BLOGTOUR: Nadine - John Steinberg

Nadine

London 1974 – and Peter Greenberg is riding high. Thanks to his magic touch, every play he puts on in Theatreland is a hit and the money is rolling in. The young man’s empire feels secure – but then everything changes. One evening, he calls in to see a rival’s musical and falls head over heels in love.

The beautiful Paris-born dancer who catches his eye is Nadine – a major star in the making. Like Greenberg, the young dancer too is in love – but with someone else. The eternal triangle is complicated by the birth of a child, and by tragic secrets that go back before World War Two; slowly, those secrets reveal themselves in a drama that out-performs anything on the West End stage or Broadway.

Nadine is a poignant story of unrequited love, a love that will one day be returned – and in a most unexpected way…

Purchase Links:

UK  - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nadine-John-Steinberg/dp/1912014289/

US  - https://www.amazon.com/Nadine-John-Steinberg/dp/1912014289/

 My Review: 

I’m not usually overly emotional as a person, it takes something special to make me cry but this beauty ALMOST got me.

It’s a great storyline, John Steinberg’s tale really draws you in and keeps you invested throughout. A wide range of emotions pour from the page and hit you; such intense love, betrayal. The drama will have you hooked and the characters, well you will love them – realistic, easy to read and without a shadow of a doubt you will identify with them in some way or another.

I believe this book will be so much more than people will presume, I don’t want to say too much as I really want people to read for themselves and enjoy the world John has created but just to say I was surprised.

A well-crafted tale from John Steinberg, a delightful read that I highly recommend to all. I’ve never read anything by the author before but will look forward to rectifying that.

About the Author:  

https://steinbergstories.com

John Steinberg was born in 1952 and spent many years in business before becoming a writer in 2007. Since then, he has co-written and produced comedies for the stage and has created a series of books for children. Nadine is his third novel. He is married with three children and lives in North London.

Social Media Links –

https://www.facebook.com/Steinberg-Stories-1477024492517726/ 

https://twitter.com/@SteinbergStory/

BLOGTOUR: The Summer of Going Topless - Liz Davies

The Summer of Going Topless

Candice Summerville is invisible. No one seems to notice her - not really. Heck, she often doesn’t notice herself, except for her monthly scrutiny in the mirror to check on her body’s steady slide towards middle age.

But when her ancient, practical estate car is consigned to the scrap heap, Candice falls in love with a cute, purple convertible, and from that moment on her life begins to take on a whole new meaning. Strangers wave at her and people stop to talk, and suddenly she isn’t invisible any longer.

Life seems to be looking up, especially when she meets silver fox and handy-man, Paul. There’s just one fly in the ointment, one thing she that has her second-guessing herself.

Is it the car that Paul sees - or is it her?

Purchase Links:

UK -  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07V72XKWP 

US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V72XKWP

My Review: 

The title of this book is fun and quirky, a play on the fact that our main character – Candice – buys herself a convertible when she needs a new car. After her husband left her for a newer model, she’s taken time to move on and the purchase of this car (which she names jellybean) is just what she needs to give her a new lease of life. It certainly does that!

We see Candice start to spread her wings and claw back some independence, doing things for her own good instead of for someone else.

She starts doing yoga, finds romance, has a makeover and starts becoming more than the woman we initially met. I found her very soft; yes, very caring but really the love for that car was perhaps a little over the top for me. I get that it just represented something new for her, a change and the push she needed to become a different version of herself but there was so much emphasis on Jelly Bean.

It was nicely written, fast paced and an easy read. It’s amusing and will have you chuckling. For people in the same position it will be a fun glimpse into how a little bit of effort can really change your outlook on life.  There were no big twists or surprises, I could tell what would happen but that’s ok.

An enjoyable read, light hearted and fun - something quick for the last of the summer. 

About the Author: 

Liz Davies writes feel-good, light-hearted stories with a hefty dose of romance, a smattering of humour, and a great deal of love.

