Tag Archives: romantic comedy

Jera’s Jamboree review : The Christmas Bake-Off by Abby Clements

bakeoffThe Christmas Bake-Off by Abby Clements

Format: Kindle Edition

File Size: 258 KB

Print Length: 25 pages

Publisher: Quercus (19 Nov 2012)

Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.

Language: English

ASIN: B009P1WFDK

A fun and festive short story from Abby Clements.

With Christmas just around the corner, the residents of Skipley village are gearing up for the annual bake off, and tensions are high.

Winning means a lot to everyone involved – talented cake-shop owner Katie dreams of baking stardom, Rachel wants to prove she’s more than a stay-at-home mum, and John hopes his culinary skills will impress the woman he loves.

But when the judges discover that some cakes have been tampered with, the villagers’ loyalties are called into question – whose ambition would stretch to sabotage, and why?

The Christmas Bake-Off is an exclusive taster from the author of Meet Me Under the Mistletoe. This ebook edition also includes bonus recipes for cinnamon cookies and vanilla and almond biscuits.

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We start our window into Skipley village life on Saturday 23rd December at 4.15pm.  The tasting begins at the bake-off when the discovery of sabotage silences everyone in the village hall.

Then we look backwards to the previous evening, spending time with Katie (the owner of the bakery), Rachel, Bea and John as they prepare their tasty treats.  We discover their reasons for entering (not all competitive!).

Back at the village hall on Saturday 23rd, everything comes together, including the start of a relationship.

At the end of the short story is a couple of recipes.

The Christmas Bake-Off is a sweet and short festive tale that gives the reader a brief introduction into what awaits us from between the pages of Abby Clements Meet Me Under the Mistletoe.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this debut author and think releasing this taster is a brilliant idea to whet our appetites.  This is a short story in it’s own right but it’s made me want to find out more about the characters and the world they live in!

The Christmas Bake-Off is FREE on Kindle.  What are you waiting for?

meetmemistletoe

Meet me Under the Mistletoe

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Quercus (25 Oct 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1780876629
ISBN-13: 978-1780876627

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 445 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Quercus (25 Oct 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language: English
ASIN: B0089XLDGK

Childhood friends Laurie and Rachel’s lives have taken very different paths since they picked up their A-level results together. Laurie is living in London and dedicated to her career, keeping track of her friends on Facebook. Rachel is seemingly living the family idyll in a cottage in Yorkshire – except she worries her marriage is starting to show cracks. When Rachel’s mother in law falls ill and needs treatment in London, and Laurie decides she needs to get away for a break, a house swap falls into place. Soon Rachel is braving the mean streets of London while trying to keep her family together, while Laurie tries to figure out how to work an Aga and befriend the locals – and forget the man who seems intent on breaking her heart. Will their relationships survive this test? And will they make it home in time for Christmas?

Jera’s Jamboree review : From Notting Hill to New York … Actually by Ali McNamara

Paperback: 448 pages

Publisher: Sphere  (22 Nov 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 075154745X

ISBN-13: 978-0751547450

 

Scarlett O’Brien, utterly addicted to romantic films, has found her leading man. She’s convinced Sean is Mr Right, but the day-to-day reality of a relationship isn’t quite like the movies. With Sean constantly away on business, Scarlett and her new best friend Oscar decide to head to New York for the holiday of a lifetime.

From one famous landmark to the next, Scarlett and Oscar make many new friends during their adventure – including sailors in town for Fleet Week, a famous film star, and Jamie & Max, a TV reporter and cameraman. Scarlett finds herself strangely drawn to Jamie, they appear to have much in common: a love of films and Jamie’s search for a parent he never knew. But Scarlett has to ask herself why she is reacting like this to another man when she’s so in love with Sean . . . 

From Notting Hill to New York … Actually continues Scarlett’s adventures.  I thoroughly enjoyed her escapades in From Notting Hill with Love … Actually (you can read my review here) and couldn’t wait to read about Scarlett’s new adventures.

The story opens with Scarlett and Sean at home in Notting Hill.  Sean’s had man flu and been at home.  We’re brought up to date with their lives.  Scarlett’s father has set up a New York branch of their business.

Straight away we’re into the fun that Scarlett seems to attract. Off to the gym with best friend Oscar, they have to stop off at the TV studios.  Scarlett is mistaken for the new fitness expert for a morning show – this is hilarious.  The visuals had me in stitches!  After she’s been kicked off the show and evicted from the building, in the taxi Oscar tells her the incident reminded him of the ‘old Scarlett’ and he poses a question that makes her think about her relationship with Sean.  From this we intuit that life may not be quite as she expected …

Oscar wants to take a jacket to be assessed on the Antiques Roadshow so Scarlett decides to take a dragonfly brooch that belongs to her father.  It doesn’t get valued and because of the mystery surrounding it, Sean tells Scarlett to go to New York to see her father … and with Oscar accompanying her, the adventure begins!

There is so much action packed into their time in New York as Scarlett tries to find out more about the brooch.  Having used it for a good deed, when the truth is found out, there’s another hunt to try and find the new owner.  At one point, Sean acts on information he’s been given and decides to surprise her.  He finds her in her hotel room in what could be considered a compromising position – this scene had me laughing and I’m still smiling now in remembrance!

