Extract from My One Month Marriage - Shari Low

Something a little special for you today...


Take a look at this exciting extract from Shari Low - 'My One Month Marriage.'

Always love Shari's work so pleased to be part of the blog tour. I love that we can give you a lovely sneaky peek. 

Available via Amazon here:

 https://amzn.to/2qbD0Vu

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I hear the sound of the oven door banging shut, before she re-enters with a glass of radiation pink. ‘I took some of this from the cocktail shaker,’ she informs us. ‘It looks suspiciously like something I’d prescribe for acid reflux. Right, what’s the latest? Married anyone else since I saw you yesterday? Divorced yet? Engaged again?’

I refuse to rise to her innocent-faced sarcasm, instead going for dry threats and indignation. ‘If you carry on like that, I’m going in to work.’

‘It’s Sunday,’ Verity points out, always one to insert facts into the equation.

‘And I hate to point out that your job was at the root of this whole debacle in the first place,’ Yvie adds, following it up with, ‘Jesus, my bra straps are killing me. Did I mention I’m going back on the diet tomorrow?’

‘You did. Is it the same one as last week? And the week before?’ Verity teases.

‘Not sure, but right now I’m hoping I lose nine and a half stone of smug older sister,’ Yvie fires back. She takes no cheek from anyone and I love her for it.

‘I thought you were embracing your curves?’ I enquire, confused.

‘That was last week. This week, I want to book a holiday, wear a bikini and I’ve realised that to feel good about that I’ll need to lose the equivalent of a small dinghy in weight in a month and a half. Starting right after that lasagne.’

I don’t argue. Only a fool would get in between Yvie and her ever changing body-confidence issues.

‘Anyway, I preferred it when we were revelling in your disaster of a life,’ she tells me. ‘Where were we?’

‘Where were we?’ It’s like an echo, only said in a voice that is sharper than the other three in my living room. Marina, only her head and neck visible round the side of the door, is the oldest of the four of us and the designated grown-up. She’s the kind of woman who makes lists, has a pension plan and who knows the difference between a vintage bottle of plonk and something off the shelf at Lidl.

‘Yvie has just pointed out that my job was to blame for all this.’

‘Yes, well, she’s not wrong. At least at the start. Although, to be fair, you did take an unfortunate situation, handle it badly, then let it descend into a complete roaring balls-up,’ Marina concurs before her head and shoulders disappear and I hear the sound of her clicking heels fading as she heads down the hall to the kitchen. I’d bet my last pound that she is carrying a bag containing sushi and hummus – she considers healthy food to be the only option, even in a crisis.

Yvie gestures to the door. ‘See? Even her Highness agrees. I finally feel validated as an adult.’

I ignore the playful barb. Successfully negotiating life with three sisters is fifty per cent love, thirty per cent tolerance and twenty per cent dodging the ever-changing dynamics between us.

Especially, in this case, as they both have a point. My job, first as sales director, then latterly as partner of Glasgow marketing company, The B Agency, definitely contributed to my current situation. If I hadn’t worked there, I wouldn’t have met Tom. I wouldn’t have fallen in love. He wouldn’t have broken my heart. And then I wouldn’t have gone on to screw up my life so colossally that I’m now contemplating eating dodgy lasagne while wondering what I am going to tell my mother when I return her generous wedding gift of a lavish, smoked glass beaded chandelier. Granted, it is lovely – in a blingy, wear sunglasses because it’s so bright it could cause eye damage, kind of way. But the fact that I live in a flat with low ceilings transforms it from an ostentatious decorative statement to a concussion risk.

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Shari Low is the #1 bestselling author of over 20 novels, including One Day In Winter and With Or Without You and a collection of parenthood memories called Because Mummy Said So. She lives near Glasgow and her first title for Boldwood will be My One Month Marriage in January 2020. 

Shari’s Twitter: @sharilow

Shari’s Facebook: sharilowbooks

Shari’s Instagram: sharilowbook

Shari’s profile www.boldwoodbooks.com/contributor/shari-low/

Shari’s website: www.sharilow.com

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

Dreaming of Verona - T.A Williams

Verona is the City of Love. But will Suzie find romance there or, like Romeo and Juliet, will it all end in tears?

When Suzie is hired to accompany spoiled, abrasive Lady Alexandra Tedburn on an all-expenses paid holiday to Italy, she fears the trip will be a disaster.

But she soon discovers there’s more to Alex than shopping and tantrums, and she’s determined to help her realise her potential – against Alex’s authoritarian father’s wishes.

