For the last couple of years, I've shared the perfect books to travel the world from your own couch (check out my other Top Holidays Reads here) so today I am bringing you a brand new list with 10 stories set all around the world. Get ready to discover some amazing new places! 

If you also love travelling through books, don't miss our route. There's a book for everyone:

Somewhere Beyond the Sea: St Ives, Cornwall (UK).

Miranda Dickinson's latest book is a gorgeous story about love, family and hope. But it is also a love letter to St Ives and its beautiful beaches. This story really reminded me how to appreciate the little things and the joy they bring and let me discover a part of the UK that I haven't had the pleasure of visiting yet (stress on the YET). 

Read my 5 stars review here | Get it now!

The Temptation of Gracie: Tuscany, Italy.

Santa Montefiore's new book is set in a stunning castle in Tuscany. With its dual time line, you get to discover this magical place both nowadays and the sixties and it is impossible not to fall in love with it. The descriptions of the stunning scenery and delicious food are generous and detailed and you can easily picture the castle and the village next to it in your mind perfectly.

Read my 4 stars review here | Get it now!

You Me Everything: the South of France.

This story by Catherine Isaac is one of my favorite books of the year so far. I loved the plot, I loved the characters and I loved the setting. Well, I loved everything. The story is about single mum Jess and her ten-year-old son William and their summer in France, where William's father has renovated a castle as a holiday resort. It's easy get lost in the stunning scenery of Château de Roussignol. A beautiful story about love, about family, about friendship, about life...

Read my 5 stars review here | Get it now!

The Hideaway: Valencia, Spain.

In her latest book, Sheila O'Flanagan takes us to Spain. Main character, Juno, is grieving the loss of a very important person for her so she decides to take some time off and stay at the family villa of a friend in Valencia. Villa Naranja is not in the coast but a bit inland and has its own swimming pool and orange grove. The highlight of this story was the setting for me. Juno got to discover the local festivities and enjoy the Spanish way of live. 

Get it now! 

One Thousand Stars and You: Sri Lanka.

I couldn't do a holiday reads list without including one of Isabelle Broom's amazing stories. 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 felt completely in love with this story and its characters and I am now 100 % obsessed with Sri Lanka and its food. 

Read my 5 stars review here | Get it now!

Chasing the Sun: Great Ocean Road & Sydney, Australia

This is the fourth book in The Lonely Hearts Travel Club Series and after loving Georgia's adventures all around the globe, I was really looking forwards to joining her in her new trip down under. From the worst hostel ever and a certain big Willy in her road trip to the crazy wedding in Sydney, Georgia is definitely in for the adventure of a life time. 

Get it now!

The Summer of Impossible Things: New York

Rowan Coleman makes us believe that the impossible is possible and takes us in a journey like no other. We follow Luna and her sister to Brooklyn after their mother's death. For some inexplicable reason, Luna discovers that she is able to travel to 1977, the year that changed their mother's life forever. I loved discovering the seventies through her eyes. I could easily picture a disco obsessed Brooklyn getting ready for the release of Saturday Night Fever. A truly magical novel.

Still Me: New York

And if you enjoyed discovering Brooklyn with The Summer of Impossible Things, then you will love discovering Manhattan with Jojo Moyes' latest addition to the Me Before You Series. Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, thanks to her job with a superrich family, she begins to mix in New York high society. I loved discovering this more glamorous part of the city and the story was full of heart. Louisa is always there to remind us to live boldly.

Get it now!

The Wonder of Us: Eurotrip 

If you don't have time to read all the books above to do some couch-traveling, then I highly recommend you pick Kim Culbertson's new book. Riya and Abby travel all around Europe to discover its hidden wonder. With stops at Milan, Zurich, Berlin, Edinburgh, Reykjavik and London, The Wonder of Us is a fun coming of age tale that will make you want to pack your suitcases and join these two in their euroadventures. 

Get it now!

Miranda Dickinson's new novel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it. Here are my thoughts on it:

Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Published: June 14th 2018 by Pan

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met?

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it.

Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Review: Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a gorgeous story about love, family and hope. But it's also a very real portrayal of loss and grief. Both main characters, Seren and Jack, have lost someone and are trying to re-build their lives again. It's impossible not to warm up to such good-hearted and inspiring characters and soon you find yourself rooting for them and sharing both their joys and disappointments.

