‘I don’t love you anymore’.

Picture-perfect Caroline has to welcome her estranged mother into her house after she was forced out of an exclusive nursing home.

Living on the same street these two women couldn’t be more different. Until the local community centre is threatened, galvanising Caroline and the people of Hope Street into action. But when the only way to save the centre is to form a community choir – no one, least of all Nat, expects the results…

This spring, hope is coming!

Why so excited: I have really enjoyed Annie Lyons' previous books so I was over the moon to get a review copy of her new one. It's my current read and I'm having so much fun reading it. Keep an eye for my review later this week.

Pre-order now!

Spring at Blueberry Bay by Holly Martin - April 7th

Welcome to beautiful Hope Island where the sea sparkles, the daffodils are blooming and a blossoming romance is just around the corner…
Bella has always had a sunny outlook and caring nature, despite recently falling on hard times. When she finds a handsome homeless man on her doorstep, her kind heart tells her she must help him. So, she invites Isaac into her cottage and into her life in ways she could never have imagined…

But Isaac is not what he seems. He’s keeping a huge secret from Bella, yet he never expected to fall for this open, generous and charming woman.

Bella can’t ignore the chemistry between her and Isaac, but she’s had her trust badly broken in her past. Will she run when she learns the truth about Isaac, or will he be the one man who can help Bella believe in love again?

A gorgeously romantic and heartwarming story to completely lose yourself in. Perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan, Jane Costello and Miranda Dickinson.
Why so excited: A new Holly Martin book! How can I not be excited? She never disappoints and her magical stories are always full of surprises and romances. I'll be part of the Blog Tour next week.

Pre-order now!

Then. Now. Always. by Isabelle Broom - April 20th

Hannah can't believe it when she's offered a trip to sunny Spain with her best friend and dreamy boss..1 what's the catch?

Twenty-eight year old Hannah is ready for an adventure. She and her colleagues are in Spain for a month to film a documentary, and it's a dream come true. Not least because Hannah will get to spend long summer days with Theo, her boss (and crush). If only Tom (Hannah's best friend and cameramen) and Claudette (the presenter) would stop getting in the way...

Then things become even more complicated when Nancy, Hannah's half-sister arrives. What on earth is she doing here?

For once in her life, can't Hannah just have one perfect summer, free of any drama?

Why so excited: After loving Isabelle Broom's previous two novels, how can I not be excited for a new story? This one is set in the south of Spain and I'm sure it'll become my next holiday destination!

Pre-order now!

The Woman at Number 24 by Juliet Ashton - April 20th

Meet the residents of number 24 in the warm, witty and wonderful new novel from bestselling author Juliet Ashton.

When your marriage falls apart, the last place you'd want your husband to move to is downstairs. Unfortunately for Sarah, up in the eaves at number 24, her ex-husband now lives one floor beneath her with his new wife. Their happiness floats up through the floorboards, taunting her.

A child psychologist, Sarah has picked up great sadness from the little girl, Una, who lives with her careworn mother three floors below, but is Sarah emotionally equipped to reach out?

The Spring brings a new couple to the house. Jane and Tom's zest for life revives the flagging spirits, and Sarah can't deny the instant attraction to handsome Tom. Having seen at first hand what infidelity does to people, she'll never act on it ... but the air fizzes with potential.

The sunshine doesn't reach every corner of number 24, however. Elderly Mavis, tucked away in the basement, has kept the world at bay for decades. She's about to find out that she can't hide forever.

Juliet Ashton weaves a story of love, friendship and community that will move you to laughter and to tears. Think Cold Feet meets David Nicholls, with a dash of the joy of Jill Mansell added for good measure.

Why so excited: I only discovered Juliet Ashton last year but I fell instantly in love with her writing so when I first heard about this one, it immediately entered my wish list. I really cannot wait to read this one, it sound exactly like my kind of read.

Pre-order now!

The A-Z of Everything by Debbie Johnson - April 20th

P is for Paris where it all began. J is for Jealousy where it all came undone. But the most important letter is F. F is for Forgiveness, the hardest of all.

Sisters Poppy and Rose used to be as close as two sisters could be, but it’s been over a decade since they last spoke. Until they both receive a call that tells them their mother has gone – without ever having the chance to see her daughters reunited.

Andrea, though, wasn’t the kind of woman to let a little thing like death stand in the way of her plans. Knowing her daughters better than they know themselves, she has left behind one very special last gift – the A-Z of Everything.

