The Emerald Comb by Kathleen McGurl

One afternoon, Katie takes a drive to visit Kingsley House, the family home of her ancestors, the St Clairs. She falls in love the minute she sees it. It may be old and in desperate need of modernisation, but it is her link to the past and, having researched her family tree extensively, she feels a sense of belonging to the crumbling old estate.

When it suddenly comes up for sale, she cannot resist persuading her family to sell up and buy it, never telling them the truth of their connection with it. But soon the past collides with the present, as the house begins to reveal the secrets it has hidden for generations. Does Katie really want to discover what she has come from?

Thank you to Girls Love To Read for asking me to take part in the blog tour for this book. I didn't really know too much about it before I started reading it but I had seen some of the hype around it so I was very much looking forward to reading it. 

This is a time slip novel, which is not something I have read much of before, but I loved it! The way we get to see two stories both from completely different time's but overlapping was brilliant. This book was essentially two different books, a historical fiction and a contemporary novel, it was great to be able to see these two genres mixed as we don't often see this, it is good to compare the characters and their lives then and now and see how differently they lived. I loved that we got to read two different stories, about two different families (although technically the same family), both with their secrets. 

I thought at first that switching between different characters and time zones might confuse or complicate the book for the reader, however, this is not the case at all. Kathleen tells us which time zone we are in at the beginning of the chapter and stays in that time until the next, this makes it so easy to read and the novel just flows.

The parts that were written in the past I think I enjoyed more than the present and I found myself intrigued as to what was going to happen. What I loved about this is that we learn about everything through letters that are being written from Bartholomew St Clair to his son Barty, this is a much more personal way of telling us his story and we feel so much more connected to it as we become Barty reading his father's letters. When Katie Smith (formerly St Clair), a descendant of Barty's brother, buys their house the past becomes the present and Katie ends up caught in the middle of a murder mystery case that is over 100 years old.

I don't want to say too much more about this book because I went into it pretty blind and I am so glad I did because not knowing what to expect made it so much better. Plus there are so many stories going on within this book I couldn't possibly tell you them all, some of them you don't expect which is so exciting!

Kathleen has written a brilliant novel, the research she has put into it to allow us to feel as though we are back in the early 1900's is amazing, I could picture everything in front of me as if I was actually there. It is one of those books that you get hooked on straight away and just can't put down. I would recommend this book to anybody as I don't think there will be many people that won't enjoy it. If you want a book that is exciting, fast-paced and impossible to put down, with plenty of twists and turns, then you need to buy this book! I can't wait to read more of Kathleen's novels.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

BLOG TOUR - Guest Post by Kathleen McGurl

On Settings

Good settings are critical in a novel. There’s the overall setting – where do your characters live? And then there are the small, scene by scene settings to decide on. All the action has to take place somewhere.

The Emerald Comb is set mostly in Brighton and a village in Hampshire. When I first planned the novel, the historical strand was going to be set in Bath rather than Brighton. I needed somewhere that was fashionable in 1840 and Bath was the first place which came to mind. But then I realised I would have to do a lot of research, as I don’t know Bath very well at all. But Brighton – well, I used to live there. Although of course it has changed a lot over the last 150 years, I’m well aware of the basic layout, and can picture the beach and the promenade and some of the old, grand houses, squares and terraces which still exist. A bit of Googling found maps of Brighton from my chosen time period, which were really helpful. I love the sea so it was wonderful to be able to set some of the scenes on the beach there.

The Hampshire parts are set in a fictitious village I named North Kingsley. It’s described as being just north of Winchester and if you look at a map, in my mind it is pretty much where real-life Micheldever is. I had a good idea of what my village looked like, and sketched rough maps in a notebook showing where Kingsley House, the pub, the church and Irish Hill were. Irish Hill, incidentally, is named after a hill in Berkshire, which I transplanted to Hampshire for my novel. (Oh the power of the novelist! I can move mountains!)

In some books, the setting sometimes becomes a character in its own right. Whether it’s dark, foggy Victorian London streets, a beautiful stately home, or a creepy haunted house – a wonderful location can add so much more to the story. Kingsley House was crucially important in The Emerald Comb – it is the main link between the two timelines and most of the action takes place in or around the house. That’s the reason why I wanted to start chapter one with Katie arriving at Kingsley House for the first time. I wanted the reader to see it through her eyes right at the start, and hopefully fall in love with it the way she did.

The house itself is based partly on a house in the Avon valley outside Christchurch which I have cycled past many times, and partly on one near Penrith in Cumbria, which belongs to a friend’s parents. When planning the book, I drew floor plans of it and labelled each room twice – once showing how the room was used by Bartholomew and Georgia in the historical story, and once showing how Katie’s family used it in the contemporary story. Although every reader will picture it differently (and that’s the joy of reading compared to watching TV) I hope that I’ve given enough impressions so that their imagined house is at least a bit like mine.

When I was in the final stages of editing The Emerald Comb, I spent a weekend in Brighton. As we walked past Brunswick Terrace, I found myself telling my husband, ‘look – that’s where Georgia Holland lived with her uncle!’ He gave me a Look. Sometimes I live in my novels far too much!

