The Bus Ride - Joanie Chevalier

Description

When Devon discovers his car stolen, he must find transportation to get to his destination before the deadline to get what’s rightfully his: the urn containing one-fifth of his deceased momma. He hops on Bus No. 255 and changes the course of the route. As the passengers’ personalities and needs emerge, they go from being strangers to a bonded family within hours as they fight for each other, and themselves… in more ways than one. Funny and sentimental, this story will grab your heart as you cheer everyone on Bus Route No. 255, maybe even the busnapper.

Meet the passengers on Bus No. 255, an unlikely group of people who have no choice but to try to get along and survive when their bus gets busnapped. Meet Devon, who has a deadline he must meet, or risk losing what’s his; Doug, a dreamer of a better life, but first must face a sad truth; Frankie, a life full of loneliness, but unexpectedly becomes a hero; Gloria, a woman who finds validation in the most unexpected place; Autumn, a girl who desires a family, and a sense of belonging; Dave, a man seeking justice and equality, learns to love himself as he is; and the Garcia family, whose family ties brings them to the brink of danger. Follow these passengers as they each fulfill their destinies, together.

Review

I actually won the copy of this book from the author. 

Reading the blurb on this one I wasn't sure what to expect. At 128 pages I dived in and devoured the story in one sitting. At times it had me laughing out loud and at others a little crestfallen for what would become of the characters.

There is a great action scene, when really all the bus comes together and I guess Devon got lucky with the passengers on this bus! It made for a funny different read and at times became a farce, but it certainly keeps your interest.

A nice lighthearted read with a heartwarming message.

The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe - Milly Johnson

Description

It only takes one small step to change your life!
 
Lara Cliffe and her three friends are off on a mini break for her hen party.  It’s three weeks before her wedding to ’Steady Freddie’, one of the kindest men on the planet.  But something is worrying Lara. Her friends say it’s wedding jitters, but she isn’t so sure.  Fifteen years ago the love of her life, Danny Belfont, walked out on her three weeks before their wedding and she has never been able to fully get him out of her heart.
 
Then, on the overnight ferry, Lara finds out that Danny is playing in the onboard band and he spots her in the crowd. Will she meet him the next night to talk?
 
As the wonderful city of Amsterdam works its magic on Lara, she tries to sort out her thoughts.  And if fate has brought Lara and Danny back together … is it really for love or for something quite different? 

Review

If you are struggling to read at the moment then this book from Milly is an ideal light read. It's from the Quick Reads series of books which come from a range of authors. Only 99 pages and a £1.

The story centres around Lara who is on her hen party in Amsterdam. On the way there she sees the man who jilted her before her wedding to him several years ago. Will she decide she wants to give him a second change and in turn jilt her intended?

I've heard Milly speak in person, she's so entertaining.  At the moment she is doing a Facebook live from her bookclub page on a Monday evening at 7.30pm, she chats and also reads from her books. A lovely thing to do in the present climate.You can also play the live from this last week if you missed it.

The Liberty Girls - Fiona Ford

Description

March, 1942: new mother Alice Milwood is itching to return to her job as a shop assistant at Liberty’s.

Despite her husband still being missing in action, Alice is determined to give baby Arthur the best possible start. She soon settles back into the rhythm of life on the shop floor, and the Liberty Girls rally to help keep everything on an even keel.

But when the American GIs start swarming into London, there are more complications to come. And each of the Liberty Girls has their own impossible storm to weather.

As they each fight their battles on the home front, only their close friendship will give them the strength they need to carry on.

Review

This is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. I did enjoy the book but not quite as much as the first one. Because the war is now on and the Liberty store is feeling the pinch so not so much happening in store. The fabric department has to push utility fabric and the fabulous prints have to take a back seat.

The social history side is just as strong in this book and it was a little strange to the modern reader to hear some of the things being said, but of course it would have been the norm for the time. Also there is more of the East End goings on and this book focuses more on Alice as the first book was focussed on Mary.

Lots of changes happen at Liberty's in this book and not all of them good ones. I did find myself giving a cheer towards the end of the book when justice won through.  A nice positive story overall with a lovely ending.

From my personal bookshelf. I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.

How to Build a Boyfriend From Scratch -Sarah Archer

Description

Dating is hard. Being dateless at your perfect sister's wedding is harder.

