Book Review: Take a Look at Me Now By Miranda Dickinson

Title: Take a Look at Me Now

Author: Miranda Dickinson

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 24th October 2013


Blurb

How far would you go to make a new start?

When Nell’s on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, losing her job is the last thing she expects.

Heartbroken and unemployed to boot, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to the untested waters of San Francisco.

But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

Verdict
A Fantastical 5* Rating that Miranda Dickinson Deserves!

Firstly the cover of Take a Look at Me Now was amazing! Very Shiny and just shouting "helllo buy me!!" I was so excited to start reading this book and within the first couple of chapters I was hooked right away...which is something I always am when it comes to Miranda Dickinson's books, I am such a huge fan of her books and have a copy of every single one so far tehe :) :)

Take a Look at Me Now see's us meeting Nell and her on-off boyfriend Aidan who calls her into the office warning her about her job and before you know it Nell is made redundant and Very heartbroken and unemployed Nell decides to blow her redundancy money on a trip to San Francisco...what girl wouldn't?

We soon follow Nell seeing the sights of San Francisco with her cousin Lizzie who shows her around and makes her feel at home until she meets the ever so handsome Max Rossie.... what will happen? and will Nell want to go back home after her 8 week trip to San Francisco?

I LOVED it!! what a superb book, Miranda you lovely lady have done it again! Made a superb book in which I am going to be telling all my friends to go out and buy or even buy them the book for Christmas.
Straight away as soon as I started reading about San Francisco I just wanted to jump on a plane right away and experience the place for myself! ( I will one day! Hehe) I am a such a huge fan of Miranda's books and I always love reading them but hate it when it ends as I get all gutted :( I love the style of writing Miranda does and how she gets her readers fully engrossed with her chapters and with the characters too. By the end of every book Miranda has written you feel like the characters are your best friends and you love them very much.

I loved following Nell in San Francisco from her sight seeing, meeting new people, deciding her future plans and just generally loving the closeness between Nell and her cousin Lizzie, it was a superb friendship and closeness as a family member I thought it was really cute how Lizzie showed Nell around everywhere and how she introduced her to the most amazing Diner everrr! The place sounded so amazing and I wanted to just be sat right there and eat everything! lol.

5 words to sum Take a Look at Me Now are Amazing, Lovable, Breathe Taking, Humorous && Inspirational. One book I am going to treasure for a while!

Book Review: Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy By Helen Fielding

Title: Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Author: Helen Fielding
Publisher: Jonathan Cape
Publication Date: 10th October 2013

Blurb
What do you do when your girlfriend’s sixtieth birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s thirtieth?
Is it better to die of Botox or die of loneliness because you’re so wrinkly?
Is it wrong to lie about your age when online dating?
Is it morally wrong to have a blow-dry when one of your children has head lice?
Is it normal to be too vain to put on your reading glasses when checking your toy boy for head lice?
Does the Dalai Lama actually tweet or is it his assistant?
Is it normal to get fewer followers the more you tweet?
Is technology now the fifth element? Or is that wood?
If you put lip plumper on your hands do you get plump hands?
Is sleeping with someone after two dates and six weeks of texting the same as getting married after two meetings and six months of letter writing in Jane Austen’s day?

Pondering these and other modern dilemmas, Bridget Jones stumbles through the challenges of loss, single motherhood, tweeting, texting, technology, and rediscovering her sexuality in—Warning! Bad, outdated phrase approaching!—middle age


Verdict A laughable read that gets a 4* thumbs up from me!

Yay! Bridget is back! I got all excited when I first heard Helen Fielding was writing another Bridget Jones book and with it being like ten years on and I was so happy to like read about Mark Darcy and Bridget Jones and their happy family...However I was left heartbroken a week before publication date when Newspapers spilt the beans that Helen Fielding had Killed Mark Darcy off in the book.... *Sobs Sobs* Yes brings a few tears to my eyes hearing that...However I thought No I am going to read the book and will decide whether being in the modern times and no Mark Darcy will make a fabulous book.

I did enjoy it however by the end I was left feeling very let down by Helen and didn't feel like this was the Bridget Jones we all knew and loved. Some things that did happen in Bridget's Life did make me giggle because I could picture Bridget in that certain situation and how we would probably act as well in her situation or I could imagine the old Bridget and how she would act.

