BLOG TOUR: Skylarking by Kate Mildenhall - Q&A and Extract

This year has seen so many great debut novels - one being Skylarking by Kate Mildenhall. The book focuses on two best friends whose friendship is tested by the arrival of a newcomer to their small island.

Kate has stopped by for a Q&A on Skylarking, to tell about her new novel and the inspiration behind it.

Click here to read an extract of Skylarking!

Kate and Harriet are best friends growing up together on an isolated Australian cape. As the daughters of the lighthouse keepers, the two girls share everything, until a fisherman, McPhail, arrives in their small community.

When Kate witnesses the desire that flares between him and Harriet, she is torn by her feelings of envy and longing. An innocent moment in McPhail's hut then occurs that threatens to tear their peaceful community apart.

Inspired by a true story, Skylarking is a spellbinding tale of friendship and desire, memory and truth, which questions what it is to remember and how tempting it can be to forget.

Tell us about your latest novel in 15 words or less.
A remote lighthouse. Best friends growing up. A fisherman. A gun…

What inspired you to write Skylarking?
While on a camping trip with my family and best friends, I stumbled upon an old grave. It belonged to a young woman who had lived at a nearby lighthouse in the 1880s and I was immediately captivated by the information that hinted at a bigger story, including her friendship with the daughter of the Head Lighthouse Keeper, and a terrible event that occurred at a fisherman’s hut nearby. I began to dig into the history of the lighthouse and eventually became obsessed with imagining the lives of these two best friends and what became of them.

Where do you do most of your writing?
I occupied a corner of the lounge room by surrounding it with bookshelves so I have a little nook with a sunny window and a desk amid towering piles of books. But, as I have two young children, I also write wherever I can – on the train, in the car outside dancing class, dictating notes on my phone while waiting at traffic lights!

What is your favourite book?
This question is like asking which of my children is my favourite! As a child, Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery, as a student Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, as a writer The Writer’s Room: Conversations About Writing edited by Charlotte Wood.

Which part of Skylarking did you enjoy writing the most?
In the beginning I had no idea I was writing a novel, let alone that it would be published – so that was incredibly liberating. I avoided writing the climax of the novel for many, many months, and when I finally did, I sobbed all the way through. That part wasn’t enjoyable but it was certainly an experience I’ll never forget.

Who is your favourite literary heroine?
Again, so many! But Anne of Green Gables and Grace Marks from Margaret Attwood’s Alias Grace influenced me both in my life and writing.

Do you have any tips for readers who are looking to become published writers?
Keep reading widely and voraciously! And sit down and DO the writing. Your novel can sound wonderful in your mind but you’ve got to take the risk to actually put it down on paper. Be brave!

Are you working on anything else at the moment and if so, can you tell us?
I’m in the middle of writing my second novel. It’s a more contemporary story and as part of the research I’m hitching a ride on a yacht from Darwin to Indonesia. I’m enjoying pushing myself to take new risks in this work!

Thanks, Kate!

You can find out more about Kate Mildenhall by visiting her website, Facebook, or by following her on Twitter.

BOOK REVIEW: Him Downstairs by Sherill Turner

What do you do when the ex you still have feelings for lives directly below you?

It's a tricky situation for Lucy Jenkins in Him Downstairs, the debut novel from actress Sherill Turner (check out her Q&A!). If you're a fan of hilarious British chick-lit then this is a perfect novel to add to your to-read list.

Life is going generally okay for thirty-something Lucy; okay, she's single, and she has to take on more than one job to be able to afford the mortgage on her much-loved flat. But with her fun and slightly wacky friends and family around her, Lucy is heading through life positively.

However, things change when the flat below hers becomes occupied by the handsome Tom; a fellow singleton who's moved in after separating from his wife. Tom and Lucy are great together, however it isn't long before the challenges arise, such as the acceptance of Tom's two young sons, and the pressure from his soon-to-be-ex wife.

When there seem to me more downsides than upsides to their relationship, Tom and Lucy call it off - leaving Lucy with the unfortunate realisation that she will have to get over a man who lives right below her. It's hard enough getting over a relationship, but when you can hear your ex all day (even going to the toilet)? Nothing can prepare you for that...

With the help of her friends, and along with some hilarious dating disasters and mishaps, Lucy must focus on getting the man from the downstairs flat out of her life.

Him Downstairs is a fantastic read, one which I struggled to put down as I found myself relating to Lucy so much, cheering her on throughout the novel. Sherill Turner is a very funny writer, and the book is hilarious all the way through; it's brilliantly witty British chick-lit, the kind that I'm personally always on the lookout for. I will say that at the beginning of this book, there was perhaps a bit too much rambling - HOWEVER, as I read on, I didn't mind this, and it actually made me enjoy it more. It felt as though Lucy had become a close friend, and that I'd been invited even further into her life and the story.

