Review: The Arcade year 2 Episode 8 Secrets by Kitty Charles

Everyone has secrets, right? Small things they keep to themselves, like the special ingredient in their signature recipe or the life they lived before, and the tenants of Angell's Arcade have more skeletons in their cupboards than most. What they don't know is that someone is watching them, someone who is carefully noting everything little detail. Someone with an interest in revealing the things they'd rather keep hidden. 

Once the secrets are out, there'll be no going back. And then the biggest skeleton of them is uncovered and nothing will ever be the same again...



This Month's episode of the Arcade lets a lot more mysterious and a lot darker. There are some thoughts about one of the previous inhabitants of the Arcade and it turns out they didn't actually ever leave, i don't want to give any more away as it would spoil it for you, but this month follows how they came not to actually leave the arcade and the mysterious circumstances that around them. This involves people pointing fingers, people turning out to be something they're not, all normal in a day in the life of the arcade. 

This month really was much darker, these books seem to be taking on that form at the moment, perhaps brighter things will be on the horizon for this poor little shopping mall. Because there was such mystery though, it is still a very compelling read and i found myself flicking through it as fast as you could shout Joan Collins. 

This is another episode where all of the characters feature including some unwelcome guests, some totally briable policemen and the returning member of the arcade plays their part as well. I really enjoy catching up with these guys every months, because we get to drop in on them every four weeks they are well-developed and well rounded characters and your really do find yourself waiting and wondering what is going to happen to them next. Fans of the Arcade's usual dollop of drama will not be disappointed because there really is plenty in this month's episode and who knows what September will bring!

Review: The Arcade Year 2 Episode 7: Ghosts by Kitty Charles

In the dark corners of Angell's Arcade lurks a resident no one knows is there.

Frederick Angell has watched over his investment for more than a century, unseen and unnoticed, doing what little he can to help his adopted family. When one of the Arcade's younger tenants is threatened, Frederick is forced to leave his beloved building and do things he's never dreamed possible. But in saving one tenant, he finds a salvation of his own... 

Review: oooo what a different episode of The Arcade this was-I loved it! The episodes starts with some characters I hadn't heard of and I totally didn't know what was going on, I even checked back onmy kindle to check that I had opened the right thing, assuming that I had clicked on another bok by mistake. But no, these were intruders into the arcade, people who didn't belong there, and who should come along to stop them in their tracks? The Arcades founder, Frederick Angell! 

Yes, this months episode is all about him!  I love this as I've been wanting to know more about this illustrious character since the Arcade began. We heard a little from him at the start and the end of last year but in this episodes we get to see many of the major events of this arcade from his point of view. What does he think about all the bed hoping that goes on in the arcade? What does he think of the problems that his shopkeepers Are facing today? And what was the arcade like when he founded it?

We also get to see a ore personal side of the arcade founder, his own relationship and private life and I'll admit I did actually shed a tear during his account of his relationship with his wife. There may just be a few other ghosts in this months episode, you'll have to read it yourself to find out how they are involved I the whole thing! Although thai month focuses on a ghost, it's not scary, but it does give a major insight into the comings and going of the arcade and of the arcades past and so for that reason I think it is a wonderful summing up of an episode and something all arcade fans MUST read! I just want to know now if this, in fact, was a different Kitty penning this months episode...

Review: The Arcade Year 2 Episode 2 by Kitty Charles

It's June and the arrival of Joan's alluring younger sister has temperatures rising all over Angell's Arcade. She's determined to persuade everyone that sex sells and throws herself into organising a Midsummer Night's Dream shopping event. The arcade's tenants can't help but be swept up in the excitement and several couples get caught up in the heat of the moment. But there's a shadow looming over the arcade and as night falls, it gets darker and more dangerous. Someone is watching the proceedings. Someone who has malevolent midsummer mischief in mind... 

Review: ooo I really enjoyed this month's episode! I thought it had a bit of everything, a bit of mystery, a bit of Romance and a bit of drama (of course!) I like the fact that Joan was back in the action again this time, as a character she really does tie everything together and add that true Dallas-style drama that turns this from being Eastenders into being The Bold and the Beautiful, much more American soap than British. She is on top form once again and tying things in the arcade together with the help of her sister. 

Faith is much more in the picture this episode too, bringing the arcade story full circle when her life is in danger and we are not really sure what mysterious things are going on in her shop. Babies seem to be on the cards overall, whether it is little baby Angel or the baby that Silver and Laura are trying to have, the cliffhanger at the end is also baby-related and hints at the what the next few months in The Arcade COULD be like! 

