Sunday 31 May 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 31.5.15


This week I was still getting over a dreadful stomach bug and unfortunately I was still suffering with it when I went away on Monday morning. I am really going to be giving myself a push in order to get back on track with the reading. I also cannot believe that this is the final day of May...Where has the year gone already???


This week I have been sent:
Why we Broke Up - Daniel Handler 
How to be Bad - E.Lockhart
Can't Look Away - Donna Cooner 


This week I have bought: 



Books I have read this week:
Currently Reading Always the Bridesmaid 


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know

Friday 29 May 2015

Finding Audrey - Sophie Kinsella

Finding AudreyFinding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meet Audrey: an ordinary teenage girl with not so ordinary problems.

Aside from her completely crazy and chaotic family, she suffers from an anxiety disorder which makes talking to her brother's hot new best friend a bit of a challenge.

But Audrey has a plan to help her face her fears and take on the world again. First stop: Starbucks.





When I heard that Sophie Kinsella was releasing a YA book I knew I had to read it and the fact I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC I needed to read it right away. Personally I feel this was a bit of a risk from Kinsella, we have all grown to love the Shopaholic series and although I thought the last book in particular was not up to usual standards I wouldn't change her writing style for anything.

Finding Audrey, is written in a different style and to be honest if I had covered the authors name when I picked up the book I would not have known it was written by her. I think this really shows how talented as an author Kinsella is. For her to be able to step inside the mind of a 14 year old and tell the story so brilliantly and make you as the reader believe everything Audrey is going through makes this a success.

The plot centres around Audrey and her family, Audrey is suffering from social anxiety order, which the more you read you begin to see into her past. Her mum seems to be obsessed with Frank (Audrey's brother) for always being online playing a game and listens to everything that the Daily Mail print! The story is mainly told through Audrey's perspective and through this you can see an insight into how she sees the relationship of others in her family. Audrey also films as part of her progression and some of the book is laid out in script format.

I enjoyed reading about all the characters in the story and I really loved reading about Linus and Audrey when they are exchanging notes through the door, I found this really heartwarming and I could see this playing out in my mind. I felt that Kinsella really allowed me, the reader to get inside the characters head and feel what they were feeling. Before reading this book I knew nothing about social anxiety order but from reading this I could begin to understand how people with this condition feel.

Throughout the book there were moments of humor, however it was more of a heartwarming tale about a family going through something traumatic and how they deal with it as a family, and I think family is the key in this book, they do all work together and look out for one another. This was something I really enjoyed reading about.

I feel that although this was a risk for Kinsella she has done the book justice, it is clear she has researched this topic well and got as much information as possible on the theme before sitting down to write. I this it was a bold move but one that has been a success, Kinsella's old and new fans are going to enjoy this novel and I hope to see more YA from Kinsella in the future.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday 27 May 2015

Catch me if you Cannes -Part 4 -Lisa Dickenson

Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 4Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 4 by Lisa Dickenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The final part in this hilarious four-part romantic comedy, from the author of You Had Me at Merlot and The Twelve Dates of Christmas - winner of the Novelicious Debut of the Year award.

Just one week ago, Jess was safely tucked away in her quiet seaside home, running her cafe and not really doing much of anything. So what on earth has happened between then and now that has her stealing a superyacht from Cannes marina?

Leo. Leo happened.

Jess doesn't want to believe what everybody is saying about him. He's her Leo, with his lazy smile, soft kisses and firm hugs, and she knows he's a good man. But she can't deny that something isn't quite right so she just needs some time to figure things out. All Jess did was fall in love with a boy who liked Nutella. How has it come to this?



Unfortunately the Catch me if you Cannes series has ended and what a great final part.

I felt that in this part I really got to know Leo and Jess, Bryony also got her story wrapped up and I loved every minute of it.

Finally I got to find out exactly what was going on, what was so secretive with Leo and Harvey. Jess' parents added a little to the mix too which I liked.

It is ever so hard to write a review for this part as I don't want to give it away being the ending of a fabulous series! All I can say is that it was just perfect and if you haven't read the series why not?

I think this is a perfect series for the summer, I really bought into the story and felt I was in Cannes with the characters. I loved the ending and thought it couldn't have ended better. Although maybe I would have liked to have known the outcome from Bryony...

Anyway you just need to go and make sure you read this, this summer.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 25 May 2015

The IT Girl - Katy Birchall

The It-GirlThe It-Girl by Katy Birchall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hilariously funny and deliciously romantic 'clean teen' fiction for teens. Perfect for fans of Geek Girl and Louise Rennison.

