Discovery at Rosehill - Kathryn Brown

Title - Discovery at Rosehill

Author - Kathryn Brown

Genre - Romance

Date published -   March 17th 2011

Publisher -  lulu.com

Format - Paperback

Pages -260

Author's website - http://crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Are you one of those that at least reconsiders that there might be more out there... "something" different, "something" not everyone can see with their eyes?

The story is centered around Camilla, a 44 year old woman. She’s a medium and she has experienced her first spirit encounter when she was 16. It is the spirit of her grandmother that brings her to Rosehill, a place that hides many dark secrets…secrets she has to reveal!
“You will find more civilization in this house than you could ever wish to find anywhere else. Believe me, you’re meant to live here. You have so much to learn about your life and it all starts here in ROSEHILL.”
Camilla is one strong lady, however she’s having difficulties in finding new friends, because being a medium is usually considered by many as "not normal".

Marcus is the local vicar and someone who’s willing to get to know Camilla better. Soon their friendship develops into a romantic relationship. However, their true and deep feelings don’t change the fact they have different beliefs.
“He communicates with God, she communicates with the dead”.
Is it possible for such a relationship to work out?
I really enjoyed "Discovery at Rosehill". Mrs Brown managed to create an original and very interesting story with romance/mystery/paranormal elements. I also loved how things were developing, the gradually built up tension and the twist at the end which took me completely by surprise! I think Mrs Brown created lovely characters to which readers can relate, though they might not believe in spirits and ghosts. As for the main character, Camilla, I am fascinated by her. She’s strong and independent, and well aware of her powers which she treats like a gift, not a curse. She knows what her purpose in life is and is completely devoted to it - helping others, friends or strangers, even angry spirits who can’t cross over.

Though it’s a fiction book, it really felt too real! But then again, it’s not really easy to say when reality ends and fiction begins, right?  

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Strings Attached - Mandy Baggot

Title - Strings Attached

Author - Mandy Baggot

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  October 8th 2011

Publisher -  YouWriteOn

Format - Paperback

Pages -388

Author's website - http://www.mandybaggot.webs.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

I've said this lots of times, but I'm going to say it again. I just love chick lit books and stories about rockstars.
George Fraser has her own catering company Finger Foods, of which she's very proud of. Yes, George is a female, and that's short for Georgina.
She's a 34 year old woman, very mature and organized, but I guess life taught her to be that way. Everything in her life changes one day when she's offered to cater for Quinn Blake's after show party. Quinn is surely an outstanding specimen of masculine perfection! He's handsome, hot, super famous and of course, stalked by women constantly. Though George is really trying to stay professional, Quinn seems to have other plans. For how long will she be able to resist his charm? Is it possible that someone as hot and famous as Quinn could be after someone as George? She's gorgeous of course, but she's not a celebrity, so are there any chances for such a relationship to work out?
Well, things will get complicated and some parts of their personal history will be revealed. This is actually the part of the story that I couldn't predict. A twist you definitely won't see coming! Some say chick lit can be predictable to a certain extant. However, that's not the case with Strings Attached, believe me!
I've heard great things about this book, and I must admit I was expecting a fun and lighthearted read. But the story of Quinn and George is BEYOND everything I thought it would be! The passion, that intense chemistry between George and Quinn, is something that will grab you from the start. I really liked both main characters, but (of course, I am a woman;) I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Quinn. He is definitely a character you won't be able to forget.
The normal girl meets a super celebrity - sounds almost like a modern version of Cinderella. :)
As for Mrs Baggot's writing style, I'm really fascinated by it and I'm pretty amazed how she managed to keep things between her hero and heroine so intense and interesting. And most importantly, I really CAN'T wait to read more from her.

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Bull at the Gate - Tricia Jones

Title - Bull at the Gate

Author - Tricia Jones

Genre - Contemporary Romance

Date published -  October 13th 2011

Publisher -  The Wild Rose Press

Format - Paperback

Pages - 239

Author's website - http://www.tricia-jones.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Bull at the Gate is a warm contemporary read full of romance, passion and magic!
Alexander "Bull" McKinley is a corporate shark and ruthless when it comes to business. However, this young and attractive capitalist will have a hard time persuading the villagers of Bower Magna to give up their inheritance, The Fairy Gate. The Fairy Gate is the oldest part of the village and it's very significant for the locals. There is an interesting story behind it, according to which the Gate was built by Fairies and if destroyed, bad luck will befall the village and all its inhabitants. A myth? Superstition? Whatever it is, the locals are not giving up on it, and strongly protest the idea of destroying the Gate for the purpose of building some modern apartments.
Dee Ashman, a local girl is the toughest of them all. To her and her grandmother the Gate is a symbol, their identity and Dee is determined to stop Alex in his intentions.
And everything would be fine if she didn't start falling for this "calculating, ruthless, intolerant, judgmental" businessman. You know that Paula Abdul's song, "Opposites Attract"? Yes, the song is old but Paula couldn't be more right about this, at least when it comes to Dee and Alex. Will Dee and Alex change the history of the village or create their own history?

