June 18, 2014 by Caroline Barker

When it Happens to You: A Novel in Stories by Molly Ringwald – Review

Short stories entwined make for an empathetic and emotional narrative!

Blurb: When it happens to you, you will be surprised. That thing they say about how you knew all the time, but just weren’t facing it? That might be the case, but nevertheless, there you will be.

Molly Ringwald mines the complexities of modern relationships in this gripping and nuanced collection of interlinked stories. Writing with a deep compassion for human imperfection, Ringwald follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors while they negotiate the hazardous terrain of everyday life–revealing the deceptions, heartbreak, and vulnerability familiar to us all.

In “The Harvest Moon,” a stay-at-home mom grapples with age, infertility, and an increasingly distant husband. In “Ursa Minor,” a former children’s television star tries to rebuild his life after being hospitalized for “exhaustion.” An elderly woman mourns the loss of her husband and her estranged relationship with her daughter in “The Little One.” In “My Olivia,” a single mother finds untapped reserves of strength to protect her flamboyant six-year-old son who wishes only to wear dresses and be addressed as Olivia. And in the devastating title story, a betrayed wife chronicles her pain and alienation, leading to an eviscerating denouement.

As the lives of these characters converge and diverge in unexpected ways, Ringwald reveals a startling eye for the universality of loss, love, and the search for connection. An unflinching yet poignant examination of the intricacies of the human heart, “When It Happens to You” is an auspicious literary debut.

Review

As a fan of Molly Ringwald’s acting work in movies such as The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candles, when I popped into my local store and spotted When it Happens to You I was intrigued as to what her writing work would be like. I was not disappointed. When it Happens to You is an enjoyable, profound character-based narrative, exploring morals and betrayal of love and emotion.

When it Happens to You provides examples of people’s real life troubles in everyday life. It explores emotions and reactions, as well as a chance to view the situation by different perspectives which allows the reader to empathise with many of the characters. Molly Ringwald has certainly mentally placed herself in the shoes of each character, discovering their personality, flaws and reactions.

Many readers may have experienced one or more of the ordeals that the characters are experiencing themselves or will know of someone who has. It is because of this that makes it so easy to relate and connect with the characters and their story. The reader can begin to understand how an unfaithful partner, an act of betrayal, can affect their partner’s life, their child’s life and their own life, as well as the lives of their friends, families, neighbours and new acquaintances they may meet.

When it Happens to You is made up of short stories based on each of the characters and the events that are taking place in their lives and how they respond and feel about them. Each short story centres strongly around that particular character, however as the reader goes from one story to another it becomes obvious that the book as a whole can be read fluid-like through each chapter and has a strong current running through all of them which allows the reader to see the bigger picture as well as the individual one. The stories are all connected, some more subtle than others, and they all share a main theme based on betrayal and different kinds of relationships that people have with others.

My favourite short story has to be ‘When it Happens to You’ as it explores every possible mental thought that a hurt, deceived individual would think. It asks all the questions, no matter how insane they sound and goes on to reveal how priorities are mixed up and how one loses all sense of logic when in this dark, lonely place. For example, regardless of all global troubles, natural disasters and tragedies, etc, the mind will focus on the one hurt that affects them personally. There is a great deal of powerful description, language and feeling in this one particular story. I felt that this was the core of the book and could have used the whole chapter as a quote, however this would certainly spoil the book for any future reader.

The strength and emotive power that takes over the audience when watching Molly Ringwald in character in her movies are all too apparent in her writing also. Emotions run high, there are scenes that can bring on tears, whilst around the corner Molly provides the characters (and the reader) with hope and opportunity.

Aside from the novel itself, the reader is also provided with two fantastic features in the book once the story has been read. Firstly, there is a section About the Author ‘Meet Molly Ringwald’ which provides the reader with background knowledge of Molly Ringwald’s career. This is followed by About the Book ‘A Conversation with Molly Ringwald’ where the reader is able to discover ideas and main themes of the individual short stories, as well as the book as a whole and what holds it all together. Although I found this to be fascinating to read as it breaks up the emotions and parts of the story even more, the story speaks strongly for itself and requires no clarification. It is an absolutely captivating read!!

