My husband's wife by Amanda Prowse

Blurb

Once a week, Rosie Tipcott counts her blessings.

She goes to sit on her favourite bench on the north Devon cliffs, and thanks her lucky stars for her wonderful husband, her mischievous young daughters, and her neat little house by the sea. She vows to dedicate every waking hour to making her family happy.

But then her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman and takes the children. Now she must ask the question: what is left in her life? Can Rosie find the strength to rebuild herself? More importantly, does she even want to?

My thoughts

WOW. What an emotional rollercoaster of a book. Throughout the book I wanted to cry sad tears and happy tears. 

I felt I could really relate to Rosie. Rosie is more than a mum and 'my husband's wife' in my eyes. So much more. What she does, she does it for her children, day in, day out.

My husband's wife is a story that will stay with you for a very long time. I found after the first 30% of the book I whizzed right through it, I couldn't put it down, not that I wanted to, of course. (My poor cat nearly went hungry as I was so into the book, sorry Mickey!)

I loved everything about this book, from Amanda's writing style, the characters, the emotions I felt etc.. if you haven't read a book by Amanda, what are you waiting for? My husband's wife was my first book by Amanda and already I want to re-read it.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. I hope you've enjoyed reading my thoughts. The links to buy are below:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BFCG4J2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1487586007&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=my+husbands+wife&dpPl=1&dpID=51rS6-jY78L&ref=plSrch

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Husbands-Wife-Bestseller-Greater-ebook/dp/B01BFCG4J2/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1487583404&sr=1-2&keywords=my+husband%27s+wife

***BLOG TOUR*** Dark minds - Various authors. Content only! (15th Dec 16)

Book trailer

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y_3X4JsCo_c

Want to know more about the book? Click the link to find out! http://www.bloodhoundbooks.com/dark-minds/

Charity information

About hospice care and Hospice UK 

Hospice care seeks to improve the experience of people living with terminal and life-shortening conditions, and helps people to live as well as they can, to the end of their lives. It understands that a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs are of equal importance, and supports carers, family members and friends – through a loved one’s care, during bereavement and into remembrance.  Even at the end of our lives we have hopes and aspirations. We want to be where we feel most comfortable, do what brings us joy, and have those we love by our side. We want to be, despite everything, ourselves. 

Hospice UK is the national charity for hospice care. Our services and projects transform the lives of the terminally ill and those who love them across the whole of the country.  We work with over 200 children’s and adult’s hospices in every local community and together, we ensure that the best end of life care and support is available to everyone in hospices, in their homes, and in the wider community.

Reg Charity No 1014851

www.hospiceuk.org

About Sophie’s Appeal 

Sophie’s appeal was started in 2003 by Lin and Mark Barringer following their daughter’s diagnosis with Wilm’s Disease, a form of liver cancer. Sophie died at home in December 2004.

The aims of Sophie’s Appeal To support the social, emotional and educational welfare of children, their families, nursing and support staff and provide a caring and supporting environment in both local hospitals and in the community. There are so many ways in which the Trust can provide support to parents, carers and schools who find themselves suddenly faced with the reality of cancer.

Treatment to provide additional resources to meet the specific needs of cancer care. The Trust aims to work with two Hampshire hospitals and monies raised can meet their treatment requests. Research Without research…without hope! This is why it is vital to support research and development into treatments and cures for childhood diseases Sophie’s Appeal is funding a research project at the University College London into Wilm’s Disease, a rare childhood cancer.

Reg Charity No 1111154

www.sophiesappeal.org 

Buying links 

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Minds-collection-compelling-stories-ebook/dp/B01MTZAGT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481740819&sr=8-1&keywords=Dark+minds 

US - https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Minds-Various-Authors/dp/0995621276/ 

Waterstones - https://www.waterstones.com/book/dark-minds/various-authors/9780995621275 

Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/dark-minds 

Barnes and Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/dark-minds-b-a-morton/1125289021 

iTunes -  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/dark-minds/id1183392348?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

***BLOG TOUR*** My very first! Saving Sophie by Sam Carrington! @kaishajayneh #SavingSophie (14th Dec 16)

Author Bio.

Sam Carrington lives in Devon with her husband and three children. She worked for the NHS for fifteen years, during which time she qualified as a nurse. Following the completion of a Psychology degree she worked for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator. Her experiences within this field inspired her writing. She left the service to spend time with her family and to follow her dream of being a novelist. Before beginning her first novel, Sam wrote a number of short stories, several of which were published in popular women’s magazines. Other short stories were included in two charity anthologies.
Sam moved quickly on to novel writing and completed her first project within six months. Although this novel attracted attention from agents, it was her next that opened up opportunities. She entered this novel, with the working title Portrayal, into the Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award in 2015 and was delighted when it was longlisted.