Meet Kelly. A brilliant but socially awkward robotics engineer desperately seeking a wedding date…

Meet Ethan. Intelligent, gorgeous, brings out the confidence Kelly didn’t know she had and … not technically human. (But no one needs to know that.)

With her sister’s wedding looming and everyone in the world on her case about being perpetually single, Kelly decides to take her love life into her own hands – and use her genius skills to create Ethan.

But when she can’t resist keeping her new boy toy around even after the ‘I do’s’, Kelly knows she needs to hit the off switch on this romance, fast. Only, when you’ve found (well, made) your perfect man, how do you kiss him goodbye?

Review

I really enjoyed this book but hadn't fully grasped the blurb description. So when Kelly actually does build a boyfriend I was a little surprised. If you are in the UK and a fan of the TV series Humans then this book will be for you - maybe with a more lighthearted feel to it in the main. Although the book does scratch the surface of a few deep issues.

Reminiscent of several films that require someone needing a plus one at a wedding, tormented by their family for not having a beau readily on hand; but the first one I think where the boyfriend is actually created by a robotics engineer. The book is called "The Plus One" in the USA.

I liked the fact that Kelly is a smart woman and she is a robotics engineer. However, she does unfortunately still fall foul of society's view of her, mainly her Mother, who wouldn't be amiss in a Jane Austen novel.

I was amused by the book and it did have a few little twists that I didn't see coming. More farce than romance at times as Kelly opens her mouth to say what's she's decided, but never really does. Leading to some interesting situations. Leaving me exclaiming more than once "oh no". Kelly also has a boss that could be in the Devil Wears Prada and I feared for her and her job all the way through the book.

There were a few comments made by characters that I was uncomfortable with, however, I guess they are made by people in society so only a reflection of that. They were brief and fleeting and it was easy to read them and move on.

I'm giving this book four out of five stars. My thanks to HarperCollins for the ARC to review.

Daisy on the Outer Line - Ross Sayers | Cover Reveal with #LoveBooksGroupTours

Blurb:

Life, Death and Time Travel on the Glasgow Subway...

When selfish student Daisy trashes her stepdad’s funeral, she gets blind drunk and wakes up on the Glasgow subway to find she has travelled back in time. To make amends for her behaviour, she must save a life—but she doesn’t know who, how, or where to begin. She’ll have to find out fast if she wants to make it back to her old life and avoid being trapped in

the wrong timeline forever.

This novel was awarded one of the first Scots Language Publication Grants funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the Scottish Book Trust.

Publication Date: 5th November 2020

ISBN:

Paperback 978-1-911279-77-8

eBook 978-1-911279-78-5

Ross Bio:

Ross Sayers grew up in Stirling and now lives in Edinburgh. He’s still finding his way around. His debut novel, Mary’s the Name was released in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Saltire First Book Award. He’s currently working on a sequel to one of his books... You can tweet him praise or abuse @Sayers33

In Five Years - Rebecca Serle

Description

'SMART, EMOTIONAL, INTRIGUING AND COMPELLING - I LOVED IT!' JILL MANSELL

'Full of twists and turns, this is a heart-breaking yet uplifting story about love and friendship, and is one of this year's must-reads' Heat magazine *****

Perfect for fans of Me Before You and One Day, this heart-breaking story of love, loss and life will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about destiny...
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Type-A Manhattan lawyer Dannie Kohan has been in possession of her meticulously crafted answer since she understood the question. On the day that she nails the most important job interview of her career and gets engaged to the perfect man, she's well on her way to fulfilling her life goals.
That night Dannie falls asleep only to wake up in a different apartment with a different ring on her finger, and in the company of a very different man. The TV is on in the background, and she can just make out the date. It's the same night - December 15th - but 2025, five years in the future.
It was just a dream, she tells herself when she wakes, but it felt so real... Determined to ignore the odd experience, she files it away in the back of her mind.
That is, until four and a half years later, when Dannie turns down a street and there, standing on the corner, is the man from her dream...
In Five Years is a love story, brimming with joy and heartbreak. But it is definitely not the love story you're expecting.

Review

A difficult book to review without giving away too much, but I will try. 

First off I loved that it was set in New York and had lots of references to places I knew and also some scenes set in DUMBO. I also liked that the main character is a lawyer. So, it was light but not fluffy and I liked the inclusion of her work meetings and the dialogue. 