I still loved the book though as I feel Helen Fielding had to make it modern and grab readers. It was just great to read Bridget that she was back :)
Her favourite and dear friends however there was no Shazza? I want to know where was Shazza? :( lol!
However though I did enjoy the book very much and It was nice to read about Bridget once again! I am eager for the film now hehe!
I Think huge fans of Bridget Jones are either going to love or hate this book, bit like marmite....maybe because people will be gutted Mr Darcy isn't in the happy ending for Bridget however it is still laughable!

Cover Reveal: Fall From India Place By Samantha Young

When Hannah Nichols last saw Marco D’Alessandro, five long years ago, he broke her heart. The bad boy with a hidden sweet side was the only guy Hannah ever loved—and the only man she’s ever been with. After one intense night of giving into temptation, Marco took off, leaving Scotland and Hannah behind. Shattered by the consequences of their night together, Hannah has never truly moved on.

Leaving Hannah was the biggest mistake of Marco’s life, something he has deeply regretted for years. So when fate reunites them, he refuses to let her go without a fight. Determined to make her his, Marco pursues Hannah, reminding her of all the reasons they’re meant to be together.…

But just when Marco thinks they’re committed to a future together, Hannah makes a discovery that unearths the secret pain she’s been hiding from him, a secret that could tear them apart before they have a real chance to start over again…

FALL FROM INDIA PLACE will be available to preorder soon!

Add it to goodreads

Eeeeeeekkkkkk I was squealing sooo much when I heard there was going to be another book in the On Dublin Street Series..hehe! Yes this is the fourth book in the series and I am so excitedd! For Huge fans of Samantha Young's Books are going to love this!
This cover is just ever so beautiful and I want my hands on a copy now...hehe!

Fiction Addiction Book Tour: Review of Jumping Ship By Janice Ross

Title: Jumping Ship
Author: Janice Ross
Publication Date: 16th August 2013


Blurb

The year was nineteen seventy-five. Pregnant seamstress, Petrina Dugal, became a runaway at the age of twenty-six. She ran away from a brutish husband, Roger, and a well-loved South American home in Georgetown, Guyana; at the heart of her rebellion – an enigmatic lover named Michael Chen. Pet and Mikey, as they became affectionately known, allowed love to blossom in front of her police officer husband and an intrusive community. Were they not aware of the dangers? Or did the pursuit of love trump obligations?

Pet and Mikey’s journey to their new life took them through a multitude of the Caribbean’s treasure trove of islands – Antigua, Martinique, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Lucia. More than a month later their voyage landed them at JFK airport, in New York USA. And they disappeared, as though their existence was a myth. During this time, barren couple, Pearl and Edward Riley stumbled upon a newborn baby girl. Her cries could only be heard by a true mother, which Pearl immediately became. Bundled up with their new child, they discovered a parcel of artifacts and a scribbled note that read: Sakkara.

Sakkara Riley grew up with two loving parents – adoptive parents to be exact. She never knew the circumstances surrounding her discovery, until the age of sixteen. The personal artifacts that were handed over had haunted her from that point on. After eight more years, including much research and probing, she was given the opportunity to begin her journey of self-discovery. 

Verdict
I Thank Janice Ross and Sharon Goodwin for letting me part of this book tour. Jumping Ship is only a Novella but is a start of a new book series called Island Hopping.

The best way to describe Jumping Ship is that is a mystery and suspense but thrown in with a bit of romance. We have two couples Pearl and Edward Riley who find baby Sakkara...the abandoned baby. The other couple Petrina Dugal and Michael Chen. Petrina was pregnant, ran away from her abusive husband Roger and being a runaway couldn't cope with a baby so dumped poor Sakkara.

As Sakkara Riley has a perfect loving family with her adoptive parents as soon as she turns sixteen, she wants to find her real parents..will she find them?

Jumping ship was an okay read, I felt like It wasn't my cup of tea and I'm not sure whether I would enjoy the rest of series, But I may give them a go and see what happens. It would be nice to see Sakkara have a happy ending for sure.

Book Review: Me and Mr Carrington Short Story By Alexandra Brown

Title: Me and Mr Carrington

Author: Alexandra Brown

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: 10th October 2013

Blurb

A short story from the author of Cupcakes at Carrington’s – and a prequel to Christmas at Carrington’s!

Georgie Hart can’t believe her luck. It looks like Tom, the hunky boss of Carrington’s Department Store, in the picture-postcard town of Mulberry-on-Sea, is as hot for her as she is for him. After a romantic Italian get-together leaves her on Cloud Nine, Georgie is brought back down to earth with a bump when she has to get back behind the counter of the Luxury Handbags section.

