The Happiest Ever After by Milly Johnson

 

What if you could write your own perfect storyline...?

The heart-warming, feelgood novel from the much-loved Sunday Times bestselling author, Milly Johnson

Polly Potter is surviving, not thriving. She used to love her job – until her mentor died and her new boss decided to make her life hell. She used to love her partner Chris – until he cheated on her, and now she can’t forget. The only place where her life is working is on the pages of the novel she is writing – there she can create a feistier, bolder, more successful version of herself – as the ­fictional Sabrina Anderson.

But what if it was possible to start over again? To leave everything behind, forget all that went before, and live the life you’d always dreamed of?

After a set of unforeseen circumstances, Polly ends up believing she really IS Sabrina, living at the heart of a noisy Italian family restaurant by the sea. Run by Teddy, the son of her new landlady Marielle, it’s a much-loved place, facing threat of closure as a rival restaurant moves in next door. Sabrina can’t remember her life as Polly, but she knows she is living a different life from the one she used to have.

But what if this new life could belong to her after all?

Title: The Happiest Ever After

Author: Milly Johnson

Published By: Simon & Schuster UK

Publication Date: 15th Feb 2024

Links: UK:   Amazon       US:   Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

                                                                         **********

Our Review 

Do you ever get that feeling where you think, I wish I'd thought of that? Well that was my first thought on hearing what Milly Johnson's brand new book, The Happiest Ever After was about. The concept is absolutely brilliant and especially as I now write books myself, I could really relate to it. Even when I read the first couple of lines I was struck by the unique quality of the writing. I honestly think that Milly's writing will be studied by her local university one day and I think she deserves to have a statue of herself in Barnsley where they must be so proud of her.

Polly Potter has a miserable life, her partner shows her no respect, he's cheated on her before and keeps dumping that workbag in the middle of the floor which was peeing me off alot and I could really feel for her there. Also although she is fantastic at her job, her boss is an idiot who takes credit for all her hard work. Talking of hard work, Her husband's sister is a real pushy pain as well who has chosen a horrible dress for her to wear as her bridesmaid. The only things keeping Polly's head above the water are her best mate at work, her partner's son Will whom she loves and her secret hobby. Polly sneaks off to evening classes to do her creative writing course and she's writing a novel. Her protagonist Sabrina is in control of her life and has everything that Polly has ever wanted.

When Polly can take it no more she leaves Chris, heads to the seaside, leaving no forwarding address but after an unfortunate incident she wakes up in hospital with no belongings and memory loss. The only thing she can remember is that her name is Sabrina. See what I mean about a brilliant concept?

Sabrina's world then opens up to a whole new community and she is taken in by a lovely lady called Marielle but due to something that happened in the past, some of Marielle's friends and family don't take to Sabrina. 

I loved Sabrina's journey especially the blank page that was her future that she was able to write for herself. It was heart-breaking as bits and pieces of her life came back to her including traumatic and devastating events and some of the confusion between Sabrina's past and Polly's meant that Sabrina had even more heartbreak to contend with when reality hit home and she had to grieve again.

One good thing about Sabrina's new life was meeting the gorgeous Italian Chef, Teddy who owned his own restaurant which served delectable meals. But when she begins to fall for him I was so hoping for a happy ending at that point but unfortunately everything is upended again when her ex comes looking for her.

This book has shot to the top of my fave Milly Johnson books, they're always jam packed with fantastic story within a story scenarios so there's never a chance to get bored when reading one. I loved Polly/ Sabrina and not sure when I last rooted for a heroine more. I so wanted her to have a happy ending and hers wasn't just happy but powerful too. Another exciting, heart-breaking, evocative masterpiece from Milly Johnson.

As if all this wasn't enough, I was absolutely blown away to see my name in the acknowledgements, of my favourite author. Can you believe that? Thanks so much Milly and please never give up writing.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Milly Johnson was born, raised and still lives in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. She is the author of 20 novels, 4 short story ebooks, a book of poetry and a Quick Reads Novella ('The Little Dreams of Lara Cliffe') and was an erstwhile leading copywriter for the greetings card industry. She is also a poem and joke-writer, a newspaper columnist and a seasoned after dinner speaker.

She won the RoNA for Best Romantic Comedy Novel of 2014 and 2016, the Yorkshire Society award for Arts and Culture 2015, the Romantic Novelist Association Outstanding Achievement award in 2020, the Goldsboro Books Contemporary Romantic Novel Award in 2021 and the Richard Whiteley Award for Inspiration to the County of Yorkshire in 2022.

She writes about love, life, friendships and the importance of community spirit. Her books champion women, their strength and resilience and celebrate her beloved Yorkshire.

Her 20th novel 'Together, Again' was published in paperback on 2nd March 2023 and is about three estranged sisters convening after the death of their mother in order to arrange her funeral. Freed from the shadow of the overbearing Eleanor Vamplew, the three women come to realise that they have more in common than they could ever have realised.

Milly's website is www.millyjohnson.co.uk. She is on Twitter as @millyjohnson, Instagram as @themillyjohnson, TikTok as @millyjohnsonauthor and has a Facebook page @MillyJohnsonAuthor. She also has a monthly newsletter www.millyjohnson.co.uk/newsletter with exclusive, news, offers and competitions.

