Cover Reveal: Always and Forever Glendale Hall By Victoria Walters

Today I am pleased to share a truly gorgeous cover reveal for a series and author who I truly love. I’m a little behind in the series and I will be making sure I’m all caught up ahead of this absolute beauty. As always I will tell you a little about the book itself before I dive into showing you the stunning cover.

Victoria Walters is a truly fabulous author who has been so good to many of us bloggers so it’s always an absolute pleasure to be a part of her journey. Whether it’s reading the books itself, finding them out in the wild or sharing cover reveals like today.

Blurb: What if we’re all just searching for something?

Anna Stewart is lost. After barely surviving a car accident as a teenager, Anna is scared of settling. Flitting between jobs, boyfriends and homes whenever she gets bored, she has no idea what the future holds. Then her brother Brodie, minister of Glendale, suggests she moves to the beautiful Scottish village, lining up a housekeeper job for her at Glendale Hall.

Out of options, Anna agrees to take the job just for the summer. Once at the hall, her culinary skills impress everyone, and she agrees to give Hilltop Farm’s new manager, Cameron, cooking lessons. Sparks fly between Anna and the handsome Scot, but Cameron keeps pushing Anna away, and Anna definitely isn’t looking for love. But it’s wedding season at Glendale Hall, and Anna is about to discover that her new home has a way of working its magic on even the coldest of hearts.

Will she really be able to just walk away at the end of summer, or could Anna have finally found a place to belong?

It’s summertime so pack your bags and escape to beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with this gorgeously uplifting, romantic read. Fans of Milly Johnson, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin will love this charming romance.

Now without further ado….

I honestly believe this series has had truly gorgeous covers and this one looks stunning and extremely summery.

So what do you think? Truly gorgeous and seriously summery…

I’ve pre-ordered my Kindle copy will hopefully get a physical one nearer the time. Here are those links:

AMZ: https://amzn.to/31xhdY0
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3sCeDf8
Apple: https://apple.co/2PJNQi9

Cover Reveal: The Start of Something By Miranda Dickinson

So there will be two gorgeous posts today. I had hoped to have posted this just after the unveiling but I was on my exercise bike and not organised so here it goes.

Miranda Dickinson’s gorgeous next novel is out in September and following listening to her Chatty Thing each Wednesday I’ve heard a lot from this beauty, and I cannot wait to read and get to know Lachie and Bethan.

Blurb: Two lonely people.
One note in the window.
And what happens when they reach out…

Lachlan Wallace is stuck at home after a car accident stalled his army career. With months of physiotherapy still to endure and only his rescue dog and cat for company, he’s taken to gazing out of the window, watching the world spin on without him. And then he notices a vase of flowers on the windowsill of the apartment opposite his. Drawn to their hope and colour, he decides to reach out and sticks a message in his window…

Bethan Gwynne is a stranger in a new town. Bringing up her son Noah by herself, she is slowly rebuilding her life, but loneliness is one obstacle she has yet to overcome. She’s intrigued by a glimpse of her neighbour in the apartment across from hers – and then, one evening, she sees a message in his window just for her:

WHAT ARE THOSE FLOWERS CALLED?

And so begins a love story of two people reaching out, daring to trust a stranger…

Here it is in all it’s beauty.

What do you think??? Gorgeous right?

You can pre-order here. Or alternatively via your local independent bookshop.

Audio Review: Wish You Were Here By Mike Gayle

Blurb: Their holiday brochure said 18-30 . . . But they’ve just turned 35.

After ten years together Charlie Mansell has been dumped by his live-in girlfriend, Sarah. All he wants to do is wallow in misery, but mates Andy and Tom have a better idea: a week of sun, sea and souvlaki in Malia, party capital of the Greek islands.

But Charlie and his mates aren’t eighteen any more. Or even under thirty. And it shows.

It isn’t the cheap beer, the late nights or even the fast-food that’s the problem. It’s girls. And life. And most of all . . . each other. WISH YOU WERE HERE is a heart-warming, funny and wise tale about love and friendship and how seven days in the sun can change your life forever.

Review: I’ve said this before and I’m sure I will say it again. How had it taken me so long to read Mike Gayle. I’ve truly loved delving into a few of his novels alongside Catriona in March.

