Little Girl Gone by Alexandra Burt

A baby goes missing. But does her mother want her back?

When Estelle’s baby daughter is taken from her cot, she doesn’t report her missing. Days later, Estelle is found in a wrecked car, with a wound to her head and no memory.

Estelle knows she holds the key to what happened that night – but what she doesn’t know is whether she was responsible…

Author: Alexandra Burt
Title: Little Girl Gone
Publishers: Avon
Publication Date: 24th Sept 2015
Link: Uk: Amazon   US: Amazon

My Review

This psychological thriller is completely different to what I normally read and it had me gripped from the minute I picked it up until I had finished it.

The book is a harrowing portrayal of Estelle, a woman who is suffering from not yet diagnosed post natal depression. The narrative is told from her point of view and includes every single thought process she has, this highlights the utter desperation she feels when trying to look after her seven month old baby Mia, who never seems to stop crying. Estelle has an overwhelming sense of failure when looking after the baby especially when her husband tells her to pull herself together, however I did sympathise with the husband too because he didn't know what to do to help her and when he eventually took her to the doctors they were fobbed off with a prescription for anti depressants and no counselling or practical advice or help.

Estelle feels even worse about herself when strangers criticize her for not looking after the baby properly, she also finds herself becoming forgetful and she has some terrible thoughts about harming the baby which I found upsetting. However I believe that it is good to raise awareness of post natal depression which will hopefully enable more people who suffer from it to get the help they need and not feel so isolated.

When the baby goes missing from the apartment Estelle cannot understand what has happened and can't bring herself to report it to the police as the apartment was locked and she was the only one there as her husband was working away, things take a turn for the worse when the next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital after being found in her car in a ravine hundreds of miles away from home. How can Estelle prove she is innocent when she doesn't remember what happened?

Eventually she is sectioned into a psychiatric hospital where Dr Ari tries to help her recall the memories that he believes are hidden away inside her.

I found the style of writing gripped me straight away and held my attention until the end, the fast paced action caused me to hold my breath in some parts and my heart to pound, the writer managed to weave a web of intrigue around the devastation that had befallen this family. Although some of the plot could have been out of a horror film the sad realisation is that situations like this can and do happen in real life, we only have to look at the news to see that.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for the review copy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Alexandra was born in Germany. After her college graduation she moved to Texas and, while pursuing literary translations, she decided to tell her own stories. After three years of writing classes her short fiction appeared in the Freedom Fiction Journal, All Things Girl, MUSED Literary Review, and Heater Crime Fiction Magazine.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, an organization promoting the advancement, recognition and professional development of women crime writers.

She live in Texas with her husband, her daughter, and two Labradors.

Addicted by Nigel May

Fame, fortune and five-star luxury. Meet four fabulous women – all of them hold a dark secret… one of them won’t live to tell the tale. 

Nancy Arlow – the fading entertainer determined to gamble and charm her way out of a mountain of debt. 

Laura Everett– behind the façade of the perfect politician’s wife lies a woman with an outrageous past and a spiraling drug habit. 

Portia Safari– the world famous opera diva, adored by millions, has it all, but could her secret drinking problem cost her everything? 

Martha Éclair– The millionaire wine heiress whose appetite for kinky sex could bring down her father’s business empire. 

Each woman must face their own addiction before they pay the ultimate price… 

Switch off your phone, grab a glass of bubbly and escape into an outrageous word of thrills, glamour and passion. You’ll be addicted… 

Author: Nigel May
Title: Addicted
Publishers: Bookouture
Publication Date: 12th May 2014
Link: Uk: Amazon   US: Amazon

My Review

Addicted is about four beautiful glamorous women who live enviable lives surrounded by glitz and glamour. However having everything isn't enough for these ladies and they each succumb to an addiction that threatens to destroy their lives and leave them susceptible to blackmail. Lauren is married to an up and coming politician Saul but she harbours an ambition to be the next superstar pop singer but her new manager Dale introduces her to cocaine with potentially catastrophic results.

Martha is a rich heiress to a South African wine empire and her addiction is wild unadulterated sex, she is spiraling out of control until she meets her match whose identity is hidden behind a mask. 

Portia is a famous opera star with a penchant for alcohol which gets out of hand until she reunited with the love of her life and realises that to plan the perfect wedding and be happy she must give up her vices.

