Summer at Rose Island by Holly Martin

Summer at Rose Island by Holly Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fall in love with the gorgeous seaside town of White Cliff Bay this summer and enjoy long sunny days, beautiful beaches and… a little romance.

Darcy Davenport is ready for a fresh start. Determined to leave a string of disastrous jobs and relationships behind her, she can’t wait to explore White Cliff Bay and meet the locals.

When Darcy swims in the crystal clear waters of the bay, she discovers the charming Rose Island Lighthouse. But it’s not just the beautiful building that she finds so intriguing…

Riley Eddison doesn’t want change. Desperate to escape the memories of his past, he lives a life of solitude in the lighthouse. Yet he can’t help but notice the gorgeous woman who swims out to his island one day.

Darcy is drawn to the mysterious and sexy Riley, but when it seems the town is trying to demolish his home, she soon finds herself having to pick sides.

She’s fallen in love with White Cliff Bay. But is that all Darcy’s fallen for?

Pull up a deck chair, sink back with a bowl of strawberry ice cream and pick up the summer read you won’t be able to put down.


I love Holly Martin books, they are so easy to read and I end up flying through them. I must admit it did take me a while to get into Summer at Rose Island, I believe this is because I haven't read the first two in the series. Saying this I did really enjoy it once I got into it.

Darcy makes a massive move from her previous life, up sticks and moves to the Cornish town, her parents are already disappointed in her and she feels they always will be, although she is keen to prove them wrong, taking up the position in the council.

Darcy is interested in the lighthouse and more importantly who lives there, she has connections to the town through her aunt and wants to find out more about her life and the area. Through doing this she discovers the romance surrounding the lighthouse and quickly wants to help the residents save it. In doing so she meets Riley, who lives in the lighthouse but he likes to keep himself to himself and wants no input with the rest of the town. This makes Darcy curious and no matter how many times she tells herself she shouldn't be bothering Riley she is like a magnet and gets drawn to him.

Summer at Rose Island is a gorgeous book, it has an amazing setting and Holly Martin tells the story so well, this is perfect for curling up with on a wet day or laying on a sun lounger round by the pool.

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

The Brazilian by Rosie Millard

The Brazilian by Rosie Millard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Following a sensational scandal at one of London's most desired postcodes, Jane and Patrick decide to escape the gossip with a family holiday to Ibiza, their eight-year-old son George in tow.

Also on the island that week is a TV reality show involving an eccentric artist, a horny It Girl, a Brazilian footballer and a famous magician.

As hapless celebrities are picked off one by one, Jane is desperate to be on the programme, leaving childcare in the not so capable hands of a teenager.

One lesbian escapade and an explosive row over hair removal later, the contestants of Ibiza or Bust leave the island with more than sand in places they never knew existed...


Very easy read and perfect for holiday lazing beside the pool.

I had read Rosie Millard's The Square and this one is just as enjoyable. Good characterisation and another really likeable 'grown up' 8 year old for me steals the show. Loved the antics of these flawed characters and brilliant humour and irony dominates this very likeable novel.

Jane and Patrick go on a 'family' holiday to Ibiza with their adorable son George, Jane enlists the help of a neighbours 17 year old daughter Belle to be the nanny for the duration of the holiday paying for her flight and promising to pay her £500 in the bargain. Belle desperately wants to save for a music festival she wants to go to with her boyfriend and so agrees. Jas her boyfriend works for Philip Burrell and when he tells him he's going away for a week maybe two (he doesn't tell him where) Jas and Belle hatch a plan for Jas to go to Ibiza as well and they can meet up in the evenings and go clubbing.

Also on the island that week is a TV reality show with B list celebs including an ageing artist Philip Burrell, a magician Jasper the Wizard, a TV financial advisor Alan Makin, an It girl Cresta who is married to Moo a celebrity farmer also on the show, Nigel and Jocelyn presenters of a holiday show, Gemma a celebrity estate agent and the surprise appearance of a well known Brazilian footballer Francesco Villa. Philip Burrell the artist and Alan Makin the advisor both live on the same square in North London and hate each other.

These 'celebs' spend the next week or so forced together eventually voting against each other until a winner is picked on this reality TV show Ibiza or Bust.

Good comedy moments in this novel and like The Square the characters are very real and believable, great observational writing with great wit and expertly written . Has to have 5 stars from me. Loved it

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

How to Be Bad - E.Lockhart

How to Be Bad by E. Lockhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When you've had enough of being good, sometimes you've got to try a little bad... Jesse, Vicks and Mel couldn't be more different. Jesse, a righteous Southern gal who's as thoughtful as she is uptight, is keeping a secret that she knows will change her life forever. Vicks is a wild-child: seemingly cool, calm and collected on the outside, but inside she's furious at herself for being so anxious about her neglectful boyfriend. And Mel is the new girl in town. She's already been dismissed as just another rich kid, but all she wants is to get over some of her fears and find some true friends. But for all their differences, the girls discover they've got one thing in common - they're desperate to escape. Desperate to get the heck out of Niceville and discover their true 'badass' selves! Even if it's just for the weekend... One 'borrowed' car later, it's time to hit the road and head for Miami. Hearts will be broken, friendships will be tested, and a ridiculously hot stranger could change the course of everything.

