Guest Review: The Food of Love Cookery School by Nicky Pellegrino

In the sun-drenched Sicilian hills, four women learn the lessons of a lifetime at the Food of Love Cookery School.

In a remote Sicilian mountain town, four women arrive at a cookery school, each at a turning point in their lives.

Moll is a foodie and an exhausted working mum on the holiday of a lifetime. Tricia, a top London lawyer is taking a break from the demands of her job and her family. Valerie, consumed by grief following the death of her partner, is trying to figure out how to live a life without him. And recently divorced Poppy has come to Sicily to learn about the place that her grandfather was born before emigrating to Australia.

Luca Amore runs the school, using the recipes passed down to him by generations of Amore women. He expects this course to be much like all the others - but as sparks fly, friendships are made and secrets are shared. And for each of them nothing will ever be the same.

Review: I have read and enjoyed a few of Nicky Pellegrino’s books, and always look forward to a trip to Italy, with some delicious food thrown in. This book should attract anyone with its inviting cover bursting with lemons and speaking of Sicily. I ‘read’ it via as the audio version and found it quite compulsive listening, getting through its pages in a few short hours.

The story is set in Luca Amore’s cookery school in the small Sicilian town of Favio. The courses Luca runs are residential, people from the four corners of the world spending a week at a time not just cooking but at the same time learning about the tastes and sights of Sicily. On this course, four women from England, the USA and Australia have arrived. They are a diverse and interesting group in background and age, and, as the story progresses, we learn more about them and the back stories that each one brings with them. As the days pass, personalities clash, friendships develop and Luca finds himself drawn to one of the group in particular. However, one local lady is not at all happy about this blossoming relationship.

I found this book a really enjoyable read, in which the author very successfully transported me to the rugged mountains of Sicily. Her skilful writing had me practically tasting the delicious, mouthwatering food and marvelling at the scenery. The characters she has developed, including the cookery school group and the locals, are very varied, but all strong and realistic. I particularly liked the way that chapters are written from a different person’s perspective giving the reader an almost personal insight into each character’s thinking and development. Each lady certainly ends the week having learned something about themselves. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with a love of cookery, a love of Italy, or just a desire to be taken away from everyday life for a few hours.

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US

Unboxing May’s Enchanted Fandom Aurora Burning Drinking Vessel Subscription Box & Cocktail Making!

via IFTTT

Blog Tour: Interview With Arrival Author Marian Beland @lovebooksgroup

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Arrival by Marian Beland. I have an interview with the author today and if you like the sound of that, you can click here to order your copy now. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews. 

Here's what it's all about...

The King indeed has never met anyone like her. In fact, no one had, nor would they for another 1250 years. Being ahead of their time doesn’t make Gen ahead of their ways. A twenty-first-century mind in a first-millennium female doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness, peace, or success so much as it does headaches, misunderstandings, fear, and danger. Of course, stirring intrigue in a curious king’s mind may be of great help; if you are careful. Unfortunately, being careful is not one of Gen’s strong suits.

Here's that interview for you...

First question-bit of a cliche-how did you get into writing?

I always enjoyed the creative writing assignment in school because it allowed me to tell a story. Even as a child, riding in the back seat of the family car, my imagination always populated the scenery with characters and action which later turned into writing assignments.

Do you write full time & if so, have you always done this?

It would be wonderful to be able to write full time, but unfortunately I work a full time job.

Do you have a particular writing style or genre that you prefer to write?

I have a love of history and adventure and truly enjoy incorporating those aspects into my writings.

How do you develop your characters as you write, are any of them based on real people?

Although some of my characters have been inspired by historical persons who lived during that time, all of them seem to develop by themselves as I write.

What was the inspiration behind your book?

