The Bow Wow Club by Nicola May.

This is the follow up to Working It Out.  I didn't enjoy it as much as Working It Out but it was still a fun and easy book to read.

We see Ruby start volunteering at a bereavement club but don't be fooled into thinking that this means the book is a depressing one as this is far from the case.  I really like Ruby's character, she's so bubbly and vibrant.  Whilst Ruby was completing her 'twelve jobs in twelve months' challenge in Working It Out she met loads of crazy characters and this book is no different, we see the return of some favourites from the first book, plus there is a whole bunch of new colourful characters in The Bow Wow Club.

There are a few little twists in the book to keep things interesting, but really there is so much happening and so many characters that things are never boring in this story.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the 'sex scenes' featuring in the book written by one of the main characters Michael, I just didn't think they fitted into the whole romantic feel of the story.  But on the whole it was a very warm, fun read which is really easy to pick up so would be perfect for holiday reading.

For my review of Working It Out by Nicola May click here.

The back page blurb:
In this entertaining sequel to Working it Out Ruby never expected to be starting over... ...but after a shocking bereavement, she begins to question whether or not she will ever be happy again. A chance encounter with handsome author Michael Bell throws her fragile heart into turmoil. Plus, a dark family secret and completely unexpected love interest add to her confusion. Encouraged to face her demons, she volunteers at the Bow Wow Club - (Boyfriends of Widows, Wives of Widowers). You will laugh and cry along with a myriad of eccentric characters as Ruby searches for her inner peace. But will she let love win? Or allow her past to continue to haunt her?

Title: The Bow Wow Club
Author: Nicola May

Me and Mr Darcy by Alexandra Potter.

Last weekend I went to Chatsworth House, the place that inspired Jane Austen's description of Pemberley, Mr Darcy's home. I was totally swept away in the romance of it all and to top it off, the gift shop sold a variety of Austen-inspired books so I came away with this little beauty.

The story features Emily, who leaves her job as manager of a book shop in New York and takes a trip around Jane Austen country where she meets her very own Mr Darcy.  I wasn't too keen on the 'magical' feeling that the story had, but I really enjoyed the description of Emily's trip and her relationship with the other characters on the tour.

There were some really romantic moments in the book.  The Mr Darcy in this book makes me think of my personal favourite Mr Darcy (think Colin Firth walking out of the lake at Pemberley/Lyme Park).  

Although I wouldn't put it up there as one of the best chick-lit's I've ever read it was a very pleasant read.  I think it would be perfect for Jane Austen fans but also for people who've never read a Jane Austen, the story stands as a romantic tale in it's own right.

The back page blurb:
He's every woman's fantasy.

After a string of nightmare relationships, Emily Albright has decided she's had it with modern-day men. Shed rather pour herself a glass of wine, curl up with Pride and Prejudice and step into a time where men were dashing, devoted and honourable, strode across fields in breeches, their damp shirts clinging to their chests...

So when her best friend invites her to Mexico for a week of margaritas and men, Emily decides to book a guided tour of Jane Austen country instead. 

She quickly realises she wont find her dream man here. The coach tour is full of pensioners, apart from one Mr Spike Hargreaves, a foul-tempered journalist sent to write a piece on why Mr Darcy's been voted the man most women would love to date 

Until she walks into a room and finds herself face-to-face with Darcy himself. And every woman's fantasy suddenly becomes one woman's reality. . .

Title: Me and Mr Darcy
Author: Alexandra Potter

Love Anthony by Lisa Genova.

I loved reading this book.  Lisa Genova writes in such an engaging, real way that totally draws you into the characters.  Right from the start I became attached to the two lead characters, Beth and Olivia and couldn't wait to learn more about them.

The book is based around a theme of autism with Olivia being mother to an autistic boy (or boy with autism - I'll refer to both as the author does) and Beth writes a novel based on the subject of autism.  Autism itself if something which I have very little understanding of, and to be honest, had very little interest in before I read this book but now I can say I have a much greater understanding of how this condition affects those who have it, and those around them.  To my surprise I found the subject very interesting and very much enjoyed learning about it.