I'm going to applaud the author for bringing us a book that focuses on a real, genuine relationship. Yes, this is considered chick-lit, but if you're looking for a sugary-sweet romance, Him Downstairs probably isn't for you. I won't go into too much detail, but this story explores the (often harsh) realities and issues that come with thirty-something dating, especially when there are ex-partners and children involved. It's refreshing, as it's something that isn't usually explored in mainstream chick-lit, as there tends to be a heavy focus on the happily-ever-after. This book is about Lucy's journey, and what she learns from it.

Him Downstairs is a wonderful debut with plenty of humour, a relatable heroine and fab characters. I hope Sherill writes more novels in the future!

Rating: 5/5

BOOK NEWS: The Dating Bender by Christina Julian

The Dating Bender is the upcoming debut novel by Christina Julian, in which divorcee Samantha decides up her 'good girl' life in favour of romantic (mis)adventures...

The Dating Bender will be released in August.

Here I am, on my knees in front of the Trevi Fountain, hoping like hell the legend is true. That the fountain gives you solace and love by a mere toss of a coin. 

Why am I here, exactly? Let’s see…

It started with my parents telling me to get married. Of course, being the good Catholic girl I am, I did.

Needless to say, that marriage nosedived, and my parents weren’t exactly happy about it.
Newly ditched and shamefully disowned, I decided to follow the advice of Babs, a tart-of-a-mentor, who offered me a job in Colorado. 

Her advice? Sex…and lots of it.

The temptation of freedom, to do whatever—whoever—I wanted was too damn strong for me to say no.

And that’s how it all started. The men, the sex, the journey…

The dating bender. Because everybody deserves a do-over.

BLOG TOUR: Beneath a Burning Sky by Jenny Ashcroft - REVIEW

Today is rather exciting as it's day one of the blog tour for Beneath a Burning Sky, the beautiful new historical romance novel from Jenny Ashcroft.

When twenty-two-year-old Olivia is coerced into marriage by the cruel Alistair Sheldon she leaves England for Egypt, his home and the land of her own childhood. Reluctant as she is to go with Alistair, it's in her new home that she finds happiness in surprising places: she is reunited with her long-estranged sister, Clara, and falls - impossibly and illicitly - in love with her husband's boarder, Captain Edward Bertram.

Then Clara is abducted from one of the busiest streets in the city. Olivia is told it's thieves after ransom money, but she's convinced there's more to it. As she sets out to discover what's happened to the sister she's only just begun to know, she falls deeper into the shadowy underworld of Alexandria, putting her own life, and her chance at a future with Edward, the only man she's ever loved, at risk. Because, determined as Olivia is to find Clara, there are others who will stop at nothing to conceal what's become of her...

When I was told about this book, I was instantly drawn in by the cover. It's captivating. Just like the book itself, which is set in Egypt in the late 19th century.

After a troubled childhood, Olivia is twenty-two when she's forced into marriage, and has to leave her home in England and head to Egypt - a place she already knows having spent her childhood there with her now-deceased parents and the sister from whom she was separated. Having to endure the cruelty of her new husband, there is some positivity in returning to Alexandria; seeing her sister Clara again. And, unexpectedly, meeting and falling for a charming Captain.

However, things change when Olivia's sister disappears. Olivia is determined to find her, even to the point of putting her own life, and love, at risk.

Beneath a Burning Sky may be described as a historical romance, but it's much more than a that; it's full of intrigue and mystery that makes it such a great read. It has aspects of a thriller, with Olivia's determination to find out what's happened to her sister. This is Jenny Ashcroft's debut novel, and it is a wonderfully written book that's very hard to put down. I don't read a lot of historical novels, but found myself completely immersed in Beneath a Burning Sky. 

Rating: 5/5

Check out the other stops on the Beneath a Burning Sky blog tour!

BOOK REVIEW: The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land by Isabella Davidson

The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land is the newly-released debut novel by Isabella Davidson, popular blogger at Notting Hill Yummy Mummy (check out her recent blog tour to find out more about Isabella!) I was pretty excited about this book as soon as I heard about it. A new city, rivalry, anonymous blogging...it seemed like a promising debut!

When her husband lands a job opportunity that's hard to turn down, Sophie Bennett begins to prepare the family's big move from Toronto to London. Moving to a new city is hard enough, but heading to a new city halfway across the globe is even more difficult - especially when there's Sophie's four-year-old daughter Kaya's schooling to consider.

Luckily, Michael's contacts have landed them the services of a nursery consultant who manages to get Kaya a place at Cherry Blossoms, one of the most exclusive nurseries in Notting Hill. Sophie is sure that taking Kaya to her new school will provide the perfect opportunity to talk to the other mums and make new friends - but as it happens, she couldn't be more wrong.

