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I knew from the description that this book would be one that pulled me in and tore me apart. This, of course, is a good thing for an emotionally driven, memoir loving reader like me.

The book is based on the journey and challenges faced by the fictional “Amber”, but based on the life and experiences of the writer. I enjoyed the use of the double time frame – you have the past tense diary of Amber as a prison officer, and the “present day” journey to Africa where she hopes to learn about her culture and reflects on her diary as she does so.

I have to admit I have a fascination with the British justice system, so I have seen many documentaries that cover all the shocking, despicable and terrifying things you would see in a prison. However, what really resonated with me in this story is the institutional racism faced by the prosin officers, and the shocking insight into a women’s prison.

I have to admit, rightly or wrongly, when I think of dangerous criminals, violence against others and especially dirty protests, I think of a man’s prison. This book reveals that that is a wrong assumption.

Something that can be hit or miss about diaries is the use of speech, but Josie uses it well to drive the narrative forward and highlight the realism of the topics discussed throughout.

This was a thoroughly thought provoking and gripping read, recommended for fans of crime and memoirs.

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I was very much looking forward to reading this book, as domestic drama is my favourite genre. On the surface it seems an easy genre to dabble in – you take a situation from real life that is emotional or devastating, and describe it. However, I think it is very difficult to do this genre justice.

Emma Robinson is certainly a rising star of this genre. This book is well structured, and I particularly loved being able to see things from the points of view of the different characters.

The characters are real, raw and brave and the storyline is heartbreaking. There were many times I choked up with tears, and there were clever twists I didn’t see coming!

Rebecca goes on a real journey from a corporate, organised woman to a life of complete chaos when a little girl literally turns up on her doorstep. However, Rebecca faces the challenges with resilience, love and bravery, and it was lovely to see her journey.

I look forward to reading more by this author, and would definitely consider this a top read of 2020!

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This book is a brutally honest, eye opening look at what it is like to be a landlord in 21st century Britain.

I loved the opening note – “If you’re easily offended, I’d stop reading now. If you want to hear the truth on the other side of the door, read on.” I was keen to read on, but I was shocked when I did.

I really felt a lot of empathy for the landlord in this book, which I suppose is the point of the diary form, but their stories really resonated with me.

The writer works hard to address and counteract the stereotypes associated with being a landlord, namely being a “parasite”.

I felt myself growing to like and respect the speaker, and also feeling a connection between what we do. I am a teacher; she is a landlord. But we are both public servants – both cogs in a wheel in a system that sometimes we don’t always agree with, but that we follow nonetheless. However, we are much more than that. We are human beings, with feelings and thoughts and families – and it was eye opening to see how much pressure/expectation/responsibility was put on the landlord in the stories she told.

I also think she makes some very good points about the system, and how it is unfairly favourable to the tenant, in many circumstances. Some of the tales are shocking, but what shines through is her dedication and skill in what she does.

I really feel that this book gives a voice to a section of our society who are discriminated because we don’t fully understand what it is they do. It gives you an opportunity to walk in a landlord’s shoes and see their point of view. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of memoir/diary style non fiction who are looking for something a bit different and refreshing.

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I’m very excited to be kicking off this blog tour! I was drawn to this book by the cover image, which is very eyecatching, depicting different settings. I was also intrigued by the blurb, which made the book sound very reminiscent of “The Holiday” film, which is one of my favourite festive films.

The book tells the story about three friends, who swap homes for Christmas in the name of adventure, fun and shaking things up a bit. However, each gets a little bit more than they bargained for…

I found this a refreshing take on chick lit- for a number of reasons. Firstly, the stories were told from three different perspectives – those of the 3 main characters – Chloe, Jules & Lucy. Secondly, I got to enjoy three very different but equally beautiful settings at Christmas. Finally, I actually came across some words I’ve never heard before! I like to think of myself as well read and having a wide vocabulary, and I’ve not learnt words from a book in a very long time, so that was very refreshing.

I enjoyed following the girls’ journeys and the male characters gave men a good name, which isn’t always the case in books like these! Each of them were loyal, helpful, caring and charming!

This book has really helped me escape reality at a time when I’ve really needed to do so & I’ve found it a refreshing, fun, original read. I’ve read a few chick lit Christmas books for this blogging season, and this one currently sits at the top of my list!

I’d highly recommend this book to any fans of chick lit authors such as Mary Jayne Baker, Portia Macintosh, Holly Martin and Rosie Green.

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I was drawn to this book by the author’s name, who has an incredible reputation among my bookish friends!

The opening involves a mysterious, random act of kindness followed by a huge deadly incident, and well let’s just say from that point on I was hooked!

I have never read a book by Caro Savage before and I don’t believe this hampered my enjoyment of the book.

It is dark, addictive and gripping, has sophisticated story telling and awesome characters, with independent and strong willed Bailey as the star – basically everything you want in a 21st century thriller.