I read We Were Liars last year and I thought it was a really clever book and whizzed through it, this I was drawn to just because E.Lockhart, I was hoping for another cleverly written book with a bit of a shock perhaps.

This is a book about three girls who go on a road trip to Miami for the weekend. Each have their own reasons for wanting to go, some of which we don't find out until quite far into the book. Vicky is a fun, always up for a laugh type of girl, who is missing her boyfriend. He is currently studying at Miami university, although he has only been away for two weeks, he hasn't called Vicky and she is beginning to wonder why. Jesse is Vicky's best friend and a christian, this is where I begin to have an issue with this book. Jesse was constantly trying to bring her views and values into everything Vicky said, she was portrayed as being uptight most of the time and I just couldn't warm to her. I also really disliked the way she seemed to have a problem with Mel. Mel is the final girl on the road trip, the new girl, who moved from Canada. Mel has very few friends and is portrayed as a little insecure rich girl, she seemed to use her money to buy friendships. All the girls are waitresses at the Waffle store, this is how they all know each other. Unfortunately I don't think the characters were that well developed, I felt that even at the end of the book I still didn't know an awful lot about them.

The book is told through the perspective of all three girls along their road trip, and it spans a period of three days.

I did enjoy reading the road trip, however I think that some of the situations the girls find themselves in are a little unbelievable, the alligator close call towards the end I think was a little silly. My favourite parts were going to the keg party, meeting Marco and their trip to Disney.

This was a super quick book to read, I read it in just two sittings. This is a light, summer, contemporary read that is going to be perfect for the beach or during the holidays. I did feel a little disappointed at the end, I didn't realise that it was the end to be honest and I was left wanting a little bit more as I thought it didn't feel finished. Saying this I did like the ending, it was sweet. I am still left with quite a few questions though about a couple of the girls and it would have been nice for these to have been answered, unless this is going to be the first in a series? I haven't heard anything about that though. But then again I don't think this was meant to be a deep book, it was just a light easy going read.

Even though I did have a few issues with the book, overall I enjoyed it and believe it set out to do what it was intended for.

The three different authors I am assuming have written a character each, I personally do not know who wrote which character, however I have only read one book by E. Lockhart and nothing by the other authors. You can find out if you want to know once you have finished reading.

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

Summer Feature 2014 by Shaun Gust Post

Today I would like to welcome Shaun to The Book Corner, he is sharing with us his books he would take on holiday with him.

Sam is one of my favourite bloggers so I am very excited to be writing this guest post for The Book Corner. I've chosen to write about five books that I would take on holiday with me (if I was going on one this year that is!). They are books that I love and think are perfect for Summer reading.




Books are listed in a random order (apart from On the Island which is my favourite). 

On the Island - Tracey Garvis Graves



So this book is amazing. I absolutely loved it and it was one of the best books I read in 2012. Despite not being the intended audience, I believe if a book is good then it can be enjoyed by just about anyone. Every so often a book will come along that it's a struggle to put it down, people call books unputdownable but this one actually is. I rated it five stars but I wish I could give this book more than five stars, it really is that good. If someone asked me to recommend them the perfect book I would name this one.

Tracey is a fantastic author and one that has quickly became one of my favourites after reading the books that followed this, Uncharted and Covet. I would love to reread this book lying by the pool in Cyprus with an ice cold pint of Keo (local lager!).

One Hundred Proposals - Holly Martin


Do you like books that take you to fantastic, exotic locations? Well how about books that take you on many different trips within one book? I loved this book, easily one of my favourites of the year so far and one that I have no trouble recommending to people to read this Summer. Holly was a new author to me but one who is loved universally amongst the bloggers whose opinions I trust so I picked this up expecting big things and was not disappointed. The story in this book is just faultless. It's perfect but at the same time believable. 

Power Games - Victoria Fox


Perhaps not one to read if you are off to a luxurious island, okay so the events depicted here take place on a remote and less than exotic island but at the same time are still situations you wouldn't want to find yourself in! Very few authors deserve the Jackie Collins comparison but Victoria definitely does. This book has all the hallmarks of the perfect bonkbuster and I loved it. Outrageous characters finding themselves in even more outrageous situations this is a book everyone should have in their suitcase!

Aimee Duffy's Summer Flings Series


The Summer Fling books are a series currently being released by HarperImpulse. The first book is Trouble in Tinseltown and which despite being short I found to be quite action packed and fun. I'm not usually a fan of short stories but having finished all the shorts it is essentially a book cut up into pieces but I find that with the covers and title of the books it definitely works and I'm a huge fan of how the books have been released. 


Following three girls, Ciara, Gem and Elle we go from LA to Miami, Paris to Greece, Ibiza to Florence before finishing in Dublin. If you aren't going away this year then what better way to see the world? Fun, flirty with plenty of sex they are easy reads but at the same time touch on some serious storylines. Our main character Ciara faces decisions about her life and her relationship and she is such an amazing character. Each book takes around half an hour to read and whilst on holiday looking for something quick and easy to read you can't really go wrong here.

Vivien's Heavenly Ice Cream Shop - Abby Clements

Every so often a book comes along that you just fall in love with and want to tell everybody to read. This is that book. I wanted to read it from the minute I laid eyes on the cover, it looks great. And luckily the story contained within is even better.

