***Book Tour*** Seaside Secrets by Melissa Foster (Rinny Reviews & Giveaway)

Synopsis

IN SEASIDE SECRETS...

Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He's got his choice of women, but Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had seemed like it had never existed--at least for her.

.

Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She's spent summers on Cape Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she's spent years trying to reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she's ever loved. She's back for a summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she's been offered the opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she's decided to try one last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means dealing with her past--and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.

 (Love in Bloom, #24, Seaside Summers, #4) Goodreads

Purchase Links

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Review

***Disclaimer*** I received an arc of this book from the author for an honest review in return.

Confession time – I have not read any books previously in the Seaside Summers series and only a couple of books by the author previously, I hope to read them all at some point.

I was worried heading into reading that I would be completely lost having missed out on everything that had happened in the previous books this was not the case for the most part. I now obviously want to read the other books to see the other character’s stories and see the build-up too this book.

This book is a bitter-sweet second chance romance, it nearly broke me into tiny crying pieces many times. It was a very emotional read for me, even heart melting moments had me howling fresh tears. It is well balanced with humorous moments to help break up the more emotional parts. I am glutton for punishment however, I adore emotional roller-coaster reads. I am surprised given the fact I have not read the other books that I did find the book so emotional, that has to be a sign of a wonderful writer in my opinion. Perhaps it is helped by the fact so much unknown (I think previously) history comes too light in the book and we find out the reason why Amy and Tony have took so long to become a lasting couple, even though they have been mad about each other for such a long time.

The author’s characterization is amazing. I cannot even explain how wonderful the characters are, some of the most well fleshed realistic characters I have had the pleasure of getting to know with a bunch of fun side characters ( Cannot wait too read the other books in the series so I know them better).  I think that a lot of people will be able to relate to Amy and Tony and their situation.

If you like second chance books, Melissa Foster’s previous books, emotional reads, I think you will love this book. I really did enjoy this book and it will probably be a reread in the future when I have read the previous books, just to revisit Amy and Tony’s story again.

My Rating - 

About the Author

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 Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. 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 The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Giveaway

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Possess (Mary Hades Series) by Sarah Dalton - Review by Kimmy

Well hello folks,

Hope you are all well and are making lots of headway with your 2015 Reading Challenges.  Please enjoy todays post and leave any comments below.  Lets get this show on the road:

Possess by Sarah Dalton

*** Disclaimer ***
I received a free copy through (add info here) in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:

Synopsis:

Mary Hades is drawn back into the world of the macabre as she moves with her family into the mysterious old house, Ravenswood. The mere mention of Ravenswood induces terror among the locals, and when strange things begin to occur, Mary and Lacey decide to get to the bottom of the secret hidden in the historic house once and for all.

As a dark power gathers, Mary finds her life becomes interconnected with the disturbing events that transpired in 1847 to eleven year old Liza Blair. The more Mary is drawn into Liza’s story, the more she realises someone close to her is in grave danger from the sinister energy at Ravenswood.

Set in the backdrop of an unsettling forest, and with strange neighbour Emmaline Delacroix obsessed with death and séances, Possess will take you even deeper into the murky depths of Mary Hades’s unusual life.

Book two in the Mary Hades series.

Review

I was lucky enough to cross paths with the author Sarah Dalton in 2014.  I read many of her books last year and without a doubt Sarah has become one of my favourite authors.  I find Sarah's story telling mesmerising and get easily drawn into all her worlds she creates.

Possess is another fantastic addition to the Mary Hades series.  This book takes us into the darker side of the paranormal world that Mary lives in.  Sarah's writing as always, captured me almost immediately and had me hanging off every word.

I love how this book focuses on the relationship between Mary and her mother.  Mary always had a stronger, closer bond with her father.  Her mother always seemed to be either trying too hard or appeared to be on edge around Mary.  And finally we find out why.  It was like opening a present on christmas morning!

