March 15, 2010 3:18 PM

BOOK REVIEW: Katy Carter Wants a Hero By Ruth Saberton

We interviewed Ruth Saberton last month as her novel, Katy Carter Wants a Hero, is due for release in April. I was lucky enough to read it and it. Is. HILARIOUS.)

 

Schoolteacher Katy Carter lives in a fantasy world. Well, most of the time. With dreams of becoming a romantic novelist, Katy often finds herself scribbling her tales of voracious heroines and strapping heroes - even in the back of her student's exercise books. Trying to focus on school meetings is one mean feat when you can't stop thinking about that perfect, handsome, caring hero...

 

It's not as though Katy's down on the hero front, however - in fact, she's due to marry James - her charming, high-flying banker fiance who Katy can't help but adore. And even though Katy's no champion dieter, has flyaway hair and her culinary skills are dire, she's determined to become the perfect wife for James. Despite his overbearing mother for whom nothing is quite right and workaholic James's constant jibes, Katy Carter is going to be the heroine to her hero (although not as waif-like and glam); a wife like those of his city friends, who look good all the time and host great parties. So when James is due to invite his important coworkers (and boss) home for a gathering, Katy's mission is set.

 

However, when disaster strikes in the form of a runaway lobster (and then some!), Katy finds that her romantic dream is in tatters, along with her potential bestseller...

 

Together with her best friend Ollie, Katy has to get back on her feet. And of course, get back to writing her perfect story. But with no fiance to go home to and a job she doesn't really like anymore, it's time for Katy to make some life changes. Off she heads to Cornwall, where she bumps into the most unlikely stranger. Soon Katy finds herself set for a whole new life (and a whole new job) including a makeover, a celebrity 'boyfriend' and a whole town full of inspiration. Yet can this new turn of events bring her the hero she's always wanted?

 

It was difficult to write this review without mentioning all of the funny and wonderful parts, but I prefer to avoid spoilers wherever possible. This book is one of the funniest I've read and is full of hilarious moments from chapter one. Katy is a little naive at the beginning, yet a fabulous, down-to-earth character who's immensely likeable. James? Not so much. But you'll soon find out why... 

 

Ruth has a natural wit that makes this book a page-turner. I found myself not only unable to put this down until I'd finished, but also prone to random bouts of the giggles in public. But it's well worth the strange looks! Katy Carter Wants a Hero is not only funny but a lovely tale, and already I can't wait to find out what Ruth Saberton has in store next.

 

Rating: 5/5

 

(Stay tuned for more news of a Katy Carter competition!)

 

 

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 15, 2010 in Book News, Rating: 5/5 | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2010 10:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: Things Your Mother Never Told You

With Mothers' Day coming up this weekend, we have a great new release by Olivia Lichtenstein that fits the bill perfectly. (A lovely read for you or your mum!) Things your Mother Never Told You will hit the shelves on March 18^th. Here's some more information:

'When I'm a mother, I'm never going to be like you . . .'

These words come back to Ros, years later. Her marriage of twenty years is over; her sons are moving out and her dead mother, Lilian, seems to have taken up residence in her head, reminding her of things she once said. As Ros adapts to sharing custody of the family dog and life without her husband and boys around, she embarks on a new regime: yoga, herbal remedies and internet dating.

But when a parcel arrives containing a portion of her mother's memoir, Ros discovers a barely recognisable woman within its pages. As long-buried secrets are revealed, Ros finds the journey into her mother's past could change her own future . . .

A forum has been set up for the the book - head on over here and sign up. Olivia says: 'The relationship between mother and daughter is arguably one of the most complex there is; the one I had with my own mother certainly was. More than twenty years have passed since her death and I can still hear her voice offering me advice and criticism in equal measure. I'd like to hear the things your mother did and didn't tell you. Please join the forum and share your stories.'

There's a prize of bestselling Orion fiction up for grabs to those who share the best stories - so get writing!

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 12, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 11, 2010 10:28 PM

COVER NEWS: The One That Got Away

Lucy Dawson, who brought us the darkly addictive novels His Other Lover and What My Best Friend Did, is back with another offering -and we can't wait. The One That Got Away is due for release in October this year, so we'll be waiting quite a while yet! However, the cover image was recently released - here it is!

What do you think?

Here's the synopsis of The One That Got Away...

Molly Greene is having trouble packing up her old life to embrace the new challenges and grown up adventures that are waiting in the wings for her and husband Dan. She loves him, but with life as she knows it about to change forever, she just can't quite seem to make the final jump. Then, just as she's teetering on the brink of the biggest decision of her life, she stupidly sends an impulsive message to the very last person she ought to have contacted, someone who should have stayed forgotten, and is now coming looking for her. And when he finds her, when old and new collide, there is no more turning back. One night is all it takes to threaten everything she holds dear - for good. Would you risk your future for a night with your past?

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 11, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

Could YOU be a book editor?

Here's a little something for American book-lovers! Would you like to try your hand at working in the NYC publishing industry? Do you have what it takes to be a book editor?

If so, casting is soon to begin for a new reality show (along the lines of Top Chef and Project Runway) that's about books. Disposable is looking for people who have interesting personalities and strong opinions, who are interested in working in the book industry.

To find out more, click here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 11, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 10, 2010 9:47 PM

NEW RELEASE: Bulletproof Mascara

Being a fan of spy novels, I was delighted to come across the news of Bulletproof Mascara - the debut novel from Bethany Maines. Described as a 'spy spoof', Bulletproof Mascara focuses on Nikki as she joins cosmetics company Carrie Mae, which turns out to be a lot more serious a job than she expected. The book was released earlier this month. Here's a bit more info (from Publishers Weekly):

In Maines's delicious spy spoof debut, wide-eyed linguist Nikki Lanier joins the confidential side of Carrie Mae, a cosmetics giant like Mary Kay or Avon, whose charity foundation uses covert means to help women. Nikki doesn't bat an eyelash as she undergoes rigorous training at the company's academy in Santa Clarita, Calif., where female spies are stylishly equipped with gizmos like pepper spray perfume, flash grenade lipsticks, mini-scanner compacts, knockout breath mints, acid nail polish, plastic explosive foundation, and stiletto stilettos. With Valerie Robinson, a jaded pro, Nikki embarks on her first mission, to rescue Lawan Chinnawat, one of the loudest voices protesting the sex trade that flourishes throughout Asia, who's been abducted. The plot takes a few surprise twists before reaching the exciting climax. Maines deftly combines humor with action in this fashion-forward thriller, which will remind many of such TV shows as Charlie's Angels, Alias, and Heroes.

To find out more about Bethany Maines and Bulletproof Mascara, check out Bethany's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 10, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 9, 2010 2:43 AM

MOVIE NEWS: Twenty Times a Lady

Anna Faris and Chris Evans are set to star in What's Your Number - a movie based on Karyn Bosnak's chick-lit novel Twenty Times a Lady.

According to ComingSoon, What's Your Number will be directed by Mark Mylod (Entourage) and will begin production in May.

For those who have not read Karyn's hilarious book, here's the blurb:

How many men does it take to find true love?

Delilah Darling's magic number was supposed to be twenty. She always thought she'd find the perfect guy by the time she'd slept with twenty of them. But when she wakes up naked in her disgusting boss's bed after a drunken night out, she's filled with regret -- and realizes she's hit her self-imposed limit. Unwilling to up her number but unable to imagine a life of celibacy, Delilah does what any girl in her situation would do: she tracks down every man she's ever slept with in a last-ditch effort to make it work with one of them.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 9, 2010 in Book News, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (1)

COVER NEWS: Best Friends Forever

Last year, Jennifer Weiner's novel Best Friends Forever hit the shelves, and now publishers Simon & Schuster have given it brand new look. The new cover is on the left - personally, I much prefer the new one. But what do YOU think? Leave s a comment and let us know!

If you're not familiar with Best Friends Forever, then here's the synopsis...

A story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and neighbourhood secrets, living through sorrow, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends...forever. Addie Downs and Valerie Adler were eight when they first met and decided to be best friends forever. But, in the wake of tragedy and betrayal during their teenage years, everything changed. Val went on to fame and fortune. Addie stayed behind in their small Midwestern town. Destiny, however, had more in store for these two. And when, twenty-five years later, Val shows up at Addie's front door with blood on her coat and terror on her face, it is the start of a wild adventure for two women joined by love and history who find strength together that they could not find alone.

Click here to visit Jennifer Weiner's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 9, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 8, 2010 10:48 PM

NEWS: Cheryl Cole's £5m bidding war for autobiography

A bidding war for singer Cheryl Cole's autobiography has reached £5m, with publishers Random House, Penguin and HarperCollins all said to be in the running,

According to the Daily Mail, it's been claimed by insiders that the competition has grown so fierce that the price could be the highest ever piad for a celebrity memoir. And it's been said that Cheryl could make even more money if she chooses to tell all about her role on the X Factor, and her recent split with cheating husband Ashley.

The article states:

However, the offer still represents something of a gamble. Although celebrity memoirs often come with large advances, very few sell more than a few thousand copies.

Jonathan Ross is believed to have received £1.5million from Bantam for his memoirs Why Do I Say These Things? However, since its publication in October 2008, the book has sold just 139,500 copies.

Click here to read the full story.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 8, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the news: Could you go without books for a week?

Would you be able to go one week without books? Personally, I don't think I could. But Guardian writer Bibi van der Zee was up to the challenge and tells of her seven-day book ban in a rather interesting article! Bibi writes:

'I decided to try giving up books for a week because I have come to the point where I wonder if they are holding me back. On the whole, the world seems to think that books are always a good thing, that you can never get too much of them. People admit to being bookworms in the same way they admit to being "just too tidy really", or "a bit of a workaholic". But if you are a compulsive reader like me, who reads walking down the road, and while she's making her children's dinner, and on the loo and in the bath and in bed and on the bus, and at every other possible second of the day, and if what you're reading is mostly . . . well . . . pulp, then sometimes you end up feeling as if books are eating you up instead of the other way round...'

Click here to read the full article!

Could you go without books for an entire week? Let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 8, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 5, 2010 12:37 AM

BOOK TRAILER: Before I Fall

Kirsty over at Novelicious recently posted these fab trailers for Lauren Oliver's new book, Before I Fall. The book was released on March 4th (watch this space for a review!) and there are two trailers - a UK version, and one for the US.

Click here to view the UK trailer...

...and here for the US version!
 

What do you think? Leave a comment and let us know!

If you haven't yet heard about Before I Fall, here's the synopsis:

They say that when you die your whole life flashes before your eyes, but that's not how it happened for me Sam Kingston is dead. Except she isn't. On a rainy February night, eighteen-year-old Sam is killed in a horrific car crash. But then the impossible happens: she wakes up in her own bed, on the morning of the day that she died. Forced to live over and over the last day of her life the drive to school, skipping class, the fateful party she desperately struggles to alter the outcome, but every morning she wakes up on the day of the crash. This is a story of a girl who dies young, but in the process learns how to live. And who falls in love... a little too late. Before I Fall is a brave and complex novel about the territory between life and death. As astonishing as The Lovely Bones and as luminous as Jenny Downham s Before I Die, it will make you want to live every day as if it were your last.

Find out more about the book at Lauren Oliver's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 5, 2010 in Book News, Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Desire

Following her bestselling novel Passion, Louise Bagshawe (author of Glitz, Career Girls and Glamour, to name but a few!) is back with a new offering that's due for release this year. Desire will hit the shelves on April 15th. (And we're loving the cover!)

Here's more information about the upcoming release:

Lisa Costello is leading a charmed life - until she wakes up the morning after her glamorous Thailand wedding to find her new husband Josh dead in their bed, the murder weapon in her hand. She remembers learning at the wedding that Josh had been unfaithful, but she certainly doesn't remember killing him. As Lisa flees the scene for Europe, ex-FBI trainee Sam Murray is on her trail. Catching up with her, he's quickly convinced she's been set up, and they start to work out which of movie producer Josh's many enemies could be behind the hit. It's a race against time to unearth the truth and keep Lisa out of jail - or gunned down by the professional assassin tailing them. And the danger only adds to the excitement of the passion brewing between them...

To read more about Louise and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 5, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 4, 2010 11:41 PM

COMING SOON: Della Says: OMG!

I just can't WAIT to read Keris Stainton's debut novel (admittedly I love YA fiction too) and we won't have to wait THAT much longer. Della Says: OMG! is due for release on 6 May by Orchard.

For those new to the site, Keris was previously editor of Trashionista. She's also written a number of articles and blogs over at Five Minutes Peace. You can find out ore about Keris at her website.

Here's the synopsis of Della Says - this looks fantastic!

Della's over the moon when she kisses her long-standing crush at a party - but then she discovers her diary has disappeared...

When scans of embarrassing pages are sent to her mobile and appear on Facebook, Della's distraught - how can she enjoy her first proper romance when someone, somewhere, knows all her deepest, darkest secrets?

You can read an excerpt of Della over here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 4, 2010 in Book Extract, Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 26, 2010 5:36 PM

Austen and Twilight graphic novels

You've read the books, but how about the graphic novels? Graphic novels are certainly becoming more popular, and now you can even read Pride and Prejudice in this very format. Original? Yes.Odd? Perhaps. That's up to you to decide! Here's some information about Pride and Prejudice, which was published by Marvel in 2009.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife... " Tailored from the adored Jane Austen classic, Marvel Comics is proud to present Pride & Prejudice! Two-time Rita Award-Winner Nancy Butler and fan-favorite Hugo Petras faithfully adapt the whimsical tale of Lizzy Bennet and her loveable-if-eccentric family, as they navigate through tricky British social circles. Will Lizzy's father manage to marry off her five daughters, despite his wife's incessant nagging? And will Lizzy's beautiful sister Jane marry the handsome, wealthy Mr. Bingley, or will his brooding friend Mr. Darcy stand between their happiness? Collects Pride & Prejudice #1-5.

In addition, Twilight will also be making its debut as a graphic novel later this month. (Here's the short synopsis, in case you live under a rock weren't aware of what Twilight is all about already...)

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret...

What do you think of this new Austen adaptation? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 26, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jane Austen books from Canongate

Here's some news for any Jane Austen fans - UK publishers Canongate have released two great titles based on the work of Austen: parody Pride and Promiscuity and Jane's Fame.

Pride and Promiscuity: The Lost Sex Scenes of Jane Austen is a hilarious short story collection from Arielle Eckstut. Here's the info:

In 2002, an amateur Jane Austen scholar, while staying at a Hertfordshire estate, stumbled upon a hidden cache of manuscript pages and made an extraordinary literary discovery - lost scenes from Jane Austen's novels that reveal an altogether different dimension to her oeuvre. Pride and Prejudice's Bingley sisters appear as Sapphic seductresses; Mansfield Park's incest subtext becomes manifest; and Darcy gets more than his shirt wet. This incisive parody of academic study is sure to astonish and delight mischievous Austenites.

Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman focuses on Jane's life, fame and literary career. Click here to find out more about the book and Claire herself.

Part biography and part cultural history, this splendid book not only tells the captivating tale of Jane Austen's life, but also her literary legacy. The slow growth of Austen's fame and the changing status of her work and what it stands for in English culture is a story of personal struggle and family dynamics as well as a history of critical practices and public taste.

To visit the Canongate website, click here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 26, 2010 in Book News, Spotlight | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 25, 2010 7:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: Getting Over Mr Right

July will see the release of Chris Manby's fourteenth novel - and we'll be bringing you a review soon! Getting Over Mr Right is set to be a fantastic read - here's the info (see for yourself!)

Have you ever had your heart broken? How did you get over it? Did a tub of ice-cream cheer you up? Did you delete his number and start again? Are you now friends with your ex? Perhaps you're godmother to his children?

In which case, you're a weirdo and this book is not for you.

But if you reacted with denial, begging or a spot of casual witchcraft, then you've come to the right place. This is one woman's journey from love to lunacy and back again. If you ever recall past heartbreaks with acute embarrassment and an urge to go into hiding, this will make you feel better. Sure, you may have sent his new girlfriend a bunch of dead roses, but did you spend a grand on psychic hot-lines and a voodoo curse?

You can read more about Chris Manby at her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 25, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

RECENT RELEASE: Willow

For the lovers of YA among us, here's a new addition by Julia Hoban. Willow was released in the States recently, and makes its way to UK shelves in March. Here's some more info about the book:

On a rainy March night, Willow Randall's parents drank too much and asked her to drive them home.  They never made it - Willow lost control of the car, and both of her parents were killed. Now, seventeen-year-old Willow has left behind her home, friends, and school to move in with her older brother, his wife, and their new baby.

Trapped in a life she never expected, Willow desperately wishes things would return to the way they were - but they can't. Tormented by guilt and petrified by grief, she goes through the motions just trying to cope. Willow numbs her new, grim reality by secretly cutting herself - the only way she thinks she can gain control amidst dysfunction and chaos. When her classmate, Guy, discovers her secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the "safe" world Willow has created for herself upside down. His refusal to let her go forces Willow to relearn how to let people in.

Willow explores the utterly painful and isolating effects of loss with the paradoxically essential need for human connection and understanding.  Julia creates a character as complex as her situation. Extremely smart and thoughtful, Willow not only faces the task of refiguring her life without the people who mattered most, but falls in love with the first person to know everything about her. It is through this connection with Guy, their shared love for books, and the love of her family, that Willow begins to heal.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 25, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 24, 2010 1:06 PM

NEWS: Cheryl and Ashley breakup book to be published (already!)

As if you hadn't heard enough about the recent breakup of stars Cheryl and Ashley Cole (if you haven't heard, simply pick up a tabloid - you can't exactly escape from it at the moment.) In any case, it seems that a book about the split between the pop singer and millionaire footballer is already on the cards.

According to The Bookseller, John Blake plans on publishing a more recent account of the relationship. This news comes straight after the couple announced a divorce (due to Ashley's cheating). The book, written by John McShane, will be entitled 'Love Wars' and is due out on 4th May.

It will cover the public scandals following the pair and will be, according to Blake's head of marketing, "as up to date as we can get it.

"This is the inside story of how the UK's most loved solo artist found herself in the most roller coaster relationship of all time."

Click here to read the full article.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 24, 2010 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 22, 2010 11:09 PM

COVER NEWS: Movie tie-ins

Also, Rick Riordan's children's novel Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief has also had a new cover design to celebrate the recent movie release. Here's the new cover (right). What do you think?

If you haven't yet read The Lovely Bones, click below to read a synopsis:
On her way home from school on a snowy December day, 14-year-old Susie Salmon is lured into a cornfield and brutally raped and murdered, the latest victim of a serial killer. The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold's haunting and heartbreaking debut novel, unfolds from heaven, where "life is a perpetual yesterday" and where Susie narrates and keeps watch over her grieving family and friends, as well as her brazen killer and the sad detective working on her case.

As Sebold fashions it, everyone has his or her own version of heaven. Susie's resembles the athletic fields and landscape of a suburban high school: a heaven of her "simplest dreams", where "there were no teachers... We never had to go inside except for art class... The boys did not pinch our backsides or tell us we smelled; our textbooks were Seventeen and Glamour and Vogue".

The Lovely Bones works as an odd yet affecting coming-of-age story. Susie struggles to accept her death while still clinging to the lost world of the living, following her family's dramas over the years. Her family disintegrates in their grief: her father becomes determined to find her killer, her mother withdraws, her little brother Buckley attempts to make sense of the new hole in his family and her younger sister Lindsey moves through the milestone events of her teenage and young adult years with Susie riding spiritual shotgun. Random acts and missed opportunities run throughout the book--Susie recalls her sole kiss with a boy on earth as "like an accident--a beautiful gasoline rainbow."

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 22, 2010 in Book News, Movie News | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEW RELEASE: Just Dance

Love her or hate her - everyone seems to have an opinion on outrageously-dressed pop sensation Lady Gaga. And it was only a matter of time before a biography was released, and here it is. Just Dance - The Biography was released on the 18th February by Orion. Here's a little more about the book:

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 22, 2010 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 19, 2010 7:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: Saris and the City

Rekha Waheed, author of 2005 title The A-Z Guide to Arranged Marriage, is back with a second novel, this time from publishers Little Black Dress. Saris and the City is due for release on April 15th. Here's the synopsis:

Love, lingerie and family loyalties collide in this sexy, sassy tale of chasing success - but at what cost?

When ambitious City analyst Yasmin Yusuf's hope for a traditional 'happy ever after' in the romance stakes is shattered she decides there's only one course of action: get smart, sexy and successful. And what better way to achieve it than by turning around a failing lingerie company? Swept head-first into her glamorous new job by suave private banker Zachary Khan, Yasmin is soon clashing with snobby fashionistas, pedantic accountants, her culturally conservative Bengali family and, worst of all, Hannah Gibbs-Smythson, Zach's indomitable senior advisor. With the odds stacked against her and her attraction to Zach complicating matters even further, the stakes for Yasmin have never been higher... Is she prepared to risk everything for the success she craves?