There isn't an abundance of shocking drama in this episode and that is quite nice really as we haven't heard anything of ghosts in unit 13 for a while either so perhaps that is a sign of things to come. There is definitely something for everyone in this episode though and I am still very much a fan of this serialised story. It's still worth catching up on those you haven't read and Where Dreams Come True is the omnibus of the first years' episodes which is a real treat too! 

Review: The Arcade Year 2 Episode 5 Revelations by Kitty Charles

May sees the return of Vlad to the arcade,much to the distress of the tenants. But he seems different to before. Together with Jason, Joan hatches a plan to ensure Vlad isn't a threat to her arcade ever again. But will everyone agree to play along?

Marilyn can't shake her suspicion that Jason was somehow involved in last month's accident. Should she confront him and risk their shaky relationship further or let sleeping ex-soldiers lie? And is she prepared to hear the truth?

Review: wow, the funniest episode of the arcade yet! Just so ridiculous and silly and yet totally fitting for The Arcade at the same time. This months episode surrounds some very interesting relationships indeed. There are those you'd expect and those that you totally wouldn't expect. We learn a lot more about some of the characters love lives and some of the feelings they harbour. 

There are some really unexpected twists in this novel and we get to know Vlad an awful lot more. We also have some burning questions about Joan answered and hear much more from wedding dress designer Leandro. It's great to be able to get to know these characters even more and I think that this is what having another year of the arcade has enabled readers to be able to do. 

I would love to know which kitty wrote this installment, I have had a guess as there are some elements that are indicative of this particular writers other tales. There are some real aww moments in this serving of arcade delight as I think overall Marilyn is coming into her own in year two, something which I am really pleased to see. Put is very hard to say much more about what happens in this months installment without giving you major spoilers so basically you should just read this now and be prepared as always to gasp, but also to laugh an awful lot! 

The #1 Amazon bestselling serial! Like your favourite soap, The Arcade brings you characters you love to hate – and to love. Each bite-sized episode is perfect for your journey to work, your lunch-break – or a quiet night of escapism. And it’ll leave you wanting more – with a teaser of next month’s storyline! 

Or if you want all twelve of the previous Arcade episodes in one book, why not try 'Where Dreams Come True: A Year in the Arcade' - only on Amazon! 

So what are you waiting for? Time to give into your dreams and sample the delights of Angell’s Arcade. Go on, take a look inside! 

Review: The Arcade Year 2: Surprises by Kitty Charles

April may be famed as the cruelest month but not in Angell's Arcade. Preparations are underway for the long awaited wedding of Eden Hart and Philip Neale and Eden's determined nothing is going to stand in the way of her happy ever after, not the bridegroom's unconventional dress sense and certainly not the menacing presence of Vladimir Ivazov.

But leaving the Russian off the guest list could be the worst thing the newlyweds could have done. Vlad is out for revenge and he doesn't care who gets hurt in the process... 

Review: aww what a lovely installment this was, it was weddings galore (well one anyway) in this months episode and it was just such a perfect wedding, of course there were surprise outfits and dance routines, this is the arcade after all, but they fitted in perfectly with the goings on in our favourite shopping centre this month. 

Again this was an episode that featured all the characters so you got to catch up with them all. This one also featured Joan fairly heavily, something which not all of the episodes do. I am so intrigued by this lady and so this was a real treat for me. It also features the newest member of the arcade family, Vlad and we get to know him a LOT better. 

Of course there was the usual level of drama in this episode, making me gasp out loud. It did also leave me wondering, however, how any of the arcade staff get anything done. They are so busy sorting out fights and plotting to overthrow the arcades latest owner, do they actually have time to serve any customers, do any customers want to be there as gorgeous Jason (my favourite book boyfriend) patrols the aisles with his gun at the ready and a baby on his hip? I do worry what will become of the residents of the arcade but I can't wait to find out in next months episode! 

Remember you can catch up on what happened in last years arcade by reading Where Dreams Come True, and there are four instalments from this year to catch up on, all of them fabulously featuring all your favourite arcade characters! 

Review: The Arcade Year 2 Episodes 2 and 3 by Kitty Charles

I decided that because I read these two episodes together I would review them together for you two. Year 2 of the arcade is much darker than year 1 and nothing reflects that betters than the gongs on in both of these episodes...

