THE GIRLS AT 17 SWANN STREET by Yara Zgheib {Book Blog Tour}

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Fiction
Publication Date:	February 5th 2019
Format:	Digital
Published By:	St Martins Press
Goodreads:	The Girls at 17 Swann Street on Goodreads
My Review Copy:	Thanks to Clare at St Martins Press for my review copy

Where to get:

The chocolate went first, then the cheese, the fries, the ice cream. The bread was more difficult, but if she could just lose a little more weight, perhaps she would make the soloists� list. Perhaps if she were lighter, danced better, tried harder, she would be good enough. Perhaps if she just ran for one more mile, lost just one more pound.

Anna Roux was a professional dancer who followed the man of her dreams from Paris to Missouri. There, alone with her biggest fears � imperfection, failure, loneliness � she spirals down anorexia and depression till she weighs a mere eighty-eight pounds. Forced to seek treatment, she is admitted as a patient at 17 Swann Street, a peach pink house where pale, fragile women with life-threatening eating disorders live. Women like Emm, the veteran; quiet Valerie; Julia, always hungry. Together, they must fight their diseases and face six meals a day.

Yara Zgheib's poetic and poignant debut novel is a haunting, intimate journey of a young woman's struggle to reclaim her life. Every bite causes anxiety. Every flavor induces guilt. And every step Anna takes toward recovery will require strength, endurance, and the support of the girls at 17 Swann Street.

                                

Certainly not a light read, The Girls at 17 Swann Street deals with anorexia; a disease that is very real and can take your life if you aren't careful.

The Girls at 17 Swann Street is an honest, unflinching, but fundamental hopeful portrayal of anorexia and the struggles of recovery. Anna enters treatment at the beginning of the novel primarily at the persistence of her husband, who is at the end of his rope and fearful that he wouldn't be able to keep her alive on his own. She is resistant to the idea of treatment at that time, filled up with fear and denial.

Anna doesn't feel the treatment center really knows what she needs. After all, she's been fine up till now. So what that she doesn't eat. So what that she doesn't find anything fun anymore because she's so worried about the food she isn't eating. She can handle it on her own. That is just the attitude she goes in with but what comes after will bring tears to your eyes. For Anna's bravery, is beautifully written and portrayed by the author.

I fell hard in love with this book and the writing style. The emotional connection I felt toward Anna was instant. There was no judgement towards her; just sorrow, encouragement, and joy. Everyone from the staff to Anna's husband, Matthias, as well as the other girls, were all so supportive of each other. They really looked out for one another and that made me smile. Through all the emotions you feel as a reader while reading Anna's story, you also feel joy and happiness at all the things she goes through. Every mountain she climbs is just another reminder that anything is possible if you just give yourself a chance.

Such an amazing story I will read over and over again.

About the Author

Yara Zgheib is a Fulbright scholar with a Masters degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University and a PhD in International Affairs in Diplomacy from Centre D'�tudes Diplomatiques et Strat�giques in Paris. She is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish. Yara is a writer for several US and European magazines, including The Huffington Post, The Four Seasons Magazine, A Woman�s Paris, The Idea List, and Holiday Magazine. She writes on culture, art, travel, and philosophy on her blog, "Aristotle at Afternoon Tea" (http://www.aristotleatafternoontea.com/).

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The Secret to Dating Your Best Friend's Sister by Meghan Quinn { Book Review Blog Tour}

   How do you date your best friend's sister? Easy. Step one: Pretend you want her to set you up with someone else. That will bring the two of you closer. Step two: Go on date with lots of random women, proceed to get stupid drunk and talk about your best friend's sister, thus gaining the courage to finally make a move. Step three: Randomly show up at her apartment and confess your love. Women love that, right? It all seemed so simple. A fool-proof three step process that will guarantee the love of you life to fall madly in love with you. At least--that's what I thought was going to happen. But my attempts to win over Julia Westin backfired in more ways than I can count. The thing about Julia? She's smart--really smart--and her wicked gaze cuts through all the charm I've tried slinging her way. She's not interested in games, my gifts, or my stories. She might want me too; but she's not giving in that easy... ADD TO GOODREADS  

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One guy, Bram, totally in lust with his best friends sister Julia. He first noticed her in college when his best friend invited her to one of their fraternity parties. Instead of wearing what every girl wears, something slutty, Julia wears tube socks and an even uglier outfit. Something about it gets to Bram though. He knows she's trying to make sure no one comes near her, but somehow it makes her more of a  catch to him. Bram buys his time though and comes up with the BEST PLAN EVER to start dating her. So what if it is several years later and he had to lose a bet to make the plan work.

One girl, Julia is smart as hell and very organized and meticulous. She doesn't like surprises and she knows what she wants at least until Bram throws her for a loop. Julia is the owner of her own business. She matches introverted professional woman like herself with guys who understand them. Since she is so meticulous, all her clients must pass a series of personality tests to see who their perfect match will be. The test is a bit detailed and some of the questions don't make since but Julia is convinced this method works perfectly. So what if she hasn't found her perfect someone and has never taken the test herself. She doesn't need to be dating to find others their soulmates right? Once Bram walks in with his sharp suits, rugged good looks and sarcastic commentary, Julia is sure she can find him someone but what if she wants him for herself? Is that allowed?