I fell a bit in love with Jack myself. He was such a fantastic dad to Nessie. You could tell his world orbited around this little girl and he managed to make every little thing magical for her. I enjoyed immensely following them to the beach, while they built their unfinished sea glass stars for the mermaids. 

This story really reminded me how to appreciate the little things and the joy they bring. For Seren, finding those unfinished stars gave her hope in a very dark moment of her life. In fact, every time I pick a book by Miranda Dickinson I end up feeling happier and really hopeful about the future. 

I really liked how the story unfolded and the direction it took. It was a real treat to see these characters and their families and friends touched by the magic of this story. Definitely a highly recommended story to enjoy this summer. Small warning, I'm pretty sure you'll want to book a holiday in St Ives as soon as you've finished reading it!

Rating: 5 stars

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

May has come and gone way too fast. I was very busy at work and then we had a couple of long weekends away (I completely fell in love with Slovenia), so I didn't have as much time for reading and blogging as I would have liked. But hopefully June will be a more quiet month and I'll have many hours in the sun to read these amazing stories:

Days of Wonder by Keith Stuart - June 7th

Magical, heartbreaking, beautiful - Days of Wonder reminds us that stories have the power to save lives.

Tom, single father to Hannah, is the manager of a tiny local theatre. On the same day each year, he and its colourful cast of part-time actors have staged a fantastical production just for his little girl, a moment of magic to make her childhood unforgettable.

But there is another reason behind these annual shows: the very first production followed Hannah's diagnosis with a heart condition that both of them know will end her life early. And now, with Hannah a funny, tough girl of fifteen on the brink of adulthood, that time is coming.

With the theatre under threat of closure, Hannah and Tom have more than one fight on their hands to stop the stories ending. But maybe, just maybe, one final day of magic might just save them both.

A tale about growing up, the beauty of a special bond between father and daughter, and finding magic in everyday life, Days of Wonder is the most moving novel you'll read all year.

Why so excited: I've already read this one and wow! Days of Wonder is a stunning story. It's an ode to theater and fairytales. To the magic of stories and how they inspire people and change lives, definitely a highly recommended read.

Order it now!

The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Welch - June 14th

The "OMG" romance of the year, The Man Who Didn't Call by Rosie Walsh is a heart-wrenching love story with a dark secret at its heart, for anyone who's waited for a phone call that didn't come.

Imagine you meet a man, spend seven glorious days together, and fall in love. And it’s mutual: you’ve never been so certain of anything.

So when he leaves for a long-booked holiday and promises to call from the airport, you have no cause to doubt him.

But he doesn’t call.

Your friends tell you to forget him, but you know they're wrong: something must have happened; there must be a reason for his silence.

What do you do when you finally discover you're right? That there is a reason – and that reason is the one thing you didn't share with each other?

The truth.

Why so excited: A truly stunning story that I am planning to re-read very soon. It broke my heart but it also healed it. This story is going to be huge, and trust me, you don't want to miss it. Read my full review here.

Order it now!

One in a Million by Lindsey Kelk - June 14th

Everyone wants that special someone….

Annie Higgins has given up on love: she’s too busy trying to get her own business off the ground. Infuriated by the advertising agency across the hall making fun of her job, Annie accepts their crazy challenge – to make a random stranger Instagram-famous in just 30 days.

And even when they choose Dr Samuel Page PhD, historian and hater of social media, as her target, Annie’s determined to win the bet – whether Sam likes it or not.

But getting to know Sam means getting to know more about herself. And before the 30 days are out, Annie has to make a decision about what’s really important…

Funny, real and heart-meltingly romantic, Annie and Sam’s story is My Fair Lady for the social media age – and the perfect summer read.

Why so excited: Lindsay Kelk is one of my favorite authors, and after catching up with Angela and the gang in her latest book, I am very excited to meet a brand new cast of characters in this story. It sounds like a lot fun, the perfect antidote to a stressful day!

Order it now!

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by Miranda Dickinson - June 14th

Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met?

Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built – while grieving for his loss – she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished seaglass star on her favourite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes.

Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding seaglass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope.

Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it.

Both have reason to fight – Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for?

Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it.

Why so excited: Miranda Dickinson is the queen of feel good novels and sparkly stories, and I cannot wait to discover her latest one. She always puts so much heart in her books that they usually steal my heart. I am pretty sure Somewhere Beyond the Sea will be no different

Order it now!