I really enjoyed this book! It's one of those books that will warm your heart and make you believe in magic! Dee and Alex are both strong, tough characters and it was such a fun reading their dialogues, and I really enjoyed all the passion (and tension) between them. Mrs Jones managed to create equally strong hero and heroine, something I rarely see in books. Despite the fact that at times Alex seemed ruthless, I really liked him. I especially loved the relationship between him and Charlotte, his 7 year old daughter. I also loved the story about the Gate and it's mysterious powers. Overall, I definitely recommend this book to all romance lovers, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Mrs Jones. 

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Mind Over Matter (ASI #1) - S.J. Clarke

Title - Mind Over Matter (ASI #1)

Author - S.J. Clarke

Genre - Thriller, Paranormal

Date published -  November 4th 2011

Publisher -  MuseItUp Publishing

Format - Paperback

Pages -180

Author's website - http://sjclarke.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

I really had no expectations from this book since this is Mrs S.J. Clarke's debut novel. All I really knew was that the book contains paranormal elements. But, now after reading it, I have to say I'm impressed!
The book is actually mystery/thriller with a bit of paranormal and it's a very enjoyable fast paced read. The story follows Rebecca, who's daughter disappeared three years ago,but she is starting to have strong visions that will lead her to many discoveries. Dan Cooper, former FBI agent who worked on the case previously but gave up the search, is deciding to help her out again. This time, they are on to something!

A body of another girl is found..
Another one is missing...
Rebecca's daughter is older in her visions, could it mean she is actually alive?

I have to say I'm a character driven reader, I want to "feel" the characters and relate to them. Well, the author sure succeeded in creating an original story with well developed characters. Being a mother myself, I could totally understand Rebecca's pain and her struggle to find Sabrina, and I sympathized with her greatly.
This sure is one of those books that will get you hooked from the first page, suck you in the story completely and leave you sad when you're done reading... because you would want to read more!
There is an adult content, I have to warn you on this (especially the younger population), and I found myself blushing few times, but even the romance parts were well written and implemented in the story just perfectly.
Finally I would like to thank the author and the R2R Program from PNR&UFF group on Goodreads for generously offering me a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next installment. Since I got this one as an e-book I will most definitely buy the paperback as well because I know I would LOVE to reread it again and have it in my collection of books.

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Sleeping with Paris - Juliette Sobanet

  Title - Sleeping with Paris

Author - Juliette Sobanet

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  October 7th 2011

Publisher - 

Format - Kindle Edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://www.juliettesobanet.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

Ok, before writing down my review of this AMAZINGLY FUN book I want to have your attention and just briefly tell you what this book focuses on.

1. Paris a.k.a city of Light and Love

2. Chocolate 

3. Hot Parisian guy (but this is the most important part, right?;)

So, if you mix all these three you get a sweet romance story, placed in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris! Of course I have your attention now, but trust me..the story just gets better and better.

All her life, Charlotte Summers has been dreaming about two things - moving to Paris and having a faithful, loving, romantic partner. Finally, looks like her dream is about to come true, she is engaged to be married to Jeff Dillon, hot and successful lawyer and they are about to move to their own apartment to Paris! What else could a girl want?

Could life become THAT perfect?

Just two days before leaving, she finds out her loving Jeff has been cheating her for months, and even planned on continuing this "double" life once they settle in Paris!

So, charming Jeff turn out to be lowlife Jeff! Oh well, he sure isn't the only bastard she dated over the years. Actually, every guy she dated was cheating on her! Wow, now this is what I call epidemic! 

'So, with a plane ticket, an acceptance letter, $15,000 and a broken heart, she is on her way to Paris.'

Sweet and reasonable Charlotte becomes single, wild, adventurous Charlotte writing down her RULES on her blog, sharing her dreadful experience, reaching out to all the women in the world that have been hurt by men.

And so the rules are set - How to date like a man in the city of Love!

While trying to heal and pick up the pieces of her broken heart, Charlotte is going to find out what true love is and is about to have her "walls" down.