Now where do I start with Wish You Were Here this is the truly intoxicating read I needed whilst we’re almost certainly housebound and unable to travel and see the sun, sea and sand.

This novel whisked me off to Crete (I’ve never been) but it had me reminiscent of one of my favourite holiday destinations in Salou, Spain. This book made me smile and laugh so much, if I had been listening to this whilst on public transport I would definitely have got some strange looks by my chuckling.

There was so much to this story I loved how there was seven chapters to signify the week away. I found myself chuckling in realising that Andy, Tom and Charlie are 35 yet on an 18-30 holiday – from then on I knew this would be absolute carnage and I wasn’t disappointed.

When we first meet Charlie he’s at an all time low as he’s just been dumped by his live in girlfriend. I’m such a fan of Mike representing men and showcasing the different types of men especially within friendship groups. Just like women men can take break ups badly, I loved how Charlie wore his heart on his sleeve and I loved Andy for organising a holiday to take his mind off it. Although very early on it’s apparent that they’re not as young as they once were yet Andy likes to think he’s that same guy.

Aspects of this novel had a really emotional insight into the male mind and how men can have the same worries as women especially when it comes to going on holiday. Obviously the general and usual laddish behaviour was included let’s face it every group of guys has there lad who goes all out on holiday and Andy was that guy.

I loved the deep and meaningful between Tom and Charlie, and I found it amusing and real to see how much Tom has changed from their uni days. The sense of friendship being all that matters deep down and how you can not see or speak to someone in forever yet when you need a friend you’re there wholeheartedly I absolutely loved this. I won’t say anymore on this aspect as I think every reader needs to experience this first hand.

If you’ve ever been on a lads or girls holiday that changes everything, in some ways for the better, in others for the worse, then this is a must read for you. Mike Gayle has written a gorgeous tale that will give you wanderlust a plenty, will make you want to see your friends and will make you question your actions as there are always consequences.

Charlie, Andy and Tom return different people but for the better or the worse.

Book Review: Hear Me Out By Sarah Harding #HearMeOut

Blurb: ‘I can’t rewrite history; all I can do is be honest and wear my heart on my sleeve. It’s really the only way I know. I want to show people the real me. Or perhaps remind them. Because, somewhere – amongst the nightclubs, the frocks and hairdos, the big chart hits, and the glamour of being a popstar – the other Sarah Harding got utterly lost. She’s the one who’s been forgotten. And all I want is for you to hear her out.’

Sarah Harding is best known as the wild member of Girls Aloud, whose reputation for partying, drinking and dating made her a tabloid favourite. But where does the celebrity Sarah Harding end and the real Sarah begin? 

Faced with a devastating cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down, Sarah has decided that now is the time to write her story. Her truth.

This is Sarah Harding in her own words.

Review: Here Me Out is the real, raw and truly heartbreaking story of Sarah Harding. I urge every single person who has ever judged or thought they knew the REAL Sarah to pick up Hear Me Out – the book aptly named after the Girls Aloud track that is Sarah’s song. I can wholeheartedly say you will be amazed at how wrongly you have judged her, and how much the press have spun stories to make her look a lot worse than she ever was.

Those of you in my inner circle will know that I was an absolute fangirl of Popstars the Rivals which then became Girls Aloud and One True Voice, plus Clea and Phixx.

Sure initially it had been mostly about the boys – I’ve always been a sucker for a boyband. But on the opposite side of that coin I’ve always had a lot of gumption and Girl Power.

Sarah was most definitely one of my favourites from the start and in meeting her that intensified. Sarah Harding is a truly humble soul with time for anyone and everyone. What I have always loved about her was how grateful she was for the opportunity, us being girls she didn’t think we would want to talk to her and that was so far from the truth. I remember during the show it was Sarah’s birthday so we couldn’t go to the studios without a card – her face I will always remember how chuffed and thankful she was.

In these type of books I always love looking at what photos have been chosen. I think Sarah has included a gorgeous selection showcasing just what she’s achieved in her career, I am also super proud to say my very good friend Kelly is on the fan page and that made me smile – the picture of Kel and Sarah is a gorgeous one.