The mums at Cherry Blossoms are not what Sophie expects; incredibly wealthy, beautiful (one is an actual supermodel) and just a bit judgmental, Sophie's first interactions with the 'Alpha Mums' doesn't exactly go down too well. Feeling self-conscious and out of her depth at the school gates of exclusivity she has not fully experienced before, Sophie vows to try again.

However, she soon becomes certain that she won't fit in with these high-maintenance mums who are always fighting for the top spot in the Alpha Mum roster. Rude, cliquey and fiercely competitive in everything they do, these 'yummy mummies' are desperate to outdo one another and take down anyone who gets in their way.

Lonely and homesick, Sophie takes out her frustration on a blog. Naming herself 'Beta Mum', she anonymously chronicles her day to day life at the school gates, noting some of the conversations and goings-on at some of the vast Cherry Blossoms events. Pretty soon Sophie is gaining followers from all around the world, who are stopping by to share their own amusing tales of school-run woes.

As the blog gains more attention - especially from one man who might just be married to one of the Alphas - Sophie becomes more content, making sure she documents her new life full of overachieving competitive mums for the world to read about. With her blog, people are finally listening to her, making her realise that she's not alone.

That is until one day, when she accidentally reveals the location of the London nursery, and it's only a matter of time before the Alpha's work out the mystery blogger's true identity...

I'm going to stop there in case I spoil any more, and I certainly don't want to do that because this book is downright brilliant. I was hooked from page one, and it didn't take me long to finish because I could hardly put it down. Isabella is funny, with sparkling wit, and her fun writing style shines through. I was rooting for Sophie since the very beginning of the novel.

I'm not a mum, and thus have never experienced the kind of behaviour Sophie has to endure at the nursery, however I have heard similar stories from others who have! It reminds me of high school, where classes were dominated by the typical cliques and bullies. Some people just never seem to grow up, often concealing their own problems and insecurities beneath a false layer of confidence, and I think Isabella has captured this brilliantly.

The Beta Mum: Adventures in Alpha Land is an absolutely wonderful, unputdownable debut.

Rating: 5/5

BOOK REVIEW: Not Working by Lisa Owens

Not Working is the much anticipated debut novel from Lisa Owens. This book was on my radar for quite some time - plus, I was in love with its original cover art - so when it appeared on Netgalley I jumped at the chance to read it.

Twenty-something Claire might seem to possess the recipe for a good life; a London flat, a boyfriend who's a trainee brain surgeon, a mother who she spends time with, and a decent day job. However, Claire isn't thoroughly satisfied - she isn't doing a job she loves, and even though she doesn't have to worry too much financially with Luke's salary, she has suspicions that he may be cheating on her.

A bit fed up with a life that now seems to be heading nowhere, Claire decides to quit her tedious job and find one that's more meaningful - to truly find her calling. After all, she has enough savings to keep her going for enough time to find a job - which, sadly, is harder than she expected.

Claire soon realises that perhaps leaving a job before finding another was probably not the best of ideas, and soon her life, which at least used to have some semblance of normality, is taken over by an excessive job hunt. Claire needs to get her life back on track, and quickly.

Not Working seemed as though it would be a promising debut. I had expected it to be quirky, humorous, with the added relatablility of twenty-something life. Most of us have probably taken jobs 'for now' with the intent of landing our dream careers, or have spent considerable time glued to our computers, applying for various roles over and over again. That's part of what interested me about this novel  - we've all been there, that's life, that's reality sometimes. But sadly, it just didn't ring true.

Firstly, Claire is an extremely annoying character; she's self-centered and irresponsible, and if I'm being blunt, acts like a whiny, entitled, immature and shallow millennial waiting for everything to be automatically handed to her. (I am only a couple of years older than Claire, and yet with her actions, it seems as though she's a lot younger). I couldn't sympathise with her at all and she annoyed me so much that I really didn't want to finish the novel.

Secondly, the format of this book is quite annoying; it's not written in novel form, more like a diary, with every page or so having a different title, with a glimpse into Claire's relatively normal, day to day life. This became very tedious, VERY quickly, as the chapters didn't fully flow for me and it was hard to get into the story.

I'm disappointed, mainly because I had such high hopes for this book. That said, if Lisa Owens releases another novel I would certainly give it a go, but as for Not Working, I'm sad to say it wasn't for me.

Rating: 2/5

BOOK REVIEW: Handcuffs, Truncheon and a Polyester Thong by Gina Kirkham

I was looking through Netgalley when this novel caught my eye, and I had to request it just because of the cover. I love funny books, and this looked brilliant. There's a new heroine in town - Constable Mavis Upton - who takes us through her life and career as a police officer in Handcuffs, Truncheon and a Polyester Thong, the wonderful debut by former police officer Gina Kirkham.