Storms are lashing Angell's Arcade and its tenants are reeling from the hammer blow Joan delivered on New Year's Eve. Rosa is struggling with the fallout from the final breakdown of her relationship with Luca; Eden is fearful for the future and Orlando is angry at Joan's betrayal. And the Van de Beurs are about to get the shock of their lives. But no one feels worse than Joan herself. As Vladimir Ivazov visits each shop in turn, tempers start to fray.

Someone has to stand up to the bullying Russian for all everyone's sake. But which arcade tenant will it be? 

Review: February definitely doesn't bring romance in this instalment of my favourite monthly serial. This month sees new owner Vladimir dealing out eviction notices to the arcade inhabitants. Change is most definitely an apt theme for this months episode! Change comes in the form of new tenants in unit 13. This is definitely exciting for fans of the arcade because, as we know, when new characters are introduced, they always bring high-drama with them, something which they are definitely not short of down there in Angell's Arcade. I can't wait to find out more about these new tenants. 

This episode, like the first of this new year tries to cover most of the characters. I really like hearing beyond storylines, but at the same time, I feel like we don't quite go deep enough into everyone's tales as we did in year one, I'm sure this is just because new characters are being introduced and we need to see how they mesh with the existing shop owners, but there is still definitely plenty of scandal and gossip. This episode had me gasping in parts and the very end of the tale is really quite shocking. This new dark twist to the arcade will mean that those of you who've not read about the characters before will still enjoy reading the same level of drama and intrigue you get when reading year 1 but with a darker, edgier feel, something which is taking the arcade in a whole new direction! I do like this new twist! Of course the teaser at the end of this episode was a torturous as ever, wanting to find out what was going to happen in March! 

The storms that lashed Angell's Arcade in February might be easing but the tenants are still feeling the effects. For Erin Watson, things are particularly tempestuous and when some unwelcome family memories are awoken, she's forced to accept that you can't always walk away when trouble darkens your door. Help arrives from the unlikeliest quarter, in the shape of the last person she wants to owe anything to, and reminds Erin that sometimes, your friendships choose you. 

Review: March has definitely arrived with renewed optimism and in my opinion, the arcade is back in the swing of things. This episode focuses on Erin and her blossoming lesbian relationship. It also brings Dermot and Libby back into the picture, the same cast of characters that appeared in last years march episode. I really liked the fact that we have come full circle with these characters and it was great to be able to get to know what had been going on with them. 

Just like the February episode, things are much darker than in year one but this episode sees the arcade inhabitants rallying round and deciding that they aren't going to put up with Vladimir and his threats. I think this is a very realistic reaction for these characters. They are the kind of people who pull together and after everything they've already gone through, they definitely should be pulling together and spurting each other as they have always done. 

There are some fiery moments in this episode, and again, some really shocking scenes. I loved having that title bit more insight into a couple of characters. And, though it's mainly the gift shop, the toy shop and the new shop that are dealt with, there are fabulous hints at one of the upcoming weddings within the arcade and we know from the teaser at the end, that this is going to be dealt with in Aprils episode-I can't wait! If you've not already caught up with these episodes I would suggest reading Where Dreams Come True, all of year ones episodes together, this is definitely a must read and a great alternative to a monthly magazine! 

Mini review: Deception-The Arcade Year 2 Episode 1 by Kitty Charles

It's New Year's Eve and the tenants of Angell's Arcade are preparing in their own ways to greet 2014. But as they gather for their traditional get together under the glass atrium, it seems as though everyone has something to hide.

And Joan is keeping the biggest secret of them all...nothing will ever be the same again.

The #1 Amazon bestselling serial! Like your favourite soap, The Arcade brings you characters you love to hate – and to love. Each bite-sized episode is perfect for your journey to work, your lunch-break – or a quiet night of escapism. And it’ll leave you wanting more – with a teaser of next month’s storyline! 

Review: this episode of The Arcade kicks off perfectly, covering every single character and catching up with wha they are doing now, it also leads readers in the directions of what is going to happen in the year ahead in The Arcade. I have to admit, I really didn't know where the arcade as going to go next, there was so much drama and so much happened last year in this fabulous series, and yet the writers have managed to set up some drama and goings on nicely for the year ahead. 