I found the writing to be fairly pacey and again that fitted with the New York setting and there was a certain sassiness about it. Especially between Dannie and her friend Bella. 

The dream in the blurb happens in chapter 3 so fairly early on in the book and then really it is a snap back to the present day until we obviously get to the period the dream was set in. Will the dream be a prophecy or just a dream?

I felt exasperated at times with the relationship between Dannie and Bella - all I can say is that there were some very sad and poignant scenes too. A few twists definitely kept my interest.

I never really found myself thinking this was a romance novel whilst I was reading it. So much happens that I just got caught up in Dannie's life and ultimately the date of 15th December 2025 getting nearer. I read it in a couple of sittings, as once I got into it I just couldn't put it down.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars for such an unusual storyline. My thanks to netgalley and Quercus books for the ARC to review.

Mrs Boots - Deborah Carr

Description

An incredible historical novel inspired by the true story behind the Boots empire.

Jersey 1885

On the beautiful island of Jersey, Florence Rowe lives a quiet life working in her father’s bookshop.  Life for the Rowe family is good, but Florence can’t help yearning for more…

When Jesse Boot, the successful owner of Boots the chemist, arrives on the island, Florence is immediately captivated by his tales of life in a busy, bustling city on the mainland.  For the first time ever, Florence imagines a life away from the constraints of Jersey society, of being someone more than just a shopgirl.

Until her parents reveal the shocking news they will refuse any marriage proposal from Mr Boot. Can Florence find a way to be with the man she loves and make a new life for herself?

Review

I was eager to read this book as coming from Nottingham I have an interest in Boots and have been to some talks about its background. So, I was looking forward to this book to flesh out the story of Florence and Jesse.

I did find the book a little slow and the letters between Florence and Jesse sometimes repeating what we already knew had happened in the story. I was also eager to get to when Florence became Mrs Boots and began her wonderful work of which I know a little.

This is where I find the title misleading as this book only covers the period up to Florence becoming Mrs Boots - whilst a nice book and obviously a literary account and not historical as such, I feel this could have been background to the sequel book Mrs Boots of Pelham Street.

I did enjoy the social history aspects of the book and learning how young ladies had to behave at the time and also the setting of the Island of Jersey.

I'm giving this book 3 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for an ARC to review. The book is out on 27 March.

The Other Bennet Sister - Janice Hadlow

Description

For fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Janice Hadlow's The Other Bennet Sister tells Mary's story...

It is a sad fact of life that if a young woman is unlucky enough to come into the world without expectations, she had better do all she can to ensure she is born beautiful. To be handsome and poor is misfortune enough; but to be both plain and penniless is a hard fate indeed.

In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary is the middle of the five Bennet girls and the plainest of them all, so what hope does she have? Prim and pious, with no redeeming features, she is unloved and seemingly unlovable.

The Other Bennet Sister, though, shows another side to Mary. An introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings – is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance? And, if she finds her life lonely or lacking, that she determines to try harder at the one thing she can be: right.

One by one, her sisters marry – Jane and Lizzy for love; Lydia for some semblance of respectability – but Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins.

But when that fateful day finally comes, she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all.

Simultaneously a wonderfully warm homage to Jane Austen and a delightful new story in its own right, Janice Hadlow's The Other Bennet Sister is, at its heart, a life-affirming tale of a young woman finding her place in the world. Witty and uplifting, it will make you feel – and cheer – for Mary as you never have before.

Review

It can be a little scary if you love Pride and Prejudice to read a book that bases itself on the very same characters, however, you can be sure you are in safe hands with this author. I felt every time I left the book I was thinking about it, almost like it was running on without my reading it. Every time I went back to read it was like slipping into a cosy room by the fire and settling down - I loved it. I will admit though it is a long book and I read another book in between at times to stop myself rushing ahead and not savouring this book.

The first part of the book sets the scene and introduces to Mary's character in depth - her likes and dislikes, how she sees herself fitting into the Bennet family and a little story of her own. The book then runs parallel to Pride and Prejudice with the recognisable events of the arrival of Mr Bingley and then his friend Mr Darcy. We go to the ball but this time we see it through the eyes of Mary and hear those famous words spoken by her sister when she overhears Mr Darcy discussing her to be "tolerable".

