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Anita Faulkner is a talented writer, a huge supporter of writers, an all round beautiful human and one of the nicest humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting (unfortunately, just virtually currently). I am so delighted to share the cover and blurb for her second book, which is due to be published on October 27th 2022.

You can pre-order here, or click to find out more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B4CWMZBZ/

Check out the gorgeous cover and enticing blurb below 👇

Blurb:

The brand-new Cotswold romance from Anita Faulkner, author of A COLOURFUL COUNTRY ESCAPE. Cosy up for chilly winter nights, falling snow and heart-stopping romance – the perfect festive read!

Can Gretel find the recipe for the perfect Christmas?

The Gingerbread Café is always full of Christmas magic. Come rain or shine (or even a July heatwave), there’s always a hot chocolate bursting with cinnamon and marshmallows waiting for you. For introverted Gretel, it’s been the perfect escape from ‘real life’. The owner, Nell, is Gretel’s last link to her late mum, and hiding out at the café feels so much safer than making new friends.

So when Nell suddenly passes, Gretel is left heartbroken. Then she discovers that Nell has left the café to her – but there’s a catch. Gretel has to share the running of The Gingerbread Café with the least festive person ever: Nell’s nephew, Lukas. Head chef at the local fancy restaurant, Lukas makes it clear he has no time for the café, Gretel or even Christmas itself, and Gretel’s too busy struggling to save her burnt batches of gingerbread to work out why.

Gretel is determined to keep Christmas alive and make the café a success before Lukas hands the keys over to the scrooge-like developers. But she can’t do it alone; besides an over friendly ferret and a waitress with a secret, the only person she has now is Lukas. Will it take a Christmas miracle to get the pair to finally see eye to eye, or could the ice already be melting?

Packed full of sugar and spice, The Gingerbread Café will tick all the wishes off your Christmas list this festive period. Perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Jo Thomas and Bella Osborne.

I adore Maddie’s books. They are light-hearted, fun and escapist. I look forward to each new release and love that each book contains strong themes of romance, friendship and new beginnings as well as vibrant characters and gorgeous settings.

Blurb:

Divorced and on a deadline, bestselling novelist Bea Pinkerton has a serious case of writer’s block. With her agent breathing down her neck, Bea will do ANYTHING to avoid writing another word.

So an invite to a reunion with her old school friends at a beautiful chateau in France, is Bea’s perfect chance to escape. Surely here, relaxing with old friends and drinking cold fizz, Bea will find inspiration?

But as soon as Bea arrives, she realises this is not going to be the peaceful getaway she anticipated. Her old school friends Gin and Audrie are in various states of marital distress and to top it off a camera crew has arrived to film the goings on at Chateau De St Cyr. Far from being calm, the trip is total chaos!

Thank goodness for Bea’s new French neighbour Laurent Sinclair – handsome, charming and perhaps exactly the romantic muse she needs to get her mojo back.

But is Bea brave enough to take a second chance at love at her age?

Perhaps with a little help from her friends…

My thoughts:

I’d have previously described this book as a quick and easy read, but each time I do that in future I think I will hear Bea’s author voice chastising me and reminding me how much time and effort goes into these “quick, easy” reads.

Bea is a wonderful character. Likeable and sympathetic, I was so glad she took the opportunity to reunite with her friends as I really felt like this would benefit her mental health as well as the fact that the change of scene may help with inspiration for her writing.

I know Bea went to Aix with no aspirations or ideas of romance, but I do feel like the romance storyline was organically developed in order to showcase both the excitement of it, and highlight Bea’s reservations about beginning a romantic relationship with someone new.

The beginning of the story was surprising to me as it felt very low, as we found out how all three of the main female characters were struggling with aspects of their lives and in particular, their relationships. I am used to Maddie’s books having more light-hearted elements earlier on, but overall this aspect did not dossappoint as there is definitely some fun humour as well as genuine laugh out loud moments.

Overall, another brilliantly escapist, engaging and uplifting read from one of my favourite authors. I highly recommend it!

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This is my third read by this author and I can’t resist her books. Her colourful covers represent the vibrant characters and humour that can always be found in her books. I was so looking forward to reading this one!

Blurb:

Sasha Greenhope has a very lovely life. Her marriage is solid, her only daughter is delightful, and the family business is going full steam ahead.