As they settle in Verona, Suzie can’t stop thinking about local artist Michael, who is still mourning the tragic death of his wife. With Suzie’s future uncertain, and Michael’s past
holding him back, it seems there’s no hope for romance in the city of
star-crossed lovers… or is there?

A gorgeously uplifting and moving story, Dreaming of Verona is the perfect read for fans of Holly Martin, Tilly Tennant and Jenny Oliver.

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07Z4MCCJ5

 US - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z4MCCJ5

My Review

Verona is a place I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. TA Williams took me there in my mind with this book and let me live out the dream. I definitely can’t wait to see it in reality one day now. I could really envisage myself walking around and living in Verona like our main characters, the descriptions were so well written.


I loved the whole premise of the book and really enjoyed seeing the development of Alex’s character throughout the story – I hadn’t imagined that after I’d read the synopsis. A reflection of the book being a journey of discovery for all involved.


All the characters are lovely, there isn’t one that I was opposed to in any way. Even the father, I could understand his ways, even if I didn’t necessarily agree with them. Suzie is a delight, her guidance, calming and charming ways; easy to see why people would gravitate to her. She is a fabulous character and I was pleased she got the things she desired and valued the most.

No review would be complete without a mention of Dogberry, what a lovely addition and cute character.


There’s a fun mixture of content within this book that will keep you entertained and excited. A light, warm and captivating romance but with extra fun and interesting moments.

I was completely charmed by this wonderful mix of characters; their stories and the way TA Williams described the idyllic settings so well.

A gorgeous read that I recommend for fans of Italian settings, romance and reads that will take you away. 

Author Bio:
 I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I did languages at university a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to Italy for seven years as a teacher of English. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only seven years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.
The fact that I am now writing romantic comedy is something I still find hard to explain. My early books were thrillers and historical novels. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations and, as a writer, I obviously have to go there in person and check them out first. I love my job…
Social Media Links –

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

The Other You - J.S Monroe

About the book

Kate used to be good at recognising people. So good, she worked for the police, identifying criminals in crowds of thousands. But six months ago, a devastating car accident led to a brain injury. Now the woman who never forgot a face can barely recognise herself in the mirror.

At least she has Rob. Young, rich, handsome and successful, Rob runs a tech company on the idyllic Cornish coast. Kate met him just after her accident, and he nursed her back to health. When she's with him, in his luxury modernist house, the nightmares of the accident fade, and she feels safe and loved.

Until, one day, she looks at Rob anew. And knows, with absolute certainty, that the man before her has been replaced by an impostor.

Is Rob who he says he is? Or is it all in Kate's damaged mind?

My Review:

Thrilled to be able to review this new release from JS Monroe. As a fan of his previous book, Forget My Name, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in and see what this had it store. I was not disappointed in the slightest, Monroe has completely given us another smash.
I was absolutely engaged from the off, imagining all sorts of possible twists and turns. I was so captivated by the story being told I was getting through the pages in no time at all, which to my own annoyance meant towards the end I had to slow myself right down to ensure I didn’t miss anything and I fully understood it all – I get far too excited for my own good when a book is this exciting!

I’m not going to lie the doppelganger theme is something that I’ve thought about (I’ve been told by so many people I have one they’ve been certain they saw me when I was no where near!) so it was actually quite scary at times. I was on the edge of my seat, certain that this could all quite easily take place. It was so exciting and really got me thinking, I was completely intrigued.

I don’t want to reveal too much about the storyline here as I think it’s best to get the full affect first hand. I enjoyed the narrative being told from the three viewpoints – Kate, Jake and Silas. It is full of red herrings that lead you to thinking one thing, whilst surprising you with something else.

The characters are great, my favourite is Silas and I’d love to see more of him in future books. JS Monroe is a master at creating a tension filled, rollercoaster of a thriller that will have you on edge throughout.
 
The Other You is an original, gripping thriller that I cannot recommend enough. JS Monroe is definitely going to be one of my go to authors and I look forward to what comes next. 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2B5lxA9
iBooks: https://apple.co/3286CkM
Kobo: https://bit.ly/35nDd8h
GooglePlay:
https://bit.ly/2OAI0x7


About the Author


J.S. Monroe read English at Cambridge, worked as a foreign correspondent in Delhi, and

was Weekend editor of the Daily Telegraph in London before becoming a full-time writer. Monroe is the author of six novels, including the international bestseller, Find Me.

Follow J.S. Monroe:

Twitter: @JSThrillers
Facebook: @JSMonroeFindMe

BLOGTOUR: A Reason to Grieve - Mick Williams

Tom and Emma drift through life, both burdened with a heavy sense of grief. Both have suffered devastating loss and have closed themselves off to the possibility of happiness. Then, at a funeral, their eyes meet and they feel something neither expected.