Lisa Genova's books are always based around a strong theme such as Autism in this one or Alzheimers which features in her book Still Alice, but the themes never take over the story.  Her books are always first and foremost about the people.  The description of Beth's relationship with Jimmy totally captivated me, the emotions were so real and I think everyone could relate to how Beth feels and the dilemma she is in.

Lisa writes in such a descriptive way, I always become so involved in the relationships, and like when I read Still Alice, I had a good cry at certain points in this book.  I still feel moved by this story even after finishing the book, I feel I went on a journey with the characters and am now sad to leave them behind.

I can really recommend this book.  It will engage you and stay with you even after it's finished.  If I had to describe the book in one word, 'Special' would have to be it.

Read my review of Still Alice by Lisa Genova here.

Title: Love Anthony
Author: Lisa Genova

Lying to Meet You by Anna Garner.

You may never have heard of the author Anna Garner, and that would be because her previous books were published under her pen name Libby Mercer.  I have never read any of Anna's books before, and was very pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one.

The book is based around the theory that being in an existing relationship makes you more intriguing to other potential love interests.  It was a fresh and funky read.  Chloe stars on a reality show and I was worried that a book involving a reality panel show would be a bit 'X Factor' which I wasn't looking forward to, but I was really pleasantly surprised.  The story is centred around the warm, funny character of Chloe who just happens to star in a t.v. show and it doesn't in any way take over from the main theme of the book which is her developing relationship with fake boyfriend Ethan and her huge crush on fellow judge William Shannon.

I really liked both the characters and Chloe and Ethan, and especially enjoyed the parts of the book when they visited their respective parents for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Chloe is very likeable and find herself in some funny situations.

I read a lot of chick-lit and really enjoyed this one, the storyline was refreshingly different to other chick-lit's which can sometimes feel a little bit repetitive.  If I could wish for one change it would be that there is more detail at the end of the story, I would have liked to find out William's reaction to events for instance.  But all in all I would recommend this book for a light-hearted and fun to read book, great for holidays for sure.

The back page blurb:
Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.
However… opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?

Lying to Meet You is due to be released on 5th September 2013

Title: Lying To Meet You
Author: Anna Garner

The Night Rainbow by Claire King.

This books is written in the voice of Pea, a five year old girl.  When I've read other books written in the voice of a child, such as Room by Emma Donoghue, it takes me a little while to get into the feel of the story and get used to the language and flow of the book.  Unfortunately with this book I found it hard to 'get into the flow' of the storyteller.

Whilst Pea is very likeable I found myself wondering what was happening in the book as there was no thread pulling the story forward and it did feel a little repetitive.

I don't want to give anything away regarding the twist in the storyline, but I did guess what was going to happen quite early on in the book and I always hope I'm going to be wrong because I don't like to ruin a surprise!

Despite being quite a short book it took me a long time to read as I wasn't inspired to keep picking it up to read more.  It was pleasant enough once I did actual start reading again but I just found it lacking the magic that would make it stand out from other similar stories.

The back page blurb:

During one long, hot summer, five-year-old Pea and her little sister Margot play alone in the meadow behind their house, on the edge of a small village in Southern France. Her mother is too sad to take care of them; she left her happiness in the hospital, along with the baby. Pea's father has died in an accident and Maman, burdened by her double grief and isolated from the village by her Englishness, has retreated to a place where Pea cannot reach her - although she tries desperately to do so.

Then Pea meets Claude, a man who seems to love the meadow as she does and who always has time to play. Pea believes that she and Margot have found a friend, and maybe even a new papa. But why do the villagers view Claude with suspicion? And what secret is he keeping in his strange, empty house?

Title: The Night Rainbow
Author: Claire King

One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I loved the main character, Kitty, who was going through a difficult time to say the least but despite her being in a situation that I would never be in myself, I could really relate to her.

The story of the 'One Hundred Names' was intriguing.  I thought I had an idea of what the theme of the 'finished article' could be at several points throughout the book but I was constantly doubting myself so it made an interesting read.

