USA Free Book Store: April 2016

Cover Reveal: ESCAPE TO THE RIVIERA by Jules Wake

I have yet another cover reveal for you all today and this time it's for Escape to the Riviera by Jules Wake. This is another stunning cover. Hope you like it.

Publishes: 30th June 2016 in EB and PB

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Cover Reveal: No Turning Back by Tracy Buchanan

Happy Friday all and the beginning of the bank holiday weekend here in the UK- whoopie! I am thrilled to share the following cover reveal with you from Tracy Buchanan. I absolutely love it! For those of you who loved Tracy's first book My Sister's Secret, I think you will love this!

Publishes: 28th July 2016, EB and PB

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Blog Tour: The Summer we Danced by Fiona Harper

Title: The Summer we Danced
Author: Fiona Harper
Published: 7th April 2016
Publisher: MIRA

It's I am the last stop on the blog tour today for The Summer we Danced by Fiona Harper. Today I get to share a teaser of the book with you.

One

I inhaled deeply as I raised myself on to my toes with the poise and concentration of an Olympic diver. I swayed precariously, but steadied myself, knowing that everything— everything—depended on me keeping perfectly still for the next few seconds.

I waited, eyes half-scrunched closed, even though they were fixed on the digital numbers flickering rapidly between my big toes.

Any moment…

Any moment now the display would stop jumping around and deliver its verdict. My heart was thudding so hard I could swear the noise was bouncing off the tiled walls of my bathroom.

And then, just as I thought it was never going to happen, it did.

I stared down at the pale-green digits lighting up my bathroom scales in horror.

‘No way!’

I knew Christmas had been bad. I knew that, despite my promises to myself to have just a few naughty things, as the festivities had progressed my cravings had gained momentum, eventually sweeping me away on a relentless tide I’d been helpless to resist. (I’d never been a strong swimmer.)

The green digits flashed at me, blinking their accusation.

I jumped backwards off the scales. The stupid thing was malfunctioning, that was all. Probably just sulking because I’d neglected it for most of November and all of December, a bit like Roberta did after I’d been away. My cat always put on a show of being mortally offended if I dared leave her alone overnight, giving me the cold shoulder for at least half an hour before she finally leapt on to my lap, kneading my thighs with deliberately unsheathed claws and purring like an old-fashioned petrol lawnmower. Not that I expected my bathroom scales to purr back at

me when they’d had a chance to calm down. However, a little love in the form of a decent number wasn’t too much to ask, was it? After all, we’d be bosom buddies again in

no time, especially now January’s cold light was intent on revealing my every lump and bump.

I glanced in the mirror, something I’d studiously avoided doing over the festive season. My cheeks were definitely chubbier, making the pixie cut I’d had back in the summer—

the I’m-divorced-and-I’m-embracing-my-new-life cut— seem like a moment of insanity rather than a declaration offreedom. I ignored the healthy gloss on my short, almostblack hair, the way the cut made my eyes look huge, and focused instead on the fact my cheekbones had definitely

been swallowed up by the sheer volume of mince pies I’d consumed.

Ugh. Disgusting.

I’d had a good excuse, though. I’d thought the second Christmas without Ed—the first since our divorce had been finalised—would be easier. Less lonely. And maybe it would have been, if he hadn’t been posting pictures on Facebook of his fabulous Caribbean Christmas with the Tart.

Now, before you start lecturing, I know I should have blocked him, but I needed to see those pictures, to remind myself of reality, to remind myself I should stop snivelling about the way life had turned out and be glad it was the Tart who had to deal with his smelly socks, unrealistic

demands, and toxic under-the-duvet fumes now. Even a thatched bungalow on an Antiguan beach couldn’t make that stench romantic.

I was better off without him.

I had to be, because he wasn’t coming back.

Anyway, as Big Ben had chimed last night I’d toasted Roberta with a large glass of Baileys and vowed that today would be my turning point. This would be the year of the new, improved Pippa. The Pippa who could finally get into a pair of skinny jeans without herniating something. The Pippa who was going to rise phoenix-like and resplendent from the ashes of her marriage and transform into a glorious being. I pondered that for a few moments but then made the mistake of looking down and discovered I could no longer see my toes past my rather wobbly midriff. I prodded the bulge with a finger and it rippled.

