Ginger and Me - Elissa Soave

Wendy is lonely but coping.
All nineteen-year-old Wendy wants is to drive the 255 bus around Uddingston with her regulars on board, remember to buy milk when it runs out and just to be okay. After her mum died, there’s nobody to remind her to eat and what to do each day.

And Wendy is ready to step out of her comfort zone.
Each week she shows her social worker the progress she’s made, like the coasters she bought to spruce up the place, even if she forgets to make tea. And she even joins a writers’ group to share the stories she writes, like the one about a bullied boy who goes to Mars.

But everything changes when Wendy meets Ginger.
A teenager with flaming orange hair, Ginger’s so brave she’s wearing a coat that isn’t even waterproof. For the first time, Wendy has a real best friend. But as they begin the summer of their lives, Wendy wonders if things were simpler before. And that’s before she realizes just how much trouble Ginger is about to get them in…

An unforgettable debut novel from the winner of the Primadonna Prize 2019 which will stay with you long after the last page.

My review:

A fantastic debut from Elissa Soave, telling us the story of two extremely vulnerable people in society and how in differing ways both have been let down by the people supposed to be taking care of them. A warning to all about how easy it can be to neglect those that appear to be doing ok but really are just very good at covering up the truth.

A heart breaking, and at times difficult read – the friendship between Ginger and Wendy is that of two lost souls needing someone, both taking what they need from the relationship at different times. Wendy is a bus driver, happy with the route and regulars she sees doing this. Underneath she is lonely, her Mum was a big part of her life and is no longer there to pointing her in the right direction. Wendy manages to convince people she is ok, when really she needs help. Fixating on things and people, Wendy doesn’t see where things could go wrong.

Ginger is young, and surrounded by people wanting to use her for their own benefit. She is streetwise, experienced far too much far too young. She has nothing really in common with Wendy so it is a strange friendship at first.

At the beginning we find Wendy being taken away by the police with concerns for her friends; the story is then the events leading up to this. Its done in a very clever way, we understand Wendy and her reasons for doing the things she does, we see that she doesn’t have as much support as she needs really, despite having her own social worker.

It’s a brilliantly written story that is sad at time, upsetting, dramatic but is offset with moments of humour that will make you smile.

Highly recommended!

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE 

The Beginners Guide to Loneliness - Laura Bambrey

 Tori Williamson is alone. After a tragic event left her isolated from her loved ones, she’s been struggling to find her way back to, well – herself. That’s why she set up her blog, The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness, as a way of – anonymously – connecting with the outside world and reaching others who just need a little help sometimes.

When she’s offered a free spot on a wellbeing retreat in exchange for a review on her blog, Tori is anxious about opening herself up to new surroundings. But after her three closest friends – who she talks to online but has never actually met – convince her it’ll do her some good, she reluctantly agrees and heads off for three weeks in the wild (well, a farm in Wales).

From the moment she arrives, Tori is sceptical and quickly finds herself drawn to fellow sceptic Than, the retreat’s dark and mysterious latecomer. But as the beauty of The Farm slowly comes to light she realizes that opening herself up might not be the worst thing. And sharing a yurt with fellow retreater Bay definitely isn’t.  Will the retreat be able to fix Tori? Or will she finally learn that being lonely doesn’t mean she’s broken . . .

Welcome to The Beginner’s Guide to Loneliness! Where you can learn to move mountains by picking up the smallest of stones…

Purchase your copy - HERE

My Review: 

A brilliant debut from Laura Bambrey; I enjoyed ‘The Beginners Guide to Loneliness’ from start to finish. It’s emotional, fun-filled, dramatic and covers some very sensitive topics that will resonate with many readers. You get a real sense of how much love and passion has gone into creating these characters and their stories. It’s such an impressive debut -I will be looking forward to more.

