The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

Genre: General Fiction
Publication Date: 26th April 2011
Pages: 400
Book Source: ARC courtesy of Harlequin/MIRA

Synopsis: 'I don't know how to tell you what I did.' The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind Noelle's suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle - her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her family - described a woman who embraced life. But they didn't know everything. Because the unaddressed letter reveals a terrible secret...and a legacy of guilt that changes everything they thought they knew about the woman who delivered their children. A legacy that will irrevocably change their own lives - and the life of a desperate stranger - forever.

Review:
What a nail-biter! An absolute labyrinth of twists, turns and just when you think you've got it all figured out ... bam another shocking revelation! Ok not all were the unexpected, knock-your-socks-off type revelation, some where the ... damn ... I knew it, kind, but still, quite a gut-wrenching rollercoaster ride.

I loved the seamlessly woven alternating narration from key characters and the flashbacks to past events. I loved the complexities of the mother-daughter relationships, I loved the bond between best friends Noelle, Tara & Emerson and I loved Chamberlain's portrayal of their bond following Noelle's suicide. The 'realness' of their feelings; the shock, the guilt, the questions, the anger, the betrayal, the love, the quest for answers, the desire to set things right.

Following the death of my mother a long buried secret was uncovered that came as quite a shock to our entire family so many of Tara & Emerson's emotions were also familiar to me. When your knowledge of someone you love is so emphatically challenged it rocks your entire world. The Midwife's Confession is a powerful and moving landscape of love, friendship, grief, suicide, lies, guilt, & life-shattering secrets.

If you're hankering for an extremely compelling read with a poignant depth of emotion and a blistering pace then don't miss out on this one!

Want to know more about Diane Chamberlain and her work? - visit her website.

You can also see my review of The Lies We Told (2010)

Interview & Giveaway with Mingmei Yip, author of Song Of The Silk Road

Following her success of Peach Blossom Pavilion and Petals from the Sky is the release of SONG OF THE SILK ROAD, the third novel by celebrated author, Mingmei Yip. This richly imaginative novel follows one woman’s daunting journey along China’s fabled Silk Road, a life-changing adventure filled with the most unexpected revelations.

As a girl growing up in Hong Kong, Lily Lin was captivated by photographs of the desert—its long, lonely vistas and shifting sand dunes. Now living in New York, Lily is struggling to finish her graduate degree when she receives an astonishing offer. An aunt she never knew existed will pay Lily a huge sum to travel across China’s desolate Taklamakan Desert—and carry out a series of tasks along the way.

Intrigued, Lily accepts. Her assignments range from the dangerous to the bizarre. Lily must seduce a monk. She must scrape a piece of clay from the famous Terracotta Warriors, and climb the Mountains of Heaven to gather a rare herb. At Xian, her first stop, Lily meets Alex, a young American with whom she forms a powerful connection. And soon, she faces revelations that will redefine her past, her destiny, and the shocking truth behind her aunt’s motivations.

Powerful and eloquent, Song of the Silk Road is a captivating story of self-discovery, resonant with the mysteries of its haunting, exotic landscape.

Which part of SONG OF THE SILK ROAD was the most enjoyable to write?

There are a few. First, the love-making scene in the desert, imagining golden singing sand dunes, the unrelieved heat, the passion…all aphrodisiacal.

Another sequence I particularly enjoyed is the protagonist Lily Lin’s platonic love with one of her admirers – an Ughur healer who loves and protects her without asking anything back from her. Later, upon learning his tragic story she discovers she can open her yin eye to see beings from the realm of the dead.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No. I work on each until it is as good as I know how to make it. Then I move on to the next one.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you mean aspiring writers, yes. Read a lot, not only to feed your imagination and creativity, but also so you know when you are writing well. When you’re sure your writing is good, pursue publication until you succeed. The Daode Jing says more things are spoiled in the end than the beginning.

Don’t give up until you are there.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

After I labor through getting down the first draft, as I polish up my writing, I begin to enjoy my characters and their trials and struggles as they work towards a happy ending. In my writing, I meet people like the Chinese herbalist and blind fortune teller in Song of the Silk Road, whom I might never meet in real life.

Do you have any quirks that come out while you are writing?

I just plunge into my writing and ignore everything around me. Since I was a tiny girl I have always preferred life inside my own head.