How Do You Like Me Now? by Holly Bourne - June 14th

'Turning thirty is like playing musical chairs. The music stops, and everyone just marries whoever they happen to be sitting on.'

Who the f*ck is Tori Bailey?

There's no doubt that Tori is winning the game of life. She's inspired millions of women to stick two fingers up at convention with her bestselling memoir, and she has the perfect relationship to boot.

But Tori Bailey has been living a lie.

Everyone around her is getting married and having babies, but her long-term boyfriend won't even talk about getting engaged. And when her best friend Dee - her plus one, the only person who understands the madness - falls in love, suddenly Tori's in terrifying danger of being left behind.

When the world tells you to be one thing and turning thirty brings with it a loud ticking clock, it takes courage to walk your own path.

It's time for Tori to practice what she's preached, but the question is: is she brave enough?

The debut adult novel by bestselling author Holly Bourne is a blisteringly funny, honest and moving exploration of love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties.

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. And in this story, the main character is turning thirty, just as me! Perfect timing or what?

Order it now!

Missing Pieces by Laura Pearson - June 21st

What if the one thing that kept you together was breaking you apart?

All Linda wants to do is sleep. She won’t look at her husband. She can’t stand her daughter. And she doesn’t want to have this baby. Having this baby means moving on, and she just wants to go back to before. Before their family was torn apart, before the blame was placed.

Alienated by their own guilt and struggling to cope, the Sadler family unravels. They grow up, grow apart, never talking about their terrible secret.

That is until Linda’s daughter finds out she’s pregnant. Before she brings another Sadler into the world, Bea needs to know what happened twenty-five years ago. What did they keep from her? What happened that couldn’t be fixed?

A devastating mistake, a lifetime of consequences. How can you repair something broken if pieces are missing?

Why so excited: I received an advance copy of this story a few weeks ago. It came with a lovely care package that included tissues. I'll admit that while reading this story I did need them! Heart-breaking story. I'll be sharing my review during the Blog Tour later this month.

Order it now!

Best Practice by Penny Parkes - June 28th

Dr Alice Walker has become accomplished at presenting a façade to the world – to anyone watching, she is the epitome of style, composure and professionalism. But perhaps it was to be expected that the cracks might begin to show at some point. Thankfully Grace is on hand to offer both friendship and support when it’s needed most.

Meanwhile, Dr Holly Graham has her hands full both professionally and personally. Planning a wedding with Taffy Jones is challenging enough, even before some surprising news changes everything. At least beloved Larkford resident, Elsie, still has a few tricks left up her sleeve!

Dr Dan Carter, on the other hand, has decided to throw himself into his career – the best antidote he’s found to unrequited love. When tragedy strikes in the heart of Larkford, Dan makes it his mission to help the community.

Why so excited: although this story was published in hardback earlier this year, I haven't had the chance to read it yet. So now that the paperback is coming, I really want to catch up with my favorite fictional medical practice!

Order it now!

Letters to my Daughters by Emma Hannigan - June 28th

Some books are guaranteed to break your heart - and put it back together again. Letters to my Daughters is one of those wonderful books. From the inspirational, beloved Emma Hannigan.

Throughout their lives, the three Brady sisters have always been closer to their nanny May than to their own mother, Martha a busy midwife. May always thought of them as her daughters so when she dies suddenly, the sisters are left devastated -- especially when they learn that letters intended for them from May with final words of advice and love have gone missing.

But what words of advice could the sisters need?

Beatrice, owner of exclusive wedding boutiques, is busy and fulfilled. Rose has a beautiful daughter, a luxurious home and a thriving interiors company. And Jeannie, married to a wealthy plastic surgeon in L.A., wants for nothing.

Except that each of the sisters carries a secret ...

As they gather for the reading of May's will in Dublin, they must face some life-changing decisions. Will they ever learn the words of advice May had for them and discover who took the letters?

Letters to my Daughters is the spellbinding story about the complicated bonds between women -- daughters, mothers, sisters -- and how love and happiness comes in many guises.

Why so excited: Irish author Emma Hannigan sadly lost her battle to cancer earlier this year and it was really touching to see so many authors supporting her latest book. As author Anna McPartlin wrote on Twitter: “Emma can’t promote her work herself so please join us. Buy it. Read it. Promote it”. 

Order it now!

