Never Forget You by Fiona Lucas

 

When Lili meets Ben by chance one hot summer’s day, it feels like fate. But life is about to take them in different directions, and so they agree to meet next July, in the beautiful hidden garden where they first laid eyes on each other. But one of them never shows up…
 
Five years later, Ben still wonders how he got things so wrong – he let the love of his life slip between his fingers. And then a stranger, Alice, arrives in his tiny Scottish hometown. Alice has no memory of how she got there: she can’t remember anything before that morning. The only clue to her past is the silver bee necklace she wears – the very same one Ben bought for Lili that magical summer’s day…
 
As Ben, Lili and Alice’s stories converge, so begins a beautiful and deeply emotional story of love, forgiveness and second chances. Perfect for fans of Paige Toon and Cecelia Ahern.

What did I think?

A couple of things really appealed to me about this book - the location in Scotland and the dual timeline. Two of my favourite themes in a book for me.

I really don't want o give anything away about the plot and I feel you really should read it for yourself. But safe to say once I started reading I didn't want to put it down - always a sign of a fantastic story.

It isn't a sweetness and light story though as several slightly darker themes are explored - but in a very sensitive way. 

Overally I would describe this as a very well written contemporary novel. I was lucky enough to be sent a paperback copy of the book - and this is one book that will be staying on my shelves.

The Wildwater Women by Ellie Wood

 

Sometimes the best things in life happen when you dare to get out of your depth.


Abby lives and works in the heart of the Lake District. She splits her time between bringing up her daughter, working in the Plum Pie Bakery – and dreaming of the time before her husband, Ben, left.

Lori is on holiday from the States, hoping to find her way to the lake that she’s looked at for years in a picture on her wall back home.

Rebecca is contemplating taking the plunge too. Despite her immaculate appearance Rebecca is keeping quiet about a childhood trauma which has left her scared of the water.

Clarissa is the founder of The Wildwater Women. An all-year-round open-water swimming veteran, and with a fearsome manner, she knows the lakes like no one else and her boundless energy defies her years.

Four women, all from very different lives, all with reason to step into the water and wash away their past. But will the friendship they build be enough to keep them afloat when they each must face their fears?

What did I think?

This book couldn't have come along at a better time for me. The other weekend I went wild swimming for the very first time. My friend took me down a local beach - it was a beautiful calm morning and I managed 10 minutes up to my shoulders in the North Sea. Cannot wait to have another go.

The setting was perfect - I love the Lake District although do not visit very often as it is such a long way South for me. I could picture the locations from what I know of the area. 

The story centres around 4 women - all of whom have their stories to tell - and who bond with each other whilst swimming. I loved the support they gave each other. We all need some friends like these.

I thought this book was a fantastic debut for this author and I'm really hoping she writes more.

And I can really recommend wild swimming. I was buzzing for ages afterwards.

Manchester, March 2022

 

HarperCollins today announce The Wildwater Women, the debut novel from Cumbrian author, Ellie Wood.

 

Genevieve Pegg, publishing director at HarperNorth, acquired World All Languages rights from Anne Williams at KHLA. The Wildwater Women follows four women who find themselves at the edge of a lake, ready to step into the water and work out if life really is better when you get out of your depth.

 

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, The Wildwater Women is not only a love song to the Lakes, but a celebration of female friendship, of feeling the fear and finding a way through. For everyone who’s ever been tempted to dip a toe in the water, or found solace in nature, this is uplifting fiction at its finest.

 

Genevieve Pegg said: ‘I’ve long been looking for a novel that captures the exhilaration of being out in nature, feeling free (and admittedly sometimes freezing) in the water and finding your passion. I found all that and more in Ellie’s glorious novel. Not only does she capture the magic of the place, but she writes about friendship, fun and food so beautifully, I immediately wanted to be a Wildwater Woman, too.’

 

Ellie said: ‘I’m delighted to be being published by HarperNorth and excited to share the feeling of being immersed in the magic of the Lake District landscape.’

 

Anne said: 'I'm thrilled that Ellie is making her debut with HarperCollins's young and exciting Northern imprint.  I'm looking forward to them both making a splash!'