Molly Ringwald’s ‘When it Happens to You is available on Amazon US and Amazon UK in hardback, paperback and Kindle editions.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 30, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Bridget Jones #3) by Helen Fielding (blurb & review)

Blurb: What do you do when your girlfriend’s sixtieth birthday party is the same day as your boyfriend’s thirtieth? Is it better to die of Botox or die of loneliness because you’re so wrinkly? Is it wrong to lie about your age when online dating? Is it morally wrong to have a blow-dry when one of your children has head lice? Is it normal to be too vain to put on your reading glasses when checking your toy boy for head lice? Does the Dalai Lama actually tweet or is it his assistant? Is it normal to get fewer followers the more you tweet? Is technology now the fifth element? Or is that wood? If you put lip plumper on your hands do you get plump hands? Is sleeping with someone after two dates and six weeks of texting the same as getting married after two meetings and six months of letter writing in Jane Austen’s day? Pondering these and other modern dilemmas, Bridget Jones stumbles through the challenges of loss, single motherhood, tweeting, texting, technology, and rediscovering her sexuality in—Warning! Bad, outdated phrase approaching!—middle age.

REVIEW:

This was an absolute pleasure to read. Oh, I have missed Bridget! Mad About the Boy is as hilarious as ever and very heart-warming. I found myself laughing out loud one moment and resorting to tears the next at this sensitive time in Bridget’s life. And now she is back on the ‘single’ pile, a born-again virgin. Only, her friends urge her to change that fact! Is she ready?

Bridget (now 51), has aged, along with her audience; she was married, had children, and lived a settled family life. I found this easy to relate to as a reader, making the story believable and easy to read. I loved how Fielding has kept to the characters we all know and love, i.e. her family, her friends and even…… Daniel Cleaver!!! And yet, at the same time she has also introduced new characters as potential ‘love interests’ for Bridget. The main focus being on Roxster.

Roxster (29) is a fun and lovable character. He is cheeky, rude and dirty – but not in a Daniel Cleaver womanising way. Roxster is really uplifting for Bridget. He is silly, flirty, and yet he is respectful and mature when accepting Bridget’s lifestyle. The introduction of Roxster’s character is also great to cater for the younger audience, therefore building on the following that Bridget has.

As well as having to deal with her love-life, kids, mum and friends, Bridget is also juggling a screenwriting career and trying to work her way around modern technology! Being useless with a tv remote is one thing, but then figuring out Twitter, along with numerous dating sites, adds to the comedy. I found Fielding was able to use this aspect of the story to cleverly incorporate current issues into the storyline, e.g. horse meat found in ‘beef’ products, the Royals and their new arrival, etc. This kept the story real by allowing the reader to relate not only to the characters but the storyline as a whole.

There are areas of the story which I will not go into for fear of spoiling it for the potential reader. However, I do feel many of you will be a little disappointed with Mark Darcy’s storyline. I must admit that I was. However, life changes and it doesn’t always work out the way we thought. With this thought in mind, I was able to accept this instalment of Bridget Jones. Oddly enough, it is Darcy’s storyline which is fundamental to Bridget’s whole situation.

My only other niggle is that the story ended a little abrupt for me. There are twists (which I enjoy), however towards the end I didn’t feel that there was enough build-up for the reader to get too excited about. This did not change my overall feeling towards the novel as throughout I was giggling and generally feeling most of the emotions that Bridget was at the time. For me that was an important factor.

Mad About the Boy is written in the same diary-style we are used to seeing in this series. Bridget is still noting down her weight, calories and units of alcohol, with the added comical occurrence and sarcastic remarks. Due to the style of the chapter layouts it is very easy to put down and pick up where you left off so easy, whilst also allowing for those readers that can only fill a few minutes of reading here and there.