If ever a book was written to be read in Summer then it is this one. An absolutely amazing book that I just loved. Perfect for reading on the beach, by the pool or even by the seaside in the UK if the weather can remain nice for a few hours. Beware though this book will make you drool and develop the biggest cravings for ice cream. This is one of those books you will fall in love with and recommend to everybody you can.

I would like to thank Shaun for stopping by at The Book Corner today, he has selected some fab books. You can follow him on twitter here and make sure you check out his great blog here

The Summer Feature 2014 by Charlotte Foreman Guest Post

Today Charlotte has stopped by to share with us who she would love to go on holiday with. I would just like to thank everyone who has participated in The Summer Feature, we have had such a wonderful selection of content to bring all the readers and I personally really enjoyed reading everyone's posts. 

Holiday Dream Team

By Charlotte Foreman

If I were planning a summer holiday, my first choice of companions would be my family. However, if I were embarking on a girly week in the sun, my getaway dream team would consist solely of authors. Not a great surprise, I know. While I would obviously spend hours mercilessly grilling them on their entire back catalogs, those who made the cut did so for very specific reasons:


Lisa Dickenson - After penning her new book You Had Me at Merlot, I reckon Lisa knows a thing or two about decent vino. Being the ultimate lightweight, I’ve tried unsuccessfully to mature my drinking tastes and graduate onto alcohol that costs more than six pints of milk. I’m confident she’d be able to wrestle the glass of Lambrini from my hand and point me in the direction of a nice fruity Rose that won’t have me up to my neck in porcelain after only a few glasses. Classy I know, but a situation that repeated itself only very recently.



Mandy Baggot – Why would I take Mandy with me? Because after meeting her a few times, I know without a shadow of a doubt that at some point during our holiday - probably more than once, tbh - we’d end up wearing cowboy hats on a stage somewhere belting out classic karaoke songs. Plus wherever Mandy is, there’s always sausage and mash so I’m guaranteed a few decent meals too.



Lucy Robinson - I know it’s not very ladylike but I do love to swear and basically talk like I’m a member of the Shameless cast. I’m not a chav or anything, I just like to let loose with the curses when in the right company. Now, strike me down if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure Lucy and I could have a whole conversation using nothing but profanities. Yes, we might sound like old fishwives but it would probably be very cathartic . . . holiday relaxation done sailor style.



Jamie McGuire - If you follow Jamie on any of her social media accounts, you’ll know that she films and photographs everything. Therefore, not only would she never miss an opportunity to commit every shenanigan to electronic memory but we’d probably also come away with lots pictures of us looking fairly decent. She also strikes me as the kind of women who could drink the average man under the table and her bad language may rival a Danny Dyer film.


I reckon we’d have an unforgettable time that could prove inspirational for a crazy scene or two in some upcoming releases!


Do you have a dream team in mind for your perfect getaway?


NB: If any authors included on my list actually to read this and fancy a holiday, I’m only an email away (Charlotte@BestChickLit.com).

Once again I would like to thank Charlotte for participating. You can follow her on twitter and please check out her wonderful blog here

Summer Feature 2014 by Louise Guest Post

Today I have Louise who is talking about her Summer Reads, thanks so much for taking part Louise, and I'm excited to hear about what you are reading this summer!

Hello, I was delighted to be asked by the lovely Sam to write a guest post for her blog feature about Summer Reads. I thought I would share with you the five books I am looking forward to taking with me and hopefully reading on this year’s holiday.



As parents to a child under school age, we are lucky enough to be able to take our holiday outside of the main school holidays, so our holiday is likely to be in September or October this year which means I will be able to take some books that won’t be out til later in the year.



1. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah I adore Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot and his famous moustache and I love Sophie’s complex and psychological thrillers and so am beyond excited to read Sophie’s new story featuring the one and only Monsieur Poirot;

2. No Safe House by Linwood Barclay. I love reading thrillers on holiday as it’s a time I usually get to read a lot all at once so it is perfect to read an unputdownable page turner and am on tenterhooks to read this sequel to No Time for Goodbye as I can never work out whodunit;

3. Power Games by Victoria Fox – Every summer holiday needs a bonkbuster and this sounds fantastic where seven celebrities are trapped on an island together and that’s when the fun starts. It’s described as “sexy, fun and full of scandal” which sounds perfect for a lazy read by the pool together with a cocktail – make mine a Strawberry Daiquiri please!

4. The Best Thing that Never Happened to Me by Laura Tait and Jimmy Rice As an antidote to all the scandal and crime I plan to read, I am after a good old fashioned romantic comedy to sweep me off my feet and give me something to daydream about and I have only heard fantastic things about this book and I’m interested to see how having two writers will affect the dynamic of the story.

5. The Scarecrow’s Wedding by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler As our holidays now include our own little bookworm, I will be reading my way through our little girl’s TBR pile too which includes this gem. I am looking forward to it as we adore The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom so looking forward to how Julia Donaldson will deal with some romance – I am sure there will be laughs along the way too!



So there we go, there is what I am hoping to read on my late holiday this year.