Once again family is central to the plot.  Having felt like a piece was missing when she didn’t know who her mother was, Scarlett develops a passion for reuniting families.  Her time spent in the children’s home is very poignant.  While I’m on the subject of families, I loved Scarlett and Oscar’s visit to Ellis Island.  Genealogy is a passion of mine and I could identify with how Oscar was feeling.

McNamara’s writing style carries you along and the characters draw you into the plot.  The characters are vibrant and alive and Oscar’s character follows through … he is still as entertaining as he was on Scarlett’s first escapades.

I can’t end my review without mentioning the treasure hunt.  This is a fabulous idea and crafted so well that I felt as if I was also on the hunt, going from movie clue to movie clue and meeting each clue holder as I went along.  It’s such a unique way to present this age-old ritual … so romantic!

From Notting Hill to New York … Actually is a chick lit novel I have no hesitation in recommending.  There’s a lot more to the story than the romance and you will certainly be entertained … and it has the feel-good factor.

Buy it and spread the word

I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

From Notting Hill with Love … Actually on Amazon

From Notting Hill to New York … Actually on Amazon

You can find out more about Ali McNamara by visiting her website.  You can also find her on Twitter and connect on her author Facebook page.

 

 

Jera’s Jamboree : Guest Author Carole Matthews

Today, as part of the blog tour to celebrate the release of With Love at Christmas, I have great pleasure in welcoming Carole Matthews to Jera’s Jamboree.

Carole is sharing with readers how she is a convert to all things Christmas.

I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday

 ‘I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday!’ So sang Roy Wood of Wizzard and thus earned himself a nice little pension for the foreseeable future. It used to drive me nuts that the Christmas songs would start playing in the shops somewhere around the middle of August, that the aisles of Tesco would fill with mince pies from July onwards. I was about as ‘bah humbug’ as it got and always used to say that I’d be happy if Christmas was only once every five years. Once a year was far too often.

Then, two years ago, at the behest of my new publisher, Little, Brown, I started to write Christmas themed books. As I write two books a year, they thought it would be a cunning plan to write one summery book and one Christmassy one. Who was I to argue? I didn’t point out to them that I wasn’t exactly the biggest fan of Christmas.

So started my quest to embrace the Christmas spirit. My first Christmas book, Wrapped up in You, was written during the summer months. Despite that, the minute I put pen to paper (or, more accurately, finger to keyboard) my mince pie craving kicked in immediately. For the first time, I was immensely relieved that Mr Kipling bakes mince pies in July! I couldn’t wait for Christmas to come round so that I could see my book on the shelves. I was maddened that some shops were as tardy as October when they started to gear up for Christmas!

With my second book, With Love at Christmas, my festive gene has gone into overdrive. I’m as much as a Christmas addict now as my heroine, Juliet Joyce. Our house is already full of sparkly and spangly things. I’m having not one, but two trees this year! All my decorations are bought. As are my cards and wrapping paper. I’m eyeing up the festive foods in supermarkets. I’d have the tree up already, but Lovely Kev is stubbornly refusing to start Christmas until it is…er…well… Christmas!

You might not want to go as far as writing a Christmas-themed book to get you in the mood for Christmas nice and early, but I’d highly recommend that you read them!

      Happy Christmas everyone! Erm, maybe that is a bit too early.

Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Sphere (25 Oct 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0751545481
ISBN-13: 978-0751545487

Can the imperfect family really have the perfect Christmas?

Juliet Joyce adores Christmas. She loves the presents, the tree, the turkey, the tinsel, everything. Already the festive spirit is upon her, which is just as well as this Christmas things are starting to get out of hand.

Her son Tom is out of work and bringing home a slew of unsuitable partners; pregnant daughter Chloe and her little boy have moved back in; Juliet’s father, Frank, is getting over a heartbreak of his own and Rita, her eccentric mother, is behaving more erratically each day. And has the chaos got too much for Juliet’s husband Rick?

With the big day fast approaching, Juliet hopes that she can stop everything spiralling out of control, because the only thing she wants is her family all around her and her home to be filled

WITH LOVE AT CHRISTMAS.

I was fortunate to meet Carole recently at the Sherborne Literary Festival and was not disappointed.  She is an inspiring lady.

You can keep up to date with Carole’s news on her website (sign up for her newsletter for offers and competitions too), follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

Talking Voodoo Spells with @JaniceHorton : Book Launch #lahe

Today I’m welcoming author Janice Horton to Jera’s Jamboree as part of her blog tour to celebrate the release of How Do You Voodoo? (you can read my review here).

Photo courtesy of author

Janice Horton lives in Scotland and writes contemporary romance with humour. Her novels Bagpipes & Bullshot and Reaching for the Stars (you can read my review here) are both Amazon Kindle bestsellers. Her latest title How Do You Voodoo? is a romantic novella for Halloween and is out now for Kindle!