Mavis is a young, single mum, and whilst out with her daughter one afternoon, suddenly has an epiphany. Mavis decides there and then that she wants to become a police officer. After filling out the forms, with the help of her hilarious mum, Mavis awaits her fate - and when she gets into the training program, can't believe what she's let herself in for. But she's determined, and as she embarks on the long, rigorous police training course, hilarious moments ensue.

And that's before she steps into the role. As Mavis navigates through the trials that await every new police officer - including some funny mishaps and initiations! - she tries not to let her guard down. But that's almost impossible for Mavis, who is partial to hilarious exploits, and constantly finds herself in embarrassing situations.

As the book goes on, Mavis works her way up through the ranks and years, taking on jobs that range from the downright silly to the highly emotional. Her daughter Ella is getting older, and after a few funny brushes with romance, Mavis finally finds a man that seems perfect for her. With her adoring Mum at her side, it seems as though life is going swimmingly. But then trouble unexpectedly hits their small, close family, and Mavis has to be stronger and braver than ever before.

This book has to be one of the best novels I have read so far. Yes, it's hilarious. In fact, it's so funny that I was giggling out loud numerous times whilst reading this. At 10% through this book it was already the funniest I had read this year. Gina Kirkham's humour is, in my opinion, the best kind; witty, a bit sarcastic, the ability to find the fun in every situation.

Mavis is such a great character. Not only is she someone you'd want to be around for the laughs, but she is strong, determined, and brave. I got that impression of her right away. She is ambitious, holding onto her dream, and even when things often went wrong in police training, Mavis laughed at herself and carried on. (Sorry. Have I mentioned JUST HOW MUCH I LOVE MAVIS?)

As an officer, Mavis is exposed to the funny side (there are plenty of hilarious stories involving thongs, blow-up dolls, drug raids...) and of course, the harrowing, emotional side to the job. As someone who has always secretly dreamed of being a police officer, I loved these chapters, and loved how Mavis reacted and grew as a character throughout her years in the police force. The book follows Mavis over a number of years, from trainee to experienced officer.

And then, the crying happened. I don't want to post spoilers, but there is a part of this book that is truly heartbreaking. It upset me as I read, as it is something that many people will have to go through, but Mavis remained positive throughout. I couldn't help but love her even more.

I find it hard to believe that this is a debut novel; Gina Kirkham is a fantastic writer. Handcuffs, Truncheon and a Polyester Thong may come across as a comedy, and it is - but it's so much more than that. This novel made me genuinely laugh and cry. It's a beautifully positive, uplifting tale full of emotion, warmth and humour, of an everyday woman who wants the best for herself and her family - and refuses to let anything - especially big knickers! - get in her way.

Rating: 5/5

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

UNCOVERED PICKS: Five debut novels to read this summer!

Coming across debut authors is always fun and exciting, especially when you find a writer whose work you really connect with and you just can't wait for their next book. 2017 is seeing quite a lot of fab-looking debuts, and so here's a selection of five to look out for in May and June.

The Beta Mum, Adventures in Alpha Land by Isabella Davidson (Released in June)
When Sophie Bennett moves from a quiet sleepy suburb of Toronto to glitzy west London, she doesn’t know where she has landed: Venus or Mars. Her three-year-old daughter Kaya attends Cherry Blossoms, the most exclusive nursery in London, where Sophie finds herself adrift in a sea of Alpha Mums. These mothers are glamorous, gorgeous, competitive and super rich, especially Kelly, the blonde, beautiful and bitchy class rep. 

Struggling to fit in and feeling increasingly isolated, Sophie starts The Beta Mum, an anonymous blog describing her struggles with the Alpha Mums. But when her blog goes viral, she risks ruining everything for herself and her daughter. How long will it be until they discover her true identity? Is her marriage strong enough to survive one of her follower’s advances? And will she ever fit in with the Alpha Mums?

Girl In Between by Anna Daniels (Released in May)
Lucy Crighton has just moved in with some gregarious housemates called Brian and Denise ...who are her parents. She’s also the proud mother of Glenda, her beloved 10-year-old...kelpie. And she has absolutely no interest in the dashing son of her parents’ new next-door neighbour...well, maybe just a little...

As the girl in between relationships, careers and cities, Lucy is facing some awkward truths – like her mum’s obsession with Cher, her father’s unsolicited advice, and the probability there’s more cash on the floor of her parents’ car than in her own bank account.

Thank goodness for Lucy’s crazy-but-wonderful best friend, Rosie, who’s around to cushion reality with wild nights at the local Whipcrack Hotel, escapades in Japanese mud baths, and double dating under the Christmas lights in London. 

But will Lucy work out what she really wants to do in life – and who she wants to share it with 
Girl in Between is a warm, funny, charmingly Australian story about life at the crossroads. Featuring an endearing and irrepressible cast of characters, it will have you chuckling from start to finish.