Everybody wants to be a famous It Girl. Don't they?

Anna Huntley's aims in life:

1) Must keep my two lovely new (and only) school friends by not doing anything in usual manner of socially inept dork and outcast.

2) Train Dog (my labrador) to high-five. This is probably the most ambitious life goal on this list.

3) Do not set the school's Deputy Queen Bee mean girl's hair on fire (again).

4) Work out whether 2) and 3) constitute being socially inept or outcastish.

5) Go to Africa and give out rice.

6) To hide in a cupboard FOR LIFE with Dog now Dad is engaged to one of the most famous actresses EVER, the paparazzi want to spash my face all over the papers and everyone in school (and The World) is soon to discover the level of my social ineptitude.

7) Is rice a bit done now? Maybe I can give out chocolate in Africa too. I do like chocolate. Must work out how to do it from the cupboard...




When I saw this book pop up in the book blogging community I knew I wanted to read it. I haven't read a light hearted YA for a while and was really looking forward to it.

When I began reading the book it become obvious that it was aimed at younger teens - Anna is 14 and I feel the book is very well suited to this audience. Even though I am a lot older I did enjoy reading it, I found it a fun and quick read. The story is primarily about friendship and accepting who you are. I feel that this is a brilliant topic for this age group. When I was 14 I also wanted to just fit in or be in the popular crowd, reading aspects of this book as an adult I could see what was going to happen a mile off, this though has come with experience.

I really liked the format of the book and its layout. The book has series of emails, voicemails and lists in and I particularly enjoyed reading these. They broke the book up and gave it a fun element.

Anna lives in London with her dad and dog, her dad mixes with celebrities for his job, but Anna has never met any of them, that is until he brings Helen home to meet her. She is a model and has an older daughter, who is a socialite. - Completely the opposite to Anna. When she meets them, they both surprise her with the news they are engaged, this doesn't go down well with either daughter.

I really enjoyed reading about the relationship between the daughters as well as Anna's friend. After being seen out together Anna is the latest thing and the press promote her as the next 'IT' girl. This causes a stir at school and suddenly all the popular kids want a piece of her.

This is similar to books like Geek Girl and anyone who loves them will love this. I really liked Anna as a character in the story and I felt I could relate to her, even though the main character is only 14 don't let this put you off.This is a super quick, fun and cute read that you must get your hands on, you won't be disappointed. It has everything that a good light hearted read needs, the boy, drama and celebrities. I think this is a great debut by Birchall and I think she is a YA author to watch out for! I can't stress how much I did enjoy the book and I can't wait to get my hands on The IT Girl 2!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday 24 May 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 24.5.15


This week has been really busy at work and towards the end of the week unfortunately I have come down with a dreadful virus, it has been so bad that I haven't even been able to read, I have slept for hours! I am slowly beginning to feel a little better and I have next week off work. I am going abroad for a few days but I am hoping to try and catch up with my reading. While I was poorly this week I treated myself to some new books...


This week I have been sent:
Keep the Home Fires Burning - Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
The Mountain can wait - Sarah Leipciger (Won)
Just one Day - Gayle Forman (Trade)
Just one Year - Gayle Forman (Trade)


This week I have bought: 
The Au Pair - Janey Fraser
Power Games - Victoria Fox 
The Accident - C.L Taylor 


Books I have read this week:
I am currently reading Always the Bridesmaid - Lindsey Kelk


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know

Friday 22 May 2015

The Girls Take Manhattan - Nicola Doherty

The Girls Take Manhattan (Girls On Tour BOOK 5)The Girls Take Manhattan by Nicola Doherty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fifth instalment in this hilarious, romantic and unputdownable five-part series. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk's I Heart... novels.

Join Poppy, Lily, Maggie and Rachel as they jet to New York - and face a big secret in the Big Apple.

When Lily invites the girls to attend a VIP event in Manhattan, they all jump at the chance. Poppy especially is thrilled to escape her impending 30th birthday with a weekend of Cosmos and red carpets. But none of them have any idea what Lily is really planning. Or how a single weekend can turn your life upside-down ... With non-stop fun and flirty frolics, this is a girls' weekend not to be missed.

Girls on Tour is an irresistible series of interlinked stories about four ordinary girls who have extraordinary fun in faraway places. Expect the unexpected, the utterly hilarious and unforgettable, on this rollercoaster ride of love, laughs, surprises and sparks. You have a VIP pass to join each girl's adventure, so pack your bags and buckle your seatbelts, because just about anything is possible...



