I was so lucky to be invited to the spring blogger evening at Books and the City HQ again this year. I have been to a few before (see a couple of previous write ups here and here) and I am always astounded by Sara-Jade and the whole team’s kindness and generosity, they are amongst the loveliest people I know.
We had a lovely informal gathering where everyone got to chat to each other with snacks, fizz and some amazingly beautiful cupcakes, each themed for one of the upcoming books, see the picture which was for Milly Johnson’s ‘The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew’. I maaaay (meaning most definitely did) have scoffed another one based on Claire Frost’s book as well, but after only eating a chicken wrap that day, it jumped into my mouth so fast that I didn’t have time to take a photo. We then sat down and 5 authors read extracts of their upcoming books, whetting out appetites for when they are released this year. 
We were kindly given samplers of these books, which the authors signed. I can’t wait to delve into them!
Selina Lennox is a Bright Young Thing. Her life is a whirl of parties and drinking, pursued by the press and staying just the right side of scandal.
Lawrence Weston is a penniless painter who stumbles into Selina’s orbit one night and can never let her go.
Spanning two decades and a seismic shift in British history as World War II approaches, this is an epic novel of passion, heartache and loss.
I’ve not really read much historical fiction, but after reading one last year, and it being one of my favourites of 2018, I do want to give more a try. Maybe I should see if Iona’s first book is available as an audiobook through the library, or use an audible credit.
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If You Were Here by Alice Peterson
Released 22nd August 2019
Released 22nd August 2019
When her daughter Beth dies suddenly, Peggy Andrews is left to pick up the pieces and take care of her granddaughter Flo. But sorting through Beth’s things reveals a secret never told: Beth was sick, with the same genetic condition that claimed her father’s life, and now Peggy must decide whether to keep the secret or risk destroying her granddaughter’s world.
Five years later, Flo is engaged and ready to pack up her life and move to New York with her high-flying fiancé. Peggy never told Flo what she discovered, but with Flo looking towards her future, Peggy realises it’s time to come clean and reveal that her granddaughter’s life might also be at risk.
As Flo struggles to decide her own path, she is faced with the same life-altering questions her mother asked herself years before: If a test could decide your future, would you take it?
I read Alice Peterson’s last book ‘A Song for Tomorrow’ and loved it, as did my mum when I gifted it to her for Christmas that year, so am expecting this will be just as amazing.
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Bell had it all, the perfect job, the perfect partner, and on their 10th anniversary she thought she would get the ring… But two weeks later, Bell wakes up to find herself still clutching a wine bottle and the memories of Collin saying those dreaded words: ‘We need to talk…’
Determined to get on with her life before she hits 40, Bell starts following ‘inspirational’ people on Instagram. Her favourite lifestyle guru is @mi_bestlife, whose life seems Insta-perfect but if you were to zoom out of the heavily filtered picture, you’d see reality strike.
Millie is a single mother, with a cute son called Wolfie, whose father is absolutely useless and not much on the scene. Instagram and the profile she has built up online is more ‘best lie’ than ‘best life’. It isn’t until Millie and Bell’s paths finally cross that the two women begin to understand what is real and what it is that they really want.
Oh my god, this extract was amazing, and seemed to be pure laugh out loud chick lit at it’s best. I can’t wait for summer to read this one!
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Behind every successful man is a woman.
Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
Sophie Mayhew looks like she has the perfect life. Wife of rising political star John F Mayhew, a man who is one step away from the top job in the government, her glamour matches his looks, power, breeding and money. But John has made some stupid mistakes along the way, some of which are threatening to emerge. Still, all this can still be swept under the carpet as long as Sophie ‘the trophy’ plays her part in front of the cameras.
But the words that come out of Sophie’s mouth one morning on the doorstep of their country house are not the words the spin doctors put in there. Bursting out of the restrictive mould she has been in since birth, Sophie flees to a place that was special to her as a child, a small village on the coast where she intends to be alone.
But once there, she finds she becomes part of a community that warms her soul and makes her feel as if she is breathing properly for the first time. Sophie knows she won’t be left in peace for long. Now she must decide: where does her real future lie?
Milly’s books are always amazing, and this sounds like this will be her best yet. Milly’s reading really set the book up even more in my mind, I cannot believe it’s only a month away, but you can bet I’m counting the days!
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The Love Child by Rachel Hore
Released 5th September 2019
Released 5th September 2019
Another Historical fiction book and as I said I want to get into them, so I cannot wait to read the sampler.
As an extra surprise, we also got a few more samplers, complete with the chance to get them signed as well.
Those People by Louise Candlish
Released 27th June 2019
Could you hate your neighbour enough to want to kill him?
Until Darren Booth moves in at number 1, Lowland Way, the neighbourhood is a suburban paradise. But soon after his arrival, disputes over issues like loud music and parking rights escalate all too quickly to public rows and threats of violence.
Then, early one Saturday, a horrific crime shocks the street. As the police go house-to-house, the residents close ranks and everyone’s story is the same: Booth did it.
But there’s a problem. The police don’t agree with them.
Until Darren Booth moves in at number 1, Lowland Way, the neighbourhood is a suburban paradise. But soon after his arrival, disputes over issues like loud music and parking rights escalate all too quickly to public rows and threats of violence.
Then, early one Saturday, a horrific crime shocks the street. As the police go house-to-house, the residents close ranks and everyone’s story is the same: Booth did it.
But there’s a problem. The police don’t agree with them.
I loved Louise’s previous novel ‘Our House’ and have heard great things about her other ones so this one is a must purchase for me!
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Things haven’t always been straightforward in Poppy’s life but her dreams are finally within her reach.
She’s moving into a cottage in beautiful Nightingale Square, close to the local community garden, where she can indulge her passion for making preserves and pickles. She may not have the best relationship with her family but she is surrounded by loving friends, and feels sure that even her grumpy new neighbour, Jacob, has more to him than his steely exterior belies.
But the unexpected arrival of Poppy’s troubled younger brother soon threatens her new-found happiness and as the garden team works together to win community space of the year, Poppy must decide where her priorities lie and what she is prepared to fight for …
Ooooh I love a good Heidi Swain novel, they’re so relaxing!
As you can see we were well and truly spoilt! Thank you Team BATC, you rock!
