Archive for April 2013
The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard ........... promo!!
The Forgotten Ones
The Danaan Trilogy
Book One
is now available exclusively on Amazon!
Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.
About Laura Howard
Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.
The Accidental Husband by Jane Green
Maggie and Sylvie are two strangers, living a plane ride from each other. They have polar opposite lifestyles and there is no reason for them to meet never mind be connected to one another. However, both women are part of a secret that is so earth shattering that it threatens their way of life, their sanity and their families.
Both Sylvie and Maggie find themselves lucky in love. Both have husbands that provide them with security and comfortable lifestyles. Sylvie's husband is so attentive and she often finds it hard to believe that she has been blessed with such a wonderful man, despite the fact that he often works away from home for long periods. This is the price to pay for happiness. Maggie's husband has provided her with the lifestyle she always dreamt of, allowing her to escape a childhood and an up-bringing that she would rather forget. Her life is a lie but one that she is happy to continue with, until she discovers a new lie! Image is everything and she will do all she can to protect what she has achieved.
With their respective children due to fly the nest, Maggie and Sylvie's lives are changing and transitioning in ways that leave them both wondering what the future holds. However, a startling discovery by Sylvie's daughter Eve soon throws the two women together in the most unexpected of ways, and the pair fear for the future and for their children. Will they become allies or enemies?
I absolutely adored this book and its very difficult to write a review without risking too many spoilers. It had me hooked immediately. I loved the characters and how they evolved throughout the course of the book. The dilemma for the reader is, which of the two main female characters do you support? Or, in reality, is there really a choice to make? Both women have been the victim of unfortunate circumstances and both are equally deserving of sympathy. As their characters, personalities, strengths and weaknesses are exposed throughout the story, they become more or less the same person, dealing with similar issues and similar pain. It turns out they haven't been so different after all.
The story was gripping, tackling issues that are emotive and difficult and I will admit to shedding a few tears throughout the course of reading the book. Lets just say that I ended up having to go into another room to read the final chapter because not only did I want to savour it but I didn't want everyone to see me sobbing. The story takes a look at a situation that no wife or mother ever wants to find themselves in, with their lives very publicly on display for all to mock, criticise or dissect! A brilliant book and one I'd highly recommend!
*I received a copy of this book from Penguin UK for an honest, unbiased review.
COVER REVEAL!...........Goodbye Henrietta Street by Lin Treadgold
Brook Cottage Books is thrilled to be part of the Cover Reveal for
Goodbye, Henrietta Street by the lovely Lin Treadgold. Have a look at the
amazing cover.
Book Synopsis
Pippa Lambton’s life has fallen apart and husband Rob is ready to give
up their marriage. Three years before, their son Daniel passed away; he was the
glue that held them together. Now, Pippa’s left home for the beautiful Isles of
Scilly, for a chance to rediscover herself. She meets handsome Norwegian nature
warden, Sven Jorgensen, who teaches her about the island wildlife. Pippa finds
herself laughing again. She is aware of Rob’s dilemma over his childhood
adoption and their turbulent relationship, but after an awkward kiss with Sven,
she is torn about how to proceed. There is much to resolve, and leaving Rob
could prove a disaster. Is her affair with Sven a holiday fling? How can she
walk away from Rob after losing Daniel? Should she leave her home in Yorkshire
for Sven and his island paradise? Find out more in Goodbye, Henrietta Street.
About the Author
Lin
Treadgold was born in Yorkshire and attended private education. After
travelling the world and visiting over thirty countries, she took the
opportunity to become a writer and nature conservationist. She has always
wanted to write a novel; moving to Holland gave her the opportunity to fulfil
a dream. Lin is a member of the Romantic Novelists’Association and organises
workshop events for new writers.
Safkhet Publishing
Safkhet
Soul, our books for the soul, was launched on Valentine’s Day 2012. Bringing
fresh, funny and fabulous stories, Safkhet Soul will paint a smile on the face
of every reader. Safkhet Soul also showcases the stories that touch a place in
your heart.
Viktoriastrasse
25
D-26382
Wilhelmshaven
Germany
Email:
sales@safkhetpublishing.com
Reviewer in the Spotlight - Lindsay Hill at Bookboodle
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JB: Tell
me a little about your blog
Lindsay: Bookboodle
is a book review blog. I don’t review one particular genre; I’m open to most
types but my favourites are legal thrillers. I haven’t yet ventured into the
giveaways and interviews as being fairly new to this I feel like I’m finding my
feet but this will be on my plan for 2013.
