It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

What I Read Last Week:

What I'm reading Now:

What I'm Going To Read Next:

On audio - Julie Caplin

The Pigeonhole - Tina Baker

For a readalong - Lorraine Brown

For a blog tour - Liz Eeles and Helen Fripp

Netgalley - Julie Caplin

Netgalley

I am a little behind with my Netgalley reads but I have to say the last couple have been right corkers.

I love Carole Matthews and over the years I have read most if not all of her books.

The Chocolate Lovers' are a series of 4 books and here are my reviews of the latest 2:

Chocolate Lovers' Christmas was a light read but Lucys plans (and she has plenty of them) all got a little far fetched and slightly spoilt this book for me. I did read the book just after Christmas whilst I was still in the festive spirit but the tooing and froing between Lucy and her ex Marcus irritated me  I am afraid. Not a lot happened in this book which makes me think (as other have) that it was just a filler before the next book.

So it was with a little trepidation that I started the latest one - The Chocolate Lovers' Wedding. But I am glad to say Carole is back on form and this book was a real page turner. It was great to catch up with the girls again and follow their lives as another chapter opens. I won't spoil the storyline other than to say the book made me laugh, it made me cry and it left me wanting more.

The other books in the series are:

The Chocolate Lovers' Club
The Chocolate Lovers' Diet
The Chocolate Lovers' Christmas.

I read Dear Thing by Julie Cohen a little while ago but the story has stayed with me. Surrogacy isn't a popular topic in womens literature and I did start to wonder where the author was going to go with it. But I shouldn't ave worried as the book is beautifully written and the characters are really brought to life (even if I couldn't really warm to Claire.) I would definately recommend this book.

I would like to thank the authors, the publishers and Netgalley for my copies of the books in exchange for honest reviews.  

Life Swap by Carol Wyer

This book wasn't what I thought at all.

It starts off fairly normally with both Polly and Simon unhappy with their lots and wishing things could change.

Then it all gets a bit daft - with demons, grown men dressed up as animals and full of twists and turns.

Made me laugh out loud - what more could you ask for.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I will be reading more by this author.

High Tide by Veronica Henry

I really enjoyed this latest offering from Veronica Henry. Set in Cornwall in a small fishing village it follows various inhabitants as they come to terms with loss and how they overcome the difficult times.

Kate returns from the US and her stressful job after the death of her mother - thinking she will arrange the funeral and clear the house and then return to her old life. But it doesn't turn out that way. Sam who has moved to Penfleet after the death of his wife with his children - who embark on some matchmaking. Vanessa is facing life without her husband - but doesn't expect to end up with a toy boy.

It is a feel good story which I devoured in a couple of days and left me wanting more. I certainly think Veronica could write a sequel - please.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris

This was another book that was shouting at me from social media - and I was too nosy so had to give it a go.

Reviews I had read were saying it was going to be the book of 2016 and was perfect for fans of Girl on a Train - but I didn't like Girl on a Train.

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth, she has charm and elegance. You might not want to like them, but you do.

You’d like to get to know Grace better.

But it’s difficult, because you realise Jack and Grace are never apart.

Some might call this true love. Others might ask why Grace never answers the phone. Or how she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn’t work. How she can cook such elaborate meals but remain so slim. And why there are bars on one of the bedroom windows.

Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie.

Behind Closed Doors is a debut book for B A Paris and I have to say if she writes more books like this one then she is onto a winner. It was quite a tense psychological thriller and it definately kept me turning the pages as it rocked on at quite a pace. Slightly improbable to me - but then when you think more about it you realise it could so easily happen. I did feel like I wanted Grace to grow a backbone at more than one point through the book but the character is very well drawn.

I would certainly recommend this book and I enjoyed reading a thriller instead of my usual chicklit - a change is as good as a rest don't they say?

And I think I saw a post to say B A Paris has a new book coming out later in the year. I will be looking out for that one.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for a chance to read this cracker of a book.

The Birthday That Changed Everything by Debbie Johnson

I discovered Debbie Johnson as a new author to me last year when I read Pippa's Cornish Dream. I loved that book so was really looking forward to her new release.

The Birthday That Changed Everything was less of a gentle romance in Poldark country and more of a 18 - 30 holiday in Turkey.

Sallys life is turned upside down when her husband leaves her and her teenage children for a Latvian lap dancer. So licking her wounds she takes her children on holiday to Turkey. Enter a world of wacky and oddball characters - some of whom make you laugh out loud. The book was certainly racy in parts but also had some quite touching moments. I loved her teenage children - I am sure anyone who has children of a similar age will see glimpses of their own children in there somewhere.