Wishing Sam and everyone a wonderfully relaxing Summer filled with fantastic books and lazy, fun-filled days and thanks to Sam for hosting my guest post – I had fun!



Louise Wykes (@jaustenrulesok)

Thanks so much Louise and I am very interested in The Scarecrow's Wedding! As a school teacher I love to discover new books for my class and this is one I think I will be looking into! Thanks again for participating in the summer feature and I loved to read about your list! I hope you manage to read them all! You can follow Louise on twitter

Summer Feature 2014 by Charlie - Guest Post

Today Charlie from Miss Book Eater has stopped by to share her top 5 summer reads. Thanks for taking part Charlie. 

Top 5 Summer Reads on my TBR pile

For me Summer Reads are books that are light hearted and fun, but it can also range from Mysterious to a thriller or a novella in the Romance section; New Adult or Paranormal. I guess it still always depends what my mood is. As long as the books can be read in a couple of days or even a day sometimes for me, but as always I am rambling on. ^_^



Let me now introduce you to my top 5 books I really would love to read this Summer. They are either on my TBR pile or I on my wish list to buy. So here it goes!

1. The Bookshop on the Corner (A Gingerbread Café Story) – Rebecca Raisin

Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?

Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.

Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…

Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!

2. Dear Lizzie – Annie Lyons

Two sisters. Twelve letters. One year that changes everything.

Lizzie and Bea Harris were always very close. They were sisters nothing could tear them apart. Until Bea dies at the age of thirty-five, leaving her sister twelve letters and a mission that change Lizzie’s life forever.

Alone for the first time Lizzie is left trying to pull together the pieces of a life she has for so long ignored. With Bea’s list of last requests, Lizzie has a chance to finally find a place for herself in the world - out from under the shadow of her sister.

3. You Make Me (Blurred Lines Book 1) – Erin McCarthy

The guy she wants…

Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word.

Isn’t the guy she needs…

Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend in frat president Ethan.

But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…

And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?

4. The Little Coffee shop of Kabul – Deborah Rodriguez

In a little coffee shop in one of the most dangerous places on five very different women come together.

SUNNY, the proud proprietor, who needs an ingenious plan - to keep her café and customers safe.

YAZMINA, a young pregnant woman stolen from her remote village and now abandoned on Kabul's violent streets.

CANDACE, a wealthy American who has finally left her husband her Afghan lover, the enigmatic Wakil.

ISABEL, a determined journalist with a secret that might keep her from the biggest story of her life.

And HALAJAN, the sixty-year-old den mother, whose long-hidden love affair breaks all the rules.

As these five women discover there's more to one another than meets the eye, they form a unique bond that will for ever change their lives and the lives of many others.

5. Give me Grace – Kate McCarthy (Give Me Book 3)

Book #3 in the Give Me series.

Casey Daniels has a past forged in Hell. Despite the friends, the endless supply of women, and the muscle car he spent years restoring, it still eats away at him.

Grace Paterson is in Sydney as a temporary bassist for tband Casey handles security for. She’s also infuriating, off-land completely irresistible.

A deal is struck, and despite their intense and powerful connection, both think it will be easy to walk away. But life can be more ruthless than either of them ever imagined. Not only does Grace have a secret she’s desperate to keep, Casey has questions from his past that he’s willing to do anything to get answers for.

It’s not until someone wants one of them dead that Casey realises his love for Grace is the one thing he could never walk away from.

In a story of revenge, betrayal, secrets, and love, Casey will need to reconcile his past with his present, before the future he never knew he wanted is snatched away.

*Please Note: Kate McCarthy is an Australian author and Australian English, spelling and slang have been used in this book. This book is recommended for 18+ due to adult language and content.*

I would like to thank Charlie once again for sharing her 5 top summer reads. You can find Charlie on Twitter she also has a fab blog that if you haven't checked out yet you should now missbookeater

The Summer Feature 2014 by Dane Guest Post

Five Chilled Out Beach Reads to Take On Your Summer Holidays

Hi, I’m Dane from SocialBookshelves.com, and today I’m going to tell you about my five top beach reads! Ain’t life a beach?

I was lucky enough to be invited by Sam to write for The Book Corner as part of her summer celebrations, and so I leapt at the chance to talk to you about something that I love. In return, Sam was kind enough to write a guest post over on my site about a week in the life of a book blogger – you can check that over here.



So now it’s time for you to don your bathing suit, cover yourself with sunscreen and get your reading glasses on – without further ado, here are my top five chilled out beach reads:





1 – Sarah Henshaw – The Bookshop That Floated Away

The Bookshop That Floated Away tells the true story of Sarah Henshaw and her book barge, as she travels up and down the waterways in mainland Britain selling books from a houseboat and trading them for showers, haircuts and even dental work. Sarah’s writing is beautiful and humorous, and her book is made even better if you can hear the gentle lapping of the shore while you’re reading it.

Buy The Bookshop That Floated Away.



2 – Terry Pratchett – Guards, Guards!

Terry Pratchett has a knack for entertainment, and while each and every one of his Discworld novels makes for a great holiday read, this one stands out in particular as the first book in the series to introduce the Ankh Morpork city watch. It’s a hilarious read and a fantastic book for escapism, so prepare to follow Sam Vimes and his fellow watchmen as they try to tackle a secret society and stop a dragon from wreaking havoc on the city.