JB: How
did you come up with the name for your blog?
Lindsay: It
actually came from a name generator website. Basically you put in your topic
area and off it goes, creating lists and lists of different names. But then, I
had to pick just one!
JB: What
sort of books do you like to read?
Lindsay: My
all time favourites are legal thrillers, primarily John Grisham. However, since
joining a book club in March 2011 I’ve been exposed to so many more genres that
I would never have thought I’d read. I am a bit of a sucker for a good romance novel
as well.
JB: Why
did you decide to blog?
Lindsay: It
was actually suggested to me by a friend as a way to make some pocket money
through adverts and affiliate websites etc and was something I’d never even
thought about. I had no idea that there were so many book blogs out there and
have learnt so much through this experience. I think you’d have to be mega
popular to make any money from this but I’ve always read a lot anyway so once I
got started, adding the reviews and connecting with other bloggers I was hooked
and now it’s all about the reading, the reviews, the online community and I
love it.
JB: How
long have you been blogging?
Lindsay: I’m
quite new to blogging really, only been at it since the end of October 2012 but
have really enjoyed the experience so far.
JB: Do
you have any other blogs?
Lindsay: No,
just Bookboodle. Honestly, I don’t think I’d have the time.
JB: Do
you have an all-time favourite book?
Lindsay: To
Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I first read this for an English project for
my GCSE’s at the age of 15. I don’t tend to read books more than once but I’ve
read this several times, seen the movie and a stage play.
JB: What
was your favourite book of 2012?
Lindsay: Oooh
that’s a tricky one! Can I only pick one? Between Memoirs of a Geisha, Me
Before You or Before I Go To Sleep were all highlights.
Lindsay: So
far there are 22, but I usually add 2 or 3 easily a month (sometimes a week
depending on finances!)
JB: Which
book on your TBR pile are you most looking forward to reading?
Lindsay: Probably
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell. This is way out of my comfort zone and quite a
hefty sized book. A few people have said to me that it’s really hard going. I
like a challenge!
JB: What
book surprised you the most? (in other words what book did you read that was
not your usual genre and you found yourself enjoying?)
Lindsay: That
would probably be A Gathering Storm by Rachel Hore. I was given it as a
Christmas present so felt obligated to read it but thoroughly enjoyed it.
JB: Do
you have a favourite author?
Lindsay: John
Grisham – pretty much read everything he’s written
JB:Give
3 book recommendations for the readers of Brook Cottage Books.
1)
The
Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
I read this over the Easter
weekend and was blown away by it. By far one of the best books I’ve ever read.
2)
A
Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This was very different to anything
I’ve ever read before and maybe will be for your readers. However, it’s an
amazing read and everyone should read it.
3)
Me
Before You by JoJo Moyes
Not your usual boy meets girl kind
of romance novel as it has a deeper ethical issue at its heart.
Thank you to Lindsay once again for visiting Brook Cottage Books! You can check out her blog at www.bookboodle.co.uk
You can also follow her on twitter
Things Are Going To Slide by Rangeley Wallace - Author Interview and Giveaway!
Brook Cottage Books is thrilled to be taking part in the virtual book tour for Things are Going to Slide by Rangeley Wallace. This excellent tour has been organised by Fiction Addiction Book Tours!
So, whats the book all about? Here's the blurb:
One reviewer described Things Are Going to Slide as "smart chick lit, mom-lit, and law-lit." Midwest Book Review called Things Are Going to Slide "a powerful novel of chaos and recovery that will attract any interested in strong stories of professional women." A romantic, smart page-turner, steeped in the tradition of southern literature, Things Are Going to Slide is "the kind of book that makes you keep reading long after you meant to turn out the light."
Rangeley: My
experience teaching in a law clinic was very important and very helpful in
writing this book. I discussed a few of the cases in the book with colleagues to
get their advice about different issues and I reached out to experts in Shaken
Baby Syndrome to understand that complex medical-legal issue better.
Thanks for taking the time to interview me! I enjoyed it.
She never
left D.C., much to her surprise, and, in between raising four children and
writing books, she has practiced public interest law and corporate law,
prosecuted anti-trust and criminal cases, and represented several white collar
criminal defendants facing politically motivated charges in federal court. Most
recently, she has taught a variety of courses at the Washington College of Law,
including legal writing, externship seminar, general practice clinic, and
disability rights clinic. For several years she also represented asylum and
immigration clients on behalf of CMHS, the Center for Multicultural Human
Services. Currently, she is teaching in the General Practice Clinic at
WCL.