I was living in Reno, having what I call, a “desert experience”. You know, one of those times when you’re removed from the normal hub-hub of life and turn introspective. At that time, it came to me that I would like to write an adventure story based on English history. Although I have always enjoyed English history, I really didn’t have a full grasp of its depth and breadth, so I went to the library and started researching. When I came across the accomplishments of Alfred the Great, I was in awe! Here was this incredible human being who was bigger than life, who overcame tremendous obstacles and accomplished so much, yet never lost sight of his own humanity. Wow! I thought. What an inspiration for those living in our own time. How come I have never heard of him?

So I set out to tell his story to a modern audience, in what I had hoped would be an entertaining way.

What is your writing process-do you plan it out first? Write a bit at a time?

Well yes, I do sketch out a general path of where I want to end up. For me, the creative process is visualizing a scene and then letting the characters flow; letting them interact with each other and their environment. Sometimes I even surprise myself as the scenes play out.

How much of you is reflected in your writing?

Oh, that’s a hard question. I guess, now that I think of it, a lot. How can any author of fiction not see themselves reflected in their writing? I see my own values reflected, as well as concepts of good and evil; and perspectives of life, trials and triumphs.

What kind of research did you have to do before/during writing behind your book?

From the beginning, I really wanted this work of fiction to shine a light on the incredible accomplishments and personal dignity of a great man. So although the historical figure is fictionalized, many hours were invested in research before one word was written. I have always been one of those people who, when reading a book or watching a movie based on something in history, wanted to know “what really happened”. So I have dedicated four pages on my website to historical information on the real people and events.

How much attention do you pay to the reviews that you get?

I very much value each and every review! Readers are the entire reason for the story. Their thoughts, opinions, and reactions are important and if a reader takes the time and energy to share those through a review, I certainly pay attention and take it to heart.

Are friends and family supportive of your writing?

Yes. I am truly blessed with exceptionally supportive family and friends. They have believed in me from the start and stood behind me the entire time, never wavering in encouragement and providing whatever was needed to help me along this journey.

How do you feel leading up to your publication day?

Excited! Stressed! Jubilant! Anxious! Scared! All of them at once, and then happily relieved as I realize that it’s finally here.

Which other authors inspire you or are there any you particularly enjoy reading?

Humm. I enjoy such a wide variety of authors and genres it’s kind of hard to narrow down; Chernow, CS Lewis, Clancy, Rowling, Mary Stewart, …

Finally...what are you working on right now?

I’m thrilled to tell you that we’re in the editing phase of Book 2 (Here and Now” series); the exciting continuation of “Arrival”.

About Marian Beland

Marian Beland resides with her family in the horse country of northern Connecticut and is the author of the “Here and Now” trilogy.

Her lifelong passion for history and adventure are the foundation of her captivating novels.

When Marian isn’t writing, she is likely training or deploying her search & rescue K-9 partner on missions to find the lost and missing.

Review: A New Life For Christmas by Liam Livings

A house exchange between two single men leads to a romantic new life for both of them.

Oliver and Kyle live thousands of miles apart, but each needs a break from his current life and love. Enter the Cloud B&B website, a wonderful new way to exchange homes for the holiday. They both muster their courage, and decide to visit another continent for Christmas.

In the UK, Oliver has been pining after his neighbour for far too long, living his comfortable but quiet life in a town in the New Forest. When his crush moves on in the worst possible way, Oliver is seduced by the chance to stay in fun-loving, sunny Miami.

In Miami, Kyle is a club owning workaholic, who suddenly discovers the man he lives with has been unfaithful. Yet again. As consolation, Kyle is tempted to see first hand the picturebook charm of the New Forest in winter.

Both of them find not just a new setting but a new romance. Oliver makes a big effort to shed his inhibitions and meets a musician, Mark, who plays in the Florida bars, and who may be just as cautious and polite as Oliver in making the first move.

And while Kyle’s trying to come to terms with England’s very different culture—and food!—he’s charmed by Oliver’s best friend Edward, who’s bold and sexy, but secretive.

Will Oliver take the leap of faith and encourage a lover who can and will give the commitment he deserves? And will Kyle find a man who can be loyal and also offer Kyle the family life he needs?