Supported by their quirky friends and a ‘right to the point’ pensioner, will they overcome their fears and find the solution to the pain within each other, or will they give up and go their separate ways?

In turns funny and sad, A Reason to Grieve is a romantic tale about two people fighting their feelings, about love and loss. And about funerals. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reason-Grieve-Mick-Williams/dp/1536957216/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Grieve-Mick-Williams/dp/1536957216/

My Review

A lovely read by Mick Williams that is full of funny and touching moments. A sweet romantic comedy, it’s not overly soppy or gushing but is really sentimental in some parts.

Emma and Tom are our main characters who meet each other in quite the unique situation. With an instant connection it’s nice to see their relationship develop but also the relationships they have with their friends. Cue a lot of banter, jokes and moments of unfiltered truth.

My favourite character is Doris. Like a Mum to the salon girls, what she imparts through hilarious stories is priceless. I wish I could pull off blue hair like her!

Emma and Tom’s relationship doesn’t always run smoothly – they have to work through their own insecurities, the ghosts from their past that they’ve held onto for too long. It did make for some fairly emotional moments and I’m sure most readers will connect to them in some way.

Very well written and nicely paced I think this is a funny read that will entertain.

About the author:

Mick Williams moved from Stoke-On-Trent, England to Kentucky, USA. Then, after almost a decade, he moved back.

In between reading, writing and listening to good music he still watches proper football and, for his sins, follows his local team Port Vale. He does also still cheer for the Indianapolis Colts.

He was adopted by two cats, Crash and Thud, and resides with his patient wife in Staffordshire.

Social Media Links – www.mickwilliamsauthor.co​m and mickwilliamsauthor on Facebook​               

The Hopes And Triumphs of The Amir Sisters - Nadiya Hussain

Synopsis:

Mae has watched as her three older sisters have gone through the process of finding their place in the world and faced the challenges of parenthood head on. Now ready to spread her wings beyond her close-knit family, Mae is ready to take the world by storm.

But a series of events will shake the strong self-belief Mae has always had in herself and will leave her questioning where it is she really fits in.

The Amir sisters will need to draw on all the love they have for each other, if they are going to navigate the challenges life has to throw at them and help Mae along the path to self-discovery.

My Review:

Thank you to HQ Stories and Jessica Lee for the opportunity to read and review this charming read. I must admit I didn’t realise this was part of a series at first and generally I always try to read books in order but my enjoyment or understanding of this book was hindered by this. There was enough backstory included throughout that added context where needed.

I really felt for Mae for most of the time, even if she verged on being a little selfish at times. Clearly surrounded by people who have a lot going on, the family is busy and chaotic, but they love each other and are all just trying to find their way through their lives the best they can.

Being 19 and unsure of where you fit in can be hard and this book delicately shows how it might not always go right, but you must push through, fight the battles and make the choices you need to in order to find your own way.

This is a lovely read, nothing too intense or that will leave you with many questions. I enjoyed how we gently navigated themes of family, love, sexuality and cultural traditions. It is well written with characters that are likeable and entertaining.

I’ll definitely recommend this book for fans of the author and those looking for a warm, funny read.

About the Author:

Nadiya Hussain is a British baker, columnist, author and television presenter. The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters is her debut novel.

Hussain was born to a British Bangladeshi family in Luton, where she grew up. She developed her interest in cooking while at school and largely self-educated herself in cooking by reading recipe books and watching instructional videos on YouTube. She married and moved to Leeds, where she began studying for an Open University degree. In 2015 she appeared on the BBC's The Great British Bake Off and won the contest. She was subsequently invited to produce a cake for the 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II and to present her own BBC documentary, The Chronicles of Nadiya.

Hussain is a columnist for The Times Magazine and Essentials magazine, has signed publishing deals with Penguin Random House, Hodder Children's Books, and Harlequin. She is also a regular reporter for The One Show and a guest panellist on Loose Women. Hussain was named by Debrett's as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK in 2016. Hussain was on BBC News' 100 Women list in 2016. Nadiya Hussain is a British baker, columnist, author and television presenter. The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters is her debut novel.

Hussain was born to a British Bangladeshi family in Luton, where she grew up. She developed her interest in cooking while at school and largely self-educated herself in cooking by reading recipe books and watching instructional videos on YouTube. She married and moved to Leeds, where she began studying for an Open University degree. In 2015 she appeared on the BBC's The Great British Bake Off and won the contest. She was subsequently invited to produce a cake for the 90th birthday celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II and to present her own BBC documentary, The Chronicles of Nadiya.