Blurb

One afternoon, Katie takes a drive to visit Kingsley House, the family home of her ancestors, the St Clairs. She falls in love the minute she sees it. It may be old and in desperate need of modernisation, but it is her link to the past and, having researched her family tree extensively, she feels a sense of belonging to the crumbling old estate.

When it suddenly comes up for sale, she cannot resist persuading her family to sell up and buy it, never telling them the truth of their connection with it. But soon the past collides with the present, as the house begins to reveal the secrets it has hidden for generations. Does Katie really want to discover what she has come from?

About the author

Kathleen McGurl lives near the sea in Bournemouth, with her husband, sons and cats. She began her writing career creating short stories, and sold dozens to women’s magazines in the UK and Australia. Then she got side-tracked onto family history research – which led eventually to writing novels with genealogy themes. She has always been fascinated by the past, and the ways in which the past can influence the present., and enjoys exploring these links in her novels.

When not writing or working at her full-time job in IT, she likes to go out running or sea-swimming, both of which she does rather slowly. She is definitely quicker at writing.

You can find out more at her website, http://kathleenmcgurl.com/, or follow her on Twitter @KathMcGurl.

Waiting for Prince Harry by Aven Ellis

Twenty-four-year-old Kylie Reed has always been a rule follower. Organized and cautious to a fault, her dreams for life are often filed away for future use—when she has a house, when she meets her future husband, when she has been at her visual display job at a chic Dallas boutique longer...Kylie always has a reason for living her life in the future, not in the present, and not living her life to the fullest and reaching her dream of becoming a fashion designer. 

The only exception to rules, of course, would be running away with Prince Harry—Kylie’s ideal man. A hot, fun ginger boy would be worth breaking all the rules for, of course. And Kylie is sure Harry just needs the right, centering woman to settle him down. But living in Dallas and not knowing Prince Harry make this a non-option.

Or does it?

Because when Kylie accidentally falls into the lap of a gorgeous ginger boy—yes, even more gorgeous than the real Prince Harry—all bets are off. Could this stranger be the one to show Kylie how to take a chance, to face her fears, and live in the present? And could this stranger be the Prince Harry she has been waiting for? Kylie’s life takes some unexpected twists and turns thanks to this chance encounter, and she knows her life will never be the same because of it..

Firstly, a massive thank you to Aven Ellis for gifting this book to me, I absolutely adored it! This is the second Aven Ellis novel I have read and when I think they can't get any better, each one I read I love more than the last. I read this book in a day and a half because I got hooked straight away.

I was intrigued by this book just from the cover, the title, straight away had me wondering what could possibly happen. Is Prince Harry in this book? How could Kylie be waiting for him? And of course it has the Union Jack on the front, so what’s not to love about the cover image?

I loved Kylie, she was a down to earth, clumsy, selfless, normal girl who was slightly OCD, had to live her life by rules and had to be organised with everything planned, even the decoration of her house in the future (which she doesn't have and isn't making any steps to get). When we first meet her she is completing a pop quiz (which she lives her life by) on her iPhone, whilst trying to avoid being set up with a groomsman, at her brother’s wedding, by her mum. She sees her chance and sneaks out of the wedding party, finding a quiet bar to grab a few moments to herself, that is until she gets caught in her dress and ends up in the lap of gorgeous Harrison, drenching him with wine in the process. Although she has a rule to never pick up a guy in a bar, after hours of chatting, Kylie knows Harrison could be the love of her life – her Prince Harry. He’s gorgeous, intelligent, caring, red-haired and generous and Kylie can’t just let him walk away, but she can't go against her rule, will this feeling be mutual and who is Harrison?
Although I loved Kylie I really wished she would stand up for herself sometimes, I saw a lot of myself in her when she let herself be told what to do and walked all over. Seeing her eventually stand up for herself made me very happy as I had been hoping she would, especially with her work colleagues, it actually made me think that I should be a little bit more like Kylie at times!

When we find out who Harrison is, we see Kylie struggle to handle the life she has been thrown into, we see the troubles it causes between Kylie and Harrison even though there is so much love between them, it does look like the power of his star status will take over and ruin their relationship. It gives us an insight to the celebrity world and what it is like for them trying to have a normal relationship, being bothered by press and fans everywhere you go and having to deal with reading things about yourself on the internet. I thought this was great because it is not something we would see and it makes you feel sorry for them, because it is completely different for us ‘normal’ people who can have a normal life, without having to worry about any of that.

Harrison is everything you want in a book boyfriend. Very much like Deke in Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista (although in no way did they look alike), he is caring, protective and you can see he likes Kylie a lot and will do anything to keep her around. I think there is a pattern emerging here with the guys in Aven’s books! I do hope there is!

Kylie and Harrison are the perfect couple, Kylie is afraid of the now and is incredibly planned for the future, whereas Harrison is living in the now and is afraid of his future. By them both having their issues they help each other and through this they are both able to face their fears. I also found it great that Kylie didn't know who Harrison was at first as it meant we got to see him as Harrison instead of Harrison the celebrity and she fell in love with who he really is.

