Here are my six ‘hot picks’ from the July releases:

The Raising by Laura Kasischke
Released 1st July
Published by Corvus
Website: http://www.corvus-books.co.uk/

This book sounds so intriguing – I can’t wait to read it!

A sudden death.
In Godwin Honors Hall, the walls are draped in black. The college is in mourning for Nicole Werner, a blonde and beautiful prom queen who died in a car crash last semester. She was a straight-A student, and a prized member of the Virgin Sisters, the most powerful sorority on campus.

A feverish obsession.
Nicole’s boyfriend Craig was at the wheel that night. He has no memory of the crash, but he is plagued by guilt. For as winter sets in and the nights darken, Nicole’s death dominates college life. Candlelit vigils and fetishistic rituals become nightly events –and then the hauntings begin.

A flicker of suspicion.
Craig’s roommate, Perry, doesn’t believe in ghosts. A no-nonsense type who always thought Nicole was as manipulative as she was charming, he refuses to be swept up by the hysteria. But when he and his fellow sceptics join forces, he too sees Nicole’s spirit in the crumbling college halls.

Something very strange is going on…

David by Mary Hoffman
Released 4th July
Published by Bloomsbury
Website: http://www.maryhoffman.co.uk/

I haven’t read anything by Mary Hoffman before but I intend to change that with David!

Michelangelo’s statue of David is renowned all over the world. Thousands flock to Florence to admire the artistry behind this Renaissance masterpiece, and to admire the beauty of the human form captured in the marble. But the identity of the model for this statue that has been so revered for over five hundred years has been lost . . .

In this epic story Mary Hoffman uses her persuasive narrative skills to imagine the story of Gabriele, an eighteen-year-old who, by becoming Michelangelo’s model, finds himself drawn into a world of spies, politicking, sabotage and murder. Set against the backdrop of Florence, this is a rich, colourful and thrilling tale.

All For You by Sheila O’Flanagan
Released 7th July
Published by Headline
Website: http://www.sheilaoflanagan.net/

I really enjoyed Sheila’s last book, Stand By Me and this one sounds like another great read.

As TV’s favourite weather forecaster, Lainey is good at making predictions. But what she doesn’t foresee is that her own life is about to hit a stormy patch. With a string of failed relationships behind her, surely history isn’t about to repeat itself with her beloved Ken? To add fuel to the fire, her estranged mother announces that she’s returning to Dublin. Deanna has always been dismissive of Lainey’s choices – particularly in men. And Deanna’s lectures are the last thing Lainey needs now.

Yet is there more to her mother than she knows? Uncovering some long-concealed family secrets, Lainey begins to reassess her life. Is the happy-ever-after she’s always dreamed of really what she wants after all?

California Dreamers by Belinda Jones
Released 21st July
Published by Hodder
Website: http://www.belindajones.com/

I’ve always wanted to go to California and I loved Belinda’s last book Living La Vida Loca. This sounds like an ideal summer read.

Ever wished you could make-over your life?

Make-up artist Stella is an expert at helping other people change their images, but when it comes to transforming herself, she doesn’t even know where to start.

So when her new friend, glamorous Hollywood actress Marina Ray, summons her a movie set in California, Stella can’t resist the chance to start afresh – it is the land of sunshine and opportunity after all!

But are they really friends or does Marina have an ulterior motive? What is the secret that both women are hiding about the nautical (but nice) men in their lives? And what will it take to really make both of their California dreams come true?

Baby Be Mine by Paige Toon
Released 21st July
Published by Simon and Schuster
Website: http://authors.simonandschuster.co.uk/Paige-Toon/62701361

I don’t really need to say much more about this do I? I’ve been looking forward to the release of this book for so long!

‘He’s not mine, is he?’
That’s the question I fear the most.
You see, I have a secret. My son is not fathered by my boyfriend, but by one of the most famous rock stars that ever lived. And he doesn’t even know it.
One-time celebrity personal assistant to wild boy of rock Johnny Jefferson, Meg Stiles is now settled and living in the south of France with her doting boyfriend Christian and their son Barney. But they’re living a lie – a lie that will turn their lives upside down and inside out – because as Barney reaches his first birthday, Meg can no longer deny that her son is growing to look more and more like his rock star father every day, and less and less like Christian, and sooner or later, the world is going to realise . . .