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 19, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 18, 2010 11:39 PM

BOOK NEWS: Revenge of the Spellmans

We loved The Spellman Files, the novel by Lisa Lutz about a family of private investigators. The book was followed by the sequel Curse of the Spellmans, and now, Lisa's back with the THIRD installment about PI Isabel Spellman - Revenge of the Spellmans.

Revenge is out very soon - Feb 22nd to be exact. Here's the synopsis. You can find out more about the book at the website of Lisa Lutz.

Having been ordered into therapy after getting a little too close to her previous subject, former private investigator Izzy Spellman is wisely taking a break from Spellman Inc, having embarked on a less controversial career as a barmaid. But when her boss, Milo, simultaneously cuts her bartending hours and introduces her to a 'friend' looking for a private eye, Izzy reluctantly finds herself with a new client. A suspicious husband who wants his wife tailed, it would appear to be a routine case involving nothing more than that most boring of PI rituals: surveillance. But Izzy soon discovers that she's not the only person keeping a close eye on Mrs Ernie Black and with each passing hour the Case of the Wayward Wife throws up more questions than answers.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 18, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 17, 2010 11:57 PM

Guardian's guide to writing for Mills & Boon

We know that plenty of aspiring writers visit Trashionista, and we love to keep you all updated with the latest writing tips and articles. Well, if you fancy writing Mills & Boon - here's a handy 'inside guide' courtesy of The Guardian. In the article, writer Alison Flood talks to three of the publisher's most popular authors to find out just what it takes to write a romance good enough to grace the shelves.

Click here to read.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 17, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

COVER NEWS: The Body at the Tower

We recently posted about YS Lee's upcoming novel, The Body at the Tower - the second novel in her Agency series. We've just been alerted that the book cover has been redesigned, and looks great! Check out the new cover - what do you think?

To read more The Agency, visit YS Lee's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 17, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 16, 2010 11:19 PM

BOOK NEWS: Spooky Little Girl

Laurie Notaro, who's written a variety of hilarious autobiographical books including The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club and We Thought You Would be Prettier, delighted us with her first novel. And now she's back with a second book - a paranormal tale that we just can't wait to read! Spooky Little Girl will be released in April 2010. Here's the synopsis:

Death is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
 
Coming home from a Hawaiian vacation with her best girlfriends, Lucy Fisher is stunned to find everything she owns tossed out on her front lawn, the locks changed, and her fiancé's phone disconnected--plus she's just lost her job. With her world spinning wildly out of her control, Lucy decides to make a new start and moves upstate to live with her sister and nephew.

But then things take an even more dramatic turn: A fatal encounter with public transportation lands Lucy not in the hereafter but in the nearly hereafter. She's back in school, learning the parameters of spooking and how to become a successful spirit in order to complete a ghostly assignment. If Lucy succeeds, she's guaranteed a spot in the next level of the afterlife--but until then, she's stuck as a ghost in the last place she would ever want to be.

Trying to avoid being trapped on earth for all eternity, Lucy crosses the line between life and death and back again when she returns home. Navigating the perilous channels of the paranormal, she's determined to find out why her life crumbled and why, despite her ghastly death, no one seems to have noticed she's gone. But urgency on the spectral plane--in the departed person of her feisty grandmother, who is risking both their eternal lives--requires attention, and Lucy realizes that you get only one chance to be spectacular in death.

To find out ore about Laurie and Spooky Little Girl - and to read an excerpt! - head on over to Laurie Notaro's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 16, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 15, 2010 7:10 PM

BOOK NEWS: Married With Zombies

It's true - zombies are becoming more popular. They've already caused havoc in Jane Austen's world, and it was only a matter of time before zombies started to make their brain-munching way into the mainstream. September will see the release of a brand new zombie series from author Jesse Petersen, published by Orbit (US). The first in the series is titled Married With Zombies.

The books will see a married couple in crisis who are forced to work together in a zombie apocalypse. There's no synopsis available as yet, but here are a few tips, from the author's current website:

Marriage survival tips during a zombie apocalypse:

• Balance the workload in your relationship. No one person should be responsible for killing all the zombies.

• Put the small stuff into perspective. It's better to be wrong and alive than right but eating brains.

• Talk out your big decisions. Hear both opinions before you decide if you're going to flee the city or hole up with Campbell's Soup and CNN.

• Share in your activities and interests. If you're going to kill zombies anyway, why not do it together?

• Plan romantic getaways. Or just getaways.

• Show physical affection. Nothing says 'I love you' like bearing the entirety of your spouse's body weight.

Chapter one of Married With Zombies is available on Jesse's website.

(Thanks to Book Chick City for this news).

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 15, 2010 in Book Extract, Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 12, 2010 11:16 PM

IN THE NEWS: Chick-lit cliches

An interesting article about new chick-lit cliches was posted recently at the Huffington Post. Writer Pauline Millard explores the most recent cliches that the genre has picked up. Pauline writes:

Soon, though, chick lit became a parody of itself, with its pastel colored covers that almost always included a martini and/or a woman wearing stilettos. Plots often involved a disgruntled assistant working in New York media (usually a thinly veiled magazine) and there was usually a gay sidekick and a wacky friend. A crushing break up occurred in the early chapters and our fearless female had to spend the remaining pages rebuilding her life with the aforementioned motley crew in tow.

Click here to read the full article.

Have you noticed any recent cliches in chick-lit? What are your chick-lit pet peeves? Leave a comment and let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 12, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: The Body at the Tower

YS Lee's first book in the Agency series - A Spy In the House - was fantastic. Needless to say, it was exciting to hear that the sequel will be released later this year! The Body at the Tower, the next in the series about Mary Quinn, a young detective in Victorian London, will be published in May 2010. Here's a little bir more about the book, which can found on YS Lee's website along with other Agency goodies!

In The Body at the Tower, spy-in-training Mary Quinn disguises herself as a twelve-year-old boy to investigate a mysterious death at St Stephen's Tower - better known as Big Ben. Passing as a poor boy is hard enough. Yet things get worse: almost immediately, she makes enemies on site. And then her nemesis, James Easton, turns up. And he recognizes her...

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 12, 2010 in Book Extract, Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

RNA's Pure Passion Awards

The RNA (Romantic Novelists' Association), yesterday launched a new set of awards in celebration of the Association's 50-year anniversary.

The Pure Passion Awards will include not just the Romantic Novel of the Year and Love Story of the Year awards, but also some new honours - The People's Choice Award. the Rom Com Awards, and Romantic Film of the Year.

According to the RNA website, the Pure Passion Awards will be promoted nationally in both libraries and retail outlets. Author Katie Fforde, Chair of the RNA, said "In our 50th year we are celebrating with more awards and more opportunities which provide a wonderful opportunity for readers to be introduced to writers they may not yet have heard of.

"We are proud to showcase contemporary women's fiction, chic lit, sagas, and historical fiction.  Some are written by newcomers and some by more established authors. What links them all is that they have been selected by discerning readers to be loved by everyone."

The winners will be announced in Kensington on Tuesday 16th March.

Click here to read the full story.

Here are the shortlists...

The Love Story of the Year
The Notorious Mr Hurst, Louise Allen, Harlequin Mills & Boon
Animal Instincts, Nell Dixon, Little Black Dress
Always the Bridesmaid, Nina Harrington, Harlequin Mills & Boon
Fair Deception, Jan Jones, Robert Hale
The Wedding Party, Sophie King, Hodder
Claimed for the Italian's Revenge, Natalie Rivers, Harlequin Mills & Boon

The People's Choice Award
Missing You, Louise Douglas, Pan
Remembrance Day, Leah Fleming, Avon
I Heart Hollywood, Lindsey Kelk, Harper
Rich Girl Poor Girl, Lesley Lokko, Orion
Heiresses, Lulu Taylor, Arrow

The Romantic Comedy Award
Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, Jenny Colgan, Sphere
The Nearly-Weds, Jane Costello, Simon & Schuster
50 Ways to Find a Lover, Lucy-Anne Holmes, Pan
Rumour Has It, Jill Mansell, Headline Review

RNA Romantic Film of the Year
Confessions of a Shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella, Black Swan (Transworld)
An Education, Lyn Barber, Penguin
The Time Traveller's Wife, Audrey Niffenegger, Vintage (Random House)
Twilight: New Moon, Stephanie Meyer, Atom, Little Brown

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 12, 2010 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 11, 2010 8:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: Confetti Confidential

Isabel Bookbinder has returned! Well...almost. We'll have to wait until June (another four months - argh!) for Holly McQueen's next Bookbinder novel - titled Confetti Confidential - but it's soon to be here...and here's the cover!

Serial dreamer Isabel will return in the third novel in the series (following The Glamorous Double Life of Isabel Bookbinder and The Fabulously Fashionable Life of Isabel Bookbinder), and this time she seems to have deserted her previous dreams of being a world-famous novelist and fashion designer, and has set her sights on being a wedding planner instead. Here's a little it more about the next installment...

Isabel Bookbinder dreams of pearly white weddings, happy brides, handsome grooms. And champagne towers that don't topple over. She dreams of the perfect wedding. But not for herself...for her clients. It's all about bride management as far as Isabel's concerned. Even when she misplaces a couple of brides and loses her job working for wedding guru Pippa Everitt, Isabel isn't disheartened. She throws herself straight into launching Isabel Bookbinder, Individual Weddings, and with a pop starlet and a millionaire as her first clients, business is looking rosy. Unfortunately for Isabel, nothing ever goes quite according to plan... 

We can't wait!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 11, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

NEWS: Katie Davies wins Waterstones prize

Katie Davies has scooped the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, with her novel The Great Hamster Massacre. The book, which is Katie's debut, is published  by Simon & Schuster and gained first place over nine other books including Pat Walsh's The Crowfield Curse and Lucy Christopher's Flyaway.

Katy will recieve not only a £5,000 cash prize, but also an ongoing commitment to her writing career from Waterstones nationwide.

According to The Bookseller, Sarah Clarke, Waterstones children's buying manager, said: "The Great Hamster Massacre is a wonderful book and an exciting winner, particularly as this is the first time in the history of the prize that a book written for a younger audience has won. This was the closest competition we've ever had, but in the end Katie Davies' brilliant execution in telling her sweet and funny story won the judges over."

To read the full article, click here. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 11, 2010 in Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 10, 2010 8:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: WAGS at the World Cup

If you liked Alison Kervin's WAGS series so far (The WAG's Diary, A WAG Abroad), then you'll be pleased to know that Alison is back with a third offering in the series - WAGS at the Wold Cup. The cover is a bit different to the previous two novels in the series, but it still looks fab! Here's the synopsis:

Forget Victoria Beckham. Forget Coleen. You can even forget Cheryl Cole...Tracie Martin is the true queen of the Wags. From her lemon-frosted highlights to the tips of her bejewelled bronzed toes, Tracie is the ultimate footballer's wife and this is going to be her year. The England squad are heading to South Africa for the World Cup and Tracie's husband Dean has a place on the coaching squad. So the Martin family are on their way to South Africa ...And while the fight may be on for England to regain their rightful place in the history books, Tracie knows that the true battle of the tournament will be fought in Gucci and in the pages of her favourite tabloids. But that's before she discovers that an international crime syndicate is trying to fix the world cup. Can Tracie save the day?

Click here to check out Alison's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 10, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (5)

YAY OR NAY: Bookstores vs Online

We knew that the book industry was rapidly changing with the closure of high street book chain Borders. And now, recent reports have shown that more and more independent bookstores are closing across the UK.

According to the Guardian, independent bookstores are closing at a rate of one or two per week, and have been since last year. The article states:

With independents blaming increased competition from the internet, supermarkets, a declining British high street and the credit crunch for their troubles, figures from the Booksellers Association show that 102 independent stores closed in 2009, leaving just 1,289 left in the UK - a decline of 27% since 1999. Last year also saw the 45-store book chain Borders fall into administration, while like-for-like sales at Waterstone's were down by 8.5% in the crucial Christmas trading period.

"The current economic climate is undeniably tough and the book retail sector is suffering across the board," said the Booksellers Association's head of membership services Meryl Halls. She called on readers to support independents, saying that those shops which "are fighting so hard to survive continue to deliver an outstanding service - knowing the books they recommend and sell, knowing their customers, focusing on things that the deep price cutters can't offer and running fantastic and value-adding events".

Read the full story here.

Understandably, the internet is the biggest factor here, with a wider choice in titles and, quite often, lower prices. It's no wonder that many are deciding to  shop online rather than in the Bookstores (on websites such as Amazon, and Play - who offer free delivery.) As easy shopping online may be, independent bookstores (As well as the main high street book retailers) are suffering.

What about you? Do you prefer going to stores, or do you shop online for your books? (And why?) Leave a comment and let us know!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 10, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 8, 2010 10:27 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Carol Snow

Carol Snow is the author of upcoming novel Just Like Me, Only Better (and I cant wait to read this!) Here, Carol talks about Just Like Me, her inspiration, and of course, a whole load of lookalikes... (Click here for the book synopsis!)

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
Struggling single mother gets hired as celebrity double for imploding young Hollywood starlet. That was thirteen words. Do I get extra credit?

What inspired you to write Just Like Me, Only Better?
Inspiration came in pieces. First: Ten years ago, during the heyday of Friends, I was at a housewife-populated Pokeeno party (don't ask) in Scottsdale, Arizona, when Lisa Kudrow walked in the door: there was her face, her hair, her height, her mannerisms. Only it wasn't Lisa Kudrow -obviously -- but if I had seen the same woman walking down the street in L.A., I would have sworn it was. When I asked her if anyone had ever commented on the resemblance, she said oh, sure: all the time. Plus, a kid had just asked for her autograph at an amusement park and didn't believe her when she said she wasn't Kudrow.

Second: A few Halloweens ago, in the midst of her meltdown, I dressed up as Britney Spears. To come up with costume specifics, I Googled her and could not believe just how bizarre her life was. Obviously, she had some, shall we say, "mental health issues." But the poor girl couldn't go anywhere without being mobbed by paparazzi just waiting for her to do something crazy. I thought: what is it like to live with that kind of scrutiny?

And, third: My husband works with a man who's a dead ringer for Jack Nicholson - and whose daughter works as an Angelina Jolie celebrity double at parties and corporate events. I don't know how that happens from a genetic standpoint, but it sparked some ideas!

Do you look like anyone famous?
When I was eleven, people said I looked like Nadia Comenici. Unfortunately, I couldn't do gymnastics like her. Also when was eleven (it was a big year, apparently), my eyebrows were frequently compared to Brooke Shields's. Since then, we have both embraced facial waxing.

Where do you write your books?
I usually write on a couch in my office, with a cat on my lap and a computer on my knees. It's terrible for my posture but quite cozy.

What is your favourite chick-lit book?
Most of my favorite chick-lit books were published before the term was coined. Compromising Positions by Susan Isaacs had a huge impact on me. Not only was it compulsively readable, it gave me the first inkling of the kind of books I hoped to write someday.

Who is your favourite heroine, and why?
Kinsey Millhone, Sue Grafton's private eye, is self-sufficient, tough, crafty, and wry: in other words, not like me at all.

Do you have any tips for readers who would like to become published authors?
Ask yourself: Do I like spending long stretches of time alone? Do have large reserves of self discipline? Can I take criticism? Do I love writing more than anything else? If you answer "yes" to all of those things, great! Now spend the next 10-15 years honing your craft before worrying about publication. If you've already put in that kind of work and have a finished manuscript, you can fast forward to "Find a good agent." I've recommended Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents so many times, the guy should be giving me a cut of his royalties.

What are you currently reading?
I just finish Richard Price's Lush Life. It was dark, violent, and made me question humanity's capacity for altruism and redemption. I really liked it!

Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?
Yes. And no.

Thanks, Carol!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 8, 2010 in Book News, Book related, Irish Authors | Permalink | Comments (2)

Win a weekend in New York!

Fancy an all-expenses paid trip to New York? Well, here's your chance. Publishers Simon & Schuster are giving away a weekend in fabulous NYC in order to celebrate the release of Adriana Trigiani's new novel, Very Valentine, on February 9th.

To win, head on over to the site and fill out the online entry form. Want to know more about Very Valentine? Here's more info...

Meet Valentine, an unforgettable and passionate woman with a heart and a dream as big as New York City. Her dream? To design the perfect pair of shoes ...The Angelini Shoe Company, makers of exquisite wedding shoes since 1903, is one of the last family-owned businesses in Greenwich Village. Now, in the twenty-first century, the company run so devotedly by Valentine and her grandmother Teodora faces financial ruin. Juggling a romantic relationship with dashing chef Roman Falconi, her duty to her family, and a design competition for a prestigious department store, Valentine accompanies her grandmother to Italy in the hope of finding inspiration. There, in Tuscany and on the Isle of Capri, she discovers her artistic voice and much more, turning her life around in ways she never expected.

You can read an excerpt of Very Valentine here, or check out Adriana's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 8, 2010 in Book Extract, Book News, Competition | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 5, 2010 8:07 PM

NEW RELEASE: Loves Me, Loves Me Not

With Valentines Day on its way, there are plenty of newly released (and upcoming!) love stories to choose from - one being the brand new short-story collection, Loves Me, Loves Me Not.

Loves Me, Loves Me Not was released today and contains 40 short stories from a variety of bestelling authors such as Carole Matthews and Adele Parks. Edited by Katie Fforde (author of Love Letters and Wedding Season), the book is set to be a fantastic ready for those who love short tales of romance! Here's some more info...

"Loves Me, Loves Me Not" will give you hours of outrageously indulgent reading pleasure. With over 40 stories to choose, this fabulous collection has something for everyone - from bittersweet holiday flings to emotional family weepies; from fun chick-lit tales to Regency romances . "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" is a true celebration of the very best in romantic fiction. Read all-new stories from the bestselling authors of today - including Joanna Trollope, Katie Flynn, Carole Matthews, Maureen Lee and Adele Parks - and discover the bestselling authors of tomorrow.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 5, 2010 in Book News, New Releases, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Sweet Temptation

If you're a fan of Lucy Diamond (Hens Reunited, Over You), you'll be pleased to know that Lucy has another novel on the way. Sweet Temptation will be released in May 2010. Here's the synopsis:

Maddie's getting it from all sides. Her bitchy new boss at the radio station humiliates her live on air about her figure, her glamour-puss mum keeps dropping not-so-subtle hints that Maddie should lose weight and her kids are embarrassed to be seen with her after the disastrous Mums' race at their school sports day. Something's got to change...

Maddie joins the local weight-watching group expecting more humiliation but instead finds two unlikely allies - bitter divorcee Lauren who, despite running a dating agency, has signed off romance for ever and shy Jess, the beautician, who's desperate to fit into a size 10 wedding dress for her Big Day.

Read more about Lucy Diamond and her books at Lucy's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 5, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 3, 2010 5:05 AM

BOOK NEWS: Secrets and Sins

We absolutely adored Jaishree Misra's novel Secrets and Lies (click here to read Trashionista's interview with Jaishree) and now there's a second novel heading our way.

Secrets and Sins is due for release in June 2010, an having thoroughly enjoyed the mysterious Secrets and Lies, we can't wait! Here's the synopsis:

Be careful what you wish for! Seven years ago, Riva Singh and Aman Khan had a passionate love affair. Despite their attraction, Riva rejected Aman for reliable Ben, the man who became her husband. Now, Riva is a bestselling London novelist, whilst Aman is a Bollywood superstar. Both have watched each other from afar but have stayed apart since their painful split. But Fate appears to have other plans for them as they are thrown together at the Cannes film festival. Aman is torn between his desire for Riva and his young family - not to mention the havoc an affair would have on his golden boy public image. Beset by guilt, Reva knows that their love could destroy everything that they hold dear. With so much at stake, will these star-crossed lovers follow their hearts - or their heads?

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 3, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 29, 2010 9:43 PM

NEWS: Celebrity memoirs are here to stay, apparently

Just when you thought you'd seen enough of them over the Christmas period, it seems as though celebrity memoirs will not be going away anytime soon. According to The Bookseller, publishers believe that the memoir market is 'here to stay', despite poor sales last year.

Books from celebrity favourites such as Ant and Dec and Peter Kay will continue to grace the shelves, with some new additions in 2010. Michael McIntyre, Michael Parkinson, Russell Brand and Keith Richards will all each have memoirs released later this year.

Non-fiction director of publisher Hodder & Stoughton, Rowena Webb, told The Bookseller: "We certainly do think the celebrity memoir is here to stay . . . people are looking for strong stories, big careers and very often people who can write themselves. Those people who span the generations, books that the whole family can gather around and listen to."

And Katie Price, aka Jordan, will be releasing yet another memoir - entitled I'm Still Standing - pretty soon. (Like we didn't see THAT one coming.)