Tori is our main character, and she is one I immediately empathised with. She has been through so much and the pain/hurt she feels means she isolates herself from others and is determined to keep people from getting close. She feels lonely and has cultivated an online persona for herself, one in which she has control, speaks freely but is anonymous. Her online friends have been her rock and guide her into making some big decisions. When an opportunity comes for Tori to visit The Farm; a retreat where she can take more time for herself and her issues; the warriors are all for it and convince her to go.

The Farm is brilliant, very “out there” for Tori and I couldn’t imagine myself in her position at all! I adored the cast of characters, you could tell who would be good and who would cause trouble. I am a huge fan of Rowen though – that girl is going to go far and she really comes through for all involved in the end.

The Farm seems like the perfect place for some respite and to discover a little more about yourself; maybe we should all have a visit! I

With themes that can be sensitive like grief, torment, guilt, fear and betrayal, great care has been taken by Laura to write this with compassion and with great balance with funny, laugh out loud moments.

Keep an eye out for Dennis, he may be the star.

I highly recommend this one – enjoy!

Asking For a Friend - Andi Osho

No woman gets left behind

Three best friends are going to solve their relationship woes once and for all

Forty-something Jemima’s life is on track – well, sort of. All she has to do is muster the courage to bat her niggly ex away for good.

Twenty-something Meagan is in the midst of her five-phase plan and is nearly ready for phase three – a relationship.

While thirty-something Simi has had more it’s not yous than any I dos.

Deciding it’s time to play the dating game by their own rules, they’re going to ditch the dating apps and ask people out in real life. The catch? They’re playing matchmaker and can only ask out potential dates for each other because the most important rule is that no woman gets left behind.

Comedian Andi Osho’s hilarious and uplifting debut novel features her trademark wit and is perfect for fans of Candice Carty-Williams, Lucy Diamond and Mhairi McFarlane.

My Review:

Asking for a Friend brings us the wonderful trio of Jemima, Meagan and Simi. These are three friends that have found some successes in their professional lives but are all united in the disaster that is their love lives. All looking for different types of men and differing kinds of relationships, each friend must face the past when looking for their “future.” During a night out the establish The Dating Game – asking out real life men in real life situations but for each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mix of characters, with each woman being unique and bringing something different to the friendship dynamic.  As it is written in third person, each of the characters are given their own voice and we see how each of them develop and grown throughout the book. While the are learning about themselves its interesting to see how they are continuing to learn about each other too. Even after years of friendship it seems they need to work on being the best friend they can be.

 I enjoyed reading this book, I found it amusing and well written. It had great pace, but I found the latter part of the book the best. I did enjoy reading from the different girls’ perspectives. Whilst it is funny, I didn’t find it laugh out loud hilarious, but it was entertaining and I would recommend it for a light, refreshing read.

Although this book is all about the girls finding romance with a man, and that is enjoyable and fun, I enjoyed that the main take away from this was about the strength and importance of friendships, supporting those we hold close and being someone who will be honest, support and understand the decisions of others. 

About the Author:

Andi Osho’s fifteen year career spans film, TV, theatre and stand up. As well as UK TV drama and comedy credits including Holby City, EastEnders and Death In Paradise, Andi played Jenny Donohue in Sky Atlantic’s street-race drama, Curfew, co-starring Sean Bean, Billy Zane, Miranda Richardson and Malachi Kirby. She made her US TV debut in Finding Carter and film projects include Lights Out, Swinging With The Finkels and Shazam!

Other projects include Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking HBO/ BBC drama, I May Destroy You, Ch4/Hulu co-production, National Treasure: Kiri, which became Channel 4’s highest rated drama and Olivier-nominated The Miser – Andi’s West End debut.

Andi has written for print, radio, film and TV for broadcasters such as Fox, BBC and Sky. She wrote and starred in Twin Thing made for Sky Arts with Sharon Horgan’s Merman Films and created her own E4 sketch pilot The Andi O Show. Andi is developing several TV and film projects and her debut novel, Asking For A Friend will be published with Harper Collins in 2021.

The Prized Girl - Amy K. Green

From debut author Amy K. Green comes a devastating tale of psychological suspense: a teen pageant queen is found murdered in a small New England town, and her sister’s search for answers unearths more than she bargained for.

