Book Review: Bad Angels by Rebecca Chance

"Step into Limehouse Wharf, the new, uber-luxury apartment building in Canary Wharf where celebrities who have had 'work' done can hole up until they have healed and which is about to see its most glamorous and scandalous Christmas yet. Staying there over the festive period is Melody Down, an actress whose career is in tatters after too much plastic surgery and who has fled LA to get her body and her boyfriend back. But is a 'well-meaning' friend about to sabotage all of Melody's Christmas wishes? Meanwhile, Aniela Fatyga, the nurse in residence, finds herself falling for the unlikely Jon Jordan, an assassin for hire who is also convalescing there. Will her feelings be reciprocated or will their sizzling relationship remain purely physical? And who is he on the run from? And then there's oligarch Grigor Khalofsky, the owner of Kensington football team, whose legendary Christmas party is about to get a whole lot more exciting when murder, blackmail and scandalous revelations decide to pay a visit along with Santa."

Rating: 4.5/5

I love Rebecca Chance's books, and luckily for me and everyone else who enjoys her books, we've been treated to not one, but 2 new books from her this year! Earlier this year saw the release of Killer Heels and now Rebecca is back with a more festive-themed offering called Bad Angels. I loved the cover as soon as I saw it, featuring a gorgeous Kandee shoe as always, but with a bit of festive sparkle about it too. I was curious to see if this one would live up to her previous bonkbusters, but it certainly did that and a bit more on top of that too, this one was quite an eye-opening read in lots of ways! It's a bit of a fun read at Christmas-time and certainly breaks away from the other festive reads I've had the pleasure of reading so far this year in terms of naughty-but-niceness!

Melody is an actress whose last movie bombed after her ridiculous plastic surgery. Thanks to that, she's also lost her beloved boyfriend too, and now she's determined to get back both her career and the love of her life. This has meant trying to get the old Melody back, and she's now held up in Limehouse Wharf recuperating from yet more surgery. Joining her is Jon Jordan, an assassin who is trying to change himself for the better. He's in hiding and determined not to be found, but can a man with a price on his head ever hide for good? Looking after them is nurse Aniela, someone who is very good at her job. But Aniela doesn't count on falling for one of her clients, something that's never happened before. The last resident left at Christmas is Russian oligarch Grigor who happens to love and embrace Christmas more than any of the other residents. What festive treats are in store for the Limehouse Wharf residents courtesy of not only Grigor, but other people hiding in the background too?

I have to say this book is a huge breakaway from any of Chance's other books I have read to date. While there is the usual cast of larger than life characters, and naughty scenes thrown in for good measure, this book had overtones of a thriller about it due to the scenes with the character of Jon and things that happen as the book develops. I found myself getting really involved in the book, and it was a very exciting read in parts that I really enjoyed. It wasn't at all what I expected from the cover and the blurb, but it definitely made it more interesting to read, and I think Chance certainly did the scenes justice. It seemed believable as I was reading it, and I think Jon was my favourite character in the entire book, there was something so likeable about him, he was a bit of an enigma and I just wanted to know what made him tick!

Chance also gives plenty of page time to the other mini stories going on throughout the book as well. Melody, the actress, had a good enough story about her career and the consequence that too much plastic surgery had on her life in all ways, and while I liked this story, it didn't quite seem as good as the one involving Jon and Aniela, I wasn't quite as drawn in to it, I did find her a little whiny at times! She seemed a bit too easily led for my liking as well. Finally, there's Russian gazillionaire Grigor, and the building's doorman Andy, who provide a bit of light entertainment for the reader. I enjoyed these two as they made me smile, and certainly added new dimensions to the book... Andy in ways I had never expected! The cast though are all well written, and make for good reading.

I really loved Chance's lavish descriptions of Limehouse Wharf and the luxury that the guests are treated to when they are there. Grigor's apartment in particular sounded quite grotesque and OTT, but it seemed to suit his character! Even though the book is basically set in one place, it doesn't feel too stagnant at any points, and the flashbacks to the characters lives before they set foot in Limehouse keep it fresh, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters slowly in this way, this worked especially well for Jon. As you'd expect in Chance's books, there is quite a fwe sex scenes in the book, and they are quite explicit, so if that isn't your kind of thing, then this book isn't for you! They're scattered throughout the book, and there's a few scenes that I found quite surprising, and didn't expect, although I wasn't too bothered by them, I feel some readers may be so do exercise a bit of caution when reading.

I really enjoyed this book, and found myself whizzing through it quickly once I was into the story. I liked the characters, and found that the addition of an exciting character like Jon really upped the level of the book, and made it stand out for me amongst all the other festive books I've read this year. I liked how the Christmas mentions were scattered throughout the book, from mentions of trees and wreaths, to the huge Christmas parties that Grigor throws... there's certainly a good splash of festive spirit in there! It was a thrilling read, with a plot that surprised me and had me glued to the pages, simply to find out what was going to happen next to this crazy cast of characters! I'd definitely recommend this for Chance's fans, and for new ones too, it's certainly an eye-opening read, and I loved it!

You can buy Bad Angels as a paperback or an eBook now!

eBook News: One Christmas Morning by Tilly Bagshawe

Tilly Bagshawe is back with a Christmas short story eBook on 6th December called One Christmas Morning, and I can't wait! I love her stories so I'm sure this one will be just as good. I also love the festive looking cover too, very pretty... it's a shame it's only on Kindle so we don't get that in our hands. Will you be getting this one?

You can pre-order it now as an eBook to be delivered on publication date.

"Christmas is not the time to get your heart broken…

Dumped by the love of her life and in need of some time to recover, screenwriter Laura Tiverton retreats to the idyllic village of Fittlescombe where she used to spend time as a girl. Maybe lending her expertise to the annual nativity play will be just what she needs.

Village heart-throb and the nativity’s leading man, Gabe Baxter, has always been jealous of Laura. And now she’s back – beautiful, bossy, and driving him insane.

When the hotly-anticipated Christmas Ball comes around Laura can’t quite believe her luck when she gets a date with the sexy playwright Daniel Smart. Perhaps it’s going to be a merry Christmas after all. But when the night doesn’t go to plan, and the day of the nativity dawns, Laura can’t imagine showing her face in the village again.

