Sneak Peeks & Giveaway - Alison Jameson - Little Beauty

July is turning out to be a very busy month bookwise for me, one of the books waiting on my Kindle for me to read is Little Beauty by Alison Jameson which sounds like it's going to be a thought provoking read.

1975: Laura Quinn has spent her life on the remote and beautiful Inis Miol Mor - Whale Island- off the west coast of Ireland. After the death of her parents, and faced with the continuing reluctance of her lover, Martin, to marry her, she realizes she needs to leave the island for her life really to begin.

She accepts a job as a housekeeper with a wealthy couple on the mainland. But a year later, Laura is back, and this time she is not alone. She has at last found the love of her life: a baby son named Matthew. But what sort of life can an unmarried mother have on a remote Irish island in the 1970s? In this complex situation is revealed a picture of a tightly knit community where Laura inevitably comes under pressure to conform to the rules of society.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Laurell K. Hamilton - Affliction

I recently received a copy of Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton to review but as I've currently got a backlog, and paranormal fiction is not a genre I read, I'm offering it as a giveaway prize to one of my followers instead.

Had everyone bitten tonight caught this? The other bites had not looked like vampire bites. They'd been zombie, or human looking. Was this infection something that vampires and shapeshifters could catch? If it was, then it was something new. Some zombies are raised. Others must be put down. Just ask me, Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter. 

Before now, I figured I could handle them. Before now, I had never heard of any of them causing human beings to perish in agony. But that's all changed. Micah's estranged father lies dying, rotting away inside from some strange ailment that has his doctor's whispering about 'zombie disease'.

Crime Fiction Week Sneak Peeks: Michael Robotham - Say You're Sorry & Watching You

I've loved all the suggestions I received from publicists for books to feature and/or read during this crime fiction feature week but the only problem was there were so many to choose from and not enough time to feature them all.

One of the authors that was recommended to me was Michael Robotham who I have to confess I had never heard of before... I know, I know, have I been living under a stone?!  He has two books being published in the next couple of months, Say You're Sorry in paperback on 18th July and Watching You in Hardback and eBook on 1st August. Both sound really good and have been added to my Amazon wishlist along with the other books in the series.  

My name is Piper Hadley and I went missing on the last Saturday of the summer holidays three years ago.

When Piper and her friend Tash disappeared, there was a huge police search, but they were never found. Now Tash, reaching breaking point at the abuse their captor has inflicted on them, has escaped, promising to come back for Piper. 

Clinical psychologist Joe O'Loughlin and his stalwart companion, ex-cop Vincent Ruiz, force the police to re-open the case after Joe is called in to assess the possible killer of a couple in their own home and finds a connection to the missing girls. But they are racing against time to save Piper from someone with an evil, calculating and twisted mind.

Crime Fiction Week Sneak Peeks: Peter Robinson - Children of the Revolution

I love watching the ITV drama series DCI Banks, which is based on the novels by bestselling author Peter Robinson, but I'm ashamed to admit that I have not read any of the books!  The latest book in the series, the twenty-first, Children of the Revolution is due to be published by Hodder & Stoughton on 15th August.

A disgraced college lecturer is found murdered with £5,000 in his pocket on a disused railway line near his home. Since being dismissed from his job for sexual misconduct four years previously, he has been living a poverty-stricken and hermit-like existence in this isolated spot.

The suspects range from several individuals at the college where he used to teach to a woman who knew the victim back in the early '70s at Essex University, then a hotbed of political activism. When Banks receives a warning to step away from the case, he realises there is much more to the mystery than meets the eye - for there are plenty more skeletons to come out of the closet...

Crime Fiction Week Sneak Peeks: Jane Casey - The Stranger You Know

Next week sees the publication of the fifth book in the Maeve Kerrigan series from Jane Casey, The Stranger You Know, which is one of the books I received for this Crime Fiction feature week.  Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to fit in the review this week but it will follow shortly. 

He meets women.

He gains their trust.

He kills them.

That's all Maeve Kerrigan knows about the man she is hunting. Three women have been strangled in their homes by the same sadistic killer. With no sign of a break-in, every indication shows that they let him in.

But the evidence is pointing at a shocking suspect: DI Josh Derwent, Maeve's colleague.