Keeper of Secrets by Lynda Stacey

Fabulous new suspense novel from the author of best selling novels, The Fake Date and House of Secrets.

Should some secrets stay buried?
For as long as Cassie Hunt can remember her Aunt Aggie has spoken about the forgotten world that exists just below their feet, in the tunnels and catacombs of the Sand House. The story is what inspired Cassie to become an archaeologist.
But Aggie has a secret that she’s buried as deep as the tunnels and when excavation work begins on the site, Cassie is the only one who can help her keep it. With the assistance of her old university friend, Noah Flanagan, she puts into action a plan to honour Aggie’s wishes.

It seems the deeper Noah and Cassie dig, the more shocking the secrets uncovered – and danger is never far away, both above and below the ground …

Title: Keeper of Secrets

Author: Lynda Stacey

Published By: Ruby Fiction

Publication Date: 22nd October

Links: UK:   Amazon          US:   Amazon

Our Review

Wow! What a book!

 I’ve enjoyed all of Lynda Stacey’s books so far but I have to say this one is the best yet. 

A combination of intrigue, suspense, love and danger makes this a perfect read. My heart was literally in my mouth for the majority of the story.

Cassie is an archaeologist, inspired by her aunt Aggie who adopted her and her sister after they lost their parents. The love between Cassie and her aunt and sister was so strong it was almost tangible and Cassie would do anything she could to help fulfil her Auntie’s dying wish.

The story was set amongst the sand house and catacombs in Doncaster which really exist and I think that Lynda has created an amazing story in a fascinating and very special real life place.

The love interest was the very hunky Noah who sounded absolutely gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed their relationship growing from the friendship they had at Uni. The creepy character in the book made my skin crawl and the description of his intimidation meant I could practically feel him, breathing down my neck.

Lynda is fantastic at building suspense and this book was brimming with it on every page. She has cleverly interwoven a brilliant plot with historical facts. I really couldn’t read this book fast enough and couldn’t put it down. I think this would make a fantastic film which along with the book would make a brilliant tribute to the mysterious Sand house especially as it has now been filled in for ever. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Lynda grew up in the mining village of Bentley, Doncaster, in South Yorkshire and went to both Bentley New Village School, and Don Valley High School.

She is currently the Sales Director of a stationery, office supplies and office furniture company in Doncaster, where she has worked for the past 25 years. Prior to this she'd also been a nurse, a model, an emergency first response instructor and a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor ... and yes, she was crazy enough to dive in the sea with sharks, without a cage.

Following a car accident in 2008, Lynda was left with limited mobility in her right arm. Unable to dive or teach anymore, she turned to her love of writing, a hobby she'd followed avidly since being a teenager.

Her own life story, along with varied career choices helps Lynda to create stories of romantic suspense, with challenging and unpredictable plots, along with (as in all romances) very happy endings.

Lynda joined the Romantic Novelist Association in 2014 under the umbrella of the New Writers Scheme and in 2015, her debut novel House of Secrets won the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition.

She lives in a small rural hamlet near Doncaster, with her 'hero at home husband', Haydn, whom she's been happily married to for over 20 years.

Come and find me at www.lyndastacey.co.uk to hear my latest news. You could follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lyndastaceyauthor or watch out for my tweets @Lyndastacey

Come say hello. I'd love to hear from you. Oh and if you love the book, I'd be really grateful if you'd take the time to leave me a review.

Author Q & A with Alice Peterson

When her daughter Beth dies suddenly, Peggy Andrews is left to pick up the pieces and take care of her granddaughter Flo. But sorting through Beth’s things reveals a secret never told: Beth was sick, with the same genetic condition that claimed her father’s life, and now Peggy must decide whether to keep the secret or risk destroying her granddaughter’s world.

Five years later, Flo is engaged and moving to New York with her fiancé. Peggy never told her what she discovered, but with Flo looking towards her future, Peggy realises it’s time to come clean and reveal that her granddaughter’s life might also be at risk.

As Flo struggles to decide her own path, she is faced with the same life-altering questions her mother asked herself years before: if a test could decide your future, would you take it?

Title: If You Were Here

Author: Alice Peterson

Published By:  Simon & Schuster

Links:  

UK:  Amazon               US:  Amazon

Waterstones

WHSmith

Author Q and A with Alice Peterson

Hi Alice and welcome to Sincerely Book Angels blog. 

What was the inspiration behind If You Were Here? 
A friend of my mother’s approached me saying she’d love me to write a story to raise awareness of Huntington’s Disease (HD). Initially I wasn’t sure if I wanted to write about HD as I knew so little about it. What really inspired me to go ahead was when she told me that her son had a 50% chance of carrying the gene too, since it was a hereditary condition. ‘He’s in his twenties, and I haven’t yet said a word to him,’ she whispered. I then did a great amount of research and discovered secrecy can play a huge part in HD, a parent not knowing when or how or even if to tell their child they are at risk. This really made me question what I might do, if I were to discover in my twenties that my family had kept this from me? How would I feel? How would my friends and boyfriend react? And ultimately, would I take a test to find out if I had HD or not? This is a book that makes you think about your future and how much you’d like to know…


Did you always want to be a writer? 
No! I had always loved writing, and from the age of 12 – 18 I wrote in my diary every night, and at school I’d always written the drama plays. But my real passion was tennis. Growing up I competed in tournaments in this country and abroad – and had the time of my life. By 18, I was ranked amongst the top 10 in the country, and was about to go to America on a tennis scholarship – but then everything changed. I had pain in my right hand, which then spread to my whole body – and I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis. My dream to have a tennis career was completely shattered. For the next 10 years, I was in a dark place, facing a life of pain and uncertainty, but by some miracle one of my father’s friends told me I should write my story, as it could help others. My first book, Another Alice, was about my tennis days, followed by the battle to live with RA. I found writing so therapeutic, and it was unbelievably exciting to get my story published by Macmillan – so that’s how I came to be a writer, going on to rebuild my life and career as a novelist.


