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31 August 2015

September 2015 releases!

And just like that summer has flown by and we're about to step into September! I have to be honest and say I'm quite ready to leave the hot summer days behind and get ready for Autumn. I love it when the weather gets a bit colder and I can snuggle up on the couch with a blanket, a warm cup of tea and a great book. Well, next month has some amazing releases in store for us which I have been looking forward to for quite some time now, so I personally can't wait for September to be here!

Which releases are you excited about? I'd love to hear from you! If you'd like me to include your book release in this list, feel free to contact me via e-mail or Twitter! :)

Cressida McLaughlin - 'Raincoats and Retrievers' (Primrose Terrace #3) (3 September)

It’s autumn and Primrose Terrace has never looked lovelier. But things are far from rosy for the Barker’s at No.6. Cat’s been walking their pair of gorgeous Golden Retrievers and she’s noticed that things are distinctly chilly between owners Juliette and Will. For Cat, things are coming to a head with Mark, but is he the right man for her? Especially as she is getting closer to flatmate Joe. Cat thinks she must be able to do something to stop autumn falling on the Barker’s marriage, but is there anything she can do to resolve her feelings about Mark?


Why so excited? --> 'Raincoats and Retrievers' is the third part of Cressida McLaughlin's serialized novel set in Primrose Terrace and I've had the pleasure of reading the first part, which I loved. The cover already promises this to be a nice Autumn read and I can't wait to pick it up!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 


Leah Ferguson - 'All the Difference' (3 September)


New Year’s Eve. A time for resolutions. A chance to make a change. And for thirty-year-old Molly Sullivan, a night that will transform her life forever…

All it takes is one word—yes or no—to decide Molly’s future. As the clock counts down to midnight and the ball slowly begins to drop, Molly’s picture-perfect boyfriend gets down on one knee and asks her to marry him. She knows she should say yes, especially considering the baby-sized surprise she just discovered she’s carrying. But something in her heart is telling her to say no...

Now, Molly’s future can follow two very different paths: one where she stays with her baby’s father, despite her misgivings and his family’s unreasonable expectations, and one where she ventures out on her own as a single mother, embracing all the hardships that come with it.

And by the time the next New Year is rung in, Molly will know which choice was right—following her head or listening to her heart…

Why so excited? --> I really like the sound of Leah Ferguson's upcoming release 'All the Difference' and I've only spotted 5-star reviews on Goodreads so far. This is Leah's debut novel and I love checking out new authors, so am definitely adding this to my TBR-list.

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 


Nic Tatano - 'Cover Girl' (3 September)


Powerhouse romance editor Keira Madison is known as “Cover Girl” – because she’s come up with the concepts for the covers of the best selling novels in history. But right now, she’s desperate to replace her best selling author.

Wannabe author Alex Bauer has given up hope of ever selling his military thriller, so he takes a shot at writing a romance and sends it to super agent Bella Farentino. She’s blown away by the book, but more shocked to find out the author is a man. So she decides it’s best to keep it a secret when pitching the novel – what does a man know about romance after all?

When Keira buys the book, Alex needs a cover story to hide the fact he’s the real author. So he invents a fictional cousin who’s an agoraphobe; too shy to ever leave the house. He agrees to work as “her” intermediary during the editing process while getting a friend to “play” the author on the phone.

One major problem. He falls hard for Keira, a spunky redhead who is a dead ringer for the heroine in the book. And she’s smitten with him, as he’s a clone of the novel’s romantic hero, a fictional Mister Right come to life.

You see where this is going.

As the release date for the book gets closer, their relationship grows stronger while the tale of the fictional author goes over the top. At some point Alex will have to come clean that he’s the real author of the book but worries he’ll risk losing Keira because she won’t be able to trust him.

It’s “Tootsie” meets the publishing world… without anyone getting dressed up in drag.

Why so excited? --> Nic Tatano's 'Cover Girl' is one of the Harper Impulse releases hitting the shelves in September. I haven't read any of Nic Tatano's works before, but I've heard many positive things so hope I will be able to check out 'Cover Girl' myself!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 



Lynsey James - 'The Broken Hearts Book Club' (4 September)


Secrets never stay buried for long...

Lucy Harper has always been good at one thing: running from her past. But when her beloved Nana Lily passes away she has no choice except to return to the one place in the world she most wants to avoid...

Luna Bay hasn't changed much in the eight years she has spent in London. The little Yorkshire village is still just as beautiful, but the new pub landlord is a gorgeous addition to the scenery!