Crime Fiction Week Sneak Peeks: Linwood Barclay - Trust Your Eyes & A Tap on the Window

One of the authors I've heard a lot about over the last few years is Linwood Barclay but I haven't read any of his books yet but with a couple of books being published this year,Trust Your Eyes in paperback in July and A Tap on the Window in hardback this October, maybe this will be the year that I finally read one of his books. 

Map-obsessed Thomas spends his days and nights on a virtual tour of the world through his computer screen, believing he must store the details of every town and city in his head. Then one day, while surfing a street view program, he sees something that shouldn't be there: a woman being murdered behind a window on a New York street. 

When Thomas tells his brother Ray what he has witnessed, Ray humours him with a half-hearted investigation - until he realises Thomas may have stumbled onto a deadly conspiracy, which puts them both in danger...

To get you in the mood for Trust Your Eyes why not watch the trailer below or perhaps you'd prefer to read an extract.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Win a copy of Anarchy by Stewart Binns

I recently received a copy of Anarchy by Stewart Binns to review but as I've currently got a backlog, and this style of historical adventure fiction is not one I would normally read, I have decided to offer this as a giveaway prize instead.

Ruthless brutality, greed and ambition: the Anarchy

The year is 1186, the thirty-second year of the reign of Henry II.

Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London, has lived through long Henry's reign and that of his grandfather, Henry I. He has witnessed the terrifying civil war between Henry II's mother, the Empress Matilda, and her cousin, Stephen; a time so traumatic it becomes known as the Anarchy.

The greatest letter writer of the 12th Century, Folio gives an intimate account of one of England's most troubled eras. Central to his account is the life of a knight he first met over fifty years earlier, Harold of Hereford.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Lucy Diamond - Me and Mr Jones

I've been a fan of Lucy Diamond for a number of years when a friend gave me a copy of Sweet Temptation to read, since then I've read all of her books both new releases and the ones published prior.  So I was very happy when I received an advance copy of her new book, Me and Mr Jones, due out on 6th June, but I'm having to physically stop myself reading this whilst I've still got other review books to read... 

Three charming brothers - which one would you choose?  

Is Mr Jones really Mr Right? 
 
Meet the women in love with three very different brothers . . .
 
Izzy’s determined to escape her troubled past with a new start by the sea – but flirtatious Charlie Jones is causing complications.
 
Alicia’s been happily married to loyal Hugh for years but secretly craves excitement. Maybe it’s time to spice things up?

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Tess Stimson - The Lying Game

It's been a number of years since I've read a Tess Stimson book but I'm definitely looking forward to reading her new book, The Lying Game, as it sounds like it's going to take us on another emotional rollercoaster journey.  It's due out in a couple of weeks, 23rd May so not too long to wait.

There are some things we are never meant to know . . .

Harriet Lockwood has never really bonded with her daughter, Florence, the way she has with her three sons. Then one day, she discovers why. The girl she’s raised for the last fifteen years is not her biological child.

Zoey Sands is a single mother with a chaotic lifestyle. The one constant in her life is her daughter, Nell. Nothing can ever come between them – can it?

When Harriet turns up on Zoey’s doorstep demanding to see her biological daughter, the two families are plunged into a storm of bitter rivalries… and unexpected alliances.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Pippa Wright - The Foster Husband

Next week sees the publication of The Foster Husband by Pippa Wright which is one of my May review books that I'm really looking forward to reading.  I love the sound of training a husband-to-be... what better way to iron out the bad habits before you get married!

In love and marriage, practice makes perfect 

Kate left her seaside home town of Lyme Regis for the bright lights of London when she was eighteen, and never looked back. She had it all: the glamorous career, the lovely house, the gorgeous husband. 

But now she’s back: unemployed, separated, and holed up in her dead granny’s bungalow. Worse still, she’s forced to share the bungalow with Ben, the clueless and domestically challenged fiancé of her bossy sister Prue.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Alison McQueen - Under the Jewelled Sky

Today I'm happy to kick off the blog tour for Alison McQueen's latest book, Under the Jewelled Sky, by giving you a sneak peek of the book which I will be reviewing shortly.   

A love story for India, for a lost world and a boy from a forbidden world.
 
London 1957. In a bid to erase her past, Sophie Schofield accepts a wedding proposal from ambitious British diplomat, Lucien Grainger. When he is posted to New Delhi, into the glittering circle of ex-pat society, old wounds begin to break open as Sophie is confronted with the memory of her first, forbidden love and its devastating consequences. This is not the India she fell in love with ten years before in a maharaja's palace, the India that ripped out her heart as Partition tore the country in two.