To view the full article, click here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 29, 2010 in Book News, Book Websites, Book related, Memoirs | Permalink | Comments (0)

COVER NEWS: Emily Barr

Emily Barr, whose previous novels include Backpack, Plan B and The Sisterhood, is back with a new book that's out later this year. The Perfect Lie will be available on 13th May, and here's the gorgeous cover (left). The new cover matches that of The Life You Want, Emily's 2009 novel. What do you think? Or do you prefer the style of covers used for Emily's previous books (such as , right?) Let us know!

In the meantime, here's more about The Perfect Lie.

A girl flees to Venice to escape her dangerous past in this electrifying novel of intrigue, psychological tension and suspense...

For Lucy Riddick, Venice has always been the dream destination. A dream inspired by the pretty picture pinned to her mother's kitchen wall. To Lucy, Venice seems the ideal place to lose herself. And now she needs to do just that. The secret she's been keeping from her boyfriend and her friends has finally caught up with her and Lucy needs to disappear - and fast. There's no better time to pack her bags and head for Italy. But what if, when she sets foot in Venice, Lucy finds that the one thing she has been running from, the one thing she has been trying to escape, is already there, lying in wait for her? Time to run away again? Or time to end the chase, once and for all?

To find out more about Emily Barr and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 29, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 27, 2010 8:38 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jackie Dolamore

Jackie Dolamore is the author of recently released novel Magic Under Glass. Here Jackie talks about her love for the Victorian era, her inspiration, and her own magical tale.

Please describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.
A dancing girl discovers the spirit of a fairy gentleman trapped inside a clockwork automaton.

What inspired you to write Magic Under Glass?
A lifelong fascination with the Victorian era, and novels set in creepy old houses full of secrets, most notably Jane Eyre. The structure of Jane Eyre was certainly an inspiration for the structure of Magic Under Glass, although it takes some very different turns. Also The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. The automata aspect of the book, on the other hand, was inspired by an exhibit of Japanese automata I saw at a museum, and an exhibit of mechanical music.

Where do you write your books?
At a desk. Yawn. A very messy cheap IKEA desk. Sometimes with my big heavy boy cat on my lap, getting his paws in the way.

What is your favourite chick-lit book?
Hmm, that's a hard question. I think chick-lit was a big trend here in America and then the market got oversaturated and now people don't use the term "chick-lit" much. I tend to veer more toward historical and fantasy anyway. Sorry for the lousy answer!

Who is your favourite heroine, and why?
Emily Byrd Starr, from L. M. Montgomery's Emily books. I identified so fiercely with her love of writing, for one thing, but it was more than that...she had a sort of spirit and pride that I understood, that I felt as a child too, which adults rarely seemed to understand or capture, but L. M. Montgomery did. It was never overwrought or unrealistic.

Do you have any tips for readers who would like to become published authors?
The best thing you can do is strive for active improvement. Learn how to edit and take it seriously. Find some good critique partners... or at least some mediocre ones, if you can't find good ones right away. You'll learn as much from critiquing their work as you well from their critiques of yours. And don't be afraid to put your work out there.

What are you currently reading?
Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey, and the comic book series Fables.

Are you working on anything else at the moment, and if so, can you tell us?
My next book is a starcrossed romance between a mermaid and a winged man. I'm about to work on revising that with my editor, along with working on the first draft to a Magic Under Glass sequel!

Thanks, Jackie!

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 27, 2010 in Book News, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 26, 2010 8:13 PM

NEWS: Sophie Kinsella's 'Twenties Girl' is number one

Well, it was to be expected what with Sophie Kinsella's popularity and her absolutely brilliant latest book (fine, I'm biased!) but the news is out - Twenties Girl is this week's new number one.

According to The Bookseller, the paperback edition of Twenties Girl - Shopaholic author Sophie Kinsella's ninth book (16th including those written under Madeleine Wickham) sold 36,378 copies in the UK last week. Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer is third on the list.

Click here to read the full article.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 26, 2010 in Book News, Sophie Kinsella | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Take a Chance on Me

Fans of Jill Mansell (author of Rumour Has It and Thinking of You) will be delighted to know that her latest novel is on its way. Take a Chance on Me will be released by Headline on February 18th. Here's a little bit more about Jill's latest offering...

Cleo Quinn doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to men, but now Will's come along. Handsome and attentive, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing's Hill and tormenting her as if he'd never been away. Meanwhile Cleo's sister Abbie has a problem of her own - husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she's determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage? The sisters are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places...

To find out more about Jill Mansell and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 26, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 25, 2010 8:54 PM

RECENT RELEASE: Shoo, Jimmy Choo!

It's coming to the end of January, which means that those of us who made resolutions ('what are those again?' some might say) will either be smiling with success, or have given up on their new year plights a couple of weeks ago. Even so, there's still time - and what with 'save more/spend less' being one of the top new year mantras, I thought I'd give you the heads-up on a rather interesting recent release...

Shoo, Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More is the new book from Catey Hill, money editor at the New York Daily News online. It promises to help you manage your finances and make way for a nice retirement. Whereas some of us have never owned a pair of Jimmy Choos (boo!) it might still make an interesting read...

Remember when Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw faced the brutal realization that she couldn't buy her apartment because she'd already spent her money on a closet full of Manolos? Well, if Carrie had met Catey first, she'd own her co-op and be on her way to a comfortable retirement!

Catey Hill is the online money expert for the Daily News Web site--and author of this humorous, practical "girlfriends guide" to personal finance for 20- and 30-something females. (The ones with the designer shoes...and maxed-out credit cards.) With a hip, "I've been there" voice along with worksheets and exercises, she helps women evaluate why they spend, get out of debt, and create a savings and retirement plan that even allows for the occasional splurge. Among the topics she covers: student loans, car payments, investing, saving for a home, and more.

To find out more about Catey Hill and Shoo, Jimmy Choo, check out Catey's website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 25, 2010 in Book News, New Releases, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva

Those in the United States may have heard of Victoria Rowell, who played Drucilla Winters on The Young and the Restless. Well, Victoria's penned a book based on her former soap actress life. (After previously writing The Woman Who Raised Me, a bestselling memoir.) Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva will be released in May 2010 by Simon & Schuster. Here's a little bit more about the book.

Calysta Jeffries is the hottest black actress in daytime and the diva of the soap opera world, known for her role as Ruby Stargazer on television's most popular soap opera, "The Rich and the Ruthless."

After fifteen years, three returns from the dead, two failed pregnancies, one alien abduction, and overcoming retrograde amnesia, Calysta still hasn't managed to snag the biggest award in daytime drama: the Sudsy. Now is supposed to be her moment. But Calysta's onscreen/offscreen rival Emmy Abernathy wins the award for the fourth time. The drama begins when journalist Mitch Morelli asks Calysta for a quote after the award show and her true feelings for her costar slip out.

Ripped from the headlines of Soap Opera Digest and straight off of the television screen, Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva will give readers plenty to talk about as they try to guess where the real world ends and Rowell's imagination begins.

To read more about Victoria Rowell, head on over to her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 25, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 22, 2010 11:50 PM

NEWS: Stephanie Meyer one of Europe's top 2009 authors

Yep, Twilight author Stephanie Meyer is among one of the top authors in Europe for 2009, according to a recent analysis. The Bookseller reported that the results came from an anaysis of the top 10 international fiction bestsellers over 12 months.

Stephanie Meyer, Dan Brown and Steig Larsson (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) came top of the list. Meyer came second, which 'ht the bestseller charts of five of the countries measured: Germany, Spain, UK, Sweden and Italy.'

Well, we're not exactly surprised!

Click here to read the full article and to view the entire list.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 22, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Temptation Street

Being a huge fan of the hilarious Shari Low (absolutely LOVED A Brand New Me and The Motherhood Walk of Fame!), I'm excited to hear that Shari has a new book for release this year. Temptation Street is due to be published in May 2010. The cover is fab, and I'm hoping the book will be just as great, too! Here's the synopsis of Temptation Street:

Have you ever taken a wrong turn into Temptation Street...?

Suze has a niggling feeling that her husband Karl's marital sat-nav has taken a wrong turn and led him down the road to temptation. What's a suspicious wife to do?

Mel knows that her sweet, docile husband Joe would never, ever cheat. But when Suze, her sister-in-law, hires a honeytrap to test Karl, the results blow Mel's world apart.

Mel, Joe, Suze, Karl. They're family. They're friends. And they're about to discover whether or not they can navigate those other f-words - fidelity and forgiveness.

Or is relationship misbehaviour much more fun when it's a two-way street?

To find out more about Shari Low and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 22, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 21, 2010 11:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: Lauren Weisberger's latest novel

Lauren Weisberger, author of The Devil Wears Prada, Everyone Worth Knowing and Chasing Harry Winston, has recently revealed the title of her upcoming novel.

Last Night at Chateau Marmont will be published on May 25, 2010 by Simon & Schuster, according to Lauren's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 21, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 20, 2010 8:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: Chocolate Wishes

Any chocoholics here? Yes? Then you might like Chocolate Wishes - the upcoming release from Trisha Ashley (author of Singled Out and A Winter's Tale.) I'm looking forward to this one, even more so now that I've read the first part.

The prologue and first chapter of Chocolate Wishes is available to download at Trisha's website. Here's a little bit more about her latest novel, which is due for release on March 4th.

Life is sweet for chocolate maker Chloe Lyon! Business is booming at her artisan chocolate-makers 'Chocolate Wishes' in the picture-perfect Lancashire village of Sticklepond - not least because all of Chloe's sweet treats contain an inspirational prediction for each customer. If only her own life was as easy to read in the cards, perhaps Chloe could have foreseen being jilted at the altar! But Chloe has long put thoughts of love behind her - after all, life is busy enough, especially as she tries to sort out her friends' tangled love lives and the village welcomes its new vicar, Raffy Sinclair. However, the village rumour mill goes into overdrive when it is revealed that Raffy is the distinctly unorthodox ex-front man of rock band 'Dark Angels' - and also happens to be Chloe's first love, who left her broken-hearted! Whilst Chloe tries to ignore this blast from her past, will she discover that wishes can come true when you least expect it!?

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 20, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 19, 2010 10:55 PM

BOOK NEWS: Soulmates

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentines Day is not far away (and yes, we'll be featuring some fab Valentine reads!). I've recently received a copy of Soulmates by Sonali Fernando - a perfect book for Valentine's.

Soulmates: True Stories from the World of Online Dating is a fab new guide to online dating, featuring tips and true stories from those looking for love online. Here's a bit more about the book:

Online matchmaking is the dating phenomenon of our times.

In 2007, 7.8 million Britons used some form of online dating service in pursuit of romance, and no fewer than one thousand people sign up to the Guardian dating service Soulmates every week.  

In fact, there is a 50:50 chance that any single person you know logs on to find love.

This book is a quirky guide to the world of online dating, showing you how to construct the perfect profile, giving tips on dating etiquette, and offering bags of advice to help you find the right match.  Along the way, you'll be treated to true stories of adventures in the online dating world that are witty, eye-opening, and, in places, toe-curlingly embarrassing or heart-warmingly touching.

Whether you're thinking of logging on to kick-start your love life or just to meet new people, or even if you simply want to find out a bit more about this fast-growing phenomenon, Soulmates will prove interesting - and enlightening - reading.

Review coming soon!
 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 19, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Living La Vida Loca

Belinda Jones is back with a new offering that's due for release later this year. Living La Vida Loca (love the cover!) will be available in June and seems like a fantastic summer read! Here's the synopsis:

Carmen has been feeling the need to break free for Too Darn Long. So when her equally frustrated friend Beth suggests the ultimate escape - dancing their way through a series of scorchingly-hot countries - she can't resist!

There's just one catch... they can only go on this adventure if they participate in a reality TV show, one intent on teaching them the mournful tango in Argentina, the feisty flamenco in Spain and the sassy, celebratory salsa in Cuba!

As they travel from Buenos Aires to Seville and ultimately steamy Havana, each dance has a profound effect on the girls - and indeed the sexy gauchos, matadors and dirty dancers who partner them...

But, when the sun goes down, do they have what it takes to go beyond the steps and free their hearts for love?

To read more about Belinda Jones and her books, head on over to her website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 19, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 18, 2010 11:55 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Carrie Diaries

Following Sex and the City and other bestselling novels (including Lipstick Jungle, One Fifth Avenue), Candace Bushnell is back with a book to make SATC fans rejoice - The Carrie Diaries. If you fancy reading all about the high school days of New York fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, then here's your chance!

The Carrie Diaries will be released in April 2010. Here's more abot the book.

Meet the teenage Carrie Bradshaw before 'Sex and the City!' Before Carrie Bradshaw became the queen of the New York City social scene, she was a regular girl growing up in the suburbs of Connecticut. How did she turn into one of the most-read social observers of our generation? THE CARRIE DIARIES opens in Carrie's senior year of high school. She and her best friends are inseparable -- and then Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture. Sebastian is a bad boy -- older, intriguing and unpredictable. Carrie falls into the relationship that she was always supposed to have in high school -- until a friend's betrayal makes her question everything. With her high school days coming to a close, Carrie will realise it's finally time to go after everything she ever wanted. Fans of SEX AND THE CITY will love seeing Carrie Bradshaw evolve from a regular girl into a sharp, insightful writer. And we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where the next CARRIE DIARIES book will take place. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 18, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Tease out in paperback

We loved Tease - the debut by UK burlesque star Immodesty Blaize - which has recently been released in paperback. The paperback edition has a lovely new (though just as sexy!) cover. Check it out!

Below is the synopsis for Tease, if you haven't read it already. (Click here for the review - I've tried not to spoil TOO much!)

Tiger Starr has risen from nothing to become burlesque's most sensational showgirl...She's bewitched an adoring public and media with her old school Hollywood glamour, hourglass curves and wickedly, sexy stage shows.

Tiger's life is a whirlwind of glamour, diamonds, celebrity parties and more than her fair share of suitors. She seems to finally have it all. But though she may have the talents to bring any man - or woman - to their knees, Tiger never lets her friends or lovers get too close. Only now, she's finally ready to take a chance on love...

But beneath all the glitz and the feathers, she's hiding more than her modesty. As she prepares for the most important show of her life, it seems somebody is intent on exposing the dark secrets of her carefully guarded past.

Unfortunately, there's more than one likely candidate. Is it one of Tiger's discarded lovers? A rival showgirl? Or even her jealous sister? As her world starts to unravel, Tiger will have to fight for survival, by delivering the performance of her life...

Click here to visit the website of Immodesty Blaize.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 18, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 15, 2010 12:30 AM

BOOK NEWS: A Mother's Guide to Cheating

I'm delighted to hear that Kate Long has an upcoming novel, having adored her previous books (Swallowing Grandma, The Bad Mother's Handbook, Queen Mum).

New offering A Mother's Guide to Cheating will be released on February 18th and I can't wait! (The cover reminds me of that of How to Kill Your Husband...or is it just me?) Here's the synopsis:

Carol married young -- to philandering Phil; and became a mother young -- to highly-strung Jaz. Carol put up with Phil's infidelities: suffer in silence and keep the family together was her mantra. Not so Jaz. The moment she discovers her own husband Ian's errant ways -- with a woman he barely knew -- she throws him out of the house, changes the locks and bans him from seeing their toddler son Matty. In so many ways independent and strong, where her daughter is concerned Carol is a coward. When Jaz finds out that her mother has enlisted the support of Ian's father David to try to get her back together with Ian, Jaz is beyond furious and disappears with Matty. With a deft lightness of touch -- and a dash of unexpected romance -- Kate Long takes us into the heart of this mixed-up but utterly recognisable family who fight for what they believe in, even if it puts the closest members on opposing sides.

You can read more about Kate and her books by visiting her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 15, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 14, 2010 12:03 AM

COVER NEWS: Foursome

Being a huge fan of Jane Fallon (Getting Rid of Matthew, Got You Back), I was delighted to hear a while back about her upcoming novel, Foursome. However, Chloe at Chick Lit Reviews recently alerted us to the cover change. Foursome now has an official cover (left), unlike the original (right). Personally? I much prefer the new one. It fits in perfectly with those of Jane's previous dark yet wonderfully written novels.

What do you think?

Here's the synopsis of Foursome, which is released in March:

Rebecca, Daniel, Alex and Isabel have been best friends since university. Rebecca married Daniel, Alex married Isabel and, for twenty years, they have been inseparable. But all that is about to change... When Alex walks out on Isabel, Rebecca thinks things can't get any worse. But then she finds out the reason why and she's left harbouring a secret she'd rather forget... And there's more upheaval to come in Rebecca's life as her emaciated, neurotic, self-obsessed colleague, Lorna - her arch nemesis at work - suddenly becomes a regular feature in her social life. Rebecca's once-happy foursome is now a distant memory and with hearts broken and friendships fractured, it seems that change is never a good thing. Or is it?

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 14, 2010 in Book News, Book covers, Books | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 13, 2010 10:06 PM

BOOK NEWS: A Friend of the Family

Here's another brand new release for February! Lauren Grodstein's novel A Friend of the Family is die for release on Feb 4th and looks like a great read. For more about the book, read on...

Sometimes the wrong decisions can be made for the right reasons ...Peter and Elaine Dizinoff have been friends with Joe and Iris Stern since medical school. Living the perfect life in a wealthy New Jersey neighbourhood, their children have grown up together and their lives are irrevocably intertwined. Until the Sterns are faced with a nightmare they could never have imagined - one that shatters the suburban idyll and forces both families to question everything they have ever believed in. In time, the fragments of their fractured existence knit together once more, but the echo of their heartbreak still lies below the surface. And just when the Sterns have a chance to come to terms with their tragedy, Peter makes a fatal error of judgement that sends shock waves through all their lives, testing their friendship to the very limits and threatening to destroy it for ever.

For more information about Lauren Grodstein and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 13, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Marian Keyes top seller in the top 100 paperbacks (2009)

Marian Keyes topped the list of the 100 bestselling paperbacks of 2009, it was revealed today.

According to The Bookseller, Marian's novel This Charming Man sold 490,770 copies. Fiction was the top selling genre of last year.

Read the full article here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 13, 2010 in Announcements, Book News, Marian Keyes | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 12, 2010 4:39 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Not-so-Secret Diary of a City Girl

Allie Spencer, author of Tug of Love (winner of the RNA New Writers' Award 2009) is back with another offering. The Not-so-Secret Diary of a City Girl. The novel sounds like a fantastic read, and will be available in April 2010 from Little Black Dress Books. Here's the synopsis:

Banking analyst Laura McGregor's electronic diary is full of things which definitely shouldn't be made public: musings on her lacklustre relationship with trader boyfriend Tom, disturbing irregularities in new boss Will's trading accounts, and the small matter of her attraction to gorgeous journalist Alex. So when the diary is accidentally uploaded on to the internet in blog form by clueless younger sister Mel, suddenly not only Laura, but her bank too, is facing meltdown and, even worse, Laura suspects Alex of using it as a scoop. Fighting to convince the world's media to believe her over Alex is one thing, but can Laura win the battle with her heart?

To read more about Allie and her books, visit her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 12, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 11, 2010 2:33 AM

BOOK NEWS: Magic Under Glass

It's evident already that the new year is proving to be fantastic in terms of new releases. Jaclyn Dolamore's novel, Magic Under Glass, is yet another brand new book that seems set to be great! Here's more information...

Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.

To read more from Jaclyn Dolamore, check out her blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 11, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 8, 2010 10:10 PM

New releases from Little Black Dress

It's the beginning of a new month, and Little Black Dress fans will be aware that with a new month comes MORE BOOK NEWS! Little Black Dress Books have two fab upcoming titles for February: Improper Relations by Janet Mullany and Sarah Monk's Bittersweet. Here's some more information...

Improper Relations
After losing best friend and distant cousin Ann Weller in marriage to the Earl of Beresford, sharp-witted Charlotte Hayden feels inclined to be even ruder than usual to potential suitors. But after a compromising liaison with Beresford's wicked, wayward cousin, Shad, she's suddenly propelled into a reluctant marriage, and finds herself missing Ann more than ever. But when Ann returns from her honeymoon, she drops a bombshell - not only is she not sure she loves Beresford, she's also had a child out of wedlock, and is planning to betray her husband with her former lover. Charlotte's realisation that she's falling in love with Shad only serves to make her dilemma even worse: should she keep Ann's secret, or tell her husband the truth?

Bittersweet
Nell and Ange have their whole lives mapped out with their fiancés - brothers Marcus and Justin. But when a trip to Prague goes pear-shaped, the plane brings them back down to earth with a bump. Desperate for a change of direction, Nell sacks off her job and her sorry excuse for a boyfriend, and sets off to see her much-loved Aunt in Cornwall with Ange in tow. The girls soon settle into village life - Nell opening up her own cake shop and Ange pulling pints (and men) as a buxom barmaid. But not everything in this quaint seaside town is quite what it seems...