She’s married to her best friend, has one grown-up daughter, and when she isn’t scribbling away in the notepad she carries with her everywhere (just in case inspiration strikes), you’ll find her searching for that perfect pair of shoes. She loves to cook but isn’t very good at it, and loves to eat - she’s much better at that! Liz also enjoys walking (preferably on the flat), cycling (also on the flat), and lots of sitting around in the garden on warm, sunny days.

She currently lives with her family in Wales, but would ideally love to buy a camper van and travel the world in it. 

Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/lizdaviesauthor

Recent Read Round-up

The Rumour - Lesley Kara
Published 25 July 2019 by Corgi 

The Rumour is a gripping, psychological thriller that really gives you something to think about. The theme is based around something most people are guilty of at some point – gossiping and/or sharing a rumour.

Main character Joanna is trying to fit in, she’s moved back to the quiet town and wants to fit herself but more so for her son Alfie. With a rumour rife about a child killer living in the community, Jo uses this to garner attention with the other school Mums.

With rumours snowballing and innocent people being victimised, Jo finds herself at the centre of some unwanted and scary attention. With threats to her son, Jo wishes she could find a way to stop the rumour mill before disaster strikes.

I have to say I was hooked from the start, I read it in one sitting. It had some interesting twists, along with some classic misdirection that really kept me on my toes. I thought I had it nailed early on, I’m usually pretty good at generally figuring things out but I was surprised this time.

It is a thought provoking read, the tension slowly builds throughout culminating in a fantastic turn of events.  I enjoyed the writing style and the characters presented; at the beginning I was a little overwhelmed with the amount of different characters being introduced but it worked out fine as I continued to read.

If you enjoy a good thriller than I would recommend. I will look forward to more by the author.

The Night You Left - Emma Curtis
Published July 22nd 2019 by Transworld Digital

Nick disappears just hours after proposing to Grace. She goes through the motions but slowly starts to realise everything may not be as it seems – will her secrets be kept whilst she’s uncovering those of the people around her?!

Such an enjoyable read, the story moves around from present day to the past and from different characters perspectives. I always enjoy this- when done in the right way and this was good. I never felt confused or not sure whose perspective I was reading. I think the inclusion of different character’ POV and scenes from their old lives really helped move the story along quickly.

Grace is obviously emotional, urgent and wanting answers – this leaps from the page and you feel the frustration in not knowing what has happened and if anyone she knows has got the answer. I must admit I worked out some aspects of the story, but they were quickly addressed and there were plenty of additional twists that took me by surprise. The ending – well, crikey me, I did not anticipate that at all.

This book is well-paced, lots of drama happening throughout to keep you entertained. I enjoyed the elements showing Nicks past – especially as we hadn’t had chance to garner opinion of him before he went missing – and we get to see everything he has had to go through.

This book will grab you from the off, I was engrossed and on the edge of my seat until I finished it. I’ve never read any of Emma’s books but I will definitely be rectifying that.

Highly recommend. 

The Library of Lost and Found- Phaedra Patrick 
Paperback - Published June 27th 2019 by HQ

A gorgeous, charm of a book. Some absolutely beautiful moments throughout this book.

Martha Storm is quite the character; putting everyone else before herself she is unable to say no to anyone and crikey me, they do take such advantage of her.

Her world starts to change after being left a copy of a book; full of familiar stories and a special dedication to her. The dedication comes from someone unexpected and it starts Martha on the quest for answers. This quest gives her answers but more than she bargained for.

A wonderful tale about someone breaking out and becoming the version of herself she was destined to be; of doing something for yourself. Martha is a lovey character and I love how she was written; we were on her side and I know I was frustrated for her at times. I was so sympathetic at all that she sacrificed and the moments she missed out on.

This is a lovely, heart warming read that will restore faith in people. Full of characters – some will annoy, some are funny and some just do the best they can for someone they clearly care about. This isn’t a predictable read at all so you may be surprised at times.

I definitely recommend for a cute, quick read. 