The variety of characters Kitty meets is really interesting, and in a way it opened my eyes to the stories hidden behind strangers we pass in the street.

This is a heart-warming book that is full of interest.  There are a lot of characters but unlike other books I've read with so many characters being referred to throughout the story, in this book I didn't find myself getting lost and confused.  I simply found all the characters likeable and enjoyed the variety they brought to the story.
This is my favourite Cecelia Ahern book to date; it was thoroughly enjoyable.

The back page blurb:

Journalist Kitty Logan’s career has been destroyed by scandal, and she now faces losing the woman who guided her and taught her everything she knew. At her mentor’s bedside, Kitty asks her – what is the one story she always wanted to write?

The answer lies in a file buried in Constance’s office: a list of one hundred names. There is no synopsis, no explanation, nothing else to explain what the story is or who these people are. The list is simply a mystery.

But before Kitty can talk to her friend, it is too late.

With everything to prove, Kitty is assigned the most important task of her life – to write the story her mentor never had the opportunity to. Kitty has to not only track down and meet the people on the list, but find out what connects them. And, in the process of hearing ordinary people’s stories, she uncovers Constance’s – and starts to understand her own…

Title: One Hundred Names
Author: Cecelia Ahern

It's Raining Men by Milly Johnson.

Like all Milly Johnson novels her latest and ninth novel is based around the friendship of three strong female characters.  It shows their journey from troubled relationships to an enjoyable girls holiday.  Unfortunately I just found this book a little predictable, and it was less addictive than I normally find Milly's writing.

I'm a huge Milly Johnson fan but I found this book to lack a little of her usual magic which is ironic seeing as this is the only one of her books which is actually based on magic.

The characters are very likeable and you feel for all of them and want the best for them, but I didn't fall in love with the male heroes of the story like I normally do when reading Milly's books.

If you haven't read any Milly Johnson books before, don't let me put you off.  I would just suggest to start with White Wedding or The Yorkshire Pudding Club as these books are fantastic and will get you hooked on her light-hearted, enchanting writing.

The back page blurb:

Friends May, Lara and Clare are desperate for a holiday. They have been dreaming of a little bit of time away from it all at a luxury spa. But when they arrive in Ren Dullem, a small Yorkshire seaside town, by mistake, they have to adjust to a totally different kind of holiday.

May can't wait to get away from men after being cruelly deceived. Then in Dullem she falls hook line and sinker at first glance for one of the inhabitants - but he's already taken.

Lara is living with James and his awful step-children who taunt her with tales of his younger, prettier ex whom they adored - the woman who Lara walks in to find James in bed with despite all his protestations that he wouldn't touch her again with a barge pole. Reeling from the hurt, she needs some R & R to heal her. What she doesn't need is to be constantly in battle with the owner of the holiday cottage - a man who is every bit as bitter and resentful and untrusting of the other sex as she is.

Clare's kind, steady boyfriend Lud wants her to go and live abroad with him for two years, but she's just been offered the promotion of a lifetime which she can't turn down. In Ren Dullem she finds some single excitement which happens to turn up in the form of a very bad boy who is everything Lud isn't - impulsive, wild and dangerous.

Will this holiday be the break they all need? Or will the odd little town with all its secrets bring them all to breaking point…?

Title: It's Raining Men
Author: Milly Johnson

Cover Reveal - Lying to Meet You by Anna Garner.

We all love a sneak peek don't we... well feast your little bookworm eyes on the cover of Anna Garner's new chick-lit book, Lying To Meet You.

The cover, designed by Sue Traynor, is released today so if you're reading this you're one of the first to see it! 

The Lying To Meet You Cover

The book itself is based around the theory that being in an existing relationship makes you more intriguing to other potential love interests?