This is another brilliantly written novel by Aven. She writes so effortlessly and gets you hooked within the first few pages. I loved that she put pop quiz questions at the beginning of every chapter, It was a great added bonus into Kylie’s life and we could see that she really does live her life by them, we also kind of see the answers being played out in each chapter and as you get further into the book you can guess which answer Kylie will choose. Aven has the ability to make me feel all warm inside just by adding one hugely romantic line into her book, this makes me adore her books so much more and remember them just because of a few lines. Cute, romantic lines make books for me!

I think everybody should go out and buy this book! I cannot recommend it enough! It is such a heart-warming, laugh out loud funny, romantic novel that you just can’t put down. I am very sad to be finished with Kylie and Harrison’s story as I feel that a part of me is still with them, however, Aven did tell me the other day that they do pop up in her new book The Definition of Icing, which is out in May, so I am definitely going to be reading that! I have Connectivity on my TBR so that will definitely be being pushed up the list as I don't want to part with Aven's writing just yet!

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Dead Gorgeous by Elizabeth Flynn

 

Kirsty Manners is young, beautiful, and ambitious. And dead. 

Kirsty was trying to make it in the fashion world. As the in-house model for Ivano King and having dated the great designer himself, she believed she was well on her way. But Kirsty is found dead in her flat one Sunday afternoon, and D.I. Angela Costello is called to the scene.

Kirsty has left behind a lovesick ex-boyfriend and a jealous flatmate. And what about King’s new girlfriend, who openly admits she has a reason to wish Kirsty dead? Behind the flawless make-up and gleaming catwalks, Angela’s enquiries uncover theft, drug addiction, prostitution – and suddenly her own life could be in danger…

I have recently expanded my reading and started to read more crime novels, so when I was asked to take part in the blog tour for Dead Gorgeous I jumped at the chance. Just from the blurb this book sounded so interesting. This is the second in a murder mystery series, however it can be read as a standalone novel. It is the perfect book to get hooked on and feel like you are part of.

Kirsty Manners is an ambitious young woman who longs to be a model, she works for Ivana King, a top fashion house. She isn't a particularly nice woman and doesn't mind using people to get what she wants. When she is found dead in her flat D.I Angela Costello is called to investigate. This book has so many twists and turns and you are always kept guessing, exactly how a murder mystery should be. At first I was a little confused but when the book really gets started and when D.I Costello comes onto the scene it becomes a book that you just can’t put down.

I loved how none of the characters are actually like-able, this gave me a whole new experience when reading as I have never really found that I don’t like any of the characters before. What is great about this book is that none of the characters in the story were having an easy life, everybody had their problems and they all worked within the story. All of the characters worked well together and bounced off each other brilliantly, there was something entertaining about each one of them and this made you like them (yet still dislike them) so much more. Each character is capable of lying and cheating, which is perfect for this type of book, and it keeps you on your toes because you just don't know what they will do next.
There are so many characters and there is a lot going on in the book, which worried me slightly at first but as you read on you see that it is not too much at all but the perfect amount to make the book brilliant. What I love most about books that have a lot of characters with different stories is when we find out that they are all connected, which is exactly what this book does.

There were so many times in this book that I thought I knew what was or was going to happen and where the story was going (I didn't), this novel well and truly keeps you guessing. This is brilliant writing from Elizabeth as she manages to make you think something different to what is actually happening, just by releasing little bits of information, then adding a huge twist. Elizabeth constantly changes the pace of the novel at exactly the right times, which I thought was absolutely brilliant. She allows you to try to figure out the case along with D.I Costello, whilst also allowing you to feel the tension throughout. I read this book in no time at all and I think anybody would struggle to put it down.

Elizabeth is a wonderful writer who has the power to write such a detailed, elaborate story but have you able to keep up. I would definitely recommend this book if you want a flowing, easy but fascinating read that will keep you on your toes and up late at night because you can’t stop reading. Fans of crime or chic-lit will love this book as it covers both genres, I'm a massive chic-lit fan and I loved it!

Amazon UK | Amazon US

The first book in the D.I. Costello series, Game Set and Murder, is on sale until October 24th, so you can buy it for only 99p! I will be posting a review for this shortly but I would deifnately recommend buying this, how can you say no to this great price? Find it on Amazon here.

About the author

Elizabeth Flynn is a Londoner of Anglo-Irish parentage. She has a background in the theatre both as an actress and in stage management, and has experience in broadcasting. She has more recently worked as a hospital bereavement officer and managed a mortuary so she ‘knows the drill’ and has used some of this experience in her writing. This is her second novel and the second in the series: A Mystery for D.I. Costello. The first book in the series is Game Set and Murder.

I Listened My Heart by Rosemary Gallagher

Rose O’Carroll has been single for most of her 40 years. In her search for love she bravely decides to pack up her comfortable life in Australia and move to London. Guided by her special friends — her angels — she quickly settles in her new life; lands a great job; makes new friendships and begins her spiritual journey. It doesn't take long until Joe DeMarco, the handsome American, turns Rose’s world upside down and changes it forever. Rose intuitively knows she has met her twin soulmate. But how does she cope when he tells her “it’s just the wrong time”? Everything happens for a reason and soon Rose discovers why she had to meet Joe DeMarco when the timing was wrong. She had someone else to meet first...and it wasn’t only the dishy Dr St. Claire. I feel my story will attract woman from the age of 30+ who are looking for love and opening up more to the spiritual side of life, (although not saintly) and who are romantics at heart. If you enjoyed Bridget Jones' Diary and Eat Pray Love, then you will enjoy 'I Listened To My Heart'.

