Anyush by Martine Madden

It is 1915 and the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire is fading. The country has barely recovered from the disastrous Balkan war when it is plunged into the Great War on the side of the Germans. In a small village in Trebizond state, the Armenian community is removed from world events. A young Armenian village girl, Anyush Charcoudian, has been educated by an American missionary doctor, Charles Stewart and his wife, and works as an assistant nurse at the mission hospital. Through the Stewarts’ influence she begins to understand there is a wider world beyond Trebizond. Her life changes when a company of soldiers come to the area. The handsome Turkish Captain Jahan Orfalea falls in love with Anyush, and they begin a secret affair, crossing religious and cultural divides.

As the war moves on, events in Constantinople take a brutal turn. On April 24th all educated Armenian males in the city are shot. The subsequent deportation of Armenians from towns and villages across the Ottoman Empire extends its reach to the small Trebizond village. Charles Stewart’s friend and old Empire hand, Dr Paul Trowbridge, tries to alert Charles to the growing atrocities, but the doctor dismisses his concerns as warmongering gossip.

Charles Stewart realises when it's too late what has been happening. He tries to intervene on the villagers’ behalf, and risks everything he has worked for in the last fifteen years. But events are moving beyond his control. The evacuation of the Armenians from Trebizond has started.

I don't want to really give too much of this story away but this is a beautiful and heart breaking story told with great passion & feeling, based on factual events during the First World War and the terrible events that affect the Armenian people.  Martine Madden has written a tense but beautiful and gripping story, which has been well-researched and developed, as the author lived in UAE and returned to Ireland in 1990.  If you've read Khaled Houssini's A Thousand Splendid Suns or The Kite Runner then this book is definitely for you, I'd highly recommend it.  I found I had tears in my eyes at the end along with shedding a few along the way, so grab this book, curl up on the couch and prepare to have a few lump in your throat moments too.  I know that this book would stay with me long after I'd turned the last page, you have to read it to appreciate this beautiful story.

This book is available on Kindle & from all good bookstores.

A Meditation On Murder by Robert Thorogood

Thank you to Harlequin (UK) Ltd via Margaret Madden for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story opens on one of the most unspoilt Islands of the Caribbean, Saint-Marie where we meet Aslan Kennedy who is a yoga instructor and self styled Spiritual Guru and owns his own hotel "The Retreat" along with his wife Rianka.  One particular morning, he gets up and goes down to make green tea to bring to the Meditation Space, which he does as normal on a daily basis.  He sees the five guests that are staying in the hotel on the beach and calls out to them to get their attention. It was an hour and a half later that the screaming started and he's been murdered.

We are then introduced to the detectives that are assigned  on the case, Detective Inspector Richard Poole and Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey.  It seems to be an open and shut case as there were five other people who were inside a locked room where Aslan was killed and one of them has already confessed to the murder but are they the murderer?  DI Poole is even convinced that the person whom has confessed to the murder is the one person who couldn't have done it.  Are they covering for someone else?  Is there more to this murder than meets the eye?  As the Detectives delve deeper into the victim and all the suspects pasts and history the truth starts to emerge and  a web of lies seem to be untangled.  DI Poole is adamant that no stone will be left unturned to track down the real killer.

I really enjoyed this book, however I felt that the story did dip a little bit in the middle but once it picked up the pace again I couldn't put it down.  I loved the descriptions of the sandy beaches and the surrounding scenery on the island and I wished that I was there with the heat on my face and looking out and walking on the white sandy beaches instead of looking out at the gloomy weather we've been having here in Ireland.  I thought I'd a fair idea of who the killer was but didn't work out who it was until the very end but I had suspected about 3 characters throughout the story.  It is the first book I've read by the author Robert Thorogood & I would definitely read more of his work and I only realised that this book is based on the Death in Paradise TV Series.  If you're looking for a good classic crime or murder/mystery then I would recommend that you curl up on the couch and sink into this clever whodunit story.


Although this hasn't been published yet, to be honest I didn't particularly like the cover at all, it's not a cover that's entriguing or would make me want to pick it up and read it, only for I know who the author is and what he's done, i.e. been the creator of the hit BBC1 TV series Death in Paradise, I'd walk past it in a bookshop and it would be a case of judging a book by it's cover on this occasion.

Thank you to Harlequin (UK) Ltd via Margaret Madden for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book. This book will available on Kindle and in all good bookstores and will be published on the 2nd January 2015.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

This book starts off on a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, where it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media, as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter - but is he really a killer?
 
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife?

I had heard so much about this book months ago and how good it was I couldn't wait to get it and start reading it but I really struggled to like this book. I'd read almost 200 pages and put it down as it was really beginning to annoy me and found it quite boring, I decided to pick it up again as the film had just been released and I was determined to finish it but I'm sorry that I bothered and just didn't go and see the film. I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't, I didn't like any of the characters in the book and I didn't even like the ending of it, I thought it was SO unrealistic but other people may have a totally different opinion to me on this book but if you're looking for a dark, twisted thriller then this book is for you.  Also, on the cover of the book it states "There are two sides to every story..." but in fact there's actually always three sides to every story, his side, her side and the truth.  This is the first book I've read by Gillian Flynn and I would probably give her other novels Sharp Objects and Dark Places a go and really hope that they are MUCH better than Gone Girl.