Last but not least is nasty narcissistic Nancy who is addicted to gambling and kleptomania, as you can probably tell by her description she was one of my least favourite characters along with Nathan Spilsbury. 

I think that the reason Nancy is the worst character is because the others' addictions only really harm themselves but Nancy insists on hurting everyone around her.

The womens' lives all become inextricably linked when visiting the Abbey for treatment of their addictions and their men make life even more complicated.

I did get a little confused at the beginning as to who every body was and I didn't really like the characters apart from Lauren and Portia, however once I got used to who everyone was and what their addictions were I found that I raced through the story and as the action started to flow I was carried along with the characters as they wreaked there revenge on their enemies I finally warmed to Martha the nymphomaniac too but Nancy was horrible. It is a skilled writer who can make us fall in love with characters or make us hate them. 

The action is fast and the sex is dirty. You will be addicted to this book and the eye opening antics of the characters.

I really enjoyed the book which definitely has a feel of the late great Jackie Collins about it and am very much looking forward to reading Nigel's other books, Scandalous Lies and Trinity.

Thanks to Bookouture for the review copy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Nigel May has been described as "the UK's male Jackie Collins" and is an author, TV host and journalist. His three fiction novels have all been published by Bookouture.

His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.

Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.

On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.

As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.

Follow him on Twitter @Nigel_May

A Parcel for Anna Browne - Miranda Dickinson

Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

Author: Miranda Dickinson
Title: A Parcel for Anna Browne
Publishers: Pan Macmillan
Publication Date: 24th September 2015
Link: Uk: Amazon   US: Amazon

My Review

Firstly can I just say that I have read and loved all of Miranda's books and this one certainly lived up to my expectation yet is completely different to all of the others.

I really like the way the book started from the delivery drivers point of view and this continued throughout with other minor characters, those little snippets really added to the depth of the book.

Anna Browne is an ordinary girl living an ordinary life but one day she receives a mysterious parcel completely out of the blue and suddenly her life becomes a little less ordinary, as the parcels continue her life takes on an extraordinary turn but not necessarily in a good way.

Because Anna had had a difficult childhood she hadn't really received many presents in her life and very rarely had anything new so when she received each parcel she treasured the anticipation and held off from opening them until she could open them leisurely in private. Each gift made her feel so special and as news of the parcels spread around the offices of the Daily Messenger, where she worked as a receptionist, people started to notice her more and she realised how many people cared about her. Especially as most people thought there may be a sinister reason for the parcels.

The book was intriguing, I really enjoyed sharing Anna's anticipation at the thought of opening each parcel and trying to find out who had sent them and why. Every time she thinks she gets closer to knowing the truth something would happen to set her back again, I could really feel her frustration. 

After a work shadowing experience Anna develops a friendship with Ben who is the Messenger's star reporter but her best friend Jonah doesn't like or trust him and so that puts her in an awkward position for a while. 

Although Anna loved receiving the parcels they do bring about quite alot of trouble in her life and dredge up things she would rather have left in the past but I think if you were to ask Anna whether she would rather have not received the parcels then she would safely say that she was glad that they came into her life.

A lovely intriguing story of self discovery, where an ordinary young woman discovers she's not quite so ordinary after all.

Thanks to Natasha Harding, Miranda Dickinson and Pan Macmillan for the advanced review copy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

(Photo credit to Miranda's website. www.miranda-dickinson.com)
I am a Sunday Times Bestselling author of six books, have been shortlisted twice for RNA awards (for Novel of the Year in 2010 with Fairytale of New York and again in 2012 for Contemporary Novel of the Year for It Started With a Kiss), have been published in seven languages and been a bestseller in four countries, have sold over half a million books and still can’t believe all of the above has happened to me!
This is Miranda's seventh novel and she is currently working on her eighth. She has now sold almost three quarters of a million books. WOW!!  For more information about Miranda visit her website here.

