Dear Thing by Julie Cohen

Claire and Ben are the perfect couple. But behind the glossy façade, they've been desperately trying - and failing - to have a baby for years. Now, the stress and feelings of loss are taking their toll on their marriage. Claire's ready to give up hope and get on with her life, but Ben is not. And then Ben's best friend, Romily, offers to conceive via artificial insemination and carry the baby for them. Romily acts in good faith, believing it will be easy to be a surrogate. She's already a single mother, and has no desire for any more children. Except that being pregnant with Ben's child stirs up all sorts of emotions in her, including one she's kept hidden for a very long time: Ben's the only man she's ever loved. Two mothers-and one baby who belongs to both of them, and which only one of them can keep.

I have just finished reading Dear Thing by Julie Cohen and all I can say is wow!

Desperate for a child Claire and Ben are devastated when they fail at each and every way to conceive. Feeling beaten Claire decides she cannot put herself through the heart break any more. Ben’s best friend Romily offers them a very generous alternative, a way to have their longed for baby without Claire having to go through any more trauma. Ben is over the moon but will things be as straight forward to Claire and Romily?

This was an absolutely beautiful and delicate read that had me intrigued from the first chapter. The synopsis to this book had me hooked before I even started this book, I was excited to start this book as it sounded unlike anything I had read before. Surrogacy has always been something that I have always had a few questions about as it is a wonderful gift to be able to give but I often wonder how the surrogate feels whilst carrying a child you know you are going to give up and this book touches on everyone’s point of view from the surrogate and the new parents side. The author has clearly done a hell of a lot of research for this book not only on surrogacy but also on fertility problems and at times reading this book it I needed to remind myself that this is fiction because it all felt very real.

All of the characters in this book are unbelievably well written the characters could easily be the neighbours down the road they felt so real. Posie who is Romily’s daughter was a lovable little character who seemed to have an old head on her shoulders although I did find it very odd that she calls her mum Romily. The author manages to portray the emotions of Ben, Claire and Romily very well and equally there didn’t feel like a main character as they all were an important part to the story. 

I particularly liked the Dear Thing letters that Romily wrote as these letters real showed her emotions deep down. This is the first book that I have read about this subject matter which meant the book had a wonderful fresh feel to it. You will find the book brings out so many emotions, Posie helps to bring a smile to our faces which is needed after the emotional feel to this book. The book had a couple of little twists and I for one couldn’t predict the outcome which helped to add to the enjoyment of this compelling read. 

I cannot recommend this book enough it definitely has a unique feel to it so if you are looking for something fresh, exciting and compelling this has to be your next read.

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The Bow Wow Club by Nicola May

In this entertaining sequel to Working it Out Ruby never expected to be starting over... ...but after a shocking bereavement, she begins to question whether or not she will ever be happy again. A chance encounter with handsome author Michael Bell throws her fragile heart into turmoil. Plus, a dark family secret and completely unexpected love interest add to her confusion. Encouraged to face her demons, she volunteers at the Bow Wow Club - (Boyfriends of Widows, Wives of Widowers). You will laugh and cry along with a myriad of eccentric characters as Ruby searches for her inner peace. But will she let love win? Or allow her past to continue to haunt her?


I was so pleased when I found out not only was Nicola May releasing another book, but her new book The Bow Wow Club is a sequel to Working It Out which means the return of the hilariuosly entertaining character Ruby!

This time around Ruby is grief stricken, her husband George has sadly passed away and her wild friend Fi is determind to get Ruby back into the land of the living and let someone into her heart again. You know having both Ruby and Fi back means there is going to be drama, entertainment and a whole trail of distruction!
This time around Nicola May manages to not only bring us many laugh out loud moments but also brings us some very moving parts which brought a lump to my throat. The way the author gets you on such a high and then suddenly out of nowhere comes a heartstopping moment.

There were many twists and turns and will they wont they moments in this book which helped to keep my interest sparked all the way through.

I loved all of the characters some who I remember from Working it Out and some quirky new ones like the lovable Simon. I must say though there was something about Micheal that had me on my guard from the moment I met him, my suspicions were aroused for some reason!

After reading The Bow Wow Club I stand by what I have always said about this author from day one, her books should be in our local bookshops up and down the country sitting among the other fantastic authors in the chart. Nicola May doesn't get the recognition she deserves so read her books and then shout about them from the roof tops!

If you are looking for a book that will have you hooked from start to finish and also have you laughing out loud then make this your next read.

Paperback

The Wedding Diary by Margaret James

Where's a Fairy Godmother when you need one? If you won a fairy-tale wedding in a luxury hotel, you'd be delighted - right? But what if you didn't have anyone to marry? Cat Aston did have a fiance, but now it looks like her Prince Charming has done a runner. Adam Lawley was left devastated when his girlfriend turned down his heartfelt proposal. He's made a vow never to fall in love again. So - when Cat and Adam meet, they shouldn't even consider falling in love. After all, they're both broken hearted. But for some reason they can't stop thinking about each other. Is this their second chance for happiness, or are some things just too good to be true?