Days after a young teenager named Jenny is found murdered, her small town grieves the loss alongside her picture-perfect parents. At first glance, Jenny’s tragic death appears clear-cut for investigators. In the murder of a former pageant queen from a safe and loving family, the most obvious suspect is a fan who got too close for comfort. But Jenny’s sarcastic, older half-sister Virginia isn’t so sure of his guilt and takes matters into her own hands to find the killer.

But for Jenny’s case and and Virginia’s investigation, there’s more to the story. Virginia, still living in town and haunted by her own troubled teenage years, suspects that a similar darkness lay beneath the sparkling veneer of Jenny’s life. Alternating between Jenny’s final days and Virginia’s determined search for the truth, the sisters’ dual narratives follow a harrowing trail of suspects, with surprising turns that race toward a shocking finale.From debut author Amy K. Green comes a devastating tale of psychological suspense: a teen pageant queen is found murdered in a small New England town, and her sister’s search for answers unearths more than she bargained for.

Days after a young teenager named Jenny is found murdered, her small town grieves the loss alongside her picture-perfect parents. At first glance, Jenny’s tragic death appears clear-cut for investigators. In the murder of a former pageant queen from a safe and loving family, the most obvious suspect is a fan who got too close for comfort. But Jenny’s sarcastic, older half-sister Virginia isn’t so sure of his guilt and takes matters into her own hands to find the killer.

But for Jenny’s case and and Virginia’s investigation, there’s more to the story. Virginia, still living in town and haunted by her own troubled teenage years, suspects that a similar darkness lay beneath the sparkling veneer of Jenny’s life. Alternating between Jenny’s final days and Virginia’s determined search for the truth, the sisters’ dual narratives follow a harrowing trail of suspects, with surprising turns that race toward a shocking finale.
From debut author Amy K. Green comes a devastating tale of psychological suspense: a teen pageant queen is found murdered in a small New England town, and her sister’s search for answers unearths more than she bargained for.

Days after a young teenager named Jenny is found murdered, her small town grieves the loss alongside her picture-perfect parents. At first glance, Jenny’s tragic death appears clear-cut for investigators. In the murder of a former pageant queen from a safe and loving family, the most obvious suspect is a fan who got too close for comfort. But Jenny’s sarcastic, older half-sister Virginia isn’t so sure of his guilt and takes matters into her own hands to find the killer.

But for Jenny’s case and Virginia’s investigation, there’s more to the story. Virginia, still living in town and haunted by her own troubled teenage years, suspects that a similar darkness lay beneath the sparkling veneer of Jenny’s life. Alternating between Jenny’s final days and Virginia’s determined search for the truth, the sisters’ dual narratives follow a harrowing trail of suspects, with surprising turns that race toward a shocking finale.

My Review:


A fantastic debut from Amy K. Green, I thoroughly enjoyed this tense, thrilling drama. I will look forward to what comes next from Green.


With the whole town morning local beauty queen, 16-year-old Jenny, we read on as her sister, haunted by her own childhood issues, seeks the truth about what happened.


 The story is told from both Jenny’s point of view and that of her much older sister, Virginia. We see that Jenny isn’t the happy, sweet and innocent girl people think she is whilst Virginia isn’t the selfish, loner we may have initially thought. The different perspectives help the story unfold in a brilliant way, and as we got further into the book, I realised there would be more twists and turns more than I thought would. 


The characters are not the most ‘likeable’ but I didn’t mind that at all with this book, in fact in was interesting to see the flaws or issues with each one. I did sympathise for some of them and it was clear to see they were only the way they were because of the actions and treatment from others. 


It is a real, interwoven, dark story that kept me gripped. It was very well written and paced nicely, not much given away too soon but just enough to keep me interested throughout.

The ending – oh the ending! Not at all what I expected, and if I’m honest still not entirely sure what I think but it was different. Also left me wondering if we would be seeing some more from this set of characters.


A book I will happily recommend to others. 


