#TheWomen @SELynesAuthor @bookouture

About The Women

The night she moves in with Peter, she’s so happy, so exhilarated, so in love. Later, she will remember a much smaller feeling, a tiny one percent in her gut. And she will remember pushing that feeling aside…

Samantha Frayn doesn’t know why Peter Bridges picks her – a nobody with bitten fingernails and a troubled childhood behind her – but she falls quickly. He’s older, charming, likes fine wine and French films, and his beautiful home has real art on its walls.

Peter transforms Samantha’s life in an instant. He sees the better version of herself – the one she’s always wanted to be. It’s only normal that there’s a little friction, when she moves in, over domestic matters like where things are kept, or the proper times to eat, sleep and shower. She’s lucky to be with someone who can help her find a new job, move on from childish friends, and speak with greater sophistication.

But as Samantha notices, more and more, Peter’s temper, she starts to wonder if there might be consequences to breaking the rules of the world he has so quickly built around her.

And then she receives an anonymous note that makes her ask: is she the first woman to feel trapped by Peter? Is she being paranoid, manipulated, or could she be in danger?

You can tell the truth about your life, but someone needs to be listening. Someone needs to trust you. And someone needs to save you from the man you thought you loved.

My review of The Women 

The Women is a book about the strength of women and that women are there for each other, no matter what happens. This is an empowering book about female survival that focuses on a young woman who finds herself in a relationship with a much older man and who uses his power and status to manipulate her. It really is a thought provoking and riveting read.

At the heart of this psychological thriller is Sam, a young woman who is living in a claustrophobic relationship. The changes to her lifestyle and role within the relationship are subtle, so subtle that she doesn't see the changes. This in itself is insightful and captivating reading, but what really shakes up the story is the anonymous  note that she receives in the creative writing class that she is teaching. Is the note a genuine warning about Peter? Is it a threat? Should she be worried or is it a meaningless prank? My gut told me it was true.

This is a  story about strong women and the bond that women share. It's also about knowing who you can trust and that everyone needs someone to talk to. This book is a celebration of strong women with a manipulative and misogynistic man at its very core. 

While reading this book it is very hard to know who to trust and who Sam should confide in, and it's this uncertainty and Sam's vulnerability that gripped me throughout. This is a stunning novel that celebrates the special  friendship and connection that women share. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

The Women is published on May 22nd by Bookouture

#ChasingSolace @karldrinkwater

About Chasing Solace 

The legendary Lost Ships exist, and they harbour nightmarish horrors. Opal knows. She barely survived her first encounter with one.

Despite escaping, she failed to find what she was looking for: her lost sister. Now Opal must board a second derelict Lost Ship to seek answers, and it's even more monstrous, a sickening place of death and decay. To make things worse, the military government wants her, dead or alive. Considering their reputation, dead may be better.

To find her sister, Opal will risk everything: her life, her blood, her sanity. There's always a price to pay. Armed with her wits, an experimental armoured suit, and an amazing AI companion, she might just stand a chance.

My review of Chasing Solace

Chasing Solace is the follow up to Lost Solace and I couldn't wait to get my mitts on it. What a fabulous read. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Opal again and her AI spaceship, Clarissa. I would recommend reading Lost Solace before this book, and if you enjoyed it you are in for a real treat. 

Chasing Solace once again revolves around Opal, a young woman who is alone in Space and who is searching for her sister among the Lost Ships. This is at the heart of the story. The close bond that they shared and that Opal will do anything to get her back, safe and well.

Of course, you have all the usual Sci-Fi speak and terminology, which makes this book such an evocative and exciting read. But, for me, this is very much a character driven novel, with Opal's voice at its core.

There are also beautiful and funny scenes between Opal and Clarissa, the AI spaceship, all set in the vast expanse of Space. You really get a sense of their remoteness and that they depend upon each other. These scenes are beautifully written. 

Chasing Solace is an adventure story about a lost sister. It's full of action, pathos and human emotion. It's also stunning and I loved it! 

Chasing Solace is published in ebook on April 15th.