This would be a perfect lightheared holiday read. I read this on my kindle, popped up on my cross trainer and I read whilst I worked out - and I have to say it made the time pass so much quicker.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this amusing book - and for it's helping hand in keeping me fit.

Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin

This is the first book by Holly Martin I have read - although I do appear to have several on my Kindle waiting for me.

Last year I don't think I read any Christmas themed books at all and by the time I thought about it the festive season was over. So this year I thought I would start earlier so Christmas at Lilac Cottage is my first one.

Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen. 

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded. 

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore… 

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of? 

I did read a description of this book liking it to a mug of creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows that you will not want to put down - and it is right.

I loved this book right from the beginning - Holly has written some lovely characters in Penny, Henry and Daisy - you are just willing the relationship to get going. Add in an off beat job for Penny as an ice sculptor, a Cornish village and snow and you have a warm and fuzzy feeling feel good story.

I am so glad I have the second book in the White Cliff Bay series  called Snowflakes on Silver Cove to read really soon.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

Too Many Cooks by Dana Bate

This is the second book by Dana that I have read. I read The Secret Supper Club whilst lying on a beach in Portugal. Sadly no exotic location for me this time but Too Many Cooks would be a perfect holiday read.

I admired Kelly for taking a leap of faith in leaving the US following the death of her mother to come to the UK to become a ghost writer for a celebrity cookbook. The celebrity in question is Natalie and I have to say there is nothing very likeable about her (or her assistant Poppy). Kelly then falls in love with Natalies husband (the chinless MP Hugh) but it isn't too be. We need a follow up book so we can find out what happens with Kellys writing career once she is back in the US.

The only problem with this book is that with all the food references it made me feel hungry.

Thank you for Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this title.

Kelly Madigan seems to have it all: a fabulous boyfriend, a supportive - if eccentric - family, and a flourishing career as a cookbook ghostwriter. But after finding a letter from her recently-deceased mother, criticising her stable but unexciting life, Kelly knows she needs to make a change. When a mysterious new writing opportunity in London presents itself, she jumps at the chance to get away from it all.

Enter Natasha Spencer - Oscar-winning actress and health nut, not to mention a total nightmare. She's working on a new cookbook and has asked for Kelly's help. What Kelly didn't factor in was meeting Natasha's dishy MP husband, Hugh Ballantine.

Away from her family, friends, and the life she knows - will this fish out of water ever get back in the swim?

Raincoats and Retrievers by Cressida McLaughlin

This is the 3rd installment in the Primrose Terrace series. I am liking all these books that are being published in this way - I am part way through the 3 series by Cathy Bramley on my Kindle.

In each novella you are let further into the life of Cat - novice dog walker and general good neighbour on Primrose Terrace. We see a little more of her stop/start relationship with Mark (not sure I actually like him very much - too shady!) and you begin to wonder what Joe really thinks about her. I do so hope they get it together. We are also introduced to more of the neighbours on the Terrace.

I am really looking forward to the 4th and final part of this story which is published next month.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this title.

The Olive Branch by Jo Thomas

I have the first book by this author on my shelves (The Oyster Catcher) for an age - why have I never read it? But after reading her second offering of The Olive Branch I will certainly moving Jo Thomass book to the top of my to be read pile.

The Olive Branch is another perfect holiday read - light, feel good and set in beautiful Italy. It follows the story of Ruthie who moves to Italy to start a new life. I so wanted Ruthie to succeed in her mission and in her "will they, won't they" relationship with the gorgeous Marco. It wasn't all plain sailing for Ruthie, but her journey along the way (with a large extended family and a menagerie of animals) made for an entertaining read. You can almost smell the olives.

I would highly recommend this book.

Jo has a short story out too - The Chestnut Tree and another one due out in October called The Red Sky at Night.

I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the change to read this title.      

Review of What Happens In Cornwall by T A Williams

This is the second book I am reviewing after receiving a copy from Netgalley. I think it initially appealed to me because of the bright summery cover - and who doesn't like Cornwall?

What Happens In Cornwall by T A Williams would be a perfect Summer holiday read (if only I were going on a Summer holiday) - it flows easily and at a fair old pace.  Sam is a trainee archeologist and her relationship is nearing the end of it's life and she feels the need for a change so when an opportunity presents itself to go down to Cornwall she jumps at it. Introduce a mysterious island, a couple of comedic Italian photographers, a sexy university lecturer and a celebrity (plus a labrador called Henry) and her life changes direction quite quickly. I would like to know more about what is found on the archeological dig on the island and about the relationship between Sam and James. A sequel perhaps?

I was surprised to learn the author is male - not that it makes any difference to the book or my opinion of it. But I will be searching out more of this authors work - this one looks quite good too.

I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars.

I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.