What a fun book! I absolutely love everything about it, from the colorful cover to the characters and charming French phrases! Charlotte is really sweet, and though after the Jeff situation she may seem to you like a man-hater (I say this to warn the male population that is going to read the book) she will grow on you from the first minute. Some say chick lit is predictable to some extent, but on few occasions I really couldn't see some things coming. Charlotte's friends are also very likeable characters, different but well developed and you can certainly feel the girly-bonding between them. As for the romance part, oh I am trying not to reveal much about the hot, sexy, charming Luc..the man every woman dreams about. Sweet Luc is going to melt your heart ladies! Ah, if only there were more man like him out there!

Seat yourself comfortably, grab some chocolate and enjoy this lovely modern romance story. Finally, I would like to thank Juliette for giving me a copy of this wonderful book! I am really looking forward to reading the sequel 'Kissed in Paris' and I hope the author won't let us wait on it for too long. Je t'aime Juliette et merci beaucoup pour le livre :)

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Tales From My Hard Drive - Megan Karasch

 Title - Tales From My Hard Drive

Author - Megan Karasch

Genre - Chick lit

Date published -  December 18th 2010

Publisher - Createspace

Format - Paperback

Pages - 170

Author's website - http://www.talesfrommyharddrive.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

Melissa is a 40 and something year old and just caught her husband cheating on her. The man whom she was married to for more than a decade and whom she thought was the love of her life. Angry, hurt, disappointed, she decides she needs a new life far from LA and Brett-the son-of-a-bitch who broke her heart. So bye bye LA - hello New York!!!

She moves in with her friend and finds a job at trendsetter. com as a journalist. It's not a job she is crazy about, but she needs every buck to get on her feet.

But when you least expect it, chances appear. Only this time, the stake is high. Being single at 40, even in NY, is not easy. So she decides to try online dating..and that's when the craziness starts. Dating all kinds of people, mostly weirdos, she starts writing down her "dating adventures" (more like her dating catastrophes) and publishing them in the New York Beacon. Each time hoping she would find Mr Right for her, could it be that Mr Right was already in her life? Torn between her hard drive and the real life, Melissa is going to tell you a story you will never forget.

Ok, this looks like me while reading the book

I can't remember laughing so much while reading a book! Melissa's adventures are surely something I will never forget. She is funny, young spirited, totally lovable character. And of course... the romance! I try not to say much, because I really don't want to spoil it for you, but I will only say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!

'Tales From My Hard Drive' is surely the funniest, wittiest romance story I have read in my life! Don't believe me? Well see it for yourself, but let me warn you,don't read it at night...you will laugh so hard you will wake up the whole neighborhood!

I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this LOVELY book. She is amazingly talented and the humor is so fresh. I really love her writing style and yes...can't praise the book enough!

So what are you waiting for? Get your copy of this fab book now!

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A Cornish Christmas - Nell Dixon

 Title - A Cornish Christmas

Author - Nell Dixon

Genre - Contemporary Romance

Date published  -   November 25th 2011

Publisher -  Astraea Press

Format - Kinde edition

Pages - 

Author's website - http://www.nelldixon.com/home.aspx

Rating - 3 out of 5

This is a short, yet sweet romance story about Meg and Adam. Meg is managing a clothingstore, while Adam is a part of a lifeboat crew and specializing to become a doctor. There are sparkles between them, yet Meg just doesn't allow Adam too near. Her father, a fisherman, drowned when she was a teenager, and she would really be crushed if she sees another man close to her heart lose the battle with the waves.

But Adam doesn't give up. His affection is just too pure and sincere to back up. Will he manage to win Meg's heart?

This is indeed a sweet Christmas story. I've been wanting to read something from Nell Dixon for quite some time now, and I am really grateful to the author for sending me a review copy of this sweet read. 

I could understand Meg and her fear to get into a relationship with Adam. And Adam..Oh he is really adorable, protective and warm person.

I really enjoyed this book. I am a big sucker for romance stories, especially Christmassy reads. Oh well, I am already feeling the Christmas Fever:)

It is a short and enjoyable read, the only problem I had with it was at times it appeared slow paced. However, I am really looking forward to reading another book from Nell, especially Renovation, Renovation, Renovation. Heard great comments about it.

So, my dear blog readers, if you are looking for a short yet sweet romance story, check it out. Get all cozy in your chair (or wherever it is you prefer to read), grab a blanket and a cup of hot choc and enjoy the Christmas magic.