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer
Released 26th July
Published by Atom
Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/

Another eagerly awaited sequel (to Nightshade) – I can’t wait to find out what happens next to Calla, Ren and Shay!

‘You’re an alpha, a leader. That’s what we need. It’s what we’ve always needed.’ When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she’s certain her days are numbered. Then the Searchers make her an offer, one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save her pack – and the boy – she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? Will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials love can endure.

I loved Nightshade by Andrea Cremer and am eagerly anticipating the release of Wolfsbane in July. UK publishers Atom announced a complete cover change for the books this week. I was a huge fan of the original Nightshade cover and thought the proposed green cover for Wolfsbane was gorgeous too but I also think the new covers are really striking and I can’t wait to see them in the shops.

There are also new US covers for the series which are very different to those for the UK. I have to admit I prefer the UK ones but I thought I’d do a little cover compare to see what you think. Which do you prefer?

Original covers:

New UK Covers

New US Covers

Cover Love!

Amanda Addison revealed the cover for her new novel Laura’s Handmade Life earlier today and it’s fab! I love the lemon background and the blues – this will really stand out on the shelves. The book will be out in June and it sounds like a good read too

Laura Lovegrove is leaving behind her seamless life in London. Architect husband Adi has been relocated to rural Norfolk, a far cry from ultra-urban Ealing.

Though Laura knew village life would be different, she didn’t foresee a pokey cottage, nosey neighbours, errant poodles, and even an ex turning up. Chris had been her big love at art college and seeing him again is utterly confusing. Is she really so different from the impulsive student who once trawled charity shops for vintage treasures?

When a fire all but destroys Laura’s collection of vintage clothes, she’s heartbroken. And seriously lacking in outfits. But, salvaging what she can, Laura makes do and mends – sewing purses, bags, even dog leads (which should solve the poodle problem). Soon, she’s inundated with orders. But Adi is becoming more and more distant; it’s like there’s something he’s not telling her. Can Laura make a stitch in time and pull her family back together again?

Cremer and Levithan to team up for 2013 release…

Andrea Cremer, author of brilliant paranormal romance, Nightshade announced today that she will be teaming up with David Levithan (co-author of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Play list and Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares) to release The Invisbility Curse in 2013. You can find out more on Andrea’s blog and I can’t wait to see what the pair will come up with!

The Little Book of Sweets and Cakes!

Jenny Colgan and Little, Brown Book Group have released a free sampler for iBooks, available to downoad to iPhone, iPad or iPodtouch users. The book includes the first chapter of Jenny’s latest book Meet me at the Cupcake Cafe which was released last week and an extract from Jenny’s next book Welcome to Rosie Hopkin’s Sweetshop of Dreams to be published in April 2012 – what a great title! There are also recipies and an introduction from Jenny making this a fab freebie!

I read 74 books this year but as I didn’t start this blog until June, I only reviewed 45 of them on here. I’ve decided to pick my favourites from books released this year and have linked reviews where I posted them. I couldn’t pick an absolute favourite as I loved all of these books for different reasons so, in release date order, my books of the year are:

The Blue Bloods Series (published throughout 2010 by Atom)

Actually a bit of a cheat as I read all five of the books in the series when they were released this year plus the companion book Keys to the Repository. This is my absolute favourite vampire series at the moment and I can’t wait for the next installment Bloody Valentine: A Blue Bloods Novella which is released in January 2011.

The Finishing Touches by Hester Browne (published in May 2010 by Hodder)

 I loved this story of a very modern finishing school. Hester Browne was a new author for me this year and I’m hoping to read her previous novels in 2011 and am already looking forward to her new book Swept off her Feet which is released in March 2011.

Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon (published in July 2010 by Simon and Schuster)

I’m a huge fan of Paige Toon’s books and have read them all. Pictures of Lily was the perfect summer love story and I’m already counting the days to the release of her next book Baby be Mine a much awaited sequel to Johnny be Good.