October has come already and has caught me quite by surprise! A few days late this month, but I wanted to share the new releases I am excited about because there are a few that have SO SO excited. Here they are: 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Illustrated Edition - October 3rd

An extraordinary creative achievement by an extraordinary talent, Jim Kay's inspired reimagining of J.K. Rowling's classic series has captured a devoted following worldwide. This stunning new fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban brings more breathtaking scenes and unforgettable characters - including Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Professor Trelawney. With paint, pencil and pixels, Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Fizzing with magic and brimming with humour, this full-colour edition will captivate fans and new readers alike as Harry, now in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, faces Dementors, death omens and - of course - danger.

Why so excited: I am absolutely loving this illustrated editions and I cannot wait for the next one. I have ordered my copy and waiting for it! Jim Cay is creating such beautiful and magical images that I feel like I am discovering this beloved world all over again. 

Order it now!

Moonlight Over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan - October 5th

She'll risk everything for her own Christmas miracle…

Determined to conquer a lifetime of shyness, Harriet Knight challenges herself to do one thing a day in December that scares her, including celebrating Christmas without her family. But when dog-walker Harriet meets her newest client, exuberant spaniel Madi, she adds an extra challenge to her list – dealing with Madi's temporary dog-sitter, gruff doctor Ethan Black, and their very unexpected chemistry.

Ethan thought he was used to chaos, until he met Madi – how can one tiny dog cause such mayhem? To Ethan, the solution is simple – he will pay Harriet to share his New York apartment and provide 24-hour care. But there's nothing simple about how Harriet makes him feel.

Ethan's kisses make Harriet shine brighter than the stars over moonlit Manhattan. But when his dog-sitting duties are over, and Harriet returns to her own home, will she dare to take the biggest challenge of all – letting Ethan know he has her heart for life, not just for Christmas?

Why so excited: Well, it is a Christmas book by Sarah Morgan, the queen of Christmas, what else can I tell you? Ah yes! It's set in NYC! Who wouldn't be excited with this?

Order it now!

The Dollmaker of Krakow by R.M. Romero - October 5th

A timeless fantasy set in the Second World War that weaves together magic, folklore and history, perfect for fans of The Book Thief, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Goodnight Mister Tom. 

One night a little doll named Karolina comes to life in a toyshop in Krakow, Poland, in 1939 and changes the life of the gruff, broken-hearted Dollmaker. And when the darkness of the Nazi occupation sweeps over the city, Karolina and the Dollmaker must bravely use their magic to save their Jewish friends from a terrible danger, no matter what the risks. This powerful story is about finding friendship in the darkest of places and the importance of love in times of great pain.

Why so excited: I received this one already and I cannot even start to describe how beautiful this book is. I am really curious to find out more about this story but it certainly sounds like my kind of book. 

Order it now!

Coming Home to the Comfort Food Café by Debbie Johnson - October 8th

Welcome to the cosy Comfort Food Café, where there's kindness in every cup of hot chocolate and the menu is sprinkled with love and happiness…

Moving to the little village of Budbury, Zoe hopes the crisp Dorset sea breeze and gentle pace of life will be a fresh start for her and her goddaughter, Martha.

Luckily for them both, the friendly community at the café provide listening ears, sage advice, shoulders to cry on, and some truly excellent carrot cake. And when Martha's enigmatic, absent father suddenly turns up, confusing not only Martha but Zoe too, the love and support of their new-found friends is the best present they could ask for.

Have Zoe and Martha truly found their home at the Comfort Food Café?

Why so excited: I fell in love with the Comfor Food Café and its characters last year already so I am over the moon to have the opportunity to revisit this magical place during the most magical season of the year. 

Order it now!

The Treatment by C.L. Taylor - October 19th

“You have to help me. We’re not being reformed. We’re being brainwashed.”

All sixteen year old Drew Finch wants is to be left alone. She's not interested in spending time with her mum and stepdad and when her disruptive fifteen year old brother Mason is expelled from school for the third time and sent to a residential reform academy she's almost relieved.

Everything changes when she's followed home from school by the mysterious Dr Cobey, who claims to have a message from Mason. There is something sinister about the ‘treatment’ he is undergoing. The school is changing people.

Determined to help her brother, Drew must infiltrate the Academy and unearth its deepest, darkest secrets.

Before it’s too late.

