Tag: New Adult Fiction

BOOK REVIEW: The Wayward Duke (Private Arrangements) by Katrina Kendrick

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 18th Nov 2024
No Comments on BOOK REVIEW: The Wayward Duke (Private Arrangements) by Katrina Kendrick

Published October 10th, 2024 by Aria
Historical Romance, Regency Romance, New Adult Fiction

Welcome to my thoughts on this sexy and suspenseful historical romance. Thank you to Aria for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:
‘Perfectly balancing romance and intrigue, this is a true page-turner’ Publishers Weekly

HE IS THE ICE-COLD DUKE

Julian, the Duke of Hastings, is known for being aloof and utterly in control. For nine years, he’s kept his distance from the only woman who ever cracked his icy exterior, burying himself in work as a top-secret government code-breaker. But when his latest assignment ensnares him in a lethal aristocratic plot, Julian has no choice but to enlist the help of his estranged wife.

SHE IS THE PRIM DUCHESS

To all of society, Caroline Hastings is the perfect duchess. For years she’s masked her pain over her husband’s abandonment behind a poised facade. But when Julian unexpectedly returns and sweeps them into a dangerous, covert mission, Caroline discovers her frozen duke isn’t quite so indifferent in the bedroom after all.

Now, locked in a dangerous chase through London’s glittering ballrooms and dark back alleys, Julian and Caroline must catch a killer-before he catches them first.

********

MY REVIEW:

Steamy, tense, twisty and engaging, The Wayward Duke is a gripping amalgamation of romance, sex, danger, angst and intrigue.

London, Julian, Duke of Hastings, and his wife, Caroline, have been estranged for eight years when he surprisingly returns, sparking a flame of desire in them that they thought long-dead. Society is ablaze with talk of their reunion, but can they overcome the hurt they’ve caused each other to really reunite? Meanwhile, Julian’s work for the home office embroils them in a dangerous hunt for a terrorist. Can they learn to work together to catch them before he kills them first?

Though this book is the fifth in the series, it was actually my introduction to both the series and author. Despite this, I never felt confused about what was happening and think this was easy to read as a standalone. I was very much in the mood to read a romance when I started this book, but I was unprepared for the turns it would take and was surprised by how steamy it was from the start. The sexual tension is evident and I was relieved not to be reading this in public. But this is more than just a spicy book. Katrina Kendrick expertly moved between the shifts in tone of this book, making me blush with the sex scenes, almost cry with the emotional ones, and keeping me on the edge of my seat as they are caught up in espionage. We don’t initially know why they have been estranged, but their heartbreak and grief is palpable, and you can feel their fear of again trusting the person who broke them to pieces from the inside. As we learned more about the reasons their relationship broke down, Kendrick’s writing flourished, expertly conveying their loss, devastation, and Caroline’s mental health struggles in a real and relatable way.

I liked that this couple weren’t your average Duke and Duchess and that there was more to them than meets the eye. Caroline is a linguist and Julian a code-breaker, the latter working with the home office to secretly decipher codes and hunt terrorists. I loved this aspect of the book. The danger escalated, adding an extra layer of tension to the story that had me on the edge of my seat. I have to admit that although I enjoyed both characters, I did favour Caroline a little. I felt like I really understood her and loved that she was someone who didn’t need a man to rescue her. And very different from what you’d expect of a woman in her position in society at that time.

So if you’re looking for a historical romance that will make your heart race, your cheeks blush, and keep you guessing, then this steamy and suspenseful book is the one for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katrina Kendrick is the pseudonym for Sunday Times bestselling science fiction and fantasy author Elizabeth May. She is Californian by birth and Scottish by choice, and holds a Ph.D. from the University of St Andrews. She currently resides on an 18th-century farm in the Scottish countryside with her husband, three cats, and a lively hive of honeybees that live in the wall of her old farmhouse.