What other jobs have you had? 
Very few. After university I worked in an art library, I have worked for a literary agent, and I also worked in a shop in west London while I was writing my first novel…


How did it feel when your first novel was published?
After Another Alice, I wrote a book called Look the World in The Eye, now republished as Letters from my Sister. I never thought I could write a novel, it seemed such a leap from writing my personal story, so my first publishing deal felt such an achievement. I can recall vividly swimming in my parent’s neighbour’s pool, my mobile on the side, since I was tenterhooks, expecting a call from my agent. When she did finally ring, she said ‘where are you?’ ‘Swimming,’ I replied, my heart beating fast. ‘Well you’d better get out of the pool quickly before you drown, you’re a novelist, Alice’. I screamed, I splashed. I think it was one of the happiest moments of my life. My father immediately went out to buy some champagne.


What other books have you written? 
I have written nine novels, including By My Side, One Step Closer to You, Monday to Friday Man and A Song for Tomorrow. What they all have in common is the protagonists have to dig deep to overcome adversity – and this is very much influenced by my own experiences of losing my tennis, living with an incurable condition, and rebuilding my life.


Have you ever had writer's block? 
Yes. Many times.


If so how did you overcome it?
The best way to overcome is not to worry about it. With writing comes doubt but I’ve learned that’s OK. Good ideas will come to me in the end. I watched a documentary about Alice Martineau, by pure chance, and this became A Song for Tomorrow. And if my mother’s friend, with HD, hadn’t approached me, I’d never have written If You Were Here. I’m a big believer in following your heart – and things will work out.


What motivates you to keep writing?
Writing is a part of me now – so I’ll always do it in some shape or another. Even though I’ve written 11 books, there is still nothing more exciting than seeing my novel for the first time. Seeing months of research and work in the shape of a real book, with a cover and quotes from my favourite authors is just thrilling.


Where is your favourite place to write? ( can we please have a picture)

I work from home, Mr Darcy keeping me company. Often he’ll read and suggest a few changes.

Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa? 
I get so involved in my characters’ lives. In If You Were Here there are three protagonists: Peggy, Beth and Flo. Peggy is Beth’s mother, Beth is Flo’s mother, and Peggy is Flo’s Granny. The novel follows their lives – and each story is a rollercoaster of emotions. I guess Flo is the main protagonist, so just to focus on her, I felt scared for her, angry on her behalf, heartbroken; then I felt positive, scared, excited, and emotionally drained by the end – but all in a good way! I really do live their lives – and when I reach the end of a novel, I miss them. That’s why it’s so lovely to get reviews from my blogger friends and to find out how other people feel when reading my books… which characters stand out for them, and why.


What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
To find a story that you feel passionate about; to write regularly, no matter how few words; and finally not to give up. Many people used to say to me, ‘it’s a tough market’ but my motto was, and remains, ‘well someone has to make it, so why not me?’


Which authors inspire you?Jojo Moyes stands out for me. I love how it took her many years to become a bestselling author with one of my favourite books, Me Before You. I can’t pretend, at times I do find the publishing world tough. It can be disheartening if a novel that I’ve put my heart and soul into doesn’t do as well as I’d have liked. That’s when I remember Jojo Moyes and how it took her time… that’s what I find inspiring and what I hold on to…


What are you reading at the moment?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.


If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?
I have no idea for If You Were Here! Can I cheat and answer that question for my last book, A Song for Tomorrow. It would have to be Alice Martineau’s beautiful track, Inside of You.


Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book? 
OK – I really really love Peggy in If You Were Here and think Julie Walters would play her perfectly!


What is the one question you wish you were asked?
Alice, how does it feel to see your book on the big screen? My absolute dream would be to see one of my books turned into a film. One day…


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

Sincerely 

Book Angel x

About the Author

Alice Peterson writes contemporary fiction with humour and compassion. Her novels always have the feel good factor, but she also aims to take the reader to a darker place where characters have to overcome adversity. This is partly due to Alice's own life experience of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which she wrote about in her memoir Another Alice. She has written four novels: Monday to Friday Man, which has sold over 500,000 copies across all editions, Ten Years On, By My Side and One Step Closer to You, which won the Festival of Romance's Best Romantic Read 2014.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer

Meet Lucy, aged 25, and Brenda, aged 79. Neighbours and unlikely friends.

Lucy Baker is not your usual 25-year-old. She is more at home reading and knitting in her cluttered little flat than going out partying and socialising.