On the night before Christmas, who will be able to persuade her that the show must go on?"

Book News: Three Little Words by Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson's debut novel This Is A Love Story was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and I thought it was a really strong debut, and one that I got emotionally attached to. Now, I'm really looking to her next book Three Little Words which is out on 31st January 2013. The red cover is really pretty, in the same style as her previous book, and I'm curious to find out what the 'three little words' are all about!

"They are just words but they mean so much.

As a dark evening draws in, the lives of three women are changed forever.

The worlds they have been living in, the people they thought they knew - in an instant it all changes.

But when everything seems to shatter around them, could three little words be enough to help put the pieces back together again? "

You can pre-order Three Little Words as a paperback or an eBook now.

Book News: The Lies You Told Me by Jessica Ruston

After loving her previous two books, I've become a real fan of Jessica Ruston's novels. Her new one, The Lies You Told Me is due out on January 13th 2013, and I really like the cover, it's eye-catching and certainly makes me want to read it. It sounds like an intriguing read, and luckily for me there isn't too long to wait for it's release. Will you be looking out for this one?

"A daughter searches for the truth behind her mother's disappearance in this riveting novel, perfect for fans of Rosamund Lupton's SISTER and SJ Watson's BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

'I do not know what you have been told about your mother. But I know it cannot be the truth...'  Klara Mortimer never really knew her mother, Sadie, a former model, who left when she was just six years old. All she has is a handful of stories, passed down from the father who raised her. Klara tells herself she has long ago come to terms with her mother's disappearance from her life, but then she receives a note and key from someone who calls themselves 'N.R.'. These lead her to a garage, full of the remnants of her mother's past, and to the diary she kept all those years ago. Within its pages, Klara discovers a woman who doesn't quite match the portrait her father has painstakingly painted for her, and a story that leads her to question everything she thought she knew..."

You can pre-order The Lies You Told Me as a paperback or an eBook now!

Book Review: The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan

"Disfigured by the blow of an abusive husband, the widow Mary McAllister has spent almost sixty years secluded in a white marble mansion overlooking the town of Mill River, Vermont. Her links to the outside world are few: the mail, an elderly priest, and a bedroom window with a view of the town below.

Most longtime residents of Mill River consider the marble house and its occupant peculiar, and few of them have ever seen Mary. But three newcomers - a police officer and his daughter and a new schoolteacher - are curious about the reclusive old woman. Only the town priest truly knows the Mill River recluse, and the secret she keeps . . . a secret that, once revealed, will change the town, and the lives of its residents, forever."

Rating: 4.5/5

I have to admit that I have been curious about this book for a while now. It's a self-published novel that has managed to be a huge success, and has also featured on the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists, something previously unheard of for a self-published novel. It was an eBook only release for a long while but in the UK, publishers Little, Brown picked it up for publication over here, and it was released last week. I have to say it was the cover that initially swung my mind into reading it, as I'd read a few reviews that said it was a bit too sickly and sweet and obvious, but to be honest, I don't mind that at all in books, it's kind of nice to escape to a world where nice things happen!

Mary McAllister has spent much of her life hidden away in her beautiful big house in Mill River. She was abused by her husband, and after a devastating blow left her facially disfigured, she became too frightened to ever leave the house, instead relying on her local priest Father O'Brien to be her lifeline to the outside world. Few people have ever met Mary, and only one knows the secret that Mary has been keeping from the residents of Mill River for a long time. As Mary's health detoriates, she wants to make sure that the town she loves is well looked after but doesn't know how to go about it from the self-imposed prison that is her marital home. What is the secret that Marry is keeping which will change Mill River in ways that they never could have dreamed possible?

As I said, a lot of reviewers have said that this book is a little too saccharin for them, but I have to admit that I really loved it. There was something ultimately quite cosy about the book, and I was soon drawn into the world of Mill River, and its residents. Yes, I could guess how it would all end and I guessed correctly, but it didn't seem to matter. It was a harmless and enjoyable book, and leaves you full of good feeling by the end, and that you know there are good people left in the world. I really enjoyed the way that Chan tells the story through two different narratives, one of Mary and the Mill River residents in the present day, and alternates that with Mary's own story as she's growing up, and how she came to be the recluse that she is.

I found the characters of this book to be interesting. The main ones in the book are Mary and Father O'Brien, but the residents of Mill River are a very important part of this book too. We meet Kyle, the new town policeman and his daughter, the new schoolteacher in town Claudia, "crazy" Daisy who loves brewing homemade potions in her caravan, Lyle the other policeman about town amongst others. I enjoyed reading their stories as much as I did Mary's. Kyle in particular was someone I really liked, the perfect man in many ways and the fact he's a widower makes him a little more likeable in a way! Yes, things happen that aren't so good for these people, but it just adds to tension a little bit, although as I say it was a tad predictable as it went along.

Mary's past story was perhaps the most interesting bit of this book for me, I really looked forward to finding out the things that happened to make Mary the recluse she is today. Chan attempts to go into some detail about Mary's 'Social Anxiety Disorder', and we do a good feeling about how Mary feels when she attempts to leave the house. Reading about her doomed marriage to Patrick, and her love for her horses in quite emotional, and I kept reading dreading what was going to happen next. I felt incredibly sorry for Mary and was desperate for her to overcome her fears, and it's a heart-wrenching journey that this character goes on. The setting for the book of Mill River is perfect, a sleepy quiet town with a small amount of residents, and Chan describes it so well through her writing, it comes to life in your mind as you're reading. The story keeps up a good pace, and I didn't find it slacking at all, although I thought a little twist towards the end was a little unnecessary and didn't seem to fit in and I wouldn't have missed it if it wasn't there!

I thought The Mill River Recluse was a really charming read, and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. There was something about it that really drew me into reading it, and I was carried away with the story of Mary and her life as a recluse, and wishing only good things for her. It isn't the best written book in the world, don't get me wrong, but it is very enjoyable. There are enough characters to make it interesting, but not too many that you can't keep track. There's a few interesting sub-stories in here to keep up the pace which were good, but it's really Mary's story that is the heart and soul of the book. I really loved it, yes it's sweet and predictable but for me that was part of its charm. A lovely debut novel, and I look forward to Chan's next book which will also be set in Mill River. One to curl up with this winter.