The Patient by Jane Shemilt

 

She is his doctor. He will be her downfall.

The bestselling phenomenon returns…

When Rachel meets Luc, the attraction is instant.
But she is a doctor, and he is her patient.
She gives him the drugs he needs – but in doing so, risks everything.
And when a secret is exposed, they’re both in the firing line.
Not all patients are telling the truth.

What did I think?

Jane Shemilt is a name I have been aware of but until this book I had never read any of her work. An opportunity missed I think>

The blurb sounded enticing.

I found it an unpredictable psychological thriller which grabbed my attention right at the start and didn't let go. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way which added to the feeling of unease. This story was a slow burn - leading up to a shocking conclusion.

An enjoyable read.

Jane is a general practitioner who completed a post graduate diploma in Creative Writing at Bristol university and went on to study for a M.A in Creative writing at Bath Spa. She was shortlisted for the Janklow and Nesbitt award and the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize for Daughter, her first novel.

She and her husband, a Professor of Neurosurgery, have 5 children and live in Bristol, England.

Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

 

Think you know the person you married? Think again…

Things have been wrong with Mr and Mrs Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away to Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can’t recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.
Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts – paper, cotton, pottery, tin – and each year Adam’s wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn’t randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn’t want them to live happily ever after.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets. And an anniversary they will never forget.

What did I think?

A book set in the Highlands of Scotland - just down the road from me - what is there not to like. Apart from the dramatic embossed metallic cover of course!

Amelia and her husband win a  short break to Scotland in a raffle, Of course the property is remote. Of course the property is run down. What could possibly go wrong?

They hope to be able to sort out their troubled marriage whilst away. But they get the feeling that they are not alone.

Without giving anything away this book is creepy. It is atmospheric. It will mess with your head.

I couldn't put it down.

I was sure I had read another book by this author but Goodreads says no. But I will be now. Hopefully they are as good as Rock Paper Scissors.

Alice Feeney is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. Rock Paper Scissors is her fourth novel and is being made into a TV series for Netflix by the producer of The Crown. It will be published around the world in 2021.

Her debut novel, Sometimes I Lie, was an international bestseller, has been translated into over twenty languages, and is being made into a TV series by Warner Bros. starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. His & Hers is also being adapted for screen by Jessica Chastain’s Freckle Films.

Alice was a BBC Journalist for fifteen years before becoming an author. She lives in Devon with her family.

One Lucky Summer by Jenny Oliver

 

I was delighted to be asked to take part in this blog tour - I love Jenny's books - they are like a breath of fresh air.

With an air of faded splendour, Willoughby Hall was an idyllic childhood home to Ruben de Lacy. Gazing at it now, decades later, the memories are flooding back, and not all of them are welcome…

In a tumbledown cottage in Willoughby’s grounds, Dolly and Olive King lived with their eccentric explorer father. One of the last things he did was to lay a treasure hunt before he died, but when events took an unexpected turn, Dolly and Olive left Willoughby for good, never to complete it.

But when Ruben uncovers a secret message, hidden for decades, he knows he needs Olive and Dolly’s help. Can the three of them solve the treasure hunt, and will piecing together the clues help them understand what happened to their families that summer, all those years ago?

A glorious summer read with a delightful cast of characters from the bestselling author of The Summer We Ran Away.

What did I think?

I've read a few quite dark and sometimes disturbing thrillers recently so this book was a refreshing change - a blast of Summer even though our own weather doesn't seem to be playing ball right now.

Really enjoyed this book - the characters were delightful and the shabby splendour of the hall came across so well. Loved the inclusion of the treasure hunt - a bit quirky by added to the overall atmosphere.

The treasure hunt was laid by Dolly and Olives father but they never completed it - until now. Secrets are uncovered and truths emerge.

I have to say this book left me with a smile on my face. I would class it as a perfect holiday read - even though I wasn't on holiday at the time it certainly transported me to Willoughby Hall.

I need to read more books like this.

