Days of Wonder is the stunning follow-up to Keith Stuart's much-loved debut A Boy Made of Blocks - and a book to fall in love with. Here are my thoughts on this stunning story:

Title: Days of Wonder

Author: Keith Stuart

Published: June 7th 2018 by Sphere

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: A story about family, love and finding magic in everyday life, Days of Wonder is the most moving novel you'll read all year.

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 will end her life early. And now, with Hannah a funny, tough girl of fifteen, that time is coming.

Hannah's heart is literally broken - and she can't bear the idea of her dad's breaking too. So she resolves to find a partner for Tom, someone else to love, to fill the space beside him.

While all the time Tom plans a final day of magic that might just save them both.

Review: The first thought that came to my mind after finishing this book was, wow what a magical story this was. I am pretty sure I won't make this book justice with my review but I'm gonna try. 

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. It's tender, it's sweet, it's funny and it's heart-wrenching. I haven't felt such deep emotions with a story in so long. 

I was completely enthralled with Hannah's story. She was such a strong character. I loved her dark humour, her strength and her determination. The story was narrated in alternated chapters by both Hannah and her father, Tom, so as a reader you got to know them both quite well. Tom was also a fantastic character. His love for her daughter and his theater shown through the pages of this book. 

Supporting these amazing main characters, there was a whole cast of secondary characters. The amateur theater group was like a little family, they all supported each other and were always there to celebrate their joys but also to mourn their loses. And then, there were Hannah's friends from high-school and the comic book store. They all added their own touch to the story and I came to love them all too. 

Days of Wonder stole a tiny piece of my heart that I don't think I'll ever get back. After I finished reading it, all I wanted to do was start all over again and go back to these characters. It's one of those rare books that make you feel privileged to have read it. I definitely recommend this story to everyone looking for a bit of magic. 

Rating: 5 stars

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

I love Joanna Bolouri's books because her stories are always hilarious and very original. I recently read her latest book, Relight My Fire, and today it's an absolute pleasure to welcome the woman herself in the blog for a bookish Q&A:

Hi Joanna and welcome! First of all, could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi, I’m Jo! I’m a Taurus and I recently turned forty which didn’t go well for anyone involved. I’ve been writing books for around five years now and Relight My Fire is my forth novel.

Your new book, Relight My Fire, although it can be read as a stand-alone, catches up with the characters of your fantastic debut The List. For those new to the story, how would you describe Phoebe and Oli?

Phoebe and Oliver are childhood friends who fell in love. They’re a couple who thrive on passion and honesty, but humour is the key to their success. They really make each other laugh.

How did you feel going back to these characters? Is it more difficult to write about known characters or brand-new ones?

I think there’s a certain expectation in place when your return to previous characters, so it can be tricky making sure you stay faithful to what’s already been written. With newer characters, anything is possible.

Can we expect more stories with these characters?

Possibly but right now I’m more interested in creating new characters. I’d never say never but I’m in no rush to write them at the moment. 

If you could switch places with a character from one of your books for a day, who would it be and why?

I’d quite like to be Emily from The Most Wonderful Time of the Year because she has a hot, rich, younger boyfriend and I don’t.

How does your writing process go? Do you plan everything first or you just start writing and let your characters talk to you? I have to say your stories always make me laugh out loud, do you also laugh while writing them?

Thank you! My process is one that involves a lot of scribbling in notebooks, pacing and talking to myself before anything actually happens. I always have an idea of where it’s going to go but that often changes the more I write and get to know the characters. I do make myself laugh, sad as it sounds but if I don’t find something funny, I won’t put it in the book.

Could you recommend us a novel that you have read recently and has stayed with you?

I read Wonder by R. J Palacio and I cried lots. It was beautifully written. I also had to stop reading Catherine Isaac’s You Me Everything because it was so good, I wasn’t getting any work done. I find it hard to read another author while I write as it put me off, so it’s top of my list when I’ve finished my next novel.

About the Book:

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!

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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?

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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!

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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”. 

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Title: Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square 

Author: Heidi Swain

Published: May 31st 2018 by Simon & Schuster

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: The heart-warming new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for fans of Carole Matthews, Milly Johnson and Cathy Bramley

Kate is on the run from her almost-divorced husband who is determined to have her back, and she has found the perfect place to hide... a little cottage on Nightingale Square in Norwich, far away from her old life in London. But the residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer, and Kate soon finds herself pulled into a friendship with Lisa, her bossy but lovely new neighbour.

Within a matter of days Kate is landed with the job of campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, meanwhile all the residents of Nightingale Square are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion house on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. But when all hope is lost, the arrival of a handsome stranger is sure to turn things around! 

Heidi Swain is the perfect summer read - you'll want to find your own green space, stretch out in the sun and dive into life at Nightingale Square.

Review: Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square is such a warm and up-lifting summer story! Definitely perfect to get lost during a few hours in the sun. 

We follow Kate from her busy life in London to Norfolk, where she is planning to hide from everyone and forget about her failed marriage. But as soon as she moves to Nightingale Square, she is in for a quite a surprise, the residents of the square are like a little family and are determined to include her in all their comings and going. From that moment, Heidi Swain keeps us in our toes, with several unexpected twits and surprises in store for these characters. 

I really enjoyed reading about the sense of community in the square and how they all came together to defend their square and their space. Kate couldn't have landed at a better place and it was a great pleasure to get to meet this bunch of lovely people.

I also loved that there was this mystery about the history of the square going on too. I especially enjoyed reading about how residents of the square had lived there in the past and how it was related to the present story-line. And it was also great to catch with The Cherry Tree Cafe characters, as Kate is actually related to them. 

All in all, a very entertaining and up-lifting story with fantastic characters and lots of gardening tips! 

Rating: 4 stars

Follow the Blog Tour for more interesting content and reviews for this lovely story:

I have a new book review today for Karen Hamilton's debut The Perfect Girlfriend, a very gripping and addictive psychological thriller that will chill you to the bone. Here are my thoughts on the story.

Title: The Perfect Girlfriend

Author: Karen Hamilton

Published: March 22nd 2018 by Wildfire

Amazon | Amazon UK

Blurb: Juliette loves Nate. She will follow him anywhere. She's even become a flight attendant for his airline, so she can keep a closer eye on him.

They are meant to be.

The fact that Nate broke up with her six months ago means nothing. Because Juliette has a plan to win him back. She is the perfect girlfriend. And she'll make sure no one stops her from getting exactly what she wants.

True love hurts, but Juliette knows it's worth all the pain... 

Review: Juliette is the perfect girlfriend: attentive, caring, generous and so in love. Slight problem, her boyfriend ended things with her a few months ago. Not that it bothers her so much... I think this quote from the book paints a pretty clear picture of her:

If you love someone, set them free. If they come back, they're yours. If they don't, make them.

Just writing it, it is giving the me chills again. I was completely fascinated by this character and her dedication. I'll give her that, she takes the never give up motto to a whole new lever. Her whole life revolves around one goal: get Nate back. And you have no idea how far she is determine to go to to achieve it.

This story is dark and twisted but I absolutely loved it. I found it highly entertaining and the plot line kept surprising me. It's definitely like nothing I've read before, and I have read a lot of psychological thrillers lately. 

The setting is also very interesting. In her quest to win Nate back, Juliette has trained as a flight attendant in the same airline Nate works as a pilot, so we get to follow her around on her new international adventures. 

All in all, this is a very gripping and shocking story that kept me glued to its pages well into the night. The only think I didn't love was that at some point, everything spiraled a bit too out of control, but it did fit with the path the story was taking. 

Rating: 4 stars

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