Now I knew this would be a hard read and I was tearing up at the prologue. I honestly didn’t realise just how much heartache and sadness Sarah has endured in her life. What astonishes me most is how humble she is and how much even in her darkest hours she’s looking out for others, the act of a truly selfless woman. I’m saddened by Sarah’s diagnosis and I’ve always said she’s a tough cookie I want nothing more than for her to beat this.

In the beginning of this review I said people who have judged Sarah should read this and I was so angry by the number of occasions where the press have spun a story to totally ridicule Sarah and that saddens me, the theatre aspect was horrible to read and I wish she was given the support she needed during this time as this could have been a springboard for her in the most amazing of ways, rather than feeling deflated when she shouldn’t have.

An enlightening and truly heartbreaking read. There were many memories I could smile at and still a lot that I didn’t know. There are also two chapters on Sarah one by Nadine and one by Cheryl. I found aspects of these words hard to read and there were a number of tears. I also found myself crying again in the later stages of the book I hate that Sarah has regrets and wishes and I long for her to realise just how amazing she is and how loved.

Six For Sunday – Blue & Green stack

Happy Sunday – Today I am pleased to be back taking part in the Six For Sunday meme. This weeks is Blue & Green books and I initially thought I would create a book stack. I then had to work out what books to include.

For those of you new to Six For Sunday here is how it works. Six for Sunday is a weekly meme created by https://alittlebutalot.com each week a prompt is given and then you choose books accordingly.

I’m pleased that I’ve managed to block out everything else bar the books. So from this bunch the only book I haven’t read is The Silent Hours and I believe I have the paperback and the ebook of this one.

Milly Johnson – My One True North. I listened to this one via the library and then purchased the paperback you can read my review here.

Helen Whitaker – I Give it a Year. This was my first read and blog tour of 2021 and it was the perfect start. You can read my review here.

Cesca Major – The Silent Hours. As I said I have the ebook and a gorgeous signed copy that are still unread. This will be rectified soon but I’m soon to read Cesca’s The Thin Place first.

Holly Hepburn – Last Orders at the Star and Sixpence. I’m a complete fangirl for a Holly read. You can read my review here.

Rosie Blake – How To Get a Love Life. I reviewed this when I was part of Dark Readers and sadly I can’t find my review 😦

Paige Toon – Lucy in the Sky. I’m pretty sure most people know I’m a massive Paige Toon fangirl but I hadn’t actually read this one until our readathon last year. You can read my review here.

I love a Six For Sunday and I hope you’ve enjoyed my choices this week.

Weekly Update #39

Here we are at Saturday once again….How are we all? I hope you’re having a good Saturday and I hope you’ve had as good a week as possible.

So I’ve been consistently doing my strengthening exercises and around Wednesday, not even a week since the appointment I was definitely seeing a difference in me. It feels me with hope, I’ve found this week to be a bit of a mixed bag.

I’m still missing the running and I’ve been pretty much up and down this week, but I’m embracing each and every positive. I’ve managed to do the three days of cycling on my exercise bike with the last two over an hour now that’s felt good.

Exercise bike selfie – this morning.

Yesterday I had a few errands to run in the High Street – it’s such a normal thing but feels strange these days. Decided to coincide that with trying the new Toffee Spice Latte from Costa. Apologies there is no picture but my that was an absolute beauty of a coffee.

This week I read: Now this feels unfinished as I’m into the last two hours of my audiobook.

This will be finished today…

Currently reading: As stated I will finish Wish You Were Here and I shall be starting…

I love Mhari she always manages to make me laugh and let me escape. I’ve heard so much goodness about this and I’m attending an online event for this on Tuesday.

What’s been on the blog: I’ve felt much more on the ball blog wise this week.

On Sunday I shared my thoughts on Seeing Other People By Mike Gayle and you can read that post here.

On Monday I shared Monday Motivation and Smiles #3 and you can read that post here.

On Tuesday I shared my thoughts on Mr Commitment By Mike Gayle and you can read that post here.

On Wednesday I shared my Midweek Reading Roundup #3 and you can read it here.

On Thursday I shared a gorgeous Cover Reveal and you can read that post here.

On Friday I shared my thoughts on the audiobook of You Got This and Other Things I wish I Had known By Louise Redknapp and you can read that here.