Buy Guards, Guards!



3 – Philip Pullman – The Ruby in the Smoke

Philip Pullman is loved by millions for his His Dark Materials trilogy, but his Sally Lockhart series is, in many ways, superior. The Ruby in the Smoke is the first book in the series, and it follows the young Sally Lockhart as she investigates the mystery behind her father’s death in Victorian London. It’s easy to read and even easier to fall in love with, so think about packing the whole series if you’re going to be gone for a while. 

Buy The Ruby in the Smoke.

4 – Agatha Christie – And Then There Were None

The Queen of Crime wrote literally scores of novels which make for great reading in any situation, but And Then There Were None is her masterpiece, a suspense-filled novel that will keep you reading from start to finish. It’s the sort of book that you can start and finish in a single day as you relax in the sun, which is good because by the end of it, you’ll be itching to know who the killer is! 

Buy And Then There Were None.

5 – John Biggs – Mytro

Biggs is arguably more well-known as a journalist for TechCrunch than he is as a writer, but his debut novel makes for a thrilling read for ages eight to eighty. Mytro tells the story of a teenage boy who discovers a mysterious underground rail network which can transport you from one side of the world to another in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, some devious and unsavoury characters have plans of their own… 

Buy Mytro.



Now that you’ve got your beach reads sorted out, you just need to worry about the rest of your packing – if you’re taking an e-reader then don’t forget your charger, and remember to stay safe in the sun, too. It’s all too easy to get absorbed in a good book and end up burning all over – trust me, I know!

What summer reads are your favourites? And where are you off to this summer? Let us know with a comment, and have a fantastic time – we’ll see you at the seaside!

I would like to thank Dane for wanting to participate in The Summer Feature, and thank you for some of your suggestions; there are a few I have not heard of but they sound really great! (Hosting the Summer Feature was bad on my part - TBR is just growing and growing now!) As Dane said you can check out my guest post on his blog SocialBookshelves.com, thanks once again and don't forget to follow him on twitter here

Summer Feature 2014 by Liz Champion Guest Review

Liz Champion has given us a review here at The Book Corner, which I am super excited about. I love that throughout the Summer Features we have been able to bring you so many different types of variations on the Summer Feature and I have really enjoyed reading them all. So thank you Liz for participating!

What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn

Reviewed by Liz Champion

It’s 1984 and Kate Meaney is a 10-year-old who wants to become a private detective. Kate and her toy monkey roam the Green Oaks Shopping Centre in Birmingham, looking for crimes to investigate and mysteries to solve. Anyone Kate thinks is up to no good is placed under surveillance, and the findings recorded in her notebook.

Then one day, Kate vanishes. She isn’t seen again until 20 years later when Kurt, a night security guard, sees a little girl with a toy monkey wandering the deserted shopping centre on his video monitor. The story of the missing girl has always haunted Kurt and so, with the help of Lisa, a bored and disillusioned Your Music assistant manager, he begins his search.

Throughout the book O’Flynn weaves in an eerie mystery whilst raising questions about life, loss and happiness. Her writing is engaging and very witty with some laugh out loud moments especially at the expense of middle management.

The first part of the book, my favourite part, is narrated from the point of view of Kate. O’Flynn uses humour to capture Kate’s innocence and vulnerability, which makes her a very likeable character; so much so, that when Kate’s narrative ended, I wanted to stay with her.

In the second part, the book moves to 2004, and mainly to the lives of Lisa and Kurt, who are also trapped, metaphorically speaking, in the sprawling shopping centre. As the pair take on the case of the missing girl, they begin to question the monotony of their own lives.

With any change of narrator, there’s a risk that the reader will prefer one over the other. This was definitely the case for me. Lisa and Kurt’s narratives were enjoyable, but they were less endearing than Kate’s narrative, which I really loved. However, the change was essential for the plot and mystery of the novel to work. Within part two, we are also presented with narratives from other characters, and I did think that some of the perspectives were unnecessary and seemed underdeveloped, the shop keeper for instance. There’s also some comic parts about management, which although they are very funny, I did feel they were a bit too long, and not essential to the plot.

What Was Lost is Catherine O’Flynn’s debut novel and won the First Novel prize at the Costa Book Awards. When you read it, it becomes obvious why it won. I really enjoyed this book; the mystery keeps you turning the pages, whilst the content makes you think a bit deeper. It’s definitely one you can relax with on holiday.

Wow great review Liz, this is one that I have not read and sounds really good. I think I may have to add it to the TBR pile! 

You can follow Liz on twitter here

Summer Feature 2014 by Jackie Guest Post

Today Jackie has stopped by to share her summer reading with The Book Corner, thanks for taking to time to participate Jackie!


Summer and reading go together like Brad and Angelina, like Ben & Jerry, like me and chocolate eclairs. Is there anything more lovely than lying on a sun lounger in your garden, the smell of sun lotion and cut grass in the air, an icy cold drink next to you, reading a good book? I think a lot of people look for a light and easy read in summer. Something you can breeze through. Maybe a nice romance novel or something similar. That's all well and good, I occasionally read those books myself. In fact, I have just finished a fantastic chick-lit novel by Jill Knapp called 'What Happens To Men When They Move To Manhattan?' (Please check it out if you haven't already. It's a fab read!) This summer though, I have my eye on a book that I cannot wait to get started.