Desert in Duang Huang, Silk Road, China

Visit Mingmei Yip's website to find out more

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to Mingmei Yip for visiting my blog. If you'd like to win a copy of SONG OF THE SILK ROAD, leave a comment regarding the interview. Don't forget to include your email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link

Competition is only available to US/Canada. Ends 11th May and the winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

ANZAC Day, Easter Monday and It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Hope everyone had a blessed, safe and happy Easter. My boys have been away with friends for Easter so I've had plenty of time to rest and recover. My persistent cough turned out to be Mycoplasma pneumonia so multiple antibiotics have done their job but I tell you; a month of coughing sure takes it out of you. I'm really exhausted but finally on the mend.

In between my numerous naps I did make a couple of cards and do some reading :)

Last but not least it's ANZAC Day today, the day we officially remember those who have died keeping our country safe. We show our respect and gratitude for the brave men and women who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and safety.

Anzac Biscuits
A group of women during World War I decided to make biscuits to send to the soldiers that would provide nutrition and keep for a long time. They were originally called Soldiers biscuits but after Gallipoli the name was changed to Anzac biscuits. Anzac Biscuits are still a favourite treat amongst Australians today and are very easy to make.

Recipe for Anzac Biscuits:

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
¾ cup coconut
125g (4oz) butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon boiling water

1) Combine oats, sifted flour, sugar and coconut.

2) Combine butter and golden syrup, stir over gentle heat in a small saucepan until
melted.

3) Mix bicarbonate of soda with boiling water in a teacup. Add to melted butter mixture. Pour into dry ingredients and stir.

4) Place tablespoonfuls of mixture on oven trays (for easy cleanup place a piece of baking paper on the tray)

5) Cook in a slow oven for 20 minutes. Makes about 35.

They'll harden as they cool. Store in airtight container.

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I posted review for:

A RACE TO SPLENDOR by Ciji Ware ~ really good historical fiction about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The pages of this one literally turn themselves!

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Finished Last Week:

THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain ~ 4.5 stars, review up this week.

THE COFFEEHOLIC & THE CAFE by Elizabeth Martin ~ really good Aussie chick-lit!

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This Week's Reading List:

BUMPED by Megan McCafferty ~ page 25, hmm a little wierd so far.

DIE FOR ME by Amy Plum

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Reviews to post:

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter ~ scheduled this week.

A STORM CALLED KATRINA by Myron Uhlberg

BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

MY SOUL TO TAKE by Rachel Vincent

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex

A Race To Splendor by Ciji Ware

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 544
Book Source: ARC courtesy of Source Books

Synopsis:

Inspired by female architect Julia Morgan, this is the riveting tale of a race against time to rebuild two luxury hotels after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake destroyed 400 city blocks and left 250,000 homeless.

Morgan's fictional protegee Amelia Bradshaw and client J.D. Thayer will sacrifice anything to see the city they love rise from the ashes; in the process, they can't help but lose their hearts.

Review:

This was such a fascinating story, delving into the devastating history of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, the aftermath and recovery. A blend of history and artistic licence laced with suspense, drama, romance, and political corruption giving readers a captivating and moving account.

I knew of the existence of architect Julia Morgan but little else and whilst she didn't inspire my affection in Race to Splendor, Ciji Ware certainly inspired me to read a little more about this historical figure. Quite the opposite of the very likeable Amelia Bradshaw, Ware's fictional creation and Morgan's protegee and eventual competitor in the race to open the Fairmont hotel and JD Thayer's Bay View hotel by the 1st anniversary of the quake.

The Fairmont 1906 - after earthquake & fire

The Fairmont 1907

The chemistry between JD and Amelia is obvious early on but their working and personal relationship is rocky to say the least. Suffice to say there is more to the inscrutable JD than first meets the eye. I enjoyed the architectural details and the challenges facing women proving themselves in a male dominated field. I wasn't aware of the plight of the Chinese at this time, their appalling living and working conditions, and the unaccounted loss of life. Being Australian, Race To Splendor filled in a substantial gap in my knowledge of this particular time in American history and gave me a thirst for more.

My first Ciji Ware novel but definitely not my last; the pages literally turn themselves!

Visit Ciji Ware's website to find out more about this author and her work.

Winners are Grinners :)

Winner of THE SEASON OF SECOND CHANCES by Diane Meier

Congratulations: nfmgirl

Winners of THESE THINGS HIDDEN by Heather Gudenkauf

Congratulations: Staci & Lexi

Don't forget current giveaways:

Awesome international giveaway ~ 3 novels by Katherine Howell ~ enter here.

