Love Punked by Nia Lucas @BooksNia @rararesources #BookReview

October 31, 2018October 30, 2018yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to be sharing my review with you all today for Love Punked by Nia Lucas as part of the Blog Tour with Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Huge thanks to Rachel for the invite to join the tour and also to Nia for my e-copy of her book.

Synopsis:

When her life is irrevocably altered by a post-Rave tryst on her mother’s floral patio recliner, Erin Roberts’ long-standing relationship with Humiliation takes her down a path that’s not so much ‘less well trodden’, more ‘perilous descent down sheer cliffs’.

Armed with a fierce devotion to her best friend and the unrequited love for the boy she might have accidentally married at age seven, when Erin falls pregnant at sixteen, life veers off at a most unexpected tangent.

Her journey to adulthood is far from ordinary as Erin learns that protecting the hearts of those most precious to you isn’t balm enough when your Love Punked heart is as sore as your freshly tattooed arse.

Whilst raising football prodigies and trying not to get stuck in lifts with Social Work clients who hate her, Erin discovers that sometimes you have to circumnavigate the globe to find the very thing that was there all along.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK or Amazon US

My Thoughts:

Erin Roberts is an average girl growing up. She is feisty, determined and will stand up for herself and her best friends. After falling pregnant at 16 after a one night stand her life is not the one she imagined for herself as she juggles being a mum with studying. With unwavering support from her family and a small group of friends, she does all she can as a mum and as a woman. Her priority in life has changed, being a mum is the most important thing in her life and they always come first, even before her…

This story is so full of highs and lows, inspirational and poignant as well. At times I got angry with Erin as I thought she was passing up opportunities for happiness as she puts her family first. But as it happens she does do the right thing and more importantly the right thing for her family. I can understand her not wanting to have a potential man in her life if they are not serious. For me, Erin grew up very quickly and at times had an old head on young shoulders. Determination has got her through some difficult situations as she gradually makes her way through the story and the early years of being a mum.

Now this story is a little colourful in language and, while it may not appeal to all readers, I think it was so appropriate for the characters, the setting and the time of the story. She says what she thinks and occasionally without a filter. This is a character that does not see the qualities that others see in her, she has doubts, fears and a strength that she is unaware of.

Now I did find I went through quite a few emotions with this book, anger, sniggering and, the odd tear. At times it is beautifully poignant and at others raucous and wild. A real modern feel to this story that tells the story of a young woman growing up that is faced with many challenges and decisions to make.

It is a book I wasn’t sure how I would get on with but I found myself completely immersed with and read in a couple of days a great debut. A story that is modern and gritty but also loving, witty and hopeful, one I would definitely recommend to readers of contemporary and literary fiction.

About the Author:

I am a UK based author of Contemporary women’s fiction who is passionate about telling the stories of strong, sympathetic, entertaining and engaging female characters and the lives that they lead. My Welsh heritage and my life as a practising Social Worker with teenagers and their families heavily influences my work as does my love of all things 90’s and an adolescence spent immersed in clubbing culture.

Social Media Links – Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Blog

See what other Book Bloggers think by following the Blog Tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would be wonderful 🙂 xx

Painting Blue Water by Leigh Fossan @LeighFossan @rararesources #Promo

October 30, 2018October 29, 2018yvonnembee

Today I am delighted to be sharing Painting Blue Water by Leigh Fossan as part of the blog tour with Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Yet another book I wish I had time to read and unfortunately cannot fit into my schedule, so instead I am sharing the book love and shining a spotlight.

Synopsis:

Katherine Ross, a struggling artist-turned-successful-businesswoman, has a life many would envy. At only thirty-one years old, Katherine runs one of the top luxury real-estate firms in Manhattan, and she lives in a fabulous loft with her dreamy husband. That is, of course, until her marriage comes to a screeching halt, forcing Katherine to face the truths she’s been burying deep within her heart. She hasn’t been happy for a long time. And her life, while glamorous, is not the life she ever wanted.

Fighting through the fog of her confusion and pain, Katherine makes the daring, or possibly insane, choice to start over somewhere new. She leaves her business, her friends, and the city behind, while she ventures alone to the mountains in hopes of rediscovering her artistic roots in a place surrounded by beauty, peace, and quiet.