********

BUY THE BOOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*these are affiliate links

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Tags Aria, Aria at home, Book Review, Historical Romance, Katrina Kendrick, New Adult Fiction, October 2024, October Books, Regency Romance, The Wayward Duke

Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023 Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 24th Aug 2024
No Comments on SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

Published June 6th, 2023 by Michael Joseph
Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, Domestic Fiction, New Adult Ficiton, Coming-of-Age Story

Here’s my bookish thoughts on Talking at Night, the heartwarming debut which was one of our SquadPod Featured Books in July. Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

********

ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE LOVE STORY THAT WILL KEEP YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT

‘A beautiful love story. I devoured it’ JOJO MOYES
Gave me One Day vibes’ LIBBY PAGE
‘Basically impossible to put down’ BOBBY PALMER
‘Deeply romantic’ LAURA BARNETT
‘Beautiful and very clever’ FEARNE COTTON

‘Stunning, tender and true’ GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SUMMER READING
INCLUDED IN THE INDEPENDENT’S ‘BEST ROMANTIC SUMMER READS’

—-

Will and Rosie meet as teenagers.

They’re opposites in every way. She overthinks everything; he is her twin brother’s wild and unpredictable friend. But over secret walks home and late-night phone calls, they become closer – destined to be one another’s great love story.

Until, one day, tragedy strikes, and their future together is shattered.

But as the years roll on, Will and Rosie can’t help but find their way back to each other. Time and again, they come close to rekindling what might have been.

What do you do when the one person you should forget is the one you just can’t let go?

********

MY REVIEW:

Tender, heartfelt and affecting, Talking at Night is a deeply beautiful love story. It follows Rosie and Will, who meet as teenagers and have an instant connection. The pair are total opposites: Rosie is the stereotypical ‘good girl’ and overthinks everything, and Will is the wild and unpredictable best friend of her twin brother. It is clear from the start that this is more than teenage infatuation, but, before their relationship gets the chance to start, tragedy strikes, destroying any chance of a future together. What follows is a memorable will they/won’t they love story that will make even the most cynical person believe in soulmates.

Oh, my heart. I’d heard that this book was emotional but I was still unprepared for how it wreaked havoc on my emotions. Debut author Claire Daverley’s writing is simple but beautiful, allowing the characters and the story to shine in her exploration of love, friendship, loss and grief. Achingly human, acutely observed, and deeply moving, this character-driven romance has much more depth than your average, lighthearted love story. Real love isn’t all hearts and rainbows, and Daverley isn’t afraid to show that, exploring the flawed, painful side of love alongside the joy and laughter. But those things are still there. After all, this is a story about true love; that all-consuming, red-hot, soulful love that is impossible to resist. It feels like a very fresh and modern romance, revealing how bittersweet love can be. After all, the path to true love rarely runs smooth, and it’s certainly a bumpy journey for Rosie and Will. But will it be worth it in the end?

Rosie and Will are very real, three-dimensional characters who I found likeable and relatable. Their romance gets off to a rocky start after a tragedy and we wonder if they will ever truly find their way back to one another. They try not to, seeing other people and severing contact on and off over the years, but they can never forget each other or completely let go and always find themselves drawn back together. We go on this journey with them, Daverley opening them up and revealing their innermost thoughts and feelings. And I felt every emotion alongside them, leaving me wrung out but heartened when it was all over.

Passionate, poignant, heartwarming and compelling, Talking at Night is a glorious debut you won’t forget. Highly recommended.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Claire Daverley was born in 1991 and has been writing stories ever since she was six years old.

After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from The University of Oxford, she began a career in publishing, writing about books by day, but penning her own by night, on trains and in the light of the early mornings.

She has spent most of her life in Hertfordshire, but now lives in Scotland by the sea with her husband and spaniel.

Her debut novel, Talking at Night, has sold in twenty-four countries to date.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*these are affiliate links

********

Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

Book Features book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Recommends

REVIEW: Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 3rd Dec 2022
No Comments on REVIEW: Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior

Publsihed: March 19th, 2020
Publisher: Bantam Press
Genre: Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, New Adult Ficiton, Women’s Fiction, Pensioners on the Pages
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook

Today I’m resharing my review for this heartwarming story. I’m taking part in the Squadpod Advent Calendar Challenge this month and today’s prompt is a ‘Book with a character you’d like to meet’. I couldn’t think of anyone who I would like to meet more than the delightful Veronica McCreedy. I read this back in March 2020 and it has stayed with me ever since. It really is the perfect book to read to lift your spirits. And I dare anyone not to fall in love with Veronica.