Lucy only intended to stay for a day, yet when she discovers that Nana Lily has not only left her a cottage but also 'The Broken Hearts Book Club', Lucy is intrigued. Her Nana never have mentioned the club and Lucy can't wait to get started, but walking into her first meeting she is more aware than ever that her past is finally catching up with her.

One way or another, Lucy must finally face the secrets she's kept buried for so long - or spend the rest of her life on the run... 

Why so excited? --> I just love the title of Lynsey James' new novel; 'The Broken Hearts Book Club' already sounds like such a promising read and the cover is simply stunning. Enough reasons to want to read this beauty straight away!
 



Amanda Prowse - 'Three and a Half Heartbeats' (10 September)

Grace and Tom Penderford had a strong marriage, a comfortable home in the Hertfordshire countryside, and a healthy baby girl. They were happy. They were normal.

But soon after Chloe turns three, tragedy strikes. A disease called Sepsis claims the life of their daughter, devastating their little family. The Penderfords had never heard of Sepsis - a cruel, indiscriminate disease that claims a life somewhere in the world every three and a half seconds. Now, with their world crumbling, they must mend each others broken hearts... and try to save their marriage if they can.

Why so excited? --> I am actually reading this book at the moment and it is an absolutely heartbreaking story. Amanda Prowse's writing has never disappointed me and I already know this is going to be a read a lot of people will be talking about in the weeks to come.
 



Anouska Knight - 'Letting You Go' (10 September)

What if a tragedy occurred and you only had yourself to blame? How do you move on from the past?

Alex Foster lives a quiet life, avoiding the home she hasn’t visited in eight years. Then her sister Jaime calls. Their mother is sick, and Alex must return. Suddenly she’s plunged back into the past she’s been trying to escape.

Returning to her hometown, memories of the tragic accident that has haunted her and her family are impossible to ignore. Alex still blames herself for what happened to her brother and it’s soon clear that her father holds her responsible too. As Alex struggles to cope, can she ever escape the ghosts of the past?

Why so excited? --> I actually haven't read any of Anouska Knight's novels while I have been quite curious to give one of her stories a chance. 'Letting You Go' sounds like a very promising read and I love the gorgeous book cover!
 


Tasmina Perry - 'The Last Kiss Goodbye' (10 September)


Everyone remembers their first kiss. But what about the last?

1961. Journalist Rosamund Bailey is ready to change the world. When she meets explorer and man about town Dominic Blake, she realises she has found the love of her life. Just as happiness is in their grasp, the worst happens, and their future is snatched away.

2014. Deep in the vaults of a museum, archivist Abby Morgan stumbles upon a breathtaking find. A faded photograph of a man saying goodbye to the woman he loves. Looking for a way to escape her own heartache, Abby becomes obsessed with the story, little realising that behind the image frozen in time lies a secret altogether more extraordinary.

Why so excited? --> Sometimes when you only see a book or read its description, you just know that you will end up falling in love with it. That's definitely the feeling I have with Tasmina Perry's newest release. I've loved her previous novels and have really high hopes for this one!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 


Alexandra Potter - 'Love From Paris' (24 September)


How far would you go for love?

When new boyfriend Jack stands her up at the airport, Ruby Miller dries her tears, jumps on the Eurostar and heads to Paris. She thinks she's going there to visit an old friend and have a total break from romance. But the City of Love has other ideas.

A locked apartment where time has stood still, a bundle of long-lost love letters and a flirtatious French lawyer sweep Ruby into a mystery that spans over seventy years. Who is the author of the letters? Why did the owner of the apartment close up the shutters and flee Paris before the war, never to return? And what secret was she hiding?

As the mystery deepens, Ruby turns love detective but it's not long before the ghosts of the past throw her own love affair into jeopardy.

Why so excited? --> I remember Alexandra Potter being one of my favourite chick lit authors when I was younger and I couldn't get enough of her books. I haven't read any of her latest releases, but I love the sound of 'Love From Paris', so hope I will be able to read it sometime soon!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 



Miranda Dickinson - 'A Parcel for Anna Browne' (24 September)


The gift of a lifetime?

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

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

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

Why so excited? --> Miranda Dickinson's novels are always worth getting excited about and 'A Parcel for Anna Browne' is no exception! I always love love love Miranda's books, so I just know this will probably turn out to be one of my favourite reads of September, if not of the whole year. Fingers crossed!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads
 


Veronica Henry - 'High Tide' (24 September)


Pennfleet might be a small town, but there's never a dull moment in its narrow winding streets ...