Oh, and since today is the official release day, Congrats Nell! For all you romance lovers, grab your copy HERE

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Watch Over Me - Daniela Sacerdoti

Title -Watch Over Me

Author - Daniela Sacerdoti

Genre - Paranormal, Romance

Date published  -   November 15th 2011

Publisher -  Black & White Publishing

Format -Paperback

Pages - 256

Author's website - http://www.danielasacerdoti.com/

Rating - 5 out of 5

"If you have something precious and fragile and you keep it locked away like a little plant trying to grow into the darkness, well, it'll die and your secret will turn into regret. Love needs to be in the light of day. A secret love will eat itself and die, or eat your heart and kill you."

This is a story of a 35 year old woman, Eilidh, who's life is torn to pieces. After many attempts to have a baby, she and her husband Tom finally succeeded. She waited for so long to feel that joy, to feel those little kicks of the new life that is growing inside of her. Yet, she was not destined to have that baby. Shortly after the miscarriage, she finds out that her husband Tom is cheating on her, and that's when she decides..she needs a new life! A new life away of the painful memories, away from the failures.
She is off to Glen Avich, this little place in Scotland she used to live when her mom and dad had marriage problems. There, she is reconnected with Jamie, once a friend..but could it be she is starting to grow feelings for him?
Both Jamie and Eilidh have been very unfortunate in their love life, and they have both lost faith in love. But Destiny has plans for them, plans they are both not even aware of.
Even when it seems everything is lost, help can come from the most extraordinary places!

Oh, I don't think I will ever be able to express with words how much I enjoyed this book! Maybe if you were able to see the river of tears I cried while reading it, you could understand me. Eilidh is such a loveable character, so unfortunate, yet so strong.
I could be Eilidh..
Every woman could be Eilidh!
It was really easy to relate to her, and to feel the pain she is going through. But oh no..you won't be sorry for her, you will admire her! She is a fighter, someone you would love to be your best friend or a relative. I look up to her, for her strength to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and head towards a new life.
For even when the womb is empty and the heart is broken, hope is the last to leave. Make sure you never let it go, because When you let go off hope, you have nothing!

"Watch over me" is a debut novel by fantastic Daniela Sacerdoti. Funny, but while reading it, I didn't have the impression this is the FIRST book Daniela has written. I absolutely enjoyed every single page of it! By all means Daniela is a talented storyteller and someone that will surely conquer your hearts!
Finally I would like to thank Daniela and her publisher for sending me a copy of this book. It surely is a diamond I am going to keep forever!

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Watch the trailer of this AMAZING book. I love it!

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Sophie's Turn - Nicky Wells

Title - Sophie's Turn

Author - Nicky Wells

Genre - Chick Lit, Romance

Date published  - July 9th 2011

Publisher -  Nicky Wells

Format - Kindle Edition

Pages -

Author's website - http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/

Rating - 4 out of 5

Before starting my review on this amazing book, I have two things to confess: First I am a sucker for chick-lit books and second, I just love music and rockstars! So what happens when I see these two combined! THE INEVITABLE - I LOVE THE BOOK!

Sophie Penhalligan is a journalist working for the Read London. She has a steady relationship for two years with Tim, and is waiting for him to propose. Tim is everything a girl would possible want and life with him would be safe, secure, cozy. Wait a minute..is that what she really wants?

Oh, there were times when she felt live and wild, times when she ended up following "Tusk" on their Tour. And Dan..the-yummy-wan't-to-die-for Dan! She still remembers him, even after ten years!

But what happens when she sees him again? Is her comfortable relationship with Tim in danger? Could it be she still has feelings for Dan "The wild thing"?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Through flash backs and virtuous past-present switching, Nicky Wells is going to entertain you and make you love her characters! Though this is her debut, I have to say Nicky did a great job in creating a funny, witty, warm modern romance story, full of twists and turns.

I confess, I didn't like Sophie at the beginning but by the end of the book I felt I could understand her and her confusion, and actually imagine myself in her shoes. I loved her best friend Rachel and the relationship she has with her. As for my favorite character, it would definitely be DAN! Yummy, wild but warm..I really want to read about this rockstar more. And speaking of more, I overheard Nicky is working on the sequel, so keep your fingers crossed guys! Let's hope we will see more of Dan, I promise you, you will love him!

This surely is a very amusing and interesting book, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

Oh wild thing, you make my heart sing!

I am proud to be an Associate Reader of Mrs Wells at loveahappyending.com and I am truly grateful for the copy of this book I received. To find out more about Mrs Wells, visit her PAGE

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