Review: 'Goodbye Henrietta Street' by Lin Treadgold

‘Goodbye Henrietta Street’ sat in the list on my phone for quite a while before I got round to reading it and I wish I’d read it sooner. It takes the first few chapters to get absorbed into the novel but after that you won’t be able to put it down. Lin has created realistic characters that you grow to love and you find yourself willing Pippa to make the right choices.

As well as having an excellent story line and great characters it is also well written. It’s unusual to find a book that satisfies all three sections.

     This is the tale of a couple who lose their son in a terrible accident and the mother’s attempt to get her life back on track. A journey of love and heartbreak. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romantic novel.

Available from July 2013

(4/5 Stars)

Review: 'I Forgive You' by Jacqueline E. Perry

The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is well known, however, I did just this. The cover of this book was what made me want to read it (of course the blurb had a part in this too) but I felt a little let down. The basic story line of this book has great potential but I didn’t find the way it was written did it any favours. Jacqueline repeats herself many times in the novel and I spent most of the time wondering whether or not I’d already read the part I was reading (obviously with certain parts this was what the author intended) but I felt it dragged on quite a lot and I never really got connected to the character enough to sympathise for her.

I thought the use of emails worked very well in this book and it gave the reader a sense of time passing. I also liked how the author named each of the chapters instead of just simply numbering them.

I am not very religious and for me this book had a few too many religious references to it but I’m sure many of you out there would disagree with me as everyone has their own opinions.

(2/5 Stars)

Review: "Homebound" by Jodi McClure

I read this book when I woke up one morning and didn’t get up until I’d finished the whole story. “Homebound” is a tale that many people can relate to. A story of divorce, unemployment and love with a mystery intertwined amongst it. The book was written very well in the first person so that you really got an idea of how John felt. John is a loveable character and you can’t help but hope he gets his happy ending eventually.
I like Jodi McClure’s writing style. She certainly has her own voice and this story is not like any I’ve read before. This book shows that the saying ‘everything happens for a reason’ really is true.
I received my copy of “Homebound” from the author for my honest review. 

(5/5 Stars)

Review: "The Living Room" by Bill Rolfe

Bill Rolfe asked me to read and review his book “The Living Room” and I have to admit I was quite worried about what the book had in store for me. This is not the type of book I would usually read and I didn’t know what to expect, however, I’m so glad I accepted Bill’s request as this is an amazing book.
Everything from the style of writing to the story line shows a great deal of talent. Bill has created a main character that everyone will feel sympathy for and support along his journey and he’s paired this with a story line that just makes you want to read more. As the book progresses it becomes harder to put down and I read the second half of the book all in one sitting.
This book isn’t too long and is a relatively easy read. A very moving book that had the ability to make me route for the characters. I have already recommended this book to several people and I would recommend this book to anyone, even if it’s not the type of book you’d usually read. 

(5/5 Stars)

Review: "The Officer's Bride" by Lara Daniels

I received my copy of “The Officer’s Bride” by Lara Daniels from the author in exchange for my honest review. I started reading this book when I had a free half an hour and snuggled into a corner out of the way at college, read the first twenty pages and was hooked. I continued to read the book through my economics lesson and when I went to work that evening. Before I knew it I’d read the whole book. I’m very happy that Lara asked me to review this book for her.

The main character, Nafisah, is likeable and you can’t help but feel for her. At points in the story you begin to wonder if Nafisah is ever going to get her happy ending. This book is beautifully written from the very first page and it has an unusual story line which is realistic but at times a little confusing.

I would recommend this book.

(5/5 Stars)

"Not a Drop to Drink" by Patsy Collins

Yesterday Patsy Collins released her collection of seven short stories for FREE on Alfie Dog.

 

Blurb

Scientists say the human body is around 70% water. We know that’s not true.
Oh, we could drink ‘straight’ H20, but usually we don’t. More likely it’s vitamin rich juice or teeth rotting cola. We like a nice cup of tea to calm us down or cheer us up. Perhaps a nice glass of wine to celebrate or drown our sorrows. Two glasses. Too many glasses.
Our bodies do contain liquid of course. Never just water. What’s in yours; acid and bile or the milk of human kindness? Blood, sweat and tears of joy or sorrow?
It’s these waters you’ll find running through these stories.

Check it out here.

Review: "Who is Paige?" by April Autumn

I think one of the most important (and probably one of the hardest) things when writing is to make the reader connect with the character, to make them feel that they themselves are the character, and April has definitely done this. “Who is Paige?” is probably the darkest story I have ever read and it is hard not to cringe at some of the things that this girl has gone through.

The plot line of this book is very good. The story is revealed slowly but not too slowly that the reader would lose interest and it really makes you think. April certainly has a talent when it comes to descriptive writing and this is what makes this book so effective.

The one thing that I thought let this book down was the simple sentence structure and the simple language used. At times the story doesn’t flow which is a shame as this would improve the book greatly. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dark novels.

(3/5 Stars)

Super Sweet Award

Thanks to Patsy for nominating me for this award. 

1.  Cookies or cake? 

                 

Oh how to choose. Depends if chocolate chips are involved in the cookies.

2.  Chocolate or vanilla? 

Chocolate (do you need to ask).

3.  What is your favourite sweet treat? 

Chocolate mice.

4.  When do you crave sweet things most? 

When I'm at home doing nothing (so most of the time).

5.  If you had a sweet nickname what would it be? 

People call me Cakey

Now to pass this on to a baker's dozen... Unfortunately I don't know many people with blogs so I'll have to send it back to Patsy.

FREE FOR TWO DAYS ONLY - Dying to Live

Many people have said at least once in their life, "I'll do this in a minute" or "I'll do it tomorrow," and never get round to doing it (you know you have). If the thing you've been putting off is downloading my novel "Dying to Live" then don't put it off for any longer. 

     Dying to Live is FREE for TWO DAYS ONLY. For the 4th and 5th of October Dying to Live is available to download for free onto Kindle, computers, etc. So don't put it off any longer. Download your free book today and if you're feeling extra generous leave a review on Amazon so I can see what you think about it. 

Click here for the .uk version and here for the .com one.

Remember, you don't need a Kindle to read it.