Then the book fast forwards two years and we find Mary taking advantage of her sisters good fortunes by staying with them as her father has passed away and Mr Collins is now the owner of Longbourn. What ensues is soley Mary's story and a very good one it is too. With misunderstandings in the very vein of Jane Austen's writing and the words from Mrs Bennet could have come from the pen of Austen herself so true they ring.

I loved the ending - I could read it again and again. It was so wonderful and beautifully written. I'm thankful to the author for bringing alive the characters of Pride and Prejudice and for her own interpretation which I thought was eloquently done. If you are a staunch P&P or Austen pedant you may not find it exactly to your taste, but it suited me very well and will read it again, not something I do very often.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley for the ARC to review.

Happy Family - James Ellis

I'm so pleased to be on the blog tour for this book today.

 REVIEW

This book was an absolute joy to read. The writing is exceptional and the scene setting ensured I felt right there in the action. A little bit like the virtual reality game that gives the name to the book "Happy Family".

For the author to create a virtual future world as he has, I think, shows a remarkable imagination. It's not an alternative world such as Terry Pratchett might write, but a parallel virtual world to our own accessed through the user wearing new technology called iLets.

Alongside all this virtual reality there is still plenty of action in the real world. In fact most of the book takes place there with several sub plots adding to the main story line. Germaine who uses the      Happy Family game wants to interview Tom, the creator of the game for her book on art. Lots of things and people (and 3 dogs) stand in her way though It may sound a little pedestrian, but I can assure you this book is probably not like anything else you've read before.

There is a little bit of farce thrown into the mix also which had me laughing out loud. In my head I could see this being played out on a stage. I am still marvelling at the ingenuity of this book and the skill of the author to be able to tell it in such a marvellous way. His character descriptions and dialogue really brought every character life in a way you don't often find in a novel.

I'm not a gamer but I do love tech, and I love the idea of virtual reality and avatars. So, if that is not your thing or you don't like that world, this is probably not going to be the book for you.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks to Random Things Tours for the invite to this tour and to the author for a copy of the book to review.

The Second Wife - Rebecca Fleet #Randomthingstours

I'm so pleased to be a part of the Blog Tour for this book today.

Description

‘Beautifully written and well-crafted. I read it in two days, though I would have read it in one if I could’ Sandie Jones, author of THE OTHER WOMAN

‘A mesmerising, beautifully-written domestic thriller that really stands out from the crowd. I flew through it.’ Mark Edwards, author of HERE TO STAY

'Engrossing, original and hugely enjoyable' Emma Curtis, author of THE NIGHT YOU LEFT

******

Everyone brings baggage to a new relationship.

When Alex met Natalie she changed his life. After the tragic death of his first wife, which left him a single parent to teenage daughter Jade, he’s determined to build a happy family.

But his new-found happiness is shattered when the family home is gutted by fire and his loyalties are unexpectedly tested. Jade insists she saw a man in the house on the night of the fire; Natalie denies any knowledge of such an intruder.

Alex is faced with an impossible choice: to believe his wife or his daughter? And as Natalie’s story unravels, Alex realises that his wife has a past he had no idea about, a past that might yet catch up with her.

But this time, the past could be deadly . . .

Review

The book begins with Alex returning home to find his house on fire and what follows is what you would expect from such an awful event. He and his second wife are put up in a B&B and his daughter is admitted to hospital suffering the effects of the fire.

When his daughter reveals she saw a man in the house on the night of the fire,  Alex begins to suspect his second wife of infidelity. This leads to the book flip flopping between 2017 (present day in the book) and 1999/2000. The story is also told in the voice of different characters all of which is well laid out and doesn't confuse.

When the book began to flashback I started to get annoyed because I wanted to know what was going to happen in the present day. But like all good stories, the reader must be patient as the past was important to the story line. I also didn't like the past as it made very chilling reading.

About a third of the way through the book the plot took on such a diverse direction that I just had to read the rest of the book in one sitting. The book took on so many twists and turns, and questions were popping up in my head, which just led to more questions. It was then I began to realise how clever the author had been with the way they laid the plot of the book out. 

The final part of the book my heart was racing - what was going to happen? I'll leave you to find out - no spoilers. A really great read and something a little different from other thrillers. Well written with believable characters.

I'm giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. My thanks for the invite to the blog tour from Random Things Tours.

