The Wedding Cake Tree by Melanie Hudson.

This is quite simply a wonderful book that will make you want to plant your very own memory tree.

I was swept away into the story from the start.  As soon as Grace finds out about the mysterious holiday her Mum had arranged for her before she passed away, I was intrigued about the secrets that she would uncover along the way.  The story unfolded slowly and meant that chapter after chapter were full of interesting twists and turns, and revelations that took me completely by surprise.

The hero of the story, Royal Marine, Alasdair, was such a strong character, yet with a very soft centre.  In my eyes he was the perfect gentleman and I was desperate for romance to develop between him and Grace.

By the time I had finished this book I felt drained, but in a good way.  I'd been on such a journey with the characters.  There were tears, and I was nearly screaming at Grace at one point, not wanting her to miss her chance of true love.  Yet along side this, the story was one full of hope and optimism which made for a really inspiring read.

If you read this book you will be treated to a journey passing through many wonderful settings, with very realistic and loveable characters, experiencing raw emotions that will keep you gripped through every page. I thoroughly recommend it.

Oh and in case anyone else was wondering... this is what a real Wedding Cake Tree looks like.

This book is brought to you from the publisher ChocLit so I must take a moment to describe Alasdair as if he were a chocolate bar (because I love this idea!).  I think he would definitely be a Snickers... a strong core, yet he has a soft caramel layer running through him, and the nuts, well they would signify the hard times he's been through which he will always carry with him.

The back page blurb:
Can a mother’s secret past provide the answers for a daughter’s future? 
Celebrity photographer Grace Buchanan has always known that, one day, she’d swap her manic day job for the peace and quiet of her beloved childhood cottage, St Christopher’s – she just didn’t expect it to be so soon. 
At the reading of her mother’s will, she’s shocked to learn that she hardly knew Rosamund at all, and that inheriting St Christopher’s hangs on one big – and very inconvenient – condition: Grace must drop everything for two weeks and travel the country with a mysterious stranger – war-weary Royal Marine, Alasdair Finn. 
Caught in a brief but perfect moment in time, Grace and Alasdair walk in Rosamund’s footsteps and read her letters at each breathtaking new place. As Grace slowly uncovers the truth about her mother’s incredible life story, Alasdair and Grace can’t help but question their own futures. Will Rosamund’s madcap scheme go to plan or will events take an unexpected turn? 
An emotional, fun-filled and adventurous journey of a lifetime.

Title: The Wedding Cake Tree
Author: Melanie Hudson
Buy The Wedding Cake Tree

Made In Nashville by Mandy Baggot.

This is my first novel by Mandy Baggot and it certainly won't be my last.  Think stetsons, singing and sexy men!

Firstly let me say that if like me you're a fan of the tv series Nashville then YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!!! But even if you're not a fan of Country music, don't let that put you off... country aside, this is an awesome chick-lit read.  It's a story stuffed full of romance, sexy guys and some intriguing back stories which keep you wondering that will happen next to the main characters Honor and Jared.

These two have to be one of the most sizzling couples I've read about. The both sound gorgeous, with really rich and interesting history's which give the characters real depth.  The chemistry between them had me hooked right from the start, there is a real electricity between the them and it's so much fun to read how their relationship develops.
Honor has had a tough time in the past and has lost confidence in her ability to rock her own style of country music on stage.  As I got into the story I got right behind her, cheering her on in the hopes that she could live her dreams once again.
I also really liked Honor's best friend Mia.  She seemed like such fun to have around, as well as a really supportive friend.

There really wasn't anything not to like about this book.  The setting was brilliant, full of musical references and there was even a cameo from stars of the Nashville tv show.   There is tension and heartbreak in this story, but most of all you'll fall in love with Honor and Jared; their steamy romance and the crazy lives they lead as country stars in Nashville.

The back page blurb:

Made in Nashville…feel the country!

An on-stage attack left Honor Blackwood with more scars than just the one on her face. It’s been ten years since she left her spot as Nashville’s brightest country music star. Is now the time to return? And is she brave enough to do it?

Country rebel and rock star, Jared ‘Jed’ Marshall is hot property on the Tennessee music scene in more ways than one. He’s wild, he’s sexy and everybody wants a piece of him. But when he sets his sights on Honor, is it pure attraction or just distraction on his mind?

Honor’s record label sign the ex-boyfriend that dumped her and suddenly going back to her old life is harder than she thought. And when a secret from the past becomes public knowledge it’s no longer just about the music… Are all the people in her life lying to her to get what they want?

Join the country scene to find out!

Made in Nashville – where the off-stage action’s as hot as the music!

Title: Made In Nashville
Author: Mandy Baggot
Buy it here