Certainly not my favourite of the Bridget Jones series (that will have to be the original), however for fans of the series, Helen Fielding and/or those who are looking for a fun, heart-warming starting-to-date-again chick-lit/rom-com Mad About the Boy is a touching and exciting read!

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding is available on Amazon UK and Amazon US in both ebook and hardback versions, with paperback versions set for release in June 2014.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

March 7, 2014 by Caroline Barker

After Wimbledon by Jennifer Gilby Roberts – Author Post, book blurb & GIVEAWAY!!!

Jennifer Gilby Roberts Introduces After Wimbledon

Hi everyone!

I’m Jennifer Gilby Roberts and I’m the author of After Wimbledon. Unlike my first novel (The Dr Pepper Prophecies), which I wrote mostly to prove to myself I could do it, writing After Wimbledon was about working through my feelings after I’d been agonizing with a decision. Add to that my obsession-of-the-moment – tennis – and I created this. Don’t worry, I cut out most of the angsting!

My main character, Lucy, is a tennis pro trying to decide whether to retire, break up with her boyfriend and pursue the man she’s admired from afar for years. All while playing in the Wimbledon Championships – the tournament she’s always dreamed of winning and never has. Could it be this year? And what will she decide? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Jennifer

PS: I’ve added an extract below and details of a giveaway I’m running where you can win a copy!

Extract

Sneaking into the hotel as best I can, I’m relieved that no one seems to be paying attention to me. Apparently, someone more famous has done something appalling. I must try to find out whom and thank them.

‘Lucy!’

I jump, but relax when I see it’s Libby.

‘I’m so glad I finally caught up with you,’ she says. She’s wearing a T-shirt with a picture of a monkey holding a snapped pencil on it. Underneath the picture it says ‘Write No Evil.’

‘I couldn’t believe it when I read that article,’ she continues. ‘I just wanted to make sure you knew that I had nothing to do with it.’

I turn my back to the lobby. ‘I never thought you did.’

‘Oh, good. I was worried because of that chat in the bar. Remember, with Adrienne? I thought you might think… well, never mind. That man’s a sleazebag, don’t worry about him.’

I discreetly look around. ‘Are there still journalists hanging around?’

Libby pulls a face. ‘Yes, but you’re not the one they’re chasing today.’

‘What?’

Libby rummages in her shoulder bag and produces a magazine. ‘You think you’ve got problems.’

The first thing I notice is a picture of Sam. That’s enough to get my attention. But there’s a second photo. Of his ex Julia… holding a baby. A baby about a year old, with blond hair and blue eyes who looks… exactly like Sam.