Being placed in such a prestigious competition was instrumental in her success securing a literary agent. When completed, this novel became SAVING SOPHIE, a psychological thriller which was published by Maze, HaprerCollins as an ebook in August. The paperback and audio editions are publishing on 15th December.
Book Bio.

A teenage girl is missing. Is your daughter involved, or is she next?
Your daughter is in danger. But can you trust her?

When Karen Finch’s seventeen-year-old daughter Sophie arrives home after a night out, drunk and accompanied by police officers, no one is smiling the morning after. But Sophie remembers nothing about how she got into such a state.

Twelve hours later, Sophie’s friend Amy has still not returned home. Then the body of a young woman is found.

Karen is sure that Sophie knows more than she is letting on. But Karen has her own demons to fight. She struggles to go beyond her own door without a panic attack.

As she becomes convinced that Sophie is not only involved but also in danger, Karen must confront her own anxieties to stop whoever killed one young girl moving on to another – Sophie
Author links & purchase links.

Book published by Avon - @AvonBooksUK

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2a7FO8m.
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Saving-Sophie-gripping-psychological-brilliant-ebook/dp/B01DT37C1O

Sam's Twitter: https://twitter.com/sam_carrington1

Sam's FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/samcarringtonauthor/

My thoughts on Saving Sophie 

Saving Sophie is Sam Carrington's brilliant debut novel.

Told from alternating views between Sophie and her mum, Karen.

Sophie returns home after a night out with her friends escorted by the police but upon her parents asking her how she became separated from her friends or she got home, Sophie cannot recall the night and all her friends are telling her is she was put in a taxi home. Karen is worried and thinks there maybe something Sophie isn't letting on. Karen texts Amy's mum asking if Amy has returned home - 12 hours later a body of a young woman is found, could it be Amy?

As the story unravels we learn what part Karen has to play in protecting Sophie and how she became to be in danger.

Saving Sophie is the sort of book that will leave you on the edge of your seat wanting to read on.

The storyline and the characters, I felt, came together and the book delivered.

Recommended to all fans of psychological thrillers, suspense and to those who love a good page turner. A well deserved 5 stars! ☆☆☆☆☆

My thanks go to Kaisha Holloway for allowing me to take part in this blog tour and to Sam Carrington for writing such a brilliant book!

Through the barricades by Denise Deegan

Blurb
WINNER OF THE SCBWI SPARK AWARD 2016

She was willing to sacrifice everything for her country.
He was willing to sacrifice everything for her. 
 
'Make a difference in the world,' are the last words Maggie Gilligan's father ever says to her. They form a legacy that she carries in her heart, years later when, at the age of fifteen, she tries to better the lives of Dublin's largely forgotten poor.  
 
'Don't go getting distracted, now,' is what Daniel Healy's father says to him after seeing him talking to the same Maggie Gilligan. Daniel is more than distracted. He is intrigued. Never has he met anyone as dismissive, argumentative... as downright infuriating. 
 
A dare from Maggie is all it takes. Daniel volunteers at a food kitchen. There, his eyes are opened to the plight of the poor. It is 1913 and Dublin's striking workers have been locked out of their jobs. Their families are going hungry. Daniel and Maggie do what they can. Soon, however, Maggie realises that the only way to make a difference is to take up arms. 
 
The story of Maggie and Daniel is one of friendship, love, war and revolution, of two people who are prepared to sacrifice their lives: Maggie for her country, Daniel for Maggie. Their mutual sacrifices put them on opposite sides of a revolution. Can their love survive? 

My thoughts 
Firstly, many thanks to Helen over at #TBConFB and Denise for my copy of the book, which I have voluntarily reviewed.

Through the barricades WILL BE in my top books post at the end of 2017. I feel that this book is worthy of that title. #top10

I really felt included whilst reading the book, which, as the reader, I find, is what really makes the book.

Through the barricades is a book you can read in just one sitting, though for me, I wanted to absorb the words I was reading, I slowed my reading pace down and read the book in a few sittings.

I never used to read historical fiction before Feb 17 and I have to say it is becoming one of my favourite genres.

I really want to praise Denise. The research, writing style, characters etc.. really shone for me. A truly awesome book and one that comes highly recommended by me. 

