Saturday 29 December 2012

Review - The Pollyanna Plan by Talli Roland

A fairy tale romance, perfect to brighten up a winter's day.

Emma was a hard-working underwriter in the world of insurance. Boyfriend George was a catch, but did her life make her happy? She had a soul-less flat, was a workaholic and had shut away her feelings in a compartment after she lost her dad to terminal illness alienating her mom and her mom's new family when she remarried. She went through life thinking that the worst would happen then wasn't too disappointed when it did!

When she lost her job, and within minutes found George canoodling with another woman, she decided over cocktails with her one and only friend Alice, that from now on she would only look at the positives in her life!   It was while she was hunting down a particular colour to paint her flat that reminded her of her dad, that she met and was attracted to Will who worked in the paint department at her local DIY centre. 

Will had recently been diagnosed with MS hand the last thing he needed was a girlfriend who might run a mile when they found out,like the last one had. He tried to push his feelings for Emma away although he really liked her, and she constantly got mixed messages from him which confused and upset her!

Talli Roland's books are always lively and fresh and full of loveliness.  They are also funny and refreshing. The Pollyanna Plan was all of these things and more. She creates perfect characters, believable plots and delivers fabulously hilarious lines all the way through which make you cough and splutter!

It was thoroughly enjoyable to read, a delightfully romantic story with a perfect fairy tale ending. 

Congratulations to Talli who recently gave birth to a very gorgeous baby boy! I'm sure he'll have some wonderful bedtime stories from a very early age from this lovely lady who again I had the privilege of meeting at the Festival of Romance.  She'll make a fantastic mom and I sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, wish the family a very happy and healthy future.

Talli writes funny and romantic fiction. She lives in London and admits openly on her website to having a crush on Sir Alan Sugar!

Her debut novel, The Hating Game was in the top 100 on Amazon Kindle UK for over 75 days. I was lucky enough to review Watching Willow Watts earlier this year which was a great read, and you can read my review of this book here.

She also writes the 24 Hours travel guides under the name of Marsha Moore. You can find out more about Talli at her website www.talliroland.com or read her entertaining posts at her blogsite http://talliroland.blogspot.com.

You can buy this book via Amazon UK
You can follow Talli on Twitter by clicking here.

Review - Dearest Rose by Rowan Coleman

This book was totally mesmerising!

Rose was just 9 years old when her father, an artist who she loved dearly, left her and her mother. She was left to pick up the pieces and hold their life together. A life that her mother didn't want to live.

Completely alone, she married young, her husband Richard a respectable GP, ten years older than herself and they had a daughter Maddie but she was so unhappy with her life! She clung to the memory of a young man called Frasier who came to her house once trying to trace her father.


When she decided that she could no longer live in her marriage she took her daughter and fled to the only place that came to mind. What she didn't know was who else she might find there!

This was a book that was deep, dark in places and thoroughly captivating! I was completely caught up in the story, totally mesmerised by the wonderful characters and the beautiful picturesque landscapes. It totally consumed my every waking thought and I couldn't rest until I knew the outcome. 


Rose found more than she bargained for in this village that became her home and the relationships that the story weaves a web around were complicated, dramatic and intense.

I particularly warmed to the character of Jenny who ran the B&B that became their home for a short while.  She was a really good person who on the outside was prickly and tough but on the inside was a warm-hearted, genuine soul who would do anything to help. Rosie's best friend Shona was a true friend, someone who would always be there for her, no matter what and vice versa.  We should all have a friend like Shona in our lives!

The book was beautifully written and intriguing from the very first page and I was so determined that I was not leaving my bed this morning until I had finished it! I finally dragged myself out of bed at 1.15pm (disgusting!) when I sadly read the very last page.  I could have gone on reading it forever!

It was heart-wrenching and spectacularly emotional in parts, with a cruel twist yet thoughtful and delicate where necessary, excellently touching sensitive topics in a way which highlighted the issues but with empathy and understanding. I would like to think that if a woman who found herself in the same situation as Rose read this book, it would give them the courage, determination and hope they needed to be able to change their lives. Rose was a sparky, courageous young lady and a complete inspiration!

I totally understand now why Rowan Coleman writes as Scarlett Bailey and keeps the books separate as they are two very different and very distinct writing styles both superb in their own way.

This book for me was an emotional rollercoaster, an incredible story by a magnificent author I had the honour of meeting at the recent Festival of Romance.  It was particularly great when I got to the part of Dearest Rose that Rowan read out, as I knew exactly how the story was written to be told. 