That’s the downside of stripping down to your underwear to weigh yourself. What you save in precious ounces, you gain back in reality. No longer could I ignore the fact I didn’t just have a muffin top, but a whole Victoria sponge sitting round my middle.

Maybe a phoenix was the wrong image—the wrong logo—for my marvellous rebirth. Maybe a butterfly would be a better fit. Because I clearly had the whole roly-poly cocoon thing going on.

While I’d been thinking, the bathroom scales had turned themselves off in a huff. I jabbed the button again with my big toe and waited for the display to do its usual warm-up dance and settle back to zero.

I’d try again. Just to double-check. After all, the battery might be going.

Once again I shifted my weight on to my toes, because I knew that leaning forward would cause the scales to dip up to half a pound. I rose to the right spot, the point of balance where I was far enough forward to see the jostling numbers go down a little, but not so far that I toppled over

and faceplanted into the bathroom wall.

Oh, yay! Lower this time… Not even in the teens, but closer to—

Hang on. No.

Don’t do that! Stop climbing!

‘No, no, no, no, no!’

The scales had returned to exactly the same number they’d been at the first time. A number they had never dared showbefore. Not just double figures, but higher. The one that was unlucky for some, and definitely not good news for me. I couldn’t even comfort myself I was the national average dress size any more. I’d waved goodbye to that number in my rear-view mirror some time around mid-December. ‘Traitor,’ I whispered as I stepped off the scales and threw my pyjamas back on. Before the display went dark, the offending numbers seemed to linger just a little longer than normal, mocking me.

‘That’s it!’ I muttered as I tied up my dressing gown. ‘I’ll give you one more chance tomorrow, but after that I’m off to Argos for a replacement and you’re going down the dump!’

The scales sat there, unblinking in their innocence, as I stomped from the bathroom.

The Summer We Danced by Fiona Harper is out now in paperback and ebook (MIRA)

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Book Review: The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood-Hargrave

Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars
Author: Kiran Millwood-Hargrave
Published: 5th May 2016
Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

It feels like it's been a while since I read an action packed, adventure book and then Girl of Ink and Stars comes along and immediately fills that gap. Before I get onto the story though, I must show some book cover appreciation. It is stunning and if you do manage to pick up a copy then the inside is just as gorgeous and also comes with a map- currently one of my favourite things for a book to contain.
This was such a beautifully crafted, well put together story, full of magic, friendship and bravery. Upon opening, my imagination was immediately whisked away to the island of Joya. It felt fairytale like in its storytelling and its setting and I got completely lost in amongst the pages.
The writing for this just beautiful, it describes everything so perfectly without going over the top like some books do. It was vivid, lyrical and just stunning to read. It also brings a brilliant mix of characters with a believable young heroine that is Isabella and a villain that lives up to his name. I was particularly impressed with theme of friendship running throughout the story with Isabella and her best friend knowing no bounds when it comes to looking out for one another. Isabella is an impressive protagonist who isn't afraid to speak her own mind and do what is right. She is definitely someone who I think middle grade children will look up to.
What made this a unique story for me was the idea of maps and cartography and what has clearly inspired the small illustrations running throughout the book. I loved this idea of drawing maps and following the stars to pinpoint where you are. I think it heightened the sense of mystery and intrigue and really made you feel that you were on an adventure with Isabella.
The Girl of Ink and Stars was a fantastic debut and for me it has filled the long gap in adventure books for me. I felt utterly enraptured whilst reading and I know that children of middle grade age will adore this wonderful book.

The Girl of Ink and Stars is out on 5th May 2016

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Blog Tour: My Husband's Wives by Faith Hogan

Title: My Husband's Wives
Author: Faith Hogan
Published: 1st May 2016
Publisher: Aria

Today I am delighted to be part of the blog tour for My Husband's Wives by Faith Hogan. I adore the cover of this and think it sounds so good! As part of the blog tour I have an interview with Faith telling us more about herself and her book.