I Heart Paris by Lindsey Kelk (published by Harper in July 2010)

Angela’s adventures in the ‘I Heart…’ series never fail to make me smile and her jaunt through Paris was another brilliant summer read.  I Heart Paris is also on the Romantic Novelists’ Association longlist for the Pure Passion Romantic Novel of the Year Award so good luck Lindsey when the shortlist is announced in February!

The Ivy by Lauren Kunze and Rina Onur (published by Greenwillow books in August 2010)

A brilliant debut and start to a new college based series following Callie Andrews as she starts her first year at Harvard University. The next book in the series, Secrets is out in May 2011.

Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (published by Transworld in September 2010)
In July I set myself a Shopaholic Challenge after confessing that I hadn’t read any of Sophie Kinsella’s books. The challenge was to read and review all of the Shopaholic series before the publication of Mini Shopaholic in September. I had an amazing response to the challenge and really enjoyed it. Mini Shopaholic is a fab addition to the series and I hope we see more of Becky and the gang soon.

 Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly (published by Bloomsbury in October 2010)

The sories of Andi (modern day New Yorker) and Alex (occupant of Paris during the French Revolution)  collide in this brilliant historical fiction novel. It’s an absolutely gripping read.

Welcome to my World by Miranda Dickinson (published by Avon in November 2010)

One of my favourite reads this winter, Miranda Dickinson’s second novel sees protagonist Harri locked in the loo for the majority of the book as she ponders the events that have brought her to her hiding place. A lovely warm, romantic winter read.

From Notting Hill with Love … Actually by Ali McNamara (published by Sphere in November 2010) 

My favourite ending in a book this year, this book tells the story of film obsessed Scarlett as she tries to live her life like the movies whilst house sitting in Notting Hill.  A wonderful debut from Ali McNamara and I’m looking forward to reading more from her in 2011.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer (published by Atom in December 2010)

A late addition to my favourite books of the year, Nightshade was released earlier this week and is set to be a huge hit in 2011. Also my favourite cover of the year and I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Wolfsbane.

So, that’s my list of favourite reads this year. What do you think? What was your favourite book of 2010?

She can control her pack, but not her heart …

‘I wanted him to kiss me – wished he could smell the desire that I knew was pouring off me. You can’t, Calla. This boy isn’t the one for you.’

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: graduation, marriage and then a life leading her pack. But when she defies her masters’ laws to save a human boy, she must choose. Is one boy worth losing everything?

Nightshade is the first book in the Witches War Series and Andrea Cremer’s debut novel. Seventeen year old Calla Tor is the leader of the Nightshade pack. Calla and her pack have the ability to shift into wolf form at will and are designated ‘Guardians’, charged with protecting the secrets and sacred sites of their masters ‘The Keepers’ from their enemies ‘The Seekers’. Calla, as female Alpha, is the leader of her pack and is destined to unite with her opposite number Renier (Ren) Bane, Alpha of the Bane pack bringing their packs together in a powerful alliance.

The book starts explosively as Calla breaks the rules to save a lone hiker who is being attacked by a bear in the woods. Calla thinks she has got away with her crime until the hiker she saved shows up as the new boy at school, the mysterious Shay Doran. Shay makes it clear that he remembers Calla but also marks himself out as different by not having the natural human reaction to the ‘Guardian’ packs (to run in the other direction). The plot becomes all the more intriguing when Calla, Ren and their packs are asked to protect and look after Shay by the Keepers.

Woven into the story, the love triangle between Calla, Ren and Shay provides a brilliant background against which the mysteries surrounding the relationships between the wolves and their masters play out. Calla knows that it is her duty to unite with Ren and lead the new pack and she finds herself strongly drawn to the enigmatic Alpha male that she has been destined for since birth. At the same time though, she cannot forget Shay and as she spends more time with him she finds herself more and more drawn to him raising the question; will she follow her destiny and ‘unite’ with Ren or will she forsake all that she knows to be with Shay? 

I loved that Calla is a strong female character; she isn’t afraid to speak out and stand up to Ren or anyone else for that matter. She has been raised as a warrior and that gives a real edge to her character. The dynamic between her and Ren, who has a reputation as a ladies man, is also very interesting and I enjoyed seeing how their relationship developed through the book. Their respective pack-mates are also well developed and interesting characters; I particularly liked Calla’s younger brother Ansel and her second Bryn and am looking forward to finding out what happens to them next.