Rowan Coleman grew up in Hertfordshire secretly longing to be a writer despite battling with dyslexia. After graduating from university she worked in bookselling and publishing for seven years before winning Company Magazine Young Writer of the Year in 2001. Her first novel ‘Growing Up Twice’ was published in 2002 and since then she has gone from strength to strength.  

She has also written novels for children and teens under the name Rook Hasting and as I mentioned earlier also writes as Scarlett Bailey.  Her books are published around the world. She now lives in Hertfordshire with her family.

You can follow Rowan on Twitter
You can like Rowan on Facebook
You can buy this book via Amazon UK
You can find her website at www.rowancoleman.co.uk




Thursday 27 December 2012

Review of Novella - A Christmas Gift by Jill Rowan



When Jill Rowan told me that she'd written a novella which carried on from where The Legacy finished, I couldn't wait to read it.  
 
The Legacy (my review can be found here) was an amazing book which was a romantic, time-travelling, historical mixture of gorgeousness. 
 
I can't really tell you much about this follow-on without spoiling it for you but if you have read The Legacy, this is a lovely insight into what happened one day following the end of the book.  It was sweet, lovely and romantic. 
 
If you haven't read The Legacy, you need to click here and buy it, as it's one of the most amazing and enjoyable books that I've read this year. 
 
Jill Rowan was born in Hertfordshire, England, but now lives in the Shropshire countryside. She gave up a career in accounts to pursue her passion for writing. She has both a BA and a BSc. from the Open University, is a keen photographer and also enjoys natural history, walking, cycling, travel, and endless amounts of reading.




Review of Novella - Christmas Deliverance by Amanda Egan

This novella made me feel so loved up when it finished that I just kept thinking about it and saying ahhhhh!

A wonderful Christmas tale told with a paragraph from each person within a family who all have their own issue and problems but all pull together to do what they think is the right thing to do.  It highlights that even a close family, don't notice things that are going on right underneath their noses.  Another story which is great to get stuck into on one of these cosy Christmas afternoons. 

Amanda Egan is a fabulous author, with a terrific sense of humour which is clearly shines through in her writing.  Her books are a breath of fresh air, which make you laugh out loud, wherever you are reading them, not always a good thing! Ask my dentist! 

Amanda was born and bred in London, and trained professionally as an actress. After many years of procrastination, she has turned her hand to writing Chick/Mummy-lit.  
In her spare time, she loves to read anything from Maeve Binchy, Jill Mansell, and Penny Vincenzi to Noel Coward, Dostoevsky and Zola. She also love crafts and entertaining, particularly hosting themed dinner parties.

You can buy this book via Amazon UK
You can follow Amanda on Twitter
You can like her on Facebook

Review of Novella - Christmas Without Icing by Michelle Betham


Yesterday afternoon I settled down with Christmas Without Icing by Michelle Betham. 

It was always Jessie's dream to visit Lapland. But this year, at Christmas she feels like she really needs to visit, so that she can accept the tragic circumstances that is her past and try to move on in her life. 

When she meets a mysterious young man called Mikku, who seems to be able to see into her soul, keeps popping up whenever she has a doubt in her mind, she wonders just who he really is.  Then she meets another man, who she is extremely attracted to but feels that she is betraying her past. 

This is such a wonderful fairytale that you actually feel part of, brilliantly written, sad yet happy and completely and utterly romantic. Sounds fab doesn't it? Trust me it is! 

This is a feel-good, sentimental, gorgeous story that was perfect for a Christmas afternoon tucked up on the sofa, shutting the world outside and taking a trip to Lapland!  It has also made me want to visit Lapland even more!   Congratulations Michelle on such a fab novella. 


Find out more about Michelle at her blog http://michellebethamwriter.blogspot.co.uk/

You can also follow Michelle on Twitter and "like" her facebook page too.

To buy this novella via Amazon UK click here



Review - You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane

An excellent debut novel by Mhairi McFarlane

Rachel and Ben were best friends at University.  Totally inseparable, even though she was in a relationship and he had numerous girlfriends and they share such a lot of history between them. 

Years later, when one of Rachel's friends happens to mention that she has seen him, Rachel accidently on purpose bumps into Ben one day.  Seeing him brings all those old feelings back although now Ben is married to Olivia and has a whole new life.   Rachel has just split up from her boyfriend from their University days and is starting a whole new life on her own.

