Sunday 28 February 2016

The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza

The Girl in the Ice: A gripping serial killer thriller
      (Detective Erika Foster crime thriller novel Book 1)


Title:               The Girl in the Ice
Author:           Robert Bryndza
Published By: Bookouture
Date:               12th Feb 2016
Link:               UK: Amazon                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                               

My Review



Absolutely bloody brilliant.

I have heard a lot of praise about this book and it certainly lives up to it.
The cover is stunning which just makes you want to pick it up and read. 

I absolutely galloped through it and was on the edge of my seat for most of the ride.
I loved the exciting atmosphere of the investigation and really felt as though I was involved with it.

Erica Foster is a very complex character, she is hard on the outside but crumbling on the inside since losing her husband. She had to go through a very frustrating time with this job as the murder victim's father is high up in politics so Erica seemed to be fighting a losing battle as the powers that be didn't want to dig up any dirt on this wealthy family.

I loved Erica, she was feisty and believes in justice and she wouldn't let anything get in the way of solving this crime.

I really enjoyed Robert's style of writing and how he managed to get into the heads of the various characters. I can't wait to read The Night Stalker which is the next book in the series. I would say that if you like Linda La Plante then you will love Robert Bryndza.

Thanks to Bookouture for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you would like to read our Q and A with Robert then please click here.

If you would like to read our review of The Night Stalker please click here

If you would like to read our review of Dark Water then please click here




Sincerely
Book Angel x


About the Author

Robert Bryndza
Originally from the UK, Rob lives in Slovakia with his Slovak husband and their two crazy dogs. He originally trained as an actor, but was bitten by the writing bug in his mid-twenties and hasn't looked back.

His debut novel, The Not So Secret Emails of Coco Pinchard became an Amazon bestseller, and has grown to a best selling series of five books.

In addition to his recent number one romantic comedy Miss Wrong and Mr Right, Rob is excited to embrace the darker side of life, and has just signed a three-book deal with Bookouture to write a crime thriller series. The first book, The Girl In The Ice will be released in Spring 2016.

You can find out more about Rob at www.robertbryndza.com

Sign up to Robert's New Release Mailing List here: http://eepurl.com/UITxz

(Simply cut-and-paste that address into your browser. Your email will never be shared and you will only be contacted when a new book is out.)

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Author Q & A with Christie Barlow


When Kitty inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…

Title:               Kitty's Countryside Dream
Author:           Christie Barlow
Published By: Bookouture
Date:               25th Feb 2016
Link:               UK: Amazon US: Amazon

Author Q & A with Christie Barlow

Welcome to the blog today Christie, can you tell us;

What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Kitty’s Countryside Dream would never have been written if it wasn’t for a local farmer who sold me my very first chicken over eight years ago. Since then he has taught me everything I need to know about rearing and breeding chickens. Chickens have become a way of life in our house and it was my feathered friends who provided the little spark of inspiration for this story.

Did you always want to be a writer?

At school my favourite subject was always English Literature. I loved to read anything and everything. From an early age I would write down my thoughts in a diary every day and I still have all those diaries bundled up in the loft. However, my writing career came as somewhat a surprise when I decided two years ago to write a book to teach my children a valuable life lesson and show them that they were capable of achieving their dreams. I was a mum who wrote a book to prove to my children whatever you want to do in life go for it. The book I wrote to prove a point became an amazon bestseller #1 in the UK and USA. I now have a publishing deal and I am a full time writer. I love it! It’s the best job in the world.

What other jobs have you had?

I worked in the Civil Service for over fifteen years and was the manager of a Jobcentre in Cheshire. After having my children I went on a career break and opened up my own wedding business. I landed a job with the BBC and became their wedding planner on a program called the Bank of Mum and Dad. For the past twenty years I have also been a piano teacher which I absolutely adore.

How did it feel when your first novel was published?

It felt like I’d just won the lottery! It was so surreal seeing a book I’d written with my name on the front. My jaw ached due to my constant smiling!

Have you ever had writer’s block?
Not yet!

Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa?
I’m always in a good mood! My first two books A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother and The Misadventures of a Playground Mother are funny feel good comedy about the school gates. I often spent my time howling at the computer while writing about the characters antics. They were such fun books to write. Even though the characters were completely off the scale, I loved them, faults and all. Kitty’s Countryside Dream is a feel good romantic comedy about life, love and friends. I have without a doubt enjoyed every second of writing this book. This book was filled with friendship and genuinely lovely characters. Kitty Lewis and Tom Drew became my new best friends. Every character in this story was full of such love and warmth and my day would fly by when writing this book.