BLOGTOUR: Love, Unscripted - Owen Nicholls

Owen Nicholls’ Love, Unscripted is an uplifting love story, following film projectionist Nick as he tries to understand the difference between love on the silver screen and love in real life. 

Perfect for fans of David Nicholls, Nick Hornby and Laura Barnett. 

For Nick, love should look like it does on the big screen. And when he meets Ellie on the eve of the 2008 presidential election, it finally does. For four blissful years, Nick loved Ellie as much as he loved his job as a film projectionist in his local cinema. Life seemed pictureperfect. But now it’s 2012, Ellie has moved out and Nick’s trying to figure out where it all went wrong. With Ellie gone and his life falling part, Nick wonders if their romance could ever be as perfect as the night they met. Can love really be as it is in the movies?

My Review:

If only our lives were like the films that we all enjoy… if love played out like the iconic scenes we all know so well.

For film enthusiast Nick, we read his struggles, his inner dialogue; we discover his insecurities and what he puts at risk because he cannot see a way by them.

Love, Unscripted is a wonderful take on someone moving through his 20s into his 30s with who is a complicated, worried soul and how he perceives the relationships he has with everyone around him.

I love how the story of Nick meeting Ellie is interspersed throughout the whole book, as parts of his life seem to break down, we get to see more about their first encounter. I remember the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the 2008 US presidential election, the general feelings of hope for a nation which serves here as a good reflection for the hope and anticipation in this blossoming relationship between the two young characters.

Nicks character frustrated me, I liked him and think he was a funny, quirky character but annoying at times. His inability to see anything from another perspective, well yes it makes him who he is, part of the problem I guess but frustratingly selfish. I do like how he is written, very realistic and very relatable to a lot of people nowadays.  I was rooting for him though, I wanted him to be happy and figure out the best ways forward, I was willing him on and wishing he would sort himself out.

I like how this book is very true to life, realistic characters and realistic situations – sometimes we are given characters that just aren’t relatable but here we have plenty. They all have problems; they are all flawed in one way or another; nobody has the perfect life, and all have a rollercoaster of life experiences.

I loved all the film references littered throughout – you are bound to find one from a film you enjoy. I found myself chuckling away as I was reading, it is really amusing and rather witty. Very well structured and wonderfully written, I thoroughly enjoyed this realistic and modern love story. 

About the Author:  

Owen Nicholls is a screenwriter with a Masters in Scriptwriting from the UEA. His work has appeared in Empire and NME, and earlier this year Love, Unscripted was selected for the Escalator Scheme run by Writers' Centre in Norwich.

Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/OwenNicholls

BLOGTOUR: The Postcard - Zoe Folbigg

Pre-order Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XDiYhJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Cg55hG

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2LMMxLs

About the Book

'Heart-warming, wonderful escapism and brimming with charm. I marvelled!' Christie Barlow

'I absolutely LOVED this! The Note was fabulous and this follow-up was a real treat!' Mandy Baggot

The sequel to the bestselling phenomenon The Note – based on the true story of one girl and her 'Train Man'…

A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey - this time around the world. The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that ‘love at first sight’ might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby, and James doesn’t feel the same.  Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all… Perfect for fans of One Day in December, Our Stop and Marian Keyes. The Postcard continues the once-in-a-lifetime love story that readers so took to their hearts.

My Review:

This is the sequel to Zoe Folbiggs ‘The Note’. We pick up the story as Maya and James plan on taking a year long trip travelling around the world. We are caught up with events from the year between the end of the first book and the start of this – I think you could read this happily as a standalone, but I always recommend reading a series in order (personal preference though).

Overall, I think The Postcard is charming, funny with elements of mystery, intrigue and even danger. I love when a book takes us on travels around the globe and was excited to hear about each destination. I mean, I love India and adore reading books that are set there or characters that travel through the country because I enjoy getting a picture in my mind of the place. I think we had some great glimpses of each place Maya and James enjoyed, but for me, I was left wanting more.