Win The Final Alice by Alycia Ripley ~ enter here.

Awesome international giveaway ~ win 3 books by Katherine Howell. Check this blog post for details!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Thinking positively, this week when I finally stop coughing I plan to do some scrapbooking and cardmaking, (hopefully Alaine will manage a day too.) I did make the card below for my sister because it's the anniversary of mum's death on Thursday.

I've now been coughing for almost a month, consumed 2 bottles of codeine based cough suppressant, 3/4 bottle of the vilest herbal cough relief that was ever invented *gag* and 1/2 bottle of a chinese cough syrup which doesn't taste too bad but hasn't done much either, had enough ventolin and seretide to give me a serious case of the jitters, so .... back to the Dr's again today *grrr*. Ok pity party over and on to reading lol.

*I have a number of competitions running*

Many of you know how much I love KATHERINE HOWELL'S work and I have an awesome international giveaway for 3 of her novels ~ check it out here!

Interview and giveaway of THE FINAL ALICE by Alycia Ripley ~ enter here.

I Posted reviews for:

STAY by Deb Caletti ~ A 2011 favourite - 5 star awesomeness!!

THE MATCHMAKER OF KENMARE by Frank Delaney ~ this author kissed the Blarney Stone!

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Finished Last Week:

STAY by Deb Caletti ~ A 2011 Favourite - 5 star awesomeness!!

A RACE TO SPLENDOR by Ciji Ware ~ review will be posted Wednesday

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter

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This Week's Reading List:

THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain

BUMPED by Megan McCafferty

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Reviews still to do:

A STORM CALLED KATRINA by Myron Uhlberg

BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

MY SOUL TO TAKE by Rachel Vincent

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex

Awesome international giveaway ~ win 3 books by Katherine Howell. Check this blog post for details!

Stay by Deb Caletti

Genre: YA
Published: April 5th 2011
Pages: 320
Book Source: ARC Simon & Schuster

Synopsis: Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

Review:

Oh how I loved this book, it's a favourite for 2011 even though it's a read that touched very close to home, which wasn't always comfortable. Stay began with a level of intrigue that was intense, a slightly sinister undercurrent and entwined with the palpable feeling of wrongness was the most beautiful, heartfelt writing ... I was mesmerised.

So many things in this book touched the fragile place in me, I was held transfixed by aspects of Clara's story that could have been my own life story in print. Raw and honest emotion, so real in fact that this book flooded me with a rush of memories from a controlling, manipulative marriage. The feelings, reactions, emotions that Deb Caletti pinpoints are so close to the truth, it's uncanny ... the walking on eggshells, filtering information, the love, the lies, the hate, the fear, the guilt, learning to trust again; to trust your instincts.

"A drop of poison on that gathering snow. That moment in the fairy tale when we know what just happened but the princess doesn't."

"I've heard that people stay in bad situations because a relationship like that gets turned up by degrees. It is said that a frog will jump out of a pot of boiling water. Place him in a pot and turn it up a little at a time, and he will stay until he is boiled to death. Us frogs understand this."

I loved all the character's, (except Christian ~ too many shuddery light bulb moments) Clara, her Dad, Annabelle, Sylvie, and *sigh* Finn, he's uncomplicated, down-to-earth, a genuine good guy. I loved the honest, vivid first person narration from Clara, I loved the footnotes, I loved the setting of Bishop Rock, I loved the realness, what can I say I just LOVED STAY.

"The most true-love words are not the ones that grasp and hold and bind you, twisting you both up together in some black dance. No, they are ones that leave you free to stand alone on your own solid ground, leave him to do the same, a tender space between you."

Stay is brilliantly crafted, it's a story about love, loss, mistakes, discovery & hope. Have I done this book justice, conveyed how much I loved it. I hope so, I just can't rave enough about it; 3 more words ...
Breathtaking, Hopeful, Real.

Visit Deb Caletti's website to find out more.

Awesome international giveaway ~ win 3 books by Katherine Howell. Check this blog post for details!

The Matchmaker of Kenmare by Frank Delaney

Genre: Historical Fiction
Copyright: Feb 2011
Pages: 397
Book Source: ARC Courtesy of Leah @ Meier.