I have heard nothing but good things about 'The Girl With All The Gifts'. The horror/thriller genre is the one I love the most. I love a book that gives me chills and I'm nuts about movies in this genre too. In fact I rarely watch any other type. I bought this book a few days ago as the blurb really appealed to me.


NOT EVERY GIFT IS A BLESSING

Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class.

When they come for her, Sergeant Parks keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite. But they don't laugh.

Melanie is a very special girl.

Emotionally charged and gripping from beginning to end, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS is the most powerful and affecting thriller you will read this year.


Sounds good doesn't it? The reviews on Goodreads are just adding to my excitement over this book. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those reads that you cannot put down. You know the one's right? You stay up until the early hours because you simply have to find out what happens at the end. Knowing full well that you have somewhere to be in the morning but you don't care. People will understand if you're a little late, wont they? If you sleep through your alarm because you were up until gone 3am reading the last few chapters. I cannot tell you how many times I've done that. Turning up at work bleary eyed because I'd been reading by torchlight in my bed! Yes, I know for certain this is going to be one of those books. I know I wont be able to close it until I find out what happens to Melanie.


That said. I'm off to finish 'Boy21' so I can get my hands onto and my teeth into 'The Girl With All The Gifts'. Good luck to everybody with their reading over the summer and I look forward to reading all your reviews when you're done. No doubt I'll end up with another few additions to my TBR pile when I've read them. You guys always inspire me to try books I wouldn't usually entertain.


Happy reading and a huge thank you to Sam for inviting me to guest-post! Jackie xox 

You can follow Jackie on twitter here

She also has an awesome blog to check out here

Thanks again for joining us over at The Book Corner, there are still loads more summer feature posts coming so make sure you check them out. I hope you are enjoying them all as much as I am.

Summer Feature 2014 by Ariel Guest Post

Ariel over at Little Mermaid Book Reviews has stopped by at The Book Corner today to share her summer reads with us.



Ahh, summer. A time where you can just chill and relax with a good book by the beach..pool...lake..child's sprinkler?? Ok, any type of body of water that you can think of while delving into your own world, or rather that of the author of your choices world.


But what about those of us with young kids?! I have a 13 week old and a 3 year old and let me tell you...Between working full time, studying for my Master's in Nursing Education, the girls...I'm lucky I don't count reading for my Master's program..I just want to...

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I need to get away..I need my worlds apart and let me tell you...YOU DO TOO! Make time! There are so many books that I am so excited about that are out this summer that I just will not let anything stand in my way. Dishes can wait..I think..Laundry..who needs to be clean, you're just gonna be jumping in the water every day anyhow..am I right?! I digress!


Here is my ultimate reading list coming up for the month of August, no it won't be long, but if I'm honest, I'll get through what I just HAVE to read and then be looking for other reads as I can find them!


1: Opposition by Jennifer Armentrout (5th and final installment in Lux series..BTW Obsidian (book 1) is free for a limited time!)
2: Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead (5th out of 6 books in the Bloodlines series)
3: Perfected by Kate Jarvik Birch
4: Texas Twist by Cynthia D'Alba


The above list are books that I have to finish by the end of August the first two on my own accord the other for book club and an ARC!


So, sit back with the warm sun and breeze dancing on your body and delve into your favorite book *new or old* and get lost in another world! I know I will...Starting with Perfected!

You can follow Ariel on twitter here she also has an awesome blog check it out here

I would like to thank Ariel once again for participating in The Summer Feature

Summer Feature by Gemma Harding Guest Post

Today Gemma Harding has joined us at The Book Corner to talk about her Airport finds! I am really excited about this post because just like Gemma I get super excited book shopping at the airport!


For many people when they are at the airport, the first place they will head to is the duty free. For me, it’s the Airport Exclusive book section of the WH Smith’s. Looking over the shelves of books, I try to see if there any books that I have been waiting to come out or if there is any covers that strike me as interesting.

What’s so special about these airport exclusives, is the fact that they are usually paperback versions of hardbacks or, in those rare occasions, a book that isn’t due out for another few weeks. The books I buy aren’t usually my usual picks and on those rare occasions, I end up finding a new author. So here are some of the books I have picked up while waiting for my flight out.

THE LAST QUEEN by C. W. Gortner

In this stunning novel, C. W. Gortner brings to life Juana of Castile, the third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, who would become the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country's throne. Along the way, Gortner takes the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England. Born amid her parents' ruthless struggle to unify and strengthen their kingdom, Juana, at the age of sixteen, is sent to wed Philip, heir to the Habsburg Empire. Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her dashing young husband, and at first she is content with her children and her married life. But when tragedy strikes and she becomes heir to the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it costs her everything

View – I picked this book up mainly due to the fact that at that time I was going through a historical fiction phase and I was really interested in the TV show The Tudors (Nothing to do with Johnathan Rhyse Meyers and Henry Caville starring in it ;) ) This book was a really interesting insight into a part of European History that I was unaware about. It may not be the usual holiday read, but I finished this book off really quickly.