I quite enjoyed that we had the secondary storyline of Nena’s struggles with motherhood as well as the disappearance of backpacker Manon Junot in Thailand threading throughout. I understood the inclusion of Nena’s struggles – it contrasted to where Maya and James were in their relationship, but I admit I didn’t see why the Manon Junot storyline kept popping up at first.

I enjoyed how this books shows how we all put expectations on ourselves, we all compare ourselves to others even when their situations are completely different. It highlights how you should look at what you want from life and go for it, even if you didn’t initially set out with that goal in mind. Life is unexpected and not to be taken for granted.

I enjoyed the positive that exudes from the book, the writing is brilliant and we are given such a fantastic array of characters. Some quirky and funny, some annoying and you’ll want to punch them in their smarmy faces.

A highly enjoyable read for all. Thank you to Aria Fiction for the copy to review in exchange for an honest review. 

About the Author 

Zoë Folbigg is a magazine journalist and digital editor, starting at Cosmopolitan in 2001 and since freelancing for titles including Glamour, Fabulous, Daily Mail, Healthy, LOOK, Top Santé, Mother & Baby, ELLE, Sunday Times Style and Style.com. In 2008 she had a weekly column in Fabulous magazine documenting her year-long round-the-world trip with ‘Train Man’ – a man she had met on her daily commute. She since married Train Man and lives in Hertfordshire with him and their two young sons.

Follow Zoë:

Facebook: @zoefolbiggauthor

Twitter: @zolington

Website: www.zoefolbigg.com

My Blog's 1st anniversary!

It’s a year ago today that I set up this blog and posted my first review. I didn’t know what I was doing at all (some may argue that I still don’t) and I certainly had no expectations of what would happen.

So, what has happened? Crikey… well, things beyond what I envisaged. I have found a community of incredible, like-minded people who share, encourage and support one another. Authors, other bloggers, readers all coming together to celebrate books and wonderful stories. If only I knew that having this blog would open a whole new world. I’ve got to know so many new and lovely people that it feels like I’m part of something – that doesn’t always happen to me.

I never expected to be able to read ARCs, I didn’t imagine I’d meet authors I admired, I wouldn’t dream that I could be asked to read and review books from my favourite authors before publication days.  But these things have happened, continue to happen and I am so so sooooo grateful.

Throughout the year I have connected with a lot of wonderful new (to me) author. I’ve instantly become a fan of so many and of course I have had to ensure I read every single book they had ever written in the shortest possible time…  people talk about binge watching a TV series, well I binge read authors that I discover/love.  The world being as it is now, and with book Twitter being totally amazing, the ability to connect with these same authors is incredible and better than I imagined – I love that we, as fans, can get to know authors, help support them in any way possible, whether that’s a book review, tweet, or even something simple like a RT.

“Book Twitter” has led to some wonderful….. friendships. I’ll call them that because although I haven’t had the chance to meet any of the lovelies yet, the people I communicate with regularly are like friends. We share stories, pieces of information about our lives and we support each other like friends do. It’s been the most fun year… I know without a shadow of a doubt these guys will have a book recommendation at hand in an instant and they all share the opinion that there is no such thing as having too many books.

As I head into my second year I’ve been thinking, ‘do I have any goals? Any expectations of what I would like to have happened by this time next year?’ Quite honestly, no. I may not have the level of following as some blogs that are around, I may not have the interaction as others do -but you know what? That’s OK.

Something I would like to do is take the chances to meet others; go to more author events, see other bloggers etc - that is what I will work on over this next year.  

My little blog and I are happily moving along. I’m reading the books I want to read; I’m enjoying what I do and how I do it. I am happy with the community I have become part of and I don’t think I’d change that at all.

Happy Anniversary to me. If you’ve been here since the beginning – thanks, if you have only just found me, then hello.

Here’s to another year in my Comfy Chair.