********

SYNOPSIS:

A Richard & Judy Book Club and BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.
A truly feel-good book club read – a #1 bestseller in ebook and audio!

‘This year’s Eleanor Oliphant . . . Funny, bittersweet and wholly original.’ Daily Express

Veronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . .

Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she’s never seen without her ruby-red lipstick.

Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone.

She can be found either collecting litter from the beach (‘people who litter the countryside should be shot’), trying to locate her glasses (‘someone must have moved them’) or shouting instructions to her assistant, Eileen (‘Eileen, door!’).

Veronica doesn’t have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she’s going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies.

But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this.

********

MY REVIEW:

Oh how I loved this absolute gem of a book. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, it had me transfixed. I got lost in the pages and totally immersed in Veronica’s story.

Veronica McCreedy is an eccentric, feisty, cantankerous, witty and unstoppable old lady. I just couldn’t help but love her and she quickly found a place in my heart. Her bad-tempered idiosyncrasies became endearing and I was sure she had a heart of gold hidden behind it all. When a locked wooden box containing her teenage diaries is found, Veronica’s poignant story is slowly unveiled and we finally learn what lies underneath those brusque layers she uses to protect herself.

Running parallel to Veronica’s story is her daring adventure to Antarctica to see the Adélie penguins. She became obsessed with them after watching a nature programme and decided she wanted to leave her vast wealth to the research programme. But she needs to make sure they are worthy of it, so she books a trip to see the penguins for herself; refusing to heed to frantic warnings of her assistant Eileen and the trio of scientists that it is too dangerous. I adored this part of the story – the different sides we see to Veronica’s personality, her blossoming friendship with young scientist Terry, and the adorable rescued chick, Pip. I found myself in awe of Eileen’s spriteliness and determination, overcoming her age and the bracing conditions to have the adventure of a lifetime.

But behind the cuteness of this storyline is a serious commentary on climate change and our responsibility to save the environment and a number of earth’s most beloved species that are facing extinction in the near future. It is peppered with blog posts by Terry which are informative as well as entertaining. The author has clearly done her research and I know a lot more about climate change and penguins after reading this book.

The story is narrated by two very distinct voices and is filled with a rich, colourful and fascinating cast of characters. The cutest of these is without a doubt little Pip, and I now blame the author for the fact I really want a pet penguin! The investment, hard work and love that the author has put into this book is evident in the exquisite writing and attention to detail. I savoured every word, devouring this book while also trying to make it last as I dreaded parting with Veronica and the penguins.

Away with the Penguins is without a doubt the most delightful, joyous and uplifting book I’ve read so far this year, if not in a long time, and I have no doubt it will have a place in my top reads of the year. A lush blend of characters and storylines that is immersive and reaches into your soul and serves as a great reminder that it is never too late to have an adventure, try new things or make changes in your life. Whatever your reading preferences, I highly recommend this book. Just make sure to have lots of tissues and be prepared to fall in love.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

From Hazel’s website:
Hazel is an enthusiastic and experienced harp-player based in Somerset and Exmoor. Her repertoire spans many styles of music and includes singing with harp accompaniment.

Hazel is also an author. Her three bestselling novels, published by Penguin Random House, are described as ‘quirky’, ‘lyrical’ and ‘life-affirming’. AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS (USA title = HOW THE PENGUINS SAVED VERONICA) is a Richard and Judy and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstons | Amazon | Bookshop.org

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxx

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2022

BLOG TOUR: The Setup by Lizzy Dent

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 31st Jul 2022
2 Comments on BLOG TOUR: The Setup by Lizzy Dent

Published: June 9th, 2022
Publisher: Viking
Genre: Romance Novel, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Coming-of-Age Story
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this funny, heartwarming and uplifting rom-com. Thank you to Ellie at Viking for the invitation to take part and the gifted ARC.

********

SYNOPSIS:

SHE HAS A PLAN . . .
FATE HAS OTHER IDEAS.
—————–

There are two men in my life. But this is not a love triangle.

Mara Williams reads her horoscope every day – but she wasn’t expecting to be in a whole other country when destiny finally found her. Just as a fortune teller reveals that her true love is about to arrive, a gorgeous stranger literally walks into her life. And now Mara is determined to bring them together again . . . Surely even fate needs a nudge in the right direction sometimes?

