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The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander #Review

  The Battle of the Bookshops by Poppy Alexander was published by Avon Books on September 25th.  A charming literary-themed novel about a young woman determined to save her great-aunt’s beloved bookshop from extinction by the shiny new competition—which also happens to be run by the handsome son of her family’s rivals. The cute, seaside town of Portneath has been the home of Capelthorne’s Books for nearly a hundred years… The shop, in the heart of a high street that stretches crookedly down the hill from the castle to the sea, may be a tad run-down these days, but to Jules Capelthorne, the wonky, dusty world of literary treasures is full of precious childhood memories. When her great-aunt Florence gets too frail to run it alone, Jules ditches her junior publishing job in London and comes home to make the bookshop’s hundredth birthday a celebration to remember. Jules quickly discovers things are worse than she ever imagined: The bookshop is close to bankruptcy, ...

If You Could See Me Now by Samantha Tonge #Review #PublicationDay

 

 I am always delighted to read a new novel by Samantha Tonge and her latest, If You Could See Me Now is a corker. It is published  today by Boldwood Books.

A brilliant, beautiful story from the bestselling author of A Single Act of Kindness

How far would you go for a perfect life?

Back in her troubled school days, kind-hearted Violet always dreamed of a life where she was happy. Now it feels like she’s just about getting there. She has her dream job working with books, and she’s living with her handsome boyfriend, Lenny.

But when her relationship with Lenny falls to pieces and he moves out, Violet, hurt and alone, decides it’s time to really take her happiness in hand. With help from her new flatmate, Bella, she changes her image and takes control at work, ready to show the world that she doesn’t need Lenny in her life. And when she meets magnetic author Casey, she begins to wonder if all she needed all along was a makeover.

But – with Bella – all is not as it seems. And Violet too has a secret, one that dates right back to her childhood, which could change everything…

IF YOU COULD SEE ME NOW is a powerful story about friendship, trust, and taking control of your life while not being afraid to stand out. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Milly Johnson and Colleen Hoover.


My Thoughts

This is an arresting book which is will take you by surprise and shock you with the direction it takes. Violet is a complicated character with huge issues around self esteem which only really emerge as the story unfolds. The Violet we meet at the beginning is  a sensible sort whose kindness and empathy towards others sets her apart. She works in publishing as a children's book editor and is passionate about her authors in her care. 

   

Violet is terribly hurt after her long term relationship breaks up and this leads her to act in a determined and blinkered way. Some of her scruples are pushed to one side. You see the range of friendships in the story, from intergenerational relationships to some newer and toxic ones.  There are some serious messages in the story but also a heart-warming message with uplifting moments and a sense of hope. This is a book which will challenge you as well as entertain.

In short: two sides of friendship laid bare
 

About the Author

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.

Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines. She is represented by Darley Anderson Agency & Associates. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 one of her novels won the RNA's Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award. Currently Samantha writes uplifting, emotional women's fiction for Boldwood Books.

You can follow Samantha here: Twitter   |  Facebook   |  Website  |  Instagram  |  Newsletter Sign Up  |  Bookbub profile

Book links: Book links 
        
Thanks to Samantha Tonge, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the event.
 
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