79-year-old Brenda is full of wise and wonderful advice, but when she’s diagnosed with dementia her life begins to change. Before her memories slip away for ever, Brenda is desperate to fulfil one last wish – to see Lucy happy.

Gifting Lucy the locket that helped Brenda find her own true love, she hopes to push her reticent neighbour in the right direction. But is Lucy Baker ready for the opportunities and heartbreaks of the real world? It’s about time she put her knitting needles aside and found out…

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker will be the most charming, heart-warming and feel-good novel you will read this year, perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan and Gail Honeyman.

Title:  The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker

Author:  Jenni Keer

Published By: Avon

Publication Date:  10th January 2019

Links:   UK:  Amazon    US:  Amazon

Our Review

What a fun yet emotional story. Light hearted, refreshing and entertaining, just like Jenni herself.

Lucy Baker is an adorable character who simply does not have enough faith in herself. When she meets a new hunky neighbour and a scruffy cat she confides in her elderly neighbour Brenda that she could do with a helping hand where her love life is concerned.

Brenda who is a fabulously eccentric character bestows a magical locket onto Lucy and then sits back to watch the fireworks as Lucy follows the instructions that the locket gives out.

Brenda and Lucy have such a beautiful friendship despite the huge age gap and that really appealed to me as I have friends who are so much older and wiser and still have so much to give. The present that Lucy makes for Brenda's birthday is so thoughtful and shows just how much Lucy 'gets' Brenda and I actually 'aaaahed' out loud when she unwrapped the gift.

The knitted characters that Lucy makes provide a fun aspect to her personality and I’ve seen the pictures of the real life Poldark one which is brilliant and here he is modelling the book.

Lucy is a very well developed character as is shown from the various relationships around her with her sister and friends and colleagues. At one point she has to choose whether to forgive someone close to her and I think she made the right decision.

The story of Brenda’s illness is very touching and poignant and makes for tearful moments however the overall tone of the book is fun fun fun and I loved reading it.

I shall now wait with bated breath for Jenni’s next book. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Jenni Keer is a history graduate who embarked on a career in contract flooring before settling in the middle of the Suffolk countryside with her antique furniture restorer husband. She has valiantly attempted to master the ancient art of housework but with four teenage boys in the house it remains a mystery. Instead, she spends her time at the keyboard writing women's fiction to combat the testosterone-fuelled atmosphere with her number one fan #Blindcat by her side. Much younger in her head than she is on paper, she adores any excuse for fancy-dress and is part of a disco formation dance team.

Social Media Links –

FB Jenni Keer Writer

Twitter @JenniKeer

Instagram jennikeer

Website - https://jennikeer.co.uk/ 

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The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris

For fans of The Keeper of Lost Things, The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton is the story of a woman who has her heart broken, but then puts it back together again in the most uplifting and exquisite way.

Between the simple melody of running her violin shop and the full-blown orchestra of her romantic interludes in Paris with David, her devoted partner of eight years, Grace Atherton has always set her life to music.

Her world revolves entirely around David, for Grace’s own secrets have kept everyone else at bay. Until, suddenly and shockingly, one act tips Grace’s life upside down, and the music seems to stop.

It takes a vivacious old man and a straight-talking teenager to kickstart a new chapter for Grace. In the process, she learns that she is not as alone in the world as she had once thought, that no mistake is insurmountable, and that the quiet moments in life can be something to shout about …

Title:  The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton

Author:  Anstey Harris

Published By: Simon and Schuster

Publication Day: 10th January 2019

Links:   UK:   Amazon     US:   Amazon

Waterstones       WHSMITH

Our Review

What a fabulous book, so beautifully written and totally captivating from beginning to end.

Grace has her flaws but I felt such empathy for her as we gradually uncovered exactly what makes her tick and why she is the way she is.

The book described the making of a cello which is something I’d never thought about before but the language used was almost musical and I could hear the cello playing in my head. The passion for the cello, both making one and playing one came through so strongly that the cello itself was almost another character.

Talking of characters, I loved the relationship between Grace and Nadia her nineteen year old assistant and the elderly Mr Williams, together they formed a wonderfully eclectic mix.

Every part of the story was beautiful, even the shocking twists and turns of Grace’s life.

I felt so uplifted when reading this book especially as Grace had been almost held prisoner by certain events in her life so it was great to see her free herself from those shackles.

I could visualise the glamour of Paris and Italy so clearly and there was one moment involving a pale blue dress which had me in tears. This book is as beautiful as the cello music it describes.

Powerfully uplifting and totally captivating. A symphony of Joy.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Anstey Harris is based by the seaside in south-east England where she lives with her violinmaker husband and two dogs. She teaches creative writing in the community, local schools, and as an associate lecturer for Christchurch University in Canterbury.

Anstey writes about the things that make people tick, the things that bind us and the things that can rip us apart. In 2015, she won the H G Wells Short Story Prize for her story, Ruby. In novels, Anstey tries to celebrate uplifting ideas and prove that life is good and that happiness is available to everyone once we work out where to look (usually inside ourselves). Her short stories tend not to end quite so well...

Things that interest Anstey include her children and granddaughter, green issues and conservation, adoption and adoption reunion (she is an adopted child, born in an unmarried mothers' home in Liverpool in 1965), stepfamilies, dogs, and food. Always food. She would love to be on Masterchef but would never recover from the humiliation if she got sent home in the first round.