BLOGTOUR: Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence - Holly Hepburn

About the book:
Nestled in the quiet countryside sits the cosy village of Little Monkham, home of The Star and Sixpence, a renovated pub owned by sisters Sam and Nessie. As the locals welcome the new season, it appears that change is afoot in their tiny community, and not all of it for the better... Nessie is moving in with her boyfriend, leaving Sam alone in the pub. But with the arrival of new chef Gabriel causing a flutter among the women of the village, it seems that Sam might not be so lonely after all. Having just recently come out of a relationship, Sam’s attraction to Gabe is inconvenient, but that’s the least of her worries when an unexpected visitor arrives at the pub, determined to stir up trouble. As Gabe and Sam grow closer, Little Monkham’s latest arrival threatens to reveal a secret that will turn more than one world upside down.

Can Sam and Nessie work through the fall out, or is it really last orders at The Star and Sixpence? 

*** Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence is the bind-up of the new Star and Sixpence e-novellas. If you have already enjoyed the novellas, then you have already enjoyed Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence***

My Review:

Now, I do enjoy a good novella but oh the joys of when those novellas are popped together in one book, which is the case here.

I’m so glad I got to read all this deliciousness in one fell swoop, I don’t know if I could’ve hung on between novellas.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this wonderful village, such a fantastic sense of community and of friendship – I would love to live in Little Monkham.  The descriptions are so well written, everything sounds wonderful as Holly as brought this place to life.

What a cast of characters too – fun, quirky, individuals who together make such a lovely bunch of people. Nessie and Sam are so well loved by every customer, friend and villager. It’s nice to see how they all rally round each other in times of need as well as in celebration. Discovering a new brother, the sisters are very quick to welcome him into the pub - a little bit too quick if you ask me; I immediately had him pegged as a bad sort!

Both Nessie and Sam find challenges throughout the storyline, each feeling they couldn’t turn to the other; I was gutted for them as I understand how strong a sisterly bond truly is. They have a rollercoaster of a journey together but also individually. With fun, emotional highs you also get the gut wrenching and heart-breaking lows. I was kept intrigued and wondered what they would do to improve their situations (I don’t want to give too much away if I’m honest!) but with matters of the heart, family troubles, loss and deceit all playing their part – you just know it’s not all plain sailing.

Holly Hepburn has given us such a lovely, romantic yet humorous story with character you will adore and want to know more about. I would love to see what happens next with many of them. I was totally immersed in the book and finished within a couple of sittings… I didn’t really want it to end.

I would recommend if you are looking for an enjoyable, easy read that will take you away and leave you feeling all warm, cosy and full of friendship.

Thank you to Holly Hepburn and Simon and Schuester UK. 

Something Extra Special:

Top Five Things You Didn’t Know About Holly Hepburn

1. She loves cooking and is an especially keen baker – people have been known to call her the queen of meringues!2. One of her first jobs was working in a bar, where she met the boyfriend who would become the inspiration for Joss Felstead and who taught her everything she knows about managing a pub cellar, including how to change a barrel and how to clean the lines.3. Owen Rhys is also based on an ex-boyfriend, although he wasn’t a blacksmith. To learn how to write about Owen’s job, Holly spent a day working in a forge and is very proud to have made a toasting fork all by herself from scratch, which she describes as one of the hardest things she’s ever done.

4. The physical appearance of delectable chef, Gabe Santiago, was inspired by Santiago Cabrera, who played Aramis in the BBC’s TV show The Musketeers. Holly took her research very seriously and watched the show repeatedly to get Gabe’s character just right…5. She makes a mean cocktail – ask her to whip up a Silver Sixpence (the signature Star and Sixpence cocktail from her first novel) and she’ll be happy to oblige. Once again, she selflessly takes the research required for writing about cocktails seriously and is always on the look-out for inspiration.

BLOGTOUR: The Time of our lives - Abby Williams

 

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Sg3z61

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2JKHisZ

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2xMa5Il

Ibooks: https://apple.co/2ZhNKxM

About the Book

Two women from two very different generations are brought together through dramatic circumstances and help each other to forge new paths.