Synopsis:

“And there’s a legend—she had only vague details—that all couples who are meant to marry are connected by an invisible silver cord which is wrapped around their ankles at birth, and in time the matchmaking gods pull those cords tighter and tighter and draw the couple slowly toward one another until they meet.” So says Miss Kate Begley, Matchmaker of Kenmare, the enigmatic woman Ben MacCarthy meets in the summer of 1943.

As World War II rages on, Ben remains haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his wife, the actress Venetia Kelly. Searching for purpose by collecting stories for the Irish Folklore Commission, he travels to a remote seaside cottage to profile the aforementioned Matchmaker of Kenmare.

Ben is immediately captivated by the forthright Miss Begley, who is remarkably self-assured in her instincts but provincial in her experience. Miss Begley is determined to see that Ben moves through his grief—and a powerful friendship is forged along the way.

But when Charles Miller, a striking American military intelligence officer, arrives on the scene, Miss Begley develops an intense infatuation and looks to make a match for herself. Miller needs a favor, but it will be dangerous. Under the cover of their neutrality as Irish citizens, Miss Begley and Ben travel to London and effectively operate as spies. As they are drawn more deeply and painfully into the conflict, both discover the perils of neutrality—in both love and war.

Steeped in colorful history, The Matchmaker of Kenmare is a stirring story of friendship and sacrifice. New York Times bestselling author Frank Delaney has written a lush and surprising novel, rich as myth, tense as a thriller, and like all grand tales—harrowing, sometimes hilarious, and heartbreaking.

Review:

Beautiful reminiscents, lyrical prose, funny ramblings, languid pace and slightly ambiguous plot; quite an unusual combination.

Ben MacCarthy of Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show fame returns to narrate The Matchmaker of Kenmare in the form of a memoir to his children. I don't think not having read Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show impeded my enjoyment of The Matchmaker of Kenmare but obviously if you've read the first book then many questions are answered in it's sequel.

Ben & Kate's paths cross as Ben travels Ireland gathering stories for the folklore commission; their burgeoning friendship changes Ben's life in profound ways. I adored the detail given to the matches Kate makes and Delaney's vivid descriptions of character and countryside convey an evocative sense of time and place.

"Most people's problems would never happen if they thought first and spoke later. Words aren't like chickens. You can't call them back once you've let them out."

"his face reminded me of brown wrapping paper that had been scrunched up into a ball and then smoothed out."

Kate is brave, instinctive, positive, stubborn, fey and I confess quite exasperating, a number of times I felt like slapping her for her irritating allusiveness and the constant play on Ben's generous nature to get what she wanted. Ben is caring and sweet with an inner core of strength; he's a true friend to Kate and while he may not follow Kate unquestioningly he does follow. After hastily marrying US Captain Charles Miller, Kate drags Ben on a search for her missing husband in war-torn Europe and unfortunately Ireland's neutrality does not always offer protection in the midst of WWII. 

The pace was a little leisurely for me but Delaney has certainly kissed the Blarney Stone, extra time would lend itself to really savouring this storyteller's writing.

Visit Frank Delaney's website to find out more about this author and his work.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Last week was spent week running around like a chook with it's head cut off all while coughing up a lung, so back to the Doctors this week.

Had a lovely weekend; Friday night was a dear friend's 70th birthday back in Toowoomba and Saturday night was a girl's night out with mums & friends from Cal's old soccer team; great to catch up and enjoy a scrumptious Chinese banquet.

Posted reviews for:

VIOLENT EXPOSURE by Katherine Howell ~ 5 stars and a favourite read!

HEART WITH JOY by Steve Cushman ~ 4.5 stars, lovely, lovely YA read.

*I have a number of competitions running*

Many of you know how much I love KATHERINE HOWELL'S work and I have an awesome international giveaway for 3 of her novels ~ check it out here!

Interview and giveaway of THE FINAL ALICE by Alycia Ripley ~ enter here.

There's also a copy of THE SEASON OF SECOND CHANCES by Diane Meier up for grabs ~ enter giveaway here.

My review for THE MATCHMAKER OF KENMARE by Frank Delaney will be posted Tuesday; my apologies for the delay.

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Finished Last Week:

nothing, nada, zip, nil :(

I completely forgot about a review book that is due so I didn't get read what I planned on reading but I've made a start on a number of books and I'm loving them.