Chloe Lane is about to find out. When her childhood pal, Ethan Webster, asks her to play the part of his girlfriend in order to test this theory, she reluctantly agrees. As a work-crazed fashion designer, boutique owner and soon-to-be reality show judge, Chloe has no time for a real boyfriend, but being part of a faux pair will do just fine. Not that she has any intention of trying to attract someone else.
However… opportunity unexpectedly knocks when Chloe meets fellow reality judge, William Shannon. Super successful and super sexy, this high-powered entrepreneur inspires Chloe to test Ethan’s theory herself. Now, on top of keeping her fashion business productive, carving out a new role as a television personality, maintaining a fake relationship and attempting to lay the groundwork for a future relationship, she’s lying to William, lying to her friends, lying to her family and quite possibly lying to herself. Will Chloe be able to keep it all together, or are things about to explode?

You may not think you know any of Anna Garner's other three books and this would be because she has previously published under the name of Libby Mercer.

Lying to Meet You is due to be released on 5th September 2013

Book review to coming soon...

Title: Lying to Meet You

Author: Anna Garner

Expected release date: September 5, 2013

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnaGarner

The Sea Sisters by Lucy Clarke.

I really enjoyed reading this book.  I was intrigued from the start and didn't want to put the book down, in fact I read over half of it in one sitting.

The story is one that if I'm honest I wasn't that interested in from reading the back page blurb, but as soon as I started reading I was hooked.  The characters are very strong and there are so many twists and turns in the plot that I was constantly left wondering what would happen next.  The mystery in this book remained a mystery right up until the end, and there were constant surprises throughout reading.

The relationships between all the characters, the sisters especially, were deep and I was drawn into the many levels of emotion and expectation running through them.

I would definitely recommend this book, thoroughly enjoyable and ever so slightly addictive.

The back page blurb:
Two sisters, one life-changing journey…There are some currents in the relationship between sisters that run so dark and so deep, it’s better for the people swimming on the surface never to know what’s beneath …Katie’s carefully structured world is shattered by the news that her headstrong younger sister, Mia, has been found dead in Bali – and the police claim it was suicide. With only the entries of Mia’s travel journal as her guide, Katie retraces the last few months of her sister’s life, and – page by page, country by country – begins to uncover the mystery surrounding her death. What she discovers changes everything. But will her search for the truth push their sisterly bond – and Katie – to breaking point? The Sea Sisters is a compelling story of the enduring connection between sisters.

Title: The Sea Sisters
Author: Lucy Clarke

Working It Out by Nicola May.

I loved the concept of this book, the main character, Ruby Matthews decides to spend a year trying out a different job each month in order to hopefully find her 'dream' career.  In the process she tries out a whole variety of jobs and meets lots of different characters.

This is a very quick and easy read.  I liked the character of Ruby, she seemed very normal, fun loving, and brave too.  All her friends were warm, very readable characters.  This book might have lacked the emotion of other chick-lit books as it seemed to gloss over everything quite quickly rather than the characters spending a lot of time analysing their feelings, but this made it a fun, breezy book to read.

I'll be reading The Bow Wow Club, the next Nicola May book to feature Ruby for sure.

Title: Working It out
Author: Nicola May

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes.

Every Marian Keyes book has an underlying theme and this time it's depression.  It's a topic that I found really interesting, and was very well written about.

I really liked Helen the main character, she was brilliantly neurotic (which incidentally had nothing to do with her depression).  Like me she doesn't drink hot drinks, tea, coffee etc, and like me she get's sick of people thinking she's crazy because of this... my favourite quote in the book is therefore this:
"Would you like a cup of tea?" Carole asked.
I would have preferred to set my eyeballs on fire"
Tea and coffee drinkers just won't appreciate this, but trust me, all the other non-hot drinkers will be with me!

Many parts of the book made my laugh out loud or chuckle to myself. However, I found the 'mystery' part of the book a little disappointing as I had guessed the outcome when I wasn't even half way through the story.  I also found the book a little too long, as I think sometimes there were too many unnecessary details.

But overall you can always rely on Marian Keyes to produce a strong chick-lit book which combines humour with serious undercurrents, and this book is no exception.

Title: The Mystery of Mercy Close
Author: Marian Keyes