You can buy The Mill House Recluse as a paperback or an eBook now.

Healing For Kerry

Sometimes horrible things happen to wonderful people. One such person is the beautiful Kerry, aka Multiple Mummy. Kerry is a fantastically successful blogger, blogging all things parenting and raising her 3 children with husband Nick. Kerry is now seriously ill in hospital. In July, she suffered a ruptured aneursym which caused her to have a brain haemorrhage. She's had several infections which have caused her several setbacks, but is still fighting through it all for the sake of her husband and 3 beautiful children.

While Kerry is a blogger that I don't personally know, I do know her husband Nick. He was one of my teachers at school, and a really lovely guy, and I hate thinking about what he's going through, and their 3 young children too, and I also went to school with Kerry's brother. To happen to someone you know in a round-about way is awful, and every day I log on to find out if there have been any updates, whether through Kerry's blog or Facebook.

So today, the blogging and twitter communities are coming together to say a prayer for Kerry, to hope that she makes a speedy recovery and to wish her well in her fight. If you're on twitter, use the hashtag #Healing4Kerry to spread the word, and to spread the prayer for Kerry. Even if you aren't religious, just spread the message of hope. Or, as Multiple Daddy Nick says, just eat chocolate and think of Kerry!

If you haven't read Multiple Mummy's blog yet, you can visit it here, or just to see exactly who Kerry is, watch this incredibly emotional video to find out more, put together by Multiple Daddy. Kerry, and Nick and the children, we are all thinking of you and praying hard today.

Book News: Anyone For Secrets? by Fiona Cassidy

Irish author Fiona Cassidy is back with her brand new book Anyone for Secrets? next week on 28th November, and I'm really looking forward to reading it as it's the last in the 'Anyone' trilogy! The previous two books were fantastic, and I can't wait to see how it all ends for these characters.

"Ruby Reilly has just discovered the missing link in her life in the form of her birth mother. Everyone is delighted, except of course her adoptive mother Isobel. So Ruby decides to distract Isobel and herself (and drive everyone else to distraction?) by engaging in another manhunt ... this time for her birth father...

Frankie McCarthy's relationship with her stepdaughter has blossomed in the last few years but sours spectacularly as soon as a man comes into the picture. Can Frankie save the wilful Angelica from the clutches of the manipulative Jerome or will the teenager stick to her dangerous path just to spite her?

Jodi McDermott has arrived in Swiftstown because that's where the bus dropped her off after she ran away. The former PR goddess has been reduced to living in a small flat where the feng shui is definitely not working. Then fate points to a way out of this trap... if she has the nerve.

Appearances can be deceptive and you just never know what happens behind closed doors... Anyone for Secrets?"

You can pre-order Anyone for Secrets? as a paperback now.

eBook Short Story Review: The Christmas Bake-Off by Abby Clements

"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?"

Rating: 5/5

This is only going be a brief review because, well, it's only a short story/novella so there' no need to go into it in too much detail! If you've read Abby Clement's debut novel Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, then you'll certainly recognise a few characters in this book! We meet Rachel, daughter Milly and mother-in-law Bea once more, this time at Shipley's 'Christmas Bake Off'. Rachel is looking to show off her baking prowess, cake shop owner Katie wants to show the celebrity judge what she's made of, and local man John is attempting his first ever festive themed cake. It was nice to mix both the old and new characters, and I loved catching up with Rachel, Bea and Milly again, even if for a short period.

For me, this story was way too short! Clements straight away dives in with the main crux of the story, which is that someone has sabotaged a few of the Christmas cake entries, and the residents of Shipley are left wondering who could do such a thing?! I loved reading about the various cakes on offer, and it certainly gets you in a festive mood. I'm quite looking forward to trying Bea's Cinnamon stars thanks to the included recipe at the end of the eBook too. I loved the little notions of romance, and the love of Christmas throughout the book, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a fun, but too short, short story, and will certainly want to make you read 'Meet Me Under the Mistletoe' if you haven't already. A great free eBook, get yours now.

You can buy The Christmas Bake Off as an eBook right now, for free!

Book News: Cupcakes at Carrington's by Alexandra Brown

I do love a good book series, so when I found out Alexandra Brown's debut novel Cupcakes at Carrington's is the first of a 3 part series, I started to look forward to it even more! It's due on 17th January 2013, and I think the cover is really pretty too, and looks fun (click it to see a bigger version). I can't wait to read it, especially to read about the lovely cupcakes!

"Georgie Hart loves her job – running the luxury handbag concession at Carrington's Department store in the pretty seaside town of Mulberry Bay, and treating herself (once too often!) to a red velvet cupcake with buttercream icing in Carrington's café.

But Georgie is thrown into disarray when Carrington's is plunged into a recession-busting makeover, cueing the arrival of femme fatale Maxine, who wields the axe in her immaculately-manicured hands.

It spells a recipe for disaster for Georgie and soon she is fighting not only for her job, but also for the attentions of her gorgeous boss, James. And when hot newcomer Tom arrives, who may or may not be the best thing since sliced bread, Georgie must decide where her loyalties really lie…"

You can pre-order Cupcakes at Carrington's as a paperback or an eBook now.

Book Review: The Perfect Present by Karen Swan

"Haunted by a past she can’t escape, Laura Cunningham desires nothing more than to keep her world small and precise - her quiet relationship and growing jewellery business are all she needs to get by. Until the December day when Rob Blake walks into her studio and commissions a necklace that will tell his enigmatic wife Cat’s life in charms. As Laura interviews Cat’s family, friends and former lovers, she steps out of her world and into theirs – a charmed world where weekends are spent in Verbier and the air is lavender-scented, where friends are wild, extravagant and jealous, and a big love has to compete with grand passions. Hearts are opened, secrets revealed and as the necklace begins to fill up with trinkets, Cat’s intoxicating life envelops Laura’s own. By the time she has to identify the final charm, Laura’s metamorphosis is almost complete. But the last story left to tell has the power to change all of their lives forever, and Laura is forced to choose between who she really is and who it is she wants to be."