Kate has only planned a flying visit to clear out the family home after the death of her mother. When she finds an anonymous letter, she is drawn back into her own past.

Single dad Sam is juggling his deli and two lively teenagers, so romance is the last thing on his mind. Then Cupid fires an unexpected arrow - but what will his children think?

Nathan Fisher is happy with his lot, running picnic cruises up and down the river, but kissing the widow of the richest man in Pennfleet has disastrous consequences.

Vanessa knows what she has done is unseemly for a widow, but it's the most fun she's had for years. Must she always be on her best behaviour?

Why so excited? --> I am almost ashamed to say I've never read one of Veronica Henry's novels before. I have a few of her books at home, but somehow have never actually picked one up. Her latest release 'High Tide' appears to be another fun and charming read which I'm almost certain I will enjoy, so adding it to my TBR as we speak!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads




Jojo Moyes - 'After You' (24 September)


Lou Clark has lots of questions.

Like how it is she's ended up working in an airport bar, spending every shift watching other people jet off to new places. Or why the flat she's owned for a year still doesn't feel like home. Whether her close-knit family can forgive her for what she did eighteen months ago.

And will she ever get over the love of her life.

What Lou does know for certain is that something has to change.

Then, one night, it does.

But does the stranger on her doorstep hold the answers Lou is searching for - or just more questions? Close the door and life continues: simple, ordered, safe. Open it and she risks everything.

But Lou once made a promise to live. And if she's going to keep it, she has to invite them in...

Why so excited? --> Probably the most anticipated novel of September is Jojo Moyes' 'After You', which is the sequel to her successful and best-selling novel 'Me Before You.' I'm curious to see whether this one will do just as well as the first book and can't wait to read some of the first reviews!

Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads




Holly Martin - 'Christmas at Lilac Cottage' (25 September)


Welcome to the charming seaside town of White Cliff Bay, where Christmas is magical and love is in the air…

Penny Meadows loves her home – a cosy cottage decorated with pretty twinkling fairy lights and stunning views over the town of White Cliff Bay. She also loves her job as an ice-carver, creating breathtaking sculptures. Yet her personal life seems frozen. 

When Henry and daughter Daisy arrive at the cottage to rent the annex, Penny is determined to make them feel welcome. But while Daisy is friendly, Henry seems guarded. 

As Penny gets to know Henry, she realises there is more to him than meets the eye. And the connection between them is too strong to ignore… 

While the spirit of the season sprinkles its magic over the seaside town and preparations for the ice sculpting competition and Christmas eve ball are in full swing, can Penny melt the ice and allow love in her heart? And will this finally be the perfect Christmas she’s been dreaming of? 

Why so excited? --> Since it's the end of summer, it's not too surprising that this means the start of Christmas book releases! I just love the super cute cover of Holly Martin's 'Christmas at Lilac Cottage' and can't wait to read it as soon as I'm ready for some festive Christmas spirit!

30 August 2015

Blog Tour: 'P.S. Olive You' by Lizzie Allen

Young, bored housewife, Faith Cotton, escapes her stifling Chelsea life when her husband suggests they decamp to a tiny island in the Greek Cyclades for the summer.

He works for the foreign office and has the inside scoop on ‘the Greek situation’. Europe is pouring money into Greece and, far from going down the plughole, Andrew believes that the island of Iraklia will soon see a tourist boom.

Faith is left in charge of finding them a permanent holiday home on the island, but things don’t go to plan – over the course of a summer, Faith’s doomed marriage begins to unravel, and far from finding the house she set out for, she finally discovers the person she really is...

Today I'm excited to be a late extra addition to the blog tour for Lizzie Allen's debut novel 'P.S. Olive You.' I really like the witty title of the novel and the book cover makes me long for some more summer days at the beach! The description of the novel promises a fun and entertaining chick lit read and I look forward to checking it out myself! 

Be sure to stop by some of the other blogs who were part of the blog tour in order to read some exclusive extracts to get a first taste of 'P.S. Olive You'!

28 August 2015

Blog Tour: 'The Dress' by Kate Kerrigan

Lily Fitzpatrick loves vintage clothes - made all the more precious because they were once owned and loved by another woman. Thousands follow her vintage fashion blog and her daily Instagram feed. But this passion for the beautiful clothes of the past is about to have unforeseen consequences, when Lily stumbles upon the story of a 1950s New York beauty, who was not only everything Lily longs to be, but also shares Lily's surname.