Hussain is a columnist for The Times Magazine and Essentials magazine, has signed publishing deals with Penguin Random House, Hodder Children's Books, and Harlequin. She is also a regular reporter for The One Show and a guest panellist on Loose Women. Hussain was named by Debrett's as one of the 500 most influential people in the UK in 2016. Hussain was on BBC News' 100 Women list in 2016.

Nadiya Hussain rose to fame after winning the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off. She was one of the most memorable contestants ever due to her captivating smile and inspirational winner’s speech. Since winning, Nadiya has presented the BBC documentaries The Chronicles of Nadiya, Nadiya’s British Food Adventure, Nadiya’s Family Favourites. She has also co-presented The Big Family Cooking Showdown and Junior Bake Off and is a regular guest on The One Show.

Her cookery books and cookery/story books for children have reached bestseller status and include Nadiya’s Family Favourites, Nadiya’s British Food Adventure, Nadiya’s Kitchen and the Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story trilogy. Nadiya has also written two novels – The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters and The Fall and Rise of the Amir Sisters. Her first picture book, My Monster and Me, is publishing in October 2019, as is Finding My Voice, an emotive look at the different roles Nadiya plays in her life and how they have shaped her.

Nadiya makes regular appearances at cookery events throughout the UK and abroad, including the BBC Good Food Show and many more, and has featured in the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women list. She also features regularly in the media with columns in The Times and previously BBC Good Food Magazine and Essentials.

Nadiya lives with her husband Abdal and their three children in Milton Keynes.

It started with a secret - Jill Mansell

The feel-good novel of the year from the Sunday Times bestselling author of MAYBE THIS TIME. Everyone has a secret - and there's no knowing what will happen when those secrets start to come out ...

The trouble with secrets is that you can't guess what the consequences will be . . .

Lainey has just lost everything. Luckily one little fib (OK, quite a big fib) helps nail her dream job. Soon she's living in a stunning house by the sea, fending off obsessed fans for a retired - if far-from-retiring - actor and organising his charming but chaotic family. Yes, everyone thinks she's part of a couple and it's tricky keeping this secret. But at least she's not looking for love: with her disastrous relationship history, men are definitely off the agenda.

Except Seth, the actor's grandson, really is very attractive. There's growing chemistry and a definite connection between them. What would happen if he knew the truth?

But Lainey's not the only one with a secret - it seems everyone has them! And they're all about to start unravelling... 

My Review:

Jill Mansell has been a long-standing favourite of mine. Getting to cosy up with another book is a pleasure, an even bigger pleasure is to be able to be part of the blog tour for her latest release.  There has never been a Jill Mansell book that doesn’t draw me in and keep me hooked from the first word right until ‘The End.’

'It started with a secret' is another example of this. I was hooked as soon as I started reading, not wanting to put it down for a second.

I loved the fabulous array of characters, such a wild and varied bunch that gel together so

well throughout the story. Lainey and her (gay) ‘boyfriend’ arrive in St. Carys to work for a family, comprised of an older famous film star, his daughter in law, adult grandson Seth and several children. Here the adventure really begins and the lovely Lainey, who is managing this household, has her work cut out for her.

With some hilarious moments between Lainey and Richard, I really enjoyed their relationship. Her attempt at improving how well he treats his fans leads to a surprise discovery but a tender, life changing moment. I also found some of Majella’s dating disasters incredibly funny – that poor woman, putting herself out there only to end up opposite some real duds!

Lainey has a very special relationship with each member of the family, knowing each of their secrets and helping them along the way, whilst following her own heart. She’s one special lady. She brought out the best in each character.

I enjoyed how the threads of this book were interwoven into a beautiful tapestry, with so much happening it would be easy to get complicated or confusing, but Mansell executes it with ease.

The only disappointment? That it had to end. 

A wonderful read that I am sure will delight fans of the author and those who have yet to discover the delight of her work.  

About the Author:

Jill Mansell is the author of over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers including The One You

Really Want and Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay.  Take a Chance on Me won the RNA’s Romantic Comedy Prize, and in 2015 the RNA presented Jill with an outstanding achievement award. 

Jill’s personal favourite amongst her novels is Three Amazing Things About You, which is about cystic fibrosis and organ donation; to her great delight, many people have joined the organ donor register as a direct result of reading this novel.

Jill started writing fiction while working in the field of Clinical Neurophysiology in the NHS, but now writes full time. She lives in Bristol with her family.