Surviving the Rachel by Aven Ellis

Life after college graduation is not at all what twenty-one-year-old Bree Logan expected. Unable to find a professional communications job, dumped by the guy who was THE ONE, and stuck with a pricey city apartment she can’t afford, Bree ends up moving back home with her parents in the suburbs and working as a cocktail waitress at a posh Chicago hotel.

In a desperate attempt to get a fresh start, Bree goes to a hip salon and requests that the first available stylist chop off her long dark hair. Alarmed when the stylist suggests “The Rachel,” after the famous haircut from the show Friends, Bree is hesitant, but decides to go for it when she is assured it will be a “fresh, modern adaptation” of the infamous 90’s cut. Unfortunately for Bree, it turns out to be exactly the same cut, but with horrific heavy bangs added to it. Hideous doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Bree is convinced nothing will ever go right when she meets neighbor Jack Chelten, a twenty-five-year-old German translator. Not that Bree is looking to date anyone, but there's something quirky and intriguing about his freckle-splashed face and blue eyes. And suddenly Bree finds herself seeking out different opportunities and challenges . . . as well as the boy next door.

In her new adult life, Bree learns that sometimes you have to go through crises to get to where you need to be. And if you can survive The Rachel, you can survive anything, right?

Thank you to Aven Ellis for sending me a copy of this book for review.

I am a huge fan of Aven Ellis’ writing and get so excited when she releases a new novel. I just cannot get enough of them! This book is just as good as the others and again my love for Aven’s novels has grown. She is such a talented author with the ability to suck you in from the very first page and keep you hooked on her amazing story, detail and characters until the very end.

I felt like I could really connect with Bree, as I think most women my age could, things have gone wrong for her and she thinks there is no way out, and to top if off she has been given the worst of all haircuts ‘The Rachel’. A haircut that was last popular in the early 90’s, Friends fans will know the haircut! I am sure a lot of women, myself included have walked out of the hairdressers thinking their hair has been ruined! Bree makes the best of it though and that’s when I knew I would love her. She is so down to earth, trying to get on with her life and she is just so normal. That's what I love about the women in Aven's novels, none of them are fake, they are all just so normal and lovely that you instantly like them.

Jack was, ahhh, well, what can I say, he is the type of man every girl dreams of, smart, romantic, caring and HOT! As soon as we saw him I knew he was perfect for Bree and I wanted them to be together SO bad! The good thing about their relationship is that they are both kind of in the same situation, which is what seems to draw them to each other, they both need to forget the past and look to the future, and they can help each other do that.

Bree’s parents and their dog Diva added so much humour to the book. Her mum is the classic embarrassing mum that tries to do the best for her daughter, but doesn’t go about it without adding a lot of embarrassment to Bree’s life. You can't help but just laugh along even though you cringe for Bree a lot of the time. They were the perfect addition to the story. 

Although Aven’s books follow the same theme, they are all so different and each one gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. She makes you want to be the lead female character and fall in love with the male character.

I loved that Aven mentioned things from her previous novels in this book, Bree was actually in Chronicles of a Lincoln Park Fashionista as Avery’s best friend. I loved her brief appearances in the book and it was so good to get to know her much better in Surviving the Rachel and see her life after Alex. Aven makes you remember Bree more by having Avery, Emma, Deacon and Zach from COALPF in this book. I also loved the subtle hints of Waiting for Prince Harry, with the apron Bree’s mum buy’s (which I'm presuming is from Kylie's shop) and the Dallas Demons hockey game which Harrison scores in! It was such a good way to remind readers of her other novels.

If you are looking for a romantic novel that you can’t put down, this is definitely the book for you!

Well done Aven you have done it again! I can’t read to see what’s next!

Amazon UK | Amazon US

You can see my reviews of Aven's previous novels here:

COVER REVEAL - Dare To Dream by Carys Jones

I am delighted to be able to take part in the cover reveal for the wonderful Carys Jones' new book, Dare to Dream which will be published soon.

So here it is and I must say, how intriguing does it look?! I can't wait to read it!

The world was going to end. Of that, Maggie Trafford was certain.

Fourteen-year-old Maggie Trafford leads a normal life. Well, as normal as being crammed in a three-bedroom house with four siblings and a single parent can be, anyway. But despite being somewhat ignored at home, Maggie excels, earning top grades, a best friend who would do anything for her, and stolen looks from a boy in Maths.