Jenny Oliver is a bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Twice nominated for the RNA Best Contemporary Novel award, Jenny’s books explore the ups and downs of relationships and an unwavering belief in happy ever after. In the past she has had jobs ranging from an elf in the Disney store, a personal trainer, journalist, editor and now, by far the best, a writer. In her spare time she can be found cajoling her family out to car boot sales, trying to reign in her competitiveness on the netball court and subtly eavesdropping on strangers’ conversations as inspiration for her next book.

Follow her on Twitter @JenOliverBooks Instagram JenOliverBooks Facebook JennyOliverBooks or go to the website jennyoliverbooks.com to find out more about Jenny, her books and read her blog!

The Art of Loving by Amelia Henley

 

I was delighted to join in with the blog tour for this fantastic book.

They were so in love . . .
And then life changed forever . . .
Will they find happiness again?
 
Libby and Jack are the happiest they’ve ever been. Thanks to their dear friend, eighty-year-old Sid, they’ve just bought their first house together, and it's the beginning of the life they've always dreamed of.


But the universe has other plans for Libby and Jack and a devastating twist of fate shatters their world.
 
All of a sudden life is looking very different, and unlikely though it seems, might Sid be the one person who can help Libby and Jack move forward when what they loved the most has been lost?
 
The Art of Loving You is a beautiful love story for our times. Romantic and uplifting, it will break your heart and then put it back together again. Perfect for fans of Rebecca Serle,Josie Silver and Sophie Cousens.

What did I think?

I know you hear the words this book will stay with me - and I have to say I think this is true of this story. It felt like it had been written from the heart - it has been a while since a book has got to me in this way.

I don't want to give anything away but it is a story of loss but also of hope. An emotional read (you WILL need tissues) and wonderfully written.

If I could just make a suggestion - you really really do need to read this book.

Amelia Henley is a hopeless romantic who has a penchant for exploring the intricacies of relationships through writing heart-breaking, high-concept love stories.

Amelia also writes psychological thrillers under her real name, Louise Jensen. As Louise Jensen she has sold over a million copies of her global number one bestsellers. Her stories have been translated into twenty-five languages and optioned for TV as well as featuring on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers list. Louise’s books have been nominated for multiple awards.

The River Between Us by Liz Fenwick

 

Following the breakdown of her marriage, Theo has bought a tumbledown cottage on the banks of the river Tamar which divides Cornwall and Devon. The peace and tranquillity of Boatman’s Cottage, nestled by the water, is just what she needs to heal.

Yet soon after her arrival, Theo discovers a stash of hidden letters tied with a ribbon, untouched for more than a century. The letters – sent from the battlefields of France during WW1 – tell of a young servant from the nearby manor house, Abbotswood, and his love for a woman he was destined to lose.

As she begins to bring Boatman’s Cottage and its gardens back to life, Theo pieces together a story of star-crossed lovers played out against the river, while finding her own new path to happiness.

The River Between Us beautifully explores the mystery and secrets of a long-forgotten love affair, and will be loved by fans of Kate Morton.

What Did I Think.

This is my first book by this author although she has been on my radar for some time (mainly because my book loving friend Donna always gives 5 star reviews) so I knew I had to dive in at some point.

I got drawn into this story as soon as I started reading - with the main character, why she had bought such a run down property and the secrets behind the letter and her grandmothers ring.

This book has everything (but I don't want to give any of the plot away) - a compelling story of forbidden love, family secrets and of new beginnings all told over a dual timeline from 1914 and 2019

The book truly does transport you to Cornwall and the banks of the River Tamar - and I'm just a bit sad after living in North Devon for 6 years that we didn't explore further South.

I fell in love with this book and will certainly be going back to read some of her earlier novels - and I think I will be in for a real treat.

Biography

Writer, ex-pat expert, wife, mother of three, and dreamer turned doer....

Award winning author of The Cornish House, A Cornish Affair, A Cornish Stranger, Under A Cornish Sky, The Returning Tide, One Cornish Summer, The Path to the Sea and the novella A Cornish Christmas Carol. After ten international moves, I'm a bit of a global nomad. It's no wonder my heart remains in Cornwall.

The River Between Us out 10 June 2021 and I'm now writing the next book.

My books are available in Dutch, Germany, Portuguese, French, Estonia, Norwegian, Danish, Turkish, Swedish, Latvian, Serbian and Czech.