This book is available on Kindle and in all good bookstores.

Falling: Angels Among Us The Complete Series by Linn B Halton

I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review as part of Linn B Halton's Falling: Angels Among Us The Complete Series Blog Tour which I am taking part in on Wednesday 5th November 2014.

The story opens with Ceri who is a manager in an advertising company is convinced that she sees angels everywhere and also gets premonitions of things that she has see happen before the event and tries to stop it by trying to prevent what she's already visioned.  She works with Alex for the past 2 years,who is gorgeous but keeps their friendship strictly business but deep down she does have feelings for him but does he feel the same way?  After a tragedy strikes, one night they are chatting, too much wine is consumed, they start exchanging their secrets and they end up in bed together and their relationship changes.  Alex explains that the reason he doesn't date is because someone broke his heart, yet Ceri admits that she has a deep connection with him?  Ceri and Alex fall deep in love but they soon learn that their love is forbidden and that they must find a way to live apart.  Can they or will they?  Alex is supposed to cross paths with her and help Ceri during a phase where she begins to question the signs she’s being given. It’s meant to be a turning point for them both—but in opposite directions. They are destined to travel very different paths but Ceri doesn’t know that and neither does Alex.

All three books are in a complete collection so there's no waiting to find out what happens next and you can read all of Ceri and Alex’s story in one read. Linn B. Halton writes a rollercoaster of emotions in these 3 novels plus an extra 4th installment. They are full of romance, drama and just add that touch of a psychic mix to make the characters have extra depth and edge.

This is the first novel that I've read by Linn B Halton and it was good, I did like the whole concept when I read the blurb as it reminded me of Quantum Leap where the character Sam Beckett had to go back and re-write peoples history to change their course of life and destiny and prevent what was going to happen to them and unlike the character of Sam Beckett, Ceri becomes frustrated with not being able to change the course of her own life.  I would class this as a paranormal romance, it wasn't really for me, however I'm sure other people will think different to me but if you're looking for a good romance with drama, emotion with a bit of spiritualism thrown into the mix then this book is for you.

This is available in Kindle since 9th October 2014 and 17th December 2014 in paperback, by Harper Impulse, it’s available to pre-order on Amazon now.

Once again I am thrilled to be a part of a Book Blog Tour.  Thank you once again to JB from Brook Cottage Books for letting me take part once again and I look forward to many more promotions, reviews and cover reveals in the near future.

ABOUT LINN B HALTON

 

Linn B Halton lives in the small village of Lydbrook, Gloucestershire in the UK, but was born in Bristol. She resides there with her husband and cat with 'catitude'- Mr Tiggs.

Linn began writing in March 2009 and her debut novel was published in February 2011. In a recent interview Linn was asked about genres:

"From a very young age I knew romantic fiction was always going to be my genre. I am, and will always be, madly in love with love! Whether that's love of life, a partner, or the things I'm passionate about.

My stories are about love, life and real relationships - but romance is always the one thing that holds each story together. Often there's a light, psychic touch and I never dreamed I would write drawing upon my personal psychic experiences. But as my interest and understanding has grown in the subject, it is now such a part of my life it finds its way into my fictional tales. However, what is heartening is that most of my experiences have been uplifting and it's wonderful to know loved ones are around me always. I hope it will make readers stop and wonder 'What if?'

The result is that I get a lot of mail from readers who have had similar experiences and some are sharing theirs for the first time with me. I always feel that's something rather special and for which I'm very grateful."

Love, life and beyond... but it's ALWAYS about the romance!

Linn is published by HarperImpulse and Sapphire Star Publishing.
Linn is the editor of Loveahappyending Lifestyle emagazine.

Website:  (linnbhalton.co.uk)
Twitter: @LinnBHalton
Facebook: Author Linn B Halton
Bookshelf: http://viewauthor.at/LinnBHalton

Summer at Castle Stone by Lynn Marie Hulsman

Thanks to Netgally.com I received a copy of this to read in exchange for an honest review.

The story starts with two best friends Shayla and Maggie whom both work for a publishing company, Shayla's father is an author and she seems to be treated very differently when people discover this.  Shayla always dreams of writing her own book, rather than ghost writing books for other authors.  One day she stumbles upon the chance to co-write a cook book for an Irish chef, Tom O'Grady and automatically starts to pursue this idea, unfortunately the chef has no interest whatsoever in this book.  Maggie encourages Shayla to go to Ireland in search of this chef and try and convince him as to why this cookbook needs to be written, so Shayla packs her bags and travels to Ireland and becomes Shelia, where she will stay with an aunt of Maggie's, in the heart of the Irish countryside, she will work in Castle Stone as part of her work experience alongside the head chef Tom O'Grady with a few hilarious moments from the start and along the way.

I was very fortunate to meet Lynn Marie along with a few of my bookclub friends in the Summer.  We had such a great night of stories with a lot of banter and laughter which I will always remember.