Author Links:
Want to be in with a chance of winning a copy of the book! There's a giveaway! Yay! Just leave a comment and click on the rafflecopter link! Simple!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
So, whats the book all about? Here's the blurb:
Marilee Carson
Cooper, daughter of a good southern family, had expectations, but now they are
dashed. After her husband leaves her for a young man when she is pregnant with
their second child, she pins her hopes for financial and career salvation on
winning the coveted Chair of Clinical Law at Alabama Southern University.
The Chair goes to
Dwight Hurley, a hometown boy who once broke her heart. He is favored because
he claims to have written a forthcoming textbook, while Marilee’s job is now
endangered, despite her success at the clinic. Dwight’s mysterious reappearance
leaves Marilee burning for revenge.
At the same time, the
troubled clients of the legal clinic are presenting Marilee and her student
lawyers with grave issues. One of them—an unwed teen mother whom Marilee has
known for most of her life—is accused of child abuse and murder.
As her feelings for
Dwight become increasingly confused, Marilee realizes that her rival could be
her only hope in saving the teenager.
Things Are Going To
Slide grips the heart with
its twists and turns of romantic love in a legal clinic and illuminates the
dynamics of justice in a closely knit town.
"Rangeley
Wallace has beautifully rendered the texture of Southern life in this
gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the strength of family," wrote
Winston Groom, author of Forrest Gump. "Things Are Going to Slide
is a remarkable achievement."
One reviewer described Things Are Going to Slide as "smart chick lit, mom-lit, and law-lit." Midwest Book Review called Things Are Going to Slide "a powerful novel of chaos and recovery that will attract any interested in strong stories of professional women." A romantic, smart page-turner, steeped in the tradition of southern literature, Things Are Going to Slide is "the kind of book that makes you keep reading long after you meant to turn out the light."
The lovely Rangeley Wallace was kind enough to come to Brook Cottages and sit in the interrogation interview chair!
JB: The book is
centred around a law clinic. What made you yourself decide to follow a career
in law?
Rangeley: Growing
up I read a few books featuring lawyers I admired, in particular Atticus Finch
in To Kill A Mockingbird. Later, I met a handful of lawyers who worked for
social justice and they inspired me as well.
JB: Did you find
your own experience in the legal world a help in writing the book and did you
get any advice from colleagues?
JB: You are obviously a very busy woman, raising children, having a
career and writing. How do you find the time to fit in writing a book with all
your other commitments?
Rangeley: I do not do everything at once! I’ve taken breaks from my
career to be with my children and to write and I sometimes work part time as
well. I am very lucky to have that flexibility.
JB: Marilee finds
herself in quite a predicament, pregnant and abandoned and her career in
jeopardy and has to find inner strength. Where did the idea of the story of
Marilee come from and is she based on anyone you know?
Rangeley: I knew I
wanted to write about a young woman clinical professor who was facing a number
of difficulties and I also knew I wanted to write about someone strong, who
perseveres in the face of those difficulties. Marilee appeared. She wasn’t
based on anyone I know.
JB: Did you at any point of writing the book make any major changes to
the plot or did you remain fairly focused on keeping to the original plot?
Rangeley: Yes, many changes! Unfortunately, I took Marilee down a number
of different paths before I figured out the plot that worked best with her
character. At one point I had two story lines, one involving a dark past event
in her mother’s life intertwined with something close to the current story. It
didn’t really work though!
JB: If you hadn’t pursued a career in law what else do you think you
would have been doing?
Rangeley: I might have been a journalist or a psychologist; I am
fascinated by the things people do and equally fascinated by the reasons they
give for the things they do. I love to listen to people’s stories.
JB: Your books are obviously based on a subject matter you have
extensive knowledge of. Are there any other subjects you’d like to write about
or venture into a whole new genre?
Rangeley: I would like someday to write in different genres, perhaps
something more literary, perhaps a mystery. And, I would like to write a book
about the sixties.
JB: How long, from initial planning to final edits did it take you to
write the book? A few years.
Rangeley: It takes me a long time because of my legal work and my
children – and because creating a world that’s (hopefully) believable isn’t
easy.
JB: Do you have any
advice to any budding authors out there? Any words of wisdom?
Rangeley: Nothing
ground breaking: Just write and write and write and get tons of feedback, from
other writers, from editors and from friends and teachers.
