Make or Break by Catherine Bennetto

Make or Break by Catherine Bennetto
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jess, a 29-year-old Londoner with a Kate Beckett fringe and a tendency for dramatics, gets taken on a surprise trip by her long-term boyfriend, Pete, to attend her best friend’s last-minute wedding in South Africa. Jess imagines sun, sand, wine and safaris. And returning to London with an ethically mined diamond on her left hand...
 
But this holiday isn’t set to be quite the fairy tale Jess has planned... Suddenly she finds her world tilting on its axis, and things are only set to get worse when Jess returns home…

When the truth comes out, will it be... Make or Break?



Mixed feelings on this one, it had comparisons with Sophie Kinsella/Lindsay Kelk books and she definitely emulated their style but it just wasn't as polished or complete. It was very funny in parts but the central character Jess was so weak and unbelievable. She is so paranoid and over complicates things so much that it bordered on silliness and I'm not surprised her boyfriend Pete did a runner in the end.

Having been sent tickets for them both to attend Jess' best friends wedding in South Africa, Jess and Pete have an opportunity to re-connect and get their relationship on track. After 6 years of being together it seems that Pete has taken a back seat to Jess' sister who is a single parent with 2 children and who needs all the help she can get and Jess and her mother practically live in her sisters apartment organising her daily life. With a full time job and her obligations to her sister there is really little time left for anything/anyone else.

Jess is harbouring thoughts of returning with an engagement ring on her finger, Pete had different ideas once he was there. Pete is not a likeable character, he comes across as very selfish albeit that I did understand with all her baggage and her infuriatingly childish behaviour and obsessions Jess could be a bit heavy going.

The first half of the book was a bit slow and I believe it could have been a lot shorter without the unnecessary protracted thoughts Jess had on almost every subject and level - it was annoying.

Secondary characters were good, I loved Diago and his character was so well described that I could actually picture him - great descriptive writing. I liked Jimmy but honestly if I were a man I would have steered clear of this kook. Having never been to South Africa I found the descriptions made me want to visit and experience all it has to offer.

Some really good laugh out loud moments but equally some frustrating 'pull yourself together' moments that didn't allow this novel to satisfy me - it's quite predictable but worth a read especially on a plane or by the pool - gets a 3 from me.

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

Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

Five Years From Now by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What if you met the right person at the wrong time?
 
Nell and Van meet as children when their parents fall in love, but soon they are forced worlds apart.

Five years later, they find each other.  Their bond is rekindled and new feelings take hold, but once again they must separate.
 
For the next two decades, fate brings Nell and Van together every five years, as life and circumstance continue to divide them. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?
 


I love all of Paige Toon's novels, however this one I felt didn't live up to her usual high expectations. I thought that this was just 'very nice'. I felt she was trying to make this a tear jerker, don't get me wrong, this did touch me a lot, especially in the last few chapters but I felt that I was expecting a little more.

Nell and Van were bought together by their parents love, sharing everything together from the age of 5. Over the years their lives are taken in different directions and they only seem to be reunited every five years.

This book has very big chapters, something, which if I was reading this after a hard day at work I would have struggled with as I wouldn't have been able to get through a chapter a night. Reading this on holiday though I read it in a couple of sittings so it was absolutely fine. That's just something to be aware of, if like me you like to read a chapter at a time...Although not billed as a young adult, this felt very that.

Although this wasn't my favourite novel by Paige, it wouldn't put me off reading her others, I enjoy most of her books and always look forward to her next one. If you like her books I would recommend you give this one ago.

I would give this 3.5* (rounded up to 4* for Goodreads and Amazon)

Written in the Stars by Ali Harris

Written in the Stars by Ali Harris
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Have you ever wondered 'What if…?' What if you'd taken that other job, gone on a date with that sweet guy, moved to a different city? Would an alternative life path have led to a happier ending?

Now imagine if you could have taken both paths…

When Bea Bishop slips while walking down the aisle on her wedding day, she is momentarily knocked unconscious. And in a flash, her world splits and two separate parallel lives take her on two very different journeys. In one, Bea flees back down the aisle and out of the church. In the other, she glides blissfully towards Adam, her intended.

Each path will take her on a very different journey. And each will see her life change for better and for worse. But which story will lead to her happy-ever-after?

