It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I had least week off work and managed to squeeze in some extra reading :)

This week I am reading Forgotten Nicole Trope. She is a new author to me and I have seen her described as the Australian version of Jodi Picoult. Just a few chapters in and it is very promising.

A moment of distraction, an unlocked car and a missing baby. How on earth could this happen?

All Malia needed was a single litre of milk and now she's surrounded by police and Zach has disappeared.

Detective Ali Greenberg knows that this is not the best case for her, not with her history - but she of all people knows what Malia is going through and what is at stake.

Edna is worried about the new residents at the boarding house. She knows Mary would turn in her grave if she knew the kinds of people her son was letting in.

And then there is someone else. Someone whose heart is broken. Someone who feels she has been unfairly punished for her mistakes. Someone who wants what she can't have.

What follows is a heart-stopping game of cat-and-mouse and a race against the clock. As the hours pass and the day heats up, all hope begins to fade.

A gripping, haunting family drama shot through with emotion and suspense.

I am also reading A Leap of Faith by Trisha Ashley. I normally love this author but  couple of chapters in and I'm not feeling the love. Hopefully things will improve as I read on.

Sappho Jones stopped counting birthdays when she reached thirty but, even with her hazy grip on mathematics, she realises that she's on the slippery slope to the big four-oh! With the thought suddenly lodged in her mind that she's a mere cat's whisker away from becoming a single eccentric female living in a country cottage in Wales, she has the urge to do something dramatic before it's too late.

The trouble is, as an adventurous woman of a certain age, Sappho's pretty much been there, done that, got the T-shirt. In fact, the only thing she hasn't tried is motherhood. And with sexy potter Nye on hand as a potential daddy - or at least donor - is it time for her to consider the biggest leap of all? It's either that or buy a cat . . .

Please pop over to the Book Date and see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

On holiday from work this week so hoping for some extra reading time. The rest of the country is sweltering in the heat but we have rain in this part of Scotland - a good excuse to stay on the sofa with my book.

My first book is Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell and I have to say it is a joy.

Love is in the air in St Carys, but you'd never know it - the people of this seaside town are very good at keeping secrets...

The man Clemency loves belongs to someone else. She has to hide her true feelings - but when she ropes in an unsuspecting friend to help, wires start to get crossed.

For the first time in Ronan's life his charm has failed him in winning over the woman he wants. Loving her from afar appears to be his only option.

Belle seems to have the perfect boyfriend, but something isn't quite right. And now a long-buried secret is slowly rising to the surface.

The truth has a funny way of revealing itself, and when it does St Carys will be a very different place indeed...

My other book is totally different - Sins of the Father by Sheryl Browne. A far more gritty book and is the second book by this author I have read.

What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come.
But the past is the past or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible.
When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Another two books on the go this week.

A lovely author Jane Linfoot has sent me a copy of her latest book Summer at the Little Wedding Shop to read and review.

When the owner of Brides by the Sea, Cornwall’s cutest little wedding shop, offers Lily a job as their new wedding stylist, her first thought is – can she possibly pull it off?

Before she’s even sourced a fairy light or tasted a cupcake, Kip Penryn hires her services – but he’s opened an exclusive wedding venue in direct competition to her friend Poppy!

Lily feels like a traitor working for Kip, only everyone knows Penryn men are gorgeous but unreliable. All she has to do is sit back and watch him mess it up…doesn’t she?

Love is in the Cornish sea breeze this summer as the girls tackle their busiest wedding season yet. There’s plenty of bunting, bubbly and baking – but who is going to catch the bouquet?

And my current library book is A Year and a Day by Isabelle Broom.

For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . 

Please pop over to The Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Two more different books this week. After You Die by Eva Dolan was recommended to me by a friend. It is the 3rd in a series but works well as a standalone novel. Will definately be reading more by this author.

Dawn Prentice was already known to the Peterborough Hate Crimes Unit. 

The previous summer she had logged a number of calls detailing the harassment she and her severely disabled teenage daughter were undergoing. Now she is dead – stabbed to death whilst Holly Prentice has been left to starve upstairs. DS Ferreira, only recently back serving on the force after being severely injured in the line of duty, had met with Dawn that summer. Was she negligent in not taking Dawn’s accusations more seriously? Did the murderer even know that Holly was helpless upstairs while her mother bled to death? 

Whilst Ferreira battles her demons, determined to prove she’s up to the frontline, DI Zigic is drawn into conflict with an official seemingly resolved to hide the truth about one of his main suspects. Can either officer unpick the truth about mother and daughter, and bring their killer to justice?

My other book is Summer With The Country Vet by Zara Stonely. This is a nice light read - perfect for dipping in and out of.

When Lucy Jacobs is made redundant from her inner-city teaching job she fears her career is over. Teaching is all Lucy knows and she's determined to get back in the classroom as fast as she can.

Except the only job on offer is at an idyllic village school in the middle of nowhere – Lucy's idea of hell. Where are the disadvantaged kids who need saving, where is the challenge?