I was looking forward to starting The Wedding Diary by Margaret James with my wedding plans storming ahead I love falling into other peoples wedding worlds. This book follows Cat who has won a wedding of her dreams in a competition only problem is her groom Jack has gone walk about!  Refusing to accept that he has gone Cat follows through with the meetings for the wedding and it is only when she meets Adam and she feels as though there is something between them that she breaks down and admits to Adam that she is having a fairy tale wedding with no groom! Will Cat get her groom for her ideal wedding?

This was a very fun and light hearted read. Both Adam and Cat were very well developed characters who were both genuine and lovable characters and you could see from the moment you met them that they would be perfect together I was just hoping that the outcome of the story was all I hoped it would be but it turned out to be that and a whole lot more.

The author set a wonderful scene in Italy I really felt as though I could visualise the surroundings. It left me daydreaming about a trip to Italy, well we can all dream can’t we! My one little niggle was judging by the title of the book I thought there was going to be rather a lot more about the wedding subject but unfortunately this wasn’t the case but this could just be the Bridezilla in me at the moment talking!

The storyline was so easy to follow and was so enjoyable that you will fly through this book in no time. I hope Margaret James will write another contemporary romance as this book was delightful.

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Saturday Kindle Picks

The weather doesn't seem to know what to do with itself today so I for one think it is a duvet day! I havent done a Kindle Picks for a while so thought today would be a perfect day to bring it back so if you are looking for a kindle book at a great price then see if any of my picks are for you.


 My first pick of the day is The Spa Day by Nicola Yeager this is FREE today and I have grabbed my own copy of this one I love the look of the cover and the sound of the synopsis and running a salon myself means this book feels right up my street.



My next pick is This Time Next Door by Gretchen Galway this one is also FREE today a new author to me but I like the sound of the synopsis so have downloaded my copy.





The Silver Locket is also FREE today. I haven't read this one yet but I love Margaret James so definitely one to pick up.


The Perfect Retreat by Kate Forster is a fantastic read check out my review here and this is only 99p which is an unbelievable price for such a great read.



Undertaking Love by Kat French is my next read and one I have been looking forward to as this has had some fantastic reviews, get this one quick at only 99p!


My last pick this week is The Longest Holiday by Paige Toon. This is my favourite read of the year so far so if you are looking for a book that you will want to lose yourself in this is the one for you and this is only £3.66 today.


I hope you all have a lovely weekend ! xXx

The Holiday Home by Fern Britton

Two sisters. One House. The holiday of a lifetime… Set on a Cornish cliff, Atlantic House has been the jewel in the Carew family crown for centuries. Each year, the Carew sisters embark on the yearly summer holiday, but they are as different as vinegar and honey. Prudence, hard-nosed businesswoman married to the meek and mild Francis, is about to get a shock reminder that you should never take anything for granted.

Constance, loving wife to philandering husband Greg, has always been outwitted by her manipulative sibling. Suspecting that Pru wants to get her hands on Atlantic House, Connie won’t take things lying down.

When an old face reappears on the scene, years of simmering resentments reach boiling point. Little do the women know that a long-buried secret is about to bite them all on the bottom. Is this one holiday that will push them all over the edge, or can Constance and Pru leave the past where it belongs?

I have been hot and miss with Fern Britton's books I didn't really like her first one and in fact I didn't manage to finish it. I read her second book Hidden Treasures last year and I thoroughly enjoyed it so I was looking forward to trying her third release The Holiday Home to see if it was going to win me over again.

It’s holiday time and time for sisters Connie and Pru and their families to head to Atlantic House, their family home in Cornwall. The two sisters are like chalk and cheese and have always been at heads with one and other and this seems to be something they can’t grow out of! Can the ladies put the past aside and enjoy the family holiday or will it be a battle all over again?

This book is all about family relationships, rivalry, infidelity and History repeating itself. The rivalry between the two sisters was quite typical for young siblings and when it continued into their adult lives it was pure entertainment. Some things that the girls argue about I can remember having the same argument growing up with my sister so it was great to be able to relate to the characters and the situations.

The setting that Fern Britton creates was fantastic it was easy to visualise the surroundings and Atlantic House, it is quite clear from the authors writing that she has spent a lot of time in Cornwall and is obviously a place close to her heart.

There is a wonderful collection of characters in this book most of whom I warmed to, it was great to have the three generations Abi and Jem brought a young and exciting fresh feel, the parents brought a witty and yet troubled part to the book and of course Grandparents Dorothy and Henry brought a traditional and warm feel but even they had something to hide!

I absolutely loved the character Francis he had such an innocent and delicate nature and I looked forward to his appearance in each chapter. Even the characters who were the villains I still loved as their parts were written well.