Rating: 4/5

As you all know by now, I do love a Christmas novel, and last year I thoroughly enjoyed Karen Swan's first festive offering Christmas at Tiffany's. Swan decided again this year to release another festive novel, this time entitled The Perfect Present. I loved the cover straight away, with the red and the snow, it looks really beautiful and romantic looking. It's quite a long book at just over 500 pages, and despite a bit of a slow start, it was, by the end, a beautifully written tale of love, loss and friendship, and how we don't always know everything about those that we love, and to just live each day as it comes. Here's why I think I should be reading 'The Perfect Present' this Christmas.

Laura Cunningham hasn't had an easy life, but she loves her job as a jewellery maker, working in her own isolated studio, while she lives with boyfriend Jack, and works with best friend and manager Fee. Laura only works to commissions, so when she's approached by Rob Blake who demands she makes an intricate charm necklacke for his wife, she's a bit taken aback. Reluctantly, Laura accepts and for the next few weeks, her life is changed as she embraces Rob's expensive lifestyle, flitting abroad to Verbier and skiing with Cat's nearest and dearest, to wild, expensive parties and auctions. But as the necklace slowly fills up with charms that Laura is creating, Cat's lifestyle is rubbing off more and more on Laura's own life. Can Cat's necklace make Laura face up to what it is she's running away from, and will the necklace leave all of their lives changed forever?

As I mentioned before, I did the start of the book was a little bit slow, and it took my perseverance to keep going with it, and know that something better was ahead, and I'm pleased that I did. Laura was an interesting character, someone I didn't fully warm to throughout the book and found a little bit fickle, and I had the feeling there was something being held back about her that would explain a lot of things. I was right, as things are revealed as the book progresses which does explain a lot of Laura's behaviour, but I still didn't like some of her actions in the book, and she is certainly a flawed character. I felt very sorry for her boyfriend Jack, he was the perfect boyfriend in so many ways, but wasn't getting the love and respect back he deserved, probably something which didn't help my response to Laura at all!

I really loved the focus on a charm necklace (although of course quite similar to Melissa Hill's latest book The Charm Bracelet), and how each charm was created after Laura interviewing each of Cat's friends and family to find the "real her". Of course, this mean secrets are revealed, and Laura struggles to cope with what she's finding out, and the fact she's being swept away by the lavish lifestyle suddenly thrust upon her. The people in Cat's life, including Cat herself actually, weren't very nice people, all a bit obsessed with their own lives, money and designer labels (which were frequently name dropped throughout the book!). The only one I really liked was Kitty, the busy housewife who seemed to be the only genuine person in the whole book! However, having a cast of dislikeable people makes for interesting reading as things develop, and I really wasn't sure how it was all going to end for Laura, Rob, Cat and co. The festive feeling was there throughout the book, although not laid on too thick (sadly!) , just the odd mention, and of course the winteriness of Verbier and skiing transports you to that winter frame of mind!

This is a very involved story with quite a few characters that you really have to sit down and concentrate to read to keep on top of all the things going on, but it's a very enjoyable novel that sweeps you away in the glamorous lifestyles of the characters within, and get drawn into Laura's puzzling past that still affects her present. It was fun to read about the friendships in the book, how they've changed as people get older and circumstances change, and how things aren't always as they seem between the friends. It's an emotional read, but one that doesn't get too carried away with the "tugging on your heartstrings" storyline, it's enough to make you feel for Laura, and understand why she is the way she is, but also teaches us how we certainly don't know everything about people that we think we do. I enjoyed it, and look forward to more from Karen Swan.

You can buy The Perfect Present as a paperback or an eBook now.

Book News: The Secret Supper Club by Dana Bate

Dana Bate's debut novel is due out on 6th December through Canvas publishers, and it sounds like a great read based around a 'secret supper club'. I've read a couple of books this year based around this theme so I'm looking forward to seeing what Bate can do with the idea. I have to say I'm loving the bright and funky cover though!

"Starter

If twenty-six-year-old Hannah Sugarman had her way, she’d be whipping up carrot cakes and running her culinary empire. Instead, she spends her hours cooking up papers on the financial crisis. It doesn’t help that no one in her life takes her passion seriously – not even her boyfriend.

Main

When her relationship implodes, Hannah decides to jump-start her life by hosting a secret supper club out of her landlord’s flat. Her underground operation presents some problems. Running an unlicensed restaurant out of someone’s home is not, technically speaking, legal.

Dessert

As the success of Hannah’s supper club grows, so do the number of secrets she is forced to keep. Can Hannah keep her pop-up restaurant underground? When mysterious guests turn up for dinner, can she handle the heat? Or will she have to step out of the kitchen?

A charming romantic comedy, The Secret Supper Club is a story about finding yourself, fulfilling your dreams, and falling in love along the way."

You can order The Secret Supper Club as a paperback or an eBook now.

Chick Lit Chloe's Awards 2012: Author of the Year Reader Vote - Round 2 voting opens!

Thank you all for your nominations in Round 1. I've collated the results, and now the top ten are listed here! In Round 2, we're going to whittle it down to the top 3 authors.... simply vote for your TOP 3 choices out of the available ones here, and the top 3 voted for will go through to the final round where it'll be a vote for the winner. This round closes on Monday 3rd December at midday, so get voting now! Please only vote once so it's a fair result. If you vote for more than 3, your vote will be removed, please ensure you stick to the rules! (Listed in alphabetical order, not by order of votes in Round 1!)

Book Review: Christmas at the Cupcake Café by Jenny Colgan

"Issy Randall, proud owner of The Cupcake Cafe, is in love and couldn't be happier. Her new business is thriving and she is surrounded by close friends, even if her cupcake colleagues Pearl and Caroline don't seem quite as upbeat about the upcoming season of snow and merriment. But when her boyfriend Austin is scouted for a possible move to New York, Issy is forced to face up to the prospect of a long-distance romance. And when the Christmas rush at the cafe - with its increased demand for her delectable creations - begins to take its toll, Issy has to decide what she holds most dear.

This December, Issy will have to rely on all her reserves of courage, good nature and cinnamon, to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas, one way or another . . "

Rating: 5/5

I absolutely loved Jenny Colgan's 2011 release Meet Me at the Cupcake Café, it was my first ever Jenny Colgan book, and it was a delight to read from start to finish. I think it prompted a whole new fanbase for Jenny as well, and the gorgeous covers certainly help matters, they're so pretty! I really loved the characters that we met in that book, so when I heard that Jenny was bringing them back for a festive offering, I was really pleased, it seemed like a cupcake café would be the perfect setting for a Christmassy book! The cover is so pretty, with it's light blue and red, and the intricate patterns around the edge, and as soon as it arrived, I got stuck in and devoured it as quickly as I could...  much like I would one of Issy's cupcakes!