Can they be just friends again, or was there more to their relationship than their friends actually think?

The story swaps between now and then and you get to feel every single one of the emotions of both Ben and Rachel as the story develops and you discover more about their relationship and what they went through in the past. 

I sat and cried, real proper snotty sobs at one point near the end of the book.  I couldn’t put it down and just had to find out how this story was going to end.  I was actually quite surprised at the ending, not what I thought was going to happen!  I loved the characters and the relationships between them all.  Rachel was a brilliant main character and you just had to love Ben. 

Brilliantly written by Mhairi, this really is an excellent debut novel which was an absolute delight to read. 
 
It will be a pleasure to read more of her work and I hope she has lots more books up her sleeve as I shall certainly be looking forward to more from this up and coming author.
Born in Scotland, Mhairi McFarlane has spent a lot of her life explaining how to pronounce her name.  This is her first book and she is now working on her second without trying to get too distracted by TV or the Internet!
 

Tuesday 18 December 2012

Cover reveal - Never Alone by Linn B Halton

Today I'd like to welcome a very good friend of mine - the very lovely Linn B Halton.  I'm not going to hang around but hand you straight over to Linn who is going to tell you what she's up to while I carry on reading this fabulous book which I just cannot put down!

 
 
Thanks Kim.  I'm doing a fab splash around some wonderful blogs and websites to celebrate a brand new shiny cover, hot off the press. This story is full of heart and a young woman, Holly Atherton, who doesn't want to say 'yes' to having that wedding ring placed on her finger. Even though Will is the love of her life and absolutely gorgeous!
 
Never Alone is being released in January 2013 and it's a story of true love, but as we all know the path is never easy. Keep reading to find out how you can win an advance copy to be sent out in December 2012.
 
Before I tell you all about Holly's story I wanted to ask my host, the original Bookworm and STAFFORD FM Book Club reviewer, Kim Nash, what top tip she has for keeping a partner happy. Of course, I couldn't ask that question if I wasn't prepared to spill the beans myself....
Set aside 'together' time, whether that's an evening out or a short-break away, as long as it's romantic! Think of it as a date, or if you are going away together re-kindling your 'affair'. Don't let life get in the way!
 
So Kim, what's your little secret? (Just to let you know she laughed out aloud!)
I'm going to have to think seriously about that one and get back to you! In the meantime .... always let them think they're the boss even if they're not !
Lol - many a true word been spoken in jest as they say!  Wish I'd thought of that one Kim!!

No seriously Linn, I think you are spot on with your advice. You have to make the effort to spend quality time together and not leave yourselves to the bottom of the pile which is so easy to do when a family comes along with all of their needs and demands. 
 
So what's going wrong with Holly's relationship?
 
Holly Atherton has a seemingly perfect life, until suddenly it all beings to unravel. She has spent her life living up to other people's expectations of her, trying to please them.
 
She has it all - the affluent family who dote on her, a job she loves in her father's business, and the perfect boyfriend.
 
 
 
Will is a successful entrepreneur and they are about to start enjoying a lifestyle many can only dream about. His latest business deal will see them with homes in the UK and Los Angeles.
 
But what if you wake up one morning and find yourself wondering whether the path you are on is the one you are supposed to be taking? Is she too caught up in pleasing her parents and Will to take her future into her own hands?
 
When Holly's psychic sensitivity begins to surface she doesn't know how to handle it. Vivid dreams seem too real to ignore and she finds herself 'talking' to Nick, the recently deceased brother of her best friend, Celia.
 
Just having someone to whom she can offload what she's feeling helps and she feels happier moving forward with Will into their exciting new future and all seems well... the rest is coming soon!

TAKE PART - Thank you for helping me to celebrate this cover reveal. Simply leave your TOP TIP for keeping your man happy and 6 names will be randomly selected from the blogs taking part to receive an advance ecopy of Never Alone in December 2012.

Festive wishes to everyone! Linn

To find out more about author Linn B Halton:
Website A loveahappyending.com author Signed by:http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/linnbhalton
Twitter: @LinnBHalton
Facebook: Linn B Halton
Romantic Novelists' Association page
Amazon.co.uk (buy)                  Amazon.com (buy)

   

Thursday 13 December 2012

Review - Stilettos & Stubble by Amanda Egan

My favourite Amanda Egan book so far!