Joy Fitzpatrick was a legend. But what was the famous dress which she once commissioned - said to be so original that nothing in couture would ever match it again? What happened to it - and why did Joy suddenly disappear from New York high society?

I am so excited to be part of the blog tour for quite a special read today, namely Kate Kerrigan’s exciting new novel ‘The Dress’! The book was released on the 27th of August by Head of Zeus and as soon as I first read the description of the novel I knew this was going to be a read I did not want to miss. I immediately loved the sound of the novel, especially since it deals with specific things which I love reading about such as vintage fashion, blogging and the glamorous 1940s and 50s. There was actually nothing about this book I didn’t already love, so I definitely had high hopes for it! As part of the blog tour I also have a special extract from the novel to share with all of you, so be sure not to miss that by simply scrolling down!

Twenty-something Lily Fitzpatrick always wanted to be a fashion designer. Yet her fear of being a failure led her to decide to focus on her successful vintage fashion blog instead, sharing her passion for fashion with thousands of followers each day. One day, Lily unexpectedly finds an article about an amazing dress which was worn back in the 1940s by high society woman Joy Fitzpatrick, who also happens to share Lily’s last name. Lily decides to do some research in the hopes of discovering more about Joy herself, this amazing dress, and the person who made it. As Lily finds out more and more about both the dress and Joy, she realises she has discovered quite an amazing story and won’t stop until she has gotten to the bottom of it.

This is, without a doubt, one of the best women’s fiction reads I’ve read so far this year. Kate Kerrigan is a fabulous author and I honestly already can't wait to read her next work! 'The Dress' focuses on two main points of view: a modern-day storyline told from the perspective of vintage fashion blogger Lily Fitzpatrick and a point of view that brings us back to 1940s America with at its centre married socialite Joy Fitzpatrick. Next to that, there are several chapters told from the perspective of Honor, an Irish small-town girl who is a truly gifted seamstress. Each of these three women has a distinctive voice and a thoroughly captivating and interesting story to tell; stories that are intertwined and which I couldn't get enough of.

While the story includes fun aspects such as the focus on vintage fashion and blogging, it also deals with quite a few serious topics. Kate Kerrigan is a wonderfully talented author with a great writing style. It felt like I was flying through the pages and I could easily conjure up every single detail of the story in my head thanks to all the vivid descriptions. In my opinion this is women's fiction at its best and I understand why this novel has already received numerous 5-star reviews. Overall, 'The Dress' is an amazing and well-written story filled with authentic characters and an engrossing storyline. It grabbed me from the start and I ended up falling in love with it; a book I can recommend to anyone, a truly wonderful read!
Rating:10/10
 
For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.



Extract from 'The Dress'!


The young woman had an almost frightening beauty.
Her high cheek-bones seemed carved from some exquisite
alabaster and her painted red lips were shaped in a perfect,
symmetrical pout. However, it was her eyes – two dark pools
of immeasurable depth – that held him. She had a look of
knowing that transcended her sultry beauty. Although she
was a complete stranger, her fathomless gaze seemed to say
that she recognized him, recognized the vein of sadness
which, despite his great success, still ran through the core of
Francis Fitzpatrick.
Frank did not seek out an introduction, he would not have
presumed, but Victor’s wife, Norah, must have noticed him
staring because before he knew what was happening, he was
being introduced after all.
‘This is Joy Rogerson,’ Norah said.
Frank took the pale, delicate hand in his and tried his best
to retain his composure. But as he looked into the girl’s deep,
sad eyes, Frank knew that, despite the great distance he had
travelled, despite the efforts he had made to chase away the
vulnerable boy and become the strong, capable man that he
was today, Frank Fitzpatrick had utterly lost himself.


27 August 2015

Review: 'Monogamy Twist' by Nancy Jardine (2015)

When Luke Salieri inherits a dilapidated English estate from a woman he's never heard of— with quirky conditions attached—it’s a mystery he wants to see resolved immediately. But there’s a catch: he needs a woman to meet his needs, but just how far will he have to go to persuade her?

The job of researching Greywood Hall and its fantastic contents is enticing, but can Rhia Ashton see herself living with gorgeous Luke Salieri for a whole year and then walk away? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while.

But neither expect love to enter the game.

Nancy Jardine’s novel ‘Monogamy Twist’ was released by Crooked Cat Publishing on the 27th of March 2015 and I hadn’t heard or read anything about the book until Nancy herself contacted me with a review request a few months ago. I was quite intrigued by the description of the book and looked forward to giving it a chance. While I was doing some research I found Nancy’s website and discovered that she has already written several books within different genres (historical romantic adventures, history/mystery thrillers, contemporary romance and time travel adventure for early teens) which made me even more curious to be introduced to her work. So, when I was looking for my next read while I was on holiday I decided it was finally time to sit down and check out ‘Monogamy Twist’!

