Month: February 2016
Review :The Cosy Teashop in the Castle by Caroline Roberts
Blurb
When Ellie Hall lands her dream job running the little teashop in the beautiful but crumbling Claverham Castle, it’s the perfect escape from her humdrum job in the city. Life is definitely on the rise as Ellie replaces spreadsheets for scones, and continues her Nanna’s brilliant baking legacy.
When Lord Henry, the stick-in-the-mud owner, threatens to burst her baking bubble with his old-fashioned ways, Ellie wonders if she might have bitten off more than she can chew. But cupcake by cupcake she wins the locals over, including teashop stalwart, Doris, and Ellie’s showstopping bakes look set to go down in castle history!
Now all that’s missing in Ellie’s life is a slice of romance – can Joe, the brooding estate manager, be the one to put the cherry on the top of Ellie’s dream?
So I love castles, I love cosy tea rooms and I love reading about them. So this book was pretty much right up my street.
As I say above this book is set in a tea room in a castle which made it a very warm and cosy read perfect for a cold Sunday afternoon with a mug of tea, but make sure you have plenty of cake near by as you will be wanting it when you read this. So not good for those on healthy eating plans.
I loved the descriptions of the castle as well as the budding romance between Ellie and the hunky estate manager Joe.
This book will make you Crave cake
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Impulse for this free review copy. This was my honest opinion
4 Stars
Blog Tour: The Silent Girls by Ann Troup
Blurb: What if everything you knew was a lie…
This house has a past that won’t stay hidden, and it is time for the dead to speak.
Returning to Number 17, Coronation Square, Edie is shocked to find the place she remembers from childhood reeks of mould and decay. After her aunt Dolly’s death Edie must clear out the home on a street known for five vicious murders many years ago, but under the dirt and grime of years of neglect lurk dangerous truths.
For in this dark house there is misery, sin and dark secrets that can no longer stay hidden. The truth must come out.
Finding herself dragged back into the horrific murders of the past, Edie must find out what really happened all those years ago. But as Edie uncovers the history of the family she had all but forgotten, she begins to wonder if sometimes it isn’t best to leave them buried.
An unforgettable and addictive story, perfect for fans of Lesley Thomson, Diane Chamberlain and Tracy Buchanan.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28441057-the-silent-girls?ac=1&from_search=1
About Ann Troup: Ann Troup tells tales and can always make something out of nothing (which means she writes books and can create unique things from stuff other people might not glance twice at). She was once awarded 11 out of 10 for a piece of poetry at school – she now holds that teacher entirely responsible for her inclination to write.
Her writing space is known as ‘the empty nest’, having formerly been her daughters bedroom. She shares this space with ten tons of junk and an elderly Westie, named Rooney, who is her constant companion whether she likes it or not. He likes to contribute to the creative process by going to sleep on top of her paperwork and running away with crucial post-it notes, which have inadvertently become stuck to his fur. She is thinking of renaming him Gremlin.
She lives by the sea in Devon with her husband and said dog. Two children have been known to remember the place that they call home, but mainly when they are in need of a decent roast dinner, it’s Christmas or when only Mum will do. She also has extremely decent stepchildren.
In a former incarnation she was psychiatric nurse, an experience which frequently informs her writing. She has also owned a cafe and an art/craft gallery. Now she only makes bacon sandwiches as a sideline, but does continue to dabble with clay, paint, paper, textiles, glue…you name it. Occasionally she may decide to give away some of these creations (you have been warned!).
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TroupAnn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anntroupauthor/
Website: https://anntroup.wordpress.com/
This was so brilliantly written and so wonderfully descriptive. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in No 17 Coronation square watching the story unfold infront of my very eyes The Characters just drew me into the story some were just plain nasty others so good. The plot twists and turns were excellently executed and I actually gasped at one of the plot twists I really was shocked my one in particular I just didn’t see it coming my way. Ann hardly leaves you to take a breath before the next secret is revealed.