The Girls on Tour series has finally come to an end with 'The Girls Take Manhattan' being the last in the series. I must say I am sad that this is the last one. I have grown to love the girls and their adventures over the last few weeks of reading the books.

In this part of the series the girls are all off to New York, Lily has managed to get the girls free accommodation in New York. (Anyone who has been there will know how fab this would be! The hotels are stupidly expensive and even then you would be lucky to be staying in the city centre!) They are all off for some BIG surprise from Lily, brushing with celebrities in her day job the girls believe its a red carpet event and can't wait!

The novella begins with the girls being upgraded on their flight over to New York. I was able to relate to this and really enjoyed reading this part of the book as when I went to New York I was lucky enough to be given a free upgrade. So I could totally understand the excitement from the girls. Even from the free breakfast and coffee, yes, I was just as excited!!!


Once over in New York the girls are just the same as everywhere else, eager for adventures and excited by what the days and nights might bring. The girls are in for a big shock at Lily's surprise for them - I don't want to say anymore to not spoil it for you. If you have read the others in the series then you must continue with this one.

I loved every minute of this series and think it was a great idea from Nicola. This novella was a perfect was to finish the series off, just like the others the story is face paced and the characters are believable, this time though I think I enjoyed it more as we had all the girls in the novella so I felt like I knew them a lot better.

I raced through this series and would encourage everyone to get it, it is perfect if you are on holiday or like me just dreaming that you were.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Thursday 21 May 2015

The Saffron Trail - Rosanna Ley

The Saffron TrailThe Saffron Trail by Rosanna Ley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Once, there was a girl who loved saffron. She loved its secrets, its mystery, and best of all, she loved its hint of magic.
After the death of her beloved mother, Nell travels from rural Cornwall to the colour and chaos of Marrakech. Her marriage may be on the rocks, but exploring the heady delights of Moroccan cuisine could help her fulfil her dream of opening her own restaurant. 
It's there she meets Amy - a young photographer trying to unravel the story behind her family's involvement in the Vietnam War. The two women develop a close friendship and discover a surprising connection between their own pasts. 
This connection will take Nell and Amy on a journey to find their own 'saffron trail' - from the labyrinthine medina and bustle of Moroccan bazaars all the way back home to Cornwall and to the heart of their families' origins.



The Saffron Trail is a lovely written book, it's full of descriptive passages both of the country of Morocco and of Moroccan cuisine. I would have thought I'd love it and in parts I did but it was just too much descriptive content for me. The book could have been half the length without it and a much better read. I found the endless descriptions of every chapter distracted me from what was happening and in the end I skim read this missing out these passages and getting down to the conversation and what was happening.

Overall the story line was good but as I said pace was obstructed for me. The story has two main characters, Nell and Amy both of whom at the start don't know each other. They come together for the first time when they meet in Morocco. Nell has been given a birthday present from her husband Callum of a Moroccan cookery experience and Amy is visiting Morocco for a photo shoot to promote a Moroccan event for her gallery in Lyme Regis. Nell is recovering from the sudden and unexpected death of her mother and Amy is searching for her cousin Glenn. Amy is taking photos and including the Moroccan cookery course as part of her exhibition photos and meets with Nell. They seem to have an immediate bond with each other and become good friends over the week of the trip. Secondary characters are introduced over the course of the story and it flows along nicely bringing the lives of the two main characters together.

I won't spoil the story by giving anything away suffice it to say that there is a nice twist and it's not entirely predictable which was a nice surprise. As I said it was just too wordy and too long for me, I was in danger of not finishing it which would have been a shame as it deserves to be read to the end. I can give this 3.5 stars but it would have been more if it had been shorter - descriptions of saffron are lovely but really once was enough without labouring the point and endless passages of descriptive narrative on cuisine smells were for me overkill.

I have rounded it up to 4 stars for goodreads and Amazon. I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday 20 May 2015

Catch me if you Cannes: Part 3 - Lisa Dickenson

Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 3Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 3 by Lisa Dickenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The third part in this hilarious four-part digital romantic comedy, from the author of You Had Me at Merlot and The Twelve Dates of Christmas - winner of the Novelicious Debut of the Year award.

Things could not be going better between Jess and Leo. Every moment they spend together is lovely and sunkissed and full of anticipation. Jess hasn't felt like this in a very long time and she doesn't want it to end. Sure, Leo is a bit vague about certain areas of his life but that doesn't mean anything . . .