Meghan Quinn has done it again! She has this amazing knack for making me swoon over EVERY SINGLE guy she writes about. Bram is no different. I was at the edge of my seat to see what he would do next. He is sexy with a BIG CAPITAL S. Meghan made this story pop off the pages for me with the chemistry these two had. I loved every minute of these characters and getting to see what would happen next. Do yourself a BIG favor and pick up this read SOON!

 

And just like that, I feel my heart leap out of my chest and right into Julia�s hands. She holds it; she has it all to herself. But I don�t think she realizes that mine beats because of her�that she has the potential to crush it more than anyone else in my life�and I hope she doesn�t throw it back at me. Ever.

 

About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book. Facebook | Follow on Goodreads | Website | Amazon Author Page | Instagram | Follow on BookBub

The Songbird Girls by Richard Parker {Book Blog Tour with Bookouture} Book Review

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Suspense, Mystery
Publication Date:	December 19th 2018
Format:	Digital
Published By:	Bookouture
Goodreads:	The Songbird Girls on Goodreads
My Review Copy:	Thanks to Bookouture for my review copy

Where to get:

Her eyes were closed. From a distance, the blood around her neck might have looked like a necklace, but up close her body told a different tale. She had been murdered. A tiny songbird lay beside her, its neck broken�

Detective Tom Fabian's past is catching up with him. It has been years since the most high-profile case of his career � when his evidence put infamous serial killer Christopher Wisher behind bars forever. But when Wisher summons a reluctant Fabian to his prison cell to hand over a diary, he realizes that Wisher�s twisted games are far from over.

Shortly after Fabian�s visit, Wisher is found dead in his cell. And a few days later, the police locate a woman�s body bearing Wisher�s signature, a dead songbird. But the police never released this detail to the public� so who has Wisher been talking to?

Fabian is desperate to find the killer before another innocent life is taken. But as more bodies turn up, Fabian begins to realize that Wisher may have handed him the clues before he died. Is the twisted serial killer still pulling strings from beyond the grave�?

If you can�t get enough of crime thrillers by Adam Croft or Melinda Leigh, you will love The Songbird Girls.

                                

Three Words: Chilling, Hypnotic and Fascinating. 

Richard Parker DOES NOT disappoint with his second novel in the Tom Fabian detective series. If it is possible, this novel is even more exciting, intense and lets you into the mind of a serial killer. 

I can't lie, I was a bit fearful of picking this book up because it seemed like I wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon. However, once I got into the story, I just couldn't put it down till I finished it. It was such a page turner that I didn't sleep but not because I was terrified because I was so engrossed in the novel I couldn't let the mystery go till I finished.

Our serial killer Wisher is rotting away in prison when the story opens. He has a request though. He wants a meeting with the man that put him away, Tom Fabian. Tom is reluctant but pretty much pressured into going by his boss. Who knows Wisher could give them insight into their current case they are floundering on. Fabian meets with Wisher, but the only thing he is given is Wisher's diary. Fabian doesn't know what to think but reads a few passages as he can't resist. He quickly puts it behind him and focuses on his current case. 

Then Wisher kills himself in prison at the same time as Fabian hears his doorbell ring and a dead bird is left for him outside. This is Wisher's signature, and NO ONE knows about it. It wasn't released to the media. How could this be? If Wisher is dead who did this? Why is Wisher still trying to mess with Fabian even beyond the grave? These questions and more will pop into your head as you are reading. 

Richard Parker does a fantastic job at setting every scene and making his reader hold their breath while even more mysteries are revealing. His writing style is one that tells the story little by little, and he keeps the ending a secret. It is tough to know what will come next. 

Sound like a great mystery? It is! Pick up your copy today. This author is quickly becoming one to watch.  

About the Author

Richard Parker was formerly a TV scriptwriter, script editor, and producer before turning his hand to penning twisted stand-alone thrillers.

Author Social Media Links:

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The Memory by Lucy Dawson {Book Blog Tour with Review}

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Suspense, Mystery
Publication Date:	December 6th 2018
Format:	Digital
Published By:	Bookouture
Goodreads:	The Memory on Goodreads
My Review Copy:	Thanks to Kim Nash & Bookouture for my review copy

Where to get:

I look down at her, lying fast asleep � always my little girl, and so beautiful. She gives a low moan as her head turns restlessly on the pillow. It reminds me of the soft growl of a cornered animal. 

Where is my poor child? What is she dreaming?

People always notice my daughter, Isobel. How could they not? Incredibly beautiful... until she speaks.

An unsettling, little-girl voice, exactly like a child�s, but from the mouth of a full-grown woman.

Izzie might look grown-up, but inside she�s trapped. Caught in the day it happened � the day that broke her from within.

I know why my daughter is the way she is. There�s nothing I could have done to save her... is there?