Click here to visit the Little Black Dress website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 8, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: LA Candy: Sweet Little Lies

Those who watch MTV show The Hills should be aware of who Lauren Conrad is. As if being a TV star isn't enough, Lauren has penned two novels. LA Candy was released back in July of last year, and now the second book in the series, Sweet Little Lies, is due out in February.

I've not yet read LA Candy but am interested to know what it's like. I can only guess, what with the blurb stating it's about a reality show. (Well, write what you know...) Here's the synopsis of the upcoming LA Candy: Sweet Little Lies...

In TV star Lauren Conrad's deliciously entertaining novel about young Hollywood, the lies are only as sweet as the people telling them. Jane Roberts was the average girl next door until she and her best friend Scarlett Harp landed their own reality show, L.A. Candy. Suddenly they found themselves thrown into the public eye with VIP tickets to everything. But the starlets quickly discover that fame goes hand in hand with scandal when Jane finds herself the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. Even her relationship with Scarlett is threatened. Things go from bad to worse when Scarlett falls for a guy who is strictly off limits! In reality TV nothing stays secret for long and with all this drama L.A Candy's ratings rocket. The show is a bona fide hit - but can the girls stand another season in the spotlight?

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 8, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 7, 2010 12:43 AM

COVER NEWS: The Seven Secrets of Happiness

The Seven Secrets of Happiness by Sharon Owens was released today in paperback. The book, originally released in August last year, has had a drastic cover change (the updated, paperback cover is on the right.)

What do you think?

Here's the book synopsis for The Seven Secrets of Happiness:

Once upon a time Ruby O'Neill lived in her very own ivory tower (a beautiful little cottage) with her very own fairytale prince (her handsome husband Jonathan). She had roses round her door and her friends were never far away - life in her fairytale land was perfect. But grown-up fairy stories don't last forever and one dark night Ruby's life is smashed into a million pieces. With her castle in the air destroyed and her heart broken, she swears she will never love again. Yet guardian angels hide in the strangest places and from Ruby's darkest night, six magical secrets slowly emerge to show her life is for living and that tomorrow is not too late for love. But who is the mysterious stranger who holds the seventh secret, the hardest one to find? And is he the person who holds the ultimate secret, the key to Ruby's frozen heart?

You can read more about Sharon Owens here, or visit her blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 7, 2010 in Book News, Book covers, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

January 5, 2010 11:38 PM

Jessica Ruston in The Lady

Jessica Ruston, author of Luxury, is writing a weekly fiction serial for magazine The Lady. The first episode is now online.

Click here to read!

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 5, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEWS: Colm Toibin wins Costa Novel of the Year award

Irish author Colm Toibin has scooped the Costa novel of the year award. His novel Brooklyn, 'a sparely written account of a young woman's account of emigration from 1950s Ireland to New York', won the category prize and will now go ahead to compete in the overall Costa book prize.

As announced in th Guardian, the winner of the poetry category was Christopher Reid. Graham Farmelo took the biography award, Patrick Ness won in the children's category, and the first novel award was given to Raphael Selbourne.

Go here for the full article, or visit the Costa book awards website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 5, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 4, 2010 11:18 PM

COVER NEWS: Welcome to my World

Miranda Dickinson, author of Fairytale of New York, will return in 2010 with her second novel, Welcome to My World. Miranda recently posted the cover of her latest book on her blog, and here it is - we can't wait!

More info about the book will be posted as soon as we get it!

Fairytale of New York was released in November and made the longlist for the RNA's Romantic Novel of the Year Award. To read more about Miranda and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 4, 2010 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 1, 2010 11:37 PM

NEW YEAR READ: Up for Renewal

Posted by Elle Symonds on January 1, 2010 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

December 29, 2009 8:08 PM

BOOK NEWS: Playing the Field

I really enjoyed Zoe Foster's first novel, Air Kisses - and now the Australian author is back with a second book. Playing the Field is set for release in February 2010. (Thanks to Chicklit Club for this news.) Here's the synopsis:

Jean Bennett knows as much about football as she does astrophysics. But when she moves to the bright lights of Sydney and falls in love with a star footballer, Josh Fox, she has to learn - fast. Thrown eyelashes first into the world of WAGs, Jean is way out of her league. She navigates her way through semi-finals, a gruelling social calendar and salacious scandals on Josh's arm, safe in the knowledge he belongs to her or so she thinks. But as her hair gets blonder, her heels higher and her tops lower, Jean begins to wonder who she's become.

Click here to check out Zoe Foster's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 29, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

NEWS: Channel 4's new Book Show revealed

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 29, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 28, 2009 11:20 PM

NEWS: Author threatens reviewers with FBI on Amazon (wtf?)

Obviously book reviewers speak their minds (ahem), and for authors, a negative review on Amazon can't be a particularly nice thing. However, when most take the criticism the mature way and put it down to the fact that you simply can't please everyone, others are...well, NOT so grown up about it.

Romance author Candace Sams made the news this week when she threatened to report unhappy reviewers to the FBI via Amazon. Yes, really.

According to The Bookseller, after a site user dubbed her book (Electra Galaxy's Mr Interstellar Fella), 'a sad excuse for romance, mystery and humour', Sams took to the forum under a different name and started the heated discussion, which gained more than 400 posts.

Sams said: "Authors rarely have full editorial control; rarely do they have even 'scant' control over their covers or the language used in dialogue or even sequencing of scenes: love scenes, kissing scenes, scenes of violence, etc. These are ultimately controlled by editorial staff...very rarely the author alone."

"It might behoove them to understand that all romances will not read they way they think they should; romances should 'not' be cookie-cutters of one another. This has been the biggest complaint about romance on the whole - that they all sound alike. Apparently 'some' reviewers 'want' them to sound alike. When they don't, they aren't able to handle the material."

Needless to say, the comments were later deleted (but worry not! You can take a lookie over here...).

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 28, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Girl in a Spin

Clodagh Murphy, whose novel The Disengagement Ring was released earlier this year, is back with another book. Girl in a Spin will be published by Hachette in May 2010. Here's some more info about the book:

On the run from an unhappy childhood, Jenny Hannigan is a rootless party girl with a murky past and an uncertain future. But all she secretly craves is a life of domestic bliss and solid respectability,

So when she crashes into the arms of Richard Allam - the young, handsome, recently separated leader of the Conservative Party, hotly tipped to lead them to victory in the upcoming election - she thinks she's found exactly what she was looking for.

But Jenny isn't exactly perfect PM's wife material and Richard recruits publicist extraordinaire, Dev Tennant as the Conservative Party's spin doctor in the run-up to the election. His brief is to 'spin' Jenny to the Party and the public.

But Jenny is a girl with a lot of skeletons in her closet, and as the election campaign gains momentum, someone is working overtime to ensure that every one of those skeletons gets its very own public parade.

As Jenny's life starts to spin out of control, suddenly, she isn't sure what she wants anymore . . .

Read more about Clodagh Murphy at her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 28, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 25, 2009 2:35 AM

And the Christmas number one is...

...Dan Brown! (Yep, here's one site that's NOT joining in with the whole X Factor/RATM chart debate, however fun it was...)

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol is currently number one in the book charts, having sold 58,468 copies this week. According to The Bookseller, Brown's book sold 2,546 more copies than Guiness World Records 2010, which came second place.

The Lost Symbol has now sold 1,222,780 to date - thus smashing the hardback fiction record. Last year, JK Rowling's Tales of Beedle The Bard gained the top spot in the book charts.

Here's the UK Christmas top ten, from The Independent:

1. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
2. Guinness World Records 2010
3. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
4. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
5. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
6. Where's Stig?
7. Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
8. Delia's Happy Christmas by Delia Smith
9. Ooh! What a Lovely Pair by Ant and Dec
10. My Sh** Life So Far by Frankie Boyle

　

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 25, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 24, 2009 7:41 PM

BOOK NEWS: Meg Cabot's Runaway

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 24, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

CHRISTMAS READ: I Am Scrooge

So far we've seen Jane Austen's world attacked by zombies (ans sea monsters!), and even Queen Victoria has been given the undead treatment. Just when you thought it couldn't happen again, here comes another zombie take on a classic. And just in time for Christmas, too.

I Am Scrooge: A Zombie Story for Christmas by Adam Roberts was released in October by publisher Gollancz and, as you've probably guessed, tranforms the Victorian world of Charles Dickens' Scrooge into...well, a zombie-ridden tale of gore. Here's some more info!

Marley was dead. Again. The legendary Ebenezeer Scrooge sits in his house counting money. The boards that he has nailed up over the doors and the windows shudder and shake under the blows from the endless zombie hordes that crowd the streets hungering for his flesh and his miserly braaaaiiiiiinns! Just how did the happiest day of the year slip into a welter of blood, innards and shambling, ravenous undead on the snowy streets of old London town? Will the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future be able to stop the world from drowning under a top-hatted and crinolined zombie horde? Was Tiny Tim's illness something infinitely more sinister than mere rickets and consumption? Can Scrooge be persuaded to go back to his evil ways, travel back to Christmas past and destroy the brain stem of the tiny, irritatingly cheery Patient Zero? It's the Dickensian Zombie Apocalypse - God Bless us, one and all!

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 24, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 23, 2009 11:35 AM

BOOK NEWS: Just Like Me, Only Better

I just can't wait to read Carol Snow's latest novel, Just Like Me, Only Better. Carol's previous books include Been There, Done That and Here Today, Gone to Maui. Just Like Me, Only Better focuses on Veronica, who is constantly mistaken for a Hollywood A-lister and embarks on a whole new life when offered a job as a celebrity double.

The book is due for release in April 2010. An excerpt of the book is available on Carol Snow's website (warning: you'll be hooked!) For now, here's the synopsis...

Ever since Veronica's husband found the love of his life--and it turned out not to be her--she's been a mess. It doesn't help that she keeps getting mistaken for Haley Rush--the Hollywood starlet whose dazzling life is plastered on every magazine at the checkout line of her suburban California grocery store.

So when Haley's manager offers Veronica a job as a celebrity double, it only takes a moment for the shock to pass before she says yes. Is it a fantasy come true or a disaster in disguise?

For more information about Carol and her books, head over to her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 23, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 22, 2009 7:36 PM

NEWS: Cally Taylor in Writers' Forum

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 22, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 21, 2009 8:51 PM

BOOK NEWS: Katy Carter Wants a Hero

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 21, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 18, 2009 6:27 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Revenge of Lady Muck

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 17, 2009 7:30 PM

BOOK NEWS: Temptation

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 17, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 16, 2009 1:37 AM

COMPETITION: Win a copy of The Dating Detox

The Dating Detox, the debut novel from Gemma Burgess, will be released in late December. (I'm currently reading this and can't put it down!) Here's a little bit more about this fantastic book:

If you can't date anyone nice, don't date anyone at all.

Dating is a dangerous sport. So after her sixth successive failed relationship, romantically-challenged 20-something Sass decides she's had enough. The Dating Detox is born. No men, no break-ups, no problem.

The result? Her life - usually joyfully/traumatically occupied with dates, clothes and vodka - is finally easy. Chastity rocks. No wonder nuns are always singing. Everything falls at her feet. Especially men.

Will Sass break the rules? Why does fate keep throwing her in the path of the irritatingly amusing Jake? Will she ever roll the dice and play again? Or is a love-free life too good to risk losing? For the post-Carrie Bradshaw, post-Bridget Jones, post-credit crunch generation of singles, life isn't beautiful, a bitch, or a beach. It's a party.

We have three copies of The Dating Detox up for grabs, and to be in with a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below. However, don't forget to leave your email address so that we can contact you if you're a winner.

Good luck!

For more information about Gemma and The Dating Detox, visit Gemma's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 16, 2009 in Book News, Competition | Permalink | Comments (21)

BOOK NEWS: Love in Mid Air

Kim Wright is set to make her debut next year, with her novel Love in Mid Air. The book is due for release in March next year, from Grand Central Publishing. Here's a bit more about the book...

A chance encounter with a stranger in an airplane sends Elyse Bearden into an emotional tailspin. Suddenly, Elyse is willing to risk everything: her safe but stale marriage, her seemingly perfect life in an affluent Southern suburb, and her position in the church. As Elyse embarks on a risky affair, her longtime friend Kelly and the other women in their book club begin to question their own decisions about love, sex, marriage, and freedom. In the end it will take an extraordinary leap of faith for Elyse to find--and follow--her own path to happiness.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 16, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Canongate and Walker set up YA imprint

Canongate books, the publisher who brought us Kelly Link's spooky short story collection Pretty Monsters, as well as Anne Donovan's beautifully written Buddha Da, have teamed up with Walker books in order to create a young adult imprint.

Walker Canongate will launch in July, with titles, according to The Bookseller, 'abridged for the YA market'. The books will be represented and marketed via Walker.

To read the full article, click here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 16, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 15, 2009 11:11 PM

BOOK NEWS: Waking up in the Land of Glitter

Artist Kathy Cano-Murillo, who runs art and craft website CraftyChica, has penned a novel that's due for release next year. Kathy has written a variety of craft books, including Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing and The Crafry Diva's DIY Style Book, and now she's turned to fiction! Waking Up in the Land of Glitter will be available in March 2010. Here's some more information...

Struggling domestic-goddess-in-training Ofy is determined to turn heads at this year's International CraftOlympics. To do that, she'll need the help of her best friend, Star. Considering herself a serious artist, Star is hesitant, but finally agrees to help as a way to end her own creative slump. Truthfully she thinks Ofy is a little loca about the whole craft thing - and about her idol: Local TV personality, Crafty Chloe. Star doesn't trust the bottle-blonde, even after she becomes part of their crafting team. As the competition heats up, Star will learn Chloe's dirty little secret, why crafting means so much to Ofy, and that beauty, art, and creativity can take many more forms than a canvas hanging in a gallery.

To read more about Kathy and her books (and to check out some wonderful craft projects!), check out CraftyChica.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 15, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Romantic Novel of the Year Award nominations

The Romantic Novel of the Year Award longlist for 2010 has been announced! The award, run by the Romantic Novelists' Association, is in it's 50th year, and the latest list includes books from Lindsay Kelk and Louise Bagshawe. Twenty novels were selected from the one hundred and fifty eight submitted, from twenty-four publishers.

The shortlist of six books will be announced on 11th February, and the overall winner will be announced on March 16th in London.

The list includes novels from Louise Bagshawe (Passion), Lindsay Kelk (I Heart New York), Linda Green (10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love), Lucy Dillon (Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts) and Sarah Duncan (A Single to Rome).

The judges are Sharon Gurney (Sainsbury's Senior Book Buyer), author and journalist Alyson Rudd, and Moira Briggs, from book website Vulpes Libris.

To find out who else is on the longlist, click here to visit the RNA website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 15, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 14, 2009 10:55 PM

BOOK NEWS: Things I Wish I'd Known

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 14, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

NEWS: Richard and Judy launch their own book club

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan will soon be launching their own book club, following news that Channel 4 will be launching a new show...without them.

According to the Telegraph, Richard and Judy will be launcing their own club, which will be promoted on their website and in magazine columns.

Said Richard: "We should see the first of our recommended reads in bookshops next year. All copies will be clearly marked as recommended by us and prominently featured in bookshops all over the country."

The couple decided to launch their own club after their former Channel 4 producer Amanda Ross announced that she was launching TV Book Club - a new show comprising of famous names including Jo Brand, Gok Wan and Laila Rouass. The show is due to begin next month on More4.

Amanda Ross said: We're thrilled to be bringing the Book Club back and to have a home on More4," said Ross, who is the sister-in-law of Jonathan Ross. "Publishers, libraries and retailers have all provided invaluable support, which is set to continue to create a whole new wave of star authors."

Well, bring it on...

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 14, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 11, 2009 12:39 AM

Zombie chick-lit: It's already started...

Following the vampire fad that doesn't seem to be going away, zombies seem to be cropping up and becoming quite popular. (Heck, they even made it into Jane Austen's world!) It's only a matter of time before zombies start edging their way towards chicklit - and it's already been done in YA. Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby was released in March 2009. Here's more about the book:

Quiet, unpopular, non-cheerleading Mia is blissfully happy. Rob-super hot football god-has asked her to prom! Life couldn't get any better. Enter Samantha -cheerleader queen and Miss Popularity-who has made it quite clear that Rob should be her prom date. Mia is desperate to make sure she doesn't end up dumped in front of the whole school. So with prom in just a few days, she turns to Candice-her holistic, hypochondriac best friend-and decides to try a love spell to make Rob stay with her. Unfortunately, she ends up inflicting a zombie virus on her whole class instead, and she is their zombie leader! At first she loves all the attention. But when she learns from zombie hunter hottie Chase that her classmates will actually try to eat her in a few days, she's not too thrilled. She's sure she and Chase can figure something out, but in the meantime, she's suggesting that no one wear white to prom, because things could get very messy.

To read an excerpt of the book, check out Amanda's website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 10, 2009 12:12 AM

BOOK NEWS: Daughters of the Witching Hill

Daughters of the Witching Hill, the new novel by Mary Sharratt, is due for release in April next year. I've been sent a copy of this book and can't wait to read it, so watch this space for a review very shortly! Here's some more information about the book.

Bess Southerns, an impoverished widow living in Pendle Forest, is haunted by visions and gains a reputation as a cunning woman. Drawing on the Catholic folk magic of her youth, Bess heals the sick and foretells the future. As she ages, she instructs her granddaughter, Alizon, in her craft, as well as her best friend, who ultimately turns to dark magic.

When a peddler suffers a stroke after exchanging harsh words with Alizon, a local magistrate, eager to make his name as a witch finder, plays neighbors and family members against one another until suspicion and paranoia reach frenzied heights.
 
Sharratt interweaves well-researched historical details of the 1612 Pendle witch-hunt with a beautifully imagined story of strong women, family, and betrayal. Daughters of Witching Hill is a powerful novel of intrigue and revelation.

For more information, head on over to Mary Sharratt's website, where she is interviewed about Daughters of the Witching Hill.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 10, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 8, 2009 11:21 PM

YAY OR NAY? Celebrity memoirs

Christmas time is almost upon us; a time of festive cheer, mince pies, hectic rounds of shopping...and of course, celebrity memoirs. Not a year goes by without celebrities pushing forth a plethora of autobiographies, but is it getting tiresome?

When Katie Price (aka Jordan, not that you needed reminding!) was caught trying to hide the discount sticker on her new style guide, Standing Out, as soon as it was released, this posed the question - are readers still interested in celebrity memoirs?

Autumn sees an array of books from celebs, all ready to be purchased for the Christmas period. But according to the Independent, literary agents have branded this season 'disastrous' for celebrity memoirs, and UK publisher Hachette will be cutting back on the celeb books it usually takes on. The article also states that 'he total value of hardback celebrity titles in the top 50 this year is, so far, £3.3m a significant decrease on 2008's figure of £4.6m.'

Ouch.

And Curtis Brown's cheif executive Jonathan Lloyd said that such books 'lacked the sensational factor.'  He said: 'In the end, you can't fool the public. They expect to have the real book and the majority of offers this autumn are not real books, certainly not 'must-haves.'

Memoirs took over the book charts last year, but now? They're seemingly not so sought-after. Jordan's Standing Out is currently number 50 on Neilson's BookScan. Other celebrity offerings this year include Ant & Dec's Ooh, What a Lovely Pair! Peter Kay's Saturday Night Peter, My Sh*t Life So Far by Frankie Boyle and JLS - Our Story So Far.

What are your thoughts on celeb memoirs? Are you a fan, or fed up? Leave a comment and let us know.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 8, 2009 in Book News, Yay or Nay, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Insatiable

Older fans of Meg Cabot can finally rejoice, as Meg's latest adult novel, Insatiable, is due for release in June 2010 by publisher William Morrow. This time she's taking on vampire lit - a world away from her usual adult novels (including the light and funny Heather Wells series and Queen of Babble). Interesting! Here's the synopsis (from ChickLitClub).

Sick of vampires? So is Meena Harper. But her boss is making her write about them anyway, even though Meena doesn't believe in them. Not that Meena isn't familiar with the supernatural. See, Meena Harper knows how you're going to die (not that you're going to believe her; no one ever does). But not even Meena's precognition can prepare her for what happens when she meets - then makes the mistake of falling in love with - Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince with a bit of a dark side . . . a dark side a lot of people, like an ancient society of vampire-hunters, would prefer to see him dead for. The problem is, he already is dead. Maybe that's why he's the first guy Meena's ever met that she could see herself having a future with. See, while Meena's always been able to see everyone else's future, she's never been able look into her own. And while Lucien seems like everything Meena has ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, he might turn out to be more like a nightmare. Now might be a good time for Meena to start learning to predict her own future . . . If she even has one.

 

Head on over to Meg Cabot's website to find out more about her books (and to read her hilarious blog!)