Issy Randall's 'Cupcake Café' is going from strength to strength, and she loves working there. She's still close friends with her colleagues Pearl, and her best friend Helena is still enjoying being a new mother, although Issy feels her friend's obsession with her new baby daughter is driving a wedge between their friendship. Then there's Issy's relationship with boyfriend Austin, which seems to be going well too. But when Austin is offered a job opportunity that could make he and his brother Darny more well off and successful than he ever could have thought, Issy is worried that it will spell the end of their relationship. Will Issy have the courage to stand up for what she really believes in, and what will come of her beloved Cupcake Café?

The really good thing about this book is that you don't have to have read the first book to really enjoy this one, and this is something that Colgan acknowledges in her short introduction to the book. She very briefly recaps what happened in the last book, and this was enough to refresh my memory sufficiently for me to quickly slip back into these characters and enjoy the book! Issy is the same as before; likeable, friendly and kind, and the perfect person to run the cafe. She bakes amazing sounding cakes, and as with the last book, Colgan has included recipes for the cakes that Issy bakes, and there are certainly a few that I want to try out myself! Issy is a great leading lady for the book, and I really enjoyed following her story, from her café over to New York and back again.

Issy's friends are also quite important in the book too, although of course their stories are secondary to the main one of Issy and Austin. Pearl, a single mother, is dreading the financial burden that Christmas is undoutedbly going to put on her, but wants to give her son Louis the best things that she can. Caroline, a divorcée single mum whose job at the Cupcake Café is her first job ever, is trying to be strong despite her husband's infidelities, but her attitude keeps rubbing her colleagues and customers up the wrong way. Then there's Helena who is a new mum to baby Chadani Imelda (sorry but just reading that name makes me a bit cross, I couldn't stand reading it in the book!) and her obsession with her new daughter and her developments are pushing Issy away somewhat. All of these characters are so important to the book, and I liked how Colgan effortlessly weaves them into the book through the Cupcake Café.

I was surprised at New York being included in the book, as it didn't seem to fit at all, and given that I'd just read a book set in that city, I was a bit worried it would seem a bit repetitive and spoil my enjoyment. However, of course that wasn't the case, and while the scenes in NYC were few and far between, there to update us on Austin and to throw a spanner in the works for Issy, they were fun to read, especially as it was set at Christmas and Colgan writes the city so beautifully. I loved the 'will they, won't they' aspect of this storyline, and was worried about whether Issy and Austin would make it through, it's not clear cut as you're reading and I loved that! Colgan really weaves her Christmas magic through this book, from the lovely descriptions of the festive decorations that adorn the Cupcake Café, to the lovely cakes and cookies that Issy bakes throughout the book, plus the excitement of young Louis for Christmas that is just infectious! I loved every page of this book and didn't want it to end, I just hope this isn't the last we see of Issy and her wonderful Cupcake Café! This book is simply a must-read this Christmas.

You can buy Christmas at the Cupcake Café as a hardback or an eBook now.

National Book Awards 2012 Nominations

The nominations for the Specsavers National Book Awards 2012 have been announced! In the category of popular fiction, it's great to see three of the biggest names in Women's Fiction up for the award which is brilliant! You can visit the official website to find out the nominations in all of the categories, but my congratulations go out to Dorothy Koomson, E L James and Jojo Moyes for their nominations! It's also great to see Eowyn Ivey up for the 'Google Play International Author of the Year too!

Popular Fiction Book of the Year 2012 
The Rose Petal Beach by Dorothy Koomson

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

The Thread by Victoria Hislop

Citadel by Kate Mosse

1356 by Patricia Cornwell

Festival of Romance Award Winners

The 2012 Festival of Romance Awards were held last night, and there have been some great winners! I'm really thrilled to see Rowan Coleman win 'Best Romance Read' for 'Dearest Rose', and Nicola May win 'Best Author Published' for 'The School Gates'! My biggest congratulations go to all the winners! I'm only listing the book winners here, but there were plenty of other categories so take a look at their website to find out more of the winners.

Best Romance Novel
Dearest Rose by Rowan Coleman

Best Author Published
The School Gates by Nicola May

Best Historical Read
The Silent Touch of Shadows by Christina Courtenay

Innovation Award (Author)
Mandy Baggot

Publisher of the Year
Choc Lit

Book Review: From Notting Hill to New York... Actually by Ali McNamara

"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 . . ."

Rating: 5/5

Sequels to books I have loved always worry me... I worry that they aren't going to live up to my high expectations, and that my enjoyment of the first book will then be tainted! I was really excited that Ali McNamara was writing a sequel to her 2010 fantastic debut novel From Notting Hill With Love... Actually, a fun read about a movie obsessive living her dream in Notting Hill - I'd really enjoyed that novel and hoped that catching up with Scarlett and her friends again would be a good idea! Luckily, McNamara chose to set the sequel in my favourite city in the world, New York, and having been there myself, I was looking forward to seeing how realistically she would write about it, and how it would work in terms of Scarlett, her movie obsession and her relationships in the book!

Scarlett thinks she has finally found her Mr Right in boyfriend Sean, and the pair are still living together in Notting Hill. However, things seem to have gone off the boil a bit more, especially with Sean's jet-set lifestyle and Scarlett feeling a bit lonely now her dad has moved to New York for their popcorn business. When Scarlett decides she needs a break, she flies to see her dad with best friend Oscar, to the fabulous city of New York. While there, they bump into British TV presenter Jamie and his cameraman Max, and Scarlett hits it off with both of them. However, she starts to worry when she feels more of a connection with Jamie than she probably should, especially when Sean is only across the water waiting at home for her...

