Sunday Catchup - Week 4

This week has been pretty poor reading wise, only finished one book and read 20% of another, and I'm unsure if next week will be any better as I've got a job needing sorted by the middle of november, but I can hope that I won't be so tired and can stay up later!

Read This Week:

Meet Me In Manhattan - Claudia Carroll

In a New York minute, everything can change …

Holly Johnson is at a crossroads in her life. She wants to make it as a real journalist, and she’s dreaming of falling in love.

She’s so close to getting her break at work, and she’s met a very special guy. Well, she hasn’t actually met him … not yet. But everyone knows most relationships start online these days. And she’s on to a winner with this one. Isn’t she?

But something is not quite right with Andy McCoy – and he’s about to learn you don’t mess with Holly Johnson. She decides to fly to New York to find the truth.

Holly is about to get the shock of her life.

What she finds in Manhattan swiftly turns into a nightmare.

But maybe – just maybe – if Holly is true to herself, she can turn this nightmare into a dream come true …

This book was the only one I read this week, I had a few niggles with this book despite what I expected, but overall I enjoyed it.

Currently Reading:

What a Girl Wants - Lindsey Kelk

Being arrested in your own bedroom is never a good start to the day. Tess Brookes really needs to sort out her back-stabbing flatmate – and her life.

Should she gamble all on the new photography job she’s landed, or snap up the offer from long-time crush and best friend Charlie to start up on their own – in more ways than one? There’s just one small thing she hasn’t mentioned. Or rather, one tall thing. He’s handsome, infuriating and called Nick…

For the first time, Tess has to choose between the life she always dreamed of and a future she never imagined possible. From London to Milan, with high fashion and low behaviour thrown in, she’s going to have to make up her mind what a girl really wants…

Love love love books by Lindsey Kelk and I got the third book in this series at the weekend so need to catch up quick and rather than read the books below wanted an author I knew I adored! Not that I won't enjoy the other books but sometimes you just need some comfort reading, ya know?

Next Week's Reading:

I really want to read the books I said I would read last week so will keep those and add Lindsey Kelk's new one as I'm dying to read it!


The Broken Hearts Book Club - Lynsey James


Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid…

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the past she left behind – or spend the rest of her life on the run…

I love book clubs and I've been looking forward to read this for a while, so think I will pick this up!


Hyacinth Girls - Lauren Frankel

A stunning debut about a young teenager on the brink and a parent desperate to find the truth before it's too late.

Thirteen year old Callie is accused of bullying at school, but Rebecca knows the gentle girl she's raised must be innocent. After Callie is exonerated, she begins to receive threatening notes from the girl who accused her, and as these notes become desperate, Rebecca feels compelled to intervene. As she tries to save this unbalanced girl, Rebecca remembers her own intense betrayals and best-friendships as a teenager, when her failure to understand those closest to her led to tragedy. She'll do anything to make this story end differently. But Rebecca doesn’t understand what's happening or who is truly a victim, and now Callie is in terrible danger.

This raw and beautiful story about the intensity of adolescent emotions and the complex identity of a teenage girl looks unflinchingly at how cruelty exists in all of us, and how our worst impulses can estrange us from ourselves - or even save us.

I've read a few books on bullying and this one sounded fascinating and darker than the ones I read before.

A Girl's Best Friend - Lindsey Kelk

After the crazy six months she’s had, if there was a ‘clear history’ button for your life, Tess Brookes would be the first in line to press it.

When the opportunity arises to join her best friend, Amy, in New York for Christmas, Tess jumps at the chance. The only slight hitch is that Nick, the man who broke her heart, lives there. And Charlie, the man she turned down, has just started talking to her again. And she has just four days to take a photo for a competition that could save her career.

But aside from that, everything is going to be great: it’ll be the best Christmas ever. Won’t it?

As I said, I simply cannot wait to read this book!

Our Song by Dani Atkins

This week for my 'Friday First', I am reviewing Dani Atkin's Book 'Our Song' which isn't out till January but I was lucky enough to receive a copy early, and I'm so glad I did.

Synopsis

The stunning new emotional drama from ebook phenomenon Dani Atkins, author of Fractured - perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson.

This is the story of Ally and Charlotte, whose paths have intersected over the years though they've never really been close friends. Charlotte married Ally's ex and first true love, David. Fate is about to bring them together one last, dramatic time and change their lives forever.

Full of Dani's signature warmth and emotion, this is a gripping and emotional family drama. With breath-taking plot twists, Dani explores themes of serendipity, friendship and love. She fully engages the reader in the dilemmas faced by her characters. What would you do if your husband was the love of somebody else's life? And when faced with an agonising decision, could you put the past behind you and do the right thing?

Review

I haven’t read any of Dani Atkins’ books before, but from what I’ve heard of them, I was expecting an emotional, touching story, and that’s exactly what you get with this book.

I snuck a look at the first two pages when I received it and was awestruck and couldn’t wait to start it. Once I had started it, it was hard to put it down and once started had an epic reading session reading alot of it ending at 2am, then as I woke up, I started reading the last third of the book, which felt like someone had ripped my heart out. It completely just broke my heart in a way that hasn’t been done since ‘The Memory Book’ and ‘Me Before You’.