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 8, 2009 in Book News, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (1)

December 7, 2009 7:20 PM

Kate Clanchy wins BBC Short Story Award

Following the news of the all-female shortlist of the BBC National Short Story Award, the winner of the contest (and £15,000 prize!) was revealed yesterday.

Kate Clanchy scooped the prize with her short story The Not-Dead and the Saved - the third piece of short fiction she has written. Click here for the full article.

Also in the Guardian, Sam Jordison is in search of the worst books of the decade. What were yours?

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 7, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: The Death of Bridezilla

There are plenty of new reads coming up in the New Year, including Lindsay Kelk's I Heart Hollywood, Coming Home by Melanie Rose, and Mink Elliott's The Pissed-Off Parents Club. However, there's another new novel heading our way in January that seems like a great read (if not a little sinister!). The Death of Bridezilla by Laurie Brown (author of What Would Jane Austen Do?) is due for release on January 21st. Here's the synopsis...

After the collapse of her wedding-planning business, Caroline Tucker returns to her childhood New Mexico home, hoping to leave recent troubles behind her. But then she agrees to help organise her cousin's wedding, and it's not long before her frustration levels with the hellish Barbara reach breaking point. Driving through a local beauty spot the morning of the wedding, Caroline is shocked to discover the tangled pink mess of Barbara's car, and even more so when she's arrested for her murder. Suddenly she finds herself face-to-face with Sheriff Travis Beaumont, the ruggedly handsome cop who also happens to be her ex-husband. Caroline had hoped she'd never see Travis again; now she'll have to find a way of working closely with him to have any chance of proving her innocence...

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 7, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 3, 2009 10:08 PM

December releases from Little Black Dress

It's the beginning of a new month, which means some fab new books from Little Black Dress! December sees the release of two new titles - A Date in Your Diary by Jules Stanbridge (out on December 10)  and Talk of the Town (out December 24) by Suzanne Macpherson. For more about these new novels, read on...

A Date in Your Diary

How far would you go to find the perfect date?  
 
Harriet Peel knows what's hot and what's definitely not. As the 'what's on' writer for her local magazine, it's her job. Her own social life, however, is teetering on the verge of non-existence. With the last of her friends tying the knot and the threat of being replaced at work by some annoying London 'it' girl, it's time for drastic action. Determined to find the ideal partner to take to the wedding, Harriet decides to register on a dating website. And when the resulting liaisons turn into experiences worth writing about, she suddenly finds herself the unwitting star of a hugely popular new column. Will her newly acquired social status as a minor celebrity help in her quest or is she destined to go to the wedding alone... again?

Talk of the Town

Kelly Atwood thought she'd found Mr Right, so when she discovers her new husband has a heavy-duty sideline in drug smuggling on her wedding day, she doesn't think twice about punching him in the nose and fleeing to the small town of Paradise, Washington, where she immediately gets gorgeous upright attorney and local hero Sam Grayson feeling hot under his stiff collar. Unfortunately, the one thing Kelly hasn't realised is that she inadvertently took off with a suitcase stuffed full of money that isn't hers, and now there are some decidedly dodgy characters hot on her stiletto heels, determined to get it back... Sizzling hot passion and dangerous pursuits can only mean one thing - there's going to be big trouble in Paradise.

To find out more, check out the Little Black Dress website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 3, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

December 1, 2009 11:47 PM

All-female shortlist for National Short Story Award

A BBC short story competition has five shortlisted writers - and all are female.

The winner National Short Story Awards, one of the most prestigious for a short story contest according to the BBC, will be revealed on December 7th, on Radio 4's Front Row programme.

The shortlisted authors are Naomi Alderman for her story Other People's Gods, Kate Clanchy for The Not-Dead and The Saved, Sara Maitland for Moss Witch, Jane Rogers for Hitting Trees with Sticks, and Lionel Shriver for Exchange Rates.

The winner will receive a £15,000 prize, with the runner-up gaining £3,000. The shortlist was chosen from more than 600 entries.

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 1, 2009 in Book News, Short Story Collections | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: The Optimist

Right now, Christmas is almost here, and aside from the manic Christmas shopping run and the prospect of cooking huge dinners, the festive season is usually a cheery one, right? But what about January? When it's all over - when the turkey and trimmings are long gone and replaced with the new-year blues? Laurence Shorter possibly has the answer, in his new book, The Optimist.

The Optimist will be released by Canongate on January 22nd, and I can't wait to read it. Here's more info:

When it comes to bad news, we've never had it so good. Today we face a greater range of potential disasters than ever before. Laurence Shorter is feeling anxious. Every time he turns on the radio or opens a newspaper he finds another reason to be tearful. It's time to make a change. "The Optimist" charts Laurence's quest for inner happiness. Can Desmond Tutu bring a smile to Laurence's face? Will he ride out the tide of pessimism with California's famous Surfing Rabbi? Or will it fall to the ultimate icon of optimism, Bill Clinton, to show Laurence the brighter side of life?

Posted by Elle Symonds on December 1, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 27, 2009 9:04 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Expat Diaries

The Expat Diaries by Michele Gorman is due for release next year, and I have to say, it looks fantastic! The book will hit the shelves in April 2010 (love the tagline - One girl, one city, one disaster waiting to happen.) Here's some more info from Michele's site:

What happens when you take one 26-year-old America, add to one 2,000 year old city, add a big dose of culture clash and stir? Hannah Cumming and the population of London are about to find out.

How is Hannah to know that there's a special technique to crossing the street or riding a bus, or that words like tomato will elicit snide elocution lessions from the locals? Hannah lands alone in London only to find that she is totally ill-equipped to live there. Not that a complete lack of forethought has ever stopped her before. She charges headlong into London life, perplexing its residents with continual faux pas and cultural misunderstandings in her pursuit of a new life, new love and sense of herself.

To find out more, head on over to Michele Gorman's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 27, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 25, 2009 1:52 PM

NEW RELEASE: Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts

Following her debut novel The Ballroom Class, Lucy Dillon is back with another new release, and we don't have long to wait! Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts is due out on November 26th (tomorrow!) by Hodder and looks like a promising read. Here's some more info...

When the abandoned strays from a local dogs' home are matched with brand new owners, it turns out it might not just be the dogs who need rescuing.

Rachel's aunt has left her a house, a Border Collie and, despite knowing nothing about dogs, a crowded kennels. But since her life has collapsed she's not sure she can deal with any more lost souls.

Zoe's ex-husband has given their children a puppy. The kids are in love, but she's the one stuck training Toffee the impossible Labrador. She's nearly at the end of her tether - until Toffee leads her to a handsome doctor...

Meanwhile Natalie and Johnny's marriage hasn't been easy since they started trying for a baby. But is a fridge-raiding, sofa-stealing Basset hound like Bertie really the child substitute they're looking for?

As the new owners' paths cross on the town's dog-walking circuits, their lives become interwoven. And they - and their dogs - learn some important lessons about loyalty, companionship and unconditional love...

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 25, 2009 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 23, 2009 9:04 PM

BOOK NEWS: Tangled

The latest novel from YA author Carolyn Mackler will be released at the end of this month. Tangled is out on December 29th from HarperTeen and is set to be a good read for the young adult fans among us! Here's the info...

Paradise wasn't supposed to suck.

Not the state of being, but a resort in the Caribbean. Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all there for different reasons, but at Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Paradise will change them all.

It will change Jena, whose first brush with romance takes her that much closer to having a life, and not just reading about those infinitely cooler and more exciting. It will change Dakota, who needs the devastating truth about his past to make him realize that he doesn't have to be a jerk just because people think he's one. It will change Skye, a heartbreakingly beautiful actress, who must come to terms with the fact that for once she has to stop playing a role or face the consequences. And it will change Owen, who has never risked anything before and who will take the leap from his online life to a real one all because of a girl he met at Paradise....

From confused to confident and back again, one thing's certain: Four months after it all begins, none of them will ever be the same.

For more info about Carolyn Mackler and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 23, 2009 in Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 20, 2009 11:26 PM

BOOK NEWS: How to Date a Vampire

Following on from the Twilight movie news, here's another title for the vampire lovers among us! How to Date a Vampire by Sophie Collins, a young adult romance, is due for release on November 23rd. Here's some more information:

This is a fantastic magazine-style guide to romance for young teens...with a twist! For any girl looking for a boy who's more Cullen than caveman, this book is your helping hand to a happy ending. A vampire boy is smart, he's sexy, and he's waiting to discover someone a little bit different; so use this little lifesaver to show him what's so special about you and set his pulse (if he had one) racing. Of course, if like Bella or Buffy, the man of your dreams is more than just a high school crush, you won't find help in the problem pages. Luckily for you, this book is packed full of quizzes, charts and failsafe advice, from finding out if the guy giving you sleepless nights is a real vamp or a fanged faker, to great date ideas that don't involve Type-O milkshakes. With space to write about your own close encounters, plus style advice and beauty tips that are sure to slay him on sight, this is the only guide you'll ever need to spotting a vampire and knocking him (un)dead.

(Note: Whilst searchng for more info about this, I came across a real guide to dating a vampire on eHow. Yes, really. Would still advise checking out the book, though.)

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 20, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 19, 2009 9:51 PM

BOOK NEWS: How to be Married

Polly Williams, author of A Good Girl Comes Undone and The Rise and Fall of a Yummy Mummy, is back with a new offering that's out next year. How to be Married will be published by Headline in March 2010. Want to know more?

Domestic goddess? Yummy mummy? Having it all? It's impossible.

It's hard to be a woman. It's even harder to be a wife...

Sadie Drew thinks she must be the world's worst wife. She only needs to walk into a room to make it untidy. She wears flannel pyjamas in bed. She can't cook. Furry things live in her fridge. But she's a busy, working mother not a wifebot, and her husband Tom loves her as she is. Until he gets a new, high-pressure job and things start to change.

There are his colleagues' terrifying uber-wives to entertain. Tom works later and later. Then there are the endless rows, and the smell of another woman's perfume on his suit. Sadie has a choice: risk losing everything or transform herself into the perfect wife.

What is a perfect wife anyway?

Check out Polly's website for more information. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 19, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 18, 2009 5:43 PM

BOOK NEWS: Crystal Clear

Here's yet another exciting release coming soon from Little Black Dress Books. Crystal Clear by comedy roance writer Nell Dixon will be published in January 2010. Here's the info:

For years Zee has tried to ignore her real name (who calls their kid Azure Dawn?) and her mother Marla's alternative lifestyle. A million miles away from all that new-age nonsense, she's got a reliable teaching job, a perfect life plan and sensible accountant Simon for a fiancé. But when Marla gets sick, the foundations of Zee's rock-steady world are seriously shaken. Soon she's back home, in touch with the boy who broke her heart and even being sucked into one of her mum's hare-brained schemes. What about Zee's plans for the future? Could they ever include a free-spirit from her past?

Head on over to Nell's website for more information about her books, writing tips, and to read an extract from Crystal Clear.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: The Loving Kind

Sarah Webb's latest novel will be reaching us next year. The book, by the author of Take a Chance and When the Boys are Away, is called The Loving Kind and is published in February 2010. Here's a little bit more about the book:

Romance writer, Libby Small, has just been dumped. By her agent, her publisher and now her husband and she's finally had enough. So she's over the moon when she's given the opportunity to ghostwrite a novel for ex Miss Ireland, Lulubelle Ryan. Particularly as it means travelling around the world as part of Lulubelle's entourage. Two months to write a raunchy bonk buster set in the glitzy world of modelling should be easy - right? Wrong! Especially when it becomes very clear to Libby that the story behind this book is very close to Lulubelle's heart for a reason. There are some benefits though - and Lulubelle's handsome and enigmatic manager, Leo, is certainly part of the attraction - if only Libby could forget about her other male addiction.

For more info about Sarah Webb and her work, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 16, 2009 5:32 PM

Stephanie Meyer 'burned out' on vampires?

We didn't think we would hear it, but Twilight novelist Stephanie Meyer has admitted she's 'a little burned out on vampires right now' and needs a break.

Meyer, author of the Twilight series which has now sold more than 70m copies across the globe (the latest movie adaptation, New Moon, is released in cinemas on November 20) said on the Oprah Winfrey Show that she had no plans as yet to return to the saga of Bella and Edward. Also, she stated that her next would would most likely be a follow-up to The Host - Meyer's adult book.

Meyer said: "I have another book that's kind of been itching in the back of my brain, that's completely unrelated, totally fantasy. So fantasy it'll have a map in the front - that's always the judge, right?"

And according to the Guardian, Meyer is currently unsure of whether to return to Midnight Sun - a book which tells the Twilight story from Edward's point of view. However, the book was put on hold due to an unfinished draft being leaked online. Said Meyer: "I need to feel alone with something to be able to write it and I do not feel alone with that manuscript at this point. So many people have chimed in on it. I'm over the shock of it but not over the feeling that everyone's involved now, and it doesn't feel like mine so much anymore. I 'm hoping that with a little time, time to write something else, get my head out of it for a while ... it's so clear in my head, I'd like to go back to it."

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 16, 2009 in Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 13, 2009 11:03 PM

The Telegraph's '100 Books that Defined the Noughties'

It's safe to say that the past decade has brought forth some brilliant books in all genres, from Dan Brown to Zadie Smith. It comes as no surprise that JK Rowling's 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' has reached number one on the list, but what about the rest?

 

The Telegraph's '100 Books that Defined the Noughties' list is up, and details the most memorable and popular books of the past ten years. As we head into 2010 (and now doubt look forward to what the future of publishing has to offer), it's nice to have a look back at what made the bestseller lists previously.

 

Titles on the list include blogger Belle du Jour's explicit memoir The Intimate Adventures of a London Call Girl, Donna Tartt's The Little Friend, and Audrey Niffenegger's bestseller The Time Traveller's Wife, which was later adapted into a movie. Also included is Alice Sebold's beautiful novel The Lovely Bones, which tells the tale of murdered teenager Susie Salmon, who watches over her family in heaven. (Also soon to be on the big screen).

 

Not surprisingly, Twilight by Stephanie Meyer makes the list, as does Brick Lane by Monica Ali and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code.

 

Take a look at the list for yourself at the Daily Telegraph.

 

How many books on the list have YOU read?

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 13, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 12, 2009 11:22 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Good, the Bad and the Dumped

Jenny Colgan fans will be pleased to hear that the author's latest novel - The Good, the Bad and the Dumped - will be released next year. The next offering from Jenny, who has brought us such reads as Do You Remember the First Time? and Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend, is out in April 2010. Here's the blurb:

Posy is delighted when Matt proposes - on top of a mountain, in a gale, in full-on romantic mode. But the next morning disaster strikes: he backs out of the engagement. Crushed and humiliated, Posy starts thinking. Why has her love life always, ALWAYS ended in total disaster? Determined to discover how she got to this point, Posy resolves to track down her exes ...Is there hope for Matt, or will she fall back in love with an old flame? What about Lord Voldemort, the old boyfriend that cannot be named? And could Posy face up to the idea that, actually, one day she could live life on her own terms?

For more information, check out Jenny Colgan's website. 

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 12, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 11, 2009 10:58 PM

BOOK NEWS: A Bed of Roses

The latest novel from Nora Roberts is due for release next year. A Bed of Roses, the next book in the Bride Quartet series, will be available in paperback from 29th April 2010. Here's a bit more about the book:

Emmaline Grant has always loved romance, so it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. And she gets to work with her best friends Mackensie, Parker and Laurel - she couldn't ask for a better job. Yet while men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr Right. But the last place Emma's looking is right under her nose. And that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's been best friends with Parker's brother for years, which makes him practically family. Now the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship, and when she returns his passion - kiss for blistering kiss - things start to get complicated. Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love affair. And if the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history - and in their hearts...

To find out more about Nora Roberts and her books, take a look at Nora's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Coming Home

Melanie Rose, author of Could it Be Magic, is back with another novel. Coming Home is due for release fro HarperCollins in January 2010. Here's the blurb:

Ever experienced deja vu? An enchanting and magical novel from the author of Could It Be Magic? A freak snowstorm leaves a young woman unconscious and stranded. Coming to, she has no recollection of who she is or how she happened to be stuck in the middle of unfamiliar countryside. All she recalls is the warm arms of a passing stranger coming to her rescue and carrying her to safety! She awakes in an idyllic country cottage, a cottage belonging to Vincent, a recently widowed city banker who uses it as his rural getaway. Dashing and polite, the woman can't think of a better knight in shining armour. While the housekeeper isn't best pleased abut her arrival, Vincent's six-year-old daughter Jadie, can hardly contain her excitement, chattering away excitedly. Trouble is, she's been mute for the past two years! As she struggles with flashbacks to her past, memories come back to the woman which aren't her own, bringing with them a stream of questions. What secrets does Vincent hide? Why has Jadie being silent for so long? Will she ever discover her true identity? Or is she, as Jadie believes, an angel come to save them all? An enchanting and magical novel about forgotten lives and second chances.

Visit the site of Melanie Rose to learn more about Melanie and her books.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 10, 2009 2:22 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Dresskeeper

Prospera Publishing (who brought us the hilarious Naked in Knightsbridge) have another new novel heading our way. The Dresskeeper is a young adult novel by Mary Naylus, and it's out on November 30th. Here's a little bit more about the book:

When Picky's Mum forces her to look after Gran, who has dementia, Picky is accidentally transported back to the year 1685, where a man in a wig insists she is someone called Amelia and tries to kill her. Managing to get the dress off just in time, Picky returns to the present with the dress covered in blood. Who is Amelia? Is she dead? Will wearing the other dresses in the chest take Picky back in time too? And does she dare put herself in danger again?

To find out more about The Dresskeeper, visit the Prospera website - where you can also download a sneak peek!

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 10, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 6, 2009 1:06 AM

BOOK NEWS: Unbelievable

The latest novel from Sara Shepard - titled All the Things We Didn't Say - is now available. However, Sara's back with the latest tale from her Pretty Little Liars series, the first of which I thoroughly enjoyed (I have yet to read the others!)

Sara's next offering is called Unbelievable and is due for release in early December. Here's some more information:

In Rosewood, where the air smells like apples and Chanel No. 5, nothing is as it seems. Five best friends once shared everything - even their deepest, darkest secrets. Back then for Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily it was a dream come true ...until Alison, the most beautiful of them all, suddenly vanished. Now someone named A has turned their charmed lives into a living nightmare. With A's threats turning dangerous and Ali's killer still on the loose, the girls must uncover the truth, but will it bring an end to the horror ...or is this just the beginning?

You can read more about the Pretty Little Liars series on the official website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 6, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 5, 2009 12:27 AM

RE-RELEASE: Boys That Bite

Of course, vampire fiction is seemingly the 'in thing' at this moment in time. (I love it, The shame!) So it was interesting to see the book trailer for Boys That Bite, Mari Mancusi's Blood Coven novel.

Boys That Bite is the first novel in the series, and it's just been re-released (with a gorgeous cover, I might add!) Here's some more about the book:

Technically Sunshine can't get killed-because she's immortal. Well, not quite yet. Due to the worst case of mistaken identity with her dark-side-loving twin sister at a Goth club called Club Fang, Magnus, a vampire hottie, went for Sunshine's innocent neck. Now if she doesn't reverse it in time, Magnus will be her blood mate forever and she's doomed to be a blood-gulping, pasty, daylight-hating vampire. That would seriously bite.

And now, after the unfortunate slaying of the vampire leader, Sunshine, her sister Rayne, and Magnus must find the one thing that can solve her problem: the Holy Grail. They wish it were a joke but it's not. It's absolutely necessary that Sunshine gets out of this in time, because somehow she scored the hottest prom date in her school, the mouth-watering Jake Wilder. So she just can't be a vampire for the prom-let alone the rest of eternity.

Click here to view the trailer.


For more info, check out Mari's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 5, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 4, 2009 6:48 PM

Nicky Schmidt news

Nicky Schmidt, author of the soon to be released Naked in Knightsbridge, is already working on her net two novels. A source at London publishers Prospera tell us that her next novel, Marrying Out Of Money, will be released in early 2010. It'll be followed by Nicky's third novel, currently titled The Anti-Modelling Agency.

Already can't wait!

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 4, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 3, 2009 9:49 PM

BOOK NEWS: A Bed of Roses

The latest novel from Nora Roberts is due for release next year. A Bed of Roses, the next book in the Bride Quartet series, will be available in paperback from 29th April 2010. Here's a bit more about the book:

Emmaline Grant has always loved romance, so it's really no surprise that she has found her calling as a wedding florist. And she gets to work with her best friends Mackensie, Parker and Laurel - she couldn't ask for a better job. Yet while men swarm around her, she still hasn't found Mr Right. But the last place Emma's looking is right under her nose. And that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's been best friends with Parker's brother for years, which makes him practically family. Now the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship, and when she returns his passion - kiss for blistering kiss - things start to get complicated. Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love affair. And if the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history - and in their hearts...