Thank you to Rosemary Gallagher for sending me a copy of this book for review. This is a beautiful story that captures your attention and heart from the start.

I Listened My Heart is the story of Rose, a 40-something year old Australian woman who decides to move to London. She has deep spiritual beliefs and is guided through life by her ‘angels’, she is also a gifted Tarot reader. She is waiting for her angels to inform her of the man of her dreams, the man who is ‘the one’. We learn about Rose and her friends and the trouble, heartache, happiness and confusion that comes with finding and trying to keep ‘the one’.

The book is written as though Rose is talking to us as she would her friends or a diary. It was like the author, Rosemary, was telling us her life story, rather than it being a biography of sorts it is written into the life of Rose. This is brilliant as it feels so much more real and you can believe the story. I liked that there was a short poem and a letter to Rose’s angels at the beginning of each chapter, it gave us something different and you could see what she was actually asking them for and saying to them.

I loved Rose, she made me want to laugh and cry with her throughout the book. I felt so sorry for her that she was holding out for Joe and I actually didn't want her to, I wanted her to let him go and find somebody better that would treat her right, even though Joe was supposedly ‘the one’. Although she is in her 40’s so a lot older than me, she was young at heart and I still felt I could relate to her in some ways, this was great as I think women and men of any age would relate to her, meaning that a lot more people will enjoy this book.

I didn't know what to make of the spiritual element to the story at first, I don’t dislike it, it is just something I am not really into and don’t know much about, so I don’t know if I believe it. I thought I would find it a bit far-fetched and hard to believe, and yes it is hard to believe that Rose has angels guiding her, but it is a possibility, and the way Rosemary has written this book shows that she is trying to teach us and make it easy for us to believe. The way she has also shown us that Rose's friends all accept that she has angels is brilliant as it makes us not straight away think she is crazy! By the end it has you thinking that maybe we all do have angels guiding us throughout life, there are just some people that can hear them.

It is a heart-warming story with the perfect lead character who you just can’t help but feel for. I have heard there will be a sequel to this book so I am very much looking forward to that! I read this book in 2 days and although I read it in cold, rainy October, it is the perfect holiday read.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

One Hundred Christmas Proposals by Holly Martin - COVER REVEAL

I am so excited to be able to be part of the cover reveal for One Hundred Christmas Proposals by Holly Martin. One Hundred Proposals went straight up there as one of my favourite books and I love Christmas, so I can't wait to re-join Harry and Suzie for a festive read. I can't remember the last time I was so excited for a sequel! Oh and how gorgeous is this cover please?!

The eagerly anticipated follow-up to One Hundred Proposals.
If you thought Harry & Suzie’s life couldn't get anymore sweepingly romantic than Harry asking her to marry him at the end of One Hundred Proposals – think again!

It’s Christmas in a snow-kissed London, and the.PerfectProposal.com have vowed to carry out one hundred proposals in December. No easy task at the best of times - made even more complicated by Harry & Suzie trying to plan their first Christmas and a visit from the dreaded in-laws. But one hundred deliciously Christmassy proposals later they find themselves asking if everything is still perfect in their own relationship….

Welcome back to the divinely warm world of One Hundred Proposals – with a sprinkling of pure, joyful, festive magic.

Have yourself a very merry Christmas indeed with Holly Martin’s Christmas novella.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Read my review of One Hundred Proposals to get you ready for the sequel.

Guest Post: Where I Write by Emma Bennet

I'm of the mind that every successful writer needs a decent place to write. Whether that's in their home, a local coffee shop or library.... whatever works really!

Perhaps the most obvious place for me to knuckle down to writing is in my kitchen. It's warm, the kettle and biscuit tin are nearby, and I can hear when the dishwasher's finished. But, not surprisingly, I find it really hard to work in my kitchen. I get distracted by the piles of washing up and beeping machines! There are also far too many comings and goings with little people needing drinks and snacks, the phone ringing...

I have a sort of half-office affair going on, which works quite well as long as I close the door, but again it's on the ground floor of the house and there's just too much going on.

I've always worked quite well in libraries, they're nice and quiet and have a proper 'serious' feel about them, not so much in coffee shops (where there's the added danger of crumbs and icing near the laptop!). Funnily enough, I find that no wi-fi equals a big increase in output!

General notes I make whenever I can - whilst watching a Doctor Who episode with my boys for example, or whilst I wait for them to finish a judo lesson. I always carry a notebook and pen with me in case I get a spare minute, and they've proved invaluable time and time again!

Bizarrely, my most productive writing session takes place in my local Scout Hut, whilst one of my little ones is at Cubs. Providing I'm organised, and actually remember to take everything I need with me, I've been known to get a couple of thousand words down in that one and a half hours!

