Month: Jan 2019

Posted in Cover Reveal

Cover Reveal – Return To Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale #coverreveal @emilyharvale @rararesources

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

return to lily pond lane cover reveal

Today I am delighted to be taking part in the cover reveal for Return to Lily Pond Lane by Emily Harvale. I absolutely love the colour theme for this beautiful book cover and already love the sound of this book!

Massive thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to take part.

Book Blurb

Life couldn’t be better for Mia and her friends in Little Pondale – until tragedy strikes…

Mia Ward is on cloud nine after a magical Christmas and New Year and she isn’t the only one. Everyone on Lily Pond Lane seems to be living in blissful harmony. Until tragedy strikes… not once, but twice. And as Hettie Turner points out: ‘Bad things always come in threes.’

Whilst the other residents of Little Pondale are wondering what might happen next, Mia is busy worrying about her friends and trying to help them with their grief. But she needs to be careful. Just when she thought she had everything, there’s a very real chance she might lose the only thing she truly wants.

return to lilypl final

Available to preorder on Amazon

 

About the Author

EPSON scanner image

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she now spends her days writing… and chatting on social media. Emily is a Member of the SoA, a PAN member of the RWA and a Pro Member of ALLi. She’s an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. Emily loves writing and her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.


Emily says, “I write about friendship, family and falling in love. I believe in happing endings.” When she isn’t writing, she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, or in a wine bar with friends, discussing life, love and the latest TV shows. Chocolate cake is often eaten. She dislikes housework almost as much as she dislikes anchovies – and will do anything to avoid both.

If you would like to stay upto date with Emily Harvale and her latest releases then please visit her on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

 

 

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Posted in Adult Fiction

Scott Family Short Stories Blog Tour by Amanda Paull #blogtour #scottfamilyshortstories @apaullfiction @rararesources

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

Today I am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for the Scott Family Short Stories by Amanda Paull

Let’s Dance (Book 1)

When Shona drags Laura along to dance classes as her latest keep fit fad, she doesn’t expect to enjoy the classes or find love.

I laughed throughout this story, I loved Laura’s slightly eccentric family and found myself remembering the horrors of when you first introduce your new boyfriend to your parents and want the ground to swallow you up.

Book Blurb

She’s helping out a friend. His dad’s hip’s gone. Could a farcical mix-up lead to love?

Ballroom dancing is the last thing Laura wants to try. But her best friend is desperate to meet a hip-swinging Adonis, so before she knows it, Laura is cha cha cha-ing in the back of the Dog and Duck with nerdy Ben. At least no one else need ever find out. No such luck. Her mother is armed with a social media page and dangerous. The shenanigans begin. What a pity Ben’s now looking rather dapper. Will he scarper? Or is Ben made of sterner stuff?
If you like innocent, laugh-out-loud family mayhem, you’ll love Let’s Dance, the first Scott Family.

Available to purchase from Amazon UK / US

A Christmas Day Kerfuffle (Book 2)

This is the second short story in this hilarious series, during the first story we were introduced to Laura, Ben and her comedy value family.

In this funny short story we are joining them on Christmas day where Laura is spending the day with her family and her new boyfriend. The antics are guaranteed to make you giggle and squirm as we all remember that feeling of when your new boyfriend first encounters your slightly bonkers family.

A read full of comedy gold that follows on from the first story or could also can be enjoyed as a standalone

Book Blurb

A blooming romance. A trapped poodle. Can their relationship survive the madness?

After a shaky start, Laura and Ben are now getting along great. So much so that Laura dares to invite him for a Christmas Day brunch with her family. As the good tidings commence, a horrifying discovery is made. Freddie, the family poodle, is trapped. Will the ensuing biblical scale mayhem sound the death knell for Laura and Ben’s budding romance? Or is he just a glutton for punishment?

If you enjoyed Let’s Dance, you’ll love A Christmas Day Kerfuffle, the second Scott Family Short Story, by Amanda Paull. Download it today to discover whether love prevails, and Freddie cooks.