But when Georgie is left open-mouthed by a revelation from one of her well-heeled customers, it seems like Tom hasn’t been entirely honest with her. Has Georgie done her usual trick of adding two and two together to make five?

Ever wondered what happened when Georgie first got together with Mr Carrington himself? This deliciously funny short story is perfect for anyone who loved Cupcakes at Carrington’s, and for those discovering the lovable Georgie Hart for the first time. The story also features an exclusive peek at the next book, Christmas at Carrington’s

Verdict
I am only recently a Carrington's series fan and Boy am I gutted I haven't read Cupcakes at Carrington's before now and I even finished it in a day I was that hooked..However more of that book in another review tehe.

Me and Mr Carrington is a short story by Alexandra Brown where we catch up with Georgie Hard and her hunky boss/boyfriend Tom Carrington and the wonderful Carrington's store.
With it being a short story I cannot give too much away but however you will love catching up with them all and drooling over red velvet cupcakes again though..and the fabulous thing with the short story is that there is a preview of Christmas at Carrington's too....eeek! cannot wait for that..wayyy too excited hehe!

It was great having all the characters back again in my life as they are all crazy bunch but just ever so loveable too, I had missed them a lot! For huge fans of Cupcakes at Carrington's are going to love this so much. 

Fiction Addiction Book Tour Review: Conditional Love By Cathy Bramley

Title: Conditional Love

Author: Cathy Bramley

Publisher: Createspace

Publication Date: 4th October 2013

Blurb

All her life she has dreamed of a home of her own, so what’s holding her back?

Sophie Stone, thirty-something serial procrastinator, lover of Take That, Tesco knickers and tea with two sugars, rarely steps out of her comfort zone.

So when an unexpected inheritance from a great aunt she’s never met forces her to meet her father, it threatens the very foundations of Sophie’s world.

What did the old lady want her to discover? Was there more to her parents’ break up than she was lead to believe?

Sophie will have to face some startling home truths before she can finally build a future on her own terms.

Verdict

I am ever so grateful to be part of Fiction Addiction Book Tour for Conditional Love By Cathy Bramley.
As soon as I saw the cover of Conditional Love I knew I was going to enjoy it very much. The cover is just beautiful and looks ever so romantic.

Sophie Stone is just a normal lass, In her thirties, a lover of Take That, wears Tesco knickers and has teas with two sugars likes being in her comfort zone until an unexpected suprise inheritance from a great aunt she has never met forces her to meet her father, not somebody who she is best pleased to meet that is for sure.

I knew reading the first couple of chapters about Sophie is that she doesn't have an easy life that is for sure which is why I felt quite sorry for her and and kept wishing she would get some happiness and enjoyment back into her life. When she's dumped by her boyfriend Marc..I thought oh nooo that's it Sophie is going to have a breakdown but no she seemed to carry on with the help of her best friends and roommates Jess and Emma.

When Sophie see's this bungalow that her great aunt has left her, Sophie see's potential to do it up but when she get's advice from her solicitor, her friends, Marc and Nick the architect all tell her to knock it down and start again but Sophie just isn't sure about doing that.. I loved the first meeting between Nick and Sophie, I was giggling as Nick just came across a very reserved and quiet man who had a lot of opinions about everything which Sophie found quite embarrassing. In the back of my mind I was always wondering what would develop between them both..whether something romantically or just friendship...You had to find out more when reading hehe.

Conditional Love is a wonderful and light hearted read which have you giggling quite a few times but it is one you will recommend to friends and family! I hope I get to see the characters again in a future book as I felt the ending left it open a little bit. Overall a superb and wonderful read! You will love reading about Sophie and all the troubles she has in her life.
I rate this a great 5 star rating as I feel it deserves it for the laughter and the light hearted-ness of the book.

Thank you Cathy For letting me part of your Book Tour, I've thoroughly enjoying it! and Thank You to Sharon Goodwin for letting me always be part of Fiction Addiction Book Tours


Now You all have a chance to win some lovely prizes that Cathy Bramley has put together herself.
I think the necklace is just ever so beautiful.
Enter below for your chance to win!
GOOD LUCK!
XOX

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ali McNamara's Time Travelling Blog Tour : Q&A with Ali McNamara

Kick Starting Ali McNamara's Time Travelling Tour for Step Back In Time Today is Me MissBookworm Reviews with a Q&A with the ever so lovely Ali.