But life in Bluewater isn’t as simple as it may seem, and when her art career suddenly begins to take off in this unlikely setting, Katherine finds herself torn between two worlds. Does she pursue her lifelong dream and become the world-famous artist she always wanted to be? Or does she open her heart to the possibility of new dreams and a life she never imagined?

Purchase Links –

Amazon US

https://smile.amazon.com/Painting-Blue-Water-Leigh-Fossan/dp/1732267200/

Amazon UK

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Painting-Blue-Water-Leigh-Fossan/dp/1732267200/

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/painting-blue-water-leigh-fossan/1128842830?ean=9781732267206

About the Author:

Painting Blue Water is the debut novel for Leigh Fossan. A creative soul at heart, Leigh grew up with a paintbrush in her hand, and went on to study the arts in Florence, Italy. While abroad, Leigh was one of the few recipients of the Coluccio Salutati Award for Creative Writing. Today, Leigh is a professional artist and her paintings are collected around the world. She lives in Colorado with her artist husband, and their young daughter, who wants to be a scientist.

You can see Leigh’s paintings at www.lavfineart.com

Social Media Links –

WEBSITE: https://www.leighfossanauthor.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/leighfossanauthor/

INSTAGRAM: @leighfossanauthor

TWITTER: @LeighFossan

See what other book bloggers think by following the blog tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be wonderful 🙂 xx

A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton @JeanFullerton_ @rararesources #BookReview

October 29, 2018October 29, 2018yvonnembee

I am so delighted to be sharing my review of A Ration Book Christmas by Jean Fullerton with you all today. Huge thank you to Rachel for the invite onto this Blog Tour and also to Jean for sending me a copy her book xx

Synopsis:

With Christmas approaching, the Brogan family of London’s East End are braving the horrors of the Blitz. With the men away fighting for King and Country and the ever-present dangers of the German Luftwaffe’s nightly reign of death and destruction, the family must do all they can to keep a stiff upper lip.

For Jo, the youngest of the Brogan sisters, the perils of war also offer a new-found freedom. Jo falls in love with Tommy, a man known for his dangerous reputation as much as his charm. But as the falling bombs devastate their neighbourhood and rationing begins to bite, will the Brogans manage to pull together a traditional family Christmas? And will Jo find the love and security she seeks in a time of such grave peril?

Follow the link to buy a copy – CLICK HERE

My Thoughts:

Jo Brogan and her younger brother Billy decide they cannot be evacuated any longer and return to their home in London’s East End. Set in 1940 with nightly bombing raids and food rations, the Brogan family are doing their bit like most of the other families. Jo joins the ambulance service and there is a hope that her romance with Tommy could be rekindled.

This is an absolutely wonderful read with so many things that caught my attention. First off, there is Jo, determined if at times stubborn. Tommy who does not have the best of reputations,. The Brogan family themselves with a few skeletons in the family closet. Reggie is Tommy’s brother and is not really someone who you want to get involved with.

The one thing I felt when reading this book is how well researched it felt. I often say that it is the little details that make a huge difference to a story and this book has loads of little details. Sight, sounds, smells, dialects, clothing and food are just some of those “little things”. It meant I was well and truly transported to the time and place of the setting. A chance for me to feel totally engrossed in the story.

Set during the Second World War, there are obvious mentions of those who have been hurt or killed during the blitz. Alongside this is the British resolve and tenacity that people show in trying to make the best out of the situation they find themselves in with a cuppa tea in hand.

The story of Jo and how others felt about her relationship with Tommy before she was evacuated is told, then how misunderstandings can interfere and cloud judgments. Following Jo’s story was wonderful, meeting her family and friends as the war is happening around them. The author created a balance that not only told of the pain and horror of war but also showed that determination and hope that people hold. There are wonderful descriptions throughout the story and along with this, the author has injected some wonderful humorous tones with little phrases from the characters that had me smirking.

This really is a fabulous book and one that I didn’t want to put down. At the end, you will find some recipes and some interesting items in the authors’ notes.

Definitely one for readers of Historical Fiction, Historical Romance with a World War II setting in London’s East End. One I would definitely recommend xx

About the Author:

Author Bio – Jean Fullerton is the author of eleven novels all set in East London where she was born. She also a retired district nurse and university lecturer. She won the Harry Bowling prise in 2006 and after initially signing for two East London historical series with Orion she moved to Corvus, part of Atlantic Publishing and is half way through her WW2 East London series featuring the Brogan family.

