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The Bookseller by Valerie Keogh #Review

  Today I am featurung the latest psychological thriller by Valerie Keogh . The Bookseller was published by Boldwood Books on March 3rd. A woman with a dark past... Helen Appleby just wants a quiet life. Recently released from prison for the manslaughter of her partner, she's trying to forget her past mistakes – all of them - to rebuild her life and move on. When she decides to open a bookshop, she’s certain this is the perfect new start. Here, amongst the quiet shelves of her shop and between the covers of her books, she can hide away from the real world and begin again. The world of books the perfect place to find happiness - even if it is all lies. But the past can never stay hidden… As she settles into life as an apparently timid bookseller, it seems that someone is determined to sabotage Helen's new life and ruin everything she's built. But Helen has killed once before. And to protect her future, she could be willing to kill again... Don't miss anot...

The Mix-Up by Holly McCullogh #Review

 

I loved Holly McCullogh's debut novel, Just Friends and looking at the views for the post, I'd say that many other people shared my view. I am delighted therefore to feature Holly's second novel, The Mix-Up, which is published by Corgi on 5th August in paperback. It will be available in digital form on 24th June.


Paige might bake wedding cakes for a living but that doesn't mean she's dreaming about her own perfect day. Far from it.

Trusting people is hard after she was badly let down by her family and boyfriend just when she needed them most. And to make things worse, her ex has justwalked into her bakery with his new fiancée...

Needing a little no-strings-attached fun, Paige goes to a party where her friend knows just the guy -the guy in the black top.

There's just one problem. There are two men wearing black tops.

Noah was meant to be her perfect distraction...instead, he wants more than just a bit of fun. But could the wrong guy turn out to be the right choice?


 My Thoughts

This is a delightful read with some hugely relatable characters who I liked from the very first. Paige has some demons in her past which you are slowly let into her confidence about. Most people she deals with on a need to know basis and buries herself in her work to avoid relationships. I don't include her family in the characters who I warmed to- quite the opposite and there are no easy fixes in her relationship with them. Luckily there are a few key people in her life who do support her.

    I enjoyed Paige's views on the wedding market and wedding cakes in particular.  This story is a real mixture of poignant moments and laugh out loud times and you are rooting for Paige throughout. There is humour and romance  but never of the sugary sweet variety. Quite where Noah gets his patience from, I'm not sure! I must add that I feel that a trigger warning for serious illness is needed.

In short: A witty romcom with a serious issue at its heart.

About the Author


Holly McCulloch lives in Oxfordshire and bakes beautiful (and delicious) cakes for a living. The Mix-Up is her second novel; her debut novel, Just Friends, is also published by Corgi.

 

You can follow Holly here: Twitter

Book link: Amazon UK



Thanks to Holly McCulloch, the publishers and Anne Cater of Random Things Tours  for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

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