What three pieces of advice would you give an aspiring author?
My advice would be go for it! The dream is possible! If it happened for me it can happen for you.

Write a little every day, that way there will always be continuity.

Never stop believing and never stop creating.



Which authors inspire you?
There are so many! I simply love Carole Matthews, Marian Keyes and Cathy Bramley. Their books always have a good feel read about them.

What are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am reading Conditional Love by Cathy Bramley.

If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?

For the Playground Mother series, it would have to be, I will survive by Gloria Gaynor!

Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book?
I know you asked character but they are all my favourite characters in The Misadventures of a Playground Mother and I have actually thought about this! I would love to see the series made in to a sitcom or a film and here are the actors I would love to cast!

Penelope Kensington –Renee Zellweger
Rupert Kensington – Hugh Grant
Botox Bernie – Katie Price
Mrs. Camilla Noland – Katie Hopkins
Rachel Young – Jennifer Aniston
Matt Young – Gerard Butler
Melanie Tate – Cameron Diaz
The Farrier – Richard Rankin

What is your next book about?

It’s about a character called Kitty Lewis who inherits Bluebell Lodge from her grandmother, a farm in the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, it’s time for fresh air and a fresh start. Up to her elbows in chickens and ponies, Kitty soon realises there’s an awful lot to learn about farming. Still, at least the locals seem friendly, not least her handsome neighbour Tom…
But just as Kitty is beginning to find her feet, and the possibility of love, the discovery of a long-hidden diary, by a mysterious character called Violet changes everything. Who is Violet and what is her message for Kitty? As Kitty fills in the lost pieces of her family jigsaw and discovers some shocking revelations, will her countryside dream and blossoming relationship fall to pieces? When it comes to life in the country, nothing is ever quite as it seems …

Kitty’s Countryside Dream is published on 25th February 2016.

Thanks Christie and good luck with the book.


If you would like to read our reviews of Christie's books please click on the links below

Kitty's Countryside Dream

Misadventures of a Playground Mother

Sincerely
Book Angel x


About the Author


Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband, four kids, horses, chickens and a mad cocker spaniel. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. She is a Mum who wrote a book to prove to her children whatever you want to do in life go for it. The book she wrote to prove a point is now an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK and USA.

Christie loves to hear from her readers and you can get in touch via her website www.christiebarlow.com Twitter @ChristieJBarlow and Facebook page Christie Barlow author
Christie Barlow is the author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother and Kitty's Countryside Dream. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband, four kids, horses, chickens and a mad cocker spaniel. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. She is a Mum who wrote a book to prove to her children whatever you want to do in life go for it. The book she wrote to prove a point is now an Amazon #1 bestseller in the UK and USA.



Thursday 18 February 2016

Author Q & A with Nigel May - Deadly Obsession


What would you do if you saw your husband killed right in front of you …identified his body …had him cremated six months previously…and then received a letter written by him two days ago?
Amy Barrowman grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. So when she falls in love with millionaire Riley Hart and he asks her to marry him she can’t believe her luck. She has found true love and her happy ever after.   

Author: Nigel May
Title: Deadly Obsession
Publishers: Bookouture
Publication Date: 19th Feb 2016
Link:
 
 UK: Amazon US: Amazon

We are delighted to welcome Nigel May on the blog today to talk about his new book, Deadly Obsessions, which will be published on 19th Feb.

Hi Nigel welcome to Sincerely Book Angels blog. 
Thank you very much - great to be here! 

What was the inspiration behind this novel? 
Deadly Obsession is a little bit grittier than my previous novels and is a real psychological thriller. It tells the story of Amy Barrowman, a girl from the poorer side of Manchester who meets and falls in love with the charismatic Riley Hart. He is suave, debonair, brutally handsome, very rich and also someone who constantly lies to Amy during their time together. Not that she knows that when she is married to him. This only comes to light after he is gunned down in front of her at the neon-lit nightclub they open together. Amy has lost the love of her life but six months after his death receives a letter written by Riley telling her that he is, in fact, still alive. The story then sets off an a whirlwind adventure to many glamorous locations and includes a set of characters who may or may not have had something to do with Riley's 'death'. The book is a gripping one but still dipped in beauty, travel, friendship and some very naughty goings on.