Fitting in perfectly with a theme in How Do You Voodoo? Janice has concocted the following spell for my readers …

Talking Voodoo Spells with Janice Horton

Janice says: There is a lot of pressure on us women these days, to maintain our perky youthful looks into middle age. TV commercials show twenty-something’s with baby skin, demonstrating ‘stay-young-looking creams’ while in magazines, we are bombarded with ads for ‘youthfulness’ serums and potions that come with a serious price tag and a fancy bottle.

Well, I don’t hold with any of it. I’m convinced that if you want to stay forever youthful, you need only three things:

1)      A sense of humour.

2)      A perspective on life.

3)      A magic spell.

Item 1. If you laugh a lot, it goes without saying that you’ll produce laughter lines – but hey, have you seen the alternative – frown lines…? See item 3.

Item 2. Maintaining perspective is all about remembering what’s important in your life and giving it priority – this can be totally exhausting! See item 3.

Item 3. No girl should be without her voodoo spell for youthfulness.

The Forever Youthful Voodoo Spell

You will need: a quiet private space, a candle, a photo of your younger self and a fresh rose.

Method:

Light a candle in your quiet space and sit staring at it. If you can sit in the lotus position, all the better, otherwise just cross your legs.

Contemplate the meaning of age and youth so you can rid yourself of preconceptions.

Do some deep breathing. Imagine a white light surrounding the space that will keep you safe for the duration of the spell.

Close your eyes and say out loud the words that you associate with aging; for instance: “wrinkles, brown spots, stiff joints, hair loss, hot sweats and areas of dryness”.

Open your eyes and stare into the flame. Imagine its energy surrounding you. Say: “I banish [the words you've associated with aging].” Then say: “I invite [and say all the words you associate with youth - like smooth skin, thick glossy hair, supple joints and a rampant libido.]“

Repeat these two sentences. Build strong feelings inside you. Allow yourself to feel the symptoms of aging being expelled from your body.

Spend some time in quiet meditation. Feel the positive youthful energy replacing the banished negativity you associate with aging from your psyche.

Then pick up the rose and pick off its petals one by one. Cover the picture of your younger self with the rose petals. Feel the beauty of youth fill you. Blow out the candle.

That’s it! And, wow, you really do look fabulous!!

Thank you Janice!  I think this really will work :)

Loveless fashion model Nola Nichols thinks being beautiful is a curse; that is until she is cursed and her looks begin to fade just a week before the most important photo shoot of her career.

Nola rejects all rational explanation on what might be causing her lost looks and decides she has to find a way to get uncursed. This imaginative quest takes her from the Caribbean to Glasgow’s own City of the Dead. Along the way, she finds herself taking part in a rather unconventional funeral, involved in a voodoo ritual, reveals one or two unrests in her own past and falls madly in love with a doctor. Erm, that would be a witch doctor, right…?

Find out more about Janice and her novels:

Author Blog: http://www.janicehortonwriter.blogspot.co.uk
Follow her on Twitter: @JaniceHorton
Like her Author Facebook Page
Featured Author & Associate Editor at: Loveahappyending.com

Link to her ebooks on Amazon.co.uk

Link to her ebooks on Amazon.com

Event 6 Sherborne Literary Festival

Advert in Sherborne’s Tourist Information

I’m really glad I caught Carole Matthew’s Facebook status on Tuesday last week:

“Am at Sherborne Literary Festival on Saturday 20 Oct at 10am. Anyone coming to play? Don’t want to be Matthews No Mates… C : ) xx “

Sherborne is only an hours drive away from where I live and I had recently been moaning that I was too far away from author events … so when Peds came home from work, I broached the subject of attending Carole’s event, expecting a negative response such as “I’ve got too much to do on Saturday.” When he just said one word, yes, I looked at him in disbelief … and had to question his response!  Wednesday I contacted Sherborne’s Tourist Information and was given excellent service from Janet.  The tickets were going to be available for us to collect at the event and Janet even emailed me two maps.  Everything was easy!

We do like Sherborne, having been a favourite place of ours to visit before the boys were born and decided we would make a day of it.  Not only would I get to see one of my favourite authors but we were going to have a ‘play day’ too :)

We were late setting off on Saturday morning (Peds having overslept!) but with minimum local traffic I felt quite confident that we would make it on time.  We chose to drive on the winding A roads as it’s such a gorgeous route through villages and countryside.

Pockets of mist

We passed through atmospheric pockets of mist and some stunning autumnal colours – setting the scene for our ‘play date.’

Gorgeous autumnal colours

We made it with 10 minutes to spare … and as soon as we entered the Catholic Church hall, Carole caught my eye and smiled.  When she realised who I was she waved me over so even before my coat was off I was embraced in a very welcoming hug and we were straight into a conversation.

Not sure what we were talking about at this precise moment!

As Carole and I chatted, Peds had no chance to feel left out as Lovely Kev kept him company.  Carole told me that Laura – one of The Romaniacs (a great writing group who are very supportive of each other) was also there (Laura must have been more organised than us as she had a front row seat!) so we also said hi.