Oh dear, I found this very boring and repetitive, the ending was so predictable and I found I was really having to make myself carry on reading it. I have to admit I skim read from about the middle of the book as I had really lost interest and only wanted to finish it in case something worthwhile happened, it didn't. I could not connect with Bea who I found boring and indecisive to the point of wanting to throttle her (never a good sign) and I didn't really like her overbearing best friend Milly either. The endless references to flowers and plants was maddening as was her continual references to her father and his pointless letters giving her advice comparing everything to horticulture.

The concept was fine but not a fresh idea and frankly this has been done much better as others have pointed out in 'Sliding Doors' and Ali Harris did not bring anything new or exciting to her take on this idea. From a promising start it just seemed to fizzle out and finished up a mediocre novel and one that is easily forgotten. Sorry Ali I can only give you a 2 star rating for this one, it would have achieved more if you had injected a little life into it.

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

The Sun in Her Eyes by Paige Toon

The Sun in Her Eyes by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Blinding sunshine… A bend in the road… What became of the little girl with the sun in her eyes?

Amber was three when a car crash stole her mother's life. She doesn't remember the accident, but a stranger at the scene has been unable to forget. Now, almost thirty years later, she's trying to track Amber down.

Amber, meanwhile, is married to Ned and living on the other side of the world in London. When her father has a stroke, she flies straight home to Australia to be with him. Away from her husband, Amber finds comfort in her oldest friends, but her feelings for Ethan, the gorgeous, green-eyed man she once fell for, have never been platonic.

As Ethan and Amber grow closer, married life in London feels far away. Then Amber receives a letter that changes everything. 'Before your mother died, she asked me to tell you something…'



Paige Toon is one of my favourite authors and I always get excited when I hear she has a new one coming out.

Amber is heading off to Australia, her dad has just had a stroke, which has prompted her to go, but being made redundant has also helped, she needs to get away. Her husband, Ned has just been promoted and is unable to go with her. Amber believes his boss only promoted him as she fancies him and now they will get more time together abroad on conferences this plays on her mind.

It doesn't take long when Amber is back in her childhood home to get swept along in her old life with her teenage friends. Ethan used to be her best friend, they drifted apart and he married Sadie, Amber has never liked her but they have two girls together and she is pleased for him.

There were parts of this book, where I didn't agree with Amber's actions and I was actually disappointed with parts of the novel. It didn't sit well with me and I feel the 'big reveal' from the letter Amber received was a little bit of a let down, Paige could have made so much more from her mothers final words.

This is an enjoyable read, one that is great for holiday around by the pool. This was not my favourite novel by Paige, however it will still be added to my collection on my bookshelf and if like me, Pairge is one of your favourite authors I recommend you read this one.

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

These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton

These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kate and Becca are cousins and best friends. They have grown up together and shared all the most important milestones in their lives: childhood birthday parties, eighteenth birthdays, and now a wedding day as they each marry their childhood sweethearts, Charlie and Julian.

Kate has always loved Charlie - they were meant to be. Then she discovers that life never turns out quite how you expect it to. And love doesn't always follow the journey it should. But best friends are forever, and true love will find a way, won't it…?



Slow burning emotional novel about Kate and Charles' true love that spans decades, tragedies, desires, fears and the constant distractions of everyday life. Kate and Charles go separate ways living and marrying other people but always remembering their love for each other that started when they were five and Charlie tells Kate that he loves her. They should always have been together but it was never meant to be.

Presented through snippets of Kates' life (weddings, parties, birthdays and a book launch) over 20 years we get to glimpse key moments in their lives. Somehow you are transported into their lives, not a spectator as such you actually feel as if you are there with them. It's gentle, funny, poignant, soulful and leaves you with a lovely fuzzy feeling - these two were not just lovers they are soul mates with such a strong bond that even when they are apart they are never without each other. Just a lovely read, beautifully crafted and timeless. Well deserved 4 stars

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

The Last Piece of My Heart by Paige Toon

The Last Piece of My Heart by Paige Toon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When life feels like a puzzle, sometimes it’s the small pieces that make up the bigger picture ... Join Bridget on a journey to put her world back together.

Meet Bridget, a successful travel journalist with ambitions to turn her quirky relationship blog into a novel. But, after numerous rejections from publishers, she accepts an alternative proposition: Nicole Dupre died leaving behind a bestselling novel and an incomplete sequel, and the family need someone to finish it. Bridget is just thankful to have her foot in the publishing door. But as she gets to know Nicole’s grieving family, and the woman behind the writing, Bridget’s priorities begin to change.



I love Paige Toon books and I always look forward to that time of year when she will be releasing another one. This was no exception.