JB: Do you write every
day and if so how much time do you devote to writing? When I’m working
part-time I write five days a week for a few hours each day.
Rangeley: When I’m
working full time I only write a few hours here and there.
JB: Do you have any plans in the pipeline for another book?
Rangeley: I’m almost finished revising and editing another book,
STUBBORN LOVE. In the book I address issues of work-life balance, motherhood,
love, and the impact of the past on the present.
Thanks for taking the time to interview me! I enjoyed it.
Here's a little more background on Rangeley Wallace................
Rangeley Wallace was born in
Birmingham, Alabama, and lived there (except for one year of boarding school in
Memphis) until she went to college at Emory University in Atlanta. After
graduation, she moved north to Washington, D.C., to attend Washington College
of Law, American University. The year following, she was a fellow at Georgetown
University’s Institute for Public Interest Representation, where she received
an LLM.
Rangeley has written two
novels. No Defense and Thing Are Going
To Slide.
Angel Girls by DS Ingram - Paperback release!!!
Angel Girls by DS Ingram, originally released as an e-book has now been released in paperback and I have to say I have my copy and it looks absolutely fantastic! Here's a bit about the story...............
Carrie Miller and her only daughter Sarah share a dark secret that no one must ever discover. A secret surrounding the demise of a brutal husband and father. They are determined not to reveal the truth. Not even to Jonny Mason the handsome young man who adores Sarah and would do anything for her. Even Suzy Pond, Sarah's best friend must not find out. Suzy is trying to cope with her wayward boyfriend Billy. He lies and steals from her and leaves her pregnant and alone.How will she cope? How will Jonny cope when his own beloved father is brutally attacked and left for dead? As one young man's life spirals out of control, the women around him gather their strength. Some friendships are shattered forever, some are strong enough to weather the most terrible of tragedies.
I think you will agree that this sounds like a fantastic read. I can't wait to get stuck into this book, which receives some fantastic reviews already! Lets find out a little about DS Ingram. Just who is the person behind this book? Lets see what the author herself says ...................
'I was born and grew up in the area of London known as "The Angel." this is the area where my books are set. I was a teenager when blue eye shadow and flared trousers were all the rage..the 1970's! I studied Social Science with the Open University and have a BA hons degree. I currently work as a playworker with primary school children. Prior to that I worked with special needs children for over twenty five years. I now live in East London with my husband and my youngest son. I have one other son, the father of my beautiful granddaughter. I also have two adorable dogs, who keep me sane. (ish) Angel Girls is my first paper back release. It is also available for kindle, as is my first novel, Poppy Days. I hope to release Poppy Days as a paperback later this year.'
Go grab your copy DS Ingram's book now and check out her other book Poppy Days!
The Abomination by Jonathan Holt
A woman’s body, wearing priest’s
robes is washed up in modern day Venice causing outrage given the Catholic Church’s
dim view regarding the ordination of women. Kat Tapo is assigned to work the
case, her very first homicide and with her superior Aldo they set out to
uncover a series of mysteries, all linked to the murder with clues spanning
across Italy, Croatia and America.
Holly Boland, an American
soldier, based in Italy receives a Freedom of Information request regarding a
Croatian general who may have held meetings at the army base prior to the
conflict in Croatia. Soon Holly finds herself embroiled in Kat and Aldo’s
investigation too.
Daniele Barbo, the genius
mind behind the virtual world Carnivia is being held to ransom by the
authorities who want access to the site. He is loath to allow this and faces a
prison sentence. However, it soon becomes clear that Carnivia is also involved
in the homicide case. The investigation uncovers information that threatens to
shake the Catholic churches very foundations and undermine the authority of the
United States government itself.
If you love Dan Brown with a
bit of cyber-crime then read this book. It’s easier to read than Dan Brown’s
books and it’s not just one for the boys, drawing the reader in, weaving a
complex and clever plot throughout with strong female characters. Jonathan Holt
has clearly done his research before writing this book, the first of a trilogy.
A fantastic read!
The Abomination is released on 1st May.
This review has appeared on Lovereading.co.uk and you can check it out and further reviews HERE
GIVEAWAY WEEKEND DAY 2!!!!
THIS GIVEAWAY HAS NOW ENDED! ALL THE BOOKS HAVE NOW BEEN CLAIMED! THANK YOU.