I really warmed to Edie and loved how she coped with all this being throw her way.
This book is perfect if you don’t actually want to sleep because it will keep you awake in its grasp until the very last page
4.5 stars
Review: The Ball Room by Anna Hope
Blurb
Where love is your only escape ….
1911: Inside an asylum at the edge of the Yorkshire moors,where men and women are kept apart by high walls and barred windows, there is a ballroom vast and beautiful.
For one bright evening every week they come together and dance.When John and Ella meet It is a dance that will change two lives forever.
This novel is set in the heatwave of 1911 at the end of the Edwardian period. Over this time frame home secretary Winston Churchhill was in favor of mandatory Sterilization for the feeble minded. This gives you an idea and sets the scene for the novel.
The novel is narrated by 3 very individual voices so you had Ella, John and Charles. Ella is narrated from the female side of the asylum, John the male side and Charles one of the doctors.
Above all this is a love story told in the most horrendous of places. I loved the letters between John and Ella and looked forward to the chapters they were featured.
The Ballroom completely plunged me into its grip from page one until the end. Hope left no stone un- turned so I was left with no questions on the last page.
This story was just full of hope and encourages you to whatever you are going through, you can find happiness and love in the most difficult of places
5 of 5 stars
#covereveal Born to by Winter Austin
Blurb
Trouble’s on the run in rural Eider, Iowa, and Deputy Cassy Rivers’s heart is in the line of fire. Two years ago, she barely escaped a harrowing experience at the hands of a maniac—and not without scars. Now a series of random robberies leads to the brutal death of a fellow officer, and she must put her trust in the one man who broke her heart.
FBI agent Boyce Hunt knows commitment isn’t for men with pasts like his. He left Cassy once to protect her from the blackmail and manipulation he faces from his mother’s criminal enterprise. But when they reluctantly partner up to capture the modern Bonnie and Clyde terrorizing McIntire County, their attraction flames to life once more, pulling Boyce between two loyalties.
Will they risk their hearts again, even if it means losing everything?
About the Author:
Winter Austin perpetually answers the question: “were you born in the winter?” with a flat “nope.” Having returned to her hometown, Winter has stepped into the chaotic world of a full-time wife, mom, author, and employee.
A lifelong Mid-West gal, Winter rediscovered her love of her beloved Iowa with its hot summers and snowy winters. She grew up listening to the captivating stories told by relatives around the table or a campfire. Since becoming a published author, she learned a mindset of a glass half-empty personality makes for a perfect suspense/thriller author. Taking her ability to verbally spin a vivid and detailed story, Winter translated that into writing deadly romantic thrillers. Combining her love of all things rural, agricultural, and military, she’s turned her small town life upside down.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.winteraustin.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WinterAustin_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/w.austin.degressofdarkness
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880807.Winter_Austin?from_search=true&search_version=service
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Austin/e/B00B0DFJRA/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1455689587&sr=8-2-ent
BLOG TOUR:Song of the Sea Maid by Rebecca Mascall
Today I am over the moon at being part of the Blog tour for Song of Sea Maid by Rebecca Mascull. Today I have a chat to Rebecca
Hi Rebecca – Thank you for taking part in this q & a for Natsreadingcloud Would you like to start by introducing yourself to my readers..?
Hello there! I’m a novelist and I’ve also worked in education for many years. I have a daughter and I love talking to her about the world. I also like chocolate and cakes far too much for my own good.
Tell us a bit about Song of the Sea Maid
It’s the story of an orphan girl in the 18th-century who, despite her low circumstances, dreams of being a scientist. Through determination and some good fortune, she travels abroad to study nature and makes a remarkable discovery… She also finds love and war, then is set off on a path she didn’t expect.
What was the inspiration behind the book?