Why so excited: Debbie Johnson is also an author I discovered last year and became a firm favourite of mine. I've read already some great reviews for this story and I couldn't be more excited to read it myself.

Pre-order now!

A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of attending The Books and the City Blogger Evening. Juliet Ashton was one of the authors on the panel and she read an extract of this book and talked about the story and the writing process, the characters, the main topics... I found all of it very interesting and I started this story with high expectations. Here are my thoughts:

Title: These Days of Ours

Author: Juliet Ashton

Published: April 7th 2016 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A novel about love. Raw important love. Small, beautiful love. And what happens when the person you love cannot be yours… Perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Jane Green and David Nicholls.

Kate and Becca are cousins and best friends. They have grown up together and shared all the most important milestones in their lives: childhood birthday parties, eighteenth birthdays, and now a wedding day as they each marry their childhood sweethearts, Charlie and Julian.

Kate has always loved Charlie - they were meant to be. Then she discovers that life never turns out quite how you expect it to. And love doesn't always follow the journey it should.

But best friends are forever, and true love will find a way, won't it…?

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

Review: As the blurb says, These Days of Ours is a novel about love, not only romantic love, but all kinds of love. And it's a beautiful novel. Juliet Ashton takes us on a journey with cousins Kate and Becca full of small things and great events, of secrets, betrayals and misunderstandings but above all, full of feelings, emotions and bonds. I had so many emotions while reading it, Kate and Becca's stories are intertwine since they are born, they share everything, even love interests. And by the end of this book, I felt like I was part of their stories too.

Every chapter starts with an invitation to an event, from birthdays parties to weddings, the years pass and we read how these girls grow up, fall in love, fall out of love, argue, reconcile, have kids... a constant presence during all this is Charlie. He was Kate's sweetheart but their young love didn't manage to survive time and when he left of university, they grown apart. It's obvious though that their story is still open but as the years pass, it seems almost impossible that they'll find each other again somehow. I found their story fascinating. So many missed opportunities! But what really got to me was their friendship. I loved reading about them and their interactions, how awkward they were at the beginning and how close they ended up being. I was rooting for them the whole book and I really had no idea how their story was going to end.

Another main topic in the book is family. Not only Kate and Becca are close, but their families too. They support each other and share all their milestones, with all their joys and sorrows. All the characters were really well developed, and I felt like I knew them all personally. I could even anticipate how they would react to certain events before reading it. The one who stole the show for me, was Kate's dad. He was such a wise and supportive man. Plus, he dedicated his life to help an orphanage in China, expecting nothing in return. His life dream was visiting it and I was always wondering if he achieved it or not.

These Days of Ours is a brilliantly written story that I enjoyed immensely. I didn't always approve Kate and Becca's actions, especially Becca's. And there were moments when I didn't even like them, but by the end of it, I was so invested with the story that I would forgive them all. I found their story, their differences, but above all, their friendship amazing. Certainly a very compelling novel.

Rating: 5 stars

These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton - April 7th

A novel about love. Raw important love. Small, beautiful love. And what happens when the person you love cannot be yours… Perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Jane Green and David Nicholls.

Kate has always loved Charlie - they were meant to be. Then she discovers that life never turns out quite how you expect it to. And love doesn't always follow the journey it should.

But best friends are forever, and true love will find a way, won't it…?

Why so excited: I had the pleasure to attend the Spring Bloggers Evening at Books and the City and Juliet Ashton read us an extract of this novel. She also talked a bit about her writing process and what this story meant to her. It sound like an amazing read and I can't wait to start it!

The Missing by C.L. Taylor - April 7th

You love your family. They make you feel safe. You trust them. Or do you…?

When fifteen-year-old Billy Wilkinson goes missing in the middle of the night, his mother, Claire Wilkinson, blames herself. She's not the only one. There isn't a single member of Billy's family that doesn't feel guilty. But the Wilkinson’s are so used to keeping secrets from one another that it isn't until six months later, after an appeal for information goes horribly wrong, that the truth begins to surface.

Claire is sure of two things – that Billy is still alive and that her friends and family had nothing to do with his disappearance.

A mother's instinct is never wrong. Or is it?

Why so excited: The Missing is one of my most anticipated books of the year. C. L. Taylor stories are amazing, so gripping and creepy. I can't wait to find out what she has come up with next!

The Summer We Danced by Fiona Harper - April 7th

Shall we dance?

After a humiliating divorce and watching her former rock star husband leave her for a model live on reality TV, Pippa is determined to disappear. So she returns to the small Kent village where she grew up to make a fresh start.