Shay and Calla make a series of discoveries that throw everything Calla has been raised to believe into question.  As the book progresses there are so many more questions than answers that I was reading as quickly as I could to find out what would happen next. I was expecting to like this book but I was surprised to find that it gripped me in the same way that Twilight did (dare I even say, more so?!). This is a book that will appeal to young adult and adult paranormal romance fans alike and I would highly recommend it to anyone. The mythology is complex and well thought out with a huge cast of fantastic characters and creatures who move seamlessly through our world; the romantic element is gripping and the plot fast paced. Nightshade is full of mystery and kept me guessing until the end. In fact, having read Nightshade, I’m still guessing as to who is the true enemy and I can’t wait for the next installment, Wolfsbane which will be out in July 2011!

For those who can’t wait that long, there is a prequel novella Shadow Days available to download free from Amazon (in the product details section of the Nightshade page).

Nightshade is out today and I’d like to thank the publisher, Atom for sending me a copy to review. You can find out more about the Nightshade Series, Andrea Cremer and Atom books at: http://nightshadeseries.co.uk/

It’s been a quiet book month for me and this is the first week I’ve had books to post about.  I got some very exciting mail this week – it felt like Christmas came early!

For review

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Released 28th December
Publisher: Atom

I’ve been raving about the cover of this book for a while now and it’s on my December wish list so it was a lovely surprise to receive a copy from Atom this week. It is such a beautiful book and even more lovely in real life! I totally wasn’t expecting to get this so I’d like to say a huge thank you to Atom for sending me a copy to review

She can control her pack, but not her heart …’I wanted him to kiss me wished he could smell the desire that I knew was pouring off me. You can’t, Calla. This boy isn’t the one for you.’ Calla Tor has always known her destiny: graduation, marriage and then a life leading her pack. But when she defies her masters’ laws to save a human boy, she must choose. Is one boy worth losing everything?

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Released 8th February 2011
Publisher: Headline

This book caught my eye when I saw it in another blogger’s IMM a while ago and I’ve been lusting after it ever since! I was so excited when Caitlin at Headline offered me a proof. I worked as a trainee librarian at the Bodleian Library and lived in Oxford for a year so I’m really looking forward to reading this! Many thanks to Caitlin and Headline for the review copy.

When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it’s an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she’s kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana’s discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels…

Won

The Best Friends Guide to Life by Fearne Cotton and Holly Willoughby

I won this one over at Dot Scribbles (thank you Dot!)

It’s a fab book with lots of interesting lists and snippets to dip in and out of.

From the back cover:

What makes a great friend? Has Facebook ruined dating? What’s the secret to effortless style?

“Hello! This is a book written by proper best friends – us! – who have been hanging out together for over ten years. We thought that if we shared some of our own experiences and views on friendship, relationships, leaving home, studying or starting a new job, then it might help you on your own journey.

Inside you’ll find loads of stories – some funny, some sad, and some that make us cringe with embarrassment – as well as tips and advice on things like dating and looking good. We’ve included our best photos from over the years (even the dodgy ones!) and drawings that Fearne has done especially.

Let’s face it, life isn’t easy at times so we hope that this book will make you laugh, entertain you, but most of all that it might be a bit like talking to your very best friend.”

Bought

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

I decided to buy this one after reading Danielle’s review over at Chick Lit Reviews. It sounds like a lovely Christmas love story and is set in my favourite city of New York! I also love the cover.

“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Have a great Christmas everyone!! xx

I only have two books on my December wishlist but I have a whole heap that I want to preview for January so I’ve decided to do December and the first week of January in this post and do a wishlist post for the rest of January next month.

December

The Hating Game (ebook) by Talli Roland
Released 1st December
Published by Prospera Publishing
Website: http://talliroland.blogspot.com/p/hating-game.html

The ebook version of The Hating Game is out on the 1st December (paperback to follow in 2011). I’ve been lucky enough to receive an ARC of this already so look out for a review soon!