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This Week's Reading List:

A RACE TO SPLENDOR by Ciji Ware ~ page 205 and loving it!

STAY by Deb Caletti (kindle) ~ page 60 and intriguing!

THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter

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Reviews still to do:

A STORM CALLED KATRINA by Myron Uhlberg

BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

MY SOUL TO TAKE by Rachel Vincent

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex

Awesome international giveaway ~ win 3 books by Katherine Howell. Check this blog post for details!

Interview & Giveaway with Alycia Ripley, author of The Final Alice

Alycia Ripley was always obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. In her latest book she uses that obsession to paint a fantastical and thrilling tale of good versus evil. This is not the Alice of your childhood. It’s an entirely new slice of Wonderland for a very modern audience.

Cruel office managers, sadistic cheerleaders, and a two-headed contractor are only some of the obstacles Alice must face and eliminate in order to own her role in a family well versed in nightmarish fairy tales and spiritual riddles.

What makes Alice in Wonderland relevant today?

Themes of identity and living up to family expectations are as with us today as when Carroll wrote the original story. I think adults can appreciate a tale that mixes real life with the surreal as well as the sense of escape into a another place where they can apply the lessons they learn there to this world when they return. Social critique, satire, engaging characters, exciting plot, and metaphor are as interesting today as ever.

What is the difference between the classic Alice and your Alice?

My heroine, Alice Pleasance, is the original Alice's great-great-granddaughter so they exist in two very different moments in pop culture. Her ancestor lived in Victorian times and the new Alice is in modern day America. Whereas the classic Alice is a young child, my heroine is 30 years old and I felt there was much more at stake with a depressed 30 year old writer trying to live up to the expectations of herself and others given what would come in the plot and spiritually allegorical elements of the book.

Why do you think Alice is such a universal character that people can relate to?

She's very well meaning, funny, and has an attitude but is struggling with issues of identity, what she has accomplished vs. goals still unrealized, frustrations with herself and others around her and we can learn from and relate to her navigations through life and Wonderland.

Are any of the characters in The Final Alice based on actual people?

Very much so. Alice herself is based on my emotions and experiences over the last few years as well as certain aspects of my personality also come out in the Nigerian twins and the telepathic children. The shih tzu that grows to dragon size and eats murderers/rapists/and thugs has a personality very much based on my own shih tzu. The supporting characters are based on people I have known/met/worked with and the villains came to me while watching Nancy Grace and other crime shows because I couldn't believe some of the things that go on in our country on a day to day basis and felt that some of the perpetrators would make terrific villains for Alice and her team to fight and destroy. A theme of vigilantism is very prevalent in the story.

What inspired you to become a writer? Any plans for the big screen?

The Tri-Star pictures logo of the 1980's was a huge inspiration because when the Pegasus ran towards the screen and the music swelled it made me want to be part of a crew that wrote/created characters for the world to watch, study, and enjoy in books and film and television and provide that same feeling of excitement for people! I've always been interested in writing for both mediums and my books are written in style and with cinematic elements that would make it pretty easily translatable to the screen.

If you could be dropped into any book as a character who would you be and why?
One would be Charlotte in 'Charlotte Sometimes' by Penelope Farmer because of its themes of identity and time travel and the mysterious ambiance of the prep school it takes place at, as well as Alison Poole in 'Story of My Life' by Jay McInerney because of her charm, humor, and hilarious misadventures in 1980's Manhattan which is sort of a Wonderland in itself.

GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Alycia for visiting my blog. If you'd like to win a copy of THE FINAL ALICE, then tell me your favourite character from Alice in Wonderland. Don't forget to include your email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link

Competition is only available to US/Canada. Ends 23rd April and the winner will be announced on this blog. Good luck everyone!

 

Fantastic International Giveaway - 3 books by Author Katherine Howell

Synopsis: When Suzanne Crawford is found stabbed to death and her husband Connor is discovered to be missing, it looks like just another tragic case of domestic violence to Detective Ella Marconi. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. Why is there no record of Connor Crawford beyond a few years ago? Why has a teenager who worked for the pair gone missing too? And above all, what was the secret Suzanne knew Connor was keeping at all costs – even from her?

As Ella begins to build a picture of the Crawfords' fractured lives, things around her are deteriorating. Her relationship with a fellow officer is hanging by a thread and her parents seem to be keeping secrets of their own. But Ella only has time for the job she loves, and she knows she has to see her way through the tangled web of deceit and lies to get at the truth – before it's too late.

