Book-Mad-Mum

  I've always been a massive fan of Jill Mansell, in fact I think I've read every one of her books so far. When I heard she had written another story, I Was very excited and knew I had to read it immediately! We join the story at a church on a beautiful day, the sun is shining and the   bride is radiant as her cars pulls up at the church, only for her to hear that age old cliché “drive around the block.” Initially we're unsure as to what is happening as we know the groom is at the altar waiting with anticipation to marry the love of his life. So it's a shock when we hear that it’s the vicar who is conducting the service who is the one that has fled! Lottie and Max are two of the guests in attendance at the wedding that never way, but they haven't seen each other for many years. Over the course of the story we learn all about their history together, but as well as that we hear the stories of other people connected to the wedding, either guests, or those who turne...

Firstly I'm going to start this review by saying how much I loved and adored this book. You therefore can’t begin to imagine my delight when I found out that it is the first in a new series! (Skips with delight!) It’s 1940, war is starting to ramp up and we meet Cordelia, she comes from a well-to-do family and has to tell her snobby mother that she has just got a job as the Head Librarian at Silver Town library in the East End of London in 1940. We are then introduced to Cordelia’s new colleagues Jane and Mavis and regulars of the library. Together they work well coming up with ideas on how the library can help the community and with that enters doctor Robert Fernsby who uses one of their rooms as a surgery for the people of Silver Town.   This book was wonderful and was so easy to read and I raced through it.  I absolutely loved it and I'm delighted that it is the first in a new series and I can't wait to hear what happens next to the Library Girls Of the East End....

  **This book came out in November, but I've only just got round to reading and reviewing it! If you got any book vouchers for Christmas, this is ideal!! The Last Train Home written by Elle Cook   Running for last tube train, Abbie just makes it as the doors slide shut, and this is where her destiny changes. After a flirty, tipsy conversation with Tom, who is also on the train, suddenly both their lives change forever after the tube derails. The start of the story is in 2005 and we follow Abbie and Tom for many years to see how their intertwined lives pan out. A real “will they, won’t they” story with a “Sliding Doors” vibe thrown in for good measure. A wonderful read which makes you think you know what’s going to happen and how their lives will pan out, and then a curve ball is thrown at you. Will make you laugh and cry in equal measures.

  Estate agent Blythe lives in Holly Cross, and is just one sale away from being Agent of the Month, so when Sam comes to town looking for the perfect house in the perfect location she him his dream house which he promptly buys. The thing is, Sam hates Christmas and what Blythe hasn’t told him is that in December, Holly Cross transforms into the most festive village in the whole of the country! This was a really fun, easy read and definitely one that should be enjoyed during the festive period, with the tree lights twinkling, a glass of mulled wine or a warming hot chocolate and so Carols playing in the background! This will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart!

  The festive season is fast approaching and with that the Fairway Players in Lower Lockwood are preparing for their pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk in order to raise money for the church roof. Sarah Jane (joint Chair) is trying her best to keep things together, but she’s heard that the beanstalk may contain asbestos and someone wants to ruin the panto before it’s even began (booooo – hisssssss!) During the performance, it all starts unravelling and a body is discovered but who is the victim and why are they there? Lawyers Femi and Charlotte try to get to grips with what has happened and why as they navigate their way through all the festive round robins, emails and police transcripts. I read the first book – The Appeal and absolutely loved it so when I hear that a Christmas book was also coming, I was delighted. It certainly didn’t disappoint and was great fun and the pages seemed to turn themselves. I love books which are written as emails or diary extracts as it gives a ...

  Christmas At The Chateau by Annabel French   Lawyer Naomi Winters is at a turning point in her life – her husband Ollie filed for divorce twelve months ago, she hates her job and now she’s due to spend the festive season on her own. When her best friend Mia suggests that Naomi spends Christmas at the Chateau in the Swiss Alps, she decides that now is the time for a change, and agrees. When she arrives in Switzerland, she’s surprised to bump into Mia’s big brother Gabriel who she hasn’t seen for years. I loved this book and raced through the story, it had gorgeous descriptions of the Swiss countryside during the festive season and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy!  

  Hannah and Finn formed their friendship when they met in their first year at Boston College. Both of them stayed at the college dorms during the Christmas break, as neither had a family to go home to. From that moment on The Christmas Orphans Club was formed and the tradition continued even when they moved cities and two other friends Priya and Theo became members! This is a lovely book about Christmas and told from a completely different perspective. This story is told Hannah and Finn who both find the festive season difficult, which was a breath of fresh air. A fantastic book which lovers and haters of Christmas will enjoy!