Return to Bluebell Hill - Rebecca Pugh

Home is where the heart is…

Jessica McAdams has never belonged anywhere; never truly felt at home. Of course, what did she expect from parents who never made her feel welcome in her own house? Leaving her life in London to return home to the charming country village of Bluebell Hill is harder than she thought. Especially as she never considered she’d be returning under such heart wrenching circumstances…

Clearing out the stunning and imposing Bluebell House after her parents’ death is difficult for Jessica—they never had the best relationship and now it’s too late. Yet spending time in the house that was never a home, having afternoon tea with dear old friend Esme—and sharing hot, sizzling kisses with delectable gardener Rueben!—opens Jessica’s eyes to the potential of Bluebell House… Could this big old, beautiful manor really be her forever home? Is Bluebell Hill where her heart is, has always been?

Jessica soon dares to dream of her very own home with delicious Rueben by her side. But when a deep, dark secret of Bluebell House is unearthed, Jessica’s world is turned upside down…

Will Jessica ever find where her heart truly lies?

Author: Rebecca Pugh
Title: Return to Bluebell Hill
Publishers: Carina
Publication Date: 18th June 2015
Link: Uk: Amazon 
Pre-order Rebecca's new book, A Home in Sunset Bay here

My Review

I first heard about this book from twitter and I must say the title grabbed me straight away, already it was making me wonder, this wasn't just a book about Bluebell Hill but about someone returning there so that raises questions as to why they left in the first place and what could have happened to make them go back. Also anything with Bluebell in the title conjures up images of pretty blue carpeted woodland so I knew I really wanted to read it. I was certainly not disappointed. My questions were all answered at the beginning of the book when Jessica finds out that her parents have died and she needs to go back to sort everything out. She had been quite happy in her life in London as she had never felt loved by her parents so had left them in her past, therefore, this journey was bound to dredge up bad memories for her.

She quickly met up with the lovely old lady who used to look after her as a child and I thought that their relationship worked really well and provided roots for Jessica.

I loved the descriptions of the house and the Bluebell Woods, especially the little special moment that happened there and I would really liked to have visited it myself.

Of course there is a love interest in the form of Reuben who is very handsome and works very hard on the garden of Bluebell Hill, however Jessica is not into relationships so she has a tendency to push him away.

There is also a pushy estate agent on the scene who really wants the commission for selling the house and Jessica really wants to sell to rid herself of bad memories.

When clearing out the furniture Jessica finds something that throws her whole world upside down and goes on a search for the missing puzzle piece of her life. This part of the book I found was handled in a very loving and sensitive way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book it was absolutely lovely and I did cheekily ask Beccy (Rebecca Pugh) if she could just keep sending me chapters every now and then to keep me updated with the characters. I think she is a fabulous writer with a lovely soothing voice as warming as a hot chocolate on a cold winter's night.

I am so looking forward to reading her next book 'A home in Sunset Bay' which is due out in February next year and available to pre-order now

Sincerely

Book Angels x

About the Author

Rebecca Pugh grew up in the green county of Shropshire, with a mind full of fairy-tales and happy endings. Enchanted by true love and Disney Princesses, she decided that no matter what life threw her way, she'd continue to see the world through a child's eyes. Through the pages of countless books, her adoration of reading blossomed, and it didn't take long for her to fall under the spell of hundreds of authors' words. 

Now, Rebecca's own story has taken a fairy-tale like turn, and at 22, her dream has come true. With her faithful companions: Bonnie the dog, her partner, and her gigantic family by her side, Rebecca is ready to share her stories with readers who enjoy falling in love and losing themselves within beautiful, fictional worlds.

Rebecca Pugh is the author of women's fiction and romance, her all-time favourite genres. After all, who doesn't enjoy a good swoon?

The Misadventures of a Playground Mother - Christie Barlow

New term. New dramas. New friendships. And that’s just the parents…

After a year of country living, Rachel Young is finally getting into the swing of things. Her four kids are happy and content at the village school, and she’s managed to navigate the choppy (shark-infested) waters of the playground mafia.

Or… so she thought.

When playground mum Penelope Kensington moves herself and her kids into Rachel’s home, after discovering husband Rupert has been having an affair, Rachel knows she must ask them politely to leave. The problem is, Penelope never takes no for an answer.