Hi Laura, it’s lovely to be here on your ‘Little Book Blog’, I love dropping by and checking out what’s coming out, what’s good and who’s dropping by for a chat. You’ve featured some great books here, and I’m delighted to pop in!
1. How did you come up with the idea for your novel
My Husband’s Wives started out with the idea that your whole world can change with the ring of the doorbell and I suppose from there, I moved into – what if… territory. The characters in the book had taken up residence in my head for a while before I wrote the book. Some of their voices, Annalise and Evie in particular were especially eager to get down on the page!There is, buried in the book the whole notion of change, when it happens can be liberating rather than making Evie’s world smaller it actually enlarged it. For Annalise, change brought the opportunity to grow into the person Paul never allowed her to become and for Grace, ultimately it meant freedom. Kasia, is of course a whole other story…

2. What writers do you think have influenced you?
I believe that every book you read influences you in some way. Even the ones you don’t love!For me, reading has always been a constant in my life. Like every other kid, I was nurtured on a diet of Enid Blytons, Agatha Christies, Maeve Binchey’s all of whom I adored at the time I read them. Later, I picked up Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and Wilkie Collins, all of whom inspired as well as entertained. Over the last few years a number of writers have come to the fore as favourites, people like Benjamin Black(John Banville), Kate Atkinson, Kate Morton, Alan Bennet and Olivia Glazebrook are all more than a little diverting of a long winters’ night! To say, my tastes are eclectic probably is an understatement. I think you read what you need at different points in your life. Although, I’m not sure I’ll ever write like any of the above, what they all have in common is that they have kept their own distinctive voice and that is why you get lost in the worlds they so brilliantly weave.

3. How did you come up with the characters in your novel and who was your most favourite character to write?
Most of my characters start with a voice, they speak very clearly with their own particular accent and way of putting things. Some characters I like more than others and some grow on you as the book develops so although you started out lukewarm, or maybe even making fun of them, you end up becoming quite fond of them and hoping that things work out well for them. Annalise was one of those characters and she started out taking up a lot more space, but then as she was honed from the words, she actually turned out to be a genuinely gutsy but caring woman that you’d like to be friends with.

4. What was the most surprising thing you learned from writing your book?
My biggest learning came at the very end! And it is this, for anyone out there struggling…Books are not written in one sitting, this we know, neither are they written in one draft. I’ve always gladly taken any and all suggestions and mostly believed that other people knew better than I did. Now, I have people around me whose advice I value enormously, but I’ve also learned that I know my book best, so I’ve become more selective around what I change and what I leave. It’s a great feeling.

5. What book are you reading at the moment?
At the moment, I’m reading Ann Tyler, A Spool Of Blue Thread’, and I’m enjoying it enormously.I’ve always had more of a bent towards European books, but I’ve been pulled into a world with Ann Tyler that I’m drawing out for as long as possible, it’s one of those books!

6. What is your favourite Novel?
Just one?There have been many books over the years that I’ve gotten lost in for different reasons. As a teenager, I fell madly in love with ‘Ivanhoe’. Later, I stumbled across Fred Vargas and loved immersing myself in the French detective’s life, very different to the west of Ireland. I adored the ‘Uncommon Reader’ and ‘Elizabeth is Missing’ almost broke my heart. Maeve Binchey kick started my love of a feel good hardback Christmas book and Deirdre Purcell and Trish Ashley now fill the bill. In the last year, I really enjoyed Catriona Lally’s ‘Eggshells’ a great debut!

7. Any advice for aspiring writers?
Yes, lots! But it’s all boring and you’ve heard it all before probably. But…When in doubt, for things like formatting I tend to visit Lisa Jewell’s tips. I would recommend Stephen King’s ‘On Writing,’ to anyone needing a lift (not just writers) and ‘The Artist’s Way’, by Julia Cameron, which is not so much a guide as a lovely journey you can take to re-ignite your creative muse! It’s like going on holiday in your own home and it lasts for weeks!

8. What about the next book?
Book two is due with Aria by the end of May, so there’s no great rest between, I’m afraid. The good news is that its’ already in good shape. I’m still to agree a title, but it is set by the sea, in the west of Ireland and it’s a story that weaves between the present and the past. There’s a love affair that has lasted sixty years, and one that unfolds as the story develops. Love is a funny thing, however, sometimes it finds you where you least expect and sometimes it’s been right there beside you all along.