I really loved this book, it made me laugh and I caught myself smiling as I was reading this.  This is the first book that I've read by Lynn Marie Hulsman and it definitely won't be my last.  As I am from Ireland, I could relate to alot of the "Irishisms" throughout the book, it was also quite witty and well written with the style of writing perfect to keep the pages turning at a good pace and the story flowed really well throughout. I also loved all the quotes at the start of every chapter.  If you're looking for a light-hearted read with a bit of romance thrown into the mix then kick your feet up with a large bar of chocolate, turn off your phone, and sink into Lynn Marie's new novel.

This book is available on Kindle and in all good bookstores.

The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly

This book starts off in the sweltering Summer of 1997, where straight-A student Karen whom is sheltered & shy is befriended by glamorous, passionate Biba. She and her shy, enigmatic brother Rex live in seclusion in Highgate, and welcome Karen into their home and their lives. The arrival of a stranger shatters this fragile situation with fatal consequences. A decade later, Rex is released from prison and he and Karen must try to rebuild their life with nine-year-old Alice. For Rex, the life sentence is over, but Karen has secrets of her own. For her, the nightmare is just beginning.

This book was chosen to read in our bookclub.  It took me a little while to get into the story and the characters but once I got into it, I enjoyed it. It was well written and was a page turner. There was everything from drama, suspense and crime, all of the things I love in a good book. It also shows how crucial it is to choose your friends wisely.  If you like dark books that do not have predictable endings then this books for you. It is not inspirational or heartwarming at all!  This would definitely make for a good book club read because it certainly has a lot of characters that would make for good discussion and I'm looking forward to meeting up to discuss this book with the group.  This is the first book that I've read by Erin Kelly & I will definitely read more of her work.

Erin Kelly the author of the critically acclaimed psychological thrillers The Poison Tree, The Sick Rose and The Burning Air. In 2013, The Poison Tree became a major ITV drama starring MyAnna Buring, Matthew Goode and Ophelia Lovibond. It was a Richard & Judy Summer Read in 2011. The novel has been translated into eleven languages. Her fourth novel, The Ties that Bind, is out now, followed in August by Broadchurch: The Novel, inspired by the first season of 2013's mega-hit ITV series.  Erin have been working as a journalist since 1998, writing for newspapers including The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Express and The Mirror, and magazines including Red, Psychologies, Marie Claire and Elle.

This book is available on Kindle & from all good bookstores.

Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster

I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review as part of Melissa Foster's Seaside Hearts Blog Tour which will I am taking part in on Thursday 23rd October 2014.

The story opens with Jenna Ward who is vivacious, spontaneous, and super confident along with her 3 friends Leanna, Amy and Bella where they all get together and spend their Summers in Wellfleet, Massachusetts.  They spend everyday chatting together either on the beach or at the poolside sipping drinks and topping up their tans but Jenna has to deal with her mother from time to time as Jenna's Dad has re-married and her mother hasn't taken it too well, you could suggest that she's gone all cougar like, dressing way too young for a 57 years old woman and wanting to go to bars and go dancing.  

Jenna also has to see Pete Lacroux who is handsome, quiet, and reliable and the man who stole her heart years earlier.  After years of trying to get him to notice her, she decides that this Summer she won't let him mess with her head again and starts to date other men.  She starts dating a contruction worker and this has fueled his passion for Jenna everytime he sees her with this new guy and one way or the other he's going to make sure that Jenna would forget he ever existed.

Peter is the eldest of five siblings, with an alcoholic father to care for, boat craftsman Pete Lacroux always does the right thing but has no time for a real relationship. But Pete is not really the quiet guy he appears to be, and his life is anything but conducive to a relationship.  Can Jenna handle the real Pete Lacroux - the sexiest, most passionate alpha male she’s ever seen and the baggage that he has? Will she stand by him or simply walk away? Can Pete retrieve the life he once had without tearing his family apart?

This is the first book that I've read by Melissa Foster and I'm looking forward to the next installment already. I really enjoyed this book from the very first page, the style of writing was perfect as the story flowed really well throughout.  It reminded me alot of been in my mid to late 20's hanging out with friends, dating guys, flirting with guys and chatting with the girls, like when we didn't have a care in the world. When Jenna and her friends got together it made me laugh and giggle on numerous occasions with the things they came out with which is always a good thing to have in a book and it made me think back to my childhood friends too. I realised that this book was the second in the series but by not reading the first one I feel that I haven't really missed out on much, it was easy enough to follow and know which character was which. I would state that due to mature content, I would recommend this for readers aged 18+ but would recommend it if you're looking for a read about love, lust and friendship then grab this book, curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and a large bar of chocolate and sink into the story.

I was absolutely thrilled to be asked by a fellow blogger Margaret Madden if I'd be interested in taking part in a Book Blog Tour and was even more thrilled when I was accepted by JB from Brook Cottage Books to be a part of the tour so thank you to you both and I look forward to many more promotions, reviews and cover reveals in the near future.

About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the  World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on  Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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