The audience settling just before the event began

The organiser introduced Carole and from then we were all totally focussed on her as she shared with us her publication journey.  Despite the different age groups attending, all the audience were entranced as Carole hooked us in – not only with her array of jobs before writing, the lucky breaks she’s had in her publishing journey, her brief sojourn in Hollywood and on live American TV but also the way she presented the information.  Carole’s humour and anecdotes had us tittering and several times, full blown laughter.  Yes, even Peds was laughing too!

Carole then shared the synopsis and entertained us with an excerpt from her new novel With Love at Christmas.  Entertained we most definitely were with an intimate scene that was laden with humour.  Peds and I looked at each other sharing silently that the scene was something that could easily happen to us …

Carole sharing the synopsis of With Love at Christmas

Finishing up with a Q & A session we found out that Carole’s best subject at school was English but she hadn’t written anything from leaving school until she entered a short story competition quite a few years later.  I was intrigued to learn that while Carole was an aromatherapist by day, from 9pm until midnight each day she tied herself to her desk so that chores wouldn’t distract her from writing … that’s what you call dedication!

After the event I made the most of the opportunity by asking Carole to sign my copy of  With Love at Christmas and also a copy I’d purchased for a giveaway on my blog (giveaway will be live soon).

Sorry, cheesy grin time!

After Carole’s event, I was hoping to spend some time with Laura but she was a little busy at first as you can see …

Yum, chocolate tasting (Peds took this, NOT me!)

But we did get time to chat and for a photo.  It was fab to meet her and her daughter.

Fab to meet Laura (and her daughter) from The Romaniacs writing group

As an aside, I also bumped into an ex line manager from my admin days in Poole Borough Council (13 years ago!)  His wife is a writer and they’d booked to attend events at the festival.  Definitely a small world!

Carole is as warm and approachable in person as she is on Twitter and Facebook and I’m honoured to have spent a little bit of time with her.  If possible, I’m an even bigger fan that I was before.  It’s been the best Saturday morning I’ve had in a long time … thanks Carole x

An experience to remember

Jera’s Jamboree: Guest author Sheryl Browne

Today on Jera’s Jamboree I would like to welcome PC Paul Davis.  Paul is one of the lead characters in Sheryl Browne’s novel, Warrant for Love.

Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: Safkhet Publishing LLP (1 Aug 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1908208120
ISBN-13: 978-1908208125

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 819 KB
Print Length: 240 pages
Publisher: Safkhet Soul (24 Jun 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
Language: English
ASIN: B008EKT7ZM

Leanne Curtis has shared more than her heart and her home with her womanising man. She’s shared her pin number. The scales are peeled painfully from her eyes when she spots female footprints on the inside windscreen of his car. Devastated, Leanne storms off into the night. He wasn’t going to pay her back when he sold his flat, his bolthole, his shag-pad, probably, the absolute…! Shivering on a street corner, Leanne comes up with a survival plan. She’s no choice. If she’s to keep her son in PS3s, Leanne needs a lodger.

Brought up in care, Police Constable Paul Davis doesn’t communicate well. On duty, he’s gloomily contemplating his impending divorce. His wife sleeping with his sergeant is not helping his morose mood. His sergeant has a history, and Paul needs to find somewhere decent to live in order to gain custody of his son, fast. And to keep his job. Wrongfully arresting Leanne Curtis for soliciting, he muses, whilst avoiding five-star-freezer looks from her friends, might not be the best way to do it.

Could fate have brought them together, though? Leanne needs a respectable lodger. Paul needs a home. One thing leads to another, and Paul can’t quite believe his luck. When a blackmail plot ~ cooked up by Leanne’s friends ~ threatens their budding relationship, however, is Paul compelled to uphold the law? Or will he risk everything to make sure Leanne’s abusive ex gets his comeuppance?

Warrant for Love is not your typical rom-com where only one gal gets the guy — Sheryl Browne brings together three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly. With a focus on romance with police officers, Warrant for Love appeals to all readers who love our boys in blue. Complex yet everyday relationship problems makes this read appropriate for young adults and older teens.

I was fortunate enough to get Paul to sit on my hot seat recently … Shaz’ Stars with a twist …

 

Hi Paul. Come on in – and don’t look so nervous, I don’t eat policemen for lunch. I pat the sofa next to me. Sit. Take off your jacket, make yourself comfy and we’ll get straight down to business.

Paul seats himself nervously on the sofa, loosens his tie and glances worriedly at me.

Me: I’m quite into astrology.

I clarify what business I want to get down to, before he makes a bolt for the door.

Paul *relieved*: Ahh. Not psychology then? It’s just, when Leanne said you wanted to do an interview around character traits, I thought it was going to be a psychoanalysis kind of thing, and I, er…

Me: …had enough of that when you were in care as child, yes, I know. Well, worry no more. I pat his knee. He looks even more worriedly me at me. It’s not a psychoanalysis session. Although, thinking about it, I suppose we will be interpreting certain behaviours.

Paul *alarmed*: We will?

Me: Relax, it’s painless. Which brings me to my first question: A typical Leo will dislike safety. Do you play by the rules, Paul? Or would you say you like to take risks?

Paul *suspiciously*: Sorry? 