Hot Mess by Lucy Vine (Released in May)
Hot Mess [n.] - someone attractive, who is often in disarray.

Ellie Knight is just like you. Her life isn't turning out the way she thought it would. Some people might say she's a hot mess but then who really has their s**t together anyway?

It's Valentine's Day and Ellie finds herself eating Nutella in the bar stockroom after a no-show date.
But single doesn't have to be the loneliest number, does it?

She goes back home to her flatshare and weird flatmates.

It's ok there's black mould everywhere, right?

With a hangover from hell, she goes to the office job she thought she would have quit by now.
Doesn't everyone hate their job?

Maybe Ellie isn't following the *official life plan* but perfect is overrated. For fans of Fleabag and Girls, this is a fresh and funny coming-of-age story with a single-girl heroine that everyone will relate to - a modern Carrie Bradshaw meets Bridget Jones.

Love in Row 27 by Eithne Shortall (Released in June)
What happens when Cupid plays co-pilot?

Still reeling from a break-up, Cora Hendricks has given up on ever finding love. For herself, that is. To pass the time while working the Aer Lingus check-in desk at Heathrow, Cora begins to play cupid with high-flying singles.

Using only her intuition, the internet, and glamorous flight attendant accomplice Nancy, Row 27 becomes Cora's laboratory of love. Instead of being seated randomly, two unwitting passengers on each flight find themselves next to the person of their dreams - or not.

Cora swears Row 27 is just a bit of fun, but while she's busy making sparks fly at cruising altitude, the love she'd given up on for herself just might have landed right in front of her...

Mr Right-Swipe by Ricki Schultz (Released in June)
Rae Wallace would rather drown in a vat of pinot greezh and be eaten by her own beagle than make another trip down the aisle--even if it is her best friend's wedding. She's too busy molding the minds of first graders and polishing that ol' novel in the drawer to waste time on any man, unless it's Jason Segel.

But when her be-fris stage an intervention, Rae is forced to give in. After all, they've hatched a plan to help her find love the 21st century way: online. She's skeptical of this electronic chlamydia catcher, but she's out to prove she hasn't been too picky with men.

However, when a familiar fella's profile pops up--the dangerously hot substitute teacher from work (Nick)--Rae swipes herself right into a new problem...

GUEST POST: 10 Things You Need to Know about Isabella Davidson

Isabella Davidson’s debut novel, The Beta Mum, Adventures in Alpha-Land, published by Silverwood Press, is coming out on June 20th 2017! It's a fun tale of a Toronto mum who finds herself among London's elite mummy crowd...

When Sophie Bennett moves from a quiet, sleepy suburb of Toronto to glitzy west London, she doesn’t know where she has landed: Venus or Mars. Her three-year-old daughter Kaya attends Cherry Blossoms, the most exclusive nursery in London, where Sophie finds herself adrift in a sea of Alpha mums. These mothers are glamorous, gorgeous, competitive and super rich, especially Kelly, the blonde, beautiful and bitchy class rep.  

Struggling to fit in and feeling increasingly isolated, Sophie starts The Beta Mum, an anonymous blog describing her struggles with the Alpha mums. But when her blog goes viral, she risks ruining everything for herself and her daughter. How long will it be until they discover her true identity? Is her marriage strong enough  to survive one of her follower’s advances? And will she ever fit in with the Alpha mums?

Isabella is a former doctor who decided to write The Beta Mum after the success of her blog. Want to know more? Well, here Isabella shares ten things about her and her debut novel...

