Book Releases: 30th July 2015

I haven’t done a book release post in a while, but there’s some fab books out today, so it feels like the right time to get back on it! Here’s a few of my faves that you can now get your mits on:

The Piano Man Project, by Kat French

Blurb: You: kind, piano-playing sex god
Me: hopelessly romantic charity shop manager

Honeysuckle Jones has a problem, and her best friends Nell and Tash are on a mission to help her solve it. She needs a man – a caring, intelligent, funny man. But most importantly, a man who’s good with his hands…

Luckily Honey’s new neighbour – moody, antisocial ex-chef Hal – fails on almost every count. Even though the chemistry between them is electric, he’s obviously wrong for her in every way.

But when Honey discovers the devastating reason for his moods she decides to give him another chance. And discovers that the best songs aren’t always in tune…

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

My thoughts: This book sounds like so much fun, I have it sat ready on my kindle and I’m looking forward to getting started on it soon.

The Little Flower Shop by the Sea, by Ali McNamara

Blurb: Poppy Carmichael, 30, certainly never intended to own a florist. But when she inherits her grandmother’s beloved flower shop on the beautiful Cornish coast, Poppy has no choice but to return to the pretty harbour town of St Felix where she spent much of her childhood.

Returning to St Felix brings back sad memories for Poppy. But when she makes new friends such as local flower grower Jake, a young widowed father of two teenagers, Poppy begins to overcome her fears, and discover for herself what’s so special about this little flower shop by the sea.

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

My thoughts: I love how gorgeously summery the cover is and I love Ali’s other books, so I’m super excited to get stuck into this one soon.

The Great Village Show, by Alexandra Brown

Blurb: Tindledale is in a titter. The Village Show competition is coming around again and after last year’s spectacular failure, the villagers are determined to win. Meg, teacher at the local school, is keen to help and to impose some much-needed order.

After a terse encounter with a newcomer to the village, Meg discovers that it is celebrity chef and culinary bad boy, Dan Wright. Meg thinks he is arrogant and rude but rumour has it that Dan is opening a new restaurant in the village which could really put Tindledale on the map!

As things come together, villagers old and new all start to come out of the woodwork, including new arrival Jessie, who seems to have it all. But first impressions can be deceptive and Meg discovers that when it comes to Tindledale – and Dan – nothing is ever quite as it seems…

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

My thoughts: I’m reading this at the moment, and loving it. It’s great to revisit the cute village of Tindledale and the familiar faces from The Great Christmas Knit Off.

I Knew You Were Trouble, by Paige Toon

Blurb: Life as the undercover daughter of a rock god isn’t going to be easy. How will Jessie adjust to her old boring life again after spending her summer living it up with her dad in LA? With tough decisions ahead (and not just choosing between two hot boys), can she cope juggling her two very different lives? 

Summer may be over, but Jessie’s story is just beginning…

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

My thoughts: I have had the first Jessie Jefferson book sat on my bookshelf for a while now, but haven’t managed to read it yet. Now that the sequel is out, hopefully it’ll give me the kick up the butt I need to get round to it, as they sound like so much fun!

The Way We Were, by Sinead Moriarty

Blurb: ‘He needed something else. He wanted more.’ Alice and Ben are a couple like any other bound together by love, work, children, familiarity and a shared sense of purpose. But when Ben decides to pursue a dream of his own, he brings devastation on his family and, as far as they know, their lives will never be the same again. Alice and Ben are now on different paths: she needs to put their shared life behind her; he needs to remember it to survive. So, what happens if they get a second chance? Can they – should they – go back to the way they were?

Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

My thoughts: I am so in love with this cover!! The blurb is so intriguing too, this definitely makes it on to the TBR!

Which book releases are you excited about at the moment? Any of these make the cut on your wishlist?

Blogoversary Giveaway: Win a Stunning Book Sculpture by Ann Troup!

Ann makes the most GORGEOUS book sculptures, and has kindly donated one as a giveaway prize. She can make one of your favourite book cover, or of a scene from your favourite classic book. Check out these fabulous examples below:

 

These are of (in order) Fairytale Beginnings, Game of Scones, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and The Lost Child. Aren’t they incredible?!