Suddenly Jess's perfect holiday romance isn't looking so great and she has a choice to make - should she ignore what Bryony is telling her and keep living the dream, or should she run the risk of losing Leo in order to prove her friend wrong?




Lisa has done it again, another part and another cliff hanger!!!

This particular part of the story has felt more serious to me, we really start to get deep into backgrounds of the characters, although we still don't know exactly what is going on with Leo and Harvey we know something is definitely up. I have everything crossed that I find out exactly what in the final part. I am sure I will!

Jess and Bryony have been in Cannes a week now and things are beginning to hot up, Bryony has finally had an interview with a celeb for the magazine and she is desperately trying to keep her job. With a story like this there is every possibility she will be keeping it. The only issue is the celeb thinks they are staying at a very expensive hotel, after some negotiating with the hotel Bryony manages to secure it for a few hours.

Jess gets an unexpected visit, which almost blows her cover and Leos and Jess takes matters into her own hands. There is so much drama going on in this part of the story it is insane, the pace has picked up and now I am dying to find out what is going to be happening in the final part.

Again I don't want to give much away so I apologise if my review for this part is a little vague and short but I really don't want to spoil it for you. Just go out and grab yourself this book, you won't be disappointed!

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 18 May 2015

The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter by Kate Winter blog tour

The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter (RIP)The Happy Ever Afterlife of Rosie Potter by Kate Winter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Falling in love is never simple. Especially when you're dead.

When Rosie Potter wakes up one morning with what she assumes is the world's worst hangover, the last thing she expects is to discover that she's actually dead. With a frustrating case of amnesia, suspicious circumstances surrounding her untimely demise, and stuck wearing her ugliest flannel PJs, Rosie must figure out not only what happened last night, but why on earth she's still here.

Slowly the mystery unravels, but there are many other secrets buried in the quiet Irish village of Ballycarragh, and nobody is as innocent as they first appear. Aided by the unlikeliest of allies in her investigation, Rosie discovers that life after death isn't all it's cracked up to be, particularly when you might just be falling in love . . .

In this hilarious, life-affirming and romantic journey through Rosie Potter's afterlife, she shares the ghostly tale of how she lived, she died, and she loved (in that order)



To be honest I am finding this book a little hard to review. I have not read anything like this before so I was unsure what to expect. Although it is chick lit and an extremely easy read, it was a little darker (due to the topic) and had a different twist.

Rosie shares a place with her friend Jenny, they always have been friends and when Jenny moved to Dublin Rosie missed her a lot. When she found out she was coming back she was delighted, they moved in together and their friendship became stronger than ever. Reasons to why Jenny moved back so suddenly are a little unclear and what happened in Dublin she never talks about. That is until a hunk starts work at the pub Rosie works in, Jack. From the first moment Jenny seems to have a problem with him and tries to warn Rosie off him, claiming she knew him in Dublin and that he is trouble.

I found this very easy to read and read pretty quickly. There are a few issues I have had with the book, the main one is on discovering Rosie's death and the authorities informing her family. There is not a lot of emotion from her parents and they seem to carry on as normal, this to me I felt was strange. They didn't seem to be in floods of tears or anything and I would have thought they would have been.

The other negative I have about the book is that it didn't seem to be going anywhere at times and around the 180-200 page mark I felt myself drifting away from the book as not a lot seemed to he happening, that said it picked up shortly after.

This is a 'whodunit' with a difference and I certainly didn't see the ending coming. This book offers something different in the chick lit market and it is very clever. I really enjoyed the epilogue as it rounding things off nicely for all the characters we had met throughout the story. I also really enjoyed the way the story was told, it seemed to go forward and back in time, I enjoyed reading about Rosie from different viewpoints and angles from the book. I really felt for Rosie especially when we found out about her boyfriend as if felt she had wasted what little time she had.

I really loved Charles and although Rosie was dead there is still romance in this book which is a classic trait of a chick lit. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes chick lit and a light read, don't let the title put you off, this is certainly not a book full of doom and gloom.

I would love to read more from Kate Winter and I think this is a strong and original debut that will do well this year. It is certainly one to look out for.

I would like to think the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday 17 May 2015

Weekly Wrap Up 17.5.15


I have felt really down on myself this week for my lack of reading. I have had an incredibly busy and long week at work so this is why but I am still disappointed I haven't been able to read. I have got into bed really early this week with the intention of reading but been asleep before I have turned the first page! I am hoping that I can give myself some more reading time this week. Thanks for stopping by!


This week I have been sent:
The Summer of Secrets - Sarah Jasmon


This week I have bought: 



Books I have read this week:
Nothing unfortunately, I have been assessing children at school so been up late every night marking. 