Me: In relationships, for instance. Are you the sort of person who might feel stifled in a long-term, albeit secure, relationship, do you think? Ergo, tempted to search for a little excitement? 

Paul *a bit panicky now*:  No. Uh-uh, absolutely not. 

Me: So you’d never cheat on a woman.

 

Paul: No. 

Me: Never?

Paul *gulping*: I, er… Yes.  I did. Once. 

For the record, Paul is now looking extremely uncomfortable. I’m looking at him as if he’s just quoted the oldest cliché in the book.

Me: So, despite having everything you ever craved as a child: a family, a home, you risked it all for…

Paul: A one night stand. Paul stands. I know.  I think I should go.

Me: Leo’s also love drama, of course.

I stop him in his tracks. Paul sighs and turns back.

Paul: It was more complicated than that. Much more complicated. Things  were…  Look, if you want the detail, read the book, yes? It was stupid.  Unforgivable.  I hurt my wife, I know I did; as much as it’s possible for a man to hurt a woman, but it was…

Shamefaced, he drops his gaze to the floor. I swallow a little lump in my throat.

Me: Complicated. Yes, I know. I have read the book, Paul. I’m not judging. Come back and sit down. Promise not to stray too far onto personal territory again. Deal?

Paul: Just so you know, what I do have a ‘dislike’ for is counselling. I’m doing this for Leanne. 

He comes reluctantly back to my counselling couch.

Me: Whom you disregarded your own safety for.

Paul *rakes a hand agitatedly through hair*: Here we go again.

Me: Well, you did. You fought her horrible ex, physically escorted him out of Leanne’s life. And this was after you’d been shot!

Paul: He’s an abusive idiot, with no respect for women.

Me: You fought your Sergeant, too; in honour of Leanne’s reputation and in defence of your ex-wife, as I recall.

Paul: Him too.

Me: Right, next question.  I move swiftly on, as Paul looks even more uncomfortable.

Paul *mumbling*: Accusation, more like.

Me: Tell us a little more about your work. How on earth did you manage to get yourself shot?

Paul *despairingly* I was feeling a bit bored, so I thought, I know what I can do for a bit of a thrill, I’ll go out and get myself…

Me: I’m sorry. I didn’t phrase that very well. What I meant was…

Paul: For your information, I got myself shot while pushing my partner out of line of fire.

Me: Precisely.  From which I think we can surmise you do have a certain disregard for your own safety.

Paul pulls in a terse breath.

Me *hastily*: …preferring to protect others.

Paul *shrugging* Protect and serve is what I do. It’s why I’m a policeman.

Me: Exactly.  And wherever there’s drama, there’s usually a policeman, protecting and serving, and shining in the spotlight, yes?

Paul *less defensively*:  I suppose.

Me: Not accusations, Paul. Just observations.  I offer him a smile. His mouth twitches into a small smile back, thank goodness. Right, onward. Leonine people set themselves high standards. Do you think you do Paul? Set yourself high standards?

Paul: I guess. I like to be as good at my job as I can be. Though I wasn’t very good at it for a while, I admit. My partner almost washed his hands of me. Can’t say I blame him.  I was, er…

Me: Depressed after your divorce.  It is allowed.

Paul: And drinking too much. Not allowed, not when you go on duty the next morning still half-cut.

Me: No.  I pause, sensing this is very sensitive ground.

Paul *composing himself*: I wanted to be the best father I could be.

Me: Knowing what it’s like to have the worst kind?

Paul: Yeah… He rakes his hand through his hair. Failed miserably there, didn’t I? Gave the kid about as stable an environment as I had.

 Me: Lots of couples get divorced, Paul. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad father. I’ve read the book, remember? I know how much you loved your son.  Enough to give up fighting for custody so that he could have the one constant in his life he couldn’t live without: his mother?

 

Paul nods – and swallows.

 

Me: Sometimes, Leos set their standards too high, you know.  Not surprisingly, they rarely reach the goals they set themselves. Then again, I try to end on a positive note, as the door squeaks open behind him, you reached your goal where Leanne was concerned, determined to set the record straight and prove you were worth another chance?

Paul *pleased*: I did, didn’t I? I thought she was way out of my league. Uh, oh, he hasn’t noticed Leanne has slipped in. I hope he doesn’t put his foot in it. Far too good to go out with the clumsy copper who arrested her.

Me: For soliciting.

Paul: Ahem… Yes.

Me: And she forgave you??

Paul: Yeah… His mouth curves into a slow smile, and, boy, I can see why Leanne is smitten. She’s a special woman. 

Me: Last question, you’ll be relieved to know. Paul looks hugely relieved.  Leo’s have high aspirations and tend to be idealistic when it comes to romance.  Do you think Leanne will fulfil those…

Paul *adamant*: Absolutely. She confounds me, confuses the hell of out me sometimes… She loves me.

Paul laughs incredulously.  Leanne, meanwhile, is beaming like a Cheshire cat behind him.

She completes me. I couldn’t do it without her. I wouldn’t want to, end of.