The only blip on the horizon is the upcoming family reunion for her parents 40th wedding anniversary at Chadwell House – the family pile. Sasha just does not fit with her rich family. Her French mother, Delphine thinks everything Sasha does is a faux pas.. And siblings, Adele and Beau, are clearly the favourites, leaving Sasha surplus to requirements

So when Sasha’s husband Ben takes this exact moment to reveal that they are about to go bankrupt, Sasha wants to be anywhere but stuck in a lavish marquee!

Swallowing her pride, and a whole bottle of fizz, Sasha determines to ask her family for help – and maybe even a loan – only to discover that her parents and siblings are all keeping secrets of their own!

Family secrets, warring siblings and a disastrous reunion… what could possibly go right?!

My thoughts:

I have loved this book from start to finish. There is drama throughout, but Carmen keeps the story mostly light-hearted and humorous.

What I love most about her books is that although her style remains prominent, the plot and characters in each book feels really original and different. Not only different to each other; but stands out in the crowded market.

I really felt for Sasha and her dilemma. I could completely identify with her desire to stand as a strong, independent woman and on meeting her family I could see why she was reluctant to ask them for help. I appreciated that she seemed quite down to earth and ‘normal’ despite her background. I found her a relatable and endearing character, and I felt quite sympathetic towards her at times.

I understand that it took quite a lot of courage to ask for help and I was completely engrossed by the secrets and revelations that unravelled in the aftermath!

Overall, this book is a great read that explores themes of wealth, family, relationships and secrecy. It is a great read for fans of light-hearted, engaging fiction. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Carole Matthews, Maddie Please and Shari Low.

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I was drawn to this book because I enjoy relatable, emotional memoir style stories. The title of this one is immediately emotive and I was intrigued to follow this family’s story and journey.

Blurb:

Kerry-Anne Aarons is over the moon. She and her husband, Imran Patel, are about to become the parents of a baby daughter, and give their son, Leo, an adored little sister. It wasn’t planned, but Kerry knows that Lily’s arrival will complete the perfect little family she has always wanted. She, Imran and their two children are going to live happily ever after…
Then life intervenes.
Lily is born with a serious congenital heart defect and Kerry’s battle to save her daughter commences. It’s a battle that takes her from the operating theatres and Intensive Care Units of local hospitals to the High Court of South Africa. It’s a battle that strains her relationships with her friends, her parents, and – ultimately – her husband. It’s a battle she is determined to win.
But how much will Kerry have to sacrifice to give Lily the future she deserves?

My thoughts:

This has been an emotional and tumultus read that has been both heart-wrenching and endearing. It really is a story about a mother’s love, determination and sacrifice.

I think it particularly struck a chord with me as I am Ceri, and my daughter is called Lili. This made it even easier for me to draw parallels with this family’s experience somehow I felt, at times, like I was reading about a parallel universe, reminding me that some people do not have easy births or healthy children. It really struck home to me how lucky I am, and how this situation could happen to almost anyone.

This is an important story as it highlights of factual details about health-care, especially in other countries, and how it can sometime turn into a financial and legal battle. I have heard a lot of criticism about the post-covid NHS, and although I don’t necessarily always agree that the system is the best it could Be, there is definitely a lot to be said for being able to have free access to services and equipment at the point of need, rather than paying out thousands and thousands to ensure your own child’s health, safety and wellbeing.

A beautifully written and touching story, that’s definitely thought-provoking and informative. I appreciate the way that this book raises awareness of a prevalent issue, and one that is more common than I realised.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of emotional, gritty, realistic memoirs but you will definitely need a box of tissues!

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This is one of my favourite series of books. Each and every character is lively, vibrant and believable. Each story works well as a standalone despite some regular recurring characters and overlap in terms of events and themes. I love the gorgeous covers and the fun titles, which link to the overall uplifting mood of the books.

Blurb:

It was meant to be a gloriously romantic getaway for Ruby and Hudson. That was the plan, anyway. But then friends start inviting themselves along, lured by the idea of unwinding in a chocolate-box pretty cottage, enjoying the promenade and the gorgeous beaches, and soaking up the sun. With Ellie, Jaz, Katja and Madison popping up around every corner, a work emergency for Hudson plus another sinister mystery to solve, will the lovebirds ever find time to indulge their desire for sun, sea and . . . strawberry shortcake?