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know

Friday 15 May 2015

Rachel does Rome - Nicola Doherty

Rachel Does Rome (Girls On Tour BOOK 4)Rachel Does Rome by Nicola Doherty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The fourth instalment in this hilarious, romantic and unputdownable five-part series. Perfect for fans of Lindsey Kelk's I Heart... novels.

What do you do when your boyfriend of two months cancels Valentine's Day?

If you're Rachel, you book a last-minute trip to Rome. Together with her friends Lily and Maggie, she's planning a relaxing weekend of culture and cappuccinos to take her mind off men altogether. But when she bumps into a figure from her past, Rachel finds herself on a Roman Holiday that features Vespa rides, hot tubs and some very unexpected consequences ...

Girls on Tour is an irresistible series of interlinked stories about four ordinary girls who have extraordinary fun in faraway places. Expect the unexpected, the utterly hilarious and unforgettable, on this rollercoaster ride of love, laughs, surprises and sparks. You have a VIP pass to join each girl's adventure, so pack your bags and buckle your seatbelts, because just about anything is possible...



So I have been able to catch up again with the girls and this time Rachel is in Rome. Slowly through reading these novellas I feel like I have travelled half way around the world and I have loved them. Rome is a place I have never been, I have visited Italy a few times but never got the opportunity to visit here, after reading this it has made me more determined to want to visit in the near future.

Rachel's boyfriend is off to a work conference over Valentines Weekend and although Rachel had agreed that Valentines day is overrated and an unnecessary expense, deep down she does wish that Oliver and her would do something. When he announces that he has to go away for the weekend she takes it with a pinch of salt. She decides that she should get away for the weekend. Most of her friends are going to be loved up except Maggie who jumps at the chance to go. She brings a long Lily one of her oldest friends who is visiting from the States.

From reading this novella Rachel came across a little ridged with her thoughts, she clearly has other ideas about this holiday to Maggie and Lily, they are there to party and have fun, whereas Rachel wants to stick to the guide book at all times. I enjoyed reading about Rachel and how her attitude began to change as the weekend went on. She started to become more confident and adventurous.

I really loved the ending of this novella, I thought that it was perfect and bought all aspects of the story to a close. I thought the characters were well developed and the story line was paced brilliantly. This is a typical chick lit that will have you feeling warm and fuzzy at the end. It is humourous but also has other dimensions which is brilliant.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday 13 May 2015

Catch me if you Cannes: Part 2 - Lisa Dickenson

Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 2Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 2 by Lisa Dickenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second part in this hilarious four-part romantic comedy, from the author of You Had Me at Merlot and The Twelve Dates of Christmas - winner of the Novelicious Debut of the Year award.

Jess had been feeling on top of the world - she'd had the best night out with Bryony, making lots of fabulous new friends, and she'd MET A BOY! Now, all of a sudden, her carefully constructed (if slightly exaggerated) facade is about to come tumbling down. She's had a taste of how the other half live and she's not ready to give it up just yet - especially if it means also giving up Leo. But how long can Jess and Bryony continue pulling the wool over everyone's eyes before they're in too deep?



After the first part of Catch me if you Cannes I knew I had to continue reading. For the story just to end on a cliff hanger was torture - Well done Lisa you had me hooked!

This part just like the first is lough out loud funny. There are some brilliant one liners and the pace of the story is perfect. I have really started to get a good sense of the characters and find them endearing and genuine.

Jess and Bryony are still loving Cannes, getting out of the situation they were in at the hotel, (Can't say too much as if you haven't read the first I don't want it spoilt for you!) was one of the funniest things I have read in ages! I particularly loved what followed with the glasses and how Jess had to go shopping for some the next day, still being blind as a bat and broke! Shopping in designer shops when broke is a killer!

During this part of Catch me if you Cannes, we get to find out more about Leo and Harvey, I am really beginning to love these two, I agree that there is something suspicious with the two of them but I can't just put my finger on it! I really enjoyed reading about their trip to Monaco, from visiting myself last year I felt I had been transported back there and was with the four of them in the casino and having a slap up lunch. I also remember the palace...Anyone who has been there will understand what a trek it is to get to, up that massive hill!!! Unfortunately when I visited I was not lucky enough to win any money in the casino!

The book is just getting better and better in my opinion and I cannot wait to continue reading it, especially with the bombshell that has just been dropped! Lisa what are you doing to us???