To find out more about Nora Roberts and her books, take a look at Nora's website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 3, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 2, 2009 10:10 PM

BOOK NEWS: Celebrity Shopper

Carmen Reid, author of The Personal Shopper, Late Night Shopping and How Not to Shop, is back with the latest instalment. Celebrirty Shopper is due for release in March 2010, and here's a bit about the book...

Q: How does a successful woman keep her feet on the ground? A: By wearing the most incredible shoes! Personal shopper Annie Valentine is presenting her own popular TV fashion series. But with success comes pressure, plus the expensive PA, personal trainer, driver and make-up artist. As Annie comes to terms with fame, her boyfriend Ed is left at home looking after their brand new twin babies. Not to mention Annie's children Lana and Owen and their increasingly dotty granny. Ed was almost coping but now Annie's booked in the builders to do a conservatory, a wet room and somehow, somewhere, a golden cupola...And then just when Annie least expects it a stranger arrives, forcing her to think twice about everything she's ever wanted.

For more about Carmen Reid and her books, head on over to her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 2, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 1, 2009 9:48 PM

BOOK NEWS: Spotlight

Being a big fan of Ilana Fox's previous novel The Making of Mia, I'm definitely looking forward to her next offering. Spotlight is due for release in April 2010. Here's some more information...

A fallen star. A runaway bride. They're about to be pitted against each other by a very powerful man. Madison Miller has everything - beautiful, talented and just a little bit naive; she's the small-town girl who swept to victory on America's hottest talent show to become the nation's sweetheart. She's also head-over-heels in love with the man who's masterminded her career - the head-spinningly powerful, lethally attractive Beau Silverman. But there's trouble in paradise...

Jess has bolted from her approaching wedding and a dead-end job in London to chase dreams of being a fashion designer in New York. But she's finding life in the Big Apple tough, until she meets a man who makes her an offer she can't refuse. It means a taste of a life she's never had - glamorous parties, paparazzi, haute couture - but at what price? Sweeping from the hotspots of LA to the coolest bars of New York, SPOTLIGHT cuts a gloriously fun swathe through the world of celebrity and glamour, with a page-turning story at its heart.

Find out more about Ilana and her books at her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on November 1, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 31, 2009 7:53 PM

BOOK NEWS: Undead and Unfinished

MaryJanice Davidson's chick-lit take on the vampire world is loved by many, and for those fans of Betsy Taylor the Vampire Queen, here's some news - the latest novel in the Undead series will be released next year.

Undead and Unfinished will hit the shelves on 10th July, and will see Betsy Taylor and her friends on a visit to Hell (well, it had to be done). Here's some more info...

Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor is fed up of trying to decipher the strange things prophesied in The Book of the Dead. At the end of her tether, she strikes a deal with Satan who promises to help - if she and her half-sister Laura pay a visit to Hell. Hell, it would seem, is more terrifying than Betsy could have ever imagined - a waiting room with bad carpeting, re-runs of 70s TV shows and ancient Good Housekeeping magazines. But when Betsy and Laura find themselves catapulted back and forth through time, they realise they could seriously screw everything up for good...

More news and info about the Undead series and MaryJanice Davidson (author of Sleeping With the Fishes and Derik's Bane), can be found at her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 31, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 28, 2009 6:41 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Monday Night Cooking School

Erica Bauermeister, author of The School of Essential Ingredients, is back with a brand new novel. The Monday Night Cooking School is due for release on February 25, and here's a bit of info about the book...

On Monday nights eight people gather in Lillian's restaurant for a cooking class. There's Claire, who can barely remember the last time she went out without her two kids; bachelor Ian, who exists on Chinese takeaways; Chloe, the distracted waitress who is forever dropping things; Carl and Helen, getting past a betrayal in their marriage; and Tom, mourning the tragic loss of his wife. Plus Lillian, who taught herself to cook to reach out to her unhappy mother. From delicious feasts to dining disasters, will the cooks find what they are looking for? And among the utensils and mouth-watering ingredients, will some of them even fall in love? "The Monday Night Cooking School" is a gorgeous novel about possibilities and the magic of food.

To find out more about Erica and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 28, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 26, 2009 4:31 AM

Angels - the new vampires?

Renowned vampire fiction author Anne Rice claims that angels are set to be the new trend in literature. (I thought it was set to be zombies, but hey...)

According to the Guardian, Anne is due to launch a new book series 'starring a contract killer recruited by a seraph.' And that Rice's upcoming novel is not the only book featuring angels due to hit the shelves. Others include Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick that's due for release this week; Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler, and The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech.

From the article:

"Being on the side of the angels, it feels much better than being on the side of the vampires. Vampires were tortured, tragic figures," Rice told the Wall Street Journal. Her novel, Angel Time: The Songs of the Seraphim, follows the adventures of Toby O'Dare, an American killer who is given the chance by a mysterious stranger (who turns out to be an angel) to go back to 13th century England to find salvation.

"Vampires for me were always like feeling grief for my lost childhood faith, being cut off from that life. I reached the point where I didn't have any more stories to tell from that point of view."

And on the Twilight film: "I felt that it reflected the deep desire of young women to have the mystery and protection and wisdom of older men," said Rice, whose own vampire novels have featured the cruel but sensual Lestat - a long way from Meyer's abstinent vampire family the Cullens. "I think many girls mature much earlier than boys, and they are frustrated when they approach young boys for love or protection. Hence the fantasy of a wise and protective vampire coming into the life of a young girl who, of course, appreciates him in a special way."

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 26, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: I Heart Hollywood

Following on from Lindsey Kelk's fish-out-of-water tale I Heart New York, is I Heart Hollywood - the next adventure of Angela Clark. After she left her London life behind for the States in the first book, Angela is now heading off to discover sun and celebs in Hollywood. The book is out on 7th January, and here's a bit more info...

Celebs, sunshine and beautiful boys!enough to lead a girl astray? Angela Clark can't believe her luck! she's an English girl living in New York with a dream job at hip magazine The Look and a sexy boyfriend. Her latest assignment takes her to Hollywood to interview hot actor and fellow Brit James Jacobs.Thrown in at the deep end she heads west with best friend Jenny dreaming of Rodeo Drive and Malibu beach. Soon Angela discovers that celebrity life in Hollywood is not all glamour, gloss and sunshine. Despite his lady-killer reputation, the only person who seems genuine is James. Then a paparazzi snaps them in an uncompromising position and suddenly Angela is thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons! Can she convince all those close to her -- especially her boss and her boyfriend -- not to believe everything they read? And will Hollywood ever win Angela's heart?

To learn more about Lindsey and her books, check out her website (where there's even a cool guide to the Big Apple!) Also, go here for Lindsay's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 26, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 25, 2009 12:43 AM

BOOK NEWS: Recipe for Scandal

Debby Holt, author of The Ex-Wife's Survival Guide and Love Affairs for Grown-Ups, has written a new novel that's due for release in early January. Recipe for Scandal will be out next year, and here's the synopsis...

Living with her partner, Tony, his parents and their precocious teenage son, Alberta Granger considers she belongs to the perfect modern extended family. With her catering business booming and her daughter embarking on a glittering career in London, Bertie reckons she can cope with the mild irritants of her difficult stepson's visits and her father's ongoing disapproval of Tony. But some truly shocking news is about to rock Bertie's world to its foundations. As a torrent of tabloid headlines engulfs the family in a very public scandal, Bertie is forced to face the fact that some of her nearest and dearest, those closest family members she thought she knew so well, have been keeping secrets, leading mysterious double lives she knew nothing about. As revelation follows revelation, old wounds re-open and former grudges re-surface. Is Bertie's family unit tight enough to survive? Is her relationship with Tony solid enough to withstand the battering? And, when temptation arises in the form of a handsome stranger, is Bertie herself strong enough to resist?

To read more about Debby Holt and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 25, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 24, 2009 6:29 PM

BOOK NEWS: Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom

The run-up to Halloween is the perfect time for ghoulish novels, and there are vampire tales aplenty. Sadly, we'll have to wait a while for this new Little Black Dress title as it's not out until next year. But I love the cover (and the title!)

Nina Jones and the Temple of Gloom is the latest novel from Julie Cohen, author of Girl From Mars, Honey Trap and Spirit Willing, Flesh Weak. All of Julie's books are original and fun, so I'm really looking forward to this one. Here's the blurb...

All work and no play makes Nina a dull girl... But when you're PA to a celebrity chef who's even tastier than one of his delicious dishes you can't help loving your job. And what's wrong with fancying the pants off your boss? Erm, everything if he's married to someone else. So when Nina meets sexy Spaniard Juan, she's thrilled to escape to a new life abroad... until Juan does a runner with her hard-earned cash. Nina has no choice but to head home and brave 'The Temple of Gloom' - a gothic flat with some unusual inhabitants. Nina's had enough of bloodsuckers. But is her mysterious neighbour Viktor really a vampire?

For more information about Julie and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 24, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2009 7:04 PM

BOOK NEWS: Nanny Returns

Fans of the Nanny Diaries, the bestseller by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Krauss, will be delighted to hear that there's a sequel - and it's due to hit bookshelves soon.

Nanny Returns will be released on December 15th (so we've still got a short while to wait. Boo! Hiss!) The latest story returns to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and focuses on the same characters from the previous New York Times bestseller.

A sneak peek of the book will be available to read on the site on November 2nd, so make sure you check out Emma and Nicola next week!

Here's a little bit about the book, from Amazon...

Nan is back. After living abroad for twelve years, she and her husband, Ryan, aka H.H., have returned to New York to make a life for themselves. In the midst of getting her new business off the ground and fixing up their fixer-upper, Ryan announces his sudden desire to start a family. His timing simply couldn't be worse.

To compound the mounting construction and marital chaos, her former charge, Grayer X, now sixteen years old, makes a drunken, late-night visit, wanting to know why she abandoned him all those years ago. But how can she explain to Grayer what she still hasn't come to terms with herself? In an attempt to assuage her guilt, yet against every instinct, Nan tries to help Grayer and his younger brother, Stilton, through their parents' brutal divorce, drawing her back into the ever-bizarre life of Mrs. X and her Upper East Side enclave of power and privilege.

After putting miles and years between herself and this world, Nan finds she's once again on the front line of the battle with the couture-clad elite for their children's wellbeing.

With its whip-smart dialogue and keen observations of modern life, Nanny Returns gives a firsthand tour of what happens when a community that chose money over love finds itself with neither.

Read more about Emma, Nicola and their books at their website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 23, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 22, 2009 12:43 AM

BOOK NEWS: Foursome

I'm a huge fan of Jane Fallon, and especially loved her previous offerings, Getting Rid of Matthew and Got You Back. Now, Jane has penned another book and I simply can't wait to check it out! Here's the blurb...

Rebecca, Daniel, Alex and Isabel have been best friends since university. Rebecca married Daniel, Alex married Isabel and, for 20 years, they have been inseparable. But all that is about to change... When Alex walks out on Isabel Rebecca thinks things can't get any worse. But then she finds out the reason why and she's left harbouring a secret she'd rather forget... And not only that, Alex's new girlfriend just happens to be Rebecca's skinny, neurotic, self-obsessed colleague, Lorna, her arch nemesis at work and now a regular feature in her social life too. They say you should keep your friends close and enemies closer but sometimes your best friend can become your worst enemy...

Foursome is due to be released in March 2010.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 22, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Princess for Hire

It's been a while since we've featured any YA titles, and this one definitely deserves a mention. Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt is due to be released in March 2010. (Admittedly, I love YA and will definitely be reading this one!)

 

When an immaculately dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and asks you if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you

 

a) run

b) faint

c) say Yes!

 

For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C--that is, once she can stop pinching herself.  As her new agent Meredith explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula "Royal Rouge," she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?

 

Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don't know? Or when a princess's conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off--and you know she would want you to change his mind?

 

In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

 

For more information about Lindsey and Princess for Hire, check out her website.

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 22, 2009 in Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 19, 2009 10:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: Last Christmas

With October almost over (nooo!), it's safe to say that the festive season isn't that far away. If the sudden influx of tinsel and mince pies on sale everywhere hasn't yet put you in the Christmas mood, then how about this?

Last Christmas, the new novel by Julia Williams, will be published on October 29th and is described as 'a seasonal treat for fans of Love Actually and The Holiday'.

Catherine Tinsall is dreading Christmas. As the 'Happy Homemaker' she is an online sensation, but the reality couldn't be more different. With Catherine's marriage in tatters, her children running wild and her mother increasingly forgetful, seasonal cheer is running low. Husband Noel also hides a secret: he's facing the axe at work. Until he chances upon the village of Hope Christmas, deep in the Shropshire countryside, which could be the second chance he's searching for. If he can save it from the developers!

In Hope Christmas itself, schoolteacher Marianne Moore is trying to heal her battered heart. But Christmas is a time for families, and memories of what she's lost haunt her at every turn. Meanwhile, Gabriel North faces a lonely Christmas but hides his sadness for the sake of his son. Will his wife ever come home? Or does love lie elsewhere? All four need a Christmas miracle. And it might just happen - courtesy of a mysterious guardian angel ! Forced to reassess their lives, will Catherine, Noel, Marianne and Gabriel discover what the meaning of Christmas really is? An irresistible gift of a tale that will warm the hearts of Christmas-lovers and Scrooges alike!

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 19, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 18, 2009 5:30 PM

BOOK NEWS: Naked in Knightsbridge

 
With mounting debts, threats from a crazy landlord and a cleaning business that was going well until she set fire to someone's house, Jools Grand is about to find herself Naked in Knightsbridge. She has to come up with a cunning plan, and fast... 

Describing this fast-paced chick lit as 'Bridget Jones meets Shopaholic with an edge,' London Publisher Suzy Brownlee says 'Naked in Knightsbridge takes things that one step too far, which will make you laugh, cringe and gasp, all at the same time!' 

Set in London, the novel begins with Jools finding herself perilously close to living on the streets. With a lack of options and an acute sense of desperation, Jools decides to auction herself online for a marriage of convenience. Who knows, she might even find romance... 

What Jools isn't banking on is a bidding war for her between two not so eligible bachelors; a wealthy, gay, would-be politician who needs a 'wife' as a cover to win an election and a deranged loner who wants to keep his wife in a newly refurbished basement. At that moment, Jools discovers nothing in life comes without a price. 

Author Nicky Schmidt says 'Naked in Knightsbridge takes chick lit to a whole new level. With a high society mother-in-law who encourages Jools to adopt a coke habit in order to fit into her wedding dress, a best friend Mel, who has an obnoxious quasi-French boyfriend and a hot hobo in the mix, this is a book you may miss your tube-stop reading.' 

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 16, 2009 12:20 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Pissed-Off Parents Club

Mink Elliott, recently editor of Practical Parenting magazine, has penned her debut novel that hits the shelves in 2010. The Pissed-Off Parents Club is due to be released In January and sounds like a brilliant read. Here's the info:

First-time mum Roxy feels perennially ticked off. She and her partner Jack have left London for a new life in the village of Riverside, with their ten-month-old daughter Joey. But their new house resembles a building site and Roxy is struggling to cope with parenthood. With no family or friends to turn to for help, Roxy sets up a club in order to meet like-minded parents, and so begins The Pissed-Off Parents Club. Hilarious and refreshingly original, this is a story telling it like it is -- for mums and dads of all descriptions.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 16, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 14, 2009 7:15 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Mistress

Television actress Martine McCutcheon's new novel is due to hit the shelves next month, and now you can read the first chapter.

 

Martine's The Mistress is published by Pan on November 9^th, and by visiting Read The Mistress, you can have a peek at the opening chapter, as well as gain more information and watch Martine talk about her book. Want to know more? Here's what the book has to offer:

 

He took one last long look at her before walking away and disappearing into the night. At that moment, Mandy knew her life would change forever ...Mandy Sanderson is turning thirty and has everything going for her - dark ebony hair, flashing black eyes, flawless skin and a job she loves - yet, so far, true love has eluded her. Then, on the night of her birthday party, surrounded by friends she adores, Cupid strikes as Mandy and the gorgeous Jake Chaplin lock eyes across the restaurant and fall for one another in an instant. Jake is confident, successful, oozing with sex appeal and utterly irresistible. He is also married, with two children, and Mandy has always sworn not to break her own golden rule: never encourage a man to play away. Jake is used to getting what he wants, and this time it is Mandy he's determined to win, and with Jake, seduction comes in more ways than one ...Warm, sexy and heart-wrenchingly moving, "The Mistress" is written by one of Britain's best-loved actresses and offers a refreshingly modern take on what it is that women want.

 

For more information, check out the website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 14, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 12, 2009 3:55 PM

BOOK NEWS: Handle With Care

Fans of Jodi Picoult will be happy to pleased that her new novel, Handle With Care, will be released in paperback on December 10th. Here's the blurb:

Charlotte O'Keefe's beautiful, much-longed-for, adored daughter Willow is born with osteogenesis imperfecta - a very severe form of brittle bone disease. If she slips on a crisp packet she could break both her legs, and spend six months in a half body cast. After years of caring for Willow, her family faces financial disaster. Then Charlotte is offered a lifeline. She could sue her obstetrician for wrongful birth - for not having diagnosed Willow's condition early enough in the pregnancy to be able to abort the child. The payout could secure Willow's future. But to get it would mean Charlotte suing her best friend. And standing up in court to declare that she would have prefered that Willow had never been born...

Click here to watch the Handle With Care book trailer.

Jodi Picoult has written a number of novels including The Tenth Circle and My Sister's Keeper. For more information about Jodi and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 12, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 9, 2009 6:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: Fern Britton's fiction debut

Fern Britton is currently working on her debut novel

The former This Morning presenter has gained a two-book deal from major publishers HarperCollins. The fiction novels will be based on Fern's 30-year career in television.

According to The Bookseller, the first novel, due to be released in time for Mother's Day 2011, focuses on journalist and single mother Christie Lynch. Christie lands a high-profile job in TV and soon forced to decide whether certain people in her life can really be trusted. With her mother disapproving of her fame and daughter disappearing altogether, Christie's is becoming difficult. That is, until she meets singla dad Richard.

Fern said: "Are the characters based on people I have worked with? Have any of the storylines actually happened? Or have I made it all up? Readers will have to read the novel to decide."

The book will be Fern's first published work of fiction. Her autobiography, My Story, has so far sold 222,095 copies.

 

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 9, 2009 in Book News, Debut Novels | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Girl with a One Track Mind: Exposed

I'm sure we all remember the story of Abby Lee, who blogged in great detail about her sex life (under a fake name, of course), only to be outed by the national press. That was after she'd gained her book deal, which saw the nation clamouring to read all about Abby's bedroom secrets. (Personally, I didn't find it that exciting - but each to their own.)

Now, Abby's back with a brand new book - Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed: Further Revelations of a Sex Blogger, in which Abby reveals all about life and sex after being discovered as movie industry worker Zoe Margolis.

Girl with a One Track Mind: Exposed will be released in March 2010, so for all the Abby fans - you've got a while to wait! Here's the blurb:

Based on her hugely popular sex blog, Abby Lee's Girl With a One Track Mind was a publishing phenomenon. Unfortunately for Abby, her true identity was revealed shortly after publication andher private life - now public - was thrown into disarray. Suddenly all her friends, family and colleagues knew her most shockingly intimate secrets.

In her follow up book she details how she coped once the whole world knew she was Britain's most famous sex diarist, and reveals her attempts to lead a satisfying sex life once more. Once again this results in hilarious adventures, from doomed sex with a rock star and uneventful sex with a newspaper columnist to an on-off relationship with a tv presenter and a one-night stand with an internet celebrity. In spite of the disastrous dates, Abby doesn't give up on her search for a more meaningful relationship with a trustworthy companion. With her life on display, she dates in secret...until now.

As entertaining, witty and wise as her first book, with the same humorous 'The Girls Guide to...' advice sections, this is the book Abby's many fans have been waiting for.

Abby has since written for many blogs and publications, and has also made several TV appearances. Read her blog here.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 9, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 7, 2009 9:47 PM

BOOK NEWS: Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter

Okay, so remember Pride and Prejudice and Zombies? The announcement gained some mixed opinions back before its release. Now, however, there's another classic tale-turned-gory but rather than the Regency love story of the Bennets and Mr Darcy, we have...um, Queen Victoria.

And some demons.

Really.

Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter by A E Moorat is due for release on 15th October. Here's the blurb:

There were many staff at Kensington Palace, fulfilling many roles; a man who was employed to catch rats, another whose job it was to sweep the chimneys. That there was someone expected to hunt Demons did not shock the new Queen; that it was to be her was something of a surprise.

London, 1838. Queen Victoria is crowned; she receives the orb, the sceptre, and an arsenal of blood-stained weaponry. Because if Britain is about to become the greatest power of the age, there's the small matter of the demons to take care of first...