Snowflakes & Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

After calling off her engagement, Hayley, the Wynthorpe Hall housekeeper, wants nothing more than to return to her no-strings fun-loving self, avoiding any chance of future heartbreak. Little does she know, Wynbridge’s latest arrival is about to throw her plan entirely off course . . .

Moving into Wynthorpe Hall to escape the town’s gossip, Hayley finds herself immersed in the eccentric Connelly family’s festive activities as they plan to host their first ever Winter Wonderland. But Hayley isn’t the only new resident at the hall. Gabe, a friend of the Connelly’s son Jamie, has also taken up residence, moving into Gatekeeper’s Cottage, and he quickly makes an impression on Wynbridge’s reformed good-girl.

As preparations commence for the biggest event of the season, the pair find themselves drawn ever closer to one another, but unbeknownst to Hayley, Gabe, too, has a reason for turning his back on love, one that seems intent on keeping them apart.

Under the starry winter skies, will Gabe convince Hayley to open her heart again once more? And in doing so, will he convince himself? ~*~

Snowflakes and Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland is the perfect read this Christmas, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

Title: Snowflakes & Cinnamon Swirls at the Winter Wonderland

Author: Heidi Swain

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: 1st November 2018

Links: UK:  Amazon       US: Amazon

WHSmith    Waterstones

Our Review

This has to be Heidi’s best book yet. A beautiful setting in Wynthorpe Hall, an array of lovely warm friendly characters and two main characters Hayley and Gabe both wounded by their pasts and in Hayley’s case wonderfully flawed.
I also loved the visits to the cherry tree cafe and mentions of skylark farm and cuckoo cottage.

Hayley is tossed through every emotion imaginable in this book as she has family problems and a bit of a dark past. She lived her life as she thought she deserved it, pretty much settling for second best but when she has a rude awakening it gives her a chance to expect more for herself. It was lovely accompanying her on her journey to a better life.

Gabe is very sexy and hunky but he has problems moving forward with his life after events that have happened in his past. 

I really enjoyed being totally absorbed in this story, It was filled with hope and a sense of being able to become the person you want to be and not the person you were and that the past is in the past and shouldn't hinder a wonderful future. Hayley had made mistakes but was able to move forward into such a lovely direction, supported by people who loved her.

Heidi has created a wonderful village in Wynbridge and it is such a pleasure to visit there again with each new book. The winter wonderland sounded amazing and I loved reading about the planning stages and especially the craft that Gabe came up with. It all sounded so perfect.

All in all this book filled me with joy and hit me in the feels with the twists and turns of Gabe and Hayley’s lives. I loved it.

I really hope that the Gavin mug becomes a reality as I really want one. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Heidi Swain is the Sunday Times bestselling author of five novels. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, two allegedly grown-up children and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia. To find out more, follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: heidiswain.co.uk.


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The Memory Collector by Fiona Harper

Heather Lucas lives her life through other people’s memories.
Heather doesn’t want to remember her childhood, not when her mother’s extreme hoarding cast her family life into disarray.

For Heather’s mother, every possession was intimately connected to a memory, so when Heather uncovers a secret about her past that could reveal why her mother never let anything go, she knows there’s only one place she’ll find answers – behind the locked door of her spare room, where the remains of her mother’s hoard lie hidden.

As Heather uncovers both objects and memories, will the truth set her free? Or will she discover she’s more like her mother than she ever thought possible?

A powerful, uplifting story about love, loss and the things we leave behind, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Keeper of Lost Things.

Title:  The Memory Collector

Author: Fiona Harper

Published By: HQ

Publication Date: 6th September 2018

Links: UK:  Amazon     US: Amazon     

WHSmith     Waterstones

 

Our Review

What a beautiful poignant story.

Heather had a rough childhood as she was bullied at school for being scruffy. Her mother was a hoarder and held on to everything she ever had and bought lots of things she never needed. The consequences of that though meant that Heather very often didn’t have the things she needed when growing up.
She also didn’t quite know what was normal and so after her mum died she stuffed her belongings in her spare room and tried not to let them spill into her clinically tidy flat.
Many of the chapters started with a description of an item which she had found in the room and the memory that was behind it.
I did feel empathy for her mum even though she had made Heather’s young life very difficult. It must be so hard to have a compulsion such as hoarding which takes over and ruins your life. So much so that it becomes more important to you than your own children and I think that Fiona had captured this really well. However that didn’t stop me disliking her mother and feeling angry because of what she did.

Heather is an absolute darling with such a lovely sense of innocence about her and watching her go through her journey of clearing out her mum’s things really touched a nerve for me because she was grieving for the loss of her mum and so many things that happened in her childhood too.

The book is uplifting as Heather comes through the other side of her journey a much stronger person and more grown up. It was such a pleasure to read and is the sort of story that stays with you for a long time afterwards. 

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

As a child, Fiona was constantly teased for two things: having her nose in a book and living in a dream world. Things haven’t changed much since then, but at least she’s found a career that puts her runaway imagination to use!

Fiona lives in London with her husband and two daughters (oh, the drama in her house!), and she loves good books, good films and anything cinnamon flavoured. She also can’t help herself if a good tune comes on and she’s near a dance floor – you have been warned!