This story follows Bridget, a travel journalist, who has written a small amount in the past but wants to make the move tom becoming a full time writer. She is struggling to get anything major published so is writing a relationship blog, when she gets offered the opportunity to ghostwrite for Nicki, who tragically died suddenly after writing her first book and wasn't able to finish the sequel, she is unsure at first (she is not sure this will be the best way of her getting into writing) but with a little encouragement agrees to the job.

Bridget is determined to continue with her blog, to find her ex boyfriends to ask for the piece of her heart back in order for her to commit fully and be able to move on from them. This has taken her over the world so far and she has a few other to visit in the U.K. Being Nicki's ghostwriter takes her to Cornwall and working in the house with the recently widowed Charlie and his young daughter April.

Bridget is still with her partner Elliot that she reconnected with when in Australia searching for long lost ex's, this a long distance relationship but she is sure that once she has got all the pieces of her heart back again she can begin a new live with him.

This story is predictable but it is lovely and has so much emotion in it. I really was captured from the beginning and felt I had a connection with the characters. I loved all the settings in the book and most of the characters, I wasn't too fond of Kate or Valerie. If you love Paige Toon you will love this addition to her novels, this is going to be one that I recommend this summer to everyone. It truly is a wonderful read, one that has become a firm favourite on my bookshelf. Well done Paige, you have done it again!

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

Girl Up by Laura Bates

Girl Up by Laura Bates
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

They told you you need to be thin and beautiful.

They told you to wear longer skirts, avoid going out late at night and move in groups - never accept drinks from a stranger, and wear shoes you can run in more easily than heels.

They told you to wear just enough make-up to look presentable but not enough to be a slut; to dress to flatter your apple, pear, hourglass figure, but not to be too tarty.

They warned you that if you try to be strong, or take control, you'll be shrill, bossy, a ballbreaker. Of course it's fine for the boys, but you should know your place.

They told you 'that's not for girls' - 'take it as a compliment' - 'don't rock the boat' - 'that'll go straight to your hips'.

They told you 'beauty is on the inside', but you knew they didn't really mean it.

Well I'm here to tell you something different.

Hilarious, jaunty and bold, GIRL UP exposes the truth about the pressures surrounding body image, the false representations in media, the complexities of a sex and relationships, the trials of social media and all the other lies they told us.


I am not sure really how to review this book. It sits slightly awkwardly with me. I am not a feminist and never tried to be and so some of the way this book has been written wasn't for me.

This book is very crude in places, just not my cup of tea. Yes there are lots of good points in the book and I feel other women/ younger girls should know and read but perhaps not in this way. If you are a lover of feminism or even writing an essay for university on this subject I would recommend you pick this book up as there are lots of great points in it and the author is honest throughout.

I enjoyed the fact the book was broken up with illustrations and diagrams throughout, I thought this stopped it being too 'heavy'. I can recognise that the author has spent a lot of time researching and clearly has a passion for this area, but I feel that sometimes it has been represented in a crude way. One that doesn't sit kindly with me. This is probably a bit of a controversial review as I can see most people who have read this have really enjoyed it. However, I have always reviewed a book honestly. There were parts of this book that I skimmed as I could see I wasn't enjoying the way it was written. Saying this, it doesn't mean it is an awful book as many will love this and be able to relate to it.

I have given this book 3* for the authors clear interest in this area and the fact she has backed her thoughts and writing up with expert opinions. The grammar and English is also correct throughout which makes a book much more enjoyable to read.

Although this is not a book for me, others have loved it and I would recommend you read it to for your own opinions on it.

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

Waiting for Callback by Perdita and Honor Cargill

Waiting for Callback by Perdita and Honor Cargill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Geek Girl meets Fame meets New Girl in this brilliantly funny new series!
When Elektra is discovered by an acting agent, she imagines Oscar glory can't be far away, but instead lurches from one cringe-worthy moment to the next! Just how many times can you be rejected for the part of 'Dead Girl Number Three' without losing hope? And who knew that actors were actually supposed to be multi-lingual, play seven instruments and be trained in a variety of circus skills?
Off-stage things aren't going well either - she's fallen out with her best friend, remains firmly in the friend-zone with her crush and her parents are driving her crazy. One way or another, Elektra's life is now spent waiting for the phone to ring - waiting for callback.
Can an average girl-next-door like Elektra really make it in the world of luvvies and starlets?


This was an unsolicited book, which arrived just in time for me to take it with me on holiday. What attracted me to it was the brightly coloured cover. Stunning! I began it on my journey to the airport and I finished it during my 8 hour flight.