But rather than dreaming of demon hunting, it is her love for Prince Albert that occupies her thoughts. Can she dedicate her life to saving her country when her heart belongs elsewhere?

With lashings of glistening entrails, decapitations, and foul demons, this masterly new portrait will give a fresh understanding of a remarkable woman, a legendary monarch, and quite possibly the best Demon Hunter the world has ever seen...

An axe-wielding, demon-killing Queen of England? Very odd, but admittedly, it sounds like a lot of fun!

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 7, 2009 in Book News, Supernatural | Permalink | Comments (3)

October 5, 2009 12:07 PM

IN THE NEWS: Jordan's autobiography set to be 'banned'

Katie Price, aka Jordan, faces having her latest autobiography banned by bookstores - as chains see the memoir as 'milking' fans.

According to The Sun, glamour model Jordan's latest autobiography - which is her fourth in five years - could be 'boycotted' by major chains. The book is set to tell all about her split from Peter Andre (why am I not surprised here?) and would be released in the run-up to Christmas, alongside the autobiography of Pete himself.

Katie Price has already 'written' (*cough*) a series of novels, and was signed by Random House three years ago to pen a series of childrens' stories. A source at the publishing house said: "Bookshop managers are really worried. They fear this latest book could do more harm than good for business and are seriously considering shunning it altogether. Booksellers do not want to annoy their customers by putting out yet another autobiography from the same person who has already had three printed. It seems to them as though she is trying to milk her fans for everything they've got."

Blackwell bookstores have stated that branches would not be stocking the book unless copies are requested. A Blackwell spokesman said: "She has done three already. This is not a book we would say to our readers, 'You must buy'." Waterstones have agreed that the book will only make it into their stores if it was seen as 'the right thing to do.'

Of course, Christmas is the time for celebs to cash in with their life stories, and personally? I think it's refreshing to see that major bookselling chains are taking fans and customers into consideration.

Do you agree that booksellers should decide not to stock certain books? Tell us your thoughts!

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 5, 2009 in Book News, Book related | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 3, 2009 12:11 AM

BOOK NEWS: All the Things We Didn't Say

Sara Shepard, author of the Pretty Little Liars series, has penned another book that's due for release soon. All the Things We Didn't Say will be available on October 29th, and looks like a fab read (and the cover is gorgeous, too!) Here's the info from Amazon...

Emotional, issue-led fiction perfect for all fans of The Memory Keeper's Daughter and Jodi Picoult Tragedy came as if so often does: a teenage party, emotions running high, followed by a horrific car crash. A girl is left dead and a boy is forced to leave his home town, with a secret that he will carry with him forever! Years later, when Summer's mother disappears one summer, she is left with her father who is going slowly crazy. Obsessed with an accident from years ago, he slowly descends into mental illness. And as he becomes more disorientated, he reveals small fragments of a secret that has been hidden since his youth, a secret that changes everything. Summer supports her father as much as she can but eventually realises that she has to escape. She finds refuge with her great-aunt, Stella. Feisty, fun-loving, and dying of cancer, Stella holds parts of the family secret. Slowly, things fall into place for Summer - or at least so she thinks! This is a story of the importance of family, of the damage a lie can do, and of how nothing is ever what it seems.

Posted by Elle Symonds on October 3, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

July 8, 2009 10:38 PM

BOOK NEWS: Heaven Can Wait

Trashionista spoke to new author Cally Taylor back in March, and her novel, Heaven Can Wait (previously titled Haunting for Beginners) will be released in October. Not long to go! Here's the info...

'What would I do without you, Lucy Brown?' he said, and kissed me softly. I held his face in my hands and kissed him back. I felt that life just couldn't get any more perfect. And I was right, it wouldn't. By the end of the next day, I'd be dead. Lucy is about to marry the man of her dreams - kind, handsome, funny Dan - when she breaks her neck the night before their wedding. Unable to accept a lifetime's separation from her soulmate, Lucy decides to become a ghost rather than go to heaven and be parted from Dan. But it turns out things aren't quite as easy as that. When Lucy discovers that Limbo is a grotty student-style house in North London she's less than thrilled. Especially after meeting her new flatmates: grumpy, cider-swilling EMO-kid Claire; and Brian, a train-spotter with a Thomas the Tank Engine duvet and a big BO problem. But Lucy has a more major problem on her hands - if she wants to become a ghost and be with Dan she has to complete an almost impossible task. How the hell does a girl like Lucy find a girlfriend for the dorkiest man in England? IT geek Archie's only passions are multi-player computer games and his Grandma. But Lucy only has twenty-one days to find him love. And when she discovers that her so-called friend Anna is determined to make a move on the heart-broken, vulnerable Dan, the pressure is really on...

To find out more about Cally, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 8, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

NEWS: Jennifer Weiner signing in NYC

Jennifer Weiner fans in the USA will be pleased to know tht the author will be holding a book signing event next week in NYC, in order to promote her new novel Best Friends Forever. Jennifer will be speaking, answering questions and signing copies of her new book.

The event will be held Barnes & Noble (Lincoln Center, 1972 Broadway at 66th Street), New York City at 7:30PM.

Click here to read Jennifer's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 8, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

July 4, 2009 10:31 PM

Twenties Girl Trailer

Sophie Kinsella's new novel, Twenties Girl, is almost here (eeep!). In the meantime, check out the book trailer.

Posted by Elle Symonds on July 4, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (9)

June 27, 2009 10:36 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Popularity Rules

Abby McDonald, author of teen novel Sophomore Switch, has penned chicklit novel The Popularity Rules which will be released in September. Here's the info...

Rule 1: All's fair in love, war and popularity...Kat Elliot is no social butterfly: she's spent her life rebelling against phony schmoozing - and it's led her nowhere. Just as she's ready to give up her dreams and admit defeat, in steps Lauren Anderville. One-time allies against their school bullies, Lauren and Kat had been inseparable. Then one year later Lauren returned from summer camp - blonde, bubbly and suddenly popular, and Kat was left to face the world alone. Lauren finally wants to make amends by teaching Kat the secret to her success: "The Popularity Rules". A decades-old rulebook, its secrets transformed Lauren that fateful summer. And so, tempted by Lauren's promises of glitzy parties and the job she's always dreamed of, Kat reluctantly submits to a total makeover - only to find that life with the in-crowd might have something going for it after all. But while Lauren has sacrificed everything to get ahead, is Kat really ready to accept that popularity is the only prize that counts?

To know more about Abby, check out her website. Or go here to pre-order The Popularity Rules on Amazon.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 27, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

June 21, 2009 12:07 AM

June releases from Little Black Dress

Summer's here, in terms of fab summer reads, you can't get much better than the Little Black Dress collection. LBD have two new releases for this month - Girl From Mars by Julie Cohen, and Marisa Heath's Perfect Image...

An edgy, glitzy, addictive romance – be careful what you wish for.

Young, naïve and stunning, Katrina is trying to make it as a model in Paris, sharing a tiny, run-down dorm and only just scraping a living. She’s about to cut her loses and head back to London when she’s spotted one night and asked out by THE ultimate movie heart-throb, actor Dominic Cayley. She knows not to get too excited though – his girlfriends never last longer than a few dates. But when he keeps turning up on her doorstep, whisking her off for super-glam party weekends in Monaco, showering her in expensive jewels and designer clothes, she’s more than happy to be swept off her feet...

Check out Little Black Dress Books for more information and fun.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 21, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 20, 2009 1:46 AM

BOOK NEWS: Air Kisses

Fans of The Devil Wears Prada will enjoy the debut novel from Australian writer and former beauty editor, Zoe Foster. Air Kisses will be released in August and personally? I can't wait. Here's the blurb, courtesy of Alison & Busby...

If the devil wears Prada, then God wears La Mer.

Hannah Atkins - the girl most likely to be sporting unblended foundation, orange wrists or a wobbly trail of liquid eyeliner - has bluffed her way into the position of beauty editor at Gloss magazine. Just as she's carving a path into the shiny world of guerrilla air kisses, achingly hip PR campaigns and goodie-bag overload, she reads about her boyfriend and another girl in the gossip pages of the local rag. Then she gets dumped. By text.

Vowing to claw back some dignity and make her ex regret what he's done, Hannah adopts a manifesto of hardcore rules. Don't become best friends with the scary girls at work. Don't drink fourteen glasses of Moët & Chandon at PR launches. Don't go home with inappropriate men. And certainly don't get all besotted with your best friend's brother.

As her rules start to slip away, Hannah finds herself having to decide on more important things than just the perfect shade of lip gloss . . .

Pre-order your copy at Amazon.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 20, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (3)

June 15, 2009 11:54 AM

BOOK NEWS: I'm So Happy for You

What happens when your best friend outshines you in every possible way? I'm So Happy for You, by Lucinda Rosenfeld, is a novel about best friends and will be released in the States on July 29.

What if your best friend, whom you've always counted on to flounder in life and love (making your own modest accomplishments look not so bad), suddenly starts to surpass you in every way?

Wendy's best friend, Daphne, has always been dependably prone to catastrophe. And Wendy has always been there to help. If Daphne veers from suicidal to madly in love, Wendy offers encouragement. But when Daphne is suddenly engaged, pregnant, and decorating a fabulous town house in no time at all, Wendy is...not so happy for her. Caught between wanting to be the best friend she prides herself on being and crippling jealousy of flighty Daphne, Wendy takes things to the extreme, waging a full-scale attack on her best friend-all the while wearing her best, I'm-so-happy-for-you smile-and ends up in way over her head.

Rosenfeld has a knack for exposing the not-always-pretty side of being best friends--in writing that is glittering and diamond-sharp. I'm So Happy for You is a smart, darkly humorous, and uncannily dead-on novel about female friendship.

Pre-order at Amazon.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 15, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 11, 2009 10:22 AM

BOOK NEWS: French Kissing

Blogger Catherine Sanderson (of Petite Anglaise fame) has penned a novel, French Kissing. It's out on 27th August. Blurb will follow...

Name: Sally Marshall. Status: single mother. Age: 32. Nationality: 10 years in France, yet still English through and through. I like: living in Paris, playing with my daughter Lila (4-years-old), the company of good friends, the smell of baking bread. So reads Sally's ad, posted on a French online dating site called Rendez-Vous. Sally left Nicolas, her French boyfriend of ten years and Lila's father, after she discovered he was having an affair with his secretary. Six months have now passed, she's beginning to bounce back. But making a new start is fraught with complications, and to what extent can she keep Lila and her love life separate...

Click here to read Catherine's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

June 10, 2009 12:06 AM

BOOK NEWS: Best Friends Forever

Best Friends Forever, the new novel from Jennifer Weiner (author of Good in Bed and In Her Shoes) is due out in the States on July 14th. Watch this space! For now, here's some info about her latest book...

Addie Downs and Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That's what Addie believes after Valerie moves across the street when they're both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her schools scapegoat.

Flash-forward fifteen years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame and fortune working as the weathergirl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parents’ house in their small hometown of La Prairie, Illinois, caring for a troubled brother and trying to meet Prince Charming on the internet.  She has just returned from Bad Date #6, when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, with terrified look on her face and blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened," Val tells Addie, "and you're the only one who can help."

Best Friends Forever is a grand, funny, edge-of-your-seat adventure; a story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and small town secrets. It’s about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together forever.

Click here for Jennifer's blog.

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 10, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

June 7, 2009 11:42 PM

BOOK NEWS: Turning Japanese

Cathy Yardley, author of chick-lit writing guide Will Write for Shoes, has just released her new novel, Turning Japanese. Being a manga fan, I can't wait to get my hands on this! Here's the info, courtesy of Cathy's site.

Meet Lisa Falloya, an aspiring half-Japanese, half-Italian American manga artist who follows her bliss by moving to Tokyo to draw the Japanese-style comics she's been reading for years. Leaving behind the comforts of a humdrum desk job and her workaholic fiancée, Lisa has everything planned-- right down to a room with a nice Japanese family-- but hasn't taken into account that being half-Asian and enthusiastic isn't going to cut it. Faced with an exacting boss and a conniving “big fish” manga author, Lisa risks her wedding, her friends, and her fears for a shot at making it big.

Head on over now to read an excerpt!

Posted by Elle Symonds on June 7, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

May 28, 2009 11:51 PM

BOOK NEWS: Star Struck

Judging by the success of shows such as X Factor and Britain's Got Talent (I'll admit it - I watch the auditions at the start. Mean, me?), it seems the nation loves the televised talent show. And even better, Anne-Marie O'Connor's new novel, Star Struck, focuses on just that.

All Catherine wants to do is sing, but a TV show is about to make her a star....

Catherine Reilly is 24, single and still lives at home with her dad and two of her sisters. The only thing Catherine's ever been any good at is singing, but she has no connections, low confidence and isn't exactly glamorous. However, when she sees a TV ad for the latest series of "Star Maker" - the biggest talent show on national television she decides to enter. Catherine now has the best voice coach in the business, a team of sadistic trainers and stylists and the world's number one music mogul on her side. But can an ordinary girl's dreams really come true?

Star Struck will be released in August.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 28, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

May 18, 2009 2:39 PM

BOOK NEWS: Pop Tart

 Pop Tart, the new novel by Kira Coplin (pop culture journalist and US Weekly writer) and Julianne Kaye (LA celebrity makeup artist), is due to be released on 28th May. Here's the info!

She was America's sweetheart. Until the love affair ended with a bang! Young make-up artist Jackie Reilly has always dreamed of making it big in TinselTown, concealing the flaws of the rich and famous. Stuck in a rut with a crazy boss, she thinks her big break will never come - until she meets a girl who guarantees her life will never be the same again! 16-year-old Brooke Parker is bubbly, vivacious, charming - and about to become the world's most famous teenager. A pop singer on the verge of superstardom, Brooke instantly takes a shine to Jackie and draws her into a world of white-stretch limos, screaming fans and invitations to VIP events. But as Jackie quickly finds out, fame has its dark side. Forced to juggle the various egos of Brooke's entourage - from bitchy stylists to over-eager publicists and a manager that serves his own interests before all else - all preserving the golden girl image of brand Brooke. Caught in the tight grip of the P.R machine, Brooke starts to rebel, taking Jackie along for the ride. At first her bad girl antics are a blast, earning her even more column inches, but when her heavy partying brings Brooke's demons to the surface she begins to fall apart and soon, she is taking Jackie down with her. When Jackie is forced to learn the rules of showbusiness the hard way, her friendship with Brooke is put to the ultimate test - will she be yet another casualty of Brooke's increasing quest for fame? Or can she save herself - and Brooke?

This is set to be a fantastic read - review coming soon!

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (4)

May 14, 2009 11:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Sister Diaries

Karen Quinn, author of the fantastic Ivy Chronicles and Wife in the Fast Lane, has penned another offering that's due to be released shortly.

Here's the blurb:

Love her or loathe her, you need a sister by your side.

Although they couldn’t be more different, Amanda, Serena and Laura Moon have always been there for one another.

Amanda sizzles in the high stakes arena of New York City real estate - but drags herself home each night to a cold, empty bed. From top executive at Prada, Serena is now an over-the-top, stay-at-home Mum, plunging her marriage into crisis and her four-year-old into therapy. Laura spent the last six years caring for their dying mother. Now she is trying to breathe new life into her abandoned music career.

Emotions explode when the sisters learn that their mother left everything - the multi-million dollar family home and a priceless Willem de Kooning painting - to Serena. But why? In an effort to make sense of the bequest, the girls journey to glamorous East Hampton to unravel the mystery behind their mother’s past, setting off a chain of events that threatens the very core of their sisterhood.

The Sister Diaries will be out in July. For more information about Karen and her books, visit her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 14, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

May 2, 2009 10:12 PM

BOOK NEWS: Valentine

Valentine, the first novel of Katie Price's ghostwriter Rebecca Farnworth, is due to be released next week. Here's the info...

Will a shocking secret cause a rising star to fall? Valentine Fleming dreams of making it as an actress but after years of failed auditions and bit parts her hopes are fading fast - so too is her self-esteem. She is staring into the abyss and a large jar of peanut butter. Her love life is faring no better, with too much time wasted with an ex who has bad news written all over him. So when she gets a call from her agent telling her she has a part in a play with a sexy leading man, she's over the moon. She's not packing her bags for the Hollywood hills just yet but could this be her lucky break? But just as it seems that her luck might be set to change she learns a shocking secret and Valentine's world is turned upside down...Rebecca Farnworth's first novel is an enchanting page turner with a heroine who you just can't help warming to, however many mistakes she makes.

Posted by Elle Symonds on May 2, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

April 25, 2009 11:20 AM

BOOK NEWS: Celebrity Mother

Celebrity Mother, second novel of Olivia's Bliss author Deborah Wright, will be hitting the shelves in July. It sounds like a fabulous summer read, but judge for yourselves! Here's the info...

Funny, heartwarming and absolutely gripping: get ready for an emotional roller coaster, a sizzling celebrity scandal – and a little girl who just wants to be loved

Ex-girl-band-member-turned-PR-disaster Karina West didn’t see it coming. Her career’s history, her reputation’s in the gutter, and she’s completely on her own. She needs to get back in the gossip pages, and fast. How better to achieve it than by adopting a child, the sweet, ten-year-old Devika, from a far-off place? Karina and Devika are soon front-page news, but neither of them realise they are starting a journey that will change their lives – for ever.

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 25, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 18, 2009 4:17 PM

BOOK NEWS: Sapphire by Katie Price

Admittedly, I haven't yet picked up any of Jordan's...sorry, Katie's...novels. But from what I've heard, the Angel and Crystal aren't bad reads. Katie's fourth book, Sapphire, is out in July. Here's the info...

Sapphire Jones doesn't believe in relationships anymore - not since she caught her husband in bed with another woman. Now Sapphire only sees men on her terms which is why her current lover is younger than her, good looking, doesn't place any emotional demands on her [so far, fingers crossed] and is great in bed. What more does a girl need? Sapphire puts all her passion into running her own business - a high end lingerie and hen weekend company. She is doing well and life seems pretty good until she meets a very handsome, charming businessman who seems more than a match for Sapphire. Then things go badly wrong at the hen party she has planned for a soap star and tabloid darling. The evening is one that everyone will be talking about for all the wrong reasons and Sapphire faces front page headlines all of her own...Suddenly her business is in jeopardy, her well-controlled private life is falling apart, and in the middle of all this Sapphire realises that she is not immune to love after all, but has she left it too late?

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (5)

April 13, 2009 7:38 PM

BOOK NEWS: After the Break

Judging by the reviews of her debut novel Coming Up Next, it seemed as though Penny Smith's writing career wasn't off to a promising start. But the GMTV presenter is back with a second book, After the Break. Despite finding Coming Up Next very disappointing, I just might give the sequel another chance.

After the Break is set to be released on 25th June. Here's the info, courtesy of Borders...

Katie Fisher, one-time presenter of breakfast TV show Hello Britain!, nearly has her life in perfect order. She's recovered from her humiliating dismissal, improved her relationship with the drinks cabinet and, most importantly, found a gorgeous new TV producer boyfriend. But her dream job as a chat show host has come to an end and there doesn't seem to be much work around - she's starting to get worried.

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 13, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

April 10, 2009 1:04 PM

BOOK NEWS: Flawless by Tilly Bagshawe

Here's some news for fans of Tilly Bagshawe - her new novel, Flawless, will be released next month. Read on for the blurb...

In the glitteringly ruthless diamond business, Scarlett Drummond Murray is a force to be reckoned with. As stunningly beautiful as the diamonds she works with, Scarlett is determined to make her mark on the industry with her fabulous jewellery creations. But to do so she must battle through a world that is steeped in greed and corruption. Blazing a trail from London to Beverly Hills, Scarlett is plunged into the world of shady diamond dealers and the stunningly beautiful women for whom they all compete, in business and in bed. All of them are prepared to sacrifice everything in pursuit of that one, elusive, perfect stone. No matter what the cost. Will Scarlett be blinded by the brilliance of the temptation that surrounds her? Or can she keep her nerve - and her principles - and make it to the top with her heart and her business intact?

For more info about Tilly and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 10, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

April 9, 2009 7:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back

Having just finished reading Claudia Carroll's brilliantly funny Do You Want To Know a Secret? (Review coming soon!) I was delighted to hear the news of Claudia's latest offering - If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back - which is due to hit the shelves in June.

Okay, so we've got a while to wait, but judging by the blurb, it's going to be good...

 Charlotte Grey is hovering between life and death, but the weird thing is, it's taken a coma for her to finally open her eyes and see things clearly. Namely that she's made a complete mess of her short time on Earth, and don't even get her started on the five precious dating years she's just wasted on the worthless, faithless James Kane. But after a quick peek at the afterlife, she decides that it's not all it's cracked up to be either. Kind of like a big retirement home in the sky, with an awful lot of bingo and bridge and absolutely no sign of Elvis/Princess Di/Kurt Cobain or anyone it would actually be nice to spend eternity with. So when Charlotte is offered a chance to go back to Earth, this time as a bonafide angel, she jumps at it. But there's a catch. The person she's assigned to watch over is ...a certain James Kane; which is where the fun really starts. Well, just because she's passed on doesn't necessarily mean she's moved on, does it?