For me, it was easy to slip back into the lives of Scarlett and Sean, and it didn't feel like it had been nearly 2 years since I had last read about them both! McNamara recaps enough of their past to gently remind you of things as you're reading, and as such, those who haven't read the first book will still be able to enjoy this one just as much, albeit without knowing all of the ins and outs of Scarlett's escapades in Notting Hill! Although the book starts in Notting Hill, it does soon move over to New York, and I really enjoyed reading this part, especially as I could relate to it myself having been there twice before! I found McNamara's descriptions to be perfect, from the landmarks she describes, to the walkabouts that Scarlett goes on by herself... its clear to imagine exactly whats going on because of McNamara's use of detail, and her passion for it in her writing too which I cannot fault.

Couple this great side of the book with a likeable cast of characters and you're already on to a winning formula! I love Scarlett as a character - she's funny, she's realistic and believable, and all the time you're rooting for her to get her happy ending. She and Oscar are just hilarious together, especially exploring all the infamous New York sights... Oscar is just brilliant and makes reading the book even more of a joy! The use of two other British men in the book gives it another edge, and some of the storylines that come out of that are a tad far-fetched, but they are very fun to read about... McNamara must have had fun imagining the conversations Scarlett had with the very famous person in this book! As well as the more light-hearted side of the novel, there is a more serious storyline involving a TV station manager and a charity close to his heart... McNamara deals with this issue with compassion, and it felt well situated in amongst the more light stories and links in nicely with the other story threads.

I have to say that my favourite part was the last 30-40 pages where things suddenly come to a head, and I found myself whizzing through at lightning pace to find out how it was going to end, I loved how McNamara engineered this book's ending, and gives the reader a little extra excitement before we say goodbye to Scarlett and co once more! It's written in the first person from Scarlett's perspective, and this allows you to really get into her head and feel her confusion, excitement, nerves and more as the book progresses, and it allows the descriptions of New York to be really detailed too. I loved every page of this book, it really drew me in and I found myself guessing along with the book, and how things were going to go as it wasn't too obvious at various points! McNamara's writing is easy to read, and she's written a fun and readable novel that movie fans are going to love again as Scarlett goes exploring the setting of some of most brilliant movies of all time! A must-read from me, I loved it!

You can buy From Notting Hill to New York... Actually as a paperback or an eBook now.

eBook News: Mistletoe in Manhattan by Talli Roland

Another festive eBook is here! Talli Roland's new release Mistletoe in Manhattan is out now, and has a gorgeous cover, so festive, I love it! It sounds like a great read as well, and I think I'll be treating myself to it for my kindle.

"As Little Missington's first Christmas baby in fifty years and the daughter of Christmas When You Like It party-planners, Holly West has been surrounded by the holiday spirit since birth. Trouble is, she's not exactly filled with festive cheer. In fact, Holly can't wait to ditch the tinsel and Santa suits for champagne and celebs, and become a party-planner to the stars.

When British TV star Dean Layton hires her parents' company to throw his holiday bash in Manhattan, Holly jumps at the chance to help, confident she can handle a little Christmas in exchange for access to Dean's exclusive world.

But New York and Dean's over-the-top demands are more than Holly bargained for. Can Holly deck the halls and make it a party to be proud of, or will this Christmas be one she'll never forget . . . even if she wants to?"

eBook News: Winter Warmers by Carole Matthews

As well as having out a new festive novel With Love At Christmas, Carole Matthews is also treating her readers with a brand new eBook called Winter Warmers... and best of all, it's free! It contains three exclusive eBook short stories, and I am looking forward to reading them... it's always nice to get a few extra short stories to read! It's due out on 26th November but you can pre-order it now to be delivered to your Kindle on publication date!

"Three short stories from the wonderfully warm Carole Matthews: Winter Warmers - a gift for you. 

All I Want for Christmas is You

Christmas is around the corner but Maria just can't get into the spirit - will she ever find Mr Right? But when a secret admirer starts leaving her poems and notes, it looks as though her luck is about to change . . . 

Cold Turkey

Tara is in love with a man she can't have. She expected to spend Christmas with him but when the big day arrives, she finds herself alone. Sad and upset, Tara just wants to ignore the festive season - and then a chance encounter changes everything. 

About Gardening 

I love my husband Sam but our relationship isn't what it used to be. Can I find a way to bring us back together?

Treat yourself to this heart-warming collection - it's perfect for warming up those winter nights."

Book Review: When I Fall in Love by Miranda Dickinson

"What happens when your happy ever after is suddenly and painfully taken away from you?

Elsie Maynard has a whole new life she never expected to have.

From inadvertently founding a choir like no other with former 80s rock star Woody Jensen, to daring to date again, Elsie steps out into an unknown future – a future that could include gorgeous designer Olly Hogarth, a man who seems intent on winning her heart. Overcoming problems, challenges and the occasional frustration – namely overconfident Torin Stewart who seems to be everywhere – Elsie believes she is making the most of her life.

But then a heartfelt request brings her to Paris – and the last item on a very important List.

Can Elsie take the final step and lay her past to rest? Join Elsie as she battles to start again, with the help of a disastrous, newly-formed singing group and her father and sister armed with dating hopefuls."

Rating: 4/5

I read my first Miranda Dickinson novel last called, It Started With A Kiss, and I loved it - a good old-fashioned love story that made me smile, and I enjoyed every page. When I received a review copy of Miranda's latest book, When I Fall In Love, I was really pleased. It has a gorgeous wintery looking cover, with an apparent French setting with the Eiffel tower peeking through the background which I think looks great. Miranda's covers are always a bit sparkly too, just what you need to make your book feel extra-special and entice you to read it even more! I was hopeful that I'd enjoy the book just as much as last year, and luckily for me, Miranda didn't let me down!

Elsie Maynard is a woman trying to mend herself after her happiness is cruelly snatched away from her, and she's struggling to move on and live life to the full. When an opportunity arises to run a choir with a former 80's rocker called Woody, she jumps at the chance and think it's just what she needs to open her up to new possibilities. With a whole host of eager recruits, Elsie begins to teach them to sing, and it ends with the group going over to Paris for a one off special request performance. Will Elsie be able to find her happiness again, and lay her past sadness to rest once and for all?