Available to purchase on Amazon – UK / US

Other Retailers – https://www.books2read.com/u/boZqd1

Fenella’s Fabulous Fountain Fondue (Book 3)

A brilliant final instalment to these short stories, I was laughing from the offset when they were trying to choose an outfit for Fenella’s party

These stories are brilliant light hearted reads that will make you roll your eyes and giggle throughout.

Book Blurb

It’s the day of the party. Laura and Ben are in love. But could a posh marshmallow put the kibosh on their relationship?

They’ve survived Scott Family mayhem twice so far, and now Laura and Ben’s relationship is rock solid. They are having a wonderful time at the Grand Hotel, relaxing in the spa and putting the final touches to Ben’s mother’s 85th birthday party preparations. It’s all going to plan.

Fenella loves her party. The two families get along fabulously. It’s a marvellous do. What could possibly go wrong?

Download the third Scott Family Short Story today to discover whether the Scotts have a cheeky little surprise of their own for long-suffering Ben and Laura.

Available to purchase from Amazon UK / US

About the Author

Amanda Paull is a writer of humorous romantic fiction. She lives in the North East of England with her husband and works in the public sector. The inspiration for her stories comes from real life, which she tries to show the funnier side of by embellishing to the hilt.

Amanda’s Website: http://www.amandapaull.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Apaullfiction
Facebook: http://facebook.com/Apaullfiction

Posted in Adult Fiction

Oh What a Pavlova by Isabella May #bookreview #lovethesmellofabook @isabellamaybks

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

I love the food, drink and location themes that run through Isabella May’s books.

Daniel is a domineering husband who is a bully with increasingly violent tendencies and this story focuses on the split personality that Kate develops as a coping mechanism. I found this a brilliant book that holds an important message about the impacts of domestic abuse and the effects on your mental health as well as the physical marks that are left behind.

A book that takes you on a journey with Kate through the wonders of cake, I highly recommend this book and can see why it has been so popular with readers.

Book Blurb

Kate Clothier is leading a double life: a successful jet-setting businesswoman to the outside world, but behind closed doors, life with Daniel and his volcanic temper is anything but rosy.

Some days – heck, make that EVERY day – cake is her only salvation.

Slowly but surely, the cities she visits – and the men she meets – help her to realise there IS a better future.

And the ley lines of Glastonbury are certainly doing their best to impart their mystical wisdom…

But will she escape before it’s too late?

Available to buy on Amazon

Book Details

Total pages – 297

Published by Crooked Cat Books in 2017

Follow Isabella May on Twitter – @IsabellaMayBks

Visit her Facebook page – Isabella May

Posted in Audible, Autobiographies

My Thoughts Exactly by Lily Allen

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

I found this an honest and frank account of how Lily feels her life has unfolded so far. She discusses her childhood and how her feelings have clouded how she has thought of herself throughout her life so far.

I picked this up after hearing her discussing her book in an interview and chose to listen to this on audible as she was the narrator and I prefer autobiographies that are read by the author.

I was impressed with how she openly discusses her grief after losing her first child, the impact this then had on her marriage fuelling her self destructive nature. Drugs and alcohol has always featured in Lily’s life and she has memories from childhood from her parents and friends they would visit. She discusses her use of drugs and alcohol from a young age and how she wants to ensure her children are aware of her mistakes and hopefully learn from them as they grow up. She is working hard to provide a loving and stable home for them and is keen to be known for her successes and being a strong woman who can provide for her children.

I love to read an autobiography and really enjoyed this one and particularly enjoyed how Lily delivered the content and the style in which she approached writing.

Book Blurb

So, this is me. Lily Allen.
I am a woman.
I am a mother.
I was a wife.
I drink.
I have taken drugs.
I have loved and been let down.
I am a success and a failure.
I am a songwriter.
I am a singer.
I am all these things and more.