Me: Right, well… I think I’ll just, um…  I gather up my notes and make a discreet exit while Leanne all but throws herself over the sofa – intent of fulfilling Paul’s aspirations, I glean.

I hope you enjoyed the interview.  Paul was a very interesting Leo don’t you think?

Warrant for Love is now available on paperback and Kindle from Amazon UK, Amazon, any local bookstore, or direct from Safkhet Publishing.

You can find out more about Sheryl Browne by visiting her website.  You can also connect with her on Facebook  and Twitter.  Sheryl is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and is an Editor and Featured Author with Loveahappyending.

Jera’s Jamboree review: Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe? by Hazel Osmond

Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe? By Hazel Osmond

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Quercus (21 April 2011)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1849164185

ISBN-13: 978-1849164184

Shortlisted for the Romantic Comedy of the Year 2012, by the Romantic Novelists Association of the UK.

Ellie Somerset is a great advertising copywriter going nowhere fast – a boyfriend who is always at work, a tendency to dress like a short-sighted bag lady and a Creative Director who rejects her fresh ideas – they all conspire to keep her just treading water. Even her Great Aunt Edith, a demon at filthy scrabble, has a better social life than she does. All that changes when Jack Wolfe becomes her boss. Whilst everyone else at the agency thinks he’s Heathcliff in jeans, Ellie just sees a stalking, scowling Alpha male with a nasty redundancy plan up his sleeve. As Jack makes it his mission to smarten up Ellie’s attitude and her appearance, it’s time for her to prove herself. But that means getting closer to this very sexy, very wicked man, and as she does Ellie discovers that this particular Heathcliff has an awful lot to hide.

 

The story opens with Ellie and work partner Lesley pitching an out-of-the-box idea to dull Account Excecutive Hugo.  Their head of department Gavin is away and so Jack Wolfe will be choosing which pitch goes through to the client.  The scene is set for the background of Ellie’s career.

The reader is then introduced to how life is at home with boyfriend Sam.  Sam is busy with his German clients and their paths hardly ever seem to cross at home.  We learn how they met and where they are now.

Ellie discovers boyfriend Sam in a situation that changes her whole life – it makes her question lots of things.

Ellie’s first encounter with Jack Wolfe away from work takes place in Cavello’s while she is waiting for her food order to take away. Despite the embarrassment of the situation, I enjoyed Ellie’s antagonism and thought she carried it off with poise!

While Jack is goading Ellie at work to grow into her potential, their growing attraction is palpable.  Their dance of emotions has a barrier that seems insurmountable! We know that Jack has something in his past that makes him cold and unemotional but we don’t find out what that is for a long time.

Written in the third person, this enables the reader to identify with all the characters.  (For me the characters were very real and their lives became mine … when I’m emotionally involved in the story it’s very hard to stand back and be objective!)

We are able to go beneath the mask Jack presents to the world while we journey with him and his thoughts and feelings.  There is only one point where I disliked him intensely but the rest of the time, the reader can see his actions have a reason!

I have to mention Ellie’s great Aunt Edith … she is such a fun and eccentric character and I really enjoyed the bond they had. I admired her for wanting to keep the zest and fire in her life despite her age.

If you read my reviews you will know how much I enjoy watching a character grow and Ellie is no exception.  In the beginning we find her just cruising through her life, only skimming the surface. As the story progresses we get to see her  become confident in her abilities in her career as well as her personal life.

Even though I’ve read a lot of books in this genre with a similar plot (mutual attraction denied, then succumb, then the break away etc) the way the author crafts this story gave it a fresh feeling to me.  The story is fast paced, humorous, engaging and takes the reader to the highs and the lows.  I’ve laughed and cried and yes, lusted after Mr Wolfe myself :)  I was sad when the story came to an end – I just wanted it to carry on!

Buy it but be loathe to share your copy ... it's a keeper!

I won my signed copy of Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe? on Amanda’s Countdown to Christmas feature on her blog (Highly recommend you follow her reviews if you don’t already on One More Page )  Thanks Amanda for introducing me to a new author!

I noticed the author has a book due to be published on 21 June 2012 The First Time I Saw Your Face … it’s on my wishlist!

You can find out more about the author on her website.  She also tweets and has an author page on Facebook .

Jera’s Jamboree Book Review: I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella


US:

Publisher:  Random House Publishing Group

Imprint: The Dial Press

Pub Date: February 14, 2012

ISBN:  9780385342063

UK:
Hardcover: 384 pages

  • Publisher: Bantam Press (16 Feb 2012)
  • ISBN-10: 0593059816
  • ISBN-13: 978-0593059814
  • Product Dimensions: 24.1 x 16.1 x 3.4 cm
  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 685 KB
  • Print Length: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Transworld Digital (16 Feb 2012)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B0064BWE8U

I’ve lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn’t supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It’s been in Magnus’s family for three generations. And now the very same day his parents are coming, I’ve lost it. The very same day! Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive :) !!

Poppy Wyatt has never felt luckier. She is about to marry her ideal man, Magnus Tavish, but in one afternoon her “happily ever after” begins to fall apart. Not only has she lost her engagement ring in a hotel fire drill but in the panic that follows, her phone is stolen. As she paces shakily around the lobby, she spots an abandoned phone in a trash can. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number for the hotel to contact her when they find her ring. Perfect!