I go numb.

~~~

After Wimbledon is available on Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, other Amazon sites and Barnes & Noble

You can win an e-copy of After Wimbledon, and many other great ebooks, in the Chick Lit Ebook Giveaway on Jennifer Gilby Roberts’ blog, 1-14 March 2014.

Find Jennifer Gilby Roberts on her b log, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LibraryThing, Wattpad and Amazon.

March 1, 2014 by Caroline Barker

The Baby & the Bride (The Debt & the Doormat #2) by Laura Barnard – blurb, interview & review!!!

The very much awaited sequel to Laura Barnard‘s ‘The Debt & the Doormat’ has been released today, 1st March 2014. I am thrilled to introduce ‘The Baby & the Bride’. Not only are we lucky enough to post the fantastic cover, blurb and review this hilarious chick-lit/rom-com, but we also take pride in interviewing Laura. This is certainly not one to be missed! We hope you enjoy! (Please scroll down for Laura’s interview and our review below). Caroline 🙂

BOOK BLURB:

Poppy and Jazz’s lives sound perfect on paper. Jazz has a new baby and Poppy’s getting married. But their realities are very different.

Poppy must strive to keep her cool new job with crazy hours, while trying to keep Ryan happy. Before she knows it her wedding has got out of control, thanks to her mother, the runners at work are bullying her, her parents are in financial difficulty and she’s doubting everything and everyone she ever knew.

Meanwhile Jazz is struggling with motherhood, something a credit card won’t fix. Why won’t this baby give her a break? Will Jazz be able to cope before she loses it?

And will Poppy make it down the aisle? Will Ryan even be waiting?

INTERVIEW with Laura Barnard:

Hi Laura and welcome to A Reader’s Review Blog. I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time out for answering some questions in regard to your new release, ‘The Baby & the Bride’, sequel to ‘The Debt & the Doormat’!

When did you realise there was going to be a sequel to The Debt & the Doormat, or was it planned before you began writing the first novel?

I never actually planned on writing a sequel. When I released The Debt & the Doormat I never had any idea of how popular it was going to be. It was only when book bloggers and fans started messaging me begging for one, I thought why not!

Does the comedy in your work reflect your personality? If so, would you say you were like Poppy, Jazz or any other character from your books?

I love all things comedy, although I didn’t exactly set out to make the book ‘funny.’ I just wanted it to be embarrassing and amusing; I definitely wasn’t expecting it to reach #1 Amazon best seller in free humour!

I’d say I’m definitely like Poppy. I’m so accident prone it’s ridiculous! My husband is constantly saying things like ‘What is wrong with you? Why can’t you get through the day without getting another bruise?!’ I think I just have no co-ordination and I don’t realise how wide my hips are – I’m constantly just walking into walls, window sills, door handles. It’s a wonder I survive at all! I also have a serious problem with saying ‘no’ to people, which lands me doing all kinds of ridiculous things. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve started a story and my friends have said ‘having problem saying no again, Laura? Stop saying yes!’ I’m just a people pleaser! But I’m trying to be better.

And have you written about any of your own experiences in your novels?

Yes, some of them have actually happened to me, some have happened to friends and some are pure imagination. I won’t embarrass myself and tell you which ones!

Both book covers look great! Could you let us know who designed them and how much input you had?

My friend Karis Staniforth from Deer Beth (www.deerbeth.co.uk) designed both. I had a lot of input and am naturally bossy. It’s hard when it’s a friend, as I can feel bad asking for things to be re-done, etc, but she’s always given me amazing covers. I’d definitely recommend her to everyone.

What influenced you to become a writer, and in particular to write a rom-com?

I’m obviously a massive reader and also enjoy watching loads of films. It’s naturally the genre I go towards. I don’t like the idea of writing something so ridiculously deep that it would depress me. I want to write something with a happy ending that will put a smile on someone’s face. That’s what I want when I escape into a book. Unless I fancy some book porn ha ha!

When taking a break from writing what do you like to do?

Take a break? What is that? Ha ha! I like to hang out with my family, who I’m very close to. My friends are also a tonic. We go see movies, talk about how much weight we want to lose and discuss the filthy books we’ve read. I know I can always call them and whinge down the phone ‘I think this book is going to be crap,’ and they’ll tell me to shut the hell up and get on with it. It’s the smack back to reality I need. Other than that I love to sleep! I could seriously sleep twelve hours a night if allowed to.

Will there be a third book in the series?