Thank you to HQ for a copy of this book to read and review honestly.  

Little White Lies - Philippa East

She only looked away for a second…

Anne White only looked away for a second, but that’s all it took to lose sight of her young daughter.
But seven years later, Abigail is found.
And as Anne struggles to connect with her teenage daughter, she begins to question how much Abigail remembers about the day she disappeared…

My Review:
The synopsis of this book was interesting and as I read through, I was not disappointed in the slightest. Little White Lies is an intense portrayal of how victims must face the trauma they suffered but also how families cope with trying to move forward with their lives they were living; a general lack of trust and how secrets can damage relationships. 


The story is told through two different perspectives – Mother and Jess (cousin) and both voices are distinctive and give valuable insight into the character of Abigail. Jess sounded very childlike and naïve, in comparison to the other girls. She was increasingly unhappy at home, with her relationships and thought everything would return to normal with the return of Abigail.


Anne (Mother) was a character I struggled with. I knew instantly she was hiding something but not exactly sure what. She struggled to bond with her daughter, which is understandable at first, but I don’t think she paid attention to what Abigail was trying to communicate. I felt sorry for her and as the book progressed and information was uncovered, I could empathise a little more.


You do have a sense of calm at various intervals, the author lulls you into thinking the twists have all been given and you know what is happening and why; by the end of the book you understand why relationships between characters seemed strained and a little off so it’s clever of Philippa East to leave massive revelations until late in the book. This kept me engaged and interested, not one to settle and think everything is as it seems. I read it very quickly as I wanted to know more, see the situation explained and the consequences of actions in place.


Overall, I found this book thought-provoking and well written. I was engaged and eager to read through quickly.  A brilliant debut and I will look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to the publishers, HQ, for a copy of the book to read and review honestly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Philippa East works as a Clinical Psychologist and therapist. She lives in Lincolnshire with her husband and cat. Philippa’s prize-winning short stories have been published in various literary journals and Little White Lies is her debut novel.

Purchase Links:

Amazon
Waterstones
Apple Books
Google Books
Kobo

BLOGTOUR: The Perfect Moment - Alix Kelso

Is there ever a perfect moment to begin again in life?

Ever since tragedy threw her life into turmoil, Laura has taken refuge at her waitressing job in Valentino’s restaurant in Glasgow's leafy Fairhill. Serving lattes and lunch specials means she’s too busy to think about all she lost, or the dreams she was forced to abandon. So when her beloved boss announces she’s selling the business, Laura is devastated. Hatching a plan to set her up with the local pub owner, Laura hopes the two of them will make a connection that might just change her mind.

Recovering from betrayal and heartbreak, Bruce is also in hiding from the world, and working in his uncle’s pub while he wonders how to restart his life. When Laura asks for help with her matchmaking scheme, he finds himself unable to refuse. She has a smile he can’t resist, no matter how much he wants to.

 But as their plan is set in motion, the matchmakers begin falling for each other. Yet Laura thinks she’s happy with her dull boyfriend, and Bruce won’t risk another broken heart. As the future of Valentino’s hangs in the balance, can these two lost and lonely people find the perfect moment to start their lives again together?

My Review:

I was so pleased to get the chance to read and review this novel from Alix.  This is the first book in a series of books set in the Fairhill area of Glasgow.  It’s a debut novel and I have to say I’m happily surprised as I think the writing style is on par with many, more experienced, authors. I hope that doesn’t sound rude or insulting to Alix, as it is meant as a compliment.

I’m a fan of many genres but I do have a soft spot for a good romance so I was very intrigued to find out what Alix would give us – I can say I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a beautifully written romance, full of fun and charm that I felt so swept up by the story, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out what happened.

I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Laura. Her boss is selling the business and Laura is keen on persuading her not too. Along with Bruce, nephew of the pub landlord opposite, Laura decides her boss just needs a bit of matchmaking and they set her up on a date with Keith.