My thoughts:

What appears to be an idyllic and romantic holiday, with the added bonus or complexity (depending how you look at it) of having some of your best friends nearby, quickly becomes much more mysterious and complicated.

The multiple perspectives work well to increase the pace of the story and share different aspects of the plot. It also ensures that the reader is not omniscient and is left to make their own predictions about a number of different mysteries that are occurring. Why is Hudson spending so much time with Joanna? Who are bothering Bee and Jodie? Can Jaz and Harry move forward?

I loved the fact that the story raised so many questions and for much of the book, these questions remain unanswered as quite literally ‘the plot thickens.’ Hudson and Ruby are two of my favourite characters from the entire series thus far and I was really hoping that their holiday would be a success at bringing them even closer.

I was angered then by snakey Joanna who just seemed to be getting in the way, and I even found myself annoyed with Hudson as he appeared too ‘wet’ and nice to put his foot down and say no.

I found myself flying through this one once again to find out the conclusion. A fast paced and entertaining read, there are definitely a couple of twists that you won’t predict.

I absolutely adore this series. They are easy, uplifting reads and I love the mix of mystery, romance and friendship that Rosie explores. As always, I am already excited for the next installment!

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J

This author has quickly become one of my favourite authors in this genre. She consistently delivers uplifting, escapist romantic fiction and I adore getting lost in her stories…

Blurb:

Best friends since childhood, Fern Chambers and Stella Shaw have been through everything together and are at a crossroads in their lives.

Carefree Stella has a monumental secret and down trodden Fern’s happy life is not all it seems.

With their 40th birthdays approaching, a luxury holiday to the island of Capri is a chance for them to reconnect, let their hair down and celebrate in style. But untold truths and frustration bubble beneath the surface, turning what should be a holiday of a lifetime into an opportunity to make life-changing decisions.

Far from home, where anything feels possible, secrets are revealed, heartache is shared, love discovered and new friendships forged.

Will their Italian dream turn into a nightmare or lead to newfound happiness?

My thoughts:

This has been a gorgeously uplifting, escapist and thought provoking read. Kate ensures that her readers are completely immersed in the setting and scenario in which she places her characters. The story quickly moves from Britain to colourful, vibrant and idyllic Capri. This is just one example of her precise, picturesque descriptions:

“The villa itself was hidden by a forest of cypress, oak and olive trees. Glimpses of honey-coloured stone emerged from among the Mediterranean foliage.”

You immediately feel as if you there and this also helps to connect with the characters. Although both characters are found to be harbouring secrets, I do still find them to be mostly likeable and sympathetic characters. I also appreciated that, in this book, Kate makes slightly older characters the focus. This allows for a more developed back story that feels believable and authentic.

This is a book about rediscovering your sense of self and self-worth, finding happiness and taking calculated risks. I was really hoping that both Fern and Stella would show bravery and strength of character in order to embrace all that Capri has to offer.

The multiple perspectives are a vital and effective plot device, especially when Stella and Fern go their separate ways, as well as being able to reveal their secrets to the reader. This builds tension and leaves us waiting in anticipation as we witness the fal fall-out of this.

I was totally captivated by how this one would unfold and ultimately satisfied by its message about self-discovery and new beginnings. A great choice for fans of Maddie Please, Sandy Barker and Lucy Coleman.

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Allie’s debut, Shiver, was one of my favourite books of 2021 so I’m very excited to be sharing my thoughts on her much anticipated second book, The Bay. The cover and title clearly convey a setting and feel very different to the first book, but I still had high expectations about the intensity of it.

Blurb:

There’s a darkness inside all of us and The Bay has a way of bringing it out. Everyone here has their secrets but we don’t go looking for them. Because sometimes it’s better not to know.

Kenna arrives in Sydney to surprise her best friend, shocked to hear she’s going to marry a guy she’s only just met. But Mikki and her fiancé Jack are about to head away on a trip, so Kenna finds herself tagging along for the ride.

Sorrow Bay is beautiful, wild and dangerous. A remote surfing spot with waves to die for, cut off from the rest of the world. Here Kenna meets the mysterious group of people who will do anything to keep their paradise a secret. Sky, Ryan, Clemente and Victor have come to ride the waves and disappear from life. How will they feel about Kenna turning up unannounced?