Lacey isn't as prominent in this book.  I did miss her.  I love Lacey and I love the relationship between both her and Mary.  I do understand though that Lacey kind of taking a back seat was clearly needed in order for the story to play out the way it was meant to.  However Sarah does not let us forget about Mary's concern about the future of their friendship and ensures this is addressed in the story also.  I was a total bundle of nerves at that part of the story!

Thanks to Sarah's fantastic story telling ability, everything is woven together perfectly to create yet another fantastic read!

If you haven't read any of Sarah's books, you really need to get on it, like now.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed!

Useful Links

 Goodreads | Author | Amazon UK | Amazon US

Kimmy Reviews - Jack Strong by Walter Mosley

Hello all,

Happy New Year, I hope you all had a wonderful time during the holidays.  For me I had a nice time, short but brief.  Had to get back to work and reality sooner or later.  Before being off for the holidays, work was crazy.  So to start off the new year, I am catching up on some outstanding reviews.  Hope you enjoy!

*** Disclaimer ***
I received a free copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:

Synopsis:

In a Las Vegas hotel room, a man awakes to confront his destiny.

Dreaming, Jack hears voices: a frightened child in a hospital, a woman cheating on her husband, a death row inmate. When he wakes, the voices recede, but they do not vanish. He is in a luxurious hotel room on the Vegas strip, and his body is covered in scars. Jack Strong is a patchwork man, his flesh melded together from dozens of men and women, and his mind is the same way. Countless lifetimes are contained within him: people whose lives were cut short, and who see their place in Jack as a chance to make things right.

On behalf of one of them, Jack reignites a feud with some corrupt casino bosses. Drawing on the skills of another, he beats the life out of two bodyguards. Jack fights for control as he lurches from impulse to impulse, certain that somewhere within him lies a soul. The answer may lie with whoever is tailing him in a sleek black car--if Jack can somehow confront him. 

Review

This author is completely new to me.  I came across this book browsing Netgalley back in 2014.  The cover caught my attention and the synopsis sounded very interesting.

Jack, our main character is like a patchwork quilt, made up of many different male and female body parts.  These also contribute to Jack's different personalities and the shifts in their points of view throughout the story.

Unfortunately this short novella didn't do much for me.  It just felt too alike to the beginning of a story, however this one,  never quite did begin. 

Useful Links

 Goodreads | Author | Amazon UK | Kobo

Rinny Reviews : The Stall of Second Chances By Dana Bate

Synopsis

Not just with eating it - though she loves that too - but with writing about it as an aspiring cookery reporter. But food journalism jobs are more coveted than cupcakes, and so Sydney is stuck working for one of TV's biggest egomaniacs - until she's left scrambling for shifts at the local farmers' market.

Selling muffins at the Wild Yeast Bakery is hardly going to make her the next Nigella. But soon Sydney is writing the market's weekly newsletter, and her quirky stories gain attention from a prominent food columnist. After years of being left on the shelf, she's even dating again. And then Sydney gets a shot at the story, one that could either make her career or burn it to a cinder - along with her relationship and her reputation. 

Goodreads

Amazon

Review

***DISCLAIMER*** I WAS PROVIDED A COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM THE LOVELY GRACE AT LITTLE BROWN BOOK GROUP FOR FREE, FOR IN RETURN AN HONEST REVIEW.

When I saw the chance to review this book in our email. I was so excited I love books written around food. I do not get to read them as often as I like. I have not read any books by Dana Bate before and I was not disappointed  I hope to read more from her in the future. One last thing before i get started with my review. How cute is the cover? The answer is too cute, anyone who can resist this cover alongside the synopsis, is a stronger person than me lol. I could not put this book down not even to eat it went everywhere with me open in my hand. I'm surprised I did not smash myself into objects all over the house lol.

I fell in love not only with this book from the very beginning but with Sydney our leading lady. She is relatable in so many ways, as you follow her on her journey from being in a good job that she doesn't really care for too being at her lowest point. We are with her side by side as she tries to overcome issues from her past, re discovering her love for blogging about food, forming new relationships and fixing old relationships, all while trying to get into her dream job. She is self doubting, witty, funny, intelligent, caring and has a tongue as sharp as a sword even when it comes to herself in her own head.  