#ASummerToRemember @SueMoorcroft @AvonBooks

About A Summer to Remember 

COME AND SPEND SUMMER BY THE SEA!
WANTED! A caretaker for Roundhouse Row holiday cottages.

WHERE? Nelson’s Bar is the perfect little village. Nestled away on the Norfolk coast we can offer you no signal, no Wi-Fi and – most importantly – no problems!

WHO? The ideal candidate will be looking for an escape from their cheating scumbag ex-fiancé, a diversion from their entitled cousin, and a break from their traitorous friends.

WHAT YOU’LL GET! Accommodation in a chocolate-box cottage, plus a summer filled with blue skies and beachside walks. Oh, and a reunion with the man of your dreams.

PLEASE NOTE: We take no responsibility for any of the above scumbags, passengers and/or traitors walking back into your life…

GET IN TOUCH NOW TO MAKE THIS A SUMMER TO REMEMBER!

My review of A Summer to Remember 

Well, Sue Moorcroft has only gone and done it again with this beautiful story of love, friendship and new beginnings. I loved this book from the very start, drawn into the story of how Lee, a young man,  was left at the wedding altar, his bride to be, Alice, having fled the village, leaving him, his brother,  Aaron, and Alice's cousin, Clancy, all lost for words! What should have been a happy day, and one in which Clancy had hoped to build upon her late night kiss with Aaron, was sadly dashed. Needless to say, this opening chapter set the scene beautifully for  what was to come and I couldn't wait to see where these characters took ne. 

Clancy is a young  woman who faces a huge life crisis, having left London and her cheating ex far behind. Nelson's Bar seems the perfect solution to all her troubles, as the cottages there need a caretaker and she needs a new home.  

From the moment I met Clancy I liked her. She had lost everything, but was determined to rebuild her life and to make the most of her time in Nelson's Bar. She is a thoroughly believable character, with guts and a hidden charm.  What I found most endearing was her openeness, vulnerability and ability to just get on with things.

We then have Aaron and his version of events. The protective older brother who has not forgiven Clancy's cousin for abandoning his brother in such a humiliating way. The biggest problem being that Clancy is a huge reminder of the past. Again, from the moment I met him I liked him. A hard working man who tries to do the right thing. But as we soon learn, he has his own personal problems to deal with and it becomes clear that he and Clancy have much in common.

This really was an enjoyable read. The idea of visiting Nelson's Bar was so tempting. Who wouldn't like to spend time away from constant emails and the lure of social media. This is exactly what Clancy needs, a time to breathe and think, and the Norfolk coast provides this in abundance. 

A Summer to Remember is a perfect summer read. It has tales  of love, friendship, betrayals, tonnes of gossip and a host of intriguing characters. I loved it. 

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.

A Summer to Remember is published by Avon on May 2nd. 

My Perfect Summer in Greece @Ianwilfred39

About My Perfect Summer in Greece

Family Friendships and New Beginnings.

Cheryl is excited her sister Julie has asked for her help in organising her wedding but things aren't turning out the way Cheryl had hoped. There's going to be no little village church and no bridesmaids dress; the wedding is taking place on the Greek island of Holkamos.

Vangelis has the perfect beach location for a wedding but his little beach cafe has never catered for weddings before. Will he be able to cope with all of Julie's demands?

Andréas has moved back to Holkamos to help run the family gift shop after the death of his father. The business has to move with the times but will his mum allow things to change?

Johnny is Cheryl's best friend. He doesn't like the way Julie treats her and has a plan to put things right but is it the right thing for Cheryl and what happens when they both arrive on the Greek island. Could it become more than just a weekend wedding for Cheryl and Johnny?

My review of My Perfect Summer in Greece 

This is the first book I have read by Ian Wilfred and what a lovely read it is. Set on the beautiful island of Holkamos, I actually felt as if I was there, drinking the wine and enjoying the feeling of sand on my feet. It's such a feel good book. I found myself immersed in the story from the first chapter.

The story is told from the perspective of Cheryl, a woman who is fiercely independent and runs a successful hotel, although she isn't the owner (that's a whole new story). The book begins when Cheryl travels back to her childhood home to talk through the wedding preparations for her younger sister Julie, and what happens during this family wedding discussion changes her life forever.