A steal at 99p for kindle, what's to loose? - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Through-Barricades-Denise-Deegan/dp/1540695662/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdt_img_top?ie=UTF8

Blogger Recognition Awards

So, I would like to thank Gemma Gaskarth over at Between the pages book club -  https://gemmasbookreviews.wordpress.com and Emma Louise over at Emma's bookish club - https://emmasbookishcorner.wordpress.com for the nomination, much love ladies x

I am over the moon to have been nominated especially as i'm fairly new to the blogging community. My blog is only 4 and a half months old. I was umming and ahhing as to whether i should start up a blog for my book reviews. Gemma (Between the pages book club) was the one to twist my arm and told me to just go for it. So, here we are 4 and a half months later and I couldn't be happier.

My first piece of advice is to always be honest in your reviews, even if you didn't enjoy the book, don't be afraid to voice it, it's your thoughts on the book and noone elses. I wouldn't be the blogger I am today if I wasn't honest.

My second piece of advice is read for fun. If a book is becoming a chore to read, put it down. Life is too short for 'bad books'. No reader is the same, therefore, we can't all love and dislike the same books.

My 15 nominees are:

1.  Jacqueline Leech - https://kittyprydeisshadowcat.wordpress.com/

2. Jessica Page Johnson - http://jessicasreadingroom.com/

3. Juliet Butler - http://bookliterati.com/

4. Tracy Fenton - http://www.compulsivereaders.com/

5. Jules Mortimer - https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.com

6. Kaisha Holloway - https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

7. Jill Stratton - http://jilllovestoread.blogspot.co.uk/

8. Kim Ebner - https://www.thebuzzingbookmark.com/

9. Chelsea Humphrey - https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.com

10. Llainy Swanson - http://www.alwaysreading.net/

11. Linda Hill - https://lindasbookbag.com

12. Jill Doyle - https://jillsbookcafe.wordpress.com

13. Kelly Lacey - http://www.lovebooksgroup.co.uk/

14. Susan Hampson - https://booksfromdusktilldawn.wordpress.com

15. Sue Ward - http://sueandherbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

 

RULES OF THE AWARD:

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
2. Write a post to show your award.
3. Give a brief story of how your blog started.
4. Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers.
5. Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to.
6. Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide a link to the post you created.

***BLOG TOUR*** The boy inside by Ross Greenwood (12th Feb 17)

Blurb

How can you make the right decisions if everything you’ve been told is a lie?

With absent parents and broken friends, twenty-one year old Ben is making choices, which are ruining his life. In jail, again, he and his cellmate, Jake, take a hostage in a futile gesture against a system they can’t control.

This powerful, beautifully written novel gives a vivid and realistic picture of those we send to prison.

Who would you rely on if you were locked up?

Do we ask the most from the ones who have the least?

Life is never easy when you are a boy inside. 

My thoughts 

I am sad to report, I didn't really enjoy this book. I think I was expecting something more/different. I had no real desire to pick up my kindle and carry on reading. But, please, trust me when I say, I really wanted to love the book. 

What did keep me reading was the writing style. I felt that a lot of time went into this book and that really came through for me. Based on this, I awarded the book 3 stars which I think is fair. 

Anyway, just because it wasn't the book for me, it may just be the book for you and you can find out by clicking here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Inside-powerful-thriller-choices-ebook/dp/B01NBZ10HC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486766185&sr=8-1&keywords=the+boy+inside+ross+greenwood 

Ross, if you are reading this, I'm sorry but I have to be honest in my review. Readers, please don't let my review hold you back. I would encourage you all to give it a chance. 

Fragile lives by Stephen Westaby

Blurb 

An incredible memoir from one of the world’s most eminent heart surgeons and some of the most remarkable and poignant cases he’s worked on.

Grim Reaper sits on the heart surgeon’s shoulder. A slip of the hand and life ebbs away.

The balance between life and death is so delicate, and the heart surgeon walks that rope between the two. In the operating room there is no time for doubt. It is flesh, blood, rib-retractors and pumping the vital organ with your bare hand to squeeze the life back into it. An off-day can have dire consequences – this job has a steep learning curve, and the cost is measured in human life. Cardiac surgery is not for the faint of heart.

Professor Stephen Westaby took chances and pushed the boundaries of heart surgery. He saved hundreds of lives over the course of a thirty-five year career and now, in his astounding memoir, Westaby details some of his most remarkable and poignant cases – such as the baby who had suffered multiple heart attacks by six months old, a woman who lived the nightmare of locked-in syndrome, and a man whose life was powered by a battery for eight years.