Fiona loves to hear from readers and you can contact her through her website fionaharper.com, her Facebook page (Fiona Harper Author) or Twitter (@FiHarper_Author).

Five Unforgivable Things by Vivien Brown

Almost thirty years ago, Kate’s dream came true. After years of struggling, she was finally pregnant following pioneering IVF. But the dream came at a cost. Neither Kate nor her husband Dan could have known the price they would have to pay to fulfil their cherished wish of having their own family. Now, years later, their daughter Natalie is getting married and is fulfilling her own dream of marrying her childhood sweetheart. Natalie knows she won’t be like most brides as she travels down the aisle in her wheelchair, but it’s the fact her father won’t be there to walk beside her that breaks her heart. Her siblings, Ollie, Beth and Jenny, gather around Natalie, but it isn’t just their father who is missing from their lives… as the secrets that have fractured the family rise to the surface, can they learn to forgive each other before it’s too late?



Title: Five Unforgivable Things

Author:  Vivien Brown

Published by: Harper Impulse 

Publication Date:  26 July 2018

Links: UK:    Amazon      US:   Amazon

Guest Post and Novel Extract by Vivien Brown

Life and love in a wheelchair: Introducing a disabled character


This is a book about a marriage and the quest for a child, and some of the bad decisions and unforgivable mistakes a couple make along the way. In Kate and Dan I wanted to create realistic characters, and hopefully likeable characters, who love each other but can’t always cope with what life throws at them, especially when it’s their own actions that are so often to blame. But two people, no matter how many problems they might have, can never fill a 100,000 word novel. I needed a cast of supporting characters too, and so, running alongside the story of the marriage, set over a forty year period, I have written alternate chapters in the present day, based around the lives of their now adult children.

I am not sure how the idea first came to me to put one of them in a wheelchair, but I have certainly noticed how few disabilities feature in mainstream romantic and women’s fiction. Why shouldn’t a leading character be disabled? She doesn’t have to be able to walk to be strong, or happy, or to achieve her dreams. And yet, I didn’t want to make my story about disability. Natalie is not there to be pitied or as some kind of champion for the disabled. She is just there! She is a character in her own right, with just the same feelings, friendships and family ties as everyone else.

In fact, of all the siblings, it is Natalie who is in many ways the happiest and the most settled. She is the one about to get married, to the childhood sweetheart who used to push her home from school. Whatever practical difficulties she encounters can be overcome, and always have been, with those who love her by her side. But she still has all the same worries and doubts any soon-to-be-bride has when planning her wedding – about the guest list, the bridesmaids, the honeymoon, sex, and of course the dress...

In this extract, Natalie is entering a posh bridal shop. She wants to look fabulous on her big day, but can she really get away with wearing a long flowing traditional wedding dress? Won’t it drag along the floor, get caught in her wheels, make her the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons? The reaction from the shop owner says it all - Natalie is different from her usual clientele. But Natalie is a determined young woman and, whatever dress she chooses, her wedding is going to be done her way, and it will be perfect… if only her father would agree to be there.

But why is Natalie in a wheelchair, and why has Dan told her he can’t give her away? Why not read the book and find out!



Novel Extract


Natalie wasn’t used to doing things alone. In fact, these last few days had probably – no, definitely – been the first she had ever spent entirely by herself. Phil was away at a work conference so boring she didn’t even want to hear about it when he called, let alone be there with him, and Mum was off on one of her regular retreats, her mobile deliberately switched off. Jenny and Beth were visiting some seaside spa place together on a cheap mid-week deal for two. Natalie hadn’t been able to get the time off work to join them, even if squeezing an extra bed into their room had been a possibility, but the truth was she hadn’t been asked. Despite their distance, the bridesmaid question still hung in the air between them, unspoken but so obviously there, and she knew that by the time they came back, it needed to be answered.

Natalie shook her thoughts away, tentatively leaned into the glass door of the shop and eased it open. Although the best of the summer was over and the days were already starting to get noticeably shorter again, the sun was bright today and she could feel her spirits lift along with it. The path through the park was bordered by bouncing rows of tiny-headed purple pansies, newly planted in neat rows, and, after a week of relentless drizzle, her raincoat and boots were at last stuffed back in the hall cupboard in favour of a lighter jacket and her favourite sandals. There was something about the change in the weather that seemed to promise better things to come, making her feel suddenly bold. It was her wedding, after all. Not theirs. And she would do things the way she wanted to, whatever any of them said.

The shop’s interior was an oasis of beauty and calm. There was a deep cream carpet and floor to ceiling mirrors without so much as a smudge on their shiny gilt-edged glass. The sweet scent of jasmine drifted in the air but, in the absence of any real flowers, it seemed to be coming from a huge fat candle that floated in the centre of a bowl of water on a shelf, well out of harm’s way, behind a small desk in the corner. Little red velvet-covered chairs were dotted about around the edges of the room, between tall slim glass cases with the most wonderful satin shoes, beaded bags and glittering tiaras displayed on their shelves. One wall, the longest one, off to her right, was swamped by an unbroken row of big billowing floor-length dresses that brought the phrase ‘as far as the eye can see’ instantly to her mind. There was nobody else about and, for a moment, she just came to a standstill right in the centre of it all, feeling completely overwhelmed.