This novel is full of wonderfully drawn characters. We have Julie, the sister, who I know I would never be friends with. We then have best friend Johnny, who I instantly fell in love with. I would love to be his best friend. All of the characters offer something completely different and enjoyable to this story, but ultimately this is Cheryl's journey of self discovery and new beginnings.

What I also loved about this book were the evocative descriptions of Holkamos. I have never been there, nor to Greece, but this didn't matter as I could easily see the sea, smell the sea breeze and feel the heat on my skin.

I loved the fact that this book was easy to read, the story flowed and ticked all the boxes. It entertained, propelled me to the beauty of the Greek Islands and was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to catching up with other books by this author.

I purchased my own copy of this book.

It is available to buy on Amazon now.

#MyLovelyWife @smariedowning @MichaelJBooks

About My Lovely Wife

HOW WELL DO YOU REALLY KNOW THE ONE YOU LOVE THE MOST?

This is a story about a married couple. They met, fell in love, had two beautiful children. So far, so ordinary.

But they have a very dark secret.

It's a story with a twist. And then another. And another.

You might think you've read stories like this before. 

You'd be wrong.

By the end of the first chapter you'll be hooked.

After fifty pages you might not sleep until you finish.

And when you read the very last line, you'll ask yourself one question:

How well do you really know the person you love most?

My Review of My Lovely Wife

My Lovely Wife is a dark tale of married love, lies, and that looks can be deceiving. I dived into this book, having read the intriguing blurb, and once I had read the first chapter I was completely hooked and just knew that I would love this book. And I did. 

The story revolves around a married couple, the narrative told from the husband's point of view. So, we read his side of the story. But is what he is telling us the truth? Should we empathise with him or feel sceptical? With so many twists and turns my judgement changed throughout the book, my loyalties shifting.

This book makes you question the roles within marriage and if we can truly know the person we are married to. More importantly, for me, this book ripped wide open the female stereotypes that women in fiction are either described as a saint or a whore, good or evil. Men can be both, but there is always that dividing line when women are concerned, and I loved this book for tackling this issue head on.  We see Millicent, the wife, through the eyes of her husband, so should we believe him? 

My Lovely Wife is a cracking, heart thumping in your chest kind of a read. I honestly could not put it down. I was hooked by the actions of this couple and their complex family situation. Ultimately it does make you wonder how well you know the person you love. 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

My Lovely Wife is published by 
Michael Joseph on 26th March. 

#Queenie @CandiceC_W @TrapezeBooks

About Queenie

Queenie Jenkins can't cut a break. Well, apart from one from her long term boyfriend, Tom. That's definitely just a break though. Definitely not a break up. Stuck between a boss who doesn't seem to see her, a family who don't seem to listen (if it's not Jesus or water rates, they're not interested), and trying to fit in two worlds that don't really understand her, it's no wonder she's struggling.

She was named to be queen of everything. So why is she finding it so hard to rule her own life?

Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Bryony Gordon and Dawn O'Porter, and anyone who loved Fleabag and Dear White People.

My review of Queenie

Queenie is raw, funny, shocking and a real eye opener into the life of a young woman of colour and the prejudices that she faces in her every day life. I loved this book for its honesty and brilliant, evocative storytelling. 

The character of Queenie has such a strong voice that I actually felt as if she was talking to me. This is where the power lies within this book, that of having a strong female voice who simply says it as it is. I loved Queenie for her honesty, her passion, her strength and her vulnerabilities.

For me, this book was a real eye opener into another way of life and culture, one of which we rarely read about in books and for this reason it captivated me. We have issues surrounding race, prejudice and of how this young woman's sexual life is perceived by others, purely because of her ethnicity and colour of skin. 

At the heart of this story is a young woman who is coming to terms with her own identity and place in the world. Queenie is likeable and fully relatable. I felt as if I knew her. 

This book is raw and poignant and deeply moving. Everyone will be talking about this book. It's a perfect book club read. 

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.

Queenie is published on 11th April by Trapeze.