This is a must read this summer, you will love the characters and love the story line, anyway I'm off now to continue this wonderful series.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Monday 11 May 2015

The Love Shack - Jane Costello

The Love ShackThe Love Shack by Jane Costello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Life's great when you're 29 years old with a gorgeous girlfriend and fulfilling job. Until you have to move back in with your mum . . .

Dan and Gemma have found their dream first home, but the asking price is the stuff of nightmares. The only way they'll ever save enough for the deposit is by moving in, rent-free, with Dan's mum.

It's a desperate solution, but it's only for six months. And Gemma's determined to 
make it work, no matter how bad things get.

But between Dan's mum's kitchen karaoke, her constant innuendos, irrepressible argumentative streak and - worst of all - her ham and pineapple curries, life back at home would test the patience of two saints. Which Dan and Gemma most definitely are not. 

Then, as they're trying to convince themselves it will all be worth it, Gemma's past comes back to haunt her. And suddenly the foundations of their entire relationship are shaken to their core…



I love Jane Costello's books, they all have humour and are very real at the same time. This latest is no exception. It is light and easy to read, I even managed to read this during the week while I have been working. This is good going for me as I am normally too tired and can only manage a couple of pages these days. This goes to show you what a fabulous and quick read this book is. The story just flows and is told incredibly well.

Gemma and Dan have been together for a while, they are currently living in rented accommodation and decide that the time has come to buy their first home together. As they begin to go to lots of viewings Gemma becomes a little disheartened. All the properties they visit are not suitable for them, they maybe within their budget but they are just not what Gemma and Dan are looking for. After many months of searching for the right place. Pebble Cottage comes on the market and Gemma and Dan love it. There is a slight problem and that is it is a little over budget. Gemma thinks that if they were to move in with Dan's mum, within a couple of months they would have enough money and would be able to make on offer. Dan is skeptical about this plan, but he can see this is what will make Gemma happy so agrees that this is the best option. But is it?

As someone who is married and currently lives at home with my husband and my parents I could completely connect to how Gemma and Dan were feeling at times. It is not always plain sailing but it can also work, as they found out. I think this is one of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much as small aspects of the living arrangements were so true and close to home.

I don't want to say too much about this book as I don't want to spoil it for anyone. It is a brilliant read this spring especially if you can relate to the story line. At times I was laughing out loud at Belinda's antics and I could feel sorry for Dan and Gemma. I just had to keep everything crossed that in the end they would all get what they wanted.

I loved the way the story was told from both Dan and Gemma's perspective and I think this gave the story more depth to it. I also loved the side stories with Dan's mother, Dan and his dad, Gemma and Alex and also Rich the estate agent. All characters were well developed and had their own personalities that shined through.

I cannot say too much as I really don't want to give it away but I don't think I can actually do this book justice with my review it is just one you have to read! I think this will become a firm favourite on your bookshelf, I know it will on mine.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.

Sunday 10 May 2015

Weekly Wrap Up - 10.5.15


This week has been an interesting one, we began the week with a Bank Holiday which was really great, having an extra day off really made a difference and it was a chance to try and get rid of my cold. Then on Thursday, thanks to the General Election we had an INSET day as our school is used as a polling station. It was a bit strange though as Friday felt like Saturday and trying to get up in the morning was tough! Anyway I have been really good this week and thanks to the extra day I managed to read a whole book! I know it's not much, however trying to juggle work and everything I am really proud of myself. 


This week I have been sent:
The Sun in her eyes - Paige Toon
Another Heartbeat in the house - Kate Beaufoy
Ruby - Cynthia Bond


This week I have bought: 



Books I have read this week:
The IT Girl - Katy Birchall


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know

Thursday 7 May 2015

The Crooked House - Christobel Kent Blog Tour


I have been lucky enough to be part of the blog tour for The Crooked House at the Book Corner today and I have got a signed giveaway for you and an extract from the book. 







Here is the blurb:

One fateful night. One unthinkable family tragedy. One survivor. This is Alison's story.

Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Apple Tree Yard, this stunning psychological thriller follows one woman's search for the truth about her family history.

Alison is as close to anonymous as she can get: with no ties and a backroom job, hers is a life lived under the radar. But once Alison was someone else: once she was Esme, a teenager whose bedroom sat at the top of a remote house on a bleak estuary. A girl whose family, if not happy, exactly, was no unhappier than anyone else's - or so she thought.

Then one night violence was unleashed in the crooked house, in a nightmare that only Alison survived and from which she's been running ever since. Only when she falls for the charismatic Paul does Alison realise that to have any chance of happiness, she must return to her old life and face a closed community full of dark secrets.