Social Media Links – Website – Facebook – Twitter

See what other Book Bloggers think by following the tour

Many thanks for reading my post, alike or share would be wonderful 🙂 xx

#MeAndMyBooks – Time for a catch-up!

October 26, 2018yvonnembee 18 Comments

It has been quite a while since I did an update, the last one was before the summer really kicked off in June! So this is a well overdue post… The post was about the books I was planning to read while I was having a blog tour break. I didn’t read that many from the lists I had because I kept buying new books and reading them instead… no stock rotation going on there haha.

I managed to read some of the books in the picture above, and then quite a few on my kindle. In total over July, August and first half of September I managed a total of 46 books. A few of these were some overdue from NetGalley, other were for pre-agreed to Blog Tours.

So by the end of the summer holidays, I was shattered, working in a tourist-based industry during the crazy months is hard and also good fun. I had worked there for 12 years and it was with a heavy heart that I made the decision to leave. I was amazed at the leaving presents I was given by the owners and my colleagues. A fabulous leaving do followed with laughs, memories and some alcohol left me feeling less than bright eyed the following morning… definitely worth it 🙂

The end of September was when I began my new job, with a complete change of direction, lots of coursework to get me up to speed and a lot to learn. In the New Year, I will begin a course with them that will mean working toward a diploma. And if one course wasn’t enough…

The beginning of this month (October) saw me start the 2nd year of my History Degree with the Open University. I am so glad I am doing this on a part-time basis as I don’t think I would have coped otherwise.

So as I move forward I have quite a lot going on in my brain, a new job with loads to remember and courses as well, continuing my History degree, blogging, reading and having time for myself, I am finding I feel a little frazzled and occasionally discombobulated (I love this word). My husband keeps telling me “to quieten my brain down”, he actually says some sensible things some of the time :). I find that some days I just do not have the time to share or comment on Social Media. I know this is something a lot of Book Bloggers deal with all the time and it is all about finding a balance, something I am still trying to do 🙂 It is nice some days to take the odd break from Social Media, and occasionally, if I don’t have a post to share I have what I call “A Quiet Day”… something I will be doing this weekend and try to get into the garden to have a tidy up, depending on the notorious British weather of course.

Blog Tours are something that I enjoy doing and being part of and I found myself doing more and more of them. The break I had over the summer months was something I also enjoyed, going through my own books, reading a few from my TBR to stop it from toppling over and burying me…

If you are still here and reading at this point… I’m impressed and also wondering why you haven’t got better things to do 🙂

Anyway, I have gradually started to reduce the Blog Tour commitments I am making. This brings up another thing that I know other Book Bloggers go through and that is over-committing. In life, I never know what is around the corner so I am being a little cautious over the next few months as I know I am going to be a little busy.

It is still, just, October, Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, the clocks are due to change on Sunday. Makes you wonder where does the time go…

Some valuable things have I have realised over the past few months…

I can’t do everything and still have time to read so prioritise
It is okay to have “Quiet Days” and its sometimes necessary
I am only 10 books away from my Goodreads Target for the year of 200…
I am never, ever, ever in a million years (this may be a slight exaggeration) going to read all the books I have bought but I will keep buying more 🙂
I like using “…” in my posts… 🙂

Right then, I am going to leave it at that and say thank you for taking the time to read my post. I wish you a wonderful day xxx

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Finding Rose by Julia Ryan @julieryan18 @rararesources #Promo #Giveaway

October 26, 2018yvonnembee 1 Comment

I am delighted to be helping to share the book love for Finding Rose by Julie Ryan today. I would really love to have read this one for the blog tour but I knew that I just wouldn’t have the time. I have been following other Book Bloggers on the tour and their reviews about this book are really good, so I have bought my own copy.

Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to the tour.

Synopsis:

When three sisters, Ginny, Sally and Molly are brought together at their father’s hospital bed, they are forced to confront not only the prospect of a future without him but also the secrets of the past that have kept them apart.