                                

Are you looking for a gripping story that won't let you go? 

Are you a fan of thrillers, mysteries and shocking suspense? T

hen "The Memory" by Lucy Dawson IS for YOU!

Many years ago, a tragedy occurred and Eve moved her daughter away from everything they ever knew to start over. However, Izzy couldn't forget. Once she was a bright happy child. Now she was sullen and fearful of everything. She talked liked a child, even though she was fully grown. 

Isobel is a shocking character. She is one that is hard to figure out and just when you think you know what she'll do next, you find out how DEAD WRONG you are! Told is such a way that the reader can't possibly put this book down, the author's words are enthralling and intense to say the least. At times I would literally get chills from the roller coaster emotions. 

This is one book you have to pay attention to because when things are revealed they are done with such quiet precision that you might not notice them if you don't read every single word. Lucy Dawson gets in your head and plays with your emotions so skillfully you aren't sure what happened till you are like BAM now I get it. 

Do yourself a favor and pick up this fantastic thrill ride. I know you'll love it as much as I did. 

About the Author

I�ve been writing psychological suspense novels since 2008, when my first bestseller � His Other Lover � was published. I write full time (mostly on the playroom sofa) from my home in Devon, where I live with my husband and children. Before that, I used to edit a magazine for six to twelve year old girls for a living, making absolutely no use whatsoever of my psychology degree from Warwick University, but it was a lot of fun.

I'm addicted to writing about the extraordinary things that can happen to ordinary people - stories that jump in at the deep end, with a gasp. When readers take the time out to let me know they've stayed up all night because they couldn't put the book down, it makes my day.

I really enjoy catching up with readers and always reply to emails. You can reach me at lucy@lucydawsonbooks.com. I�m also on Twitter @lucydawsonbooks and have a Facebook page at lucydawsonbooks. Alternatively you can download a free short story of mine at www.lucydawsonbooks.com or if you want to look at a lot of pictures of the beach and books that I'm reading, find me on Instagram at lucydawsonbooks.

Author Social Media Links:

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A Torch In His Heart by Anna Belfrage {Book Blog Tour with Review}

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Suspense, Mystery
Publication Date:	September 1st 2018
Format:	Digital
Published By:	Troubadore Publishing LTD
Goodreads:	A Torch In His Heart on Goodreads
My Review Copy:	Thanks to Random Things Tour

Where to get:

In the long lost ancient past, two men fought over the girl with eyes like the Bosporus under a summer sky. It ended badly. She died. They died.

Since then, they have all tumbled through time, reborn over and over again. Now they are all here, in the same place, the same time and what began so long ago must finally come to an end.

Ask Helle Madsen what she thinks about reincarnation and she�ll laugh in your face. Besides, Helle has other stuff to handle, what with her new, exciting job in London and her drop-dead but seriously sinister boss, Sam Woolf. And then one day Jason Morris walks into her life and despite never having clapped eyes on him before, she recognizes him immediately. Very weird. Even more weird is the fact that Sam and Jason clearly hate each other�s guts. Helle�s life is about to become extremely complicated and far too exciting�

                                

I was completely blown away by Anna's new novel. The characters Helle and Jason had my heart from the very beginning. The heat the words ignite in the readers mind were intense and very realistic. Although the story was about reincarnation and following your soulmate through lifetime and lifetime,  I still felt very connected to the plot and the outcome right away. 

Helle Madsen comes to her new job in London ready to make an impression. Once Sam Woolf lays eyes on her, he immediately becomes gruff and scary. Helle gets afraid but quickly explains away their first meeting as a fluke. Then she meets Jason, the man she has been dreaming about since she could remember her dreams and although she doesn't get it, she knows she has met him before and she knows she loves him. When Jason tells her their story she is skeptical at best and they fight based on Helle not wanting to believe the preposterous events he describes from century's ago but still she can't stay away...... 

To say I was captivated by the words, love story, plot etc would not be enough. This book devoured me and wouldn't let go till I finished. Now I want the next book before I go insane. Pick up this book and other books by this author. Her writing is exquisite. 

About the Author

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she'd have become a professional time-traveler. As such a profession does not exist, she settled for second best and became a financial professional with two absorbing interests, namely history and writing. These days, Anna combines an exciting day-job with a large family and her writing endeavors. 

Her first series, The Graham Saga, is set in 17th century Scotland and Virginia/Maryland. It tells the story of Matthew and Alex, two people who should never have met - not when she was born three hundred years after him. With this heady blend of time-travel, romance, adventure, high drama and historical accuracy, Anna hopes to entertain and captivate, and is more than thrilled when readers tell her just how much they love her books and her characters. There are eight books in the series so far, but Anna is considering adding one or two more...

Presently, Anna is hard at work with her next project, a series set in the 1320s featuring Adam de Guirande, his wife Kit, and their adventures and misfortunes in connection with Roger Mortimer's rise to power. The King's Greatest Enemy is a series where passion and drama play out against a complex political situation, where today's traitor may be tomorrow's hero, and the Wheel of Fortune never stops rolling. 

Author Social Media Links:

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