The Will to Succeed - Christine Raafat

Delighted today to be a part of the Blog Tour for this book. Thanks to @Bookcollective for a copy of the book to review.

Description

When the 15-year-old Lady Anne Clifford’s father died in 1605, she was his sole surviving child and expecting to inherit the Cliffords’ great northern estates. But the Earl of Cumberland leaves a will which ignores an ancient law and bequeaths the lands to his brother, in the belief that a prophecy by his great-grandfather will eventually come true and return the estates to Anne. She and her mother vow to contest the will.

Anne spends the next three decades battling for what she believes is rightfully hers. She risks everything by opposing her beloved husband, her family and friends, the nobility, the law courts, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the King. She steadfastly (and treasonably) refuses to accept the King’s decision, whatever the consequences, but is defeated and left with the prophecy as her only hope.

Widowed at thirty-four, she survives an anxious period alone with her two young daughters before surprising everyone with an ill-judged second marriage which gives her access to the highest in the land. But the Civil War destroys that power and confines the 52-year-old Anne to a grand palace in London for six years. Still convinced of her rights, will she ever attain “ye landes of mine inheritance”?

Review

I'm not one for historical fiction as a rule, but this book depicting a strong female character appealed to me and it is also based on the true life story of Lady Anne. The author having used her diaries to write the story.

I was surprised how immediately I became immersed in this book. The writing is so beautiful and elegant and perfectly attuned to a modern reader's eye, without losing the feeling of being transported back to the 17th century. 

What a story this is too. Lady Anne had a good role model in her Mother and was standing fast on her principles. When her Mother died I worried Lady Anne would become brow beaten as all around her seemed to doubt her decisions, especially when she defies the King. I loved all the insights to the workings of the Royal Court. 

Despite it being the 17th century much of what happens to Anne can happen today, with her suffering verbal and physical abuse from her two husbands. The author really brought this period of history alive for me and eagerly read to discover what would become of Lady Anne and her children. I also looked up the painting she had commissioned which added to my enjoyment of the book.

If you want a really good read with historical and social history then I recommend this book to you. I'm giving it 5 out of 5 stars. 

Death in Vermilion - Barbara Elle | Cover Reveal with #LoveBooksTours

Blurb

A psychological thriller about murder among friends and enemies. 

Who can you trust?

Leila Goodfriend is laying down the bones of a painting. When interrupted by Iris, the noisy, unlikeable artist in the studio upstairs, Leila is distracted and annoyed.

When she discovers the racket was actually Iris' dead body hitting the floor, Leila becomes obsessed: Who murdered Iris?

The other Red Barn Cooperative artists — competitive, jealous and hypocritical — are prime suspects. They all hated Iris. “An artist owes his life to his art,” Iris said.

Iris was good for a laugh. But no one is laughing now.

In this gripping mystery, new author Barbara Elle paints a clever and twisted picture of women and sisters, whose lives are entwined by a brutal murder in a charming Cape Cod town.

Alibis fall apart. Plot twists multiply. And Leila comes to a dangerous conclusion.

Author

In her stunning debut thriller, Death In Vermilion (The Cape Mysteries Book 1), acclaimed author Barbara Elle paints a clever and twisted picture of women and sisters, whose lives are entwined by a brutal murder in a Cape Cod town. Who can you trust?

Now, Death In Smoke (The Cape Mysteries Book 2) asks what's the connection between a bloodied body buried in a snow bank on a remote island off the Cape and a cold case in Kansas? Can artist and amateur sleuth Leila Goodfriend solve this new mystery?

Barbara Elle fell in love with books and writing at a young age, honing her writing chops as a copywriter at major publishers publishers and as a freelance journalist.

Growing up in Boston, but she became a New Yorker as an adult. Her writing draws on people and places she remembers, setting The Cape Mysteries on Cape Cod, a place of memories. 

Barbara Elle continues collecting characters and plots, often traveling the world with her touring musician husband, bass player and musical director for rock and roll icon Cyndi Lauper. In her travels, Barbara has explored Buddhist temples in Beijing, crypts in Vienna and Kabuki Theater in Tokyo. 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40810681-death-in-vermilion?from_search=true&qid=bRKX53OwId&rank=1

Buy Link 

https://amzn.to/38OSuQD

@barbaraelleauth

@LoveBooksGroup