Their father, Eddie Matthews, drugged up on morphine, seems to be rambling but could he in fact be reliving previous lives as a Tudor monk and as a soldier on the Front in WW1. Struggling to speak he reveals that he has a secret and urges his daughters to ‘Find Rose’. Can the sisters put aside their differences to fulfil his last wish?

Buy now from Amazon UK or Amazon US

About the Author:

Julie was born and brought up in a mining village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire. She graduated with a BA (hons) in French Language and Literature from Hull University. Since then she has lived and worked as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language in France, Greece, Poland and Thailand. She now lives in rural Gloucestershire with her husband, son and a rescue cat. She is so passionate about books that her collection is now threatening to outgrow her house, much to her husband’s annoyance, as she can’t bear to get rid of any! They have been attempting to renovate their home for the last ten years.

She is the author of the Greek Island Mystery series, Jenna’s Journey, Sophia’s Secret and Pandora’s Prophecy, each of which can be read as a standalone. Her latest book, Finding Rose, is a new departure for her as it is set against the backdrop of WW1 and has a strong link to the Tudor Court.

Social Media Links – Facebook Author Page – Website – Twitter – Pintrest – Goodreads

Giveaway

Giveaway to win a £10 Amazon Voucher (UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter link below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER HERE

See what other Book Bloggers think by following the tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Aphrodite’s Closet by Suzy Turner @suzy_turner @rararesources #BookReview

October 25, 2018October 25, 2018yvonnembee

I am absolutely delighted to be sharing my review of Aphrodite’s Closet by Suzy Turner with you all today. Huge thanks to Rachel for the invite onto the Blog Tour for this book and also to Suzy for my e-copy of this book.

Synopsis:

Agatha Trout didn’t even know she had a Great Aunt Petunia, so imagine her surprise when she finds Petunia left her a corner shop in her will. But it’s not just any old corner shop—it’s a corner shop that needs something unique, something the town of Frambleberry has never seen before.

Influenced by her confident best friend, Coco, Agatha is soon convinced that there’s only one way to go: an adults-only sex shop.

While some of the townspeople are clutching their pearls in horror, others are open to the new experiences this shop offers. But not everyone in Frambleberry is convinced. Will the women soldier on in the face of violent threats or will their fears get the best of them—and their new venture—before it even gets off the ground?

Purchase Link – Amazon UK – Amazon US

My Thoughts:

Aggie Trout dresses far older than her years, she is a librarian and certainly fits the old, clichéd stereotype. She is left a shop by her mysterious Great Aunt Petunia. When her flamboyant friend Coco suggests going into business with Aggie, I don’t know who was more flabberghasted when Aggie agreed to open a sex shop. Here begins a story of transformation as the shop will test the girls resolve to some opposition.

Oh my goodness, what an absolute corker of a read, it had me laughing and giggling at so many moments throughout. Aggies family and friends really do compliment her and the story so well and the author has done such a great job creating them. Along with various innuendos there is the mysterious Petunia, yes she is dead but her story and why she is a mystery gradually comes out, like a skeleton from a family closet, along with a few other little titbits.

The descriptions of this classic, old style shop were marvelous and soon had me wishing I had a Great Aunt Petunia loitering around somewhere… though I don’t think an adult only shop would be my choice…

This story is about how important family and friends are. There are several secrets and stories that are teased out through the pages. It is also about how Aggie, who was the quiet, invisible one who has been wrapped up in her comfort blanket too long, finally starts emerge. The devious tactics of Aunt Petunia and the energetic Coco soon pull her out into the world and get her to experience life.

It was an absolute pleasure and delight to read this book, it is such a fun, and humorous story and I absolutely loved the lightheartedness as well as the romance and slightly more serious aspects of it. A book that I would definitely recommend to other readers.

About the Author:

Born in England and raised in Portugal, Suzy lives with her childhood sweetheart Michael, their two crazy dogs and three cats.

Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy worked as a trainee journalist for a local newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she took the job of assistant editor for the region’s largest English language publisher before becoming editor of a monthly lifestyle magazine. Early in 2010 however, Suzy became a full time author. She has since written several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan’s Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw, The Temporal Stone, Looking for Lucy Jo, We Stand Against Evil (The Morgan Sisters), Forever Fredless, And Then There Was You, Stormy Summer and her latest, Aphrodite’s Closet.