This is the second day of the Giveaway. Even if you claimed a book yesterday you are still entitled to claim ONE more book. If you did not claim any books yesterday you can now claim TWO today! Amazon links have been provided beside each book to allow you to find out what the book is about. Thanks so much to the wonderful and generous authors who have donated books. All books are ebooks unless otherwise stated. So, here are the rules / instructions on how to claim your free book. I'd like to see readers and authors claiming books! Thank you so much to all the wonderful contributors to this giveaway. The email address for the blog is brookbooks@hotmail.co.uk
E-BOOKS
Pick an e-book
Follow the author on Twitter and OR Facebook
Follow Brook Cottage Books blog AND Twitter @Brookcottagebks
Send me an email stating which book you would like, confirming you have done all of the above. It's first come first served so get in quick!
PAPERBACKS
Pick a book
Follow Brook Cottages Books Blog AND Twitter @Brookcottagebks
If the paperback is donated by the Author then follow on Twitter OR Facebook.
Send me an email stating which book you would like, confirming you have done what was requested from the above. Again, this is a first come first served basis.
Paperbacks will be posted to UK only if they are being donated by the author. If the paperback is coming from my own bookcase I will post worldwide.
Once a book has been picked then I will post the name of the winner beside it and your details will be sent to the relevant author or the paperback sent out. Its as simple as that! I will endeavour to get your books to you within 2 weeks if possible. If you'd like to be kept up to date with all the latest bookish goings on then you should pop over to the blogs facebook page and like it! www.facebook.com/brookcottagebooks
So, have a look at the selection of great books on offer. Click on the links to find out about that book and whether its something you might like. This is a great way to discover new authors and broaden your reading tastes. The email address is brookbooks@hotmail.co.uk Good luck.......Ready, Steady.............GO!
The lovely Sheryl Browne has donated a number of copies of her books for the giveaway today! Thanks Sheryl! Here are Sheryl's links:
THE PRINT COPY HAS BEEN CLAIMED! THE ECOPY CLAIMED!
THE PAPERBACK COPY HAS BEEN CLAIMED.
THE EBOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED!
THE EBOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED!
Warrant for Love by Sheryl Browne - 1 ecopy AND 1 Print Copy (Please state your preference)
CLAIMED
CLAIMED BY N BYWATER
Somebody to Love by Sheryl Browne - e-copy (2 copies)
ONE COPY HAS BEEN CLAIMED!
ONE COPY HAS BEEN CLAIMED!
Eileen Schuh has donated 2 of her books to the giveaway today. Thanks Eileen.
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED!!
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED!!
CLAIMED!
Kismetology by Jaimie Admans
CLAIMED!!
Carol E Wyer has donated 2 of her books. Thanks Carol.
Surfing in Stilettos by Carol E Wyer
Amazon Link Twitter Website Blog
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED BY KAT BURTON
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED BY JULIE MOORE
Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines by Carol E Wyer
Amazon Link Twitter Website Blog
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THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED BY MELANIE ROBERTSON-KING
Tall, Dark and Kilted by Lizzie Lamb
Amazon Link Twitter
Facebook Website Blog
Carol E Wyer has donated 2 of her books. Thanks Carol.
Amazon Link Twitter Website Blog
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED BY KAT BURTON
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED BY JULIE MOORE
Amazon Link Twitter Website Blog
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THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED BY MELANIE ROBERTSON-KING
Amazon Link Twitter
Facebook Website Blog
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Janice Horton has donated another copy of her book for Day 2! Thanks Janice!
How do You Voodoo? by Janice Horton
Amazon Link Twitter Facebook Blog
Amazon Author Page
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED!
(Graphic sexual content - Adult readers only please)
Amazon Link Facebook Website Twitter
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED
Chris Longmuir has donated 2 of her books for the Giveaway. Thanks Chris.
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED BY LINDSAY HEALY
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED!
THIS BOOK HAS BEEN CLAIMED.
Darlene Jones has donated 3 of her books. Thanks Darlene.
Stephanie Keyes has donated 2 of her books. Thanks Stephanie.
THIS BOOK HAS NOW BEEN CLAIMED BY SORCHA O'DOWD
The Lovely Caitriona Leslie has donated 2 paperback copies AND 2 ebooks. Please state your preference.
2 PAPERBACK COPIES HAVE BEEN CLAIMED!
2 ECOPIES HAVE NOW BEEN CLAIMED!
2 ECOPIES HAVE NOW BEEN CLAIMED!
Innocent in the Afterlife by Irene Soldatos
I COPY HAS BEEN CLAIMED
Never Alone by Linn B Halton ( 2 copies)
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