9. Where can people connect with you?
You can follow me on Twitter at @gerhogan or I’m trying to get the hang of Facebook, so I’d be thrilled to have you drop in there: Facebook.comFaithhoganauthor/ If you’re really interested, you can catch up with me on www.faithhogan.com

10. If you could have one wish?
At the moment, things are busy! But it’s good busy, I’m lucky to have a great family, great friends around me and a job I love. On top of that, I’m lucky to have a book deal and deadlines – the only thing I’d like is an additional two hours in each day – and what would I do with those hours?Probably chill in front of the telly watching something completely mindless for one and go to bed an hour earlier for the other!

Faith Hogan was born in Ireland. She gained an Honours Degree in English Literature and Psychology from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Degree from University College,

Galway. She has worked as a fashion model, an event’s organiser and in the intellectual disability and mental health sector. She was a winner in the 2014 Irish Writers Centre Novel Fair – an international competition for emerging writers.Her debut novel, ‘My Husband’s Wives,’ is a contemporary women’s fiction novel set in Dublin. It will be published by Aria, (Head of Zeus) on 1st of May 2016. She is currently working on her next novel.

My Husband's Wives is out on May 1st.

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Cover Reveal: Time After Time by Hannah Mackinnon

Happy Sunday Lovlies. Today I have another beautiful cover reveal for you, this time for Time After Time by Hannah Mackinnon. Hope you like it!

Time After Time is out in ebook on 2nd June.

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Week in Review - Week 17

2016 in Review

Random Thoughts

Sunday morning. I did some early morning reading and coffee drinking. It was the readathon weekend where I visited blogs, Twitter, and Instagram. That was my participation. I read a bit, but that would have happened anyway. I was in a kind of blah mood this weekend because the weather was kind of blah and I am not feeling the best. This is where my cleaning schedule came in handy because normally on the weekend I feel like I have to do a million things, but this weekend I was able to be low key. I still have a few things to do today, but I am being lazy. Maybe after more coffee I will feel more inspired.

Graphic Novel Year

Bucky Barnes - Volume 2

Giant Days - Volume 2

Batgirl - Volume 2: Knightfall Descends

Supergirl - Volume 1: Last Daughter of Krypton

Peter Panzerfaust - Volume 1: The Great Escape

Currently Reading

Audiobook

Currently Watching

Weekly Reading

Bucky Barnes: The Winter Soldier - Volume 2 (Marvel Unlimited) - I just could not get into this series... I read the two volumes but I have no idea why. The art is really different than typical Marvel Comics, so I did enjoy that, but the store made no lasting impression on me.

Giant Days - Volume 2 - I think this series is so fun! I read the first Volume earlier this year and couldn't wait for this one to be released. The story of three young women in college and their adventures. It touches on a lot of subjects that are believable but does it with humour. I am looking forward to Volume 3! Recommended!

Illuminae - I had been seeing this book around and I was really curious about it. So, I finally decided to grab a copy... And, well, let's just say I read this book over a short period of time! It was really good and I immediately pre-ordered the sequel because all the things and I have to know what happens next! It was a creative approach to themes that are really popular right now. I think it is refreshing that original ideas are still possible! Strongly recommended!

Batgirl - Volume 2: Knightfall Descends - I don't like this series quite as much as the newer series, but I still really enjoy Batgirl and am so happy that I am starting to explore DC comics more.

The Miniaturist - Audible - My audiobook listening continues! I have been curious about this book for a while, but I actually couldn't remember what it was about. I loved it! I am glad I finally got around to it and was so happy with the audio performance. It is historical fiction, but there is an element of the magical to it. That made it right up my alley. Plus, love the cover! Strongly recommended!

Supergirl - Volume 1: Last Daughter of Krypton - After my success with Batgirl, I decided to try the new storyline of Supergirl. I honestly don't know a lot about her other than she exists. I liked it, though! I am looking forward to seeing where things go from here. This really was just a chance to be introduced to her and start to develop her backstory. Recommended!

Peter Panzerfaust - Volume 1: The Great Escape - Um, so did you know there was a comic that combined Peter Pan and WWII? I had no idea until someone lent these to me and now I am baffled how I missed out that this existed! It is a great idea and done so well so far. I am looking forward to reading on! Recommended!

New Additions

Rebel of the Sands

Illuminae

Giant Days - Volume 2

Weekly Posts

Week in Review - Week 16

Things I Have Learned Since... I Started Bullet Journalling

Weekly Pictures