Katherine Howell 's latest novel Violent Exposure is an absolute winner, my review was posted yesterday please check it out. Visit Katherine on her website to find out more and you can follow her on facebook.

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Crime fiction author Katherine Howell was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She worked as a paramedic in Sydney for 15 years and during this time she also studied for her BA and MPhil degrees, both in writing.

Katherine is not only a super generous person, as a fan of her work I've been fortunate to form a friendship with this talented Aussie author. She's a sweetheart and an absolute delight to correspond with and I hope to catch up for coffee one day soon.

GIVEAWAY: I have 3 personalised copies of Katherine's novels to give away to readers of my blog and it's international!

Cold Justice by Katherine Howell

A teenage girl stumbles across the body of her classmate, Tim Pieters, hidden amongst the bushes. His family is devastated, the killer is never found.

Eighteen years later, political pressure sees the murder investigation reopened. Detective Ella Marconi tracks down Georgie Riley, the student who found the body, and who is now a paramedic. Georgie seems to be telling the truth, so then why does Ella receive an anonymous phone call insisting that Georgie knows more? And is it mere coincidence that her ambulance partner, Freya, also went to the same high school?

See my review of Cold Justice

The Darkest Hour by Katherine Howell

Paramedic Lauren Yates stumbles into a world of trouble the night she discovers a dead man in an inner city alley, for the killer lurks nearby. When the murderer threatens to make her life hell if she tells the police, she believes him - he's Thomas Werner, her sister's ex, and a very bad man indeed. But when a stabbing victim tells her with his dying breath that Werner attacked him too, she finds herself with blood on her hands and Detective Ella Marconi on her back.

Will Ella's investigation put her career on the line, just when she's finally got her foot in the door? And can Lauren keep her family safe before Werner makes good on his promise, or will they all pay the ultimate price?

See my review of The Darkest Hour.

Frantic by Katherine Howell

In one terrible moment, paramedic Sophie Phillips's life is ripped apart – her police officer husband, Chris, is shot on their doorstep and their ten-month-old son, Lachlan, is abducted from his bed. Suspicion surrounds Chris as he is tainted with police corruption, but Sophie believes the attack is much more personal, a consequence of her own actions.

While Chris is in hospital and the police, led by Detective Ella Marconi, mobilise to find their colleague's child, Sophie's desperation compels her to search for Lachlan herself. She enlists her husband's partner, Angus Arendson, in the hunt for her son, but will the history they share and her raw maternal instinct lead to an even greater tragedy?

See my review of Frantic.

HOW TO ENTER:
Please follow the instructions so your entry is included!

*You must be a follower of my blog (if you're not a follower & you'd like to enter just click on the follow button on the right hand side of my blog - easy peasy)

*Leave a comment on my review of VIOLENT EXPOSURE.

* Leave a comment on this giveaway post and don't forget to include an email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link

+2 leave a comment on any other of my reviews of Katherine's novels and let me know.

Competition is INTERNATIONAL. Ends 22nd April and the winners will be announced on this blog. Good luck everyone!

Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell

Genre: Suspense/Thriller
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 312
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: When Suzanne Crawford is found stabbed to death and her husband Connor is discovered to be missing, it looks like just another tragic case of domestic violence to Detective Ella Marconi. But as the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems. Why is there no record of Connor Crawford beyond a few years ago? Why has a teenager who worked for the pair gone missing too? And above all, what was the secret Suzanne knew Connor was keeping at all costs – even from her?

As Ella begins to build a picture of the Crawfords' fractured lives, things around her are deteriorating. Her relationship with a fellow officer is hanging by a thread and her parents seem to be keeping secrets of their own. But Ella only has time for the job she loves, and she knows she has to see her way through the tangled web of deceit and lies to get at the truth – before it's too late

Review:

WOW, I didn't think it was possible but Aussie author Katherine Howell has outdone herself, Violent Exposure blew me away. This is my favourite of Katherine's novels featuring Detective Ella Marconi and that's saying something, because I've loved them all.

Violent Exposure is an "edge-of-your-seat" ride blending the gritty realism of the paramedic scene (and years of Katherine's personal experience as a paramedic) with the nail-biting suspense of the investigative world. It moves along at a cracking pace but not at the expense of character development. With trademark attention to detail, Katherine gives us further insight into Ella Marconi's personal life, she delves into all facets of the paramedics' lives and provides so many unexpected twists and turns, my heart was literally in my mouth.