I just want to say despite the festive looking cover, this isn't a Christmas book at all, and none of it takes place at Christmas. Instead, it's a wonderful and heart-warming love story, and all the better for it. I have to say I really enjoyed this book. I don't want to talk too much about what happened with Elsie in her past to make her sad because I found this to an important part of the book as it unfolds, and I don't want to spoil it for anyone who will want to read this. However, I will say that it did have me tearing up a few times as I was reading, and I felt Dickinson puts across the emotion of the story really well, and you do feel Elsie's sadness along with her for sure. 

Elsie is a very likeable character, despite the fact I thought she was a lot older because of her name lol. She seems to get on well with everyone, is very close to her sisters Guin and Daisy, who are both good characters in their own rights, and has a lovely close relationship with her father too. In fact, all of the characters in this book are well developed and are each important to the story, from the annoying yet helpful passer-by Torin to Irene, the elderly lady who is part of the choir. Each of them has their own story which unfolds as the book progresses, and The Sundaes (Elsie's choir) were just brilliant and had me smiling along as I read. Woody in particular is hilarious and you can't help but love him! You can also tell Miranda's used her own singing know-how to make the choir as realistic as possible, and it was fun reading these bits because of that reason.

The book is very emotional, especially with the inclusion of 'The List', something Elsie is dealing with in her life. I don't want to spoil the book and say too much about it, but it's an emotional addition to the book, and it works so well for Elsie and the book. It's touching and sweet, very romantic, and I loved it! I'm not exactly a hopeless romantic myself, but this did warm my heart, and gives a new dimension to the classic love story. Yes, some will say it's like another very famous chick lit book, but I far preferred this one, by a long way. Dickinson's writing draws you in and makes you plough through the book at speed until you've reached the end.. although I have to say the ending was the one thing I wasn't at all happy with in the whole book, it felt wrong to me and I wasn't best pleased - this is however just a personal preference of mine, I'm sure there are others that will love it. A wonderful love-story that has a cast of characters to love and care about, and is a joy to read. 

You can buy When I Fall In Love as a paperback or an eBook now.

Read the first chapter of 'The First Last Kiss' by Ali Harris!

Ali Harris' second novel The First Last Kiss isn't due out until January 17th 2013 (still over 2 months away!) but Simon and Schuster are whetting our appetites for it at the moment by hosting the first chapter of the book on their website, www.booksandthecity.co.uk. I've had a read, and now I can't wait to read the whole thing, what a great start! The second chapter will be released online if Ali gets 100 retweets of her tweet about it, so go forth and retweet to read more!

You can read the first chapter of The First Last Kiss here right now.

"How do you hold on to a love that is slowly slipping away from you? Can you let go of the past when you know what is in the future? And how do you cope when you know that every kiss is a countdown to goodbye? This is the story of a love affair, of Ryan and Molly and how they fell in love and were torn apart. The first time Molly kissed Ryan, she knew they'd be together forever. Six years and thousands of kisses later she's married to the man she loves. But today, when Ryan kisses her, Molly realises how many of them she wasted because the future holds something which neither of them could have ever predicted..."

Pre-order The First Last Kiss here now.

Book Review: Winter Wonderland by Belinda Jones

"Imagine waking up in a snow globe. . . 

That's how travel journalist Krista feels when she arrives in magical Quebec to report on Canada's glittering Winter Carnival.

Over ten sub-zero days Krista's formerly frozen heart begins to melt as she discovers an enchanting world of ice palaces, husky dog-sledding and maple-syrup treats galore. And then she meets Jacques, a man as handsome and rugged as he is mysterious. . . 

The two share a secret that could bond them forever, but can they find a way to break through the protective layers around their hearts to warm up this winter wonderland?

. . . let the snow-spangled adventure begin "


Rating: 4/5

I love that in Belinda Jones' novels you don't just get a great story, but you also get a mini travel guide between the pages as well! I've been taken to many places I've been wishing to go, and Jones always brings the places in her books to life with ease. Her latest book is a bit of a festive themed book, in that it is set in snowy Quebec in Canada, a bit of a change from the sunshine of her last book Living La Vida Loca! Canada isn't somewhere I have visited myself, so I was looking forward to Jones transporting me there with an exciting cast of characters, and a story to get consumed by, especially on these cold winter evenings where it's certainly cold enough to be snowing outside my own front door!

Krista is the owner of a travel agency, and as part of Va-Va-Vacation, she gets to travel the world and report on all the fabulous places she wants her clients to visit. She finds herself in Quebec in Canada, reporting on their famous Winter Carnival. While there, she works with new colleagues Annique and Gilles the photographer and finds herself having more fun than she expected. When she meets Jacques, a mysterious husky dog rider, she starts to wonder if he can melt her heart and help her fall in love after the demise of her own marriage a short while ago. But Krista is hiding a secret heartache that she's not sure any future love interests could cope with... is it enough to stop Krista from persuing a possible new love interest? Will she fall in love with more than Quebec on this trip?

I'll be honest and say that I did feel that the book started quite slowly. I found it took a little while to warm to Krista and find out what she was really about, and that perhaps hindered my initial enjoyment of the book. However, once I sat down with the book for a while and really allowed myself to read a chunk and get into it, I found myself enjoying it even more and I started to like Krista that bit more too. There's more to her than meets the eye, and this is hinted at for quite a while in the book and isn't revealed until nearly the end, although I had guessed it before Jones completely revealed all. Krista is fun, and when she lets go a bit more in the book, as in the scenes with Malhomme (the bad mascot!) and Jacques, we see a nicer side to her that I could relate to a lot more. When her secret is revealed, I did feel very sorry for her, and wish it had been revealed earlier so readers can be a bit more sympathetic to her. Jacques was a great mysterious male character, I loved his scenes and he was a bit of light relief for Krista!

The setting of Quebec was lovely, and Jones' descriptions of the city are just fantastic. They certainly make the book worth reading on their own, and you can tell Jones has really put the research into the book and is writing from personal experience. Everything from the Winter Carnival itself, to the buildings, to the gorgeous views are described perfectly, and you can really imagine you're sitting in Quebec as you're reading. I loved reading about Krista freezing in the amazing ice hotel, going on husky dog rides with Sebastien and Jacques to walking through the snow in the freezing weather... it all sounds brilliant and Jones' writing really does bring it to life. Quebec sounds like a beautiful place, and I hope I will lucky enough to visit there one day like Krista!