“Can I help you?” A small bird-like woman, with a slight foreign accent Natalie couldn’t quite place, and a tape measure looped loosely around her neck, emerged from behind a curtain at the back of the shop, revealing a brief glimpse of a hidden workroom beyond, with a sewing machine and scraps of satin and lace strewn across a cluttered table in the centre, and yet more dresses, draped on hangers from an over-full coat stand and all encased in see-through plastic bags.

Natalie saw the look of surprise that flickered across the woman’s heavily made-up face before it was swallowed up in what was clearly a well-practised customer-friendly smile. It was a look she was used to, one that told her she was not quite who, or what, had been expected to come rolling in.

“Sorry… about the carpet.” Natalie turned her head to indicate the small trail of dirt and soggy leaves her wheels had brought in with them.

“That’s all right. Can’t be helped.” The woman’s face flushed as she came forward, fiddling nervously with the tape around her neck.

“I’d like to look at a dress please,” Natalie said. “The ivory one in the window. And, I’m sorry, but I might need a bit of help to try it on.”

Thank you so much for joining us today Viv, the book sounds really interesting and I can't wait to read it.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About The Author

Vivien Brown lives in west London with her husband and two cats. She worked for many years in banking and accountancy, and then, after the birth of twin daughters, made a career switch and started working with young children, originally as a childminder but later in libraries and children’s centres, promoting the joys of reading and sharing books through story-times and book-based activities and training sessions. As Vivien Hampshire, she has written many short stories for the women’s magazine market and a range of professional articles and book reviews for the nursery and childcare press, in addition to a ‘how to’ book based on her love of solving cryptic crosswords. Now a full time writer, working from home, Vivien is combining novel-writing and her continuing career in magazine short stories with her latest and most rewarding role as doting grandmother.

Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

What happens if you meet the RIGHT person at the WRONG time?
Nell and Van meet as children when their parents fall in love, but soon they are forced worlds apart.

Five years later, they find each other. Their bond is rekindled and new feelings take hold, but once again they have to separate.

For the next two decades, fate brings Nell and Van together every five years, as life and circumstance continue to divide them. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?

‘One day, maybe five years from now, you’ll look back and understand why this happened…’

Title:  Five Years From Now

Author: Paige Toon

Published By: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date 17th May 2018

Links:  UK:   Amazon      US:   Amazon

                     Waterstones

                     W H Smith

Our Review

Heartbreaking and heart wrenching I actually felt physical pain in my tummy at the ending of this book.

I loved every second of it. It's almost like a modern version of Wuthering Heights if Heathcliff had been a nice person. Paige Toon has an amazing way of creating believable characters and delving into their and the reader's emotions and she doesn't hold back from breaking hearts.

Nell and Vian first meet at the age of five when he and his mum move in with Nell and her dad. It doesn't take long before they become inseparable until a tragedy occurs and their lives are torn apart. The book returns to their relationship every five years and we get to see them change from being filled with teenage angst into fun loving twenties and then become more mature as time goes on.

I loved both Nell and Vian so much as they were such lovely characters. Going through their teenage years took me back to when I was a teenager and the feelings I felt then were captured beautifully.
Sadly they go through a lot of heartbreak throughout this book but although the ending tears your heart out there is still such an uplifting feel to it and then wallop! the last line makes you want to sing.

I now need to lie in a darkened room to recover from this amazing love story

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

Paige Toon was born in 1975. A philosophy graduate, she worked at teen, film and women's magazines, before ending up at Heat magazine as Reviews Editor. She is very experienced at events and interviews and has a significant social media following. The One We Fell in Love With was picked for the Zoella Book Club. Her novels are bestsellers throughout Europe.

Visit Paige's website at paigetoon.com to sign up to her free book club, 'The Hidden Paige', and say hi to her on Twitter @PaigeToonAuthor and Facebook.com/PaigeToonAuthor

Dreaming of St Tropez by T.A Williams

The perfect summer escape on the French Riviera. Sun, sea and secrets…

After a disagreement with a billionaire, architect Jess Milton is ‘let go’ from her job. However fortune intervenes – an elderly client asks Jess to dog-sit overweight, but loveable dog Brutus in St. Tropez.

Fed up with the mega-rich, Jess is reluctant to visit the playground of billionaires, but an all-expenses-paid trip and the promise of sunshine seals the deal.

Little does Jess know how much time she’ll be spending with the family living in St. Tropez. The sullen, but very good-looking David and his millionaire father are both welcoming but guarded, haunted by their pasts…



Can Jess bring some sunshine back into their lives – and, just maybe, find love in the process?

Title: Dreaming of St Tropez
Author Name: T.A. Williams
Publication Date: 7th May 2018
Published By: Canelo

Links:  

Amazon (UK)

Kobo (UK)

Google Books (UK)

Apple Books (UK)

Extract from Dreaming of St Tropez

April that year was the coldest and wettest in England since records began. The rainfall in the first week alone was in excess of the normal figure for the whole month, and it just didn’t stop. The rivers were overflowing, towns were being flooded, the ground everywhere was sodden and muddy. Every morning, Jess and Hope drove round southwest London in the van, collecting a motley assortment of dogs from owners too busy, too lazy, or too infirm to walk them themselves. They drove up to Richmond Park and exercised them, rain, shine or thunder – and there was precious little shine.