When women share their stories, loudly and clearly and honestly, things begin to change – for the better.
This is my story

Available to purchase on Amazon

Book Details

Published by Blink Publishing, September 2018

Total pages 368

Posted in Psychological Thriller

The Flower Girls by Alice Clark-Platts

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

I really enjoyed The Flower Girls and once I had read the first couple of chapters I was hooked and keen to keep reading.

Throughout this story I was kept on edge thinking surely not but the more you read the more you think it’s got to be her….or does it. The last few chapters take you on the final journey and you can feel the chill as this story ends and I had to keep reading as I couldn’t sleep until I knew what had happened.

A very enjoyable book, I liked the way this book unfolded and the twists that left me uncertain.

Book Blurb

YOU’LL NEVER FORGET THE FLOWER GIRLS

The Flower Girls. Laurel and Primrose.

One convicted of murder, the other given a new identity.

Now, nineteen years later, another child has gone missing.

And The Flower Girls are about to hit the headlines all over again…

Here is the fab new trailer for The Flower Girls

Book Details

Published by Bloomsbury Raven Books

Released on Kindle 17th Jan 2019

Book length 339 Pages

Posted in Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

Argemourt by Corinna Edwards-Colledge

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

A superb book, the cover conveys the darkness behind the story and captured my attention straight away.

I love a historical psychological thriller, this was a cherry pop author for me and I will definitely be reading more. The story mixes the current terror threats and fears with events from World War II, throughout the story it crosses between present day and 1944.

The characters are well defined and the issues include loss, loneliness, grief, family and the terrors of war for all involved. The setting of Argemourt is a beautiful idyllic location that is haunted by its past. A highly recommended read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Book Blurb

A Village haunted by the past, two people haunted by the present.

Haute Vienne, France, 1944, and the retreating Nazis leave a trail of horror and destruction in their wake. When Michelle’s estranged Great Aunt leaves her a cottage in a quiet French village, she finds her own experience of loss and heartache reflected in the tragic history of Argemourt.

Young Parisian student, Paul, is living in a city still reeling after a series of terrorist attacks. The aftermath is inescapable, breeding suspicion and anger, even in his own family. Increasingly, Paul finds himself retreating into the past, but discovers it is a place of horror, as well as escape.

When, through twists of fate, the two of them meet in the village of Argemourt; the ghosts of past and present are awakened. Can Michelle and Paul find a way to help the dead rest; and themselves live and love; in a world that never seems to learn the lessons of history?

Available to purchase from Amazon

About the Author

I was born in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester, close to some magical places like Stile Woods and Alderley Edge. I spent many happy hours exploring them, and the beauty and mystical qualities they offered have been part of my enduring love of the natural world; something you will probably pick up on in my novels!

I am also inspired by the complexity and depth of human relationships – such as the way we can carry guilt and regret around with us like old luggage, but also have the power to move on and change. I suppose you could say I’m an old fashioned optimist who ultimately believes in the strength of love and the human spirit.

The writing bug has been with me pretty much all of my life, starting with winning a competition at the age of seven for my poem about a Salmon! My ultimate ambition is to give back some small portion of the joy I have got from reading great stories by writing some of my own.

I studied English and Media at the University of Sussex and have worked in kids playschemes, run volunteering organisations, run the newsroom for a local TV news programme, and even trodden the boards, in a play written by and starring the late Brian Behan. For the last thirteen years I have run a scheme for the local council that helps people get more active for their health and well-being.

I live in Brighton with my husband, kids, step-kids and a menagerie of pets, including a seagull that has adopted us and a tarantula called Doris! As well as writing I love cooking very hot curries, going on long walks and sitting in cosy pubs – but then who doesn’t

Posted in Adult Fiction

Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel by Ruth Hogan

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

January is always a dull month following the high of Christmas, so I picked up Queenie Marine’s Paradise Hotel as I was looking for a book full of feeling after reading Ruth Hogan’s previous books.

Tilda is in the process of sorting through her Mum’s belongings and this story navigates the difficulties of their relationship from when Tilly was a young age and how she embarks on a journey of discovery when she finds her mother’s diaries.