I found this book to be really enjoyable, even though it did feel at times that the story wasn't much moving along much, and I wasn't really sure where it was all going. Yes, it is slow paced, but in some ways this worked to its advantage because I felt like I really got to know these characters and why they are how they are, even the more minor ones like Jacques' brother Sebastien. Krista isn't a big all singing, all dancing heroine of the book, instead she muddles along and finds her way slowly but surely, and I liked her all the more for her mistakes. There was a bizarre storyline involving Bonhomme the Carnival mascot that seemed strange and didn't seem to have a point to it if I'm honest, then the main one involving Krista, Jacques and her friends which managed to be funny, sad, and heart-warming all at the same time. It's a great book to read in these cold months, and I really enjoyed reading it. The detailed descriptions of Quebec, fun and likeable characters and a heart-warming story make for a great book; Jones has written a fun winter novel you can read over and over.

You can buy Winter Wonderland as a paperback or an eBook now.

Book News: The Mill River Recluse by Darcie Chan

Darcie Chan's new novel The Mill River Recluse is one some of you may have heard of, or already read because it's been out as an eBook for quite a while now. In fact, it's a huge bestseller, and has done amazingly well in America, especially considering it was self-published by the author! In the UK, publishers Sphere have picked it up for its paperback release, and it's due out on 22nd November, complete with a gorgeous snowy cover! I think it sounds like a really interesting read and I can't wait to read it myself.

"Disfigured by the blow of an abusive husband, the widow Mary McAllister has spent almost sixty years secluded in a white marble mansion overlooking the town of Mill River, Vermont. Her links to the outside world are few: the mail, an elderly priest, and a bedroom window with a view of the town below.

Most longtime residents of Mill River consider the marble house and its occupant peculiar, and few of them have ever seen Mary. But three newcomers - a police officer and his daughter and a new schoolteacher - are curious about the reclusive old woman. Only the town priest truly knows the Mill River recluse, and the secret she keeps . . . a secret that, once revealed, will change the town, and the lives of its residents, forever.

In the old-fashioned tradition of Kim Edwards (The Memory Keeper's Daughter, The Lake of Dreams), The Mill River Recluse is a story of triumph over tragedy, one that reminds us of the value of friendship and the mysterious ways that love can come from the most unexpected places."

You can buy The Mill River Recluse as a paperback or an eBook now.

Book Review: The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene

"At a car boot sale in Sussex, three very different women meet and fall for the same vintage teaset. They decide to share it - and form a friendship that changes their lives . . .

Jenny can't wait to marry Dan. Then, after years of silence, she hears from the woman who could shatter her dreams.

Maggie has put her broken heart behind her and is gearing up for the biggest event of her career - until she's forced to confront the past once more.

Alison seems to have it all: married to her childhood sweetheart, with two gorgeous daughters. But as tensions mount, she is pushed to breaking point."

Rating: 5/5

One debut novel which caught my eye earlier this year is Vanessa Greene's new book The Vintage Teacup Club. I loved the cover the publishers Sphere came up with - it's simple and understated, yet very effective and pretty to look at. I think it'll make the book appeal to a wide range of readers as well. It's another take on the 'club' books that we see a lot of these days, so I wondered what Greene would be able to do with this book that would make it stand out from the rest, and make her an author to watch out for in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and amongst the many festive novels I've been reading lately, this stands out as a thoroughly enjoyable and heart-warming book for all ags.

The book is the tale of 3 women who start off as strangers and end up as the firmest of friends. There's Jenny who is engaged to Dan, and looking to make her wedding the thing of dreams. She's sure that having a vintage wedding, complete with vintage teacups will add a special something, but when someone reappears in her life, it threatens to ruin her big day. There's Maggie, a lady who runs a successful florist business but is nursing her own broken-heart. When a face from her past reappears, Maggie wonders if she's destined for a happy ending after all. Finally there's happily married Alison, with her two teenage daughters who give her a bit of strife. Alison enjoys making her homemade crafts, and when a big opportunity arises, she wants to take it with both hands...

This book was fun to read right from the beginning, and the three women who the story centred around were really normal, and therefore I found it really easy to get into the story and enjoy it even more. The book is told through 3 different narratives, and Greene uses differing ones to really allow the reader to tell the women apart. Jenny's story is told in the first person, whereas Maggie and Alison's stories are told in the third person. I found it a little odd to begin with, but soon got used to it, and enjoyed the change as I read as it made it interesting and kept it fresh. The name of the narrator changes with each chapter, and their name appears at the start of the chapter too so you're sure who you are reading about. This way, we get to know a lot about each of the women individually, but also their forming friendship.

I really liked reading about all of the women, but my favourite was probably Alison. She was a busy housewife, trying to do the best by her family and found herself frustrated at her husband at home when he's made redundant, but feels guilty for it. I found her easy to like, and could empathise with a lot of what she goes through. I found her relationship with her daughters interesting to read too, and it seemed very believable too. Maggie was probably my least favourite, as I felt she was a bit of a walkover but I could also understand why she did what she did. The three women vary in age, lifestyles and experience, but it's fun to see how their love of vintage teacups unites them, and their friendship comes through above and beyond everything that they go through.

The book is a very enjoyable read, and is peppered with beautifully vivid descriptions of the lovely teasets that the women collect between them. Even though I'm someone who doesn't particularly have a fondness for teacups, I really loved reading about them, and Greene's descriptions are beautifully written. The book also highlights the importance of the women's friendships, and shows how friendships can be made across the generations. It was a quick read simply because I didn't want to put it down of an evening, it was such a warm and inviting novel that I could enjoy every page of. With characters that are appealable to everyone, and lovely descriptions of vintage teacups, Vanessa Greene makes it on to my list of favourite 2012 debut authors, and I can't wait to read more from this new talent. I highly recommend The Vintage Teacup Club, a book to enjoy with your own warm cup of tea in a gorgeous teacup!

You can buy The Vintage Teacup Club as a paperback or an eBook now!

November 2012 releases

Wow, what a lovely selection of books out this month! There's still a few festive releases due, with books from Belinda Jones,  Karen Swan and Rebecca Chance keeping that festive feeling alive. It certainly looks like blue is the colour of choice for book covers too, nearly ever cover is blue-themed this month! I'm really looking forward to them all, what a great selection! Which ones are you looking forward to most of all?