I enjoyed the relationship between Laura and Bruce, there is a spark between them and while they have this fledgling friendship, I was hoping that it may turn into something more. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and see what happens in future. I cannot wait for the next book in the series, I’m hooked.

A must read for romance, easy read fans and even if you’re not a real romance fan, this is one book you should try.

Thank you Alix for giving me the opportunity to read and review. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
Treat yourself to THE PERFECT MOMENT, a sweet, funny, emotional romance about new beginnings and being brave enough to follow your heart.

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P87FYHX/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P87FYHX

About the Author:

Alix Kelso is the author of the Fairhill novel series. She’s happiest with her nose in a book and has been known to lash out dangerously if disturbed while reading. Having previously worked as a shop assistant, waitress, hospital cleaner and dishwasher, she eventually became a university lecturer. Although she loved the academic world of teaching and researching and helping her students, she always enjoyed writing stories in her spare time and finally decided to pursue her dream of publishing a novel and becoming a full time writer.

She lives in her home city of Glasgow with her husband and their rescue lurcher, Maggie. She enjoys pottering in the kitchen, walking in Glasgow’s many lovely parks, and is a firm believer in the therapeutic benefits of a long lunch with a big glass of wine.

Social Media Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AlixKelsoAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlixKelsoAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alixkelsoauthor/

BLOGTOUR: Review of Ellie & The Harp - Hazel Prior

Purchase Here

Sometimes it takes a chance encounter to discover what your life could be like... 

Meet Ellie. She’s perfectly happy with her home and her husband and her quiet life. Happy enough, anyway. Which is why she’s so surprised to find herself drawn to an extraordinary stranger who gives her a gift - and a fresh perspective.
Meet Dan. He thinks all he needs to be happy is the time and space to carry on making harps. Sometimes people buy them, too. But the last thing he expects is for Ellie to walk into his life, a whirlwind with cherry-coloured socks, bringing a string of surprises into his ordered existence.

As Ellie and Dan get to know one another, they begin to see the world - and themselves - in an entirely new way...

 Perfect for fans of The Keeper of Lost Things and Three Things About Elsie

My Review:

This is a beautiful story that’s told in an incredibly well written and charming way. It’s a tale of finding friendship in unlikely places with unlikely people, a story of looking past your initial conceptions and in following your own path, even trying something new.  Hazel Prior is very descriptive, whether it’s about the characters, the places etc. and I think it just adds to the story and especially lends well to Dan’s character and the way he thinks.

I adored Dan. What a fantastic character! I love a book that gives us both main characters POV and I enjoyed the insight in to what went through his mind as we progressed through the story – how he dealt with occurrences beyond what he was used to, how he evolved and handled what was out of his control.  Dan’s character was explored well, his personality and traits that make him such an intriguing and beguiling character.  The type of character that you don’t see often.

Ellie is interesting, someone that is looking for more than she has but doesn’t necessarily know what it is she is looking for. She is a simple soul, who enjoys writing poetry and feeling at one with nature walking the Exmoor Country. She is seeking something to comfort her losses, give her a purpose that is truly hers. Her husband Clive is controlling, overbearing and far from what Ellie needs, didn’t like him from the moment he made her return the harp at the beginning of the book.

This is a beautiful debut novel, as you read you get a clear sense of the authors love for the subject – for the angelic sounding harps, which were described so poetically.  As I read of a blossoming friendship for these two individual souls, I had a sense of trouble looming for both Dan and Ellie but as tragedy unfolds, it isn’t over the top, over dramatised or sensationalised, it remained in keeping with the style in which Hazel Prior had created.

Ellie and the Harp Maker is such a sweet and simple story, a special read that leaves you with a warm feeling, just like a cosy hug. A real treat to read and one I recommend highly.

Thank you to Anne Cater, Hazel Prior and Penguin RandomHouse for the opportunity to read and review this book, and for the chance to take part in this blog tour.  

Hazel Prior lives on Exmoor with her husband and a huge ginger cat.

As well as writing, she works as a harpist. You can find Hazel at @HaveAHarp. #EllieandtheHarpmaker