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
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You can buy this book via Amazon UK
You can find her website at www.rowancoleman.co.uk

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.

You can like Jill on Facebook by clicking here

You can follow Jill on Twitter by clicking here

You can find out more about Jill at her website by clicking here

To buy this book via Amazon click here

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!

 

You can buy this book via Amazon UK by clicking here 

FollowMhairi on Twitter

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)