In 2015 she launched her popular 40+ lifestyle blog which continues to go from strength to strength, while just over a year later, she trained to become a yoga instructor. Suzy continues to write, blog and teach yoga in one of Portugal’s loveliest settings – the Algarve.

Social Media Links –

Lifestyle Blog – Instagram – Goodreads – Facebook – Twitter – Pintrest

See what other readers think by following the Blog Tour

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Isolation Junction by Jennifer Gilmour @JenLGilmour @rararesources #BookReview #Giveaway

October 24, 2018October 24, 2018yvonnembee 6 Comments

I am delighted to be sharing my review of Isolation Junction by Jennifer Gilmore as part of the Blog Tour with Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources. Many thanks to Rachel for the invite and to Jennifer for my e-copy of this book.

Synopsis:

Rose is the mother of two young children, and finds herself living a robotic life with an abusive and controlling husband. While she struggles to maintain a calm front for the sake of her children, inside Rose is dying and trapped in ‘Isolation Junction’.

She runs an online business from home, because Darren won’t let her work outside the house. But through this, she meets other mums and finds courage to attend networking events, while Darren is at work, to promote her business.

It’s at one of these events that Rose meets Tim, a sympathetic, dark-haired stranger who unwittingly becomes an important part of her survival.

After years of emotional abuse, of doubting her future and losing all self-confidence, Rose takes a stand. Finding herself distraught, alone and helpless, Rose wonders how she’ll ever escape with her sanity and her children. With 100 reasons to leave and 1,000 reasons she can’t will she be able to do it? Will Tim help her? And will Rose find peace and the happiness she deserves? Can Rose break free from this spiralling life she so desperately wants to change?

Based on true events.

Purchase Link Amazon UK

My Thoughts:

Rose and Darren met, things were good, he paid attention to her, gave compliments and presents, took her out. Gradually these things start getting less and Darren’s attitude starts to alter. He is mentally and physically abusive, Rose is the object of this abuse and the manipulation that Darren metes out.

Well for a 140-page book this really did grab me. The author had me hooked pretty quick as I learned about Rose, her life and the conditions in which she lives. The author mentions in the introduction that experiences from many women have helped create this story. It shows…

The isolation that Rose felt was progressive and is something that shows the level of manipulation, chipping away at the things that are important socially such as family and friends. The clever way an abuser will leave bruises that do not show is the psychological way that an abuser knows he is doing something wrong and wants to hide it from the outside world. The author manages to capture the downward spiral that Rose personally goes through as Darren gradually dominates their relationship.

Rose does have an online business, it gives her the opportunity to meet Tim. He is someone she begins to trust and shares what is going on at home. She cannot just walk away from Darren and her children, but when Darren throws her out of their home it is Tim that helps her.

This is a superb book that highlights abuse in the home, yes it is difficult reading as you would expect, it is also hopeful and encouraging as it shows that there is life after abuse. The author has done such a great job of creating a fictional story that deals with a hard subject. I hope that anyone that is in the situation that Rose found herself in will read it and take hope and know that things can change. A book that I would definitely recommend.

I am going to share a little something with anyone reading this, it will explain why I thought this book was so realistic. It was because there were so many things I recognised from my life while I was in a mentally and physically abusive relationship, it also reminded me how easy it was for me to accept what was happening when my confidence had been completely shattered and I was being completely isolated. People often say why didn’t you leave? Simple answer … I couldn’t. I didn’t know how. I had not got the courage to. The list of excuses is endless until one particular event made me realise I had to end the cycle and the relationship. Reading this book brought so many things back to me, it also gave me a chance to witness events as an outsider, something I hadn’t done before. The memories that this story evoked made me sad and angry at how long it took me to realise that things had to change. Knowing and acting at a time that was right for me. Now I have confidence, I can laugh, I can listen to what music I want to, watch the films I want to, I can go out and do things that interest me, simple basic things that were denied me for 14 years. I am now in a relationship that allows me to be me. Being myself and doing things I want to do is such a simple thing in life, and simetimes it can be the hardest thing to achieve. But I did it.

About the Author:

Born in the North East, Jennifer is a young, married mum with three children. In addition to being an author, she is an entrepreneur, running a family business from her home-base. Her blog posts have a large readership of other young mums in business.