As Rachel tries to deal with Penelope, she also meets new school mum Melanie. Melanie is a breath of fresh air, but her arrival sends ripples of gossip through the playground. Melanie has a few secrets in her closet, and it seems she’s not the only one…

Author: Christie Barlow
Title: The Misadventures of a Playground Mother
Publishers: Bookouture
Publication Date: 11th September 2015
Link: Uk: Amazon   US: Amazon

My Review

Before I started reading this book to review on netgalley I decided that I would really like to read 'A Year in the life of a Playground Mother' first to pick up on the background of the story, so I bought it and read it quickly as it is very fast paced. I could really relate to the stories of the other mothers in the playground having their cliques and making other mums feel uncomfortable and could so understand why Rachel wanted to move away with her family to escape to the country. 

However she soon discovers that every school has the same scenario with competitive mums and there really is no escape from it. I found the first book enjoyable but the character of Penelope drove me mad as she was just so irritating, the main character, Rachel, was simply too nice to her and Penelope took advantage at every opportunity to the point where she took over Rachel's life. This is a great skill when a writer can make you fall in love with someone or hate someone as great writing should stir up emotions in the reader. I found myself contorting my face in annoyance during some parts of the book.

I loved the idea of Rachel saving seats on the imaginary bus for people she didn't like and especially how easily she could fill up the seats. 

Although I did enjoy the first book I thoroughly enjoyed the second. The characters had all settled in nicely and there was more of a relaxed feeling to the story. Penelope was still, if not more irritating especially on the holiday, I was relieved when Rupert put his foot down in the end as I was so annoyed with him and his wife.

I think Rachel was in some ways just really longing for friendship which is why she put up with Penelope's antics for so long so it was good when she started to form real friendships with new characters Melanie and Sue as they allowed Rachel's personality to blossom as it had been swamped by the awful Penelope. They also provided much more stability and positivity to Rachel's life when everybody else turned their backs on her, I was pleased she managed to find real friends as she was definitely going to need them for the devastation to come. I have to say though Penelope does get her come-uppance in an absolutely hilarious manner as does the pervy next door neighbour Risky Pensioner who was after more than Rachel's eggs. I did feel a little sorry for Rachel's husband Matt as he did seem a bit neglected by her, yet he was her rock.

There were lots of laugh out loud moments in the book and a very true depiction of the behaviour of some playground mums. However, as in real life the unexpected happens and Rachel and her family are in for a huge shock. I can't wait to read the next book to find out what happens.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Christie for the review copy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Christie Barlow the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother decided to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. She is just a Mum who wrote a book to prove to her children whatever you want to do in life go for it. The book she wrote to prove a point is now an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK and USA.

Author Interview - Katy Hogan

Welcome to Sincerely Book Angels blog. 

What was the inspiration behind this novel? 

One of my parents died a few years ago and it felt like the ground was taken from under my feet, I found it really hard to cope. Just at that time, when I was at my lowest ebb, suddenly two new friends appeared in my life -- like me, they both had daughters at the local school   (one even lived in my road), but somehow our paths just hadn't crossed until then. It was as if we were meant to meet exactly when we most needed one another. We all had our own problems and heartache but, with this new-found friendship, we had strength and support that none of us had ever had before. It made me start thinking that maybe things do happen for a reason: perhaps fate leads us to meet the people we need exactly when we need them most. That is really the premise of the novel.

The other main theme is that of the possibility of life after death. It's something I've always been intrigued by, especially as my mother used to read Tarot cards and have what she'd call 'feelings' (sometimes a premonition that something would happen; sometimes that a place was haunted). This was something I wanted to find out more about after my loss -- and fortunately, my two new friends were quite open-minded about the subject, too. So the three of us began visiting local mediums and demonstrations of clairvoyance. We had some, shall we say, less successful experiences (which I used for inspiration for one particular scene in the novel involving an old man attempting to make contact with 'the other side'), but I did also receive some incredibly accurate messages, too. And it was after one of those evenings, as the three of us walked home, that I looked up at the clear, winter sky, and decided that there was a story here that had to be written.That was my inspiration and motivation. To write a story of friendship and of hope.

Did you always want to be a writer? 

I always knew I wanted to write -- that's all I wanted to do -- and in fact got my first job on a monthly national magazine when I was just 18. As a journalist I have written everything from celebrity interviews to women's interest features; and I have also worked as a teacher which has been incredibly rewarding. Even then, I would write song lyrics, as I used to sing with a local band in my spare time, which was fun!