As she seeks to uncover the truth of what happened that terrible night, Alison begins to question everything she thought she knew. Is there anyone she can trust?
Extract

Thirteen Years Ago

When it starts again she is face down on her bed with her hands over her ears and she feels it more than hears it. A vibration through the mattress, through the flowered duvet, through the damp pillow she’s buried her face in. It comes up from below, through the house’s lower three storeys. BOOM. She feels it in her throat.

Wait, listen: one, two, three. BOOM.

Is this how it begins?

Leaning on the shelf over the desk, wooden letters spelling her name jitter against the wall. They were a present on her seventh birthday, jigsawn by Dad, E.S.M.E. The family’d just moved in, unloading their stuff outside this house they called the crooked house, she and Joe, as the sun went down over the dark marsh inland. Creek House to Crooked House, after the tilt to its roofline, its foundations unsteady in the mud, out on its own in the dusk. Mum was gigantic with the twins, a Zeppelin staggering inside with bags in each hand. We need more space now, is how they told her and Joe they were moving. It was seven years ago, seven plus seven. Now she’s fourteen, nearly. Fourteen next week.

Ah, go on, Gina had said. Just down it. Then, changing tack, You can give it me back, then.

Esme’s been back an hour. She isn’t even sure Joe saw her pass the sitting-room door, jammed back on the sofa and frowning under his headphones: since he hit sixteen he’s stopped looking anyone in the eye. The girls, a two-headed caterpillar in an old sleeping bag on the floor, wriggled back from in front of the TV, twisting to see her. Letty’s lolling head, the pirate gap between Mads’s front teeth as she grins up at her, knowing. She mouths something. Boyfriend. Esme turns her face away and stomps past.

Mum opening the kitchen door a crack, leaning back from the counter to see who it is. Frowning like she can’t place her, she gets like that a lot these days. What are you doing back? Esme doesn’t answer: she is taking the stairs three at a time, raging.

Outside the dark presses on the window, the squat power station stands on the horizon, the church out on the spit that looks no bigger than a shed from here, the village lights distant. Make all the noise you like out here, Dad’s always saying, no one can hear.

Hands over your ears and never tell.

On the bed she lies very still, willing it to go, to leave the house. Whatever it is.

Her hands were already over her ears, before it started. Why? The boom expands in her head and she can’t even remember now. All she knows is, she was standing at the window, now she’s on the bed.

She grapples with detail. She heard a car. There were voices below in the yard and, after, noises downstairs. Something scraping across the floor, a low voice muttering and she didn’t want to deal with it, with his questions; she flung herself down on the bed and the tears began to leak into the pillow. She would have put on her music but she didn’t want him to know she was back.

Now. A sound, a human sound, just barely: a wounded shout, a gasp, trying to climb to a scream that just stops, vanishes. And in the silence after it she hears breathing, heavy and ragged; up through three storeys and a closed door, it is as if the house is breathing. And Esme is off the bed, scrabbling for a place to hide.
BOOM.

On the marsh behind the house there are the remains of an old hut with a little rotted jetty. The tide is beginning to come up, gurgling in its channels, trickling across the mud that stretches inland, flooding the clumps of samphire and marsh grass and the buried timbers. Behind her the house stands crooked in the wind freshening off the estuary.

The lights of the police cars come slowly, bumping down the long track, an ambulance, the cab lit. It is three in the morning but the inky dark is already leaching to grey behind the church on the spit. One of the coldest June nights on record, and it takes them a while to find her. She doesn’t make a sound.

You can purchase the book here 





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Wednesday 6 May 2015

Catch me if you Cannes - Lisa Dickenson Part 1

Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 1Catch Me If You Cannes: Part 1 by Lisa Dickenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The first part in this hilarious four-part romantic comedy, from the author of You Had Me at Merlot and The Twelve Dates of Christmas - winner of the Novelicious Debut of the Year award.

Jess has decided it's time to get out of her comfort zone and live a little. So when her best friend Bryony, a journalist on a gossip magazine, is sent to cover the Cannes Film Festival, Jess decides to seize the day and go along for the ride. Two weeks of glitz, glamour and exclusive entry into celeb-filled parties is just the kind of adventure Jess needs.

Reality soon bites though when Jess and Bryony find they're staying in a dingy hotel far away from all the action and Bryony's expenses budget barely covers a glass of local wine. Undeterred, the two women are determined to live like the elite and enjoy one fancy night out to begin their holiday. So what if they have to tell a few white lies along the way? It's just this once. No harm done . . . right?