From an early age, Jennifer has had a passion for writing and started gathering ideas and plot lines from her teenage years. A passionate advocate for women in abusive relationships, she has drawn on her personal experiences to write this first novel. It details the journey of a young woman from the despair of an emotionally abusive and unhappy marriage to develop the confidence to challenge and change her life and to love again.

Links: Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Amazon – Goodreads – Huffington Post

Giveaway – Win A copy of Isolation Junction- eBook

To win an e-copy of Isolation Junction follow the link below.

*****ENTER HERE*****

Follow the tour to see what other Book Blogger think

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or share would be wonderful 🙂 xx

Divide and Rule by Rachel Mclean @rachelmcwrites @rararesources #BookReview

October 23, 2018October 22, 2018yvonnembee

I am delighted to be sharing my review of the second book in the Division Bell Trilogy.

Divide and Rule by Rachel Mclean takes a darker and more sinister turn and I couldn’t wait to read this one and I am really looking forward to reading the final installment. Many thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite to the tour and for Rachel Mclean for the e-books.

You can read my review of the first book in the trilogy:- A House Divided

Synopsis:

Jennifer Sinclair’s fight to save her political career, her family and her freedom has failed. Traumatised by prison violence, she agrees to transfer to the mysterious British Values Centre.

Rita Gurumurthy has betrayed her country and failed the children in her care. Unlike Jennifer, she has no choice, but finds herself in the centre against her will.

Both women are expected to conform, to prove their loyalty to the state and to betray everything they hold dear. One attempts to comply, while the other rebels. Will either succeed in regaining her freedom?

Divide and Rule is 1984 for the 21st century – a chilling thriller examining the ruthless measures the state will take to ensure obedience, and the impact on two women.

Purchase Links: Amazon US or Amazon UK

My Thoughts:

So this is the second book in the Division Bell Trilogy, it takes a decidedly darker and more sinister turn. After her fall from her office and trial Jennifer Sinclair – ex-MP, is sent to prison. She is then given a choice, remain in prison or move to a new center to continue her sentence. In this mysterious center is teacher Rita Gurumurthy, she has been sent there for neglecting the children in her care and thereby failing them.

After reading the first book in this series and, loving it, by the way, I had an inkling of where this next installment was going…HA, yeah right… me and thinking or having an inkling are obviously not on the same page as I was way off the mark. My excuse is I didn’t read the synopsis. This book takes a real 1984 (I love that book) approach, Big Brother is definitely watching. Legislations and laws are laid down by those in power. The center the women are sent to has laws and rules to help them conform, respect and adhere to the British Values that are set out… translation = brainwashing program.

Group therapy and counselor led sessions are supposedly designed to help people see the error of there ways, well this is ok if those people think they are wrong, but what if the truth of your beliefs does not conform the standard that is expected? As I said this book is very different in tone, feeling, and emotion to the first. It is vivid and darkly compelling, the first book held the belief that people can make a difference, this book explores how those freedoms are taken away, rebellion is a no-no, free speech has conditions. “Patients” in the centers are being reformed into what is required by the state.

This is one of those books that gives a terrifyingly realistic glimpse into the possibility of something that could happen in the future, a controlled state, controlled thinking, controlled freedom of speech. It has a convincing storyline that is complimented with characters that have their own traits and beliefs. Some I liked, others I took an instant dislike to along with a definite feeling of mistrust.

A wonderfully addictive and compelling read that continues from the first book really well. I would advise reading this trilogy in order. I am eagerly awaiting the third and final book with anticipation and wondering where and how it will go next, and yep, I’m not going to read the synopsis I am going straight in.

This is a book that will definitely appeal to readers of a dystopian, patriarchal and state-led conforming society. One I would definitely recommend.

About the Author:

I’m Rachel McLean and I write thrillers and speculative fiction.

I’m told that the world wants upbeat, cheerful stories – well, I’m sorry but I can’t help. My stories have an uncanny habit of predicting future events (and not the good ones). They’re inspired by my work at the Environment Agency and the Labour Party and explore issues like climate change, Islamophobia, the refugee crisis and sexism in high places. All with a focus on how these impact individual people and families.

You can find out more about my writing, get access to deals and exclusive stories or become part of my advance reader team by joining my Book Club.