The writing is beautiful and you are sucked into Ally and Charlotte's lives with ease. Dani captures their emotions and situation wonderfully. You hear from them in the past when Ally and Charlotte first meet when Ally is dating her housemate at Uni, David. They were never close but they are thrown back together under less than happy circumstances, where either of them are barely keeping it together, even without the added complications of seeing each other again after 8 years, you can feel the tension between them.

I adored Ally, she was so sensitive, but other than the intensity when they were first dating, I don’t think she was well suited to David on an outsider’s perspective, though as they say, opposites attract and that was certainly the case here, she obviously loved him with everything she had. After her split from David, I loved reading about her friendship with Joe, who I much preferred over David.
Charlotte, compared to Ally seemed much more confident and sure of herself. At times a bit cold even. I didn’t dislike her but felt connected more to Ally throughout most of the book, especially in the past. When in the present she was much easier to like, especially when she buys a second cup of coffee. A small gesture, but showed some real warmth to her.

This book is definitely a contender for my favourite book of the year, it’s tragic yet heartwarming. The last hundred or so pages need a pack of tissues built into them, that’s for sure. While it is really sad, there are moments you find yourself smiling, sometimes because it’s funny or more often someone says or does something that is poignant and touching and it makes you think and want to grasp life as it comes. This book is one of the ones that hits you hard, simply stunning!

Released on 14th January 2016
Pre-order on Amazon now!

Published by: Simon & Schuster
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review.

Why I Love...Wine!

Why I Love...Wine

I never really liked wine before I started my job designing wine lists for a wine wholesaler. I was sent on a WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) course to learn about wine and my love developed from there. I never understood how one Sauvignon Blanc could taste of Gooseberry’s and another of tropical fruits. To be honest I never got how you got grapes to taste of anything other than grapes. However, being taught about it all and having to taste a load of different varieties of grapes from different countries, really peaked my interest and after acing that test (92% getting only 4 questions wrong) and getting a merit in a more advanced course, including a blind tasting, my love for wine was born. I want to eventually work my way to getting my diploma, then another and then I will be a master of wine. That is such an awesome name, but I would love to get better in wine tasting, and maybe turn it into a profession. However, there are only about 250 masters out there so it’s obviously going to be challenging.

Despite my initial reservations about the taste of wine, I now get what they mean when they taste of things other than grapes. It’s one of the hardest things to explain, but it’s kind of like you taste it and think yeah that reminds me of mangoes, or citrusy flavours. The variety of styles and type of wine is mind boggling, and every little thing can effect it. The soil, the weather, the location (even within one country) all has it’s part to play, and that’s not including any process they do inside like aging in oak that would affect the flavour.

My favourite wine in the world is Red Ice Wine from Canada. Made by harvesting the grapes only when they are frozen, it makes a delicously sweet dessert wine. The process means that it is more expensive than alot of wines that I buy (Cheapest I've seen is £45 for a half bottle), so I don't get to drink it as often as I like. There is a white version as well, which is a fair bit cheaper (Found a bottle in Aldi for about £20-25 for a half bottle). The white ones are really nice, but the red is more fruity, rich and delicious. I've expensive taste I know! My favourite general wine that I can afford often is New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, simply delicious, and for a red Pinot Noir from New Zealand also hits the spot, or a nice Beaujolais (Morrisons have a nice one for about £6), thankfully as this is French it's named after the area it's made as the grapes name is Gamay, which sounds a bit too much like Gammy for my liking!

There is a common misconception among most people that knows I have some qualifications in wine, that I am a wine snob and won't 'slum it' with their picks, the most common phrase is 'Sorry I've only got....' like I wouldn't dare been seen with a bottle of Hardy's Shiraz and it is not true at all. I buy most of my wine from the supermarkets, and am often trying to find bargains. Unless we're buying a really nice bottle to go with dinner, where we would spend £10-15 on a bottle, most of the time I stick to the £6-7 mark, and if it's the end of the month I will see what a fiver can get me. I've found some really nice wines that way.

While I think that the Premier Crus of the world would be nicer than the £5 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon you pick up from Tesco, you have to take a wine for what it is. Premier Cru's are going to set you back hundreds, if not thousands of pounds for a bottle, on that basis alone, they SHOULD be better than the £5 bottle. That doesn't mean that the £5 bottle tastes horrible. It may not be as complex and full as the posh French ones, but can still taste of delicious blackberries with the hint of pepper.

Simon is really proud of me and my wine 'knowledge', he's prouder than me infact, or at least bolder. Last time we were in our favourite restaurant in New York, he used it to get a tour of the wine cellar, their wine list is almost as thick as a book, you don't want to know how long it took me to pick a wine there! I think the funniest thing I can remember was when I was at home while Simon was out at a works gathering. I was watching some sad movie and it had just got to the point where I was crying (LOTS) and Simon suddenly calls me out of the blue with 'I've just emailed you the restaurants wine list, can you pick us a wine?', completely ruining the moment I was having with the film. Thanks Simon :)

Recommended Reading:

Paige Toon's book includes a winery where Ethan makes wine and while Portia Macintosh's book doesn't include wine as a subject or setting, I do remember the lead character had a penchant for Chablis!