Then, in the afternoons, Jess took another half dozen dogs on leads for a walk in the local park, doing her best to prevent them from either fighting or humping each other as they walked through the rainy streets to the park.

Ironically, one day she spotted something familiar.

Just before the turnoff for the park, there was an empty shop on a corner. It had obviously been a travel agency once, but now it was a pathetic shell, the windows boarded up – all but one corner. Through this, Jess was surprised to spot a poster that rang a bell. On closer inspection, with her nose pressed to the glass, she saw that it was none other than St-Tropez, and not dissimilar to the poster on Hope’s wall. Its corners were curling up and the ink was fading, but the brilliant sunshine, the blue sea and the luxury yachts were unmistakable. Fat cats or no fat cats, Jess had to admit that it looked appealing.

Every day, as the English skies continued to pour rain down on her and her collection of dogs, she glanced ever more enviously at this little slice of paradise. Maybe Hope wasn’t so wrong after all.

She started trawling though the Situations Vacant on specialist architecture websites, without finding anything that immediately leapt out at her, but she wasn’t worried yet. With the financial cushion provided by the payoff from Graham, she was able to take her time, confident that, sooner or later, the right thing would come up. She even started to consider taking a holiday somewhere warm and sunny. That had a distinct appeal. Anything to get away from the impenetrable gloom of England.

Then one day, as she was standing in the limited shelter provided by the branches of a massive oak tree, her phone started ringing. She was in the middle of wiping herself down after separating a German shepherd called Klaus from a golden retriever called Betty – she hadn’t been able to ascertain whether Klaus’s intentions had been amorous or aggressive, but Betty hadn’t appreciated them one bit. Jess, still smarting from the Drugoi incident, felt a considerable bond of sympathy with her. However, in the process of wrestling with them, she had slipped on the grass and now had a soggy bottom and muddy hands to show for it. Still muttering to herself, she wiped one hand on her jeans, pulled the phone out, and answered it.

‘Yes, hello.’

‘Hello, Jess?’

She immediately recognised his voice and wondered what he wanted.

‘Graham, I didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again.’

‘Well, yes, Jess… I know.’ He sounded apologetic, and for a moment Jess wondered if he was calling to offer her her old job back.

‘So, is there a reason for this call? I’m working at the moment.’ She kept her voice cold.

‘Working?’ He sounded surprised, but not half as surprised as he would have been if he could see her now, covered in mud. ‘It’s sort of about work that I’m calling.’

He hesitated, but Jess wasn’t doing him any favours. She remained silent until he started up again.

‘You remember old Mrs Dupont? The single floor extension in Highgate.’

‘Yes, of course.’ Mrs Dupont had been one of Jess’s favourite clients. Although no doubt worth quite a few million, she was pleasant, friendly, and totally unpretentious. ‘What about her? The job was finished three, four months ago and it’s all been signed off.’

‘I know, I know. It’s just that she wants you to contact her.’

‘I thought I was expressly forbidden from contacting any former clients.’

‘Yes… yes indeed, but she tells me this is something personal. Nothing to do with work.’

‘Something personal?’

‘Yes, personal. That’s what she said. Anyway, have you still got her number?’

‘No, I deleted it, along with all the other work-related numbers. I assumed that’s what you would have wanted.’

‘Yes, of course, good. But, if I give it to you again, please could you call her?’ Graham sounded almost pleading.

‘Yes, of course, but what’s this all about, Graham?’

‘I really don’t know, but she’s an important client and the customer’s always right.’

Jess couldn’t resist a jab. ‘Even when the customer insists you fire one of your employees?’

An awkward silence ensued. Jess waited until he broke it, and was unsurprised to hear him ignore her question.

‘Erm, thank you, Jess. I’ll text you the number.’

‘So, did Drugoi give you the contract?’

‘Erm, yes. Thank you again, Jess. Goodbye.’ She could hear the haste in his voice.

As she returned the phone to her pocket, she heard it whistle to signify the arrival of Graham’s text, but the call to Mrs Dupont could wait. She would make it later on, once she was somewhere dry and warm.

‘Right, come on, Betty, let’s carry on with our walk. And as for you, Klaus, just leave her alone. All right?’

As the golden retriever stood up, the German shepherd’s nose headed unerringly for her backside once more, but Jess was ready this time. She gave his lead a hefty tug and addressed him in her sternest pack-leader voice.

‘I said leave her alone, Klaus. Who do you think you are? A bloody oligarch?’



Thank you T.A for sharing this extract with us today and wishing you good luck with the rest of the Blog Tour.

Sincerely

Book Angel x

About the Author

T.A. Williams lives in Devon with his Italian wife. He was born in England of a Scottish mother and Welsh father. After a degree in modern languages at Nottingham University, he lived and worked in Switzerland, France and Italy, before returning to run one of the best-known language schools in the UK. He’s taught Arab princes, Brazilian beauty queens and Italian billionaires. He speaks a number of languages and has travelled extensively. He has eaten snake, still-alive fish, and alligator. A Spanish dog, a Russian bug and a Korean parasite have done their best to eat him in return. His hobby is long-distance cycling, but his passion is writing.

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