BOSSYPANTS BY Tina Fey

Before Liz Lemon, before "Weekend Update," before "Sarah Palin," Tina Fey was just a young girl with a dream: a recurring stress dream that she was being chased through a local airport by her middle-school gym teacher. She also had a dream that one day she would be a comedian on TV. She has seen both these dreams come true. At last, Tina Fey's story can be told. From her youthful days as a vicious nerd to her tour of duty on Saturday Night Live; from her passionately halfhearted pursuit of physical beauty to her life as a mother eating things off the floor; from her one-sided college romance to her nearly fatal honeymoon -- from the beginning of this paragraph to this final sentence. Tina Fey reveals all, and proves what we've all suspected: you're no one until someone calls you bossy.

View – I’ll be honest, I keep picking this up and putting it back down. The reason I bought this book was because I really like Tina Fey and I have heard great things about this book. Everytime I pick it up, something else comes along. One day I will finish this book.

MADAM TUSSAUD by Michelle Moran

Paris, 1788.

Marie is a young woman in love with her oldest friend and neighbour, Henri. But she is also a determined businesswoman, eager to see her family's waxwork museum keep them safe and solvent. Her gift for modelling faces in wax brings her to Versailles, where she must teach the king's sister her skill. But the coming revolution will place Marie, her family and all of Paris in grave danger.

As the monarchy is overthrown and the guillotine becomes a fixture in French life, Marie is expected to show her patriotism by making death masks from the severed heads of every key figure killed as the Reign of Terror begins and France enters its darkest time. How will Marie survive the Revolution? Who will survive it with her? And just how will this girl come to be known as the woman behind one of the most famous museums in the world?

Verdict – This is another book I have bought, but yet to read. Again it was lure of Historical Fiction and the fact it was dealing with a part of European History that I didn’t know anything about. I have had many book culls since I bought this book, but each time my hand has passed over this book.



My vacation stop is usually Orlando and while I do admit that I love to go to a theme park, I also make sure that I stop off at the bookstores there. When I first went to Orlando for my holidays, I picked up a few books by authors that I had never heard of before. However, I would soon find out that the books I had bought were part of a series and that I usually had picked up a book that was in the middle of the series. Here are a few of the books/series I picked up on my travels.

OBSIDIAN BUTTERFLY by Laurell K Hamilton

An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, novel

‘I was covered in blood, but it wasn’t mine, so it was okay.’

Edward is a hit man. He specialises in monsters. Vampires, shape-shifters, anything and everything. There are people like me, Anita Blake, who do it legally, but Edward doesn’t sweat the legalities or, hell, the ethics. He is an equal opportunity killer.

I may be one of the few friends that Edward has, but it’s like being friends with a tame leopard. It may curl on the foot of your bed and let you pet its head, but it can still eat your throat out...

Verdict – I picked this up because there was a quote about this series being like “Buffy on Speed”. At this time I was a huge Angel fan and picked this up based on this recommendation. Yes, I didn’t know that it was so far into the series, but I polished this book off really quick. Needless to say, before I returned home I had bought all the books up to this one. Yes, I may have fallen out of love with this series, but this book still has a place in my heart.

SUMMER KNIGHT by Jim Butcher

Ever since his girlfriend left town to deal with her newly acquired taste for blood, Harry Dresden has been down and out in Chicago. He can’t pay his rent. He’s alienating his friends. He can’t even recall the last time he took a shower. The only professional wizard in the phone book has become a desperate man. And just when it seems things can’t get any worse, in saunters the

Winter Queen of Faerie. She has an offer Harry can’t refuse if he wants to free himself of the supernatural hold his faerie godmother has over him — and hopefully end his run of bad luck. All he has to do is find out who murdered the Summer Queen’s right-hand man, the Summer Knight, and clear the Winter Queen’s name. It seems simple enough, but Harry knows better than to get caught in the middle of faerie politics. Until he finds out that the fate of the entire world rests on his solving this case. No pressure or anything…

Verdict – This was a book I picked purely based on the cover. There was something about it that drew me in. Again this was a book I didn’t realise was part of the series. It wasn’t a genre I would normally picked up but Butcher really sucked me into Harry Dresden’s world. It had the right amount of humour with some really great story telling. Yes, this was another series I ended up buying the previous books before I came home.

DARK PLEASURES by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Dear Reader,

Have you ever wanted to know what it's like to be immortal? To journey through the night stalking the evil that preys on humans? To have unlimited wealth, unlimited power? That is my existence, and it is dark and dangerous. I play hero to thousands, but am known to none. And I love every minute of it.

Or so I thought until one night when I woke up handcuffed to my worst nightmare: a conservative woman in a button-down shirt. Or in Amanda's case, buttoned all the way up to her chin. She's smart, sexy, witty, and wants nothing to do with the paranormal-in other words, me.

My attraction to Amanda Devereaux goes against everything I stand for. Not to mention the last time I fell in love it cost me not only my human life, but also my very soul. Yet every time I look at her, I find myself wanting to try again. Wanting to believe that love and loyalty do exist.

Even more disturbing, I find myself wondering if there's any way a woman like Amanda can love a man whose battle scars run deep, and whose heart was damaged by a betrayal so savage that he's not sure it will ever beat again.