Well, perfect except that the phone’s owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn’t agree. He wants his phone back and doesn’t appreciate Poppy reading his messages and wading into his personal life.

What ensues is a hilarious and unpredictable turn of events as Poppy and Sam increasingly upend each other’s lives through emails and text messages. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, mysterious phone calls, and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents . . . she soon realizes that she is in for the biggest surprise of her life.

The first book I read on my new Kindle in January 2010 was Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella.  Laughed out loud and loved it.  I’ve seen the movie ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ … again loved it and have Shopaholic Abroad on my bookshelf to read.  I’ve also read and loved The Undomestic Goddess. When I saw I’ve Got Your Number on Netgalley there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to request approval to read another Sophie Kinsella!  This author is loved by many for a reason – and I’ve Got Your Number doesn’t disappoint.  Along with many other people, I find Kinsella’s writing style so easy to read and get swept along in the world she creates.

How creative to weave a story around a mobile phone found in a bin!  The first phone call on the mobile is answered by Poppy pretending to be the voicemail.  She notes down the cryptic message.  The second call she answers is from Sam Roxton who is looking for his PA.  The ensuing request and Poppy’s interpretation gave me my first belly laugh –hilarious!  Poppy needs to keep the mobile because she has given everyone (including the hotel staff in case they find the heirloom ring) the number.  She offers to forward Sam Roxton’s emails and texts and in the process of doing this, can’t help but start reading them and she draws her own conclusions about his personality.  I’ve Got Your Number shows how much easier it is to say things by text that you would never have the nerve to do face-to-face but also how easily some things can be misinterpreted!

Fiancé Magnus and his family are highbrow and published authors of academic papers.  Poppy is a physiotherapist and feels inferior.  They inhabit different worlds and Poppy’s attempts at trying to belong are hilarious.  The faux pas brings to mind ‘Pretty Woman’.  At the first dinner party on Magnus’ parents return, I loved the following in response to the conversation that is taking place around her:

“… and I’m the flute.  And I do have a tune, and I’d quite like to play it, but there’s no conductor to bring me in …”

There’s another belly laugh moment after they’ve eaten which really did have me roaring.

It’s only ten days until their wedding … and a lot happens in those ten days.

All the characters are brilliant besides the leads. Magnus’ family, Poppy’s fellow physiotherapists where she works and Sam’s colleagues all bring colour and emotion to the story.

I’ve Got Your Number obviously has romance but it also takes us a bit deeper into the leads psyches.  There is also intrigue (and laughter) linked to the mobile phone.    This is chick lit that definitely gives that feel-good factor and it will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished reading.  Heart-warming, belly laughing, page turning and tear-making … I didn’t want to come to the end and was reluctant to pick up my Kindle for the last 10%.

No surprises at my rating!

Visit Sophie Kinella’s website to find out her news, a link to join her on Facebook and watch a sneak peek video.

I would like to thank the US publishers, Random House Publishing Group, for approving my Netgalley request.

Sophie Kinsella’s books on Amazon

Jera’s Jamboree reviews All the Single Ladies by Jane Costello

All the Single Ladies by Jane Costello

  • Hardcover: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd (2 Feb 2012)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0857206575
  • ISBN-13: 978-0857206572

Samantha Brooks’ boyfriend has made a mistake. One his friends, family, and Sam herself know he will live to regret. Jamie has announced he is leaving, out of the blue. He is loving, intelligent and, while he isn’t perfect, he’s perfect for her – in every way except one: he’s a free spirit. And after six years in one place, doing a job he despises, he is compelled to do something that will tear apart his relationship with Sam: book a one-way flight to South America. But Sam isn’t giving up without a fight. With Jamie still totally in love with her, and torn about whether to stay or go, she has three months to persuade him to do the right thing. With the help of her friends Ellie and Jen, she hatches a plan to make him realise what he’s giving up. A plan that involves dirty tricks, plotting and a single aim: to win him back. But by the time the tortured Jamie finally wakes up to what he’s lost, a gorgeous new pretender has entered Sam’s life. Which begs the question …does she still want him back?

Immediately the reader is introduced to Sam’s misery.  She’s on the roadside while the rescue service is repairing her car and is uncontrollably sobbing.  Jamie has dumped her and for the first time in six years she is alone.  The reader knows this is out of character for her because we are told she is usually unflappable, keeps her head and is unfazed by unpredictability.  Heartbreakingly we see the love they share conflicts with how Jamie wants to live his life.  He’s just as torn in two!

The first step of the plan that Ellie comes up with has some real laugh out loud moments.  When things aren’t working to bring Jamie back, Sam tries the on-line dating scene.  The guys she chooses and meets are quite interesting …

At first I thought Jamie was a really sweet guy but the more I got into the story the more my feelings changed negatively towards him. I thought that while Sam was in the relationship she put up with an awful lot – especially the selfishness.  Jamie seemed to be living a life of his own!  I also came to the conclusion that Sam wasn’t living for the person she was but the person she wanted to be to fit with Jamie – and Jamie made his own assumptions about her too.  In fact I came to the conclusion that Jamie was a bit of a wimp.  On the other hand, the other male lead, Ben, who Sam first meets at an event she is directing and later through the dating service … made me hold my stomach in as I was reading and I had butterflies alongside Sam!  Swoon.