So, what is it that makes the Scout Hut work for me? Well, while there are other people in the building, I'm generally left in peace. There are no distractions - no internet connection and no little jobs waiting to be done. It's also not the most comfortable place in the world to write! While this wouldn't be much fun if I were to be stuck there for hours, I can't get too relaxed and comfy which makes me stay focussed. It can be a wee bit nippy in the winter months and, as much as I loath being chilly, unfortunately seems to help me concentrate. Weird eh? But whatever works!

Thank you so much Emma for joining me, I hope you enjoyed writing you're post as much as I enjoyed reading it. 

Keep in touch with Emma here:
www.emma-bennet.co.uk
@romanceemma
https://www.facebook.com/emmabennetwriter

You can read my review of Emma's debut novel The Green Hills of Home here.

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis

Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodity trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills . . . and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype. So she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.
When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet . . .

Wow, I have no idea what to say about this book and definitely no idea how to start this review. I read this book in less than 24 hours, I didn’t mean to read the book so quickly as it was just supposed to be a book I could read on my Kindle when I didn’t have my paperback book with me. However, once I started this book I just got sucked into Avery’s life and couldn’t get out of it. I felt like crying when the book was over because I wasn’t ready to stop reading.

Avery is a recent college graduate who when we first meet her has just survived the first month in her own apartment by managing her money and has splashed out on a ridiculously priced pair of sunglasses. I loved the was Aven introduced Avery to us because from the first few lines and paragraphs you think of her as a bit of a vain, self-centred, air head. That is until she is asked to take part in a documentary for the airline company she newly works for, this gives us an insight into the real Avery, her life and her personality. She wants everyone to believe she is a career focused ambitious young woman that is dedicated to her job, not just a husband seeking fashionisa. She is pretty sure she has everything figured out, or so she thinks until Deke, the videographer assigned to record the documentary, enters her life, making her question everything she wants, needs and is supposed to do. What makes it worse is that he can see right through the façade she is putting on for the camera. At first Deke and Avery do not get along at all, their first impressions of each other aren’t the best and they just don’t like each other much. But as their relationship develops they learn more about each other, Avery may be falling for him although Deke isn’t anything like the man she thought she would marry, he isn’t successful and he doesn’t have a great dress sense. As the story goes on we learn more and more about Avery and she grows up in front of our eyes. We realise she isn’t a self-centred fashionia at all, she is a sweet, loving, strong woman that you can’t help but like and want to support.

I loved Avery and Deke, their personalities both together and apart, the way Deke encourages and supports Avery even though he is just her cameraman. Avery is the perfect lead character and has you laughing with her and so badly wanting her and Deke to get together! We don’t get to see much from the other characters such as Avery’s flatmate Sasha, neighbour Sullivan or best friend Dee, however from the brief parts we do see I couldn’t stand Sasha or Sullivan, especially Sullivan he made me want to vomit! He was so arrogant, annoying and obsessive.

There are so many great points to this book that I don’t want to give away because this book is one of those books that you can’t find a fault in. It is perfect. There was one line that made me feel so many emotions as if I were Avery, it made me so happy, want to cry and feel all warm and fuzzy inside, I think it was just because I was enjoying the book so much and this just confirmed that everything I hoped would happen was about to. That line is ‘She wasn’t you, Isabel couldn’t be you’. Ahhhh!

Aven Ellis is such a talented writer, her writing seems so effortless, she has the power to make you smile and feel good just from reading her book. I can’t believe this is the first Aven Ellis book I have read, I have heard so many good things about them but just never got around to picking one up, well I most certainly will be now! If you are looking for a feel good, romantic novel then pick this up!
 

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista by Aven Ellis, on my stop on the tour I have a Q&A with Aven and also my review of the book. To kick things off here is a short Q&A and some information about the book.

Coffee with cream? Check. Soundtrack for work in progress pulled up on Spotify? Done. Ready to write another romantic comedy with a swoonworthy good guy hero, a heroine you cheer for, and a guaranteed happily ever after? You bet.

Hello, I'm Aven Ellis. I work in sports television production during the day and write romantic comedies at night. In addition to writing, I'm passionate about reality cooking shows, Project Runway, the latest scent from Jo Malone (whatever it is, doesn't matter, I want it) and hockey. Or is that hockey players? Because they're hot.

But I digress.

*Clears throat for reset after thinking of hockey players* But I truly find joy in writing romantic comedy. I love crafting characters, their words, their heartbreak and triumph, with laughs along the way. There is no bigger compliment to me than having someone tell me they laughed when reading one of my books. I want my books to be easy reading, a beach read, an escape when you need one. Writing them is my escape, so I hope reading them provides you with one, too.

Five questions to Aven Ellis about writing 

1. Do you write with music? Why or why not? 

I absolutely write to music. Music helps me set the mood in my head for each scene I write. Every couple of mine gets their own soundtrack, and I love going back and revisiting them by listening to “their” music. I actually hope to have them posted to 8tracks soon!

2. Does anyone read your work in progress?
Absolutely yes. I’m very blessed to have a strong beta team—I call them my Beta Baes—and they read my work chapter by chapter. They are such a fantastic support system and resource and I couldn’t do this without them. I have an assistant, Alexandra (Hi Alexandra!) and she reads every single word I write. Both my Beta Baes and Alexandra are huge to keeping me going in the right direction.