A powerful, important and incredibly moving book, Fragile Lives offers an exceptional insight into the exhilarating and sometimes tragic world of heart surgery, and how it feels to hold someone’s life in your hands. 

My thoughts

Firstly, my thanks go to Harper Collins Non Fiction for my copy of the book which I have voluntarily reviewed.

Whilst the subject (heart surgery) can be quite daunting, I found myself drawn to the book. At times, I wanted to carry on and read and at other times, I just felt the need to put it down. 

Fragile lives, is beautifully written and has a lot of time and effort put into it and this for me really shone through. Although the subject can be quite daunting, it's also moving. 

Fragilelives is a collection of Stephen's career as a heart surgeon. For this industry to me, is quite huge. I mean, let's think for a minute. You are waiting for heart surgery, who do you trust? If I were the patient, I'd be scared for a start and my brain would be doing overtime with negative thoughts. You'd probably feel overwhelmed, I know I would. 

So, anyway, is this a book I would recommend? Absolutely. Yes. It took me out of my comfort zone and now I want more.

The Liberation by Kate Furnivall

Blurb 

The Liberation is set in Italy in 1945 as British and American troops attempt to bring order to the devastated country and Italy’s population fights to survive. Caterina Lombardi is desperate – her father is dead, her mother has disappeared and her brother is being drawn towards danger. One morning, among the ruins of the bombed Naples streets, Caterina is forced to go to extreme lengths to protect her own life and in doing so forges a future in which she must clear her father's name. An Allied Army officer accuses him of treason and Caterina discovers a plot against her family. Who can she trust and who is the real enemy now? And will the secrets of the past be her downfall?

My thoughts

The Liberation was completely out of my comfort zone but one of my new years resolutions was to push myself to read at least 1 book from any genre I'm not particularly comfortable with.

Saying that, I am pleased to report, I LOVED IT! The Liberation definitely is a gripping, fast-paced and captivating read.

As well as the book being out of my comfort zone, Kate Furnivall was also a new author to me. #cherrypop
I loved the writing style, it's so atmospheric that just by reading the words, I could really picture the scene. I loved travelling to Italy.

I think, as far as historical fiction/romance goes, I will now continue to look out for Kate's work and authors similar.

So, in a nutshell, if historical fiction/romance is a genre you've yet to read, The Liberation is one I recommend you start with.

The Girls next Door by Mel Sherratt

Blurb

 

One warm spring evening, five teenagers meet in a local park. Only four will come out alive.

Six months after the stabbing of fifteen-year-old Deanna Barker, someone is coming after the teenagers of Stockleigh, as a spate of vicious assaults rocks this small community. Revenge for Deanna? Or something more? 

Detective Eden Berrisford is locked into a race against time to catch the twisted individual behind the attacks – but when her own niece, Jess Mountford, goes missing, the case gets personal.

With the kidnapper threatening Jess’ life, can Eden bring back her niece to safety? Or will the people of Stockleigh be forced to mourn another daughter…? 

 

My thoughts 

Well, what a book! It usually takes me around 2-3 days to finish a standard paperback. But, as this was gripping right from the very start, I just couldn't put it down, as a result of this I had the book finished within 12 hours. 

I've read a fair few police procedurals/crime thrillers, all in which, the lead characters fit the bill. The girls next door lead character, Detective Eden Berrisford is quite possibly my favourite. I mean, come on, what other female detective do we know, who wears Doc Martens? I felt Eden's personality really shine through as we got to know her. She is mother to daughter Casey who is 16 years of age. 

Eden's sister Laura is mother to 2 teenage girls, Sophie and Jess. Jess is quite 'the wild one'. Alongside attacks happening in the community,  Jess goes missing and the case is now, therefore, personal to Eden. Can Eden save her niece or will it be to late? You can find out for yourself by purchasing the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girls-Next-Door-edge-your-seat-ebook/dp/B01M02NTYA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1486030597&sr=1-1&keywords=the+girls+next+door+mel+sherratt 

As with all books, there are plenty of characters, some good, some bad, some you love and some you hate. 

I hope you've all enjoyed reading my spoiler free review and I hope you will consider giving this book a read, it really is worth it.

***BLOG TOUR*** Right behind you by Lisa Gardner (31st Jan 17)

Blurb 

Thirteen-year-old Sharlah Nash knows that the first time her brother killed eight years ago, he did it to save their lives.

Now retired FBI profiler Pierce Quincy and his wife Rainie Conner have offered Sharlah a new life of safety. She desperately wants to believe this is her shot at happily ever after.