And so begins the unravelling of an ill-fated marriage, setting in motion a devastating chain of events that will bring her face to face with a past she tried so desperately to forget, and a future she must fight for. This is a tender story of love, loss of innocence, and the aftermath of a terrible decision no one knew how to avoid.

Sneak Peeks & Giveaway: Stella Knightley - The Girl Behind the Mask

I recently received a copy of The Girl Behind the Mask by Stella Knightley to review but as I've currently got a backlog, and it's not really a genre I'm comfortable reviewing, the lovely publicist at Hodder & Stoughton has kindly agreed that I can offer it as a giveaway prize to one of my followers instead. 

Two passionate stories of love, lust and seduction that will leave you wanting more... 
 
The first novel in the HIDDEN WOMEN trilogy explores the temptations of eighteenth-century Venice.Leaving the heartache of sexual betrayal behind her in London, historian Sarah Thomson intends to make the most of her research trip to Venice. But she soon finds her attention consumed by mysterious millionaire Marco Donato. Despite their deepening relationship, however, the handsome playboy persists in playing a secretive game. What exactly is Marco hiding?

The subject of Sarah's research is eighteenth-century Venetian Luciana Giordano. At a time when debauchery is the city's favourite pastime, virginal Luciana is kept out of trouble by a zealous chaperone - until she meets a man who promises to help her escape her restraints. But just what does the worldly stranger want to teach her in return?

If you'd like to read an extract then you're in luck as there's one available on Amazon which can be read here.  The second and third books in the series, The Girl Behind the Fan and The Girl Behind the Curtain, will be published later this year. 

If this sounds like a book that you'd like to read then enter your details into the entry form below for the chance to win.   a Rafflecopter giveaway Entries will close at midnight on 23rd April where the winner will be selected via Rafflecopter and contacted for postal details.  Sorry due to financial reasons I'm going to have to restrict this to UK entrants only. 

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Roisin Meaney - Something in Common

I can't believe it's the last day of my Irish Fiction Month feature, first up I bring you a quick glimpse at Roisin Meaney's new book, Something in Common, which is due out on 1st May.  

It's 1975. Helen O'Dowd and Sarah Flannery encounter one another briefly, under traumatic circumstances. Three years later their lives collide unexpectedly again, and for the next thirty years they remain in contact without ever laying eyes on one another again, or realising that they once met.

As time goes by they share their triumphs and disasters, their hopes and their fears.

This is a story that begins on a bridge on an autumn afternoon. It's a story of marriage, children, love and true friendship.

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peek: Emma Hannigan - Perfect Wives & Keeping Mum

Emma Hannigan is an author whose books I've started reading in the last couple of years.  Whilst browsing on Amazon I've seen that she's got a new book, Perfect Wives, being published as a Trade Paperback on.  I love the sound of it so will add it to my wishlist to order when it's published as a regular paperback.

When actress Jodi Ludlum returns home to Ireland to raise her young so in the leafy South Dublin village of Bakers Valley, she's determined to shield him from the media spotlight that has dogged her throughout her glittering career. Even if coming home means leaving her husband - and waking old ghosts.

Meanwhile, Francine Hennessy, queen of the coffee mornings, was born and raised in Bakers Valley. She takes pride in juggling her children, her beautiful home and her high-powered career. But behind closed doors, Francine's life is crumbling around her.

As Jodi struggles to keep her secrets to herself, and Francine comes to terms with some life-changing news, the two become unlikely friends. When they do, they quickly discover that there's no such thing as the perfect wife, or the perfect life - but sometimes it's better to be happy than to be perfect.

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Zoe Miller - The Compromise & A Family Scandal

I've had lots of fun looking for books by Irish authors to promote during this feature month but one that particularly caught my eye was Zoe Miller’s next book, The Compromise, which is due out next month.

Wealthy privileged Juliet Jordan lies trapped on a ledge at the bottom of a cliff, not knowing if she fell or was pushed.

What enemy would go so far to get her out of the way? Or what friend ...

Juliet was about to go head to head with Matthew Moore in the country's latest Presidential Election contest. Matthew and Juliet have often clashed but now she stands squarely in the way of his power-hungry ambition.