No. This is definitely the last instalment for the foreseeable future. I’ve wrapped everything up at the end and want to concentrate on my next stand-alone book. As a reader I can get frustrated with a series, as you don’t feel closure until the next book, which you normally have to wait a year for. Although never say never. Jazz does inherit her trust fund money when she turns thirty and this could change a lot of dynamics within her relationships, which could be fun to look into.

To read our review of The Debt & the Doormat (Book 1) by Laura Barnard please click here. This first book is FREE on Amazon UK and Amazon US. The Debt & the Doormat was one of my Top Reads for 2013. Go grab a copy now!

REVIEW of The Baby & The Bride (Laura Barnard) by Caroline Barker:

She’s done it again! Another fantastic masterpiece in chick-lit/rom-com from Laura Barnard! Reading The Baby & the Bride is like meeting up with an old, close friend. Within seconds you become familiar with the characters you know and loved from Book 1, The Debt & the Doormat, and can easily relate to them, experiencing their roller-coaster of emotions. To read this book, you will need more wine, more choccies and be prepared for giggles throughout as Poppy and Jazz’s lives are turned upside down with some rather embarrassing moments along the way!

Oh dear, Poppy! Some things never change. She is still the doormat she always was, although trying not to be. It seems she’s running around after everyone like a headless chicken whilst Ryan is left waiting! Although very exciting, it can also be a disaster at times when your mother tries to plan your whole wedding for you and you haven’t a chance to express what you’d like! And Jazz, what trouble are you in this time? If it’s not debt, it’s a baby! What a fab start to the sequel, with great storylines for both characters and just as much excitement and tension as before. Laura Barnard has created a sequel that is just as good as the first.

In The Baby & the Bride Poppy and Jazz, although more grown up and settled in some ways, have their own crisis’ to deal with. At the same time they try to look out for each other, sometimes keeping secrets to protect the other from being hurt and yet always there to help each other when they are in need. We all need a Poppy and Jazz in our life, needing a pick up from time to time.

As a mother, I can completely relate to Jazz as early motherhood for her is exactly how I felt when I had my first – without too much exaggeration! In fact it was so precise, I thought that Laura Barnard was writing about me! The tiredness, the depression and the downright humiliating moments that childbirth and a baby can bring. But did I say depression? Well, yes, but Laura has a fantastic way of turning it around, uplifting these moments whilst at the same time still keeping them real. She makes it so natural for the reader to relate to the characters.

One of my favourite aspects of The Baby & the Bride is that Laura Barnard has kept all of the characters from The Debt & the Doormat. The reader can follow up Poppy and Jazz’s housemates, families and colleagues. Many of which have their own storylines which can interfere with Poppy and Jazz’s life at times, making their lives all the more topsy turvy! As Poppy hates to let anyone down she almost puts everybody else first, even before her own wedding!

The reader also has more of an incite into Ryan’s family (which brings along it’s own troubles which adds to all the chaos) and Poppy’s brother, Ollie. There is no mistake that Ryan is a hottie, handsome, sexy and affectionate. But as the reader discovers more about Ollie I’m sure there won’t be any disappointments there either!

As mentioned in my previous review of Book 1, this series is Bridget Jones meets Miranda Hart. As well as being heart-warming and sweet, one cannot escape the humour, the awkward moments and the slaptick. And when one sarky accusing question ends with ‘are we?‘ it reminded me of the Miranda tv series and I was in stitches. This is brilliant writing that had me laughing out loud so many times.

Due to the nature and fun style of Laura Barnard’s writing the series/book is a quick, fun read that leaves you feeling sparkly and energetic. It is completely uplifting. I strongly recommend that Book 1, The Debt & the Doormat, is read first, and at the moment there is no excuse as it is absolutely FREE on Amazon. However, The Baby & the Bride is written so well that new readers to this series could read this as a stand alone.

I cannot get enough of Laura Barnard’s writing. May she write many more wonderful, sweet and delightfully fun work in the future. This is an author not to be missed!

The Baby & the Bride was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can find The Baby & the Bride on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

You can also find the first book of the series, The Debt & the Doormat, for FREE on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Contact info:

Laura would love you to check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks and while you’re visiting please give her a ‘like’!

Laura also has her own website at www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk and is available on Twitter: @BarnardLaura

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 15, 2014 by Tina Williams

Cover Reveal for Beautiful and Broken, by Sara Hubbard and Author Post

A perfect read for Valentine’s week-end or all year round!

New Adult/Chick Lit

Today we welcome author Sara Hubbard to our blog. Sara’s here to share with us some inside information on her experience of writing and publishing her new release, Beautiful and Broken, a New Adult/Chick Lit read, perfect for curling up with at any time of the year! You can also have a look at the gorgeous cover and find out about the book’s characters, including the hero and heroine, Sawyer and Molly. I can tell you that after these teasers below the book has definitely made it to my ‘to read list!’ Over to you Sara! Tina 🙂

Thank you, A Reader’s Review blog, for having me on your blog today! I have lots to talk about…namely my new release. Ahem. For those of you who aren’t familiar with me, I have published a couple of books with a small press and recently decided to go the self-publishing route. This book is the very first book I published on my own, and it won’t be the last. The freedom that comes with self-publishing is kind of addictive. Plus, I got to choose my editor and cover! And I love my cover. What do you think?

I wrote most of this novel during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Of course, I had to cut 30,000 words and then beef it back up again, but I’m happy with how it turned out. If I could describe it to you in a few words, I would say it’s chick lit/new adult. I’m told it’s humorous but then it also has a sweet love story to it…complete with a tattooed, swoon-worthy, professional boxer named Sawyer. My heroine, Molly, has enough going on in her life to be pulled into Sawyer’s orbit, but she can’t seem to stay away from him because their chemistry is undeniable. This story might be exactly what you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day weekend. I couldn’t help but put the shameless plug in there…so sue me. No. Please don’t. Want to know more about my characters? Here goes:

Who would play Sawyer in a movie? Josh Harnett, only bulkier.

Who would play Molly in a movie? Emma Stone

Why is Molly’s best friend obsessed with testicles? Um…I think you’ll have to read the book to understand the question…and the answer.

When Molly gets a tooth embedded in her skull, does the doctor really sell it on eBay? Hmm…I think he saves it. Creepy. Yes, I know.

On the back cover, we learn that Molly’s family pushes her to get back together with her ex? Why would they do that? Sometimes, social connections and money overshadow what’s most important in life: happiness.

Now that I’ve left you sufficiently teased, I truly hope you’ll check out Beautiful and Broken. It was a pleasure to write and I hope it will be a pleasure for you to read.

Thanks again!

Thank you for joining us today Sara. Your latest release has certainly intrigued us and we wish you the very best with it.

Tina and Caroline 🙂

Buy links:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Broken-Sara-Hubbard-ebook/dp/B00ICQWDJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392426992&sr=8-1&keywords=beautiful+and+broken

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-Broken-Sara-Hubbard-ebook/dp/B00ICQWDJ0

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/beautiful-and-broken

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-and-broken-sara-hubbard/1118599071?ean=2940148173311

iTunes: coming soon!

November 11, 2013 by Caroline Barker

The Debt & The Doormat by Laura Barnard

The Debt & the Doormat FUN, FUNNY, FUNNIER AND………….FREE, FREE, FREE!!!!

If you are looking for an amusing adult chick-lit with plenty of comedy, romance and a little drama then look no further than this incredible story by Laura Barnard, ‘The Debt and the Doormat’. This FREE fun chick-lit has the British humour like that of Helen Fielding’s ‘Bridget Jones’ and Miranda Hart’s tv sitcom, self-titled ‘Miranda’. The comedy is silly, dry, sarcastic and some great slapstick clumsiness. The humour is strong throughout but brilliantly written around the main plot of a hopeful romance that brings its own drama to the fore. Tuck in girls – grab a glass of wine and/or a box of chocs for this delight of a story!

After living alone for a year after a break-up with her boyfriend life is about to change for Poppy. She discovers that her sociable, party-animal best friend, Jazz, is in debt and whilst having a few drinks together, they get absolutely sloshed, share a few antics and agree to swap lives for a while! Poppy is to move into Jazz’s house, shared with three roomates and live a party-style life, making friends and overcoming her life of possible reclusiveness since her relationship to Stuart ended. Meanwhile, Jazz is to remain at Poppy’s flat, keeping a low profile and saving some cash to pay off her debt!