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 9, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (4)

April 7, 2009 7:58 PM

May releases from Little Black Dress

Following this month's Little Black Dress releases (I'm just about to pick up Niamh Shaw's Smart Casual!), LBD have updated their site with new releases for May, including You Kill Me by Alison Gaylin, Jessica Fox's The Hen Night Prophecies - The One That Got Away, and True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson.

Heartache, hockey and heavenly bodies – get ready for another red-hot read from Rachel Gibson.

When money-bags Virgil Duffy leaves his widow a stash of cash and his beloved ice-hockey team in his will, team captain Ty ‘Saint’ Savage is fu';/rious. The Chinooks are set to win the biggest prize of the season, and a beautiful young ex-stripper taking over the reins is the last thing he needs. Even if Faith, former playmate of the year, is the sexiest woman he’s ever laid on. Soon tensions are mounting between the Saint and the Sinner from Vegas – but maybe Ty’s forgotten the first rule of play: never underestimate your opponent...

Head on over to the Little Black Dress website for more book news!

Posted by Elle Symonds on April 7, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 20, 2009 7:48 PM

BOOK COVER: The Cupid Effect

I really like the Dorothy Koomson book covers. They are so crisp, clean and contemporary. The new one, The Cupid Effect, certainly doesn't disappoint. But I have to say I think my favourite one has to be The Chocolate Run.

You can read an extract from The Cupid Effect  (which I think has a great opening line) here. It is out in the summer. Click over the cut for the blurb.

Ceri D'Altroy's hero-worship of Oprah Winfrey is beginning to have serious repercussions. Bored with London life and writing yet another 'black is the new black' fashion feature, she's decided to take Oprah's advice and follow her heart's desire. Going back to college might not be everyone's dream but all Ceri's has ever wanted to do is teach...But though her professional life seems to be sorted, Ceri's personal life is still a no-go area. After six long, long, months without so much as a snog, she's given up hope of ever finding anyone who'll put up with her various idiosyncrasies. In fact just lately, her pent-up energies and frustrations seem to have been diverted into solving other people's romantic problems. Since arriving in Leeds she's reunited a happily uncoupled couple, encouraged her new flatmate to do something about his unrequited love and outed the closet relationship of two of her new colleagues. All this, in spite of her new life resolution to mind her own business. But is Ceri destined to always play Cupid? Or can she use some of her powers where they're needed most - to help herself? A delicious romantic comedy about love, life and good intentions…

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 20, 2009 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 19, 2009 7:33 PM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Cally Taylor

Now I know I use the phrase "I'm so excited..." quite a lot here on Trashionista. In my defence it is with good reason as I do get incredibly excited about good books. However, today, with this post, I have something that I think is extra special. An interview with newly signed author Cally Taylor. And it isn't because I know her (as I do, just a little bit) but because I think she has a fantastic career ahead of her as a writer. Her book, Haunting For Beginners, is out in October this year and this is her first ever interview.

Please describe your book in 15 words or fewer:

Lucy is dead and desperately trying to be reunited with the man she loves.

How were you ‘discovered’?

I bought a copy of the Writers and Artists Yearbook and wrote a list of all the agents who accepted chick-lit and women's fiction. The first one on my list was Darley Anderson (I really liked his name. I also thought he was a woman!) so I sent him my synopsis and first three chapters. That was on a Friday morning. The next Monday afternoon he rang me up and asked me for the whole manuscript. I was so excited I thought I might pass out but managed to get myself together enough to print it off, read it through (again) for typos and send it off. Six weeks later he rang me back. He liked it and it had a lot of potential, he said, but it needed some more work. I was absolutely gutted (I’d convinced myself that he'd send me a letter if he hated it and only ring if he wanted to sign me!) but, after a couple of weeks of sulking, I started to make the changes he’d requested and sent it back five months after his second phone call. Three months after that I received a phone call from Madeleine Buston. She told me that Darley had given her my revised manuscript to read on the train to Scotland and that she’d fallen in love with it. We talked about the book and her plans for it for a while and then I (tentatively) asked, “So are you my agent then?” and she said yes!

Have you always been a writer?

Yes, I guess so. As child I loved writing stories and making up plays and sent my first ‘book’ (an ‘illustrated’ story about The Evil Weed and his flower friends) to Penguin Publishers when I was eight. I even bound it myself – in pink wool! It was rejected, of course, but I wasn’t deterred.

Where do you like to write your books (in bed, a coffee shop, an office)?

Before I start writing my books I scribble down lots of notes in the notebooks that I carry around with me everywhere. Ideas for characters and plot developments pop into my head while I’m on the train, walking to town and even in the pub and I always have to stop to write them down otherwise they’re lost forever. When I actually start writing a book I type straight onto the laptop which is on my very messy desk in my tiny, cluttered bedroom.

Your favourite chick-lit book?

Tough one! It’s a toss-up between Ralph’s Party by Lisa Jewell and Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. Those were the first two chick-lit books I ever read and they opened up a whole new world of literature to me. I realised that yes, you could write books about modern women with flaws and dreams and complicated love lives, and that other women wanted to read about them too.

Your favourite female heroine (if different from above!), and why?

My favourite female heroine ever or my favourite chick-lit heroine? My favourite female heroine ever would have to be Offred in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. My favourite female chick-lit heroine is Cannie in Jennifer Weiner’s Good in Bed.

What tips would you give to any of our readers who want to become writers?

Read a lot, write a lot, get your novel critiqued by people you aren’t related to or friends with, and then polish it until it gleams before sending it out to agents.

Develop a thick skin. Criticism and rejection sting like hell but you have to learn from them, bounce back and keep writing.

One more thing - put your novel to one side for at least 3 weeks before you start editing it and then read it aloud – it will sound very different to the way it did in your head when you wrote it, and you’ll find it easier to spot the mistakes.

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. I think it was a Trashionista review that made me buy it in the first place and I’m loving it. I’ve only just started it and it’s already wonderfully magical and compelling.

What are you working on now? (If you can give us a hint!)

I’m working on my second book, currently titled “Dead Romantic”. It’s about two single people in Brighton and what happens when a couple of hapless guardian angels are tasked with making them happy.

What question have you never been asked in an interview, but think you should have been? (Tell us the question and answer it too, if you like!)

If you died how long would you want your partner to wait before he moved on?

Well I’d probably tell him that two years would be just about acceptable but secretly I’d want him to mourn me forever and never love anyone as much as he’d loved me!

Thanks, Cally!

To find out more visit her website at www.callytaylor.co.uk

The following is the blurb for Haunting For Beginners,

'"What would I do without you, Lucy Brown?" he said, and kissed me softly. I held his face in my hands and kissed him back. I felt that life just couldn't get any more perfect. And I was right, it wouldn't. By the end of the next day, I'd be dead. Lucy is about to marry the man of her dreams - kind, handsome, funny Dan - when she breaks her neck the night before their wedding. Unable to accept a lifetime's separation from her soulmate, Lucy decides to become a ghost rather than go to heaven and be parted from Dan. But it turns out things aren't quite as easy as that. When Lucy discovers that Limbo is a grotty student-style house in North London she's less than thrilled. Especially after meeting her new flatmates: grumpy, cider-swilling EMO-kid Claire; and Brian, a train-spotter with a Thomas the Tank Engine duvet and a big BO problem. But Lucy has a more major problem on her hands - if she wants to become a ghost and be with Dan she has to complete an almost impossible task. How the hell does a girl like Lucy find a girlfriend for the dorkiest man in England? IT geek Archie's only passions are multi-player computer games and his Grandma. But Lucy only has twenty-one days to find him love. And when she discovers that her so-called friend Anna is determined to make a move on the heart-broken, vulnerable Dan, the pressure is really on ...

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 19, 2009 in Book News, Brand new authors, British Authors, Interviews | Permalink | Comments (4)

March 18, 2009 9:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: Air Confidential and top tell-all career books...

Wicked Whispers: Confessions of a Gossip Queen

Former 3am girl Jessica Callan released her tell-tale book in 2007, detailing life as a showbiz journalist. Jessica dished the dirt on both the nice celebrities, and...well, the not so nice ones. Working as one of the most renowned showbiz journos in the country, Jessica and the 3am girls were subject to a vast array of celebrity shenanigans...and so, she penned this scandalous diary.

Tabloid Love

What are your favourites?

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 18, 2009 in Book News, Memoirs, Non Fiction, Recent Release, Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Honour Thyself

Danielle Steel books have never really entered my radar. By chance I read the plot for her new one, Honour Thyself, and it certainly piqued my interest. Whether it's the obvious parallels to Princess Diana's last moments or that it just sounds gripping, I'm not sure, but perhaps may finally encourage me to pick up one of her books.

Carole Barber has come to Paris, with its rain-slick slate roofs and winding streets, to work on her novel - and to find herself after a lifetime in the spotlight. A legend of film and stage, Carole has set a standard of beauty and grace, devoting herself to her family and causes around the world. But on this cool November evening, as her taxi speeds into a tunnel just past the Louvre, a fiery instant of terror shatters hundreds of lives - and leaves Carole alone, unconscious and unidentified in a Paris emergency room. At the Ritz, they wonder where their famous, incognito guest has gone.From California to London, Carole's friends and family begin to make inquiries. Then comes a moment of shock as they realize that Carole is in a hospital far from home, fighting for her life. In the days that follow, the paparazzi swarm. A mysterious stranger, a man famous in his own realm, quietly visits the hospital to see the woman he once loved and never forgot. Carole's two grown children rush to her bedside, waiting and praying - until the miraculous begins to happen ...But as a woman whom the whole world knows slowly awakens, she knows nothing of herself.Every detail must be pieced back together - from a childhood in rural Mississippi to the early days of her career, from the unintentional hurt inflicted on her daughter to a fifteen year-old secret love affair that went tragically wrong. But for Carole, an extraordinary opportunity has arisen in a life-threatening crisis: a second chance to count her blessings, heal wounded hearts, recapture lost love ...and to live a life that will truly honor others -beginning with herself. A tale of survival and dignity, of small miracles and big surprises, Honor Thyself creates an unforgettable portrait of a public figure whose hopes, fears, and heartbreaks are as real as our own.Her courageous journey inspires us all.

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 17, 2009 8:34 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Girl Next Door

As a writer I like a good nosy into to observe other people's lives. I wonder what goes on behind closed doors, what people are really like. And who better to wonder about than your neighbours. The premise of Elizabeth Noble's new book, The Girl Next Door, promises that I can have a good peek and rummage around an interesting group of people. But legally.

A gorgeous and unforgettable novel set in a turn-of-the-century New York apartment building on the Upper East Side, The Girl Next Door features four interwoven stories about love, life and living together. Meet Eve Gallagher in Apartment 7A, newly relocated to New York from London with her ambitious banker husband. But she's lonely and lost ... until she meets elderly neighbour Violet, who's concealing a tragic story of her own. The Kramers and the Schulmans in Apartments 6A and 6B are about to find their lives intersecting in a most unfortunate manner when Jason Kramer falls head-over-heels for Rachael Schulman. Jackson Grayling III in Apartment 5A is 26, fantastically wealthy and a directionless and hapless layabout ... but he's attracting the attention of a gold-digger in 2B even though he's far more interested in the beautiful and hardworking Emily Mikanowski in 3B. And finally, plain, dull and self-conscious Charlotte Murphy rents 2A and works in the Public Library ... she lives in a dreamworld and is desperate to be anyone but herself. Will any of her neighbours ever take enough notice of her to save her?

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 17, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 12, 2009 5:32 PM

BOOK NEWS: A Wild Affair

For those who liked Gemma Townley’s The Importance of Being Married, here’s some good news. Jessica Wild is back for the second book in the Wild trilogy, A Wild Affair.

 

Following on from Jessica’s adventures in love and money after she inherited four million pounds and an entire estate (which she could only get hold of if she married her imaginary husband-to-be, aka her boss. Cue Project Marriage. Yes, it’s a must-read.), she seems to have learnt her lesson. At least, we hope so.

 

It looks like we’ll have to wait a while until it’s released (UK Amazon is stating January 2010), but I’m sure another Jessica adventure is worth the wait.

 

Click over the cut to read the blurb…

Jessica and Max are finally going to tie the knot, and Jessica is determined to have the biggest, best wedding ever. The only problem is, recently Max has been evasive—and when Jessica follows him and sees him in an apparent tryst with an attractive woman, it’s the last straw. The next thing she knows, she’s drunk at a bar, cozying up to the top rival of Max’s firm, and letting some top-secret work details slip . . . details that could cost Max everything.

The next morning Jessica is deeply ashamed of her actions, and when a series of events leads her to discover an important truth about her past, she realizes she shouldn’t have doubted the only man she’s ever loved. But as evidence of her own indiscretion surfaces, she knows that the same can’t be said about her. Is her Big Day, as well as her job and reputation in jeopardy?

Posted by Elle Symonds on March 12, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 10, 2009 8:03 PM

BOOK NEWS: It's A Fine Life

Jodie Prenger has only been famous for about five or six minutes but she does have a story to tell. If you watched I'd Do Anything in the UK she was the winner of the show and went on to become Nancy in the stage musical of Oliver in London's West End.

She may only have been famous for a short while, but her story is an inspirational one. Touring the working men's clubs, appearing on The Biggest Loser and losing eight stone then going on to do the job of her dreams...If you're stuck in a rut and want to change your life, maybe you should give her story a go. See over the cut for the blurb.

Over 7 million viewers watched as Jodie Prenger was crowned the people's winner of "I'd Do Anything" and achieved her dream of starring in a West End musical. Now you can read Jodie's inspirational life story, as she describes her childhood as a plump little girl, who hid behind her wide smile even as she piled on the pounds, and her early career as a singer touring working men's clubs, appearing in regional theatre and as support for comedians including Ken Dodd, Ricky Tomlinson and Frank Carson.Yet it was Jodie's appearance on "The Biggest Loser" which changed her life forever, as she lost over 8 stone and shrank to a size ten. Feeling like she had a new lease of life and determined to pursue her dream, less than two years later she entered "I'd Do Anything" - and the rest is history. As Jodie stands ready to embark on her sellout West End debut, she tells her story with her trademark down-to-earth charm, and heart-rending honesty, featuring her personal and professional highs and lows alongside delicious back stage gossip. Jodie's life is the stuff of dreams and an inspiration to aspiring singers and dieters alike.

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 10, 2009 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 9, 2009 12:50 PM

BOOK NEWS: Her Fearful Symmetry

Her Fearful Symmetry is the title of the brand new novel from Audrey Niffenegger. It has been simply ages since The Time Traveler's Wife was released and I can't wait for this one to come out. It may yet be some time however, as the auction for the rights is still going on.

According to Publishers Weekly it is described as a 21^st-century ghost story which centres on two American teenagers, identical twins, whose lives change when an aunt whom they didn’t know dies and leaves them a flat overlooking Highgate Cemetery in London. Feeling that their lives can finally begin, the twins have no idea that they’ve been summoned into a tangle of fraying lives, including that of their dead aunt herself, who never got over her estrangement from the twins’ mother, and in fact can’t seem to leave the flat.

Speaking of The Time Traveler's Wife - anyone know what has happened to the film? It was supposed to be screened in December last year.

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 9, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

March 5, 2009 7:52 PM

Latest news from The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

Remember we told you about a new six part series being filmed of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency? Well, there isn't much longer to wait as the series starts (in the UK) on Sunday March 15th.

In book news, the tenth volume of the series by Alexander McCall Smith is out in hardback this week. See over the cut for the blurb.

It is a troublesome fact on which even Mma Ramotswe and her assistant Mma Makutsi agree: there are things that men know and ladies do not, and vice versa. It is unfortunate, for example, when Mma Ramotswe’s newest client is the big-shot owner of the ailing Kalahari Swoopers, that one thing lady detectives know very little about is football. And when the glamorous Violet Sephotho sets her sights on Mma Makutsi’s unsuspecting fiancé, it becomes exasperatingly clear that some men do not know how to recognise a ruthless Jezebel even when she is bouncing up and down on the best bed in the Double Comfort Furniture Shop.

In her attempt to foster understanding between the sexes and find the traitor on Mr Football’s team, Mma Ramotswe ventures into new territory, drinks tea in unfamiliar kitchens and learns to trust in the observational powers of small boys. And, as wise and warm-hearted as his heroine, Alexander McCall Smith reminds us that we must dig deep to uncover the goodness of the human heart.

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 5, 2009 in Book News, Television | Permalink | Comments (0)

March 4, 2009 10:40 AM

BOOK NEWS: Hens Reunited

Speaking of gorgeous covers, I have just stumbled across this sassy one from Lucy Diamond. Hens Reunited is her third adult novel, following Any Way You Want Me and Over You, and will be published in the summer.

Katie, Georgia and Alice were at each other's hen nights but now the chickens have come home to roost: their marriages have fallen apart and their friendships have been tested to the limits. Control-freak Katie has become a commitment-phobe - there's no way she wants to get married again. Is there? Ambitious Georgia always puts her career first. If anyone gets hurt, it's their look-out - right? And faithful Alice wants to make a fresh start, but can't get over her cheating ex - and Georgia's betrayal. Hearts have been broken, and feathers ruffled ...can the hens ever be reunited?

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 4, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

March 3, 2009 10:38 AM

BOOK NEWS & COVER: Adele Parks

I am just loving the new covers from Adele Parks. The black and white with a hint of colour looks really striking and makes me forget all about my aversion to just showing the woman's legs. In fact, the more I look, the more I like.

Tell Me Something is out now in paperback and Love Lies will be out in July. The synopsis for Love Lies is over the cut.

Fern is staring thirty in the face and stuck in a stale relationship. Living with Adam used to be great – before the novelty of falling over smelly trainers wore off – and these days, swinging from the chandeliers means DIY not SEX.

Fern's looking for commitment of the marrying kind or it's all off. But a chance encounter with Scottie Taylor – the hottest male singer since Robbie – lights fireworks in Fern that won't stop exploding. It's mind expanding love at first sight for both Fern and Scottie and when he proposes to her in front of a sellout crowd at Wembley Stadium, Adam is relegated to the bottom division.

Before you know it, Fern is leading the glamorous life in LA and the wedding planner is arranging organic cake showers. But isn't this all happening a little too fast? Didn't she once have an OK life in a rented two bedroom flat in rainy Clapham?

Fern must choose which reality she prefers – but it's a tough call when you're living the reallife fairytale...

Posted by Helen Redfern on March 3, 2009 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (6)

February 28, 2009 4:57 PM

BOOK NEWS: Celebrity Bride

Journalist Alison Kervin, author of The WAG's Diary and A WAG Abroad, has another novel to hit the shelves this year.

Her next offering, Celebrity Bride, is due to be released in June. Here's some info:

It's the celebrity wedding of the season...The news that Hollywood bad boy Rufus George is finally settling down has caused a media storm. Especially since his bride is a civilian - a nobody. Kelly Monsoon is a pretty, curvy theater administrator. She never expected to meet a mega-star like Rufus let alone have him fall in love with her. And when Rufus asks Kelly to come and live with him, in his magnificent mansion, she feels like it's a fairytale come true.

Only this Prince Charming comes with a 12-person entourage, a bevy of beautiful ex-girlfriends and the world's press camped on his doorstep. But when Rufus proposes Kelly accepts and the media interest in this new couple hits the roof. However, the small, intimate wedding Kelly always dreamed of is taking on Hollywood epic proportions...Rufus's manager is trying to book Buckingham Palace for the wedding reception and all Kelly's mum wants to know is where to buy a nice hat. It's a clash of cultures: British versus American, celebrity versus civilian - with poor Kelly stuck in the middle, not knowing where she belongs. Will this celebrity bride ever make it up the aisle?

To find out more about Alison and her books, check out her website.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 28, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 26, 2009 9:10 PM

BOOK NEWS: It's The Little Things

The beautiful blue of this book cover caught my eye. By Erica James, It's The Little Things is about a couple and their friend who survive the Boxing Day tsunami. It is now three years after that terrible day and their lives have changed dramatically.

Dan and Sally are now parents. Dan is enjoying being a stay-at-home father taking care of their young son, and Sally is the bread winner and loves her job as a partner in a Manchester law firm. The arrangement has so far worked well, but when Dan starts to question whether Sally has got her priorities right, the cracks in their marriage begin to appear. Dan and Sally have everything Chloe wishes for in life - a happy marriage and a beautiful child. Dumped by her long term boyfriend just weeks after the tsunami, she's been on a mission ever since to find the perfect father for the child she craves. When she meets Seth