How did it feel when your first novel was published?

After deciding to self-publish Out of the Darkness, it was fantastic to actually get the first proof copy of the completed book in my hands; to see it in print for the very first time: a REAL book! I did open a bottle of champagne and one of my daughters baked a cake decorated to look like the book's cover! And I must admit I shed a little tear of happiness.

What motivates you to keep writing? 

I found writing Out of the Darkness extremely cathartic -- it is a very personal story (the lead character, Jessica, is grieving the sudden loss of her mother, who was her best friend), and during the period of time that I was writing it, one of my grandparents, to whom I was especially close, also passed away. So the feelings expressed in the novel really do come from the heart.

Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa? 

Not sure that my characters' moods have affected me as such, but there were a few times when even I was actually moved to tears on re-reading as they have all become my 'friends', strange though that may sound.  I can picture each of them clearly in my head - they are real people to me.

Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book? 

In fact, Out of the Darkness was originally written as a script, because in my mind I could see it played out on the screen, big or small. An agent in America read it and suggested I re-work it as a novel. So I have definitely thought about which actors should take a starring role. I think Emily Blunt would be a great choice to play Jessica -- she's a really strong, natural actress, who can convey humour and emotion beautifully. We first meet Jessica as a very bitter young woman who is desperately bereft, but as the story continues and develops, her character opens up and grows into a totally different person altogether. She experiences a real kaleidoscope of emotions, and Emily Blunt could definitely pull that off.

If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits? 

Whenever I hear the song 'Get Here' by Oleta Adams I always think it would make a great soundtrack to Out of the Darkness The Movie...it's incredibly soulful and moving, and talks about  distance between loved ones which, in my mind, works in the context of bereavement and possible contact with those in spirit, just as well as the romantic meaning which I imagine is intended. I think it perfectly sums up the emotion of the novel. Makes me teary-eyed and goose pimply every time!
Click here for the song.   


Also, for later on in the film, 'To Where You Are' is a real tear-jerker as the lyrics are so apt. It is beautifully sung by Rhydian Roberts, but I think a female performer such as Adele would be perfect for the soundtrack.   Click here for the song.

What is your next book about? 

I have started working on ideas for a second novel. Continuing with the supernatural theme, I am looking in to the idea of past lives, and the theory that our previous incarnations influence the people we are today. I am very curious about past life regression -- who knows, maybe I was once an Egyptian princess or one of the Salem  witches...I'll keep you posted!

Thank you so much for joining us on our blog today and good luck with the book. 

Thank you so much for your support and for your amazing review -- makes all the hard work worthwhile!

Click here to read our review of Out of the Darkness.

http://www.outofthedarknessnovel.com/

Sincerely 
Book Angels

The Cherry Tree Cafe - Heidi Swain

Cupcakes, crafting and love at The Cherry Tree Cafe...

Lizzie Dixon's life feels as though it's fallen apart. Instead of the marriage proposal she was hoping for from her boyfriend, she is unceremoniously dumped, and her job is about to go the same way. So, there's only one option: to go back home to the village she grew up in and to try to start again.

Her best friend Jemma is delighted Lizzie has come back home. She has just bought a little cafe and needs help in getting it ready for the grand opening. And Lizzie's sewing skills are just what she needs.

With a new venture and a new home, things are looking much brighter for Lizzie. But can she get over her broken heart, and will an old flame reignite a love from long ago...?

For everyone who loves settling down to watch Great British Bake-Off, the Great British Sewing Bee, or curling up to read Milly Johnson or Jenny Colgan, The Cherry Tree Cafe is a coffee-break treat.

Author: Heidi Swain
Title: The Cherry Tree Cafe
Publishers: Simon and Schuster
Publication Date: 15th July 2015
Link: Amazon

My Review

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting as I really wanted to find out what happened. The story follows Lizzie Dixon who has discovered that life is not going quite as well as she had hoped. After being unceremoniously dumped, Lizzie decides to accept her best friend's offer to return to her hometown and help her to launch her new venture, 'The Cherry Tree Cafe.' Her best friend Jemma is an excellent baker and Lizzie is a whizz with a sewing machine and can offer the cafe a unique little extra quality by providing crafting lessons for the customers. 