Full of hilarious one-liners, sparkling blue seas and plenty of romantic moments, Catch Me If You Cannes is the story of two friends, a few white lies and one extremely delicious man. WARNING: reading Catch Me If You Cannes may result in embarrassing outbursts of belly-aching laughter on public transport.



I have been lucky enough to meet Lisa in person twice and have read her previous novels. When I was offered the opportunity to read and review her new series 'Catch me if you Cannes' I jumped at the chance. I knew if it was going to be any like her previous books I was in for a treat.

I am going to be reviewing each part separately so make sure you check out all the reviews.

Bryony is a journalist for Seleb magazine and she is being sent to Cannes film festival. Jess her best friend is bored and fed up and ends up going along for the ride. Listening to the two girls conversations is hilarious, they are also sometimes heart felt moments, which I feel is slightly different for Dickenson, I am used to her writing very funny stories, which are light hearted and fun. While this story has begun in the same way, we also see a softer side to her writing and there are times when I really felt for Bryony and Jess. It is more emotional. I really enjoyed this part of Dickenson's writing, but also was pleased that the story is still fun.

Bryony and Jess are really likable characters and you feel for them, the fact that they are in a dingy hotel away from the main action. I also felt sorry for Bryony, it felt like she was on a wild goose chase, sent by her boss!

I really loved the scene with Jess and Leo buying waffles, however I was shouting at the pages, 'Number! Give him your number!!'

My favourite part of the story so far is when the girls go to a posh restaurant for dinner, being told there is no room for them and the strangers taking them under their wing. This was a very funny scene and littered with the few odd white lies, which I am sure are going to come and bite them on the bum in the future!

So far I am really loving this story and I urge everyone to grab a copy. This is perfect for the summer season and either getting you ready for your holiday or while you are there.

I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review. Make sure you look out for review number two!

Sunday 3 May 2015

Hair Burst 1 month results




I have been using hair burst now for just over a month and I decided when I very first started taking the supplement that I would document it to review. 

I had very short hair before I started, this was due to chemo that I had last year and my hair has been taking forever to grow. I used to have lovely long blonde hair but since then it was very short and has been too short to bleach it. I have been waiting very patiently for it to grow again, so I go back to being blonde and I decided that if there was something on the market that would help my hair growth I should try it. 

Obviously from having chemo I needed to make sure that everything I was putting into my body was natural and not going to leave me with any nasty side effects. Hair Burst only uses 100% natural ingredients and I felt happy with the testimonials that they already had. 

You need to take Hair Burst once a day first thing in the morning. I keep these by my bed and the first thing I do when I wake up is take them. I really struggled at first to take the tablets as they were so large, but I quickly became use to them. What I love about them is that they are also great for my nails and skin. 

So here is my results for one month. 

The first image on the right in the blue top is when I began taking the supplement, the second image is about a month later. You can see how much it has grown from my neck. In the first image you can see my neck but the second one you can't. 

Not only has it made my hair longer, it's made it thicker too, I can't wait to share with you the results of this months too. I will be posting another post about the difference in my hair on 2 months, I am also hoping that it is long enough and strong enough to be bleached when I go to the hairdressers later this month. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading my hair diary so far and that you will be egar to read the next instalment at the end of the month. 

I am also looking out to try other hair supplements to see if they also have such a positive effect. At the moment in my hair journey I would recommend Hair Burst to others as it has given me a noticeable difference and others have commented on how well my hair looks. I hope to bring you more positive comments soon. 

Weekly wrap up - 3/5/15


This week has been tiring and I have managed to pick up another cold! I cannot wait for the weather to pick up, hopefully then the germs will stay away! I have had a really lucky week with publishers sending me reviews copies, I also was so pleased that last Saturday I managed to read so much so I decided over this weekend I am going to try and do the same as I have some brilliant books to read. 


This week I have been sent:
The Quality of Silence - Rosamund Lupton
How I lost you - Jenny Blackhurst
The Mourner - Susan Wilkins
Always the Bridesmaid - Lindsey Kelk
The IT Girl - Katy Birchall
Hollow City - Ransom Riggs
Broken Promise - Linwood Barclay
Day Four - Sarah Lotz


This week I have bought: 



Books I have read this week:
The happy ever afterlife of Rosie Potter - Kate Winter


The books I have read all have reviews and they will be on the blog soon so look out for that!


Thanks for stopping by at The Book Corner, I loved  hearing what you have got this week so please leave a comment to let me know