But while Mara is getting ready for ‘the one’, the universe intervenes. Her new flatmate Ash is funny, and kind, and sexy as hell . . . There was no predicting this: it’s as if her destiny just arrived on her doorstep.

So will Mara put her destiny in fate’s hands – or finally trust herself to reach for the stars?

*An edgy, hilarious rom-com from the author of The Summer Job. For fans of Beth O’Leary, Starstruck and New Girl.*

********

MY REVIEW:

“Fate always knows how to deliver.”

Lizzy Dent has done it again! Charming, witty and uplifting, The Setup is a fabulous summer read that has cemented her place as one of my Queens of rom-com.

Alone in Budapest after her best friend Charlie dropped out of their girls trip at the last minute, Mara decides to go visit a fortune teller. She tells her that she will meet the love of her life imminently, a prediction that seems to come true when the very man she described literally walks through the door shortly after. But life is never simple and it seems that the universe has another plan, one that includes Mara’s sexy new flatmate, Ash. Will Mara follow fate or finally trust herself to choose what she wants?

I became an instant fan of Lizzy Dent when I read her debut, The Summer Job, last year and was excitedly anticipating this follow up. I had the pleasure of meeting Lizzy recently at The Book Party and she is every bit as charismatic, funny and delightful in person as she appears online, something she also brings to her books. I love how she cleverly plays with the familiar romance tropes, making them feel fresh and entertaining and injecting them with laugh-out-loud humour and valuable life lessons. I couldn’t put it down, reading the first ¾ of the book in one sitting and staying up until almost 2am without realising the time. And that ending! It couldn’t have been more perfect.

“I’ve never understood how people can know themselves so well that they know exactly where they’re going and what to do to get there. How to make clear decisions that truly come from just them. It’s a mystery to me.”

Mara is a wonderful character. Quirky, shy, awkward but totally endearing, she is someone I loved from the start. A horoscope enthusiast, she is so invested in the idea of fate and destiny that she doesn’t trust her own instincts or feelings and won’t make even the smallest of decisions without consulting what her horoscope says. I particularly loved her system for choosing which movie to watch. It certainly saves the many hours of flicking through the choices and trying to make a selection that is familiar to us all. Mara is also a lonely character, her shyness leaving her with only one real friend who she feels like she’s drifted apart from lately, so I enjoyed watching her create new friendships as she tries to improve herself, especially with Samira. I also really liked her relationship with Ash which, though predictable, felt very real and natural. I was rooting for them and definitely Team Ash over Team Joe. When she would waver I wanted to shake her and tell her to forget a dream and go for what was right in front of her. But would she?

Funny, heartwarming and sweet, The Setup is a feel-good romance that should be on everyone’s tbr.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Lizzy Dent (mis)spent her early twenties working in Scotland in hospitality. After years travelling the world making Music TV for MTV and Channel 4, and creating digital content for Cartoon Network, the BBC and ITV, she wrote three Young Adult novels as Rebecca Denton published in the UK. This is her debut adult novel. She lives between London, Austria, and New Zealand with her young family.

Website

********

BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones | Amazon | Bookshop.org

********

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles 😊 Emma xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

*All purchase links are affiliate links

Tags Blog Tour, Book Review, Coming-of-Age Story, Contemporary Romance, Emma's Anticipated Treasures, favourite authors, Four star reads, Holiday fiction, July 2022, July Books, June 2022, Lizzy Dent, New Adult Fiction, Recommended authors, Romance Novel, The Lobster Army, The Setup, Viking

Blog Tours book reviews

Blog Tour: You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 21st Jul 2021
3 Comments on Blog Tour: You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry

Published: July 22nd, 2021
Publisher: Penguin UK
Genre: Romance Novel, Contemporary Novel, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, New Adult Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Coming-of-Age Fiction
Format: Paperback, Kindle, Audio

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this fun summer romance that is published tomorrow. Thank you to Penguin UK for the invitation to take part and the gifted copy of the book.