As Kenna gets drawn into their world, she sees the extremes they are prepared to go to for the next thrill. And everyone seems to be hiding something. What has her best friend got involved in and how can she get her away? But one thing is rapidly becoming clear about The Bay: nobody ever leaves.

My thoughts:

Wow. I have been sucked into this one as if I myself were at the mercy of one of the swollen, uncontrollable waves that Allie so wonderfully describes. I could not put this one down and as I continued reading, for the majority of the book, the narrative was just throwing up far more questions than answers. This definitely kept me hooked.

Kenna is a great main character, and it was brilliant to see this experience from her point of view as, like us as readers, she is an outsider. She really shines a light on this group and presents them like a cult. There is a sense of their focus and lifestyle being quite wholesome and admirable, yet on another level their behaviour seems obsessive, controlling, very peculiar and there is a ‘cult’ atmosphere.

The setting is very easy to picture due to the brilliant descriptions and another thing that comes very easily to Allie, probably due to her background, is the descriptions of their feelings when immersed in their sport. She fully gives the sense of adrenaline and excitement, as well as danger and freedom. She is a sophisticated storyteller who fully brings the scene and characters to life.

This is a twisty tale with an intensity that deepens and never seems to let up. You quickly become completely immersed in this setting and situation, and the feeling is quite claustrophobic and tense. When you’re reading this, you’ll certainly be forgetting where you are and what you’re supposed to be doing as you become completely enthralled and gripped by this story line.

After such an incredible build up, the ending needed to pack some punch and Allie certainly delivers. This book has confirmed my opinion of Allie as an extremely talented and original writer in this genre. I can definitely see this book also making my top reads of 2022.

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I love Ella Carey’s writing and have really enjoyed this series. Each story showcases emotional, dramatic and original historical fiction. I’ve always found myself fascinated with tales of the World Wars, but lately I have been particularly keen to read these stories from the perspectives of other countries and cultures, aside from Britain. This definitely delivers on that front, and is a gripping, turbulent read.

Blurb:

New York, 1938: Martha pulled the door of her Fifth Avenue apartment closed, her heart thumping, re-reading the telegram she’d been dreading. Her beloved sister Charlotte needed her help. She was alone in Paris, and the threat of Nazi invasion was growing ever stronger. The time had come for Martha to make the bravest decision of her life. She needed to bring Charlotte home.

As Martha looks out of her bedroom window at the blossom-covered trees in Central Park, she is a world away from Europe and the threat of war. But when a telegram arrives from her sister Charlotte telling of the death of their Jewish friend Anita, Martha’s quiet life changes in an instant. With the threat of the Nazi invasion growing, Martha knows she must travel to Paris to convince Charlotte to return home.

When Martha arrives, she finds a city preparing for war. Soldiers patrol Paris’ cobbled streets and families talk of packing up and fleeing with whatever they can carry. Clutching her sister tightly, Martha knows that Charlotte has already decided to stay. Charlotte’s heart is in France, and as an American in Paris she believes she will be safe.

When the Nazis march through Paris’ streets and raise their flags over the city’s most beautiful buildings, Charlotte is determined not to give in. She works for the Resistance with a Frenchman named Louis, carrying messages, and hiding Anita’s family’s precious art collection from the Nazis. Meanwhile, Martha vows to help a female Jewish professor to safety in America, only to be faced with impossible odds.

But as the war rages, Martha and Charlotte’s determination will be tested like never before. And when Charlotte uncovers a shocking secret about her family which threatens her own life, can she find the strength to protect those she loves the most?

My thoughts:

Although part of a series in that the author has grouped together a set of books that tells the story of different people from New York, and their experiences of war, and some cross-over themes, I find that each of these books ultimately works brilliantly as a stand-alone, self contained story.

I loved the fact that all the main characters in this book are women as it clearly shows another side to the challenges and danger of war. Each of their characters, in their own way, are brave and resilient. I was particularly drawn to the character of Charlotte, driven by independence, loyalty and selflessness.

This is character-driven historical fiction, but there is still relevant historical context and atmospheric descriptions that give a clear picture of what it was like to live in Paris during the war.