Why so excited: this is C.L. Taylor's first YA story and it is SO good. I have loved all her previous books but this one is one of the most addictive, tense and clever books I have read in a while. Review coming very soon!

Order it now!

Christmas in St Ives by Miranda Dickinson - October 19th

A wonderfully festive ebook short that will get you excited for the Christmas season, by the author of the bestselling Fairytale of New York.

'This is Miranda at her sparkliest best. Christmas In St Ives is Christmassy perfection; brimming with romance, warmth and magic. But it’s not just a novella, it’s a tantalizing prequel to Somewhere Beyond The Sea and I can’t wait to read that!' Cathy Bramley, author of The Lemon Tree Cafe.

Heartbroken Cerrie Austin is doing her best to hold it together in the run up to Christmas. Not easy when her cheating ex works in the same school and everyone’s eyes are on her. The last thing she needs is a new teacher meddling in her beloved nativity play, even if he is charming, handsome and a talented musician. The Christmas performance is her pride and joy, and she won’t be undermined.

Seren McArthur has recently returned to her Cornish hometown and is enjoying being close to her family and her oldest friends again. St Ives is at its most magical at Christmas, with fairy lights and tinsel in every shop window, tempting locals and holidaymakers alike as they pick up gifts. But an exciting opportunity is just around the corner: will she stay or will she go? 

Meanwhile, the St Ives Christmas celebrations are in crisis: plans for a giant lantern parade through the starlit streets have ground to a halt. As the snow starts to fall, can Cerrie, Seren and their friends Kieran and Aggie rally around in time to save the big day? 

Christmas in St Ives is a charming novella that introduces you to the characters from Miranda Dickinson’s upcoming novel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea. Available for preorder now!

Why so excited: I love Miranda Dickinson's books and this year she is releasing this festive novella as a prequel before we get a new full novel next year and I couldn't be any happier! I cannot wait to discover this new set of characters.

Order it now!

Today I'm really excited to welcome one of my favourite writers to the blog, Miranda Dickinson. She has just published her latest book, Searching for a Silver Lining, and to celebrate, she stops by today to talk a very special road trip: 

Searching for a Silver Lining Locations - #3: The Road Trip 

At the heart of Searching for a Silver Lining is an incredible journey that vintage shop owner Mattie Bell, former 1950s star Reenie Silver and club owner Gil Kendrick embark upon to try to reunite a once-famous singing group for a final gig. When I started to write the story, this epic adventure was what I was most looking forward to portraying – so I asked my lovely Twitter followers where they thought the road trip should visit. The answers took me to the four corners of Great Britain! 

Alnwick in Northumberland is the trip’s first destination, to meet Reenie’s former Silver Five colleague, Tommy Mullins. I have family living in the town and several of my followers wanted to see part of the story set there. Plus, Alnwick has a fabulous bookshop in the old railway station, so it was the perfect venue for Reenie and Tommy to be reunited. Alnwick also the setting for one of Reenie’s most outrageous scenes – you’ll have to read the story to find out what happens there! 

Next, the road trip visits Cambridge, which was suggested by one of my lovely Twitter followers and is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit. It’s the home of June Knight, Reenie’s nemesis in the group, who always believed she should have been lead singer. It’s the setting for a battle I hope you’ll remember for a long time, plus a whole lot more… 

In the beautiful city of Bath, home of Johnny ‘Chuck’ Powell, the three road trip members discover more about each other. It was a hugely popular location amongst my Twitter followers, so a natural choice for the road trip’s next stop. There’s a truly magical scene here that was inspired by a wonderful weekend I spent in the city with my husband Bob for my 40th birthday. 

The last member of The Silver Five to be visited is Alys Davis, who after the break-up of the band became a national treasure in Wales. She now lives in Llangynidr, a lovely village near Crickhowell in Powys. This is a very personal choice because my sister and her family live there! The road trippers (who now include young hitchhikers Kelvin and Pru) stay at a hotel in Crickhowell, overlooking the river – it’s a lovely town and also has a fantastic bookshop! 

Thanks so much for reading this blog exclusive! For more, follow my Searching for a Silver Lining blog tour. I really hope you enjoy reading the story!

About the Book:

Miranda Dickinson is an author I discovered thanks to blogging and she soon became one of my favourite authors. So I'm over the moon today to be reviewing her latest book, which was released yesterday. 