********

SYNOPSIS:

TWO FRIENDS
TEN SUMMER TRIPS
THEIR LAST CHANCE TO FALL IN LOVE

12 SUMMERS AGO: Poppy and Alex meet. They hate each other, and are pretty confident they’ll never speak again.

11 SUMMERS AGO: They’re forced to share a ride home from college and by the end of it a friendship is formed. And a pact: every year, one vacation together.

10 SUMMERS AGO: Alex discovers his fear of flying on the way to Vancouver.
Poppy holds his hand the whole way.

7 SUMMERS AGO: They get far too drunk and narrowly avoid getting matching tattoos in New Orleans.

2 SUMMERS AGO: It all goes wrong.

THIS SUMMER: Poppy asks Alex to join her on one last trip. A trip that will determine the rest of their lives.

You and Me on Vacation is a New York Times bestselling love story for fans of When Harry Met Sally and One Day. Get ready to travel the world, snort with laughter and – most of all – lose your heart to Poppy and Alex.

********

MY REVIEW:

“It’s fascinating. How much of love is who you are with someone.”

You and Me on Vacation is a warm, witty, slow-burning romance that is perfect to read on a hot summer’s day.

The story follows the familiar best friends to lovers trope, exploring the trepidation, fear and complications that can arise when you fall in love with your closest friend. While it was often predictable, this wasn’t a bad thing, and the author injected some additional mystery and tension with the inclusion of an unknown event two years earlier that had led to them not speaking since. I liked this as it made the book more than a simple ‘will they or won’t they’ story and I felt like their tentative steps to rebuilding their friendship made me root for them from the start. There were times it felt like it was a little too drawn out, but the author soon picked up the pace and it was an entertaining read overall.

I liked Poppy and Alex both individually and as a pair. They had a great dynamic and the spark was clear even before Poppy admitted her feelings. There were some great background characters too and I enjoyed how the author wrote little descriptions when introducing a new character that gives the reader an instant picture of what they are like.

Being centred around a travel writer and the vacations she takes with her best friend gave this book a vibe of pure escapism and I loved being able to travel to the various destinations from my back garden during a pandemic. But the current situation also made the book feel wistful and it felt like I was reading about another life. It really made me miss the days where we could just hop on a plane and go somewhere new without a second thought. *Sigh*

If you’re looking for a book to escape with and a good way to wile away a few hours in the sun, then this entertaining romance is the book for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

********

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read, as well as several young adult novels. She lives and writes in the Cincinnati and the part of Kentucky just beneath it.

Her books have been featured in Buzzfeed, Oprah Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, The Skimm, Shondaland, Betches, Bustle, and more.

********

BUY THE BOOK:

********

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

Thanks for reading Bibliophiles😊 Emma xxx

Tags Coming of Age fiction, Domestic Fiction, Emily Henry, Four star reads, Holiday fiction, Humorous Fiction, July 2021, July Books, New Adult Fiction, Penguin UK, Romance Novel, Summer Reads, You and Me on Vacation

Blog Tours Emma's Anticipated Treasures

Blog Tour: Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 30th Jan 2021
3 Comments on Blog Tour: Before I Saw You by Emily Houghton

Published: February 4th, 2021
Publisher: Bantam Press
Format: Hardcover, Kindle, Audio
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Medical Romance

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this uplifting debut. Thank you Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and Bantam Press for the gifted copy of the book.

SYNOPSIS:

CAN YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN?

Alice and Alfie are strangers. But they sleep next to each other every night.

Alfie Mack has been in hospital for months recovering from an accident. A new face on the ward is about as exciting as life gets for him right now, so when someone moves into the bed next to him he’s eager to make friends. But it quickly becomes clear that seeing his neighbour’s face won’t happen any time soon.

Alice Gunnersley has been badly burned and can’t even look at herself yet, let alone allow anyone else to see her. She keeps the curtain around her bed firmly closed, but it doesn’t stop Alfie trying to get to know her. And gradually, as he slowly brings Alice out of her shell, might there even be potential for more?

MY REVIEW:

“Our scars are simply the marks of our stories. They show we’ve lived our life, and most of all that we have survived it. Don’t hide your story away in the shadows.”