Matthew's wife, the wealthy but insecure Rose, has her own reasons for not wanting Juliet to contest the battle and her sister Rebecca, Juliet's best friend, grows increasingly alarmed that the ruthless campaign could destroy all their lives. 

When Juliet is found, no one escapes the emotional fall out, not even the beautiful Danielle, Rebecca's daughter, who has fled Dublin after the fraught break-up of her engagement. 

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Casey Hill - Hidden

I really must get my review pile under control so that I can start to read some of the books I bought last year that I haven't found the time to read yet.  One of the books in the pile is Torn by Casey Hill, husband and wife team Melissa and Kevin Hill, especially as the next book in the series, Hidden, is being published this year.

A Fallen Angel. A Devil on the Loose....

When a young girl is discovered dead on an isolated Irish country road, it seems at first glance to be a simple hit and run. Then the cops see the tattoo on her back - a pair of beautifully wrought angel wings that lend the victim a sense of ethereal innocence. 

Forensic investigator Reilly Steel is soon on the scene and her highly tuned sixth sense tells her there is more to this case than a straightforward murder. But with almost zero evidence and no way to trace the girl's origin, Reilly and the police are at a loss. 

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Claudia Carroll - Me and You

Today I've decided to give you a sneak peek at one of the books I'm really looking forward to reading this year, Me and You by Claudia Carroll who I'll also be interviewing later this month.

I’m fine. I’m sorry. Please take care of him for me. And maybe one day I’ll get to explain.

Angie knows a lot about her best friend Kitty.

She knows Kitty is mad and wild and loves to wear clashing colours. She knows she’s incredibly funny and generous but also very unreliable.

And she knows that there is a perfect explanation for Kitty standing her up on her birthday.

She thinks she knows everything about Kitty, except she doesn’t.

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Emma Heatherington - One Night Only

Having read all of Emma Heatherington's previous books, including her books written as Emma Louise Jordan, I was definitely interested in finding out more about her new book, One Night Only, when I saw on Amazon that it was being published on 28 March.  Fortunately Emma kindly provided me with the synopsis and book cover and it sure sounds like it's going to be another cracking read from Emma.

Polly's marriage has gone off the boil big time. Her husband ignores her, her children take her for granted and she feels as glamorous as a dirty dishcloth.
She needs a break and she needs one now.

Gorgeous schoolteacher Tess is under pressure. Her husband wants a baby now. She wants one never.
She needs a break and she needs one now.

Mousey housewife Gina has had enough. Her life is a misery and she is living on the edge of her nerves with her bullyboy husband Trevor and his bit on the side.
She needs a break and she needs one now.

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick - Hagwitch

Today as part of Irish Fiction month I'm bringing you a glimpse at YA gothic thriller, Hagwitch, by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick which is being published by Orion Children's Books on 21 March.  . 

16th-century London, Flea Nettleworth, apprentice to a playwright, watches as his struggling master's fortunes turn, and all of a sudden London is in his thrall. But soon Flea's master can no longer tell where the imagined world ends and the real one begins. Could the arrival of a mysterious Faery hawthorn trunk hold the answer?

Modern day, Lally lives on a barge, roaming the canalways and performing shows with her puppeteer father. Then, after Lally's father pulls an ancient piece of wood from the canal and fashions it into a puppet, his success seems unstoppable. As her father's obsession with his puppet grows and his plays become darker, Lally begins to wonder if there is something rather sinister, dangerous even, about the wooden doll.

Marie-Louise kindly agreed to answer a few questions including where the inspiration came from for Hagwitch so I'll pass you over to her...

Irish Fiction Month Sneak Peeks: Tara Moore - Blue-Eyed Girl

One of the books that has been on my Amazon wishlist for quite some time is Blue-Eyed Girl by Tara Moore ever since I first heard about it when it was published as a Trade paperback last summer.  But finally the wait is over as it's being published in paperback format on 28 March so I'll be able to buy a copy as soon as I get my bonus at the end of March. 

Anya Keating loves her job as PA to Macdara Fitzgerald, owner of the stunning Lismore estate and its string of racehorses. Macdara is an indulgent and generous employer and Anya has grown very fond of him. But when he rashly proposes marriage, their friendship - and her position - is threatened, and Anya is torn between her loyalty to Macdara and her feelings for his grandson, handsome horse trainer Fergal.