3. What are your favorite kinds of characters to write? To read?
I’m not into tortured souls or characters suffering. I don’t read those types of books, and I don’t write them. I like characters that have a journey to go on, but find their way and HEA at the end of the story.

4. How do you stay motivated?
I always feel I have a story to tell. And when my Beta Team starts tweeting for more to read, I have no choice but to be motivated, LOL!

5. Are you an outliner or a seat-of-your-pants writer? Why?
Outliner all the way! I know what is going to happen from the beginning to the end, all the conflicts, how many chapters it will take to get there, etc. Now does that mean I follow it to the letter? No, of course not. Sometimes you’ll get a different idea or you ending up writing a scene based on feedback you receive, but about 80 percent of my books follow my outlines. I have to use an outline to keep my focus. I’d be lost without one.

Keep in touch with Aven using the following links:

Website: http://www.avenellis.com/index.html
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7265661.Aven_Ellis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvenEllis1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvenEllis
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/avenellis/

Recent college graduate Avery Andrews is ready to begin a new life in the big city. She’s landed an apartment in Chicago’s famed Lincoln Park neighborhood–and has her eye on the cute commodities trader just a floor above.

If Premier Airlines knew about her fear of flying, they never would have hired her to be their marketing assistant—but it’s not like Avery wants a lifelong career. Right now she simply wants a job to pay her bills…and fund a few little shopping excursions, too.

Her new lifestyle comes with a price tag, as Avery is not only faced with paying a ridiculous rent but finds she’s perceived as one of the vacant, husband-hunting fashionistas who live in the area. Avery resents this stereotype—so she doesn’t want a lifelong career, and she loves fashions she can’t afford, but that doesn’t mean she is empty-headed and spoiled, does it?

When an opportunity to participate in a documentary at work arises, Avery finds a two-fold solution to her problems. She’ll earn extra money for it, and the documentary will show her as a serious career woman, enabling her to shed that husband-hunting fashionista label for good.

When the camera is on, Avery attempts to be a motivated professional woman. But when she is challenged by Deacon Ryan, the videographer assigned to cover her story, Avery finds herself wanting things she was never supposed to want—like a lasting career—and Deacon. And Avery might just gain more from the experience than a perfect career image and extra cash to put in her Tory Burch wallet…

The Green Hills of Home by Emma Bennet

Gwen Jones, a young Welsh writer, is desperate to save the family farmhouse from being sold from under her critically ill mother and herself.

When she lands a lucrative three-book deal with an eminent publisher, she thinks her problems are all over. However, Gwen’s need to be near her sick mother means she’s unable to travel to London to work with her devilishly desirable editor, John Thatcher, and he must come and stay with her in Wales.

Handsome and eminently capable, cosmopolitan John is used to getting his own way and has plans for the future which certainly don’t include being distracted by pretty Welsh girls; nevertheless when he journeys into the country to work with Gwen it’s not long before he finds himself falling in love with her, as well as the house she’sso anxious to save.

But is John capable of loving anyone as much as his job?

And when he has to decide between his goals and Gwen, which will he chose?

Thank you to Emma Bennet for sending me a copy this book for review.

This is Emma’s debut novel but you wouldn't know at all, Emma is such a talented writer that you’d think she had been writing for years. She has the power to draw you in and make you want to keep on reading. 
I didn’t know too much about this book before I started reading and I’m so glad because I had no idea what was going to happen or where the book was going. Emma had the ability to capture your attention from the very beginning. 
I am an aspiring author myself so the whole idea of this book was great and I felt like I could really connect with Gwen. I love when authors have their characters as authors too as it makes you feel as though they have put parts of their own experiences into the book and you know that they know what they are talking about.
The description Emma has put into this book is amazing, you could picture every scene, character and surrounding in your head! Sometimes there is too much description in books but Emma gives us the perfect and needed amount.

I loved that although this was a romance, there wasn’t really a mention of this or falling in love in the book. The romance between Gwen and John is slowly developed and you actually don’t see it happening until late in the book, but once it was there, that was it. I loved seeing how their love for each other grew and you got to see how much they cared for one another, even if they didn't realise it.
You spend a lot of the novel with a ‘will they, won’t they’ battle going on in your head but it makes you enjoy the book so much more. The ending is a bit of a twist that you don't expect but it is also so magical, it makes you feel so happy and warm inside, it is just how you want to feel when you finish reading a book like this.

Gwen was a great character, she was so real and you felt like you could really relate to and connect with her. She was also a selfless, caring but strong woman, I loved how she didn't let John tell her what to do and always stood her ground when they didn't agree on something. She was independent and trying to manage visiting her sick mother, trying to save her house, working part time in a tea shop and editing her book.
I wasn’t really sure if I liked John or not at first, he seemed very arrogant, stuck in his ways and as though he felt he knew best always and he never seemed to show any feelings. However, as the book went on and he started to soften to Gwen and her dog Oscar, and realised there is more to life than work and that he is allowed to enjoy himself, I did start to really like him and hope that him and Gwen end up together.