There were some unexpected twists and turns in this book which made it a compelling read. My only slight criticism ( and I really am having to hunt for one!) was how the part towards the end involving Greg was only briefly touched upon when it was quite an extreme part, I cant say more than that otherwise I will ruin things for you!

Fern Britton has well and truly won me around. I have never been a fan of celebrity authors but Fern Has changed my opinion and she definitely deserves credit for this wonderfully written and entertaining read. I will be in line awaiting her next release.

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Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don't want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement-just a straight wedding march to the altar! Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met.

But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben's rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene. Will Lottie and Ben have a wedding night to remember . or one to forget?

Sophie Kinsella has always been a favourite author of mine and I have enjoyed all of her books with Can you Keep a Secret and of course the Shopaholic series being my favourites. My partner brought me a copy of Wedding Night this week as a treat so it didn’t take me long to finish up my book and make a start on this one.

Lottie is expecting partner Richard to propose at their “special” dinner. So when the whole thing goes terribly wrong not only does Richard not propose but they split up! In a heartbroken and irrational state when her old flame Ben from her teenage years comes back in to her life and asks her to marry him she jumps at the chance and before you know it they are married and off on honeymoon in a matter of days!

Sister Fliss is coming out of a less than perfect marriage and when she hears Lottie’s news she does all she can to try and stop the happy couple from making the mistake she made.

I was a little worried when I started to read Wedding Night as it was a very slow start. What I have always loved about Sophie’s books are her loveable crazy characters. They are always so far from down to earth but they are always easy to warm to and they are very entertaining. Unfortunately I didn’t find that with the characters this time and I do think it could be because this is the first time the author has used dual narrative so each time we begin to get to know one of our lead characters it then swaps over to the other narrator and we start again. I usually like books with dual narrative but personally I feel this authors writing is at its best with one main character.

As the book progressed I found myself beginning to enjoy the storyline and Sophie Kinsella’s humorous situations began to make an appearance. The things Fliss tried to do to sabotage her sisters honeymoon were unthinkable and hilarious! Only a sister could get away with giving her sister an allergy attack. It was great to have some surprises as to what on earth Fliss was going to come up with next as the rest of the book was predictable.

The book is set in both London and a Greek Island  and both settings are described well. The whole Honeymoon suite sounded to die for, who wouldn’t want to be waited on hand and foot and pampered to an inch of their lives!

I did enjoy this book but it wasn’t one of my favourites by Sophie Kinsella but yet I will still be in line waiting for next years release! I would give this book 3 and a half stars.

Hardback                  Kindle

The Wish List by Jane Costello

There are six months left of Emma Reiss's twenties...and she has some unfinished business.

Emma and her friends are about to turn thirty, and for Emma it's a defining moment. Defined, that is, by her having achieved none of the things she'd imagined she would. Her career is all wrong, her love life is a desert and that penthouse apartment she pictured herself in simply never materialised. Moreover, she's never jumped out of a plane, hasn't met the man she's going to marry, has never slept under the stars, or snogged anyone famous - just some of the aspirations on a list she and her friends compiled fifteen years ago.

As an endless round of birthday parties sees Emma hurtle towards her own thirtieth, she sets about addressing these issues. But, as she discovers with hilarious consequences, some of them are trickier to tick off than she'd thought…

Jane Costello is an author whose books I only started reading last year and I have loved them because they made me laugh out loud. When I heard The Wish List had been released I headed straight out to grab my copy.

Our Heroine in The Wish List is the fun and loveable Emma Reiss. She is fast approaching the dreaded 30ooooohh and when she finds a list containing things to do before they reach 30 that Emma and her friends wrote she starts to think what has she done with her life and decides to try and complete as much as she can on her list.

Emma is such an easy character to warm to she is very down to earth, makes stupid mistakes like most of us do, she is a fun character who I loved. The supporting characters in this book are all great characters especially the lovely Matt who had a very lovable innocent feel to him.

The list is the center point of the storyline but there is a lot more going on. The author creates a friendship between Emma, Asha, Cally and Marianne that was to believable and each of the girls brought their own little storyline that is woven perfectly into the main story.

This is a really enjoyable and entertaining read, although this one didn't make me laugh out loud like the authors previous books it was still a witty read. Jane Costello's writing style is fantastic she manages to grab your interest from the opening chapter and my attention didn't waver the whole way through, her writing just seems so effortless. I love how well she writes humorous and sometimes awkward scenes in her books and this book is no exception, I personally loved the camping disaster in this book, with my luck in camping I can sympathise with Emma!

I have found in both Costello's previous book All The Single Ladies and The Wish List we are starting to see another side to the author writing talents as she has begun to bring some more serious parts to her books and she creates these parts just as well as the light hearted parts which only and s to the enjoyment of reading this book.

Another great read by Jane Costello that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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