Did you always want to be a writer? 
I worked as a journalist for 20 years before moving into TV which is where I currently work when I am not writing novels. I missed writing when I started the TV so I decided that I wanted to create some stories. That is how Trinity, my first novel, was born. I read glam fiction like Jackie Collins and Victoria Fox so for me it was the perfect kind of story for me to write. Something that I would read myself. Pure escapism. 

What other jobs have you had? 
I worked for more! Magazine for many years, I was the Editor of the official East 17 magazine as well and I have interviewed nearly every pop star out there. I also used to be a television bingo caller on a quiz channel which was fabulous. I was also one of the first people in the UK to interview a group called Take That when they first started. I wonder what happened to them! 

How did it feel when your first novel was published?
I self-published the first two, Trinity and Addicted, but then I was offered a book deal by Bookouture which was amazing. They repackaged the books and guided me through the writing and editing process for the subsequent books. When I actually saw one of my paperbacks for the first time I was immensely proud and yep, I did have a tear in my eye as I was so happy! I still am! 


Have you ever had writer's block? If so how did you overcome it?
Sometimes I do, especially when I am first starting a new novel. But if that happens I put the kettle on, sit down with my list of characters and then start working out links between them all. That normally fires my brain back into action. There are definitely certain days when writing comes more naturally than on others.

What motivates you to keep writing?
People telling me that they enjoy what I write. I know the pleasure that I gain from reading so if somebody else says that they enjoy my books then that really makes me incredibly grateful. Writing is a very personal thing and sometimes when you're writing a novel you can find it hard to imagine the finished book, but knowing that people like what you do makes all of those moments when you doubt where the story is going totally worthwhile.

Do your characters moods ever affect your mood and vice versa? 
You do become very close to your characters. I love them all, even the baddies, and I can picture them all in my head. They become like family. I like to cross-pollinate characters from one novel to another. Their world is imaginary but it's a world in which they can all exist alongside each other. I feel like I know them all really well.

What three pieces of advice would you give to an aspiring writer?
Never give up. Always believe in yourself. Write about what excites you and what you enjoy and then it will be much more authentic. 

Which authors inspire you?
Agatha Christie, Shirley Conran, Jackie Collins, Victoria Fox, Angie Marsons, Belinda Jones, Armistead Maupin, Paul Burston....the list goes on. So much talent out there! 

What are you reading at the moment?
I'll Never Write My Memoirs by Grace Jones. I adore Grace Jones and her book is fabulous as she has lived such a rich, varied life. Singing, acting, modelling. She is totally inspirational and somebody who has that ethic of believing you can achieve whatever you want in life which I believe we should all try and have. It's a brilliant read. 


If your book was made into a film what song would you choose for the opening credits?
What a great question. Deadly Obsession has a lot of action set in a nightclub so I think it would need to be something upbeat and really anthemic. Maybe Bad Romance by Lady Gaga as that is certainly what Amy seems to have picked in the book. 

Who would you choose to play your favourite character in the film of your book? 
I think Amy should be played by a gritty UK actress. Michelle Keegan springs to mind straight away as she is a phenomenal actress and would work the Manchester vibe really well. Or maybe Natalie Dormer from Game Of Thrones and The Hunger Games. I would love to see my books on TV or on the big screen.

What is your next book about? 
The next one is a lot more tropical and sees a lot of action based in Barbados as I went there last year and fell in love with the place. It's about a family who own a huge hotel chain, but underneath the glossy, rich exterior there is a lot of intrigue, death, betrayal and high jinx going on. It should be released later this year. 

Thank you so much for joining us on our blog today and good luck with the book. 
Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy it - Love Nigel xx 

Click here to see our review of Addicted by Nigel

Sincerely
Book Angel x

About the Author

Nigel May
Nigel May has been described as "the UK's male Jackie Collins" and is an author, TV host and journalist. His three fiction novels have all been published by Bookouture.

His first glam fiction novel was TRINITY, an action-packed blockbuster (or bonkbuster) about the lives of the rich and famous. Glamour, beauty, fame and celebrity mix with murder, intrigue and danger to create an explosive novel which gained incredible reviews and fans across the globe. His follow-up was the glitz-meets-grit whodunit ADDICTED which was also a huge success and once again dived into the diamond-dipped world of the mega-rich but showed that all of the money and fame in the world do not always make for a happy ending. His third novel SCANDALOUS LIES is steeped in secrets, sin, sex and scandal and takes readers around the world as a mysterious celebrity disappearance is investigated. His books have been Amazon best sellers, read by celebrities and fellow authors alike, and have proved that a man can successfully write in a 'bonkbuster world' that has always been a strongly female domain.

