Fairytale Of New York by Miranda Dickinson.

As someone who has never been to New York I cannot get enough of books set in the city, there really does seem to be something enchanting about the place, and if you didn't feel it before reading this book then you'll be a New York convert by the end.

In this book we learn Rosie's story as she sees her New York floristry business expand rapidly whilst through the associates press attention she receives, she struggles to hide her past from those closest to her.

There are so many wonderful characters in this book, Rosie is a very loveable character; strong in so many ways yet hiding from her own past as she feels to fragile to face it.  Her colleagues at the shop seem like such brilliant friends to have and are such fun characters to read about. 

There is a secret that runs through the book, keeping you intrigued and keen to keep reading.  So coupled with the fantastic setting and fun filled characters this is a great read.

This is the first of Miranda Dickinson's books yet somehow it's turned out to be the last one of hers I've read as I'm making my way through her fabulous collection.  Definitely a great book to choose if you're in need of some warm and fluffy chick-lit to cheer you up.

The back page blurb:

Once upon a time an English girl went to New York to live out her very own fairytale…
Florist Rosie Duncan's life couldn't be better, she has a flourishing business on New York's Upper West Side and fantastic friends. Moving to Manhattan feels like the best decision she ever made. Even though at the time, it was her escape route from heartbreak . . .

For the past six years Rosie has kept her heart under lock and key, despite the protests of her closest friends - charming, commitment-phobic Ed, unlucky in love Marnie and the one-woman tornado that is Celia.

Then a blossoming friendship with publishing hot-shot Nate begins to shake Rosie's resolve at the same time as her brother arrives in the Big Apple, hiding a secret.

But a chance meeting brings Rosie face to face with her past, unravelling the mystery behind her arrival in New York. Rosie is forced to confront questions she has long been trying to ignore, including will she ever get her very own happy-ever-after?

A sparkling, romantic comedy about an English girl who finds herself in the city where dreams can come true - or so she thinks…

Title: Fairytale Of New York
Author: Miranda Dickinson

Bumble The Brave Kitten by Sam Hay.

This is such a sweet little book.  It's so easy to read you'll whizz through it in no time.  The book is full of short stories showing the remarkable journeys some cats have to go on before they find a forever home.

I was a little worried that a book like this would make me cry with sad stories about kittens being mistreated and the like, but aside from a few moments when I wondered why people are so cruel to animals, this isn't a book that will upset any animal lovers, instead its a really feel good read with each cat that's featured having a happy ending.  Like always with books like this there are plenty of photos in the middle so you can meet the cats you're reading about.

This would be a great book for animal loving children as there are plenty of puzzles and fun facts in the back.  

Warm and fuzzy; one for all crazy cat ladies like me!

The back page blurb:
Bumble was only ten weeks old when she was found cowering alone in a hedgerow. She was starving, soaking wet and miles from home. Founded in 1927, Cats Protection is the UK's largest cat welfare charity. They rehome over 55,000 cats and kittens every year; some of which have been subjected to cruel abuse. Against the odds, many of these cats go on to live extraordinary lives and do amazing things: these are their stories.

Title: Bumble The Brave Kitten
Author: Sam Hay

The Other Half by Sarah Rayner.

I really enjoy books written by Sarah Rayner and this one is no exception.  Its a book with three main characters, James (the husband), Maggie (his wife) and Chloe (his mistress).  In the book we explore the relationships James has with each woman and how each affects the other.  I found it a really interesting book to read because as you get to know the characters you forget about the assumption of an affair always being wrong and instead allow the characters to shape your views as they explain the feelings behind the relationships.

I really liked all the characters, especially Maggie who was so strong. Part of the story is set in New York which I always love to read about.
Once I had got into the story I found myself whizzing through the book, unable to put it down as I got so absorbed into the characters lives.

This book is quite simple in terms of the storyline but the strength of the characters is really engaging making it a great read.

The back page blurb:
There are two sides to every story. In alternating chapters, a wife and a mistress tell all.

Title: The Other Half
Author: Sarah Rayner
Buy The Other Half here