10 Things You Need To Know About Me And My Book: 

1. As cliché as it is, I’ve always wanted to write a book. The first time I realized it was when I was 10 years old and my English teacher read one of my short stories about a witch and said ‘maybe one day you’ll become a writer.’
2. I was better at Biology than English in school, so I became a doctor instead! But the dream was always there and after I stopped working as a doctor to raise my children, I started a humorous blog about living in west London, www.nottinghillyummymummy.com Through the blog, I was asked to write a feature for The Saturday Times newspaper and thought that perhaps I had enough talent to write a book. Rightly or wrongly! 
3. It took me two years to write the book but before then I had started about ten books without ever finishing them. No one told me quite how hard it was to write a book! The best thing I did to help me finish writing my book was to go on the Faber Academy Novel Writing Course. It helped with my motivation and provided so much support and feedback. 
4. Like they always say ‘write about what you know’ so that’s what I did. I am a mum living in west London, so that’s what I wrote about. I hear so many funny and interesting stories all the time and think ‘Oooh, I need to put that in my book!’ That’s where I get my inspiration from. From everyday conversations and events. 
5. The book is entirely fictional but based on some true events and experiences I have had or stories I have heard. The characters are all fictional and I am not the main character Sophie and the bitchy mum Kelly does not exist either. I did go to a play date once when the housekeeper thought I was there for an interview and started asking me questions about my childcare experience. It was rather mortifying! 
6. Not all west London mums are awful. I live in west London and I love it. Most of my friends are west London mums too, so there are plenty of lovely mums here. But no one wants to read about boring, nice, mums who are nice to everybody. There would not be a story. But there are so many interesting characters who live in and out of west London, it’s fascinating. 
7. I loved writing the bitchy mum’s character, Kelly. She is so awful and yet, I have heard people speaking like her in real life and I think that we should all be kinder to each other. So the moral of my story is: be kinder to each other.
8. It is not a serious book; it is meant to be entertaining, funny and a light, summer read. Anyone who is offended by it is taking it way too seriously. I hope my readers have fun with it and enjoy it! 
9. Writing is full of obstacles: the writing bit, then the getting-published bit and then the selling-and-marketing bit. It is a hard, long road! And I am still working on all three…
10. To any aspiring writers: my tutor once told me that it isn’t about how much talent you have, it’s about tenacity. Sitting down every day on that chair to write, word after word, and then throwing your first draft away and re-writing the book, and then editing, editing, editing. It’s not for the faint-hearted! But I am so proud that I finished it and that I am now able to share it with the world. And I hope everyone enjoys it!

Check out Isabella Davidson's blog, Notting Hill Yummy Mummy, and sign up for news! You can also take part a Goodreads Giveaway for a chance to win a copy of The Beta Mum  -Adventures in Alpha-Land.

BOOK NEWS: Love in Row 27 by Eithne Shortall

Love in Row 27 is the debut novel from Irish author Eithne Shortall, in which newly-single Cora decides to play matchmaker, using row 27 as the perfect venue for a date for unknowing passengers. The novel will be released in June.

What happens when Cupid plays co-pilot?

Still reeling from a break-up, Cora Hendricks has given up on ever finding love. For herself, that is. To pass the time while working the Aer Lingus check-in desk at Heathrow, Cora begins to play cupid with high-flying singles.

Using only her intuition, the internet, and glamorous flight attendant accomplice Nancy, Row 27 becomes Cora's laboratory of love. Instead of being seated randomly, two unwitting passengers on each flight find themselves next to the person of their dreams - or not.

Cora swears Row 27 is just a bit of fun, but while she's busy making sparks fly at cruising altitude, the love she'd given up on for herself just might have landed right in front of her...

BOOK REVIEW: Don't Stop Me Now by Colleen Coleman

Don't Stop Me Now is the debut novel from Colleen Coleman -  a book I'd been excited about for quite some time. It's always fun to discover new authors, and the new novel from Colleen - who scooped the Novelicious Undiscovered People's Choice Award - has been one to watch.

Poppy Bloom - well, Doctor Poppy Bloom, now that she has just obtained her PhD in Psychology - has life planned out. With big dreams of life in academia, Poppy is set on gaining a fellowship at prestigious Banbridge University, a feat she has worked incredibly hard for ten years to achieve, along with her handsome boyfriend Gregory.

However, life doesn't always go as planned - and Poppy's dreams are quashed on graduation day when she doesn't get the top spot. And to make it worse, she's dumped by Gregory.

Poppy has no choice but to head back home to her parents' house, unemployed and with no  backup plan. Faced with the prospect of a future vastly different from the one she envisioned, Poppy takes each day as it comes, gradually breaking free from her moping and reconnecting with old friends. When she runs into old schoolfriend Leanne, she finds herself accepting some much-deserved social time. And not to mention meeting up with Leanne's lovely brother Tom...

When a radio phone-in makes Poppy irate, her response causes a host of comments and feedback from the public, leading Poppy to an internship offer. Soon, she's a radio agony aunt, with new friends - and she even finds herself joining a netball team. It may not be the dream she'd prepped herself for, but Poppy soon realises that things don't have to go as planned to be perfect.

Don't Stop Me Now is an inspiring, feel-good read that I'd personally recommend to anyone who has wondered about their chosen life path. (And let's face it, that's a lot of us!)

At first, I really didn't like Poppy; she came across as quite rude and superior, especially to her mother, who seemed to only want to help. I almost put the book down because I really disliked her, though Colleen's wonderfully witty writing style kept me reading. However, her attitude changed throughout the book, and I did start to like her more, and was extremely glad I gave her a chance. Her attitude quickly diminished, revealing a determined, smart and headstrong character who pushed on through, even when her life was turned upside down in the space of one day. Poppy took it all in her stride, and ended up with a whole new life adventure.

Don't Stop Me Now is a promising debut. Colleen Coleman is a highly talented writer and I look forward to her future books.