When Luke Salieri unexpectedly inherits an old English manor house named Greywood Hall from a woman he has never met, he is pleasantly surprised. As a man who rebuilds and repairs buildings for a living, he can’t wait to get his hands on the estate. However, the sudden inheritance comes with some unusual conditions. Luke needs to live in the house for a whole year, together with his wife, before the house will be really his. ‎When he meets Rhia Ashton, a historian, she seems to be the perfect woman for the job. Both of them go into the deal with their own goals in mind, but while Luke considers it all a business deal, Rhia starts to reconsider and it doesn't take long before their feelings take over...

'Monogamy Twist' was quite a quick read since the length places it somewhere between a full-length novel and a novella. From the start I was intrigued by the plotline of the novel, which focuses on business man Luke Salieri who has just inherited a large English country manor with some extraordinary conditions attached to it. While it took me a bit of time to get used to Luke's character, I straight away liked Rhia, the female main character. It's quite an unusual situation the two find themselves in; going from strangers to spouses within a short timespan, but it was an interesting storyline and I was curious to see what would happen and which decisions Rhia and Luke would make. 

I love English country estates, so the setting of Greywood Hall was a great one for a reader like me. Just the idea of unexpectedly inheriting a house like that got me excited! ‎I share Rhia's passion for old estates like Greywood Hall and loved seeing how passionate she was about the house and her research. ‎While occassionally the story seemed to be missing something, it has a lovely romance at its core and a good basis for an enjoyable read. Overall, 'Monogamy Twist' was an enjoyable romance read with a good storyline and two fascinating main characters; a read I enjoyed more and more as the story progressed and a nice introduction to a new author!
Rating:7,5/10
 
For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com / Goodreads

Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

26 August 2015

Upcoming release: 'Who Do You Love' by Jennifer Weiner


Rachel Blum and Andy Landis are eight years old when they meet late one night in an ER waiting room. Born with a congenital heart defect, Rachel is a veteran of hospitals, and she's intrigued by the boy who shows up all alone with a broken arm. He tells her his name. She tells him a story. After Andy's taken back to the emergency room and Rachel's sent back to her bed, they think they'll never see each other again. 

Rachel, the beloved, popular, and protected daughter of two doting parents, grows up wanting for nothing in a fancy Florida suburb. Andy grows up poor in Philadelphia with a single mom and a rare talent that will let him become one of the best runners of his generation. 

Over the course of three decades, through high school and college, marriages and divorces, from the pinnacles of victory and the heartbreak of defeat, Andy and Rachel will find each other again and again, until they are finally given a chance to decide whether love can surmount difference and distance and if they've been running toward each other all along.

Tomorrow, on the 27th of August, Jennifer Weiner's newest novel will be released (in the UK; US fans have been able to get the book since the 11th of August) and it's a book many people, including me, are quite excited about! I've really enjoyed Jennifer Weiner's other works, such as 'In Her Shoes' and most recently 'All Fall Down.' I just love the description of 'Who Do You Love' and have a feeling this will be quite an amazing read. Without a doubt one of the August 2015 releases I am most excited about and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

25 August 2015

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Classic Literature 101

'Top Ten Tuesday' is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. I love making lists, so this feature fits me perfectly! If you also take part in this feature or have any additions to my lists, please get in touch; I'd love to hear from you!
 
 
Top Ten Books That Would Be On My Syllabus If I Taught Classic Literature 101

I missed a few Top Ten Tuesday weeks because of my holiday and blog hiatus, but this Tuesday I'm back joining in with the Top 10 fun! For this week's list I had to decide on a particular group of books I would have on my syllabus if I taught that particular course... A fun list for which I decided to go with the 10 classic novels I would definitely include in my course of English Literature! Be sure to check out my list below and share your own Top 10 links in the comments section!



1. 'Pride and Prejudice' - Jane Austen



Any of you who know me or visit my blog more often will not be surprised by the first author on my Top 10 list. I'd include all 6 of Austen's novels, but since I can only pick 10 I decided to go with her best one and my personal favourite, 'Pride and Prejudice.' 



2. 'Odyssey' - Homer



One of the great classics and one I remembered really enjoying when I had to read (and translate...) parts of it during my Greek and Latin classes at secondary school. 