But as Lucy finds herself welcomed into the warm-hearted community of Langtry Meadows, she begins to realise new challenges await – like frogs in the classroom, a rather difficult donkey, and a very brooding local vet…

Local boy Charlie Davenport has his own issues about living in the close-knit village of Langtry Meadows. His private life is already fuel for the well-meaning gossips and the very last thing he needs is to get close to the new school teacher…no matter how lovely she is.

But as summer days drift away Langtry Meadows weaves its magic, Charlie and Lucy both get the chance to turn over a new leaf and start anew…maybe with each other?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

Light reading for me this week.

Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel by Jane Costello has been in my to be read pile for a long time - not sure why I have never picked it up before.

The Moonlight Hotel sits on the shore of England’s best-loved lake, Windermere, exuding vintage glamour. Lauren loves the hotel, for hidden inside its faded walls is the key to her most precious memories. So, along with her best friends, Cate and Emily, she signs up to a new dance class in its gorgeous ballroom. They aren’t going for the men, they’re going for a laugh – although a little romance wouldn’t hurt . . .
 
But then a chain of events off the dance floor puts their friendship to the ultimate test, and makes Lauren question everything she holds dear.

I am also reading the second in The Lemon Tree Cafe books by Cathy Bramley - A Storm in a Teacup. It is lovely to catch up with Rosie again and the goings on in the village.

Things couldn’t have changed more for Rosie Featherstone over the last month. There’s simply no place she’d rather be now than at The Lemon Tree Café – and as its new manager, no less!

There’s love in the air too, as a budding romance could be on the cards with Gabe, although Rosie isn’t quite ready to open her heart again completely. The secret she’s kept hidden for years still haunts her…

Then something happens to threaten everything that Rosie holds dear, and she has to spring into action to save both the café and her fledgling relationship. But there’s another surprise in store . . . a shock confession from a family member. Who would have thought that Rosie is not the only one with a secret?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

Skywatch Friday

An unexpected road trip down to the Cairngorms.

Such a beautiful afternoon it was a shame we didn't have our mountain bikes with us. So we did the next best thing and walked round Loch Morlich.

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog to see more skies from around the world.

Skywatch Friday

A view point has been created on the top of Inverness Castle.

During the first week entry was free.

The weather was typically Scottish with all 4 seasons in one day but luckily the sun came out just before we climbed to the top of the tower.

The view from the top didn't disappoint.

Please pop over to the Skywatch blog for more skies from around the world.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I have just finished The Millionaire's Wife by Shalini Boland - if you like a page turning psychological thriller then give this one a go. It is out later this week.

Anna Blackwell lives a charmed life with her husband. But things haven't always been this way. When a woman is killed on the other side of the world, Anna knows that her past has caught up with her. That her greatest fear is about to come true. That it's her turn next.


Altogether different I am reading A Secret Garden by Katie Fforde. She is one of my favourite authors and this one looks like a lovely read.

Lorna is a talented gardener and Philly is a plantswoman. Together they work in the grounds of a beautiful manor house in the Cotswolds

They enjoy their jobs and are surrounded by family and friends. 

But for them both the door to true love remains resolutely closed.

So when Lorna is introduced to Jack at a dinner party and Lucien catches Philly’s eye at the local farmers market, it seems that dreams really can come true and happy endings lie just around the corner.

But do they?

Troublesome parents, the unexpected arrival of someone from Lorna's past, and the discovery of an old and secret garden mean their lives are about to become a lot more complicated...

A new author to me is Sheryl Browne. I have got a copy of After She's Gone to read and review.

There’s evil and then there’s Patrick Sullivan. A drug dealer, pimp and murderer, there are no depths to which Patrick would not sink, and Detective Inspector Matthew Adams has found this out in the most devastating way imaginable.
When Patrick’s brother is shot dead in a drug bust gone wrong, the bitter battle between the two men intensifies, and Matthew finds it increasingly difficult to hold the moral high ground. All he wants is to make the pimping scum suffer the way he did … the way Lily did.
But being at war with such a depraved individual means that it’s not just Matthew who’s in danger. Patrick has taken a lot from Matthew, but he hasn’t taken everything – and now he wants everything.

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It's not a bank holiday in Scotland today unlike the rest of the UK - so off to work I go.

I am reading Bridget Jones's Baby by Helen Fielding. I didn't see the film so hoping the book is OK.

8.45 P.M. Realise there have been so many times in my life when have fantasised about going to a scan with Mark or Daniel: just not both at the same time.

Before motherhood, before marriage, Bridget, with biological clock ticking very, very loudly, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant at the eleventh hour: a joyful pregnancy which is dominated, however, by a crucial but terribly awkward question – who is the father? Mark Darcy: honourable, decent, notable human rights lawyer? Or Daniel Cleaver: charming, witty, notable fuckwit?

9.45 P.M. It’s like they’re two halves of the perfect man, who’ll spend the rest of their lives each wanting to outdo the other one. And now it’s all enacting itself in my stomach.

In this gloriously funny, touching story of baby-deadline panic, maternal bliss, and social, professional, technological, culinary and childbirth chaos, Bridget Jones – global phenomenon and the world’s favourite Singleton – is back with a bump.