Book Review & Blogoversary Giveaway: Fairytale Beginnings, by Holly Martin

Love is an open door…except when it keeps slamming in your face.

Hopeless romantic Milly Rose has had her fair share of heartbreak. Obsessed with all things Disney, she refuses to give up on finding her Prince Charming – he’s out there somewhere, isn’t he?

When Milly is given a job to investigate the origins of an historical building in the village of Clovers Rest, she’s not sure what to expect. What she discovers takes her breath away – a beautiful real life Cinderella castle, complete with turrets, a magnificent drawbridge AND a very handsome owner…Cameron Heartstone.

As Milly and Cameron begin to unearth the secrets of Clover Castle, they can’t ignore the intense chemistry building between them. But they’ve both been hurt badly before. Can they take a big leap of faith and find their own happily-ever-after?

July New Releases Giveaway Hop!

I am taking part in the July Giveaway Hop, hosted by Suze (Librarian Lavender) and Shannon (It Started At Midnight)!

The July New Release Giveaway Hop means there’s tonnes of fab July Releases to be won, you can check out the other bloggers taking part in the link below, for more chances to win!

Here on the Book Nook, I will be giving away paperbacks THREE July releases, because there’s just too many great books to choose from! So you can win The Little Flower Shop by the Sea, Some Kind of Wonderful AND The Heavenly Italian Icecream Shop – perfect reads for your summer! The giveaway is open internationally, so wherever you are in the world, feel free to enter! 🙂

 

*COMPETITION NOW CLOSED*

It’s my Blogoversary!

Today marks one year since I became a book blogger and I started on this amazing journey and lifestyle.

I’m away with crappy internet connection and no laptop, so I can’t post too much right now, but I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has been apart of this journey; the amazing authors and publishers who have given me books to review, the awesome book bloggers who have supported me and become good friends, and of course to all my wonderful readers.

This year has turned my life around and I love you all xxxxxxx

Blogoversary Giveaway: Just The Way You Are, by Lynsey James

Dear Ava,
How do you start writing a letter to someone, six years after breaking their heart?

Ava is unlucky in love as well as in life. The new office bitch has landed the dating column Ava wanted, and she can’t remember the last time she had a second date. It’s a good thing she has best friends Max and Gwen to pick up the pieces.

Deep down, Ava knows the reason why one date never turns into two – she’s in love with someone else. Someone she’s never even met.

It all started six years ago, with a letter from a secret admirer, Mr Writer…but then they suddenly stopped and Ava was heartbroken.

Now the letters have started again and Ava knows it could mean winning back the dating column at work. This time she’s determined to unmask Mr Writer…and find out once and for all if he’s Mr Right or Mr Very Definitely Wrong!

Blogoversary Giveaway: Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm, by Rebecca Raisin

Secrets…we all have them.

Clay’s inheritance of Maple Syrup Farm came at the perfect time. Leaving city life behind he headed for maple-tree surrounded Ashford, Connecticut. Getting the farm in working order again might be back breaking work – but it seems to be the only way for Clay to finally forget about the girl who once broke his heart…

Lucy’s had enough of rules and the stress of planning her life down to the very last detail. Looking for an adventure she stumbles upon Maple Syrup Farm and its gorgeously gruff owner. This could be the perfect place to hide out…!

But the tranquillity and warmth of Maple Tree Farm is enough to heal even the most battered of hearts. There are very few problems in life that can’t be cheered up by maple syrup!

The new standalone novel from bestselling author of the Gingerbread Cafe trilogy and The Bookshop on the Corner, Rebecca Raisin.

Release date: 17 July 2015 Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads

Blogoversary Giveaways: TWO E-Books By Jennifer Joyce

TWO CHANCES TO WIN A JENNIFER JOYCE E-BOOK!

Today you are being spoilt, because the fabulous Jennifer Joyce has kindly donated TWO e-books to my Blogoversary celebrations, which means you have two chances to win!

Monthly Wrap Up: June 2015

If you’ve read my last few wrap-up posts, you may know life’s been a little hectic the last few months. If I’m honest, they’ve been pretty tough, I haven’t been in the happiest of places, and that all culminated in June.