Social Media Links – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would be amazing 🙂 xx

Literary Landscapes Editor by John Sutherland #Quiz #PromoPost #Giveaway @alisonmenziespr

October 20, 2018October 19, 2018yvonnembee 2 Comments

Today I have something a little different for you today. Literary Landscapes – Charting The Real-Life Settings of The World’s Favourite Fiction Editor John Sutherland, this is a book that will appeal to so many readers and I am delighted to be part of the Blog Tour. My thanks to Alison Menzies for the invite to take part. So I am delighted to be sharing the synopsis, I have a fun quiz and don’t forget to check out the details of the Giveaway for a copy of this book.

This is a gorgeous looking book and one that I would absolutely love. It’s available in Hardcover,due to be published on 25th October. You can buy this book from Amazon UK or good book shops.

Synopsis:

Celebrating the most memorable realist landscapes in classic and contemporary fiction

Literary Landscapes draws together those well-loved authors who are synonymous with a place and time, celebrating Hardy’s Wessex, Joyce’s Dublin and Du Maurier’s Cornwall. It comes right up to date with recent bestsellers, such as Eleanor Catton’s Booker Prize winning The Luminaries, Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City and Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend. Its charm lies in the way these favourites are interspersed with the unfamiliar, providing much to explore.

Led by John Sutherland, a team of specialist literary critics have contributed individual essays on over 70 literary novels where landscape is as central to the tale as any character, and just as easily recognized. Entries are beautifully illustrated with archive material, original artworks, maps and photographs. International in breadth and scope, Literary Landscapes is an enchanting read that book lovers will not be able to resist dipping into.
Now for the something different and just for fun…

Time to get your thinking caps on for the Literary Landscapes Quiz

Inspired by some of the novels celebrated in Literary Landscapes: Charting the Real-Life Settings of the World’s Favourite Fiction, here’s a quick quiz on literary geography:

Which seaside town is crucial to the plot of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ French Lieutenant’s Woman?
Jean Valjean is the good ex-convict in which Victor Hugo novel – also a successful Andrew Lloyd Webber musical?
On which river do Huckleberry Finn’s adventures take place?
Which Joyce novel is so closely associated with Dublin that it is celebrated there each year on Bloomsday?
Who immortalised the Pioneer experience in 8 novels including Little House on the Prairie?
Scout Finch is the guide to the people and places of the fictional town of Maycomb, rural Alabama in which novel?
What is the collective name for the 9 novels by Armistead Maupin that first appeared in serial form in the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1970s?
E Annie Proulx’s The Shipping News is set in which cold, foggy place?

See what other Book Blogger are part of the Blog Tour for Literary Landscapes

How would you like to win a copy of Literary Landscapes?

Follow @modernbooks and tweet your own favourite #LiteraryLandscape for a chance to win a copy of Literary Landscapes. (This giveaway is independent of Me and My Books)

Some stories couldn’t happen just anywhere. As is the case with all great literature, the setting, scenery and landscape are as central to the tale as any character, and just as easily recognised. Literary Landscapes: Charting the Real-Life Settings of the World’s Favourite Fiction delves deep into the geography, location and terrain of all our best-loved literary works and looks at how setting and environmental attributes influence storytelling, character and our emotional response as readers.

Led by John Sutherland, a team of specialist literary critics have contributed individual essays on over 70 literary novels. Entries are beautifully illustrated with archive material, original artworks, maps and photographs.

Literary Landscapes is published by Modern Books

£25 hardback, 25 October 2018

Entries from the UK only. Closing date 31 October 2018

Okay I suppose I have kept you waiting long enough, here are the answers…

Lyme Regis
Les Miserables
The Mississippi
Ulysses
Laura Ingalls Wilder
To Kill a Mockingbird
Tales of the City
Newfoundland

Many thanks for reading my post, a like or a share would amazing 🙂 xx

Snowflakes Over Holly Cove by Lucy Coleman @LucyColemanAuth #BlogTour @rararesources #BookReview #Giveaway (Open Int’lly)

October 19, 2018October 19, 2018yvonnembee 2 Comments

I am delighted to be sharing my review of Snowflakes Over Holly Cove by Lucy Coleman. This is part of the Blog Tour with Rachel’s Random Resources and I wish to say a big thank you to Rachel for the invite and to Lucy for my eBook.