All is going well until Lizzie receives a very tempting business offer which is really too good to miss. Other complications arise involving Lizzie's childhood crush and her best friend which make Lizzie feel that going away again would be for the best.

I found this book delightful and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. I really feel that on a rainy day like today I would love nothing more than to sit in the cosy Cherry Tree cafe with a cup of tea and a delicious slice of cake whilst learning to make some pretty bunting.

A delicious cherry topped creation of cupcakes and crafting.
I had the pleasure of meeting Heidi at the Spring Blogger event held by Simon & Schuster and she is a lovely person. It was a pleasure to read her debut novel and I'm very much looking forward to reading her future books.

Sincerely
Book Angels x

About the Author

Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.

Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful family and a mischievous cat called Storm.

The Santangelos - Jackie Collins

A vicious hit, a vengeful enemy, a drug addled Colombian club owner and a sex crazed Italian family... the ever powerful Lucky Santangelo has to deal with them all.

Meanwhile Max - her teenage daughter - is becoming the 'it' girl in Europe's modeling world. And her Kennedyesque son, Bobby, is being set up for a murder he didn't commit. But Lucky can deal. Always strong and unpredictable, with her husband Lennie by her side, she lives up to the family motto - Never f**k with a Santangelo.

Lucky rules ...the Santangelos always come out on top. The Santangelos is an epic family saga filled with love, lust, revenge and passion.

Author: Jackie Collins
Title: The Santangelos
Publishers: Simon & Schuster UK
Publication Date: 10th Sept 2015
Link: UK: Amazon
           US: Amazon

My Review

First of all I have to point out that Jackie Collins has been my all time favourite author since the age of sixteen when I read 'Chances,' and fell head over heels in love with a young Gino Santangelo. So I was absolutely thrilled to receive an advanced review copy in the post from the lovely Sara-Jade Virtue. My heart jumped for joy when I opened the envelope and discovered a very glamorous parcel wrapped in fabulous leopard print paper and red ribbon, I was thrilled and very honoured.

The book is fantastic and Jackie Collins has ensured that this one is just as fabulous and feisty as the rest. For me it was so sad and it does mark the end of an era as we have to say goodbye to a much loved character. Although by no means are we saying goodbye to the Santangelo family as they have all gone from strength to strength and when facing danger they prove that they definitely have Gino's blood coursing through their veins. The action is fast paced throughout which is exciting and scary in parts, at one point I felt totally devastated for Lucky, she has certainly had her challenges as a mother and she remains fearless especially when protecting her family. Lucky has had to face every kind of heartache from a young age and yet she still takes on anything that people care to throw at her, her husband Lennie keeps her grounded but even he can't stop her when she has made her mind up about something. It was good to see Bobby and Max come into their own and I think they are the ones to watch as they are sure to have some exciting times ahead of them as the next generation of the infamous Santangelos. A thoroughly exciting read with an explosive climax, you will not be able to put it down. Jackie Collins is a fearless writer who confronts issues head on, she doesn't shy away from political agendas, sex or violence and she creates feisty characters who are as unstoppable as she is.

On the 8th of September, two days before the official UK launch date I was able to attend the Literati event at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. After a champagne reception we were treated to an interview with Jackie by the lovely author Hannah Beckerman, this was followed by a Q & A session with the audience and then the chance to meet the lady herself and have books signed and pictures taken. Jackie is an amazing lady and I look forward to the sequel to The Power Trip and her autobiography both of which she is working on at the moment.

Thanks so much to Sara-Jade Virtue and Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy.

It is with great sadness that I have to report less than two weeks after the book signing the lovely Jackie Collins has passed away. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet this amazingly talented and inspirational woman. Jackie has been my favourite author since I was sixteen and just like her characters she has proven what a brave, strong and irreplaceable woman she truly was.
We would like to send our sincere condolences to Jackie's family and say a huge thank you to Jackie for showing us how it's done. What an amazing life she had.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Jackie Collins is one of the world's top-selling writers, with more than 500 million copies of her books sold in more than forty countries. Her twenty-eight bestselling novels have never been out of print, and have all been NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers. She lives in Beverly Hills, California. Visit her website on www.jackiecollins.com, follow her on Pinterest and Twitter at JackieJCollins and on Facebook at facebook.com/jackiecollins.