I really enjoyed this novel and I would recommend it to anybody as I think even young and older people would love this. It is such a light hearted, romantic, lovely book that you can’t help but smile at. I read this book in a day because it is so short, easy to read and addictive. I am very much looking forward to seeing what is next from Emma.

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Bride without a Groom by Amy Lynch

Rebecca has chosen the most luscious, five tiered, wedding cake – as featured in Hello! Magazine. The engagement ring that she has selected is celebrity inspired. The wedding singer is on speed dial. He doesn’t usually do Michael Bolton, but as it’s for a first dance he’ll make an exception. Father Maguire is checking dates for the parish church as we speak. The deposit on the white sand honeymoon is paid for in full on Barry’s card. Sure, the resort was good enough for Pierce Brosnan when he tied the knot. She has fallen for an ivory lace couture gown that is to die for. The down payment may require her to sell a left kidney, but it will be worth it. Isn’t that why you have two?

There’s one teeny problem. It’s nothing, really. No need to panic! It’s just that Barry has yet to propose. Says he’s not ready! He can be a bit of a kill joy that way. It’s time to face the harsh reality – she is a bride without a groom.

Truth be told, Barry’s had enough. There’s only so much wedding talk that one man can take. Discovering the credit card statement is the final straw. Now he’s leaving for a conference in Bangkok and frankly, he’s looking forward to the peace and quiet. He says he needs time to think about their relationship. As the Tiger beer flows and the tie loosens, his colleague Shelley is providing more than a shoulder for him to cry on. Maybe Shelley is right. Maybe Rebecca only wants the big day.

Back in Dublin, Rebecca worries. Maybe she has pushed Barry too far this time. Best mates Pam and Emer are on hand for counseling and cocktails. With the help of family, friends and a well stocked drinks cabinet, Rebecca puts her cunning plan together. Operation ‘Win Back Barry’ is in full swing. She needs to convince Barry that she’s not crazy – just crazy about him. But wait… who is the mysterious woman that is so keen to talk to her, and what is it that Barry needs to get off his chest?

Thank you to Amy Lynch for sending a copy of this book to me for review. 

I wasn't supposed to finish this book quite as quickly as I did! This was another of my books that I was reading when I didn't have my paperback with me or for when it’s quite in work (sshhhh) and to my amazement I got it finished in 2 days, it’s not even a book that’s particularly short either! It is one of those books that once you start you can’t stop and you don’t realise how much you actually read in one sitting, hours flew by whilst reading this book!

I loved the whole concept and idea of this book, it takes the word 'Bridezilla' to a whole new level! Every woman has probably thought about her perfect wedding day and has a good idea of what they want, they are just hoping and waiting for the special somebody in their lives to pop the question to make it all a reality. Well what happens if they haven't popped the question yet (and have made no impression that they will), but you have already booked a honeymoon, chosen your wedding dress and spoken to the vicar? Hard to imagine yes? Well read Bride without a Groom and you will get a pretty good idea of what would happen!

At first I disliked Rebecca, she was so self-centered, vain and arrogant, and although this never really goes away (and it annoys me right the way through), I did start to soften to it and laugh at her selfish moments and outbursts and started to warm to her a little, this helps as you see more of her as the book goes on. I actually found that although I didn't 100% like her I was rooting for her, I wanted her to have her special day but I also wanted her to find out the truth about what Barry had done and make up her own mind about what to do about it. 

Barry however, I wasn't really sure of, he seemed as though he loved Rebecca but the moment they had an argument and somebody else showed an interest in him he pretty much forgot about her and the meaning of a relationship, he also let himself get pushed around by Rebecca when I would of liked him to stand up for himself a little bit more and tell her no when she was asking for ridiculous and overpriced things! Aside from that though he did seem like a lovely guy that really did care for Rebecca and wanted to make her happy.

I loved how Amy has written this book, it felt as though Rebecca was talking to us like she would be talking to a diary or just chatting to a friend, this made the book so easy to just fly through, this and Amy’s brilliant writing style. She makes you laugh out loud throughout the whole book.

I liked that a few of the chapters were written from Barry’s point of view, this meant that we could see his view on things rather than seeing everything through Rebecca’s story. Especially when Barry is away on his business trip, it is good to be able to join him for parts of it that even Rebecca doesn't see. We got to hear all of the important things through both characters and I think this made it easier to be able to like or dislike Barry, as well as follow both character’s story.

Despite finding the lead character annoying I loved her and really enjoyed this book. It is one of those books you can pick up after a long day or when you’re feeling a bit sad and it will cheer you up straight away. But be warned, you need to have time on your hands as you won’t be able to put it down! I didn't realise until after I finished the book that there is going to be a sequel to this book, continuing Rebecca’s love life, I am so excited about that!  
Amy Lynch is a brilliant writer, she reminds me of some of the bestselling author’s out there with her witty and addictive writing style, I can definitely see a big future from her!

Also, just a little note about the cover, look how cute and intriguing it is! There is also a quote is from Claudia Carroll so how can you not pick it up?

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Hero or Zero by Julie Shackman

When single mum Chloe Jones wins a magazine competition to have TV heartthrob Ethan Blake live with her for a month, she thinks her dreams have come true. And the presence of the handsome star in her home and small Scottish town certainly causes a stir. But when Chloe begins to see his true colours, will she find the courage to face him, and admit where her heart truly lies? 