Review: A retelling of The Holiday with fabulously queer twist? Yes please! Oh I was hooked into this story from the word go and the short nature of this book meant that I could devour this whole thing in a couple of sittings. It was truly wonderful to be transported to christmas time and into one of my favourite festive films sitting in the May sunshine I can tell you. 

I loved the start of this novel, the situations that Oliver and Kyle find themselves in. They were so easy to relate to and I think any reader will be able to identify with both of these men in one way or another. I love how we get to see the vulnerable side of both these guys, see them put up their guard and also see what it takes to bring that guard down. I loved the way being out of their comfort zone affected the way they did things and loved watching them explore their new settings as well. 

The description of Christmas in a sunny setting and a snowy English setting were truly beautiful. I loved the description of the days of exploring that these men did. I liked the way I could smell and hear the meals and the shopping trips, I felt like I was discovering it all with them. 

The romance in this book is truly top notch as well. If you’re looking for your next sweet festive read you have found it. This book gets hot and steamy too without giving too much away and I am so here for more of that. I loved this read, I will definitely be seeking out more from this author soon!

To order your copy now just click the link: UK or US

Movie Review: Is The King of Staten Island Worth The Download Cost?

via IFTTT

Blog Tour: Interview With Ann Burnett Author of Festival Fireworks

Today I am part of the blog tour for Festival Fireworks bu Anne Burnett. Today I have an author interview to share with you and if you like the sound of that, you can click here to order Festival Fireworks now. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour for more exclusive content and reviews.

Here's what it's all about...

Aussie Jill arrives in Edinburgh at Festival time, at the start of a gap year. Unfortunately, her boss at the temporary job she's taken turns out to be her grumpy neighbour, Andrew, aka Mr Bossy. As the Festival fireworks explode over the city every night, they start to fall in love. Then Jill has to return suddenly to Australia. Can their budding romance survive or will the fireworks fizzle and die?

Here's that interview for you...

First question-bit of a cliche-how did you get into writing?

I've always written. Even as a child I was writing poems and stories. I even entered a writing competition when I was about 10 or 11 - didn't win. But the seed was always there and it wasn't till I was in my early 30's and expecting my first son that I joined a writing class. The tutor, a redoubtable single lady, was not impressed when I wanted to give it up and concentrate on being a mother, and insisted I join the local Writers' Club which I did. Best thing ever as I received loads of encouragement and help there as well as making many good friends.

Do you write full time & if so, have you always done this?

No, I grab what time I have. I've always had to have a day job and even after I retired, I had caring responsibilities for family members.

Do you have a particular writing style or genre that you prefer to write?

Agh! I'm a bit of a butterfly as regards what I write. I think I've tried just about every type going. I started off as a children's writer - I wrote Postman Pat stories for a children's comic for 5 years and then I scripted children's programmes for BBC Radio and TV. But I was also writing short stories, articles, drama and poetry. Novel writing came later.

How do you develop your characters as you write, are any of them based on real people?

I try not to base them on people I know though I do use elements of their characters. I like quirky characters with good points and bad, flaws and idiosyncrasies. I 'see' them behaving in my mind's eye and they'll often suggest aspects of themselves as I write.

What was the inspiration behind your book?

Partly to see if I could do it. I was used to writing far shorter pieces though projects like a TV series require a lot of time and effort but in a different way. I like the challenge of trying something new.

What is your writing process-do you plan it out first? Write a bit at a time?

I'm a seat of the pants writer. I know where I want to end up but how I get there can be an interesting journey with a few dead ends and wrong turnings. I write in short, sharp bursts, often only 500-1000 words at a time if it's going well but I need the break to think about what I've written and what the next part should be about. Also, my time can be quite limited.

How much of you is reflected in your writing?

Er... not a lot I hope. However I think that the writer must creep into the story regardless and certainly I make use of life's experiences to flesh out the story.

What kind of research did you have to do before/during writing behind your book?

I know Edinburgh pretty well. The flat Jill stays in was the flat my older son lived in at one point in Edinburgh, Andrew's office is set in the street where the BBC used to have its studios and which I visited several times and I've walked often up and down the Royal Mile and along many other city streets.