Nigel was the only male writer amongst 44 authors featured in the chart-topping, beach-read anthology of short-stories SUNLOUNGER. He also contributed a short story to SUNLOUNGER 2.

On television he regularly presents on UK shopping channels where he has built up a substantial following. He has also featured on Channel 4, C5, ITV and broadcast live from America. He is also one of the UK's most popular craft personalities, having launched his own successful range, A-May-Zing.

As a writer he has written for many of the UK's most successful magazines and newspapers, specialising in showbiz and celebrity, as well as writing on subjects ranging from relationships through to exotic travel.

Follow him on Twitter @Nigel_May

Thursday 11 February 2016

A Home in Sunset Bay by Rebecca Pugh


There’s no place like home…

Enough is enough! The always perfect Laurie Chapman had jumped in her car and raced as fast as she could from London heading to Sunset Bay and (she hopes!) the open arms of her estranged sister…

Mia Chapman loves running Dolly’s Diner in the picture-perfect coastal Cornish town of Sunset Bay. Now that her and Grandma Dolly’s dream is finally a reality Mia has never been prouder! Until Laurie suddenly turns up on her doorstep… How can she forgive the sister who walked away?

Once upon a time Mia and Laurie were best friends. Back together after so long, the time has come for the sisters to figure out what went so wrong all those years ago – and whether they can ever put it right!

Author: Rebecca Pugh
Title: A Home in Sunset Bay

Publishers: Carina
Publication Date: 9th Feb 2016
Link: UK Amazon

My Review

Rebecca Pugh is like the biggest ray of sunshine on a dreary day. I have fallen in love with both of her books just from the titles alone and the content has exceeded my expectations.

A Home in Sunset Bay is a story about two sisters who find themselves reunited at their grandma Dolly's Diner. They have a lot to work through to become friends again like they used to be when they where little. Mia doesn't know if she can ever forgive Laurie for deserting her after their grandmother's death as she had been working non stop in order to keep the diner going. However Laurie has had problems of her own and it seems her life wasn't as perfect as Mia had thought.

Rebecca's writing style manages to paint a beautiful picture of Sunset Bay and it is definitely the sort of place I would love to live, Dolly's diner is the place I would like to visit for syrupy pancakes and a hot chocolate and Mia and Laurie are such lovely characters that I would really enjoy being friends with. Not to mention Honeysuckle Cottage which is the perfect place to get all snuggly with someone you love. This is a sentimental story of sisters and love and loyalty to the memory of grandma Dolly. I was reading it so fast that my mind couldn't keep up with my eyes.

An emotional love story that you will not want to end.

Rebecca Pugh is a rising star and I can't wait for her next book.

Thanks to Carina for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
You can read our review for Rebecca's other book 'Return to Bluebell Hill' here

Sincerely
Book Angel x

About the Author

Rebecca Pugh
Rebecca Pugh grew up in the green county of Shropshire, with a mind full of fairy-tales and happy endings. Enchanted by true love and Disney Princesses, she decided that no matter what life threw her way, she'd continue to see the world through a child's eyes. Through the pages of countless books, her adoration of reading blossomed, and it didn't take long for her to fall under the spell of hundreds of authors' words.

Now, Rebecca's own story has taken a fairy-tale like turn, and at 22, her dream has come true. With her faithful companions: Bonnie the dog, her partner, and her gigantic family by her side, Rebecca is ready to share her stories with readers who enjoy falling in love and losing themselves within beautiful, fictional worlds.

Rebecca Pugh is the author of women's fiction and romance, her all-time favourite genres. After all, who doesn't enjoy a good swoon?

Her debut novel, Return to Bluebell Hill, was published in June 2015 by Carina UK.


Monday 8 February 2016

Fix You by Carrie Elks


On New Year's Eve, 1999, Hanna and Richard meet. She is a born and bred Londoner with plans for a career in journalism. He is the son of a wealthy New Yorker and destined for Wall Street. As Hanna and Richard go back to their own worlds they keep in touch, and when Hanna has her heart broken it's Richard she turns to. They reunite and fall deeply, madly in love.