It was great that this episode literally covers all the characters. If you're wondering how things are faring for the characters featured in the November episode, you can find out here. If you're wanting to know how a certain new arcade couple are getting on, you can find out here. It is very hard to cover all the characters in such a short space of time/words and yet it has been done well here. The characters and their storylines have been covered thoroughly and without rushing, and left me feeling entirely satisfied as a regular arcade reader. 

If you missed out on any episodes of The Arcade last year, I would suggest catching up with those before reading the first episode of the second year. If you've yet to meet any of these characters and experience this wonderful monthly soap opera of novellas, then you can always download the entire twelve episodes in Where Dreams Come True, a Year in The Arcade. I don't think readers who haven't read The Arcade yet will be able to access this episode, however regular readers of The Arcade will find everything they are looking for here...

Review! Where Dreams Come True- A Year in The Arcade

I'm very excited about this review because I was so excited about this particular ebook. I was a massive fan of The Arcade this year as readers of the blog will be well aware! I did began to beg somewhat for an omnibus of all the arcade episodes and so when I got an email asking if I would like a copy of this fabulous book I literally squealed with excitement. I love having all the episodes in the one place and have done something I very rarely do which is re-read something! I had particular favourites this year and seeking them out in this anthology was brilliant! Thanks to 'Kitty' for sending me this lovely Christmas treat! 

As addictive as chocolate truffles from the Chocwaves boutique; as sexy as honeymoon lingerie from The Garden of Eden, and as scandalous as a night in Ernesto’s tango studio. And over the course of the first year in the Arcade you’ll soon find that it's a place where dreams really do come true.

Previously released once a month, all twelve episodes are compiled here to create the bubbliest of soap-opera style stories.

Written by six best-selling novelists under the name of Kitty Charles, WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE is a sexy, sassy tribute to the serials that kept readers turning the pages in Dickens’ times – with all the passion, the intrigue and the larger than life characters you could hope for.

So what are you waiting for? Time to sample the delights of Angell’s Arcade!

Step inside…

And if you want more drama, dilemmas and double-dealing, the great news is you can enjoy a bite-sized fix of sex and shopping every month in 2014, as your favourite shopkeepers open their doors for another year of business.

Review: it's so wonderful to have all of the arcade episodes in one place. Since I received this bumper omnibus of drama, comedy and romance, not to mention the scandalous gossip that goes on in this particular shopping arcade, I've been reliving my favourite episodes of the arcade from the last year. I still absolutely love the Gift Shop and The Bookshop, I'm sure these two were definitely written by the same author! But I also really love the way everything is introduced in January and wrapped up again in December. This was brilliantly written, and the fact that the whole thing is overseen by the 'ghost' of the former arcade owner, just ties everything together and makes for a wonderful Halloween feel to October as well. 

If its drama you're after, myouve come to the right place with this one! There is drama no end. This book features surprise babies, secret lesbians, cross dressing booksellers, attempted murder, robberies, infidelity, troublesome exes, death and of course romance. It is only inevitable that Pete work together in such close quarters are eventually going to get it on. Some people get the happy ending they are craving, others are not so lucky, but there really is something for everyone here! 

Normally with collections of shorter stories, you can dip in and out of them, but I wouldn't suggest that with this particular collection. Each episode is only about 50 pages long, however so you could literally pick this up at a bedtime treat for 12 days and have your fill of the drama and intrigue that way. I guarantee that if you haven't read any of the episodes yet, you'll absolutely fly through them, wanting to discover what happens next, this is more compelling than all the soaps put together. The stories are very cleverly written so that even though it is a different author every month, you can't tell the difference in voice, the on,y thing would be a slight change in storyline from the more romantic end of the spectrum, to a more dramatic end.

If you're already a fan of the arcade, this would be an excellent addition to your collection. Lets face it the cover is awesome and I've so enjoyed reliving my favourite Arcade moments. I will definitely be threading Decembers episode before I read the January episode for this year, to catch me up again and get in ready for what this years arcade has in store. This would be a great addition to anyone's bookshelf and if you're planning a holiday, a great little read to take with you, wherever you might be going! If you've not heard of this serial, this would be a great catch up for you before you delve back into the world of the Arcade 2014! 

Review: The Arcade Episode 12 by Kitty Charles

'Twas the night before Christmas...

December in Angell's Arcade and the tenants are coming to terms with what happened the month before. Danny is an emotional wreck, Faith is taking things one step at a time and Jason is facing an uncomfortable truth - now that he's a local hero, is there anything left for him at The Arcade?