Covering two timelines, multiple perspectives and jumping through multiple timescales, this was an epic feat that Ella has successfully managed to pull of. The book is never confusing or slow, and is instead well-structured and well-paced.

There are clear themes of family, loyalty, bravery, and secrets. I was definitely more focused on the Charlotte/Martha storyline than the earlier storyline, but each had its merits. There is a massively unexpected twist that I felt a little blindsided by, but it is believable and adds another layer of originality and intrigue to the story.

Overall, a great read and a wonderful piece of historical fiction perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Lora Davies and Imogen Matthews.

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I am definitely a fan of short stories and fast fiction, but I find it quite hard to find a full collection that I enjoy. However, I’m always willing to give something new a go! I love the cover of this one, and it definitely brings to life the seaside setting that permeates the collection. The colours also hint at the hidden depths and complexities of this collection, as you encounter lots of themes, styles and unique characters.

Blurb:

Like the sea these stories are set beside, Rachel Canwell’s writing sparkles like sunshine on waves. The flash and micro pieces that make up her debut collection, Oh, I Do Like to Be, are sometimes full of hope, like that first breath of sea air; other times they are dark or laced with despair, but they are all powerful – the strong undercurrent pulling you into their depths. This is a fabulous collection from a new voice in short fiction writing.

My thoughts:

Wow. What an incredible collection of flash fiction. I once wrote a single piece of flash fiction that I thought was pretty decent, and that used up all my creative ability for an entire lifetime, I think! So to design a collection that is so broad, balanced and powerful is an amazing feat.

This collection has something for everyone. On the surface, you are met with realistic, vibrant, sometimes damaged characters, and you are completely transported to the seaside setting. If you dig a little deeper, you uncover elements of humour and some very dark elements to the collection.

Digging deeper again (and as an English teacher, this is what I really enjoyed), you find yourself immersed in a satisfying, original and skilful collection that showcases Rachel’s literary talent. She uses allegory, metaphor and symbolism with precision and for profound effect. There are relatable themes explored, such as society’s treatment of those with additional needs, the power of community, gender inequality and the concept of freedom. There are also much darker themes highlighted, including abuse, death and crime.

There are two parts that really stood out to me. The first being the story about the bag of stones (trying to avoid spoilers), that Rachel repeatedly comes back to. I don’t think I’ve ever been so invested in an inanimate object in a story! The second being one story in particular that discussed father/child relationships. I found myself reflecting on my own experience and became unexpectedly emotional.

Overall, a well-balanced, insightful and original collection. I can’t wait to read more from this author, and it’s definitely given me a taste for literary flash fiction!

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My daughters are turning into little bookworms, just like their mummy. I’m always jumping at the chance to read new books with them. I find having them to review is a win win for everyone, as my children are exposed to new books, we talk more about them which is of course good for their literacy skills, the author gets some well deserved promo and I enjoy writing the reviews.

Blurb:

When we walk we see things that we would have missed if we drove. Things like birds, cats, & squirrels. When we walk we have fun spending time together. We talk and learn how walking can help to care for our planet. Join Siena and her dad as they walk to school and discover every little step counts.

My thoughts:

We really enjoyed reading this book as a family. It was very relatable, as my daughters walk to school every day. My eldest daughter loves school, so looks forward to the walk, whilst my youngest daughter enjoys the chance to be in nature etc. Much like Siena’s walk, there is a lot to see on their walk to school as they walk past houses, a busy road, a duck pond, and near a river and park.

My youngest daughter was able to discuss what was described in the story, with the aid of the wonderful illustrations.

My eldest daughter was able to relate on a much higher level of understanding, firstly because her school has a ‘zero car policy’. There is a very small car park for staff and disabled users only, and absolutely no direct on street parking. The school is a relatively new build and aims to promote walking as a better lifestyle choice and life-long good habit.

Also, this story promotes the importance of walking in terms of the way it saves our planet. My daughter was able to articulate and make connections between this and her learning in school. She said that they have been learning about ‘helping our planet’, including learning about walking, picking up litter, turning lights off etc. She was really excited about this and wanted to take the book in to show her teachers.

My favourite thing about this book, as a Mum, is the message it carries and the way it opens a discussion about being conscious of our choices. Also, the way it re-inforces the idea that walking, is a really fun bonding experience! I highly recommend this book.