I found that this was a quick and easy read, perfect for getting away from it all and had a 'Geek Girl' feel about it. I loved that it has been written by a mother and a daughter and I think that their strong relationship has come through in this novel as it is seamless, it flowed from both of the characters point of view and you would struggle to identify who wrote what.

The main character Electra, is a budding wannabe actor. She is an ordinary teen in the sense of boys, relationships and worries. She attends an acting class and auditions for various parts, she has acting friends, who she seeks advice from and of course there is a book boyfriend in this...

Waiting for Callback is a funny novel which will appeal to many. It is not deep or serious, which is refreshing as a lot of YA seem to focus on heavier subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to others.

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

The Santangelos by Jackie Collins

The Santangelos by Jackie Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A vicious hit, a vengeful enemy, a drug addled Colombian club owner and a sex crazed Italian family... the ever powerful Lucky Santangelo has to deal with them all.

Meanwhile Max - her teenage daughter - is becoming the 'it' girl in Europe's modeling world. And her Kennedyesque son, Bobby, is being set up for a murder he didn't commit. But Lucky can deal. Always strong and unpredictable, with her husband Lennie by her side, she lives up to the family motto -Never f**k with a Santangelo.

Lucky rules ...the Santangelos always come out on top. The Santangelos is an epic family saga filled with love, lust, revenge and passion.

This is the first Jackie Collins book I have read in years I think Hollywood Wives was the last one. I guess you get what you expect from this novel; she has followed her tried and tested formula and sticks with it.

Lots of characters but plenty of explanation of who they are and what's happened in previous books if you are a first time reader so you don't feel you get lost with so much going on, although I expect that this could be tedious if you have read all the other books in the Santangelos series.

This novel starts off with the prologue setting the scene for the background to the story; the killing of the king of Akramshar's son Armand sets in motion a course of events that have consequences for the Santangelo family that the matriarch Lucky must deal with. As expected there are sub plots taking place that eventually tie the characters together along the way.

As with her previous novels The Santangelos was pretty predictable and honestly a little bit too long in parts but the storyline moved along and the characters intertwined nicely. Not a great work of fiction but I am sure for Jackie Collins devotees it will be a success. Good holiday reading and escapism but lacked depth for me and credibility; it seems as if Jackie Collins world has not really moved on from the 1980's brand of mafia style violence and male dominance albeit that I expect in dynasties this may still be true but I felt she labored the point.

I won't give any of the plot line away as it would be unfair for fans and first time readers but there were no real surprises in the book, no unexpected twists to spice it up a bit but overall an acceptable if not memorable read. I would give this a 3 star rating.

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

Johnny's Girl by Paige Toon

Johnny's Girl by Paige Toon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg's life has taken a turn for the perfect. She is the envy of millions with her drop dead gorgeous husband, their two beautiful sons and her new mansion in Henley. Her celebrity PA days are over. But desperate to keep up with her rock star husband, Johnny Jefferson, she uproots her perfect family and moves back to LA. 

Meg has to learn to live with her new celebrity status and the insecurities of her old life, which keep reappearing. Under the paparazzi flash of an A-List party, complete with red carpet, champagne and canapés, Johnny's rock star past catches up with him and Meg's worst nightmare becomes a reality…



Paige Toon is one of my favourite authors and when I knew she was writing a novella as a sequel for Baby Be Mine I knew I would have to read it. I have read it quite late actually, it came out over a year ago but I decided to wait so I could read her YA book based on these characters after. I am glad I read them in the correct order and that I fit the short story in before, this helped me remember what had happened and got back up to speed with the characters.

During this short story we get to meet the characters again, Meg and Johnny are living in England, (where Meg is from) but his work is driving them back to the States. After having a holiday over there Meg realises that maybe it wouldn't be so bad to move back again.

I really loved this novella, it was fun and hooked you straight in, even if you haven't read the other two books you would be able to fill in the blanks. On the other hand though, why would you not of read the other two? They are pretty fantastic!

One thing I love about Paige's books is that they seem to all connect in some way or another, I liked the added bonus of hearing about Alice and Joseph Strike, I always think that reading a Paige Toon novel is like a hug in a mug, you feel warm when you read her books and that you're at home. This novella for me was no exception.

After reading this novella I was well equipped to begin The Accidental Life of Jessie Jefferson, and cannot wait to begin, I feel like I have had a small taster of what is in store and I love it. This novella was only about 100 pages but I whizzed through it and if that is anything to go by then I know I will be finishing the two YA's in no time at all.