I really enjoyed this book it was full of diverse and wonderful characters some of which were alive and influencing Tilda and some of which were there in spirit. I loved that this book was full of surprises and it dealt with a lot of emotive issues in a society where being different wasn’t accepted.

A wonderful read to start 2019 and I can’t wait to follow this books success throughout the year!

Book Blurb

Tilly was a bright, outgoing little girl who liked playing with ghosts and matches. She loved fizzy drinks, swear words, fish fingers and Catholic churches, but most of all she loved living in Brighton in Queenie Malone’s Magnificent Paradise Hotel with its endearing and loving family of misfits – staff and guests alike.

But Tilly’s childhood was shattered when her mother sent her away from the only home she’d ever loved to boarding school with little explanation and no warning. Now, Tilda has grown into an independent woman still damaged by her mother’s unaccountable cruelty. Wary of people, her only friend is her dog, Eli. But when her mother dies, Tilda goes back to Brighton and with the help of her beloved Queenie sets about unraveling the mystery of her exile from The Paradise Hotel and discovers that her mother was not the woman she thought she knew at all … Mothers and daughters … their story can be complicated … it can also turn out to have a happy ending.

Available to pre-order on Amazon

About the Author

MY FIRST NOVEL, THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS, AND MY SECOND, THE WISDOM OF SALLY RED SHOES, ARE BOTH NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK
MY THIRD NOVEL, QUEENIE MALONE’S PARADISE HOTEL, PUBLISHES FEBRUARY 2019

Hello dear readers, please allow me to introduce myself…

I was brought up in a house full of books, and grew up with an unsurprising passion for reading and writing. I also loved dogs and ponies, seaside piers, snow globes and cemeteries. So of course, I was going to be a vet, show jumper, Eskimo or gravedigger.

Or maybe a writer…

I studied English and Drama at Goldsmiths College, University of London where I hennaed my hair, wore dungarees and generally had an amazing time. And then I got a proper job. For ten years I had a successful if uninspiring career in local government before a car accident left me unable to work full-time and was the kick up the butt I needed to start writing seriously.

It was all going well, but then in 2012 I got cancer, which was bloody inconvenient but precipitated an exciting hair journey from bald to a peroxide blonde Annie Lennox crop. When chemo kept me up all night I passed the time writing and the eventual result was THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS, my first novel, which was published in January 2017, and has now been selected as a Richard and Judy Book Club pick.

My second novel, THE WISDOM OF SALLY RED SHOES, published in May 2018 and you can order the book now.

I live in a chaotic Victorian house with an assortment of rescue dogs and my long-suffering husband. I am a magpie; always collecting treasures (or ‘junk’ depending on your point of view) and a huge John Betjeman fan.

My favourite word is ‘antimacassar’ and I still like reading gravestones.

ruthhogan.co.uk
instagram.com/ruthmariehogan
twitter.com/ruthmariehogan
facebook.com/ruthmariehogan

Posted in Adult Fiction, Chick Lit, Debut Book

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker by Jenni Keer

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

The beautiful cover of this book caught my eye and I love trying a new author so I grabbed a copy of The Hope and Dreams of Lucy Baker and got comfortable.

Lucy Baker is a kind and giving character who always shies away from the lime light and leaves her best friend Jess and her sister Emily to bask in the attention. I loved the character of Lucy and how with her lovely friend Brenda’s guidance she starts to think outside her current constraints and put herself out into the big wide world a bit more.

This is a remarkable story of how Lucy is gifted a locket from her elderly friend with instructions to do as the locket says. Following this you are then taken on a whirlwind journey where Lucy gains a new friend due to a magical black cat that turns up and takes residence with the sneezing George.

I loved this book it is the perfect feel good read with a touch of magic and mystery thrown in. I felt like the characters were my neighbours and I wanted to keep reading to see what happens to Lucy next and whether she finally starts to believe in herself. This is a heart warming debut novel and I look forward to seeing what gems Jenni Keer has in store for us in the future.