When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she’s confident she’ll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she’s perfected from years of her love ‘em and leave ‘em dating strategy.

After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £200,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it’s revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes.

Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Released 28th December
Published by Atom
Website: http://www.andreacremer.com/index.html

I love the cover for this one and although I won an ARC recently, I’ll definitely be buying the final version for my collection.

She can control her pack, but not her heart …’I wanted him to kiss me?wished he could smell the desire that I knew was pouring off me. You can’t, Calla. This boy isn’t the one for you.’ Calla Tor has always known her destiny: graduation, marriage and then a life leading her pack. But when she defies her masters’ laws to save a human boy, she must choose. Is one boy worth losing everything?

January

Awakened (Book 8 in the House of Night Series) by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Released 4th January 2011
Published by Atom
Website: http://www.houseofnightseries.co.uk/

Zoey and the gang are back fighting evil (well, duh, that’s what being a High Priestess is all about) but with a variety of romantic intrigues to distract them it’s a wonder they can get anything done! Zoey’s got some serious work to do at the House of Night if only she could concentrate …

The Spellmans Strike Again (Spellman Mysteries book 4) by Lisa Lutz
Released 6th January 2011
Published by Simon and Schuster
Website: http://lisalutz.com/

I love this series and can’t wait for the next installment!

At the ripe old age of thirty-two, former wild child Isabel “Izzy” Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family detective business. The transition won’t be smooth. First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey. Next, faced with a puzzling missing-person’s case she recruits an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the home of an ageing millionaire as an undercover butler. Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals – an arrangement that doesn’t thrill Connor, Izzy’s soon to become Ex-boyfriend No. 12. At Spellman headquarters, it’s business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom’s been spotted crying in the pantry and just when it looks like things can’t go more haywire, little sister Rae’s internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail – or land Rae in it. It just goes to show, however many Spellman Family Rules are put in place in an attempt to hold the family together, Izzy will never be able to follow Rule No. 1: Act Normal.

Entangled by Cat Clarke
Released 6th January 2011
Published by Quercus
Website: http://www.catclarke.com/

I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this on Twitter. It has a really intriguing plot and a great cover too.

‘The same questions whirl round and round in my head:
What does he want from me?
How could I have let this happen?
AM I GOING TO DIE?’

17-year-old Grace wakes up in a white room, with table, pens and paper – and no clue how she got there.

As Grace pours her tangled life onto the page, she is forced to remember everything she’s tried to forget. There’s falling hopelessly in love with the gorgeous Nat, and the unravelling of her relationship with her best friend Sal. But there’s something missing. As hard as she’s trying to remember, is there something she just can’t see?

Grace must face the most important question of all. Why is she here?
A story of dangerous secrets, intense friendships and electrifying attraction.

The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean
Released 6th January 2011
Published by Hodder
Website:http://www.dressaday.com/

I love fashion history and this sounds like such a lovely book. I can’t wait to read it!

‘Every dress has a story.
Let me tell you mine…’

Dora is in love with a man who barely notices her, has a job she doesn’t care about, and dresses entirely for comfort, not style. All a far cry from her vivid, eccentric childhood, growing up with her beloved grandmother Mimi.

However, when disaster strikes, Dora knows she has no choice but to return to her childhood home and take over running Mimi’s vintage clothing shop. And there she makes a surprising discovery – Mimi’s been writing stories to accompany every dress she sells. Romantic, heartbreaking tales about each one’s secret life before it got to her shop…

Dora starts to matchmake these lonely frocks with new owners, but will the stories help her as well? Trading her boring high street clothes for vintage glamour is one thing. What she needs to know is whether she can trade her safe old life – and love – for something better too?

That’s my wishlist – let me know what’s on yours. I’m always looking for recommendations!

Cover crush – anyone for seconds?!

Secrets (The Ivy)

Rina Onur, collaborator on The Ivy series posted the cover for the second book in the series today. I loved The Ivy and can’t wait to get my hands on book two and am loving the purple cover! Secrets will be released in May 2011 and picks up where The Ivy ended.