Tongues start wagging when Joan parades a mystery man around. Philip is dressing up again. And for Marilyn it's time to reveal the secret she's been hiding from all year - who is the father of her baby?

Review: Another fabulous instalment of this monthly serial. The most fabulous news is that there are definitely going to be more episodes next year, there was a sneak peak at the end of this episode and The Arcade is back in full swing! This episode was particularly loved up and revisited those couples that have formed over the course of the year, catching up with what has gone on between them and where they are now. This means that all the characters are revisited, and during the Christmas party at the end we get to hear of the fate of those who aren't even there-superb! 

The most dramatic part of this months episode is that we get to find out just who the father of Marilyn's baby is, something that we've been wanting to find out all year. I'm not going to give anything away, but my suspicions were totally correct and I'm so happy that not only was I right, but that it turned out to be the person that it it, again. Not giving anything away! We get to learn more about this character who, up until now, has simply been the salons proprietor and someone we know has been around the block a few times when it comes to the men of the arcade, but this time we see into here character a little more deeply and it's fabulous to get to know her better! 

There is even an epilogue to this months episode, telling what the arcades former owner makes of it all. This is very like the end of A Christmas Carol and very apt for this months episode. There's also a bonus story at the end that gives you a bit more insight into Joan Collins the Arcades current manager. This was somewhat unexpected and not entirely my favourite genre, but I really enjoyed finding out that there is so much more to Joan than meets the eye! This is a must for all fans of the arcade, and if you're not yet, there's nothing stopping you from downloading them all now and having your own arcade marathon/omnibus! 

Mini Review: The Arcade Episode 11

It's November and the Arcade tenants have got problems. Tamara Van de Beur is getting silent calls, her son, Cartier, has women trouble and Danny Huxley's ex is proving thornier than the roses he sells in his shop. For Magnus and Faith, it looks like their romance might be over before it's really begun. But with the jangle of a shop bell, they're all about to learn what heartache really is...

Angell's Arcade's is about to enter its darkest hour. What they need is a hero...and an awful lot of luck.

Review: wow the arcade just got a bit darker! Anyone who knows me will know that I am a massive fan of this monthly serial, and when I was to.d that this months episode was the most explosive yet, I couldn't wait to find out. I had concerns, however that some terrible event might occur,and I was right. I certainly won't be giving away any spoilers, but this kind of thing should be on the television, there's so much drama this month! If this were a soap, this would be the one shown on Christmas Day. Pulling in masses of viewing figures! 

This months features just about all of the characters, so that was the first aspect I enjoyed, how these writers managed to fit in everyone into just a small number of pages I don't know. Everyone seemed to come into their own in this episode too, faith having to use her paramedic skills once again, Jason having to use his SAS training, and Cartier having to use his skills at charming people to their full advantage. Rosa pops back into this one too, it's been a whilst since we saw her and it was good to catch up with her, Danny and Rachael! Even Joan makes a special appearance in this months instalment, a rare occurrence! 

The storyline itself was like some big Hollywood blockbuster, and believe me, you were kept guessing right up until the last moment, not knowing how everything was going to be resolved. As usual, not everything is resolved and there is that infuriating 'To be continued...' At the end as there is at the end of every months episode, this months though it seemed every more taunting that usual. Needless to say, I am very excited to read next months episode, and am glad I waited until it was released until I read this one, we may finally get to find out who the father of Marilyn's baby is! 

This months episode of the arcade was a real treat, definitely not for the faint hearted, but a must for all followers of the series! I can't wait for next months. If you haven't begun to read this monthly serial, it's not too late! You can download them all now, and they're a steal for a lunchtime read. I really hope that this series continues next year, and perhaps an omnibus for Christmas is still on the cards... Please?

Review! The Arcade Episode 10 The Gift Shop by Kitty Charles

Pam Watson feels like her life is not her own. Running All That Glitters Gift Shop with her daughter Erin is more challenging than she thought it would be and their relationship is showing the strain. To make things worse, everyone around her seems to be finding their happy-ever-afters.

In the run up to Halloween, mysterious happenings at unlucky Unit 13 are unnerving the residents of Angell’s Arcade. Could it really be haunted, as security guard Jason suspects? Things come to a head on the last night of October, a ghostly light in Unit 13 heralds the beginning of a terrifying night that will change Pam’s life forever…

Review: Another great instalment from this monthly serial. As expected, this particular episode was a slightly spooky one, what with the Halloween type of cover and it being the Month of October. As usual, there was a high amount of drama in this book; we are given unexplained goings on in unit 13, someone being taken hostage and a fight scene involving characters you wouldn’t necessarily expect to be fighting!