But they can't possibly imagine the ways their love will be tested. Fifteen years after they first meet, neither can bear to hear the other's name spoken. Then one day Hanna walks into Richard's office and reveals a shocking secret. Richard must decide if he can forgive her. And both need to choose whether to take a second chance on happiness, or if their love is beyond repair?

Author: Carrie Elks
Title: Fix You
Publishers: Corvus
Publication Date: 4th Feb 2016
Link:
 
 UK: Amazon US: Amazon

My Review


A thoroughly enjoyable read with characters you can easily fall in love with. Hanna and Richard's first meeting is lovely and as they are so young they enjoy teasing each other and this continues for a few years as they meet up at family events. Richard's step mum treats Hanna like a daughter. They eventually get together and although they live at opposite sides of the Atlantic they do manage to make their relationship work but various tragedies and heartbreaks eventually tear them apart.
Hanna is grieving and needs to be alone but just as she tries to find Richard again she discovers that he is with someone new.
The story involves much heartbreak including the devastating effect that the events of 9\11 have on the family and I thought it was interesting and a great testament to Richard's character that he takes on responsibilities to ease his step brother's anguish. Hanna too is a lovely loyal person and she proves this by hurting herself by cutting herself off from her best friend Ruby (Richard's sister) and both families in order to protect Richard from what she thinks would be making a decision for the wrong reasons.
Secrets, lies and heartbreak and true love all gel together to make this a totally enjoyable read, I also thought it was interesting that this book didn't stop where others did and so we are able to see a little bit further down the line which I really enjoyed although I did think the pace was a little slow at times but there were enough twists and turns and shocking revelations to counteract that.

Thanks to Corvus books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sincerely
Book Angels x

About the Author

Carrie Elks lives near London and writes contemporary romance with a dash of intrigue. She loves to travel and has lived in the USA and Switzerland as well as the UK. An avid social networker, she tries to limit her Facebook and Twitter time to stolen moments between writing chapters. When she isn't reading or writing, she can usually be found baking, drinking wine or working out how to combine the two. www.carrieelks.com @CarrieElks

Monday 1 February 2016

Cover Reveal - After the Lie by Kerry Fisher


After the Lie by Kerry Fisher 

An addictive and gripping read about love, life and living a lie … 
One little lie can make one big difference … 

Lydia has the ‘right’ kind of friends, her children are at the ‘right’ kind of school and she’s married to the ‘right’ sort of man – kind, steady, reliable Mark. Her wedding business is flourishing and even though she is at loggerheads with her mother, she couldn’t ask for anything more from life. 

But the truth is that Lydia has been lucky. She has been living a lie for years and Mark has no idea who he is really married to. But nothing lasts forever and the past has a funny way of catching up with the present. When the person who knows all of Lydia’s dark little secrets turns up at the school gates, his presence threatens to blow Lydia’s life apart. 

What is Lydia’s terrible truth? Once the secret is out, you can’t put it back … 
 

Publication date: 29th April 2016. 

Available to pre-order now.

UK: http://amzn.to/1KPGZ8L
US:
http://amzn.to/1NJz4d0                                            

About Kerry Fisher

Born in Peterborough, Kerry Fisher studied French and Italian at Bath University, followed by several years working as an English teacher in Corsica and Spain before topping the dizzying heights of holiday rep and grape picker in Tuscany. She eventually succumbed to 'getting a proper job' and returned to England to study Periodical Journalism at City University. After two years working in the features department at Essentials magazine in London, love carried her off to the wilds of the West Pennine moors near Bolton. She now lives in Surrey with her husband (of whisking off to Bolton fame), two teenagers and a very naughty lab/schnauzer called Poppy. Kerry can often be seen trailing across the Surrey Hills whistling and waving pieces of chicken while the dog practises her 'talk to the tail'. 

Kerry has spent half her life talking about writing a novel, then several years at Candis magazine reviewing other people's but it wasn't until she took some online courses with the UCLA (University of California) that the dream started to morph into reality, culminating in the publishing of The Class Ceiling. The Avon imprint of HarperCollins picked it up and retitled it The School Gate Survival Guide, published summer 2014. Her second book, The Island Escape, came out in May 2015. It won first prize at the York Festival of Writing for the opening line: 'I was wearing the wrong bra for sitting in a police cell'. 

Best advice ever received: 'This is fiction, we can skip the boring bits.' Lynn Hightower, UCLA Writers' Program. 


Website: www.kerryfisherauthor.com

Follow her on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/kerryfswayne

Like her page on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kerryfisherauthor