Have a truly wonderful week and I will be back with a post daily and then the wrap up next Saturday.

Do let me know if there is anything you would like me to include here on the blog?

We’re almost at the end of March so that means there will be a wrap up post coming…

Audio Review: You Got This and Other Things I wish I Had known By Louise Redknapp #YouGotThis

Blurb: In more than two decades in the limelight, Louise Redknapp has weathered her fair share of ups and downs, but through it all she’s remained unapologetically true to herself.

From dancing in her bedroom as a young girl with big dreams to getting a scholarship to Italia Conti and experiencing her first taste of musical success with Eternal, to navigating fertility struggles, motherhood and rediscovering her passion for performing, in You’ve Got This Louise offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the experiences that have shaped her.

Warm, funny and wise – like a chat with a close friend – this empowering and uplifting guide weaves together Louise’s personal stories and poignant observations on life to gently reassure and encourage, while providing tips and advice on how to get the most out of life by embracing positivity.

Brimming with insight on falling back in love with yourself, managing expectations, overcoming critics, dealing with social media and trusting your instincts as a parent, this is Louise’s powerful love letter to anyone who has ever wondered if they’re getting it right: you’ve got this.

Review: As soon as Louise had mentioned she had a book coming out my interest was piqued. I deliberated whether to listen to the audio (that she read) or to order a physical signed book. In the end I decided I wanted to listen to Lou. So I could do so whilst on my exercise bike, getting dressed etc. I may end up buying a physical copy at a later date.

In listening to Louise I got to hear her voice reading her words but I lost out in looking at the pictures she chose through the years. I also lost out on having the inspirational quotes to hand. Although this could well be a read that I’ll relisten to. Even just scrolling through the chapter names you can see how uplifting and empowering a read it is.

Louise Redknapp/Nurding was always my favourite in Eternal and she’s a local girl from Lewisham, I only live down the road and I’ve worked in Lewisham so I fully understand the location etc. Anyone and everyone who knows me, knows I’m a total 90s girl most of my favourite music and memories is from that time.

Over the years I’ve followed Louise’s music and I’ve always loved it. Sadly The Heavy Love tour was cancelled because of Covid but I would definitely love to be there. Now the reason I’m mentioning that is Louise speaks about how she’s often referred to as nice and I mean that’s not a bad thing but she’s so much more than nice.

Louise is an inspiration and You Got This and Other Things I wish I Had Known is an empowering, enlightening and all encompassing read. Listening to Louise explain some of her most darkest days with such grace was heartbreaking and heartwarming. I’m not a mother so I don’t understand those trials and tribulations but as a woman I can fully appreciate the standard struggles. I was especially interested in the aspects of falling back in love with yourself. I feel like during lockdown I’ve done this multiple times I felt seen in parts and I’m sure other women will appreciate aspects that didn’t relate to me personally.

Even though she is extremely open in this heartfelt read she doesn’t bad mouth anyone. Louise wholeheartedly speaks her truth and that to me is the most empowering prospect of this novel. I love how she touched on social media and mental health and how it’s changed over the years especially within the entertainment industry. It’s heartbreaking to think of the lengths some people go to to be nasty.

If you’re looking for an empowering and enlightening read look no further than You Got This. A saying I’ve often used to friends, this book really does feel like a chat with a friend alongside the behind the scenes of how Louise made in in the music industry. There were aspects I could smile at remembering and there was a lot that I never knew about Louise and her rise to fame.

Cover Reveal: Marijuana Mermaids By David-Matthew Barnes @dmatthewbarnes @lovebooksgroup @CayellePub #LoveBooksTours

Today I am pleased to share a cover reveal. These are my favourite type of posts aside of actually reviewing books.

Before I share the cover let me tell you about the book itself and a bit about the author.

Blurb: An intriguing coming of age tale…

After getting into trouble at her high school in Chicago, seventeen-year-old Leah Cassels moves to a small seaside town in California to live with her father Leah’s efforts to leave her past behind are put to the test by new friends Monica and Sabina, two popular girls who seem to have it all. While secretly dreaming of becoming the new star of an underwater mermaid show at a local theme park, Leah lands a part-time job at the park’s snack bar where she meets Ray Junior. As their new friendship begins to grow, Leah comes to the realization that there’s more to him than meets the eye. Encouraged by Ray Junior to stand on her own, Leah tries to distance herself from Monica and Sabina, unaware of the consequences for doing so.