It’s not until the dreams start that Maggie realizes “normal” is the least of her problems. Every night, she lives the same nightmare—red lightning, shattered glass, destruction. But nightmares are just that, right? No one believes her when she says it’s an omen. At least, not until the already mysterious pillars of Stonehenge start falling.

No longer alone in her fear, Maggie and the world watch with bated breath as one after another, the historic stones tumble, like a clock counting down. But only Maggie knows what it means: when the last stone falls, destruction will reign. And when the world ends, there’s only one option left—survive.

Horrifying and raw, Dare to Dream is equal parts tragedy and hope, detailing the aftermath of apocalyptic catastrophe, the quest for survival, and the importance of belief.

Pre-order DARE TO DREAM here

About the author

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader's imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo.

When she's not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science-fiction films or playing video games.

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

Find more of Carys please visit her website, facebook or twitter.

Book Haul January 2015

It's been a while since I did a book haul but I have decided I am bringing it back. I am going to do a weekly book haul to show you the books I have bought or received each week.

As this is the first this year (and for a while), I thought I would include books I received for Christmas in this weeks too.
I have been very good and haven't bought myself any books for a while now so I only have books I have received as gifts and for review to show you.

My fiancé was very kind to me this Christmas and bought me some books I have been wanting for SO long, I am trying to build up my collection of Classics so he bought me these two Charles Dickens novels in the new Penguin Enlgish Library covers. I absolutely love these, they are gorgeous and will look so pretty on my bookshelf.

 I also had to do a little scream when I opened this, I absolutely love the Penguin Thread editions of some of the Classics and they are something that I really want to collect (I'm not sure I could read them in case they get ruined). This is a copy of Emma by Jane Austen, one of my favourite Jane Austen novels and the cover is just beautiful, the picture's just don't do it justice.

Now onto the books I have received for review in the last few weeks.

I am so grateful to the publishers for sending me these. The books I have received are:

Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell, I don't think I need to tell you how much I love Jill's writing because I think everybody feels the same, so of course I was so excited when I received this.

A Place for Us by Harriet Evans, I have been lucky enough to be able to read each of the four parts of this book as they have been released but I can't wait to re-read this book as a whole.

The One & Only by Emily Giffin, I have an ever growing pile of Emily's books so I am definitely going to get started on this one very soon.

These are some of the books I have received for review direct from the authors, I am looking forward to reading them all over the next few months.

What have you been reading recently? Or did you get any great books for Christmas? I'd love to know!

Finding Ecstasy by Rebecca Pillsbury

                                            

Given the choice between chocolate or sex, Rebecca always chose chocolate. That is, until a series of transformational experiences caused her to let go of three decades of sexual repression and shame. A serendipitous encounter with a Brazilian man sets the stage for a six-year journey

toward the discovery of a new sexual and spiritual truth and a love that comes full circle. 

Set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires and London, with the soulful music of the blues intricately woven throughout the journey, this book is more than just a captivating love story. Healing sources of spiritual guidance accompany the joyful and romantic ride. 

Deeply intimate, insightful, and enriched with playful humor, this story invites readers to not only engage in the beauty of one woman’s journey of self-discovery, but to embark on their own journey toward living life to the fullest and highest degree possible.

Thank you to Rebecca for sending me a copy of this book for review. Can I just say, you are a very brave lady for telling us the truth about your life and things that others (myself included), would be far too scared to do!

Truthfully, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading this book, from reading the title and blurb I thought it would be a book about one woman’s sexual encounters and not much else, which aren't really my kind of thing, so yes I was worried. However, I was very very wrong. I felt as though this was a self help book that Rebecca had written for me. I have never related to a book so much and I think so many women will connect, love and take something from it.. 

This book covers so many different topics, yet I am sure every woman can relate to it in one way or another, it makes you need to follow Rebecca on her journey of self discovery, whilst also, whether on purpose or not, gives you a bit of a wake up call to start living your life to the full, do the things that you enjoy and that make you happy. It makes you question everything that you are doing to make sure it is right.

Rebecca was the perfect type of person to take us through this story, she was honest, real and such a normal woman trying to live her life. You could so easily relate to her and all you wanted was for her to live the life she wanted to live, not the one she is ‘supposed’ to.