The added bonus is that this ebook is free at the moment so you have no excuse not to grab yourself a copy.

Well done Paige for me you have done it again, loved every minute of it.

The Love Shack - Jane Costello

The 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.

The Little Things - Jane Costello

The Little Things by Jane Costello
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An exclusive ebook novella from bestselling author Jane Costello to celebrate the publication of her new novel, The Love Shack.

At twenty-eight, Hannah MacFarlane's career is on course to smash the glass ceiling and beat it into submission.

Then a shock company reshuffle leaves her sacked and bewildered, while her fiancé is promoted into a job nearly 5,000 miles away in Dubai.

Five months later, she is jobless, broke and worryingly addicted to Loose Women. Then her older sister Suzy intervenes after her child minder left them in the lurch and offers Hannah the job of looking after her FOUR young children.

Hannah has no other option but to accept. But while she was great at playing 'Cool Auntie', she soon discovers - with riotous consequences - that she is no Mary Poppins . . .



By now you know I love a novella, they are great to break up larger books and allow you to slip into another world for a lunch hour or two.

Jane Costello is an author who has been popular lately and bas really taken off as a good chick lit writer and this novella is no exception to the standard of her books.

When I found 'The little things' on Amazon for free I had to make sure I snapped it up. I was not disappointed.

Hannah has a good job and is expecting a promotion at work. Her boyfriend also works for the company and as her promotion can leave to living over seas, they think this is going to be a brilliant new beginning for them. However th promotion meeting doesn't quite go to plan...

Hannah stays here while her boyfriend has been lucky enough to get a promotion and moves to Dubai, this is a stop gap, they both agree that Hannah will come and meet him out there once she has found a job. 5 months later Hannah is still jobless and her sister gives her the opportunity to be her children's nanny, until something better comes along.

This is a struggle for Hannah, she doesn't have children of her own and finds that it is more hard work than she imagined. This is extremely amusing and the way the humour has come across in this novella is brilliant. The school pick up night mares with 'yummy mummy' s' . Homework fiascos and other drama that comes along with looming after small children.

Although this is just over 120 pages, which is quite long for a novella, the story is told brilliantly and the characters are well developed. I didn't feel cheated by the length of the story as I found the characters were well created and believable .

I really loved this novella and it has really got me in the mood to read Jane's nee release. If the pace and structure is as good as this novella we are in for a treat! If you have not read this, what are you waiting for? Especially if it is still free on Amazon.

I Was Here - Gayle Forman

I Was Here by Gayle Forman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From the bestselling author of If I Stay - this summer's YA blockbuster film. 

This characteristically powerful novel follows eighteen-year-old Cody Reynolds in the months following her best friend's shocking suicide.
As Cody numbly searches for answers as to why Meg took her own life, she begins a journey of self-discovery which takes her to a terrifying precipice, and forces her to question not only her relationship with the Meg she thought she knew, but her own understanding of life, love, death and forgiveness.

A phenomenally moving story, I Was Here explores the sadly all-too-familar issue of suicide and self-harm, addressing it with it sensitivity, genuity and honesty.


When I discovered 'I was here' on Netgalley I knew I had to request it. After devouring If I stay in a day and having 'Where she went' to follow up with I knew this would be a firm favourite too.

I found 'I was here' a very quick and easy read, just as I had done with 'If I stay'. I am beginning to realise that Gayle Forman's books are emotionally charged and really pull at your heart strings.

From reading the blurb this book really got me, I have never read any books like this before so didn't know what to expect. I knew I was in for an emotional roller coaster and that is what I got.

The plot is great, really realistic that follows the life of Cody, Meg's best friend but one who didn't go to university with her. Anyone who has been to university before and left someone behind will connect well to this story line, you can see from what was a best friend, turns out knows little about her now she is not living at home any more. I love that this book covers these emotions as you do feel like distance comes between you, if you and your friend don't both go away. Your life takes you in different directions, even if you don't want it too.

Cody begins to realise exactly how much Meg had changed and actually didn't feel as close to her as she once did. People Meg has lived with for only a few months seem closer to her. Cody feels as if she has let Meg down and by discovering things along the way feels like she needs to put things right.

Although this is a tragedy, it also has romance and Gayle Forman is able to like the two together in a tasteful way.

I really liked the characters in the story and could feel their emotion too. They were developed well and the story had good pace. I read this in just two sittings. I really was into the book and wanted to know what was going to happen.