Persephone (Percy) was a tall, well built young lady who has been bullied and put down all her life by her Mother for not being a petite, tiny, perfect baby. Her Mother also bullies her wonderful and loving father and throughout their marriage has had many dalliances behind his back and Percy wonders if he will ever get to the stage where enough is enough.  Her Mother is responsible for many of her insecurities but she still feels that she cannot stand up to her.

Percy thinks she is destined to be jobless, penniless and manless for the rest of her life, and her mother has great joy rubbing this is, when she is approached by Annie - a drag queen who offers her a job! Devastated at first, that Annie thought she was a man dressed as a woman, she finds that Annie thinks she is a very capable, sparky, confident and attractive lady and offers her a job being front of house at their club. Percy makes some changes in her life, her self confidence grows and she even finds a big beefy man that she quite likes and he seems to like her too - sometimes!  Throw all these characters in with her pint-sized friend Tom and her dopey neighbour Diana and it adds for a very colourful cast.

This book was an absolute pleasure to read. It was so full of life and energy that it made me want to go and work there myself. The story was fresh, colourful and imaginative. It was exciting, enticing and engaging leaving you constantly wanting to read more! This book was glamorous, vivacious and glorious!


The names that Amanda gave the drag queens were absolutely hilarious and I had a bit of a moment one afternoon when I went to the dentist and took this book with me. Believe me m snorting and laughing at the same time while trying to cover it up with a coughing fit, led to me getting some very strange looks from the other patients indeed!  

There was a very important message in the book. It doesn't matter what you look like, or how you try to change, the person you are on the inside is what you really are. You might try to change for someone, but then if you do change, they might not like the person who you become.

Out of all of Amanda's books of which I've loved every single one, I really do think that this one is my most favourite.  I love Percy to bits.  Amanda manages to make her books completely hilarious yet very meaningful.

Amanda Egan was born and bred in London, and trained professionally as an actress. After many years of procrastination, she has turned her hand to writing Chick/Mummy-lit. She focused more on her writing after her son developed school phobia when he was 11 and she had to hang around his school in the background while he regained his confidence. In her spare time, she loves to read anything from Maeve Binchy, Jill Mansell, and Penny Vincenzi to Noel Coward, Dostoevsky and Zola. She also love crafts and entertaining, particularly hosting themed dinner parties.

You can buy this book via Amazon UK
You can follow Amanda on Twitter
You can like her on Facebook

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Welcome to my guest today - ladies and gents - the lovely Sheryl Browne


Today I'm delighted to be joined by the hilarious and gorgeous Sheryl Browne and she'll be letting you read a excerpt from her book Warrant for Love (which is fabulous by the way - you can find my review by clicking here!) so for once I'm going to stay quiet and I'm going to hand you straight over to Sheryl.

Hi Kim! Thank you so much for hosting me! I’m thrilled to be here on your beautiful site! Today, I’m sharing a final excerpt from Warrant for Love. I hope you enjoy!  Please do leave your comment and (appropriate) suggestions as to what YOU might do if you found yourself in Lee’s situation.


Warrant for Love
 
Love, blackmail, lies, adultery, entrapment.
Three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly.

Life for Paul sounds like your typical country song. He comes from a broken home, his wife is divorcing him, he's got no place to live, he's losing custody of his son, and his sergeant, who's sleeping with his wife, is a loud-mouthed braggart who won't let up on him – not even at work.

Leanne's caught her (now) ex cheating on her again, but before she can give him the what-for, she's wrongfully arrested for soliciting – by Paul and his partner. One thing leads to another and things could be looking up for Paul, except for Leanne's friends – quarrelling mom Nicky and financial goddess Jade – have it out for her ex.

Leanne wants closure, Paul wants a home, and Nicky and Jade want revenge. Blackmail, lies, adultery, entrapment. Will it all work out in the end or will Paul uphold the law? It sounds like he needs a Warrant for Love.

 Excerpt:

‘Come on, Lee, please pick up.’ Nothing. She must have unplugged the phone. And switched off her mobile.

And Paul wondered why.

Because he’d been a complete bloody idiot, was why. She was about as capable of deceit as having her dog put down, and he knew it.

Paul rammed the car into reverse. Why hadn’t he gone home and talked to her instead of waiting until sun up to come to his senses?

So, what did he do now? Skulk back with lame excuses, hoping she’d offer one for Simons being there without him having to ask, or skulk into the station later than he already was, which wouldn’t go down well.