I felt as though I had a front row seat to watch Rebecca’s life play out in front of me. You could feel a real person beneath the story that was being told which made it even more brilliant. This book is written with such honesty and openness that you believe every word.

The main thing that I have taken from this book, and one I think every woman will, is to let go of the inhibitions I have with my body and myself as a person. I love that one book can change the way you think about yourself rather than about products, people etc. this one genuinely speaks to you, about you!

I don’t want to say too much about this book as it is a brilliantly written book, that I think every woman, whether you are happy in your own skin or not will love it and take something away from it.

This book is the perfect book to read if you are looking for a bit of self discovery, self belief or just to help you set your New Year’s resolutions, I know it helped me re-affirm mine! 

Amazon UK | Amazon US

Read my interview with Rebecca here

Author Interview - Rebecca Pillsbury

I am delighted to have been able to ask Rebecca some questions about her novel Finding Ecstasy, being an author and a few other random questions. Hope you enjoy finding out a little bit more about her.

First of all, in three words please explain why everybody should read Finding Ecstasy.

To find ecstasy ;)

How did you get the idea for Finding Ecstasy? Is it based on your life?

The idea for the book came from a friend, who suggested I share my story of transformation in an effort to inspire others struggling with sexual repression and shame. At first I rejected the idea because it was so personal and taboo to talk about, but then I realized that is the reason I needed to share it.

How was your journey to becoming a writer?

It was my childhood dream to be a professional writer. I grew up writing short stories, poems, and keeping a journal. After college, I stopped writing creatively, and it wasn't until I got the idea for this book that I remembered my passion for writing. Once I started again, I could not stop. Now, I can’t imagine my future without writing. I am certain it is my soul’s calling, and I can’t deny that.

How did you decide on the genre of novels you were going to write?

I have always been drawn to non-fiction, as I've most often used writing as a tool for personal reflection and healing. Therefore, writing memoir (with a hint of self-help) was a natural progression for me. My sense of humour comes out most naturally in my writing, so I think there will always be a light-heartedness to my stories, even though I love to approach deeper spiritual and emotional concepts within them.

Did you read a lot as a child? If so do you think this has helped you in becoming a writer?

Yes! I have always been an avid reader. I remember coming home from the first day of first grade, and reading a book out loud to my mother. I had been so eager to learn how to string words together, and it was such a pleasure to finally be able to do it on my own. Reading has most definitely inspired my passion for writing. I can’t imagine being one without the other.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to travel, and in fact it is my travels that most often inspire my writing. I also love to dance. Music is a passion of mine, particularly blues. When listening to it, I find that I am able to access my soul on a deeper level, which is also when I feel most inspired to write.

Have you learnt anything new about yourself since becoming a writer?

I've learned that I can do what scares me the most. When we share what we are most afraid of, most ashamed of, the fear and the shame dissipates. We are able to then live a little lighter, a little freer. Vulnerability can be a great blessing. 

Is there anything you wanted your readers to take away from the novel?

Yes, the inspiration to do what scares them. To trust that life is best lived outside of our comfort zone.  

Is there anything you do for motivation when you are writing?

If I’m feeling discouraged or “not good enough,” I go back and read book reviews that I found particularly inspiring. I also have some short stories I wrote in my youth that teachers wrote comments on; I have kept them all these years as reminders that there are people who have always believed in me.

What book do you wish you could have written and why?

Well, I’d prefer to write my own books J But I do wish I had the success as other modern memoirists, such as Elizabeth Gilbert or Cheryl Strayed. I would love for my book to become a movie!

What do you think makes a good story?

Authenticity. Saying what most people are afraid to say. That is what will make people resonate most deeply with your words.

Do you have any favourite authors? Ones that you are inspired by or, just can’t get enough of their books?

Once again, Elizabeth Gilbert. Also Barbara Kingsolver and Dave Eggers.

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Write what scares you. And trust yourself. People will try to change the way you write. Most often, they have good intentions. Sometimes they will have great advice. But if it doesn't resonate with your heart and your soul, don’t listen to it. We were each given a unique voice for a reason.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I am working on a book called “Saved by the Blues,” which is a compilation of personal stories about the healing power of blues music and dancing.

Thank you so much Rebecca for answering my questions, they're are some great answers and good advice! I am very much looking forward to reading more of your novels. 

                                                 

Buy Finding Ecstasy here: Amazon UK | Amazon US