Rating: 4/5

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

BOOK NEWS: Amanda Wakes Up by Alisyn Camerota

Amanda Wakes Up is the debut novel from Alisyn Camerota, in which a young reporter lands a dream job at a cable news station which turns her life upside down. The novel is set for release in July.

When Amanda Gallo, fresh from the backwater of local TV, lands the job of her dreams at FAIR News—the coveted morning anchor slot—she’s finally made it: a six-figure salary, wardrobe allowance, plenty of on-air face time, and a chance to realize her dreams, not to mention buy herself lunch. Amanda Wakes Up takes off as Amanda feels for the first time that she can make her mom and her best friend proud and think about an actual future with her boyfriend, Charlie. But she finds her journalistic ideals shredded as she struggles to keep up with the issues in a ratings-crazed madhouse—battling for hair and makeup time, coping with her sexist (but scathingly handsome) coanchor, Rob, mixing up the headlines with pajama modeling on the street, and showing Benji Diggs, her media maestro boss, that she’s got what it takes.

As the news heats up in a hotly contested election season and a wild-card candidate, former Hollywood actor Victor Fluke, appears on the scene, Amanda’s pressure-cooker job gets hotter as her personal life unravels. Walking a knife’s edge between ambition and survival, and about to break the biggest story of her career, Amanda must decide what she’s willing to give up to get ahead—and what she needs to hold on to to save herself.

BOOK NEWS: Crimes Against a Book Club by Kathy Cooperman

Here's a debut novel I'm super excited about! Crimes Against a Book Club by Kathy Cooperman is out in May. In it, two successful yet struggling best friends hatch a plot to scam the wealthy women of their book club...

Best friends Annie and Sarah need cash—fast. Sarah, a beautiful, successful lawyer, wants nothing more than to have a baby. But balancing IVF treatments with a grueling eighty-hour workweek is no walk in the park. Meanwhile, Annie, a Harvard-grad chemist recently transplanted to Southern California, is cutting coupons to afford her young autistic son’s expensive therapy.

Desperate, the two friends come up with a brilliant plan: they’ll combine Sarah’s looks and Annie’s brains to sell a “luxury” antiaging face cream to the wealthy, fading beauties in Annie’s La Jolla book club. The scheme seems innocent enough, until Annie decides to add a special—and oh-so-illegal—ingredient that could bring their whole operation crashing to the ground.

Hilarious, intelligent, and warm, Crimes Against a Book Club is a delightful look at the lengths women will go to fend for their families and for one another.

BOOK NEWS: Don't Stop Me Now by Colleen Coleman

Colleen Coleman is definitely one to watch, having signed with Bookouture last summer! Her novel Don't Stop Me Now will be released in March, and follows ambitious Poppy, who's forced to temporarily take a step back in life when things don't go to plan...

A hilarious feel good read about finding your feet when life pulls the rug out from under you.

Poppy Bloom planned to finish her PhD and walk straight into a job at her university. But here she is, unemployed, unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend, and living back at her mum’s in her vampire-themed childhood bedroom.

Not exactly what she was hoping for.

But when Poppy sets her mind to something, nothing can stand in her way. She scores herself an internship at the hottest radio station in town, joins a netball team, and renews her friendship with her oldest friend Leanne. Spending time with Leanne’s gorgeous twin Tom is just a bonus…

But life has a way of tripping you up when you least expect it, and Poppy soon has to decide where her priorities lie… With new friends, a new career and a new romance, can Poppy keep everyone happy, or is everything about to tumble down around her? 

BOOK NEWS: Saving Phoebe Murrow by Herta Feely

Next month sees the release of Saving Phoebe Murrow by Herta Feely which focuses on the relationship between a mother and daughter, trust, and online dangers. Saving Phoebe Murrow is Herta's debut novel.

Have you ever tried to be the perfect mother? Isabel, a DC lawyer, does everything she can to keep Phoebe from harm, but fails when the mysterious Shane appears on Facebook and flirts with her teenage daughter.

A story about the timeless struggle between mothers and their teen daughters with a razor-sharp 21st century twist. This heart-wrenching, harrowing debut novel for fans of Big Little Lies (Liane Moriarty) and Reconstructing Amelia (Kimberly McCreight) will make you question what's needed to keep your children from harm. Phoebe's mother, Isabel, is precariously balancing her career and her family.

Hard-working and caring, worried but supportive, all Isabel wants, in a world of bullies and temptations, is to keep her daughter Phoebe safe. With her busy schedule, though, she fails to recognize another mother's mounting fury and the danger Phoebe faces by flirting with a mysterious boy on Facebook. A cyber-bullying episode aimed at Phoebe pushes her to the edge with horrific consequences. In her search for justice, Isabel, a DC lawyer, sets out to find the culprit behind this cruel incident.

Saving Phoebe Murrow, set amidst the complicated web of adolescent relationships, tells a story of miscommunication and malice, drugs and Facebook, prejudice and revenge.