As usual, the episode also revisits characters from previous episodes so we get to find out what is going on with Rachel and Danny, how Eden’s blossoming relationship is faring and we get a little whisper from Joan, arcade owner too. This is always done in such a brilliant way, the characters simply pop into the storyline and then back out again. This episode deals predominantly with the gift shop and the characters of Pam and Erin. We know there has been previous drama involving Erin and this definitely does come to a head in this episode, which was wonderful!

As is often the case, I was definitely left wanting more from this episode. The ghostly goings on is only touched upon, as are the consequences following the dramatic fight scene and I just really really want to find out what the fallout from all of it is! I have no complaints when it comes to the Arcade as a whole though; I love my monthly instalments and think that everyone needs to get in on this fabulous fiction action! Lets all keep our fingers crossed that this drama continues with an Xmas omnibus, and maybe even a new start in January…

To get your copy of this month's installment, just click here

Mini Review: The Arcade Episode 9 September

September... and in Brasserie Ag, Chef Silver is preparing to seduce the critics - and his neighbours in the Arcade - with his most adventurous menu yet.

But his long-suffering wife Laura isn’t interested in his latest signature dishes. All she wants is a baby - a desire that overwhelms her, but terrifies Silver. What if he can’t give her the only thing that will make her happy...?

Add in the guiltiest of guilty secrets, a food poisoning scare, and the usual Arcade cocktail of sexual tension and heated rivalries - and Chef’s big night seems set to be less a meal to remember, and more a recipe for total disaster.

Review: I've been waiting to find out more about Chef Silver for a while now and so I was very excited when I found out that this instalment was dedicated to him! But in true Arcade fashion, the fabulous Faith who featured in the January edition of this great series, is also covered in this months episode which was brilliant. Chef Silver has always been a slightly mysterious even mythical character and so to find out a bit more about him was wonderful, although it did shatter my illusions slightly. The MOST exciting part of this months episode was finding out about whether he was involved with baby angel or not, did he an Marilyn have a secret tryst sometime last April? No spoilers here, you'll have to read it!

It was great finding out a bit more about Faith too and to discover that she is very happy in The Arcade, business is booming in fact! We also learn that she may have some skeletons in her own closet, aside from her former career as a paramedic, it would seem that Faith has also been hurt in the game of love previously. I'm looking forward to find out out how that storyline develops...

Of course there is the usual drama of the arcade, baby drama, lawsuit drama and new menu launch drama. It's not quite a dramatic as last months secret identity revelations, but just e nought o keep us going in time for the start of autumn. As usual there is a sneak peak at the next episode, and I'm looking forward to that one very much. If you haven't discovered the arcade yet, there's time to catch up now, they make a fabulous lunch break read although public displays of gasping and éclat actions of NOOOOO may ensue, you have been warned!

For your copy of this Month's Arcade click here

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Authors who Deserve More Recognition

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over there at The Broke and the Bookish. I'd love to share my lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

I love the theme this week, such a great idea! There are some amazing authors out there who write some great novels but don't get the kind of mainstream recognition that they deserve. So here goes my top ten of them...

1. Nicola May. This is a fabulous author (see my previous interview with her) my favourite of get novels is definitely The School Gates-if you haven't read this you need to now!

2. Linda Green. This author has written some really great novels. Her latest novel The Mummyfesto was thoraghlu entertaining and thought provoking in equal measure!

3. Kirsty Greenwood. Her debut novel Yours Truly was awesomely funny and is just about to come out in paperback-let's give it some love!

 

4. Emma Garcia. I loved Never Google Heartbreak (you can tell from my review) and yet I meet so many people who haven't read it! Definitely one to watch!

 

5. Sophie Hart. Her debut novel The Naughty Girls Book Club was BRILLIANT-this lady needs some more recognition for such a fab debut!

 

6. Dana Bate. The Secret Supper Club has to be one of the best books I've read this year, she definitely needs some more recognition as a fabulous author.

7. Holly Smale. Everyone has heard of Geek Girl but no one seems to realise what a fab message it is sending out to young girls (and boys) plus it has no swearing in it which makes it amazing for use in schools!

8. Lucy Robinson. I think this author is truly underrated and yet she has the ability to create truly shaggable male characters and make you guffaw with laughter at the same time! Buy her books now!