I felt a little let down by the ending of the story, I felt it was a bit of an anti climax, this was a bit disappointing. I felt that it had huge potential and I was just left feeling 'meh'. This is a shame as I whizzed through the book and was expecting something brilliant. I think maybe I had built my expectations up slightly too high from reading the book.

I would recommend this to others and I would be interested on your take of the ending. Maybe it was just me that was disappointed!

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

Searching for Someday - Jennifer Probst

Searching for Someday by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Kate has given up on love—at least for herself. She is both blessed and cursed with the ability to sense a romantic connection between two people—a gift that her family passed down for generations. When Kate launches her own matchmaking company, Kinnection, with her two best friends in a cozy New York town, she has to put aside her own romantic disasters to make her business a success.

But when a furious man stalks into her office and accuses her business of being a scam, Kate is given the ultimate challenge to prove herself. Slade puts himself in her hands and asks Kate to find him love. Enraged at his arrogance but stubbornly eager to prove herself, Kate agrees, dedicating herself to the journey of finding him love... only to find herself falling for him along the way.'

Searching for Someday is the first in the searching for series.

I have heard that Probst is known for her very steamy reads, I was a little apprehensive about reading this book as I am not a fan of erotica novels. This book however I did not get this ‘erotica’ feeling, there was not a lot of steam in it and for me that was perfect!

Kate is a successful business woman who has her own match making agency. This match making agency is one with a difference, Kate has the ability to tell if the person you are with is your soul mate.

Slade is one of the top divorce lawyers of the state and is a little bit of a protective brother. His sister is using Kate’s agency to find herself a partner, Slade however wants to identify to his sister that the company is a fraud and sets out to prove it. In order to do this he decides to register with Kinnections as a client to show her the company is a bit of a joke.

Searching for Someday is an easy going read, if you are looking for a deep big plot this is not for you. If you are looking for a cute and fun romance this hits the nail on the head. It is perfect for a holiday; the story is told in two perspectives which makes it really nice for reading. The only negative I would have about this book is that I thought it took a while to build the tension in the beginning, but then I found it to be at a good pace.

I particularly enjoyed the magic element of the story, this to make made it different and stand out from other books in this type of genre. After reading this I would definitely be interested in reading the others in this series.

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

A Gift to Remember - Melissa Hill

A Gift to Remember by Melissa Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Darcy Archer works in a small bookstore in Manhattan. A daydream believer, she refuses to settle for anything less than being swept off her feet by the perfect man...literally. One day, when cycling to work, Darcy accidentally crashes into a sharply dressed gentleman walking his dog. He is knocked out cold, rushed to hospital and the poor pup gets left behind. Wracked with guilt, Darcy takes the dog and makes plans to reunite him with owner, Aidan. As she discovers the mysterious stranger's world of books, travel, adventure and all the wonderful things she's ever dreamt about, Darcy builds a picture of this man and wonders if he could be THE ONE...But does fantasy match reality? What happens when Prince Charming wakes up? Will Aidan be the happy ever after she's always imagined?



A Gift to Remember is a Christmassy themed book and I thought, picking this up in June may not be a great idea, as I enjoy reading Christmas books at Christmas time! Saying this, other than the odd comment around Christmas Eve coming close and snow on the ground, no other Christmas references were made and at times I completely forgot when the story was set. It was magical and wonderful but this can come across at any time you read it.

Darcy works in a bookshop and being a book addict, this job for her is her dream, yes she went to university and got a degree and could easily do a job that matches her skill set, but she doesn’t want that. She wants to be surrounded by books day in, day out. After a few days working in the shop, she realises that perhaps it was not all hearts and flowers that she imagined but loves the job anyway. At times I wished we had more time in the book shop with Darcy, I could picture myself in there browsing the shelves and sitting in a comfy chair with a book.

One day on the way to work Darcy crashes into a man on her bike, he hits the ground and has to be taken to hospital, a dog – Bailey is left by the side of the road. Darcy feels terrible about the whole accident and the least she can do is take his dog to look after him and try to get him back to his owner. Darcy makes this her mission as after all she is responsible for this terrible episode.

Darcy is a lovely character and I felt I could connect to her straight away. I loved her personality and felt and carried the guilt along with her, I wanted Darcy to help Aiden as much as she possibly could and discover the mystery surrounding him. Also I fell in love with Bailey, the Husky and I now want one of my own! Such a cute dog and so well behaved!!