Twenty-six-year-old Erin has everything she’s ever wanted – a good job, a gorgeous fiancé and a best friend who’s always there for her. But suddenly her life comes crashing down around her. Unable to return home to her parents, she takes a room in a house nearby and her life starts over in the most unexpected of ways…

Seventy-six-year old Lydia, who, shocked by the sudden death of her husband, is devastated to discover that he has left her in crippling debt. With no choice but to take in a lodger, Erin comes into her life. When they find a letter hidden in the attic old secrets come to light and, with Erin by her side, Lydia finds herself going on a trip of a lifetime.

Perfect for fans of The Flatshare, 59 Memory Lane and If Only I Could Tell You

My Review:

We meet the wonderful Lydia recently after her husband passes away. She realises her beloved husband had been keeping secrets leading her son to convince her that she must take in a lodger to make ends meet. With this in mind she meets with the lovely, yet sad, Erin. We’ve seen that twenty-six-year-old Erin has had a difficult time and needs a new start - her fiancé and best friend betrayed her.

Erin moves in and over the following days and weeks we see how both women bring out the better qualities in each other and provide the support each needs to move forward instead of looking back and dwelling on the past.

Honestly, I adored it from the moment these two women met. I was totally absorbed into their lives. Both characters complimented each other fantastically, although both were quite feisty and opinionated. I think they are both brilliant and loved that the emphasis of the book was their relationship and how they helped each other.

We read how each character dusts themselves off and both move on with their lives – even with an age difference they learn so much from the other. They both go on quite a journey in the short time they know each other, there are great successes, heart-warming moments that had me smiling from ear to ear but also failures and disappointments. Throughout it all they have each other; I found myself smiling, laughing but then feeling very empathetic to their situations.

This book is very nicely written, you get a good sense of the atmosphere – their excitement, disappointments, the sadness and the loves each character lives through. We are introduced to a lovely selection of additional characters, although there will be a couple you will instantly dislike.   The perspective changes between Erin and Lydia but it’s done very well and I really enjoy getting two views of events throughout.

I enjoyed how the book encompassed the realities of life, that everything isn’t always perfect, but you live through the moments, you learn, and you continue the best path for you.

Here’s to friendship and having those who support and love you always.

I would highly recommend this book to all, definitely worth a read. 

About the Author 

Abby Williams is the pseudonym for Fiona Ford, writer of romantic up-lit and historical fiction. Fiona started out as a freelance journalist for titles such as Grazia, Sunday Mirror and Stylist before realising her passion lay in novels. Now she spends her days immersed in made-up worlds and reckons she has the very best job in the world. When she's not writing, Fiona is a gym nut, but only so it means she can eat lots of cake and drink lots of wine - not necessarily in that order. She lives in Berkshire with her husband and two cats who she sometimes thinks she might love just a little bit more than all the humans she knows. The Time of Our Lives is her first romantic novel and she is now busy scribbling away her second. 

Follow Fiona:

Facebook: @Fionafordauthor

Twitter: @Fionajourno

Website: www.fionaford.co.uk

BLOGTOUR - The Ingredients for Happiness - Lucy Knott

AVAILABLE HERE

About:

Three sisters, a stash of family recipes, the chance to make their dreams come true…

Amanda is about to open her very own café. She has the pastry sorted, but hasn’t a clue about the plumbing. With the love of her life by her side, surely nothing else can go wrong?

Sabrina has struck out on her own and is proving to the global music industry she has what it takes. However, balancing the business side of the band with her personal life will end up being more than she bargained for.

Louisa is drawing inspiration from the beautiful Amalfi coast, channelling it into creating gorgeous gowns for modern day Sophia Lorens. But putting herself out there in the fashion industry will present its own challenges, even with the ever-supportive Luca by her side.

With the right mix of perseverance, love and plenty of Italian delicacies, these three sisters are about to discover that when they support each other, the sky really is the limit! 