Little did she know that would mean saving her beloved childhood dance school or falling for her old school crush Tom too!

Why so excited: I've actually haven't read any books by Fiona Harper but I've always heard great things about them so when I was offered to review her latest one, I jumped at the opportunity. It sounds like my kind of story, up lifting, cute and romantic!

Somewhere Inside of Happy by Anna McPartlin

'And just like that my boy was gone.'

Maisie Brennan is standing on a podium on the twentieth anniversary of the death of her son, trying to find the first breath that will help her start talking to a room full of strangers. A daunting task at the best of times, but she's also menopausal and one hot flush away from totally losing it.

But as Maisie begins her story, she soon relaxes and word by word disappears into her past, back to 1st January 1995 – the day when one mistaken action led to a chain of events that changed her life for ever...

If you laughed and cried reading Anna McPartlin's bestselling story The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes, then Somewhere Inside of Happy will have you smiling and tearful all over again.

Why so excited: I know this story is going to break me but I can't wait for it. The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes was absolutely amazing and I'm sure this one will be no less.

My Map of You by Isabelle Broom - April 21st

Holly Wright has had a difficult few years. After her mother's death, she's become expert at keeping people at a distance - including her boyfriend, Rupert.

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

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

Why so excited: Little secret, I've already read this one and it's amazing! Seriously, pick your copy and get lost in turquoise waters and family secrets.

The Chic Boutique on Baker St. by Rachel Dove - April 21st

Amanda is making the idyllic escape to the countryside to find a new life. Ben is picking up the pieces of his life after his wife left.

Could a chance encounter outside Amanda's 'chic boutique' set them on the road to renewed happiness? Shop owner Amanda leaves London behind for life in the country and find's love with local vet Ben in this fun, addictive winner of the Prima Flirty Fiction competition.

Why so excited: I love discovering new authors, so when I was offered Rachel Dove's debut to review, I couldn't resist. I mean, who can resist a story with a sexy vet? Plus, look at that cover, just looking at it I want to leave everything behind and move there!

After the Lie by Kerry Fisher - April 29th

One little lie can make one big difference…

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

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

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

Why so excited: I've already read this one and oh! The tension! I read it in two sitting because I needed to know it all! It is a tense and clever story that will keep you on your toes.

As you can see, April is going to be an amazing month for books! I usually pick only 5 releases but this month I just couldn't narrow it down any more.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Blogger Event at the Books and the City HQ, which, as you can image, was a total blast. When we first arrived, the lovely SJ welcomed us all and offered us something to drink and some fantastic nibbles. I got chatting to some bloggers and soon we were called to the conference room. There, Clare Hey, editor to the stars, introduced us to these four fantastic authors: Juliet Ashton, Holly Hepburn, Paige Toon and Penny Parkes.

Each author read an extract of their latest book and talked a bit about the "behind the scenes" of their writing process. And then Clare Hey conducted a little interview with them. We found out some secrets and discussed sexy doctors and hot blacksmiths, that's what I call a great chat! The books they presented were:

These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton. I've heard great things about this book and the bit that Juliet read left me wanting to pick it immediately. This is supposed to be a very emotional read with a twist or two along the way, my kind of read!

Summer at the Star and Sixpence by Holly Hepburn. This is the third installment in the Star and Sixpence Series. I've read the first two and really enjoyed the small town atmosphere. After hearing Holly's teasers, I know what I'll be reading this weekend!

The One We Fell in Love With by Paige Toon. Before the event, we knew almost nothing about Paige's new book. So I felt very privileged to hear her talk about it and reveal some details. It certainly sounded amazing and as soon as I got back to my hotel, I couldn't resist reading the first couple of chapters... this is going to be big!

Out of Practice by Penny Parkes. Penny's debut is all about sexy doctors and did I mention sexy doctors? Yes, there are sexy doctors and it sounded like another amazing read. So looking forward to diving in!

After this fun and entertaining chat, we were offered some bubbles and delicious cupcakes (which not only looked amazing, they were actually out of this world good). And then, it was time to get our goody bags (!!!) and meet the authors. Author Georgia Clarke, who publishes The Regulars in August, also joined us and we got all our books signed. They were all so fun and lovely and it was a pleasure to meet them all.

Afterwards, we had some more bubbles and cupcakes and I had some time to chat with bloggers, authors and lovely bookish people. Also, I got to meet talented author Isabelle Broom, and told her how much I loved her debut My Map of You, which is out next month. So all in all, a fantastic bookish evening!