This book surprised me in many ways, I did not find it predicable at all and I loved the mystery surrounding Aiden and wanted Darcy to discover the truth. I feel that the mystery element could have been developed more as; as soon as it was discovered I quickly worked out the ending. I thought the mystery element bought something different to this chick lit that many don’t have and I enjoyed that.

The only negative thing I would say about the story is that about half way through we began to have Aiden’s side of the story which I did enjoy, but this isn’t clear until you have read a paragraph or so and I found this a little confusing when it started. As soon as I worked out what was happening then I was looking out for the change in the character. I felt this could have been something easy to correct, either put the characters name on the top of that chapter or write it in italics or something. This is just my opinion and like I said as soon as I worked out this was happening, I just then looked out for the change.

Another thing I would have liked to have seen was the date or day of the events, time is used in the story a lot, ‘in three days’ etc, I just think it would have been nice to have had say, 22nd December, written on the day it was meant to be. This to me would have made it a smoother read. There was one point very close to the end that it was mentioned 27th December was in three days time… this I feel could have been helpful to the reader; again though this is purely my own opinion.

Overall I did enjoy the story a lot especially considering I didn’t think I would enjoy it being June. I would say if you are looking for a ‘strong’ Christmassy themed book then this one is not for you as there is not as much festivity in it and I had expected there to be. However this is a brilliant read for any time of year, which has been injected with a little magic.

The story is written beautifully and it is clear that Hill researched the setting well, this comes across in the writing and I was able to feel like I was in New York along with Darcy and Aiden. After reading this book (which is my first by Hill, although I do have another sitting on my shelf to be read!) I would definitely pick up more books by her as her writing style is so smooth, easy and enjoyable to read.

I would like to thank the publishers for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review, and also to Melissa for signing my copy.

Thirteen Weddings - Paige Toon

Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last year, Bronte left Sydney for a wedding in England, where she met newly single Alex. After a night of passion they parted ways, and Bronte returned to Australia. Now working on a picture desk for a magazine in London, Bronte is about to meet her new colleague, who turns out to be all too familiar. Although awkward at first, as Alex is now engaged to the girl he was on a break from when they met, they soon become friends. But as the two get closer, and the wedding day looms, it is clear that Alex and Bronte have unfinished business…

I love Paige Toon and ever since I read Lucy in the Sky when it was released, I knew that she would be quickly becoming one of my favourite authors.

As soon as I heard that Paige was releasing her summer read, I could not wait to get my hands on it. I was so lucky when the publisher sent me a copy. When I opened the mail I did a little dance and wanted to do back flips! (Unfortunately I can't actually do back flips, so I ended up doing a strange looking movement!)

Anyway, I would not wait to start reading it and I bumped it right up my TBR pile. I was a little worried that I had built this up to be soooo huge in my head and I didn't want to be let down by it. I know what was I thinking? I could never be disappointed with a Paige Toon novel and I most definitely was not disappointed!

Bronte is Australian and had her first experience in the UK for her friends wedding after splitting from her boyfriend she jumps at the chance to be there, it's just what she needs. When she returns to Australia she works as a picture editor at a magazine in Sydney, she has the opportunity to relocate to the UK. She already has connections from the being over there for the wedding so grabs the opportunity to return for a year.

While she is working at the magazine, one of her friends suggests she helps a friend out with her wedding photography as Bronte has a keen interest in photography and the assistant photographer is sick. Bronte hates weddings, she doesn't believe in them at all, however she loves photography and agrees to help out. This wedding turns into more than one and it fast becomes one of Bronte's hobbies attending weddings almost every other weekend of the season!

The way Paige writes is fantastic, she captures you right from the first page and your eager to continue reading as you can't help yourself, however at the same time you have the feeling of not wanting to keep reading as soon the book will be over and you know you have to wait a whole year to get another fix from Paige.

The characters are always believable in Paige's books and I particularly liked this book as it had reference to another one of Paige's book where we met Lily and Ben arghhhhhh I fricking loved this!! I also loved that we got to know more about them and how their lives continued, only a snap shop but it was enough!!

All the characters were well developed and I felt that I could have been one of Bronte's friends. I really liked Lachie's character, I was a little unsure about him to begin with but he grew on me and by the end I loved him.

The story line was really good, I thought I was going to be able to predict it, I was pleasantly surprised and I am so glad it ended the way it did. There are serious elements in the book, however Paige has a way of adding humor to her books in the right places and it makes them such enjoyable reads.