BOOK NEWS: Playing FTSE by Penelope Jacobs

There are some great novels heading our way in November, one being Playing FTSE by Penelope Jacobs, in which ambitious Melanie finds herself falling for a colleague. Penelope Jacobs has worked in finance since 1998, and Playing FTSE is her debut novel.

When Melanie Collins joins an investment bank as a young graduate, she quickly discovers that femininity is an invaluable asset. But it must not be abused. She witnesses other women falling victim to office affairs and is determined to be taken seriously. In an industry where abilities are rewarded handsomely, she rises rapidly through the ranks. But her increased profile attracts the attention of a senior colleague and she is ill equipped to handle his advances. Balancing a demanding job with a confusing personal life proves difficult and soon their relationship threatens to jeopardise her career. As events move beyond control, her glamorous world becomes tainted by betrayal and bitterness. Set against London's financial markets, 'Playing FTSE' explores the dynamic of ambition, friendship and love in the City. A woman can reach the top, but at what price?

NEW RELEASES: The Big Lead by Libby Kirsch

Mystery fans are very likely to enjoy the new novel by Libby Kirsch! The Big Lead follows Montana TV reporter Stella Reynolds as she uncovers a story that could lead to a lot of potential trouble...

Stella Reynolds is new to the job, new to the state, and new to making mistakes in front of thousands of people, but that’s exactly what she signs up for when she takes a job as a TV reporter in the mountains of Bozeman, Montana. Being on live TV in a small town has never been so funny, until Stella covers the town’s first murders in years. 

When the prime suspect’s girlfriend enlists Stella to help clear his name, she uncovers another shocking crime that could expose a handful of powerful insiders. 

Who is honest, who can’t be trusted, and who committed the murders? Stella is on a tight deadline to find out. Can she help free an innocent man, or will the real culprit get away with murder? 

BOOK NEWS: The Stylist by Rosie Nixon

The Stylist is the debut novel from Rosie Nixon, joint editor of HELLO! Magazine. Drawing from her glamorous experiences in the celebrity-filled world of magazines, Rosie's first novel follows boutique worker Amber Green, who is mistakenly given the job of a top celebrity stylist. The Stylist will be published in February.

When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. As awards season spins into action Mona is in hot demand and Amber's life turned upside down. Suddenly she catching the attention of two very different suitors, TV producer Rob and Hollywood bad boy rising star Liam. How will Amber keep her head? And what the hell will everyone wear? The Stylist is a fast-paced, fun-packed rummage through the ultimate dressing up box. 

BOOK NEWS: The Assistants by Camille Perri

Finding out about next year's releases is exciting, especially when new books by debut authors are on the list. The Assistants is the first novel of Camille Perri, in which a bored executive assistant is faced with the opportunity to solve her financial problems - even if it does mean stealing from her boss. The Assistants is due to be published in May 2016.

Tina Fontana is the hapless but brazen thirty-year-old executive assistant to Robert Barlow, the all-powerful and commanding CEO of Titan Corp., a multinational media conglomerate. She’s excellent at her job and beloved by her famous boss—but after six years of making his reservations for restaurants she’d never get into on her own and pouring his drinks from bottles that cost more than her rent, she’s bored, broke, and just a bit over it all.

When a technical error with Robert’s travel-and-expenses report presents Tina with the opportunity to pay off the entire balance of her student loan debt with what would essentially be pocket change for her boss, she struggles with the decision: She’s always played by the rules. But it’s such a relatively small amount of money for the Titan Corporation—and for her it would be a life-changer...

The Assistants speaks directly to a new generation of women who feel stuck and unable to get ahead playing by the rules. It will appeal to all of those who have ever asked themselves, “How is it that after all these years, we are still assistants?”

NEW RELEASES: Landfalls by Naomi J Williams

Landfalls is the new novel from Naomi J Williams. The story of one epic voyage, Landfalls takes the reader through Tenerife, Chile, Alaska, Russia and Australia. As well as being an exciting new release, Landfalls is also Naomi's debut novel, and is due for release on October 22nd.

An epic voyage, undertaken with the grandest of ambitions. When Laperouse leaves France in the Spring of 1785 with two ships under his command, he knows that he sails with the full backing of the French government. This is to be a voyage of scientific and geographical discovery - but every person on board has their own hopes, ambitions and dreams. As the ships move across vast distances in their journey of nearly four years, the different characters step forward and invite us into their world. From the remote Alaskan bay where a dreadful tragedy unfolds, to the wild journey Barthelemy de Lessups undertakes from the far east of Russia to St Petersburg, the reader sees the emotional, physical and mental toll exacted by such an endeavour. Landfalls marks the launch of a brilliant new writer, who creates an unforgettable world through a web of voices and narratives.