We meet a variety of colourful and varied characters throughout the book. From gruff Market stall owner Rick, ex-boyfriend Zach, handsome Jeremy who she has a lot in common with her too her self-obsessed little sister. Some have bigger parts in the book than others but all leave a noticeable stamp in the book especially Jeremy who as one of the main characters in the book we actually do not see a lot of but we feel as if we know him as much as Sydney.

This book is a roller-coaster, ups and downs, twists and turns with secrets a plenty. This book will make you laugh out loud, make you cry, make you angry and disappointed at times. However by the end you will have been so hungry you have ate all the food in the house and still be starving but happy.

The writer has a gift for describing food, all my important senses were awoken it felt like i could see, smell and taste the foods I was reading about. I was so hungry all the way through this book. Luckily for us the author has kindly put a whole bunch of recipes at the back of the book for foods in the book. Yum Yum!!

This book is a cute, charming, enjoyable read that will leave you warm, fuzzy and hungry for more. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good foodie read or looking for a quick easy cozy read. In particular fans of Jenny Colgan or Abby Clements.

My Rating: 

To Buy Links

Amazon

Kobo

Book Depository

Author Bio

Dana Bate graduated from Yale University with a degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, she then became a broadcast journalist for the PBS Nightly Business Report, where she won the Gerald Loeb Award. Her writings have appeared in numerous outlets, including McSweeney’s, Culinate and Smithsonian.com. Dana gave it all up to write romantic comedies in 2009, beginning with The Secret Supper Club. This is her second novel.

                                   

Website

Twitter - @danabate

Instagram - authordanabate 

Kimmy Reviews - The woman who stole my life by Marian Keyes

Hey all,

Hope you are well. I'm sure you are all quite busy getting ready for Christmas.  I know I sure am, between work and then on my days off trying to finish my Christmas shopping, which I only started last week, well, lets just say its all go!

So on with the show, today I give you the review of:

The Woman who Stole my Life

by Marian Keyes

My Rating :

 

Synopsis

Stella Sweeney is back in Dublin. After living the dream in New York for a year - touring her self-help book, appearing on talk shows all over the USA and living it up in her 10-room duplex on the Upper West Side - she's back to normality with a bang. And she's got writer's block.

Stella wants a clean break as she didn't exactly leave New York on a high. Why is she back in Ireland so soon? Who is it who keeps calling? Stella wants to get back to being the woman she used to be. But can she? And should she?

Useful Links: Amazon | Kobo | Goodreads

Review

I was very lucky to receive a copy of this book from the lovely Katie at Penguin.  This is the first of Marian Keyes books I have read.  The beautiful cover and interesting title intrigued me.  Reading the synopsis, it wasn't my usual type of read, but I always like to try something different now and again and it sounded like it was going to be a great read.

What started off with great expectations, soon turned into me having to persevere to get this book finished.  I didn't find myself being able to connect with any of the characters.  Pretty much everything happens at the beginning.  The frequent changes in timelines between each of the chapters and each of the characters I feel didn't flow well and at times caused some confusion.

I did however enjoy the humour and my favourite part of the story was when Stella is in hospital with her illness.  Just reading about what someone would be going through having Guillain Barré syndrome was enough to give me the shivers. 

As previously mentioned, I am new to the authors work and her writing style.  The feeling I got from this book, especially towards the end, seemed to be an insight into the publishing world and behind the scenes.  As interesting as it was, I really do feel it added no value to the story.

I will leave it up to you to decide whether you want to read this book or not.  Everyone has different likes and dislikes.  You never know, you might end up really enjoying it!

About the Author

Marian Keyes, born September 10, 1963, is a popular Irish writer, considered to be one of the original progenitors of "chick lit". Keyes' first novel, Watermelon, was published in Ireland in 1995. Since then she has published seven further novels and two collections of non-fiction, and has sold 15 million copies of her books in 30 languages.

Links: Website | Goodreads