Katherine does a brilliant job tying the threads of this story into a read both compellingly subtle and exquisitely thrilling. If you haven't read a Katherine Howell novel then what are you waiting for?? I know I'll be one of the first in line to buy Katherine's 5th novel; Silent Fear.

And guess what? I have an awesome international competition going up on my blog tomorrow for 3 of Katherine's novels. Check out some of my reviews of Katherine's previous novels in anticipation of this fantastic giveaway :)

Frantic 2007

The Darkest Hour 2008

Cold Justice 2010

Visit Katherine Howell's website to find out more about this talented author and her work.

Win These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Check this blog post for details!

Heart With Joy by Steve Cushman

Genre: YA
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 200
Book Source: Own purchase

Synopsis: In Heart With Joy, fifteen-year-old Julian Hale’s life is turned upside down when his mother suddenly moves from North Carolina to Venice, Florida under the pretense of running her parents’ motel and finishing the novel she has been working on for years. While Julian has always been closer to his mother and wants to go with her, she tells him he has to stay with his father until the end of the school year.

Six weeks after his mother leaves, Julian’s father decides to run a marathon. This surprises Julian because he has never seen his father exercise, but once he agrees to help him train the two develop the sort of close relationship they’ve never had before. Also, with the help of an elderly neighbor, Julian learns that the most important thing in life is to follow your heart. And Julian’s heart leads him to a passion for cooking and a young cashier at the local grocery store. By the end of the novel, Julian is forced to choose between staying with his father and going to live with his mother.

Heart With Joy is an uplifting coming of age novel about cooking and bird watching, about writing and pottery, and about falling in love and the sacrifices we all make. But ultimately, it’s about the importance of following your heart and trusting that it will take you where you need to go.

Review: 

After seeing Staci's glowing review of Heart with Joy on her blog Life in the Thumb I couldn't resist ordering this one for myself. Heart With Joy is a heartwarming story; quiet, reflective and touching but at the same time fast paced and entertaining.

Julian isn't your typical 15 year old teenager, he befriends next-door-neighbour, bird-loving Mrs Peters and under her insightful, gentle guidance learns a thing or two about life and love. I really enjoyed reading a YA novel devoted to the growth in a young man's relationships; I loved watching the connection develop between Julian and his Dad and the bond between Julian and Mrs Peters was delightful. I felt like I went on a journey with Julian, not just with his blossoming relationships but the passion he felt cooking re-ignited my enjoyment in cooking for those I love.

Heart With Joy is a little book with a big message, a reminder to stop and smell the roses, to find joy in the simple things, to find your 'thing', the thing that transports you from just "going through the motions" to giving your life special meaning for you. Sometimes it takes courage to follow your heart but the rewards are so worth it!

Heart with Joy is a truly feel-good read, a YA with universal appeal and the title encapsulates all that is beautiful in this novel.

Visit Steve Cushman's website to find out more.

Win These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Check this blog post for details!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

I've been a bit slow on my blog of late but I have a good excuse ;) spending quiet time with Alaine whilst she recovers has been a much enjoyed priority, but I also succumbed to bronchitis. The endless barking coughing has left this blogger feeling a tad exhausted and unmotivated. However this week should see a turn-a-round, I have 3 book reviews scheduled; both books I finished last week and HEART WITH JOY by Steve Cushman.

I have a number of competitions running and more going up this week so be sure to check back.

I have 2 copies of THESE THINGS HIDDEN by Heather Gudenkauf to give away ~ enter the competition here.

There's also a copy of THE SEASON OF SECOND CHANCES by Diane Meier up for grabs ~ enter giveaway here.

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Finished Last Week:

THE MATCHMAKER OF KENMARE by Frank Delaney

VIOLENT EXPOSURE by Katherine Howell

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This Week's Reading List:

STAY by Deb Caletti

THE MIDWIFE'S CONFESSION by Diane Chamberlain

THE GODDESS TEST by Aimee Carter

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Reviews still to do:

A STORM CALLED KATRINA by Myron Uhlberg

BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

MY SOUL TO TAKE by Rachel Vincent

DRACULA IN LOVE by Karen Essex



Win These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf. Check this blog post for details!