Can you fall in love with someone you’ve never seen? Not even a picture? Just what is it that makes us fall in love with someone? Those are the questions explored in this wonderful debut. A sheer delight from beginning to end, I had a feeling I was going to enjoy this book but was unprepared for how much it would reach into my heart and soul. This is a book that makes you feel a rainbow of emotions, giving you a warm glow inside like porridge on a cold day

The story is told by Alice and Alfie, each taking alternating chapters. These are characters I cared about tremendously; both individually and as a couple. I was rooting for them. And while I loved both characters, there was something just a little special about Alfie. I can’t imagine anyone disliking him (even though Alice did try). He is one of those people who has a spark about them, brings joy, and makes life better for everyone he meets. He sees all strangers as a friend he just hasn’t met yet and can’t bear to see anyone suffer, so when the silent, stoic Alice arrives and initially resists his charms he is determined to find a way to help her. I loved how they were polar opposites and reading as he tried to slowly coax her out of her shell while she battles to resist.

But it isn’t just the two main characters who are so richly drawn, compelling and memorable. It’s every character. No matter how small their part, they leap from the page. Nurse Angels and Mr Peterson each have a particular place in my heart and lit up the page every time they were featured. I know I would have loved a nurse like Nurse Angles when I was in hospital for six weeks as a child. The only nurse I have any real memory of from my time there is a mean one who seemed to go out of her way to make sure we were all as miserable as she was.

Both Alfie and Alice suffered traumatic events that led them to be on the Moira Gladstone Ward and are still dealing with the harrowing physical and psychological aftermath of what happened. The author handles these issues in a raw, realistic way, but also with sensitivity and I was moved to tears a few times. But she balances this with joy, love and humour in abundance, including the sharp, witty dialogue that makes this feel so authentic.

Charming, uplifting and pure escapism, this fantastic debut would make the perfect romantic movie. I highly recommend this one. Just don’t forget the tissues. My one tiny niggle with it was how it ended so abruptly. I needed more to the story after investing so much. I have seen NetGalley reviewers talk about an epilogue that wasn’t included in my ARC so I am hopeful that including that creates the perfect end to the story.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Emily Houghton is an ex digital specialist and full-time creative writer. She originally comes from Essex but has been living in London for the past 8 years. Emily is a trained yoga and spin teacher, completely obsessed with dogs and has dreamt of being an author ever since she could hold a pen..

Houghton’s debut novel, BEFORE I SAW YOU, is a commercial love story and will be published by Transworld in the UK in January 2021 and by Simon & Schuster in the US.

Instagram |Twitter |

BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org*|Waterstones |Amazon*|Google Books |Kobo
*The links to Bookshop.org and Amazon are affiliate links

Please read the reviews from other bloggers on the tour.

Happy reading Bibliophiles. Until next time, Emma xx

Tags 4.5 star review, Bantam Press, Before I Saw You, Contemporary Romance, Emily Houghton, Emma's Anticipated Treasures, February 2021, January 2021, January books, Medical Romance, New Adult Fiction, Random Things Tours, Uplit

Blog Tours book reviews

Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Post author By emmasbibliotreasures
Post date 2nd Mar 2020
4 Comments on Away with the Penguins by Hazel Prior ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Published: March 19th, 2020
Publisher: Bantam Press
Format: Hardcover, Kindle
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, New Adult Fiction

I am thrilled to be opening the blog tour for this delightful novel. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Bantam Press for my gifted copy of the book.

SYNOPSIS:

Veronica McCreedy is about to have the journey of a lifetime . . .

Veronica McCreedy lives in a mansion by the sea. She loves a nice cup of Darjeeling tea whilst watching a good wildlife documentary. And she’s never seen without her ruby-red lipstick.

Although these days Veronica is rarely seen by anyone because, at 85, her days are spent mostly at home, alone.

She can be found either collecting litter from the beach (‘people who litter the countryside should be shot’), trying to locate her glasses (‘someone must have moved them’) or shouting
instructions to her assistant, Eileen (‘Eileen, door!’).

Veronica doesn’t have family or friends nearby. Not that she knows about, anyway . . . And she has no idea where she’s going to leave her considerable wealth when she dies.

But today . . . today Veronica is going to make a decision that will change all of this.

MY REVIEW:

Oh how I loved this absolute gem of a book. Both heartbreaking and heartwarming, it had me transfixed. I got lost in the pages and totally immersed in Veronica’s story.