He wouldn’t be any use to anyone without a job.

Paul pulled into the car park, and headed for the station, hoping he could get hold of Lee before lunch. Determined to find her if he didn’t. At work. At home. Wherever.

He passed through reception unnoticed. Cummings’ attention was diverted. Some kid dealing drugs it looked like, which could have been his destiny if not for Mike’s intervention.

Still no answer from Lee. Paul pocketed his mobile, and slipped into the gents’, intending to make himself presentable before anyone noticed his appearance, which was definitely unacceptable after a night spent in the car.

Oh, crap. He gulped and swiftly about-faced back to the door.

‘Davis?’ the DI called behind him.

Paul turned around apprehensively. That was it. He was stuffed.

The DI looked him up and down. ‘Are you having a laugh, Davis?’ he asked, his tone worryingly quiet.

Paul dropped his gaze. ‘No, Sir.’

‘I’ll see you directly after you’re off duty.’ DI Short brushed past him. ‘And I suggest you make use of Sergeant Cummings’ razor before you go on duty.’

Paul ran his hand over his neck as the restroom door closed behind him. ‘With all due respect, Sir,’ he muttered, ‘I’d rather cut my throat.’

He glanced at the ceiling, despairing. Someone was having a laugh. That was for sure.

Paul threw cold water over his face, raked his hair back, and glanced in the mirror. That worked, he thought, straightening his tie till it almost strangled him. Disgrace to his uniform was about right. Short had every right to give him a written.

‘Things can only get better.’ He shrugged dejectedly, plopped his cap on, and headed for the patrol car, where Mike was already checking his watch.

 ‘Back to not shaving, are we, Davis?’ He eyed Paul accusingly. Paul noted the look. So, Mike had still got his arse in his hands. C’est la-vie. ‘Got your Bassets?’ he tried.

Mike nodded.

Paul shrugged. He didn’t feel much like talking anyway. Maybe he should put in for a change of partner? No. Mike couldn’t keep this up forever, could he? ‘Burger?’ Paul asked hopefully. Surely he wouldn’t pass on McDonalds. Nothing got in the way of Mike’s stomach.

‘Nah. Appetite’s a bit off lately. We’ve a shout anyway.’

Saved by the bell. Paul shook his head as Mike answered the call.

‘Responding,’ Mike said tersely. ‘Brilliant. Just what the doctor ordered. Bloody domestic, wouldn’t you know it.’

‘Great.’

‘Neighbour said the shouting and screaming stopped abruptly. Could be a bit iffy this one, so make sure you’re on your toes, Paul.’

‘Mike, I’ve got the message! I can do my job. Okay?’

‘You look a bit distracted, that’s all.’

Yes, well, I would. Paul tensed his grip on the wheel. And this, I could do without.

****

‘Looks a bit sombre.’ Mike glanced at the weatherworn walls of what was once a desirable residence.

‘Which neighbour lodged the complaint?’ Paul scanned the area. Closest was a good hundred yards away. Must have been one hell of an argument.

‘Anonymous, as usual.’ Mike shrugged. ‘You take the front. I’ll check out the back.’ He hesitated as he climbed out of the patrol car. ‘You have got your walkie-talkie?’

‘No, Mike. I thought I’d break into a rendition of Sexy Thing if I spotted anything suspicious.’

‘Just checking,’ Mike said, without a hint of a smile. ‘Helps if you’re in communication with your partner, doesn’t it?’

Paul smiled despondently. ‘Yeah, right.’

‘We’ll meet back here in five.’ Mike headed off for the side passage whilst Paul skirted around an abandoned car.

Looked like an ancient Truimph Vitesse. Blimey, this place was stuck in a time warp. Everything seemed to be a relic from the sixties, including the furniture. Paul shrugged off a weird feeling of déjà vu as he peered through the living room window at the ancient sofa, which might have been the very one he’d crouched scared shitless behind aeons ago, only to be found.

Always to be found.

Would home ever be a safe place to be, he wondered idly. Then pulled himself up. Concentrate, Paul, he reminded himself. Keep the mind on the job.

The doorbell wasn’t likely to be working. Not that whoever might be inside was likely to answer it. He flapped the letterbox closed and took a step back to glance up at the bedroom windows, dark inside, like blind eyes, watching him. A cold shiver snaked its way down Paul’s spine. This place gave him the creeps.