This is another Paige Toon novel that I absolutely adored and would urge all fans of Paige Toon to add this to your TBR pile and bump it right to the top! This has got a firm place on by bookshelf and I am just sad I have to wait so long for another. This is a perfect book to sneak into your beach bag for the summer holidays, I am sure that you will enjoy it as much as I did.

Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me this in exchange for a honest review.

Hopeless - Colleen Hoover

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

'Would you rather know a truth that makes you feel hopeless, or keep believing the lies? Colleen Hoover returns with the spellbinding story of two young people with devastating pasts who embark on a passionate, intriguing journey to discover the lessons of life, love, trust - and above all, the healing power that only truth can bring.

 Sky, a senior in high school, meets Dean Holder, a guy with a promiscuous reputation that rivals her own. From their very first encounter, he terrifies and captivates her. Something about him sparks memories of her deeply troubled past, a time she's tried so hard to bury. Though Sky is determined to stay far away from him, his unwavering pursuit and enigmatic smile break down her defences and the intensity of their relationship grows. But the mysterious Holder has been keeping secrets of his own, and once they are revealed, Sky is changed forever and her ability to trust may be a casualty of the truth. 

Only by courageously facing the stark revelations can Sky and Holder hope to heal their emotional scars and find a way to live and love without boundaries. Hopeless is a novel that will leave you breathless, entranced, and remembering your own first love.'



I first discovered Colleen Hoover when I read Finding Cinderella. I enjoyed her writing style so much that I really wanted to read more from her.

When I received Hopeless from the publisher in exchange for a honest review, I jumped up and down and did a little dance! I could not wait to read it!

Hopeless is in the YA genre, if you do not read YA, don't let this put you off, it is a brilliant read and love story. It also has darker elements to the story, which are very real, but give the story some twists.

The story is about Sky, she has been home schooled for as long as she can remember, she doesn't have a T.V, use the internet or have a phone. Her mum is a bit against technology so will not allow her any mod cons. The doesn't both her too much as her best friend Six lives across the road and as she is home schooled has little contact with anyone else her age.

Sky goes to high school for the remaining few years of school as she has pestered her mum so much she has agreed. She is super excited about it as Six attends and knows she will love it. Six however drops a bomb shell, she is moving abroad for part of her studies, so Sky is going to attending alone. Sky is beginning to have a change of heart about going to high school but she is very stubborn and doesn't want her mum to know she made the wrong choice. So she stands by her decision.

Sky has not had a great time on the relationship front, she is the type of girl that when she makes out with a guy, doesn't feel anything. She lets them get on with things for an easy life, she never cries as she can't and has never felt lust, that begins to change when she meet Holder.

One day at the grocery store a guy (Holder) runs after Sky as she leaves, claiming that he knows her, Sky is a bit thrown by this as she knows he most certainly doesn't. Upon producing her ID he accepts it and leaves her be. That is until he sees her again while she is out running and begins to have a conversation with her.

Sky and Holder's relationship takes a little while to develop in the beginning, but soon things get quite intense between them. Although I have not read too many YA stories before the type of relationship they have is very different to any other I have read so far. Their relationship is very real and is full of emotion.

I loved both Sky and Holder as characters, Sky goes on a journey to find herself and really find out who she is, not that this was intentionally intended. You follow Sky on her journey and are taken hold by the emotion of it. I felt that I could connect very well to Sky, some of the situations she had been in were similar to my own, so bought out for me raw emotion.

I loved how Holder did not feel like your typical teenage boy, he was kind and really caring towards Sky, he also had to deal with his own emotion along the way and you could see through the way that it was written, he was going through his own tough time and that he needed to deal with his own emotion, while still trying to be strong for Sky.

I felt that it took a while to get going but once it did I could not put the book down, there were twists that you didn't expect. From reading memories of Sky's from nearer the beginning I had worked out what had happened and I thought that would have been bad enough, but wow the ending really did give me a shock!

I am so glad that I got sent this to review, although I had already reading Finding Cinderella which is the novella right at the end of the series, it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book at all as it was told from a different characters perspective.

I just cannot praise this book enough and I would urge everyone who loves a love story to read it, for me it was a love story but they do not get it easy, I thought there was a lot of tragedy in this book which actually made it feel more real. As in the real world little people have a smooth sailing life/ relationship. Teenagers I feel today are strong and can cope with a lot, this book is a reminder of that and I feel gives them the strength to realise this them selves.

Once again I would like to thank the publisher for sending me this wonderfully written novel and I cannot wait to read the second in the series - Losing Hope.