All the Single Ladies

I pondered whether or not to include this in here, but it’s obviously a large part of what happened to me last month. After 2 wonderful years together, my partner and I have separated. It was a heart-breaking decision, and not for lack of love for each other, but because we simply didn’t seem to be on the same path for the future.

And so, I find myself single once more, and living alone, when I had quite smugly thought that I’d had my whole life mapped out for me. There have been ups and downs, good days and bad days, I have been sad, angry, miserable, okay, indifferent, guilty, happy, raging, tired and everything in between, but luckily I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by an incredibly loving and supportive family, and have some amazing friends who are always there for me. I have spent most of the last couple of weeks staying with my Dad and Stepmum, who have been incredible, and I’ve had copious amounts of cuddles with my little brother, and much love (and licks) from our very over-enthusiastic and affectionate chocolate lab; after all, I think there are few pains which cannot be eased by dogs and babies.

And do you know what? For the first time in my life, when everything seems to be falling apart around me, I am actually feeling pretty damn strong. I have had a fairly dark past at times, where something like this may have destroyed me, but while my heart has been broken, I have somehow broken new ground for me. For a start, it’s the first time I have had the strength to admit that, actually, I’m not doing so great, and I need a little help, rather than pretending I’m fine. And I now know that that is totally okay. So I went and stayed with my Dad for a bit. Did it make me feel me feel helpless or weak? Actually, it reminded me of how lucky and loved I am, and allowed me to heal and find strength in a safe environment.

I think I’ve just reached a giant point of FUCK IT. I actually feel more empowered than ever to go after the things I want in life and make them happen. I’m finally working on my book again, after having neglected it for several months. I’m meeting the friends I’ve been saying I must catch up with for months, but have never got round to. Yes, this last week I have had too much wine and not enough food, but mainly because I’ve been out with people who make me feel good and I’ve had fun, rather than isolating myself alone at home and doing this, as I may have done in the past.

So here’s to new beginnings, and to making your own dreams come true!

Here’s a few quotes that have helped me feeling motivated (there has been a LOT of “inspirational quotes” searching on Pinterest when I’ve needed a pick-me-up! By all means, if you are also inclined in the way of super cheesy affirmations, do feel free to check out my Pinterest board).

  

June in Books

Nursing a broken heart did mean that I decided to submerge myself in reading again, and managed to get through more than I had in the last few months. Overall, a damn good selection as well, Killing Monica didn’t really do it for me, but I loved everything else I read this month, so that’s great.

         

Books Releases to Get Excited About in July

   

The Quality of Silence – Jul 2nd

Some Kind of Wonderful – July 2nd

Summer Flings and Dancing Dreams – July 3rd

Fairytale Beginnings – July 10th

Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm – July 17th

The Little Flower Shop by the Sea – July 30th

Books I Plan to Read in July 

Given my shit-ness at getting through the reading goals I’ve set my self lately, I’m just going to put the 3 from above which I’ve not yet read, and I also want to enjoy some of the lovely paperbacks I’ve bought myself recently for #paperbacksummer. We shall see!

BLOGOVERSARY!

July marks one year since I first started blogging, which is super exciting, so I’ve got lots of amazing giveaways to celebrate with you all!

What are you looking forward to this month?

Blogoversary Giveaway: Truly, Madly, Greekly by Mandy Baggot

Win a SIGNED paperback!

Sun, sea and a sexy stranger – a whole lot of fun just got a lot more complicated   Capable, confident and career-driven, Ellen had her dream job and a marriage proposal from boyfriend Ross. Life was good, her future set. Until it wasn’t and everything fell apart… 

Whisked off to the beautiful island of Corfu to plan her sister Lacey’s big, fat, Greek wedding, Ellen is hoping some time out will help clear her head and heal her heart. But letting go of her past is not going to be easy. 

With Lacey in full on Bridezilla mode, Ellen is soon distracted from her own problems. And when the all-inclusive treats on offer at hotel Blue Vue include one gorgeous, brooding Adonis – Yan – Ellen finds him difficult to resist. 

But Ellen isn’t looking for love or lust, or anything involving too much ouzo…or is she?