The spark for this book was a question: what if a person with no power or position in society came up with a brilliant scientific idea in times past? Would that idea ever be heard? It occurred to me that the brilliant thinkers of the past – the ones we learn about at school and the ones who have statues built of them – these are often the ones who were in the right place at the right time. What I mean is, if you have no means to have your ideas listened to e.g. if you are poor or in any other way disenfranchised in your society, you could be the most brilliant thinker of your generation, but who on earth would ever get to hear about you? This is particularly true in the far more rigid class structures of the past – such as the lowly position of women in the 18th-century – but it still holds true in many places in the world today.
How did you go about doing the research for this book?
It’s a long process involving quite a bit of work! I always start with a notebook, jotting down random ideas. Then I start reading around the topics I feel I need to know about in order to tell my story. For example, for Sea Maid, I had to learn about 18th-century society, female scientists, travel by sea, the Seven Years’ War etc. I watch documentaries and movies about the period or the topics. I fill research files full of notes. It takes a good year or more. You could go on forever doing this! But at some point, you reach a kind of critical mass of information and then you feel ready to start drafting. That’s how it works for me, anyway. You can see me talking about this process in my study on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE-Hd7EYrag
Who are your favourite Authors? And what genre of books do you enjoy reading?
My favourite author of all time is Charles Dickens, because he makes you laugh and cry, writes brilliant page-turning plots and makes you think. Other than him, I have particular books that are my favourites, rather than authors. For example, some of my favourite novels of all time are Wuthering Heights, The Great Gatsby, The French Lieutenant’s Woman, The Blind Assassin, Catcher in the Rye, Cold Mountain, Persuasion. I love all these books but don’t necessarily love all the books by all of these authors. So I’m very particular about the books that are special to me. However, there are some writers that I will go to when a new book comes out that I know I will generally enjoy and in recent times these have included Amy Tan and Isabel Allende. My most recent discovery of beloved books have been the Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard. I can’t recommend them highly enough – completely immersive, addictive family saga across the years surrounding World War II. Just wonderful stuff.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
For me, writing stories mirrors how I think and how I’ve always looked at the world. I’ve always been an observer, watching people and placing them in little dramas in my head. It’s just the way my mind works. So writing novels means I get to satisfy my mind in a very complete way, which is wonderful. And though I like good walks in beautiful places as much as anyone else, I’m also a bit of a home person, so it suits me to have a job where (apart from necessities like doing the school run etc.) I don’t have to leave the house if I don’t want to. I don’t even have to get out of my dressing gown! That suits me very well! I’d have to say the two worst things about being a writer are the self-doubt that seems to go hand-in-hand with being an author and also it’s very difficult to make a living wage from writing alone, so that brings with it attendant stress, unfortunately! However, I wouldn’t swap it for the world and I do love my job.
Do you have a favourite writing place?
Being honest, I would say I love to write in bed but my physio at the hospital would tell me off! I’ve had all sorts of neck and back problems from writing, so I have to sit at my desk with a proper chair and all that. In a perfect world, it would be snowing outside and the central heating will be on. That’s how I would love to write best. But let’s face it, it’s not a perfect world and so one must make the best of the time and space you have. If my cat is around to keep me company, that suits me very well too.
What other hobbies/interests do you have apart from writing?
Reading, surprise surprise! Also, cinema and watching TV drama box sets. Baking cakes (and eating them). Going for walks with my family in lovely places. I also love going book shopping and visiting cafes to drink Earl Grey tea, with dear friends and good conversation.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these.
Nat
Blurb
As a child living on the streets of London, then in an orphanage, Dawnay Price grows up determined not to let her background stand in the way of her ambitions.
In an era where women rarely travel alone, especially for scientific study, Dawnay sets sail aboard The Prospect to the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Amid rumours of mermaids in the sparkling waters, she makes some unexpected discoveries, including what it means to fall in love.
Having fought hard against convention, Dawnay is determined to put her career above all else. Yet as war approaches she finds herself divided by feelings she cannot control.
Told in Dawnay’s words, from the author of THE VISITORS, this is an unforgettable story about what it takes to achieve your dreams, even when they seem impossible.