‘Anything?’ Mike reappeared from the side gate.

‘Nothing,’ Paul replied, still watching the main bedroom window. Something was bugging him. Assuming the legally-taxed Mini also out front was roadworthy, someone must be home. So, why so quiet?

Too bloody quiet. ‘Do we go in?’

‘I suppose. You did ring the bell, I take it?’

‘No, Mike. I shouted Avon-Lady through the letterbox, which is why they’re not answering the door.’

Was Mike ever going to stop reminding him he’d screwed up? Paul ran his hand over his neck and turned to the patrol car. ‘I’ll call in,’ he said quietly, glancing at Mike, who was obviously as keen to divorce him as Kate was, which was when the unmistakable glint of sun bouncing-off-metal sliced through his vision. Oh…

Fuck! he thought.

He couldn’t think much beyond that… other than how much it hurt.

Finding footprints on the windscreen for her boyfriend’s car as evidence of his infidelity was worst case scenario for Lee. What would YOURS be?  What would you do about it?  Witty but NOT too rude suggestions, please.  One name will be randomly selected from the blogs taking part to receive a copy of Warrant for Love. 

Sheryl Browne grew up in Birmingham, UK, where she studied Art & Design. She wears many hats: a partner in her own business, a mother, and a foster parent to disabled dogs. Sheryl has been writing for many years, the road along the way often bumpy. She was therefore thrilled beyond words when Safkhet Publishing loved her writing enough to commission her to write for them.

Sheryl's debut novel, Recipes for Disaster - combining deliciously different and fun recipes with sexilicious romantic comedy, is garnering some fabulous reviews and has been shortlisted for the Innovation in Romantic Fiction Festival of Romance Award. Sheryl has since been offered a further three-book contract under the Safkhet Publishing Soul imprint. Somebody to Love, a romantic comedy centring around a single father’s search for love and his autistic little boy, launched July 1. Warrant for Love, bringing together three couples in a twisting story that resolves perfectly, released August 1 and A Little Bit of Madness releases Valentine’s Day 2012.

 
Find out more about Sheryl:


Safkhet Publishing



Author Facebook     


Sheryl is a loveahappyending featured Author and Editor.

Twitter: @sherylbrowne

 

Review - When I Fall In Love by Miranda Dickinson

An emotional story of love and loss and trying to find love again.

Elsie is a young widow who lost the love of her life to terminal cancer.  She has decided after a while of being out of circulation and trying to get her head around everything, that it’s time to put herself out again in the worlds of life and dating as she knows that’s what her hubby would want her to do.  She knows that because he left her notes which she reads every day. 

When her sister double dares her to do something she is watched by former 80s rock star Woody and between them they launch a community choir project.  This becomes a godsend to the people in the choir for many different reasons and they all support each other.   Then a request from a member, invites her to take on her biggest demon – a trip to Paris.  Can she do it or will she crumble under the pressure?   There are two significant men in her life; Olly who she thinks she might be able to imagine a future with, and Torin, who is an annoying, self obsessed jerk who seems to turn up in the most unexpected places!

Miranda Dickinson has an exquisite way of writing stories that let you into the innermost emotions of the characters.  Elsie is a fabulous character, and you feel like a member of her family because on one hand you want to wrap her up in cotton wool and protect her from the world as she’s been through so much, but at the same time you feel that you need to give her a big nudge and a helping hand as you want her to start living her life again and find happiness.

The story was told in a very touching and moving way, sensitively written around the illness that her husband suffered, and talking about their special and cherished short time together but also excited as she began to embrace a whole new life with new friends, experiences and achievements. 

I was delighted to meet the fab Miranda at the Festival of Romance recently and listened to her reading an extract from this book which was awesome because I've never heard an author read their own work when I've already read it!  A really great moment. I love her writing and the person who designs her book covers gets a massive thumbs up from me because I think her covers are all spectacularly gorgeous. 
 
Miranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. Born in 1973 in Wolverhampton, she grew up in Kingswinford and dreamed of one day writing a book that would reach the heady heights of Kingswinford Library.  Her award-winning novels include Fairytale of New York (2009), Welcome to My World (2010), and It Started With A Kiss (2011).

Miranda now lives in Stourbridge, in the Black Country and is also a singer-songwriter with albums and you can check out her music here: http://www.wurdystore.com/.
 

To buy this book via Amazon UK click here



Find out more about Miranda at her website