Book Blurb

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…

A bit 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.

The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker is her first book, it is being published by Avon Books UK and will be available in January 2019

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The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker grab your copy on Amazon
           "The most heart-warming book you’ll read this year"
Posted in 5*, Adult Fiction

The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

What a treat this beautiful book was, I love bookpost and this book came with it’s own pack of tissues to see me through the highs and lows of the lives of Stephanie & Jamie.

The Day We Met is a brilliant story about Stephanie & Jamie who meet when Stephanie’s family arrange a getaway for her after a difficult few months.

I absolutely loved this book, it draws you in and you just want to keep reading and letting the world pass you by, whilst you see how fate keeps intervening to make sure Stephanie & Jamie keep being drawn back together.

This story is written over a ten year period and see’s both Stephanie & Jamie go through massive changes in their lives in the search of true happiness.

By the time I reached the end of this book, I had experienced every emotion that you feel in a relationship, the highs and the lows and everything inbetween. My heart was broken by the final page and I was left feeling physically bereft as I had become so emotionally invested in the characters.

A massive 5 stars and I look forward to the success of this book in 2019!

 

Book Blurb

Stephanie and Jamie are meant to be. The problem is they’re both with other people…

Stephanie doesn’t believe in fate, true love or living happily ever after. She’s content enough being engaged to Matt. But then she meets Jamie, who understands her more than anyone else ever has.

Jamie is happily married to his childhood sweetheart Helen and believes in everything Stephanie doesn’t. So why does he have such a strong connection with Stephanie?

When Stephanie and Jamie meet one fateful weekend in 2006 it will change everything…

Ten years. Two people. One epic love story.

 

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Available to preorder on Amazon, due for release February 2019

 

About the Author

Roxie was born and raised in Middlesbrough.

After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she realised she needed a break from studying Latin, Ancient Greek and all that serious stuff, so naturally, she became a dancer in a nightclub (à la Coyote Ugly) for a few years before going to live in Australia. Upon returning to the UK she became a criminal barrister for 7 years.

It was after constantly being told “Oh! You don’t look like a barrister!” that the idea for her debut novel was born.

Roxie lives in Yarm, a pretty little market town in the North-East. She’s a bit (lot) obsessed with Prince and spends far too much time watching him on YouTube. Her hobbies include watching musicals, making her hair as big as possible, and wishing she was Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

You can follow her on Twitter/Instagram @toodletinkbaby She’s also on Facebook as Roxie Cooper.

Posted in Adult Fiction

If We’re Not Married By Thirty by Anna Bell

Posted on by LovetheSmellofaBook

What a way to kick off 2019 with this lovely light hearted read, I am quickly growing to love this author as she creates fun and lively reads that always make me laugh throughout

Danny & Lydia have known eachother since they were kids and make a drunken pact at her sisters wedding. The characters in this book were brilliant and Lydia’s mother reminded me of my own which made me laugh even more!

I really enjoyed this read, it made me smile and laugh throughout and is the true definition of a feel good read. It is brimming with fun, friendship, relationship dilemmas and the importance of family.

Book Blurb

Lydia’s not exactly #LivingHerBestLife. She never imagined she’d be here at thirty – newly single, a job that’s going nowhere and her friends all winning at life when she’s still barely taking part. So she jumps at the chance of a free holiday and jets off to sunny Spain.
Then, out of the blue, she bumps into her childhood friend, the handsome and charming Danny Whittaker. She’s always had a crush on him and they soon enter into a passionate holiday romance.
But this relationship could be more than just a fling. Years ago they made a pact that if they were still single when they turned thirty they would get married. But noone really follows through on these pacts . . . right?
Could Lydia’s back-up man really be her happy ever after?

Available to purchase on Amazon

About the Author

Anna lives in the South of France with her young family and energetic labrador. You can find our more about Anna on her website – http://www.annabellwrites.com or follow her on Twitter @annabell_writes.