I devoured this one really quickly and will definitely be going back to read other books by this author!

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Christmas is coming and I am loving being on the blog tours for lots of these uplifting and gorgeous Christmas reads and this one was no exception.

Meg is determined to have a peaceful Christmas this year. She wants to leave her family drama and less than perfect boyfriends behind her and have a happy, quiet Christmas in traditional, beautiful Lockton.

Meg gets more than she bargained for though, as heart broken Tom and her mixed up family are on her heels and about to shake things up. What will this mean for Meg’s Christmas plans?

This book had some really good elements that I enjoyed. The characters are likeable and relatable, while mysterious Tom and the family secret gives the plot an extra edge.

I loved all the descriptions of Christmas in picturesque, cold Lockton and this definitely gave me lots of excitement and ideas for the festive season.

If you are looking for a quick, charming, festive read then this is ideal!

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This adorable little winter read tells the story of Jess, her faithful friend Oliver, her fun and fiesty Gran and a mystery man she meets, on a flight home from Australia…

Jess loves her job and although her family structure is a little broken, she feels at home with, and connected to her Gran’s friends and neighbours at Willow Court.

After she meets mystery man Nik, things in Jess’ life seem to go a little bit out of control. Ever perfect, ever present Nik, is there helping as much as he can, but will there be more to their relationship than a damsel in distress and a Knight in shining armour? Is Nik too good to be true? And how will Jess’ housemate Oliver react to this new addition to her life?

There were many enjoyable aspects to the book. The characters are vibrant, likeable and relatable. Nik is mysterious and foreign, which adds an extra layer to the story.

It is essentially a story of friendship and romance, but there is so much more to this story. It is about home, Christmas, family and having the strength to re-evaluate, make changes and brave choices.

There were some original twists in the story which although a little far fetched, kept me interested and added some drama and at times, a certain lightness to the story.

I was really chuffed with the ending and felt it was completely appropriate to the story.

I really hope you will read and enjoy this cosy Christmas romance from Samantha Tonge!

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I was first drawn to the book by the cover, which is bright and eye-catching. I also love a book with a question if a title, so I was fascinated to find out more about the characters and their predicament/s!

This was a 20th anniversary re-print but this book was completely new to me, and I felt that the plot and themes were timeless so still very enjoyable! The story follows thirty something Carly on her quest for love. What if she never finds The One? What if she has already met The One? She knows she needs to be open discovering (or re-discovering) him…

I loved Shari’s sophisticated use of alternative timelines and flashbacks to develop the character of Carly and for the reader to get to know her story and background.

This was a light, humorous read with a message and plot that is both uplifting and heart-warming. I have really enjoyed this one and as a big chick lit fan, cannot believe I have spent 20 years without reading a single Shari Low book (shame on me!)

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I was first drawn to this book by the title. The sensory imagery of eating warm, sweet pie whilst sat by a cosy fire was something that brought me comfort and joy. I looked forward to the warm and fuzzy feeling the book would create, based on the title, and I was not disappointed!

This is the latest edition of a long, popular and successful series by Rosie Green but this is the first book I’ve read by this author. I could see how it would be enjoyable as part of a series as the characters and setting are vibrant and well developed, but it was also a lovely stand-alone read.

The book centres around Madison, and her eventful personal life! She has family drama, friendship drama and romantic drama to contend with within the book. Madison, or ‘Maddy’ as she is affectionately called, is a likeable and relatable character who I had lots of sympathy for in each of the predicaments she faced.

I thoroughly enjoyed following her journey, even though at times life seemed to teach her some quite harsh lessons. In the end, I think it’s fair to say that Maddy learns who will always be there for her, and that it’s always best to trust your gut instincts when it comes to love.

I look forward to reading more by this author, and I’m also really tempted to try out the ‘bookish recipe’ for the toffee apple cake as it sounds DELICIOUS, so watch this space!

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I have been absolutely side lined and blown away by this book! I knew from the cover and the blurb that it would be “up my street” but I did not expect it to be SO good.

Zoe is in a bit of a rut. Work is okay but isn’t blowing her away, her home is okay, her love life is… non existent. Until Simon, her now divorced childhood best friend and secret sweetheart, returns from America looking for a relationship with her. Or is he just on the rebound?

There was so much to this story. It is one of the longest books I’ve read this year at over 400 pages, but it was filled with substance and drama as well as romance and some little comedic gems too.

Zoe and Simon’s relationship is a complex one, but Zoe is very much a down to earth, likeable girl next door character and I felt myself rooting for her throughout. There were times when I laughed out loud. The humour in the book felt natural and added to the charisma and emotion in the book.

There were also times where I welled up, and times where I wanted to scream at a certain character! The ending was unexpected but also really lovely.

This is an up and coming incredible author of chick lit/romantic fiction and I wouldn’t be surprised if this book becomes a best seller!

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