 Hi Ali, I've loved all of your books so far and I am majorly excited for your new book Step Back In Time, Could you tell us a little about it?

The book blurb probably explains it better then I can!

When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store.

If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again?

What gave you the idea to write about your heroine time-travel story and why?

I’ve always loved Time-Travel stories –whether it’s in the cinema, on TV, or in a book, and I’ve always wanted to have a go at writing my own.

Which era was the most fun to research?

They were all fun in different ways. The sixties were the only one of the four I hadn’t lived through myself, so I probably had to do more research for that one than any of the others. But it was fun to go back and jog my own memories about the 70s, 80s and 90s!

If you could choose an era to live in forever, what would it be and why?Oh that’s hard – forever? I kind of like now!

Perhaps the 1930’s – which if you were lucky enough to be in the upper classes was a time of much glamour! Although my curvier figure would probably look better in 1950’s clothes – so I’ll go for then if its permanent!

If you had the chance to time-travel, where would you go and what places would you visit?I’ve always had a strange fascination with the 1940s, even though it was a time of great hardship and loss for the country during and after the Second World War, it was also a time of great bonding and uniting as a country. I’d love to experience some of the famous wartime spirit that’s always talked about with much fondness.

Will we see more of Jo-Jo and the gang in future books?I always say ‘never say never’ when asked that question about any of my books. If an idea for a sequel popped into my head and I thought it was a strong enough story, it could happen!

 If you were stranded on a desert island, Out of all your characters who would you like to be stranded on the island with?

Oscar – from my Notting Hill books. He’d definitely keep my spirits up!

Describe Step Back In Time in 5 words... Magical. Mystical. Uplifting. Curious. Romantic. 

Thank You Ali for such a wonderful Interview and I am going to be urging everybody to grab their own copy of Step Back In Time! It's not one to be missed off a bookcase :)

Book Review: Step Back In Time By Ali McNamara

Title: Step Back In Time

Author: Ali McNamara

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 7th November 2013


Blurb

An irresistibly romantic time-travel comedy—how many lifetimes would you travel to find a love that lasts forever?

When single career girl Jo-Jo steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, she awakes to find herself in 1963. The fashion, the music, her job, even her romantic life: everything is different. And then it happens three more times, and Jo-Jo finds herself living a completely new life in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. The only people she can rely on are Harry and Ellie, two companions from 2013, and George, the owner of a second-hand record store. If she's ever to return from her travels, Jo-Jo must work out why she's jumping through time like this. And if she does make it back, will her old life ever be the same again? Step back in time with this fabulously fun and feel-good comedy of time travel and romance.


Verdict
 - Super Duper, Uplifting, Romantic, Magical && Travel-tastic!!

WOW what a fabulous read once again by the brilliant Ali McNamara! I am such a huge fan of Ali's book and when I heard she was bringing out another book out this year I was just soo over the moon and major excited hehe!

Step Back In Time is all about Jo-Jo a single career girl steps onto a zebra crossing and gets hit by a car, and luckily survives but is transported herself to 1963, Everything is different..which is very scary at first but it happens three more times and ends up in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. The only people Jo-Jo can trust are Harry and Ellie two friends from 2013 and George who owns "Groovy Records" a second-hand record store. Jo-Jo has to find out why she has been transported to these era's and why and how will she get back to her own life..

The whole book is themed on The Beatles which is just superb! I loved the book from beginning to end. You cannot fault it one little bit! It is one chick lit book that has been about time-travel but with a hint of romance too which is always what happens in Ali's book.
For huge fans of Ali McNamara's books are going to love this book from beginning to end but even new readers are going to enjoy it.
You will probably laugh, cry and smile at little bits in the book which is what makes a book so magical at times :)
The best era I loved reading about had to be the 90's I loved the whole Take-That part hehe! (Don't want to give too much away tehe.)
While reading Step Back In Time I felt like I was part of the time travel as well and Felt like Jo-Jo was a new friend to me by the last page, the thing I always love with Ali's books is the style of writing always gets you engrossed in the chapters and feel like your actually part of the characters either helping them along or just plain sailing along.

I don't think I could ever choose a favourite character in Step Back In Time as I feel they are all unique characters in there own little quirky ways in which is what I loved the most...But if I had to choose then maybe George would be my favourite.

I do urge everyone to go grab your very own copy of Step Back In Time right away and any new readers out there of Ali's? You must try all of her books you will not be disappointed.

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