My review:

This is the first book I’ve read by Lucy – I didn’t read the first in this series (I don’t know how that’s skipped me by though to be honest!) – but it’s a nice, easy read that you can enjoy without getting caught up in complicated plots and overlapping storylines, especially as you are following three sisters as your main characters.

Although I think you may benefit from having read the first as you will be fully invested in each character and understand their positions immediately, I don’t feel I lost anything and would say it’s easy to read as a standalone, you are fully caught up on each sister and what has happened previously.  You meet each sister trying to forge their own path in their relationships and careers.

The Italian style, recipes, lifestyle really comes across throughout the book and what amazing sounding recipes! Honestly you will be drooling all the way through, really adds to the story too. You can imagine yourself alongside the characters.

This is a lovely book that explores hopes and dreams, shows the work you must put it to follow your heart and it demonstrates the importance of family, no matter where if they are near, far or just fondly remembered.  

I did find that everything seemed very good to be true, nothing seemed to “go wrong” and I was always expecting something dramatic to happen, or twist. Maybe that’s just how my mind works. It is a perfect read especially for summer, something you can pick up and read pretty quickly. I think the writing style is lovely and very descriptive too.

I’d definitely recommend. 

About the Author:

Lucy Knott is a former professional wrestler with a passion for storytelling. Now, instead of telling her stories in the ring, she’s putting pen to paper, fulfilling another lifelong dream in becoming an Author.
Inspired by her Italian Grandparents, when she is not writing you will most likely find her cooking, baking and devouring Italian food, in addition to learning Italian and daydreaming of trips to Italy.
Along with her twin sister, Kelly, Lucy runs TheBlossomTwins.com, where she enthusiastically shares her love for books, baking and Italy, with daily posts, reviews and recipes.


You can find Lucy on 
Twitter @TheBlossomTwins or @LucyCKnott
Instagram @LucyCKnott

Website: www.theblossomtwins.com

BLOGTOUR: The Girl I Used to Know - Faith Hogan

About The Book

Amanda King and Tess Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Amanda seems to have it all, absolute perfection.

She projects all the accouterments of a lady who lunches. Sadly, the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart.

By comparison, in the basement flat, unwanted tenant Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love.

It takes a bossy doctor, a handsome gardener, a pushy teenager and an abandoned cat to show these two women that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations.

My Review:

The Girl I Used to Know is a beautiful, inspiring story of self-discovery, knowing your own worth and having a second go at life.

A story of friendships, this book shows us how people are always worth taking a chance on, looking past the exterior and trying to understand the person someone truly is or wants to be. I love how the emphasis was put on friendships and in supporting others – taking two main characters who were both alone, but in very different ways and making them so powerfully connected.

I enjoyed the plot of the book, the ways their lives are so very different, yet they are so closely entwined. Such meaningful and powerful writing by Faith Hogan, it is a well-paced book with short, fast chapters that will allow you to get fully immersed into the two ladies’ lives. I loved that we had chapters that took us back in time and we get to see what happened in Tess’s early life, I think this adds so much to the story and gave us such compassion for the character.

At the beginning of the book neither of our main characters are that appealing, I doubt many people found them charming or even likable but as I read through their story, I grew to be very fond of them both. This book is a real emotional journey and full of surprises. Both Amanda and Tess have some real low blows within their lives, things that turn everything they think they know on its head, but this is countered by some fantastic highs and moments of pure happiness for both.

It’s a gorgeous book to curl up and enjoy, I cannot recommend it enough as it is very uplifting and motivating. I am very grateful to Aria Fiction and Faith Hogan for the opportunity to read and review - Thank you!

Purchase links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JF2sLJ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2W78zzb

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2Wo4qWD

About the Author:

Faith lives in the west of Ireland with her husband, four children and two very fussy cats. She has an Hons Degree in English Literature and Psychology, has worked as a fashion model and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector.

Twitter: @GerHogan

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