The Sun In Her Eyes by Paige Toon

Bad Bridesmaid by Portia Macintosh

I haven't read the next two but I want to!

The Vineyard by Karen Aldous
You Had Me At Merlot by Lisa Dickenson

Sunday Catchup - Weeks 2 and 3

Last weekend I was busy visiting my parents, and didn't have access to a computer, so thought I would combine last week and this week in one post.

Read This Week:

Our Song - Dani Atkins
Released 14th January 2016

The stunning new emotional drama from ebook phenomenon Dani Atkins, author of Fractured - perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes and Dorothy Koomson.

This is the story of Ally and Charlotte, whose paths have intersected over the years though they've never really been close friends. Charlotte married Ally's ex and first true love, David. Fate is about to bring them together one last, dramatic time and change their lives forever.

Full of Dani's signature warmth and emotion, this is a gripping and emotional family drama. With breath-taking plot twists, Dani explores themes of serendipity, friendship and love. She fully engages the reader in the dilemmas faced by her characters. What would you do if your husband was the love of somebody else's life? And when faced with an agonising decision, could you put the past behind you and do the right thing?

This book was one I was excited for and it was simply amazing. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!

The Piano Man Project - Kat French 

Finding love isn’t always black and white…

You: kind, piano-playing sex god
Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager

Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…

Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.

But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…

A hilarious, feel-good, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lucy Diamond, Paige Toon and Giovanna Fletcher.

This is the first book by Kat French, and while I expected to enjoy this book, it  was better than I could thought it would be, and I love it when an author surpises me like that!

One Wish in Manhattan - Mandy Baggot

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to fall in love

The temperature is dropping, snow is on its way and Hayley Walker is heading for New York with one wish on her mind…to start over. 

With her nine year-old daughter Angel, Hayley is ready for an adventure. From hot chocolates and horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park, to ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre, and Christmas shopping on 5th Avenue – they soon fall in love with the city that never sleeps. 

But there’s more to New York than the bright twinkly lights and breathtaking skyscrapers. Angel has a Christmas wish of her own – to find her real dad. 

While Hayley tries to fufil her daughter’s wish, she crosses paths with Billionaire Oliver Drummond. Restless and bored with fast living, there’s something intriguing about him that has Hayley hooked. 

Determined to make her daughter’s dream come true, can Hayley dare to think her own dreams might turn into reality – could A New York Christmas turn into a New York Forever? 

Travel to the Big Apple this Christmas and join Hayley and Oliver as they both realise that life isn’t just about filling the minutes…it’s about making every moment count. (less)

This is Mandy's second book this year, and this one is even better than Truly, Madly, Greekly. It's set in New York (so bonus points), contains a hilarious child and a lead man to die for.

Clutch: A Novel - Lisa Becker

Clutch: a novel is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc. 

With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto

This book was really enjoyable, a lot of fun and looking forward to Lisa's other books - read my review here

Currently Reading:

Meet Me In Manhattan by Claudia Carroll
Released 5th November 2015

In a New York minute, everything can change …

Holly Johnson is at a crossroads in her life. She wants to make it as a real journalist, and she’s dreaming of falling in love.

She’s so close to getting her break at work, and she’s met a very special guy. Well, she hasn’t actually met him … not yet. But everyone knows most relationships start online these days. And she’s on to a winner with this one. Isn’t she?

But something is not quite right with Andy McCoy – and he’s about to learn you don’t mess with Holly Johnson. She decides to fly to New York to find the truth.

Holly is about to get the shock of her life.

What she finds in Manhattan swiftly turns into a nightmare.

But maybe – just maybe – if Holly is true to herself, she can turn this nightmare into a dream come true …

I've loved Claudia's other books I've read, and I love New York so this might be the perfect match!

Next Week's Reading:

The Broken Hearts Book Club - Lynsey James

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid…

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the past she left behind – or spend the rest of her life on the run…

I love book clubs and I've been looking forward to read this for a while, so think I will pick this up!


Hyacinth Girls - Lauren Frankel

A stunning debut about a young teenager on the brink and a parent desperate to find the truth before it's too late.

Thirteen year old Callie is accused of bullying at school, but Rebecca knows the gentle girl she's raised must be innocent. After Callie is exonerated, she begins to receive threatening notes from the girl who accused her, and as these notes become desperate, Rebecca feels compelled to intervene. As she tries to save this unbalanced girl, Rebecca remembers her own intense betrayals and best-friendships as a teenager, when her failure to understand those closest to her led to tragedy. She'll do anything to make this story end differently. But Rebecca doesn’t understand what's happening or who is truly a victim, and now Callie is in terrible danger.

This raw and beautiful story about the intensity of adolescent emotions and the complex identity of a teenage girl looks unflinchingly at how cruelty exists in all of us, and how our worst impulses can estrange us from ourselves - or even save us.

I've read a few books on bullying and this one sounded fascinating and darker than the ones I read before.