Then two people are murdered in their local convenience store and Sharlah's brother is identified as the killer.

Telly Ray Nash is on the hunt for Sharlah and as the death count rises it becomes clear that nothing and no-one, including Pierce and Rainie, will stop him getting to her.

Now, Sharlah has one chance to take control.

She can run for her life... or turn and face the danger right behind her. 

My thoughts 

Right behind you was my first book by Lisa Gardner. 

To start with I found the book quite slow which for some people can be reason enough to put the book down and look for something else to read. I was close to putting it down myself but I'm glad I preserved and stuck with it. 

After the initial first four or five chapters the book starts to pick up pace and becomes more suspenseful. 

Characters, usually in every book, there is almost, most certainly, a character that I dislike. Starting out that character for me was Telly Ray Nash. BUT, as the book progresses we start to learn and understand Telly. As I started to understand Telly, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. There are other characters named in this book and those who play an important part to the story, in this case, another character we come across is Sharlah. Sharlah is Telly's younger sister. But the question that lingers is, will Sharlah run or face the danger? You can find out for yourself by purchasing the book here - https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Right-Behind-You-FBI-Profiler-Lisa-Gardner/1472220323/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485854505&sr=8-1&keywords=right+behind+you+lisa+gardner

Right behind you is the 7th book featuring Rainie & Quincy. Although it's the 7th book, it can also be read as a standalone. 

My thanks go to Headline UK for allowing me to take part in the blog tour. I hope you've all enjoyed my spoiler free review and will consider giving the book a read. 

**BLOG TOUR** No safe home by Tara Lyons (29th Jan 17)

Blurb

Detective Inspector Denis Hamilton is haunted when the suspicious death of a teenage girl triggers suppressed memories. With a stalker targeting vulnerable women in Central London, and his team rapidly diminishing, Hamilton must conquer his emotions before another family is destroyed.

In a sleepy town in Hertfordshire, Katy has worked hard to rebuild her life after leaving behind everything she knew. But when her past catches up with her, and her young son’s life is threatened, Katy must admit her true identity if she has any hope of surviving.

A home should be a safe place, shouldn’t it?

But sometimes it is hard to know who you can trust…

London’s murder investigations team returns in the second novel from the bestselling author of In the Shadows. 

My thoughts 

Well what can I say?! This is definitely a gripping rollercoaster of a book! Tara is definitely talented and is now my FAVOURITE author. No lie. 100% the truth. I found myself in a slump after reading a few 'naff' books, but this one has definitely brought my much loved mojo back. 

For me, I usually find crime books quite slow and they become boring after a while. No safe home is the complete opposite, it's fast-paced and I found myself wanting to know more and more as the book went on. It's the kinda book you can devour in just one sitting. 

I found the characters were easy to follow, but, as with every book, there will be characters you love, dislike, understand etc.. 

I loved the writing style, the different locations & even the way I was on the edge of my seat. No safe home is the 2nd book to feature DI Denis Hamilton, the first being In The Shadows. I admit to still *not* having read In The Shadows but it is being put to the top of my TBR as a priority must read. Although No safe home is the 2nd book, it can be read as a standalone. 

In a few words only, here's why you MUST read No Safe Home. 

Gripping & fast-paced and an edge of your seat crime thriller. 

No safe home is a 100% recommended read for EVERYONE!

I hope you've all enjoyed reading my spoiler free review & please please please consider giving the book a read. Thank you!

***BLOG TOUR*** Burned and broken by Mark Hardie (24th Jan 17)

My thoughts

Firstly, my thanks go to Little Brown publishers for inviting me to take part on this blog tour and for my copy of the book.

Burned and broken is set in Southend and is Mark Hardie's debut novel. 

The book is split into 3 parts. Don't worry, it also has chapters! I found part 1 to be quite slow paced, whereas parts 2 & 3 the pace definitely picks up. 

Part 1 opens with the horrific scene of DI Sean Carragher burning to death in his car. During this part of the book we meet many different characters, that at times, I did find it hard to keep up! Part 2 is where I started to really get into the story and really enjoy it and part 3, well EVEN BETTER!

What I loved about this book was the writing style, the setting and the storyline. What I disliked about the book was the slow pace during part 1 and how many characters there was and how I really had to focus twice as much just to keep up. 

This is a book that is recommended to all crime and police procedural fans. 

Thank you for taking the time out to read my review. I do hope you consider giving this book a read, it really is worth it.