This is a fantastic beginning for a story. The reader initially follows the main plot, is curious how the change in lifestyles will affect both women and is kept smiling from the sheer craziness of these two gals and their idea. There is something here for every woman as we connect to these characters, some of us are Poppy’s while others are more like Jazz. These two characters are so easy to relate to – we either know somebody like them or we are them!

Once Poppy settles in her new home the reader meets the housemates, Izzy, Ryan and Grace. Izzy doesn’t seem too different to Jazz. She is quite open, sociable and bubbly, if not a little too energetic and heavily into her exercise regime! Grace is the perfect model-type with great looks and a super body. However, Grace’s attitude lets her down as she can also be perceived as a super bitch (not a word I like to use, however the best word to describe Grace’s character)! And last but not least there is………

……… Ryan – oh yes, Ryan! Initially perceived as a slightly scruffy layabout he does have an air of gorgeousness about him and although he appears somewhat moody and grumpy he does go out of his way a fair bit to cover for Poppy’s awkwardness and mistakes. Poppy and Ryan appear to be the complete opposites to each other, with Ryan’s sophistication and coolness at times making Poppy feel like a fool. But, there are some slight sparks amid all the craziness and this gives the reader hope that these two will be together. One minute your heart is beating so fast with intensity as they grow a little closer and the next your heart hits the floor every time a new problem gets in the way! Laura Barnard doesn’t make this an easy straight forward read as there are many ups and downs that these two strong characters have, making it impossible for the reader to guess the outcome.

As well as the main plot there are other sub plots taking place with Poppy having troubles at work with the creepy bosses son, a colleague having trouble with her husband’s affair, her mother adding pressure to Poppy’s personal life and preparing for her brother’s wedding. Even more trouble comes Poppy’s way when her ex, Stuart, re-enters her life. There truly isn’t a quiet moment with The Debt and the Doormat and I loved every little bit of it. Every now and then throughout reading a book I like to check how far I have read and I was very pleased to see that I was only half way through the book as I didn’t want it to end.

The Debt and the Doormat is proper girly fun. Funnier than Bridget Jones, The Debt and the Doormat is possibly the funniest book I have ever read. It does have its more serious moments, especially in the latter half of the book when the characters Poppy and Ryan seem to be developing some feelings for each other, which really helps balance the story out. It is certainly well worth a read. I personally would love to read the story again and would like to hear more from Poppy and Ryan. We have been informed that a sequel is due in March/April 2014 which is brilliant news!

At the time of posting this book (in Kindle edition) is FREE at Amazon UK, Amazon US and (in many formats) at Smashwords! Don’t miss out!!!

The Debt and the Doormat was received gratefully from Laura Barnard for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Laura would love you to check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laurabarnardbooks and while you’re visiting please give her a ‘like’!

Laura also has her own website at www.laurabarnardbooks.co.uk and is available on Twitter: @BarnardLaura

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 8, 2013 by Tina Williams

Love is in the Air – Author Louise Wise

Christmas is now a distant memory, the January sales are now over and Spring is on the horizon. It is also the time of year when our thoughts turn to LOVE!

To celebrate such a heart warming emotion, we at ARR have decided to post a review of Louise Wise,’s dark chick-lit romance, The Fall of the Misanthrope. I bitch, therefore I am, on February 14th. The author Louise Wise has also written a post for us in which she shares her experiences as an author and this will accompany my review.

Those of you who have read my earlier post will know that her sci-fi romance Eden was one of my favourite reads of 2012. See my review here https://areadersreviewblog.wordpress.com/category/sci-fi-romance/

In Misanthrope, Valerie Anthrope (Miss Anthrope) is a successful young business woman, who needs no one in her life to make her happy, least of all a life partner. However, this is all about to change as her ‘fairy godmother’, aka Ellen Semple has decided to step in and make Valerie her next ‘project’. What follows is a deeply romantic and insightful tale, which deals with some difficult issues and the healing power of love.

We are looking forward to Louise’s visit and we hope that there will be more authors who decide to drop by in the future. We would also be very interested to hear your suggestions for a top romantic read, in any genre, for us to enjoy!

Tina @ ARR