I have 2 books on the go on my Kindle - both sent to me by authors.The Big Little Wedding in Carlton Square is written by Lilly Bartlett - other wise known as Michelle Gorman. She asked for people to read her book over the Bank Holiday weekend - although I don't think I will get it finished in time due to having to work today - did I mention that!!

When Emma’s boyfriend Daniel pops the question with a ring the size of a small country, she suddenly realises just how different they are. She’s the Eastenders to his Made in Chelsea. She wants a low-key wedding with close friends and family in Uncle Colin’s pub, while Daniel’s mother is expecting a society do that their high-brow guests won’t forget!

How on earth can Emma put together a celebration fit for Lords and Ladies on a shoestring budget? Not to mention the fact her cross-dressing Uncle Barbara wants to be a bridesmaid, her best mate Kelly can’t stand Daniel’s best friend Cressida, and her dad is too proud to accept any help from Daniel’s family towards the costs.

There’s three months to go until the big day. Will Emma’s happy-ever-after end in disaster?

I am also reading The Break by Sue Welfare. Sue is better known for her chick lit but is now venturing into thrillers with the release of Next of Kin which was a great read. The Break is just as good. The author asked for 20 people to proof read the book - who was I to say no?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

I am reading the 4th Erika Foster book  Last Breath by Robert Bryndza. It is just as good as his earlier books and is a proper page turner.

When the tortured body of a young woman is found in a dumpster, her eyes swollen shut and her clothes soaked with blood, Detective Erika Foster is one of the first at the crime scene. The trouble is, this time, it’s not her case. 

While she fights to secure her place on the investigation team, Erika can’t help but get involved and quickly finds a link to the unsolved murder of a woman four months earlier. Dumped in a similar location, both women have identical wounds – a fatal incision to their femoral artery. 

Stalking his victims online, the killer is preying on young pretty women using a fake identity. How will Erika catch a murderer who doesn’t seem to exist? 

Then another girl is abducted while waiting for a date. Erika and her team must get to her before she becomes another dead victim, and, come face to face with a terrifyingly sadistic individual.

I am also reading My Map of You by Isabelle Broom. This is her first book and it is beautifully written - transporting you to the Greek Islands. I am really enjoying it.

Holly Wright has had a difficult few years. After her mother's death, she's become expert at keeping people at a distance - including her boyfriend, Rupert.

But when Holly receives an unexpected letter explaining that an aunt she never met has left her a house on the Greek island of Zakynthos, the walls she has built begin to crumble. Arriving on the island, Holly meets the handsome Aidan and slowly begins to uncover the truth about the secret which tore her family apart.

But is the island where Holly really belongs? Or will her real life catch up with her first?

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.

Glenlivet 10k

Sunday is runday as we headed off into the hills of Glenlivet for a 10k which has been voted "The most beautiful run in Scotland" And there is no doubt that the scenery is stunning but when you are slogging yourself up a seemingly endless hill looking at your surroundings is the last thing you feel like doing"

An action shot - that is me in the white T shirt.

But we made it and the moment had to be captured forever with many finishing line photos! Glad there wasn't one of me on the rickety moving wooden bridge just after the finish line - that was more scary than the race itself - but it was the only way to get my medal. 

My Garmin recorded my time as 59.06 but I think I like my chip time better!

You have to love a goody bag which includes a dram and shortbread.

Skywatch Friday

A lively 7 mile walk along the Speyside Way with a friend. Walked from Craigallachie to the other side of Aberlour and back - stopping off for coffee and warm scones at the halfway point.

Please pop over to the Skywatch for more skies from around the world.

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It has been a beautiful weekend. Got lots of outdoors jobs done and a lovely walk along the Speyside Way with a friend.

Also managed to squeeze in some time for sitting in the garden reading.

So I am starting the week with 2 new reads.

A Boy Made Of Blocks by Keith Stuart has got lots of very good reviews and is a different sort of read for me.

A father who rediscovers love

Alex loves his wife Jody, but has forgotten how to show it. He loves his son Sam, but doesn't understand him. He needs a reason to grab his future with both hands.

A son who shows him how to live

Meet eight-year-old Sam: beautiful, surprising - and different. To him the world is a frightening mystery. But as his imagination comes to life, his family will be changed . . . for good.

The Vets Of Hope Green by Sheila Norton is another serialisation - and I do enjoy those.

Working as a receptionist in a London vets, Sam is living far from her idea of a simple life. She’s always broke, rents a tiny flat, and is constantly arguing with her boyfriend. But the worst part is that her career is going nowhere. She wants to be a vet, but the most contact time with the animals she has is a quick hello when she books in their next appointment.

Something’s got to give, so when her parents suggest visiting her Nana Peggy in a small quiet picturesque village, she agrees, thinking a bit of R&R could do her good. 

But rest and relaxation may not be the order of the day. Poor Nana Peggy’s lovely dog Rufus is unwell, and Sam can’t help but grow fond of him. With the help of Joe the local vet, a charming yet strangely distant man, Sam sets out on looking after him, despite her London life trying to call her back…

Please pop over to the Book Date to see what everyone else is reading today.