Links
http://rebeccamascull.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/rebeccamascull
https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaMascull
https://www.facebook.com/becca.mascull
http://uk.pinterest.com/rebeccamascull/
https://instagram.com/rebeccamascull/
#coverreveal MEAN SISTERS by Lindsey Emory
Blurb
Margot Blythe is a twenty-something year old who can’t seem to let her college glory days go. After all, everyone deserves a family of ‘sisters’ like she had. When she’s invited to speak at her alma mater, her homecoming reception isn’t exactly what she expected. Tragedy strikes and Margot has to step up, especially when foul play is suspected.
She’s going to save her fifty frazzled ‘sisters’, keep the suspicious (but dangerously cute) police officer at bay and find out the truth – could a sister have committed such an unimaginable sin as murder?
Margot is going to learn the real bond of sisterhood and maybe, just maybe, discover where she truly belongs.
#coverreveal THE GIRL WHO WALKED IN SHADOWS BY Marnie Riches
Blurb
Europe is in the grip of an extreme Arctic blast and at the mercy of a killer, who leaves no trace. His weapons of choice are razor-sharp icicles. This is Jack Frost.
Now a fully qualified criminologist, Georgina McKenzie is called upon by the Dutch police to profile this cunning and brutal murderer. Are they looking for a hit man or a frenzied serial-killer? Could there be a link to a cold missing persons’ case that George had worked with Chief Inspector Paul van den Bergen – two abducted toddlers he could never quite give up on?
The hunt for Jack Frost sparks a dangerous, heart-rending journey through the toughest neighbourhoods in Europe, where refugees and Romani gypsies scratch a living on the edge of society. Walking into the dark, violent world of a trans-national trafficking ring, can George outrun death to shed light on two terrible mysteries?
Review: Song of the Sea Maid by Rebecca Mascull
Blurb
As a child living on the streets of London, then in an orphanage, Dawnay Price grows up determined not to let her background stand in the way of her ambitions.
In an era where women rarely travel alone, especially for scientific study, Dawnay sets sail aboard The Prospect to the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Amid rumours of mermaids in the sparkling waters, she makes some unexpected discoveries, including what it means to fall in love.
Having fought hard against convention, Dawnay is determined to put her career above all else. Yet as war approaches she finds herself divided by feelings she cannot control.
Told in Dawnay’s words, from the author of THE VISITORS, this is an unforgettable story about what it takes to achieve your dreams, even when they seem impossible.
This was a truly amazing story which was written so beautifully by Rebecca and an absolute treat and delight to read
For me Dawney the protagonist was brought to life, I felt like I was within the pages of the book sharing her life along with her. First as a young street urchin, then her time in the Asylum for the Destitute Wretches of the Streets of London and her life after this. I really liked Dawney she was ambitious, determined and her character was just fantastic but of course she had many flaws (but who doesn’t). This also makes the book a wonder that it is
The story was peppered with plot twists which I didn’t see coming this kept me the reader engaged right through to the end.
I adored this book
5 of 5 stars
On Tuesday 16th February I am part of the blog tour for this book where I chat to Rebecca Mascull the author
Review: Our Song by Dani Atkins
Blurb
This is the story of Ally and Charlotte, whose paths have intersected over the years though they’ve never really been close friends. Charlotte married Ally’s ex and first true love, David. Fate is about to bring them together one last, dramatic time and change their lives forever.
So if you think its only ” Me before you” by Jojo Moyes which completely shreds your hearts to shreds and stamps on it. You have not read ”Oursong”
Sometimes with reviews I find it so difficult to tell you how much I adored a book and how much it just basically blew me away with its brilliance which there are just no words.This is one of those books. By chapter 2 I just knew it was special and the hype surrounding the book was very justified
I loved how it was told by ”now scenes” and the ”flashback scenes” to their pasts so you got the perspective of their lives now and then
This was my first Dani Atkins book it most certainly will not be my last
This book I purchased myself and this is my honest review
5 of 5 stars
NATSCLOUD 