Gregory or Clint? Clint or Gregory? Matt, anyone? And what is Lexi up to . . . exactly? When we last saw Callie Andrews, she was caught on the horns of a dilemma. Lexi was threatening to expose all of her safely guarded, deeply buried secrets from high school, and Callie had just hooked up with bad-boy Gregory—despite the fact that she had a perfect (sort of) boyfriend and her BFF Vanessa had claimed (sort of) Gregory as her own. Yow. Entertaining, hilarious, addictive, scandalous, sexy, and smart, The Ivy series is an insider’s look at freshman life at Harvard University. This isn’t high school anymore!

Wolfsbane (Nightshade)

Andrea Cremer, author of Nightshade posted the cover for the second book in the series, Wolfsbane, on her blog at the end of last week and it is gorgeous! Nightshade isn’t out until December over here in the UK but it’s been getting rave reviews so far. Looks like a very exciting new series to follow.

House of Night website revamped!

The UK House of Night Website has had a makeover with lots of fab new links and features to try out. It’s definitely worth a look: http://www.houseofnightseries.co.uk/

In My Mailbox is hosted by the Story Siren to highlight books bought, borrowed or received each week and is a great way to find lots of new ideas for books to read.

I thought last week was a fab book week but this week has been amazing

For Review:

Welcome to My World by Miranda Dickinson (Released 11th November)

Thanks to Miranda and Harper Collins for sending me a copy for review. Look out for an interview with Miranda coming later in the month!

Close your eyes and imagine the world is your oyster…

And now imagine never seeing it. Welcome to Harriet Langton’s world. All her life she’s dreamt of travelling the globe – fate always got in the way. Working as a travel agent, the closest Harri comes to her dream destination of Venice is booking the trip for someone else. But everything changes when travel fanatic Alex drops in. With her boyfriend Rob tied up with work, Harri is persuaded to help Alex in his quest for love. But in her attempts to help, Harri soon discovers that she’s alienating those around her. Desperate to leave her life behind, will her dreams finally come true? Or will Harri’s leap of faith be her biggest mistake yet?

From Notting Hill with Love … Actually (Released 25th November)

Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for sending me a copy to review. I’ll be launching a fab competition to win one of five copies of this book on 12th November so please pop back to enter.

She was just a girl, standing in front of a boy …wishing he looked more like Hugh Grant. Scarlett loves the movies. But does she love sensible fiance David just as much? With a big white wedding on the horizon, Scarlett really should have decided by now …When she has the chance to house-sit in Notting Hill ? the setting of one of her favourite movies ? Scarlett jumps at the chance. But living life like a movie is trickier than it seems, especially when her new neighbour Sean is so irritating. And so irritatingly handsome, too. Scarlett soon finds herself starring in a romantic comedy of her very own: but who will end up as the leading man?

All I Want For Christmas by Amy Silver (released 25th November)

I’d like to thank Random House for sending me a copy of this to review.

Twelve days and counting… It’s Bea’s first Christmas with her baby son, and this year she’s determined to do everything right. But there is still so much to do: the Christmas menu needs refining; her café, The Honey Pot, needs decorating; and she’s invited the whole neighbourhood to a party on Christmas Day. She really doesn’t have time to get involved in two new people’s lives, let alone fall in love… When Olivia gets knocked over in the street, however, Bea can’t help bringing her into The Honey Pot and getting to know her. Olivia’s life is even more hectic than her own, and with her fiancé’s entire family over from Ireland for Christmas, she shouldn’t be lingering in the cosy warmth of Bea’s café. Chloe, on the other hand, has nowhere else to go. Her affair with a married man has alienated her friends, and left her lonelier than ever. But Christmas is a magical time, and in the fragrant atmosphere of The Honey Pot, anything can happen: new friends can be made, hearts can heal, and romance can finally blossom…

Won

I was very lucky to win a ‘Devils vs Angels’ goodie bag from Foyles Bookshop on Halloween Weekend. I was expecting something small so I was so shocked when a large box arrived this week with lots of amazing book-related treats inside including a proof of Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. It’s not out until the end of December in the UK so there was a lot of happy dancing when I saw that!

So that was my fab week – probably my best mailbox yet. Thanks for stopping by and I’ll be visiting as many mailboxes as I can over the next couple of days!