You can purchase your own copy of SnowFlakes Over Holly Cove HERE

Synopsis:

As the snowflakes start to fall, Holly Cove welcomes a new tenant to the beautiful old cottage on the beach…

For lifestyle magazine journalist Tia Armstrong, relationships, as well as Christmas, have lost all their magic. Yet Tia is up against a Christmas deadline for her latest article ‘Love is, actually, all around…’

So, Tia heads to Holly Cove where the restorative sea air and rugged stranger, Nic, slowly but surely start mending her broken heart.

Tia didn’t expect a white Christmas, and she certainly never dared dream that all her Christmas wishes might just come true…

Set in Caswell Bay on the stunningly beautiful Gower Coast, the cottage nestles amid the limestone cliffs and the woodlands, where the emotions run as turbulently as the wind-swept sea.

As cosy as a marshmallow-topped mug of cocoa, fall in love with a heart-warming festive story from the bestselling author of The French Adventure.

My Thoughts:

Tia is a lifestyle journalist for “Love A Happy Ending” magazine. She has been struggling emotionally following the recent death of her mum. Tia’s boss Clarissa is concerned for and decides that Tia’s next assignment can be done at a little cottage at Holly Cove. A picturesque setting on the Gower coast in Wales was just the thing Tia needed.

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I absolutely loved this book. It is a beautiful story of relationships within families as well as finding love. This theme is something that is mirrored in Tia’s assignment as she is tasked with writing articles about how couples and families celebrate Christmas and the New Year. As she is working for a magazine the articles are written months in advance, so there is a span between the assignment and Christmas.

This will be Tia’s first Christmas with her Mum and she knows it will be hard. Tia has a brother and is they have just been getting back to familiar ground after a disagreement left them not speaking for a few years. Christmas is a time for family and being together, not everyone is able to do this for various reasons.

While at the cottage Tia meets Nic, and does he have the weight of the world on his shoulders. He initially comes across as moody, but actually, he and Tia seem to have a few similarities. As he divulges little snippets about his life and how he is reluctant to trust people, she can see that she also has the same issue. Then there is Max, an ex-serviceman who has decided that a simple life is the way to go. The mother hen of this little group is Olwen fussing and keeping an eye on everyone is what she does best.

This is a fabulously addictive book that looks at families and relationships and the challenges that can appear. Allegations can be made and they can cause rifts, sometimes a moment to see another person’s perspective or just to listen to the other side of an argument is a way to understand the whole story.

With its wonderful setting descriptions of cottages, rugged beaches and a wonderful cast of characters bring some great imagery and a feeling of warmth. The characters are wonderful and I got the chance to see the different sides to certain individuals.

This is a book I could have happily read in one sitting and is an author I am definitely going to be reading again.

I adored this book from the start and although it came to a natural ending that felt complete, I couldn’t help feeling a little sad that I had actually turned the last page. A story that would appeal to readers who like to delve into family life, relationships, misunderstandings, and romance and is a really wonderful festive uplifting read and one I would highly recommend.

About the Author:

From interior designer to author, Linn B. Halton – who also writes under the pen name of Lucy Coleman – says ‘it’s been a fantastic journey!’

Linn is the bestselling author of more than a dozen novels and is excited to be writing for both Aria Fiction (Head of Zeus) and Harper Impulse (Harper Collins); she’s represented by Sara Keane of the Keane Kataria Literary Agency.

When she’s not writing, or spending time with the family, she’s either upcycling furniture or working in the garden.

Linn won the 2013 UK Festival of Romance: Innovation in Romantic Fiction award; her novels have been short-listed in the UK’s Festival of Romance and the eFestival of Words Book Awards.

Living in Coed Duon in the Welsh Valleys with her ‘rock’, Lawrence, and gorgeous Bengal cat Ziggy, she freely admits she’s an eternal romantic.

Linn is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and writes feel-good, uplifting novels about life, love and relationships.

Follow the author on

Facebook – Twitter for Lucy Coleman – Twitter for Linn B Halton

Giveaway

Giveaway – Win a signed paperback of A Cottage in the Country and a rustic wooden heart decoration (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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