9. Alice Peterson. I love love loved Monday To Friday Man-such a fab novel and her new novel By My Side features a disable heroine-this author is brave and funny all rolled together. Definitely a hidden gem!

10. Kitty Charles. I know that this isn't one author, but a group of authors, but really The Arcade is a monthly MUST READ! So many people haven't discovered this monthly serial but it's a soap opera on every page! You should definitely give this one some more recognition!

Review! The Arcade (June) by Kitty Charles

Handsome florist Danny Huxley is a man with many secrets. Why did he leave a promising career to open a florist’s shop in Angell's Arcade? Why is he cagey about his life? And what is the hold that his ex-wife Aisha has over him?

The female residents of Angell’s Arcade are more than ready to take Danny on. Not to mention his new assistant Rachael, who’s pretty, attentive and clearly in love with him. But she’s half his age. Will Danny resist or follow the example of womanising Magnus?

Like your favourite soap, The Arcade brings you characters you love to hate – and to love. Each bite-sized episode is perfect for your journey to work, your lunch-break – or a quiet night of escapism. And it’ll leave you wanting more – with a teaser of next month’s storyline!

So what are you waiting for? Time to give into your dreams and sample the delights of Angell’s Arcade. Go on, take a look inside.

Review:Another mini review of this fabulous series by a group of authors writing under the pen name Kitty Charles! I almost missed this months episode, it came out so speedily. Just like your favourite magazine, this little gem usual comes out a week or so before the month it represents actually begins. I was especially looking forward to this months episode because I had been wanting to find out more about mysterious florist (yes who'd have thought you'd put those two words together in a book review) Danny for some time now. The mystery of who's baby it is (no spoilers) is still to be solved and I had a dark suspicion Danny could be involved somehow...

This Month's episode isn't quite as much high-drama as it normally is, but we do get to find out some seriously juicy details about Danny. The men are featured a lot more in this episode, its not just Danny who gets in on this action in June. We get to find out a bit more about chocolate shop owner Magnus as well as the bridal shop owner. They go out for casual drinks, as men who work together might, and that is when the high-drama kick up a gear. Yes, there are indeed fisticuffs. This part of the episode is extremely well written because i found myself tensing and ducking as I was reading it, I really felt like I was in on the action!

There is, as usual, some romance. Not only do we have a hint at how things around going following the romance in March's episode, but we also get to find out about Danny's past love, and who he currently has eyes for. The ending of this episode is fabulous, I think it leave less unresolved than previous episodes, but as usual, there is a taster of next month's instalment, and I am sure we are going to find out more about everyones skeletons in their closets if the teaser is anything to go by!

Another fabulous read this month! And a special thank you to the author for including my favourite pink gerberas right at the beginning of the episode!

Review! The Arcade May episode-Kitty Charles

Everyone has secrets, right?

On the surface, Rosa Rossi and Luca Guerra seem like a typical Italian couple, who make-up as passionately as they argue. But each has something to hide, a secret so explosive that it would mean the end of their relationship if the other found out. And someone in the arcade can’t keep their mouth shut...

May sees dreams, desire and deceit rock the foundations of Angell’s Arcade

Review: When I read the sneak preview of this Month’s episode of this fabulous serial based in a shopping mall, I was very excited to download and read it as quickly as possible. I also knew that the writers were trying very hard to involve as many of the characters as possible in this episode at the same time as keeping the storyline to the main characters that should be featured this month-the couple who run Papa Rigatoni’s Café-Luca and Rosa.

It was really interesting having this feisty Italian couple as the main characters this month because the other months have tended to feature British characters and have tended to centre around one woman, so to have a couple as the focus was quite interesting. When I say this couple is feisty, they really are. There are several instances of food and drink being thrown over people, sabotaging of contraceptive devices and plots to uncover adultery. All very exciting, all very The Arcade!

The events of this month’s episode were a little darker than events in previous episodes, but just as high-drama as readers have come to expect. It never ceases to amaze me, how much can be packed into such a short novella! There is a brilliant scene with a girls’ night out, which uncovers lots of hidden secrets and hidden agendas for each of the characters, I thought this was very well written as it meant that a lot of the characters could be brought together for the reader to catch up with. There was also a really lovely part near to the end of this month’s episode which actually made me cry.

The preview for next month is excellent too; I can’t wait to find out more about the arcade resident florist and his family issues! All in all another great episode, waiting with baited breath for the next!