There are sub-plots running alongside the romance. Best friends Jen and Ellie also have their own problems, as does Jamie’s best friend Luke (not all romantic problems).  Also we get to know Sam’s family – her mum and dad and sister Julia.  We also spend time with her at work in her role as Events Director.  I thought the author deals sensitively but realistically with adoption and alcoholism.

As you would expect from a modern chick lit, Facebook is also a part of Sam’s life.  I’m sure most people will identify with Facebook spying!

Narrated in the first person I identified with Sam.  The flow of the writing is impeccably timed which keeps you wanting to turn the pages.  Although I guessed the sub-plot outcomes I didn’t know which of the two male leads Sam would end up with. Of course I knew which one I preferred but the author cleverly keeps the reader guessing.

I have several favourite scenes for different reasons but the one that stays in my mind is with Sam standing on the bridge at Cressington Station.

“My breathing slows as I step back from the railings and gaze at the perfect winter blue above the horizon.  At the world beyond the station, beyond the decision.  I look up and think of all the people, all over the world, looking at this sky with a million tiny and monumental decisions to make, just like mine.”

The tension in not knowing what she would choose was unbearable and I had to force myself not to scan to the end of the chapter.  Her decision took me by surprise.

I adored the epilogue – it gave me just the ending I desired :)

All the Single Ladies is a chick lit that will thoroughly entertain you and engage your emotions.  I’ve had many laugh out loud moments alongside the frustration and sadness.  It certainly has that feel-good factor that we sometimes need to escape reality!

I am giving All the Single Ladies the following rating – it’s definitely a book to be re-read:

 

 

I would like to thank the publishers, Simon & Schuster for providing me with an uncorrected proof copy to review.

You can find out more about Jane Costello by visiting her website, or through her author Facebook page, or stay in touch through Twitter.

If you would like to buy your own copy please think about using the links below.  Any purchases will fund future giveaways on Jera’s Jamboree.

Amazon UK (click on the book jacket)

buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery

The Perfect Christmas by Georgie Carter

  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 520 KB
  • Print Length: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Avon (13 Oct 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
  • Language English
  • ASIN: B005IGZVDW

Synopsis from Amazon: 
All I want for Christmas isyou!  If you’re a wedding planner it’sbest not to have affairs with married men. This is one cardinal rule that Robynalways abides by. But then she meets Jonathan…After a delicious dalliance inthe dance studio, Robyn and Jonathan fall truly, madly, deeply in love.Jonathan justifies his actions because his wife is a workaholic, while Robynfinds the glamour – free from any mundane concerns – thrilling.  But then the pressure mounts up: the guilt;the lies; the strain of it all. With the festive season approaching, can Robynmake this the best holiday ever or will it be the nightmare before Christmas?This is the perfect winter read for fans of Milly Johnson and Kate Harrison.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Perfect Christmas starts off with a prologue – wefind out that Robyn is physically in the same place as last year on ChristmasDay but with very different emotions. We’re introduced to her friendship with best friend Faye … and a mysteriousmale that makes her nerve endings fizz!
I was hooked in by the prologue – who is this mysteriousman?  What is the story behind theobscure Christmas gift?
Then we go back eight months to April.  She meets ex-fiancée Pat again at a weddingshe’s planned through her business ‘Perfect Day’.  Robyn finds out information that wounds her but on the surface,is calm and in control. 
Robyn has a wish list of things to be done before Christmasand one of those things is to attend Swing dancing.  It is while trying to book at the Adult Education centre that shebumps into married Jonathan.  Theyrealise they’ve met previously at one of Faye’s dinner parties.  Catching up over coffee, they have so muchto say that time flies by.  Innocenttexts follow and soon they are meeting up and going out…
There is so much more to Robyn’s story though than heraffair with Jonathan.  Ex-fiancée Patand Jo are quite central characters throughout and arch-rival Hester in thewedding planning business who throws many stresses and strains her way when shepitches for an A-list celeb wedding and wins the contract.  There is plenty of romance at the fourweddings that we get to attend – with the final wedding played out against thebackdrop of Christmas Eve.
The Perfect Christmas is written in the first personso we get to know Robyn’s character really well.  All the characters are brilliant from Robyn’s mum through toDaisy (who is the child of  the A-listceleb).  There is plenty of humouralongside the introspection and sadness.  
Half-way through I made the connection as to who themysterious male figure in the prologue was. I was thinking about the story when it suddenly fell into place!
Easy to read with some beautiful figurative language, ThePerfect Christmas will take you away from your every-day life and whenyou’ve finished, you’ll have that glowing ‘feel-good factor.’  At only £0.99 on Kindle, I dare you toresist!
I am giving The Perfect Christmas the following fairyrating:



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