I used to live in Australia and have been back many times since, so Jill's family's property and lifestyle there is typical of many properties I visited and barbecues I've enjoyed.

How much attention do you pay to the reviews that you get?

I'd like to say I don't bother with them, but of course all writers do and they can make or mar a day. But what people like or dislike in a book is so varied that you can't expect everyone to have the same opinion. I know I can read a book that has had glowing reviews and just not like it. However an astute reviewer can pick up on something that can help a writer in the future.

Are friends and family supportive of your writing?

Yes, though I don't think they read it much. My husband, bless him, manfully ploughs through my efforts though it's not what he normally reads.

How do you feel leading up to your publication day?

Excited and a bit anxious that it will go well.

Which other authors inspire you or are there any you particularly enjoy reading?

I read a wide range of books and have recently enjoyed Michelle Obama's autobiography, Becoming. Ann Cleeves is another favourite as are Anne Tyler, Peter May, Maggie O'Farrell and Linda Gillard. I also like to read books that friends have written - Rosemary Gemmell, Joan Fleming, Anne Stenhouse, Michael Malone, Wendy Jones, Catherine Czerkawska and many more Scottish writers. Apologies if I've inadvertently omitted you!

Finally...what are you working on right now?

Not what I should be. I have two more books that I want to revise before I republish them but instead I'm blogging about lockdown topics like jigsaws and my vegetable garden!

About the Author

Ann Burnett has been writing for many years and covers many genres. She wrote Postman Pat stories for a comic for five years, adapted Moomin stories as picture books, and scripted over 100 programmes for BBC children's TV and radio. She also writes short stories and articles and has even tried poetry and drama!

Her latest writing is a contemporary romance, Festival Fireworks, for Ladybug Publications.

She was once almost sold to a Masai warrior for two cows but was only saved because her husband wouldn't have been able to get the cows on the plane home!

Her website and blog about writing is at annburnett.co.uk

Review: All About the Hype by Paige Toon

The third super hot, super fun Jessie Jefferson novel from internationally bestselling author, Paige Toon.

Is the life of a famous rockstar's daughter all it's cracked up to be? And what about dating your fellow band-member just as you hit the bigtime? 

Jessie is still getting used to being a celebrity, and the daughter of one of the world’s biggest rock stars. With her own music career on the rise, a gorgeous love interest and a fun group of friends, it seems Jessie’s glamorous LA life couldn’t get any better . . . but things are about to get really complicated.

Review: Well glamorous life in LA is fabulous but when you’re a teenager with friends and family still living in the UK it can be tough and we really explore that in the culmination of this trilogy which is fast becoming one of my favourite Young Adult trilogies of all time, and it really has stiff competition. 

I really feel like we get to know Jessie fully in this novel. We have explored a lot of her life so far but not only does she celebrate her birthday in this book but that also means marking the anniversary of her mum’s death and so we really do see her raw and exposed. We see even more than ever that she is just like other teenage girls and dealing with the same kind of things that they have to deal with in terms of friendships, education, family and love. 

Don’t get me wrong, this book does take it to a whole new level of glam too. I mean when you start reading about what Jessie is getting for her birthday and how the day will be spent, I can only say that Paige Toon must have had an awful lot of fun planning and writing those chapters, it sounded amazing. With that goes a whole lots of emotion though and this book was a whole emotional rollercoaster. One minute you’re having fun with Jessie at a glamorous party or performing with the band and the next you are feeling the rock bottom when she realises the price of fame and misses the only other home she has known. 

I loved Jessie in this book. I love the adventures that she has, I love the feelings that she shares and I love seeing her go through the whole coming of age process over the course of this trilogy. Again we have some amazing scenes with Johnny and Meg and it was great to catch up with them again, they can take me to Disneyland anytime they like. I really loved this trilogy and I hope that this isn't the last we have seen of Paige Toon’s adventures into the world of YA fiction!

To order your copy now, just click the link: UK or US