Verdict – Ah, the Dark Hunter series. I mainly picked this book up because of the cover. Yes, I am shallow :D I just loved this book so much and instantly fell under its spell. Alpha Vampire Male, the good woman who will save his soul and a threat to the world. Yes, I was instantly hooked and was hunting down the others in the series. I did break up with the Dark Hunters for a little while and my

affections shifted to the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, but I have recently found them again and I am once again back in love with them. 

I would like to thank Gemma again for participating in the Summer Feature. You can follow her on twitter and she also has an awesome blog you need to check out here

Summer Feature 2014 by Sam Everett Guest Post

Sam Everett has stopped by at The Book Corner to share with us her summer reads! Thanks for participating in the Summer Feature Sam! 

Last year I went with my family to Florida for 3 weeks, we went to just about every theme park and our days were pretty hectic needless to say by the time I went to bed in the evening I was far too tired to read. In fact over the entire 3 weeks I managed about 40 pages of the book I was reading but I plan to correct that this year and read lots

So this year I have 2 weeks off work, the first week is at home and will most likely include a couple of day trips into London as I want to see some of the Books About Town benches plus possibly a trip to the Tower of London. Then the second week will be spent on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, I’m actually getting to live in a castle for a week! I have been informed by my husband that there is no WiFi on the island and that 3G is a little hit and miss, to me that sounds bliss as I will be able to spend time reading , to my 3 teenage children that doesn’t sound so good.

As we are travelling to the island in a little boat I need to watch the weight of my luggage so I will be relying on my Kindle for my reading needs, all I need to do is make sure it is fully charged and I’m ready to go. I am planning to read the following books during my 2 weeks off, they are in no particular order and I have quite a variety as I like to read different genres depending on my mood.

1. Return To Mandalay by Rosanna Ley

This is the only paperback I intend to read during those 2 weeks purely because the cover is so damn strokeable. Have you seen it? It is one of the most gorgeous covers I have seen & Red Online call it ‘A gorgeous, mouth –watering dream of a holiday read!’ It sounds like THE perfect Summer read plus I have chosen it for my reading groups August read. I just need to make sure that I restrain from starting it before my holiday



2. The Far Side Of The Sun by Kate Furnivall
I just love Kate’s books. I discovered her with my reading group a few years ago when we read The White Pearl so I was very excited to see that her latest book was coming out on the 14th August just in time for my holiday. How wonderful of her to release ‘The Far Side Of The Sun’ with my holiday in mind J Again this book has the most stunning cover unfortunately it will be on my Kindle so I will not be able to stroke it. This is a murder mystery set in the Bahamas in 1943, this sounds like my perfect book as it combines my love of historical fiction and mystery.


3. No Safe House by Linwood Barclay

I discovered Linwood Barclay when his debut book No Time For Goodbye won Richard & Judy’s Summer Read back in 2008. His books are fast paced , gripping page turners and are written to be devoured.This book is the sequel and I received an ARC on it a while ago but I have been very patient and have been saving it for my holiday. Only 3 more weeks to go!

4. A Week In Paris by Rachel Hore

I’ve been lucky enough to get an ARC of this book as it isn’t out until October. Rachel writes such beautiful books that take you away to another time and place. This one is described as A captivating story of love, courage and survival set in wartime Paris and the early 1960s.

And guess what? It has a pretty cover!



5. Fly Away by Kristin Hannah

This is the sequel to Firefly Lane which was one of the most emotional books that I have ever read. I have had Fly Away on my Kindle for a while but because of the emotional mess that the first book left me, I’ve put off reading it until I can sit back, relax and be swept up in the world of Tully Hart again and to see how she is coping with the loss of her best friend.

6. The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri

This is another reading group pick. Shortlisted for the Man Booker in 2013 and this year’s Baileys Prize I have been really looking forward to reading this one. Described as Two brothers bound by tragedy; a fiercely brilliant woman haunted by her past; a country torn by revolution this book is set in India and I love reading books where I learn a little about other cultures



7. The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

This book is the heavy weight of my bunch, thank goodness I have it on Kindle. This is another reading group pick (I belong to 3) and we have been given 2 months to read it due to its size. The Man Booker Prize winner 2013 & it seems to have very mixed reviews, I just hope that I am one of the ones who likes it.

8. What Would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy

Whilst on Brownsea Island I will be enjoying afternoon tea everyday so this book just seemed like the perfect one to take. I may even read it whilst I am enjoying my scones and clotted cream. And the cover really is good enough to eat.



9. Pelican Point by Donna Kauffman

I have never read anything by this author before and this book has been neglected on my Kindle for far too long. It is the first in the Bachelors of Blueberry Cove series, set in a small town in Maine with romance and a lighthouse what more could a girl want whilst lounging on a beach on a very small island.

10. A Killing In the Hills by Julia Keller

And finally I intend to read the first in the Bell Elkins series. I love a good crime series and this one looks to fit the bill. Another book that has been on my Kindle for far too long. As I said I love a good crime series especially if it has a strong female character and even more so if one of my favourite authors Karin Slaughter says ‘ A rare talent and a must read’

I would like to thank Sam again for wanting to participate in this feature. You can find her on twitter and go check out her blog