Title: Searching for a Silver Lining

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Published: October 20th 2016 by Pan

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: It began with a promise...

Matilda Bell is left heartbroken when she falls out with her beloved grandfather just before he dies. Haunted by regret, she makes a promise that will soon change everything...

When spirited former singing star Reenie Silver enters her life, Mattie seizes the opportunity to make amends. Together, Mattie and Reenie embark on an incredible journey that will find lost friends, uncover secrets from the glamorous 1950s and put right a sixty-year wrong.

Touchingly funny, warm and life-affirming, this is a sparkling story of second chances. Perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Searching for a Silver Lining will take you on a trip you'll never forget.

Review: Searching for a Silver Lining is one of the warmest and best crafted stories I've read in a long time. The idea behind the story is original and unique, and the characters are interesting, lovable and most of all, memorable. The main character is Matilda Bell who after losing her grandfather is feeling a bit lost, especially after she fought with him just before his passing away. But she then meets Reenie Silver, an octogenarian like no other. She completely steals the show and it's impossible not to love her. She had quite a well-known group in the fifties and both Matilda and Reenie embark on an epic journey that will take them to every part of the country.

As I said, I found the idea for this story genius. The road trip around the UK is a veritable joy to read. With every stop you learn more and more about Reenie and her glamorous and eventful past, which I found fascinating. She had so many stories! I really felt like I was back with her in the fifties, going dancing in Soho. Plus, I think it worked really well with Matilda's own story and her grandfather's.

I've realised that every time I pick a book by Miranda Dickinson I end up feeling happier and really hopeful about the future. Her writing kind of brings the best out of me, with her life-affirming and touching stories, where you never give up, you keep fighting for a second chance. And Searching for a Silver Lining is no exception to the norm. After finishing it, I was left with a huge grin on my face (I even shed some happy tears). 

I'm sure this story will warm many hearts and for a full fifties experience, I'd recommend reading it while listening to the songs you find at the beginning of every chapter. I completely forgot about everything else while reading this story. 

Rating: 4,5 stars

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

I usually pick the five books I am most excited about but this month it was just impossible to pick only 5, so it's going to be a top 8 instead! So many of my favourite authors have books out this month: Lisa Dickenson, Lindsey Kelk, Miranda Dickenson, Cathy Bramley, Holly Martin... Plus, many festive reads (which I love) are being releases this month! So have a look at my picks for this month exciting new releases: 

'A perfect Christmas treat' Miranda Dickinson

A sparklingly festive and romantic story set in New York at Christmastime, Mistletoe on 34th Street is readers' favourite Lisa Dickenson at her side-splitting, funniest best! Perfect for fans of Giovanna Fletcher and Claudia Carroll.

Olivia has never experienced a snow-covered, 'traditional' Christmas before. Having grown up in a family that chose winter sun over decking the halls, she's not sure what all the fuss is about. So when she and her colleagues are stranded in New York after a work trip, Olivia is perfectly happy spending the holiday season in the Big Apple.

Jon, Olivia's friend, on the other hand is desperate to get home in time for his big family get-together. Nevertheless, determined to make the best out of the situation, he sets out to show Olivia how enchanting Christmas in New York can be. And when handsome New Yorker Elijah is added to the mix, could the magic of the season finally be working its charm on Olivia? As 25 December draws closer, Olivia suddenly finds herself with a decision to make: who does she really want to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Full of romance and festive magic, Mistletoe on 34th Street is the funniest and most charming love story you will read this Christmas!

Why so excited: Lisa Dickenson has a new book out! How couldn't I be excited? I absolutely love her books and I can't wait to be back in her world. The ebook is out in October 3rd and the paperback on November 4th. 

Order it now!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling, illustrated edition by Jim Kay - October 4th

Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay's dazzling full-colour illustrations in this stunning new edition of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Breathtaking scenes, dark themes and unforgettable characters - including Dobby and Gilderoy Lockhart - await inside this fully illustrated edition. With paint, pencil and pixels, award-winning illustrator Jim Kay conjures the wizarding world as we have never seen it before. Fizzing with magic and brimming with humour, this inspired reimagining will captivate fans and new readers alike, as Harry and his friends, now in their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, seek out a legendary chamber and the deadly secret that lies at its heart .

Why so excited: I absolutely adored Jim Kay's illustrations for the first Harry Potter so I'm really looking forward to discovering his new illustrations.