Thank you to Julie Shackman for sending a copy of this book to me for review. I loved Julie’s debut novel Rock My World so when I was asked to review Hero or Zero I jumped at the chance.

The idea for this story was great and something that I’ve never seen before. It is something that everybody would love to do, meet their favourite actor/singer/author etc., but rarely get the chance to do. However, we don’t think about the possibility of them being the total opposite of what you think, a completely different person to the one you have married yourself off to in your imagination. What happens, if the person you want them not to be, is exactly the person they are?

This book gives us a great insight to celebrities and how they live, act and see the world (and their fans). It also shows us that meeting our favourite celebrities isn’t always what it may seem. I was lucky enough to meet one of my favourite author’s, David Nicholls, a few weeks ago at a book signing and to tell you the truth I was a little apprehensive of how he might be. I was so excited to meet him but as I was waiting in the queue I started to worry in case he disappointed me in some way. I didn’t know how but I so badly didn’t want him to let me down. Thankfully and as expected he was a lovely man that had all the time in the world to chat and have photographs with fans.
After reading this book I realise that I think I unknowingly had done what Chloe had, built up an image of him, like I have with many other celebrities I like and although I did know they could have a side to them you don’t see on TV, you still I really don’t want that side to be real.

From quite early on in the book you think you can guess the ending but trust me you can’t, yes there are a few things you guess but there is also a bit of a twist on what you think might happen. This takes nothing away from the story however as you are still completely hooked on Chloe's life and can't wait to see what will happen next.

I adored the character of Chloe; she is the perfect down to earth, normal, eccentric fan-girl that we can all relate to. You can laugh, cry and cringe with her throughout the whole book and she is such a likeable character that you can’t help but support and relate to her.
I absolutely loved Danny, it was a great addition to the book having a young child that says it as it is and doesn’t know when he’s put his foot in it. He makes you laugh out loud and cringe for Chloe!
I hated Ethan pretty much right away, as soon as he started called Danny, Dylan and showed that he had no time of day for him or Chloe’s family, even though he will be spending a month with them. He also made my skin crawl the way he assumed he could have any woman he wanted, Chloe included, I just wanted to pop that big head of his! Ethan is well and truly a zero!! Not the hero we think at the start of the book.
Sean however was a gentleman from the start and although we didn’t learn too much about him until near the end of the book, you could see his good intentions were always there from the little subtle things he did for Chloe and Danny. I loved the way throughout the story we got snippets from Ethan and Sean’s past which let us know how each of them got to where they are now and we get to learn a bit more about them this way.

I loved how at the end Julie jumps to 6 months later where we re-join Chloe and Ethan to see how their lives have turned out and it is just how I wanted! I was hoping throughout the book that we would get to read the article that Chloe writes on Ethan and Julie doesn’t disappoint us! Although I wanted her to dish the dirt on Ethan and show the world the real Ethan Blake! I did admire her for not doing this though as we see that despite everything she is a loyal and caring woman. A lot of people that spend time with celebrities could learn a lot from her!

This is another fabulously written novel, showing how brilliant an author Julie is. She has the ability to make you laugh and keep you hooked throughout the whole of her books. This has made me want to re-read Rock My World to experience her writing again. Her books just keep getting better and better and I have a feeling she is one to watch! Thank you Julie for another wonderful novel!

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Read my review of Julie's debut novel Rock My World here:

Holding Out For A Hero - Julie Shackman GUEST POST

What gave you the idea for your new romcom  “Hero or Zero?” I was asked the other day.

Well, it was the combination of three things. Firstly, the fascination with celebrity. Also, the recent Leveson Press controversy here in the UK, where the lives of many well-known figures were encroached upon. Thirdly, and possibly the most relatable was the question what would it be like to meet your Hero?

Would they match up to your expectations? Is your favourite singer/actor/writer (!) how you would imagine them to be?

I think most of us have fantasised about this at one time or another.

For me, the thought of meeting Richard Armitage; Stevie Nicks or authors Sophie Kinsella and Jenny Colgan, makes my heart thud that little bit faster!

In “Hero or Zero”, when Chloe “wins” her favourite actor, handsome TV star Ethan Blake for a month, you can only begin to imagine how excited she is – at least to begin with….!

I had so much fun writing this and I hope you guys enjoy reading it.

After all, it’s true what they say – You should never meet your Hero….!

Author Bio

I trained as a journalist but writing romance has always been a dream of mine. When I've not got my head in a book or drafting one, I write verses and captions for greetings card companies. Writing at home seems to be incredibly difficult for me – I usually require coffee, music and noise.
My second romcom, "Hero or Zero" has just been released. “Rock My World” was my debut romcom. I’m married, have two sons and live in Scotland.

How to contact Julie:

https://twitter.com/G13Julie
https://www.facebook.com/julie.shackman
http://julieshackman.wordpress.com/

Buy Hero or Zero on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O0198SK/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O0198SK/

Thank you so much Julie for joining me, I hope you enjoyed writing your post as much as I enjoyed reading it. 

My review of 'Hero or Zero' will be posted shortly.