3. 'Harry Potter' series - J.K. Rowling



One of the best book series ever written and one I think everyone should read, no exceptions!



4. 'Little Women' - Louisa May Alcott



Another personal favourite and one I'm pretty sure most other female readers will enjoy as well. I actually visited the Alcott family home last summer and it definitely made my love for the book and author only stronger! <3



5. 'Jane Eyre' - Charlotte Bronte



This book was part of my own literature list when I was studying English and one of the only classics I remind really enjoying, so it deserves a place on this top 10.



6. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' - Lewis Caroll



Lewis Carroll deserves a spot on every classic English literature list in my opinion, even though his work might not be everyone's cup of tea.




7. 'A Christmas Carol' - Charles Dickens



Dickens is another author who definitely deserves to be on this list. I decided to go with a bit of Christmas spirit with 'A Christmas Carol'!



8. 'The Taming of the Shrew' - William Shakespeare



Even though I'm not the biggest Shakespeare fan, I can't deny his importance within the world of classic English literature. I decided to go with one of his plays which I personally quite enjoyed, 'The Taming of the Shrew' (which also provides me with the chance to link it to the film 'Ten Things I Hate About You' which was actually based on this Shakespeare original).



9. 'Gone With the Wind' - Margaret Mitchell



A novel which I actually have never read, even though I am quite sure I'd really enjoy it. By adding it to this syllabus I'd force myself to finally sit down with the book and read it.



10. 'The Notebook' - Nicholas Sparks



As a true chick lit/romance fan, I of course need a romantic contemporary classic on the list, such as Nicholas Sparks' 'The Notebook.' 


23 August 2015

Review: 'The Piano Man Project' by Kat French (2015)

You: kind, piano-playing sex god

Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager

Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…

Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.

But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…

Out of all of the new authors I was introduced to last year, Kat French has to be one of my favourites. I straight away fell in love with her writing style when I read and reviewed her novel ‘Undertaking Love’ (click here to read my review) and had been looking forward to her latest release ‘The Piano Man Project’ (which was released on the 30th of July by Avon) for quite some time. I was lucky enough to be part of the blog tour for the book (click here to read my blog post), but unfortunately the review copy arrived a bit too late for me to include my review. So, today I’m really excited to share my review of the book with all of you, and I’m happy to say Kat French’s newest release definitely did not disappoint!

Honeysuckle Jones, known to her friends as Honey, loves her job running a charity shop that is part of a local care home for the elderly. When Honey’s best friends Nell and Tash suddenly discover their friend has never had an orgasm in her life, they decide it’s time for action. They go on a search to find the perfect man to help with Honey’s problem, preferably one who is good with his hands, such as a pianist. However, Honey has more than enough to keep her busy without her friends’ good intentions added to it. Not only is the elderly home, and therefore the charity shop she works at, about to be closed down, she also has a new neighbour in the form of Hal, who is grumpy and arrogant, but intriguing at the same time. Honey has no idea what her future is going to look like; will she be able to save her job and will she find a suitable piano man to have some fun with…?

Another great romantic comedy read from Kat French, whose writing style I’m falling more and more in love with! ‘The Piano Man Project’ is one of those reads I already was excited about picking up for months and as soon as I started reading I didn’t want to stop. I immediately liked the protagonist, Honey, and the wonderful group of secondary characters. Just like in her other novel 'Undertaking Love', Kat French knows how to create a convincing cast of characters which I couldn't help but warm to and want to know more about. My personal favourites in this novel have to be the residents from the care home; the two sisters Mimi and Lucille, and old charmer Bill, who really added his own special touch to the story.

The novel focuses mainly on Honey, but there are several things going on in her life which separated the main storyline into an entertaining mix of topics, such as the upcoming closure of the care home, family issues for Mimi and Lucille, the search for a piano man for Honey, and Honey's new mysterious neighbour Hal. While I had to get used to Hal at first (he's really moody and quite arrogant), the chemistry between him and Honey just sparked off the pages and I couldn't help but develop a soft spot for him. This book as a whole just left me with a big smile on my face and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. As the description on the book cover already says, this is a perfect read for fans of authors such as Paige Toon, Lucy Diamond and Giovanna Fletcher. 'The Piano Man Project' is an uplifting, light-hearted, fun romantic comedy read which I couldn't get enough of and a novel I'd like to highly recommend to any chick lit fan out there!
Rating:10/10
 
For more information about this book: Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.com/ Goodreads

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in exchange for an honest review.