About the Author: David-Matthew Barnes is an award-winning author, film critic, playwright, poet, and screenwriter. He writes in multiple genres, primarily young adult, romance, thriller, and horror. He is the bestselling author of twelve novels, five produced screenplays, three collections of poetry, and more than sixty stage plays. He has written about and studied many film genres, with a special focus on film noir and horror movies.

Now for the cover reveal….

So what are your thoughts? Mermaids had to say sea right? Thanks once again to the Love Books Tours team.

If you’re looking at purchasing Marijuana Mermaid you can do so here.

Midweek Reading Roundup #3

Happy Hump day all – It’s been a while since I last penned a Midweek Reading Roundup and I found myself thinking about it this morning. The last one I penned you can read here.

In February when I last penned one of these posts I was taking part in a readathon of Christina Lauren books. This month I’m part of a Mike Gayle readathon – I finished and posted my thoughts on Mr Commitment yesterday and you can read my thoughts here.

Last: Mr Commitment By Mike Gayle

Now: You Got This By Louise Redknapp

I listened to a chunk of this whilst on the exercise bike this morning. I have minutes left so I will most definitely finish it shortly. I’ve honestly loved hearing Louise speak her truth.

I’m also almost half way through.

Here Me Out By Sarah Harding

This sure is an emotional rollercoaster.

Next: Audio – Wish You Were Here By Mike Gayle

Ebook: Last Night By Mhari McFarlane

I’m loving having more time to read but I also have to take time to rest. When I’ve overdone it I’ve had to step back especially when headaches take over. Not having a routine as such means I don’t always get enough sleep so I’ve had to give myself times when I just need to stop and that’s ok.

I know we’re only at Wednesday but I’m feeling really good this week in terms of exercise, strengthening exercises alongside a better diet. It’s had such an empowering effect on me.

Have a good week all and stay safe, keep positive and keep reading to those of you like me who always have a book or two on the go.

Book Review: Mr Commitment By Mike Gayle @MikeGayle #MrCommitment

Blurb: Duffy is engaged. He accepted Mel’s proposal. But the trips to IKEA, dinner parties for couples and talk of babies are giving him itchy feet and now he’s not sure if he can say goodbye to his extended adolescence and face up to that final walk down the aisle.

How does he know if she’s The One? Can he cope with responsibility? Does he have what it takes to become Mr Commitment? Because if he doesn’t, he may just find that he’s lost Mel – forever…

Review: I’ve honestly loved delving into Mike Gayle March. Mr Commitment is another story full of Mike’s easy manner that makes you feel like your reading about a friend and not just a fictional character.

Duffy is an adorable character – I mean I wasn’t always on the same page as him but I loved how he lives with his heart on his sleeve. Mr Commitment takes us on a journey with Duffy from where he is fully against commitment or so he thought, and then he realises everything he’s ever wanted isn’t too far away.

I really warmed to Mel and I wholeheartedly felt for her. As a woman when you’re in a relationship you want to know that you’re on the same page. I could see what she was trying to achieve. I must admit the IKEA outing was rather funny and I’m pretty sure it will make me chuckle the next time I enter one.

I feel like I’ve needed these novels since my earliest memories of being interested in boys as Mike fully explores the thought process of men.

Duffy, Dan and Charlie are all extremely different but they give us very different insights into the minds of men. I really adored Dan at first I was unsure of him but when he let his guard down and told Duffy how he really feels about his ex everything changes.

Another thing that I’ve come to love of Mike Gayle reads is the male friendship groups. Men universally don’t speak in the same way that women do but they do still have time and love for those friends. In their seemingly darkest hours Duffy and Carter had each other’s back in free fold and later in the novel the speeches spoke volumes to me.

An interesting insight into the minds of men. Mike Gayle has written a novel that fully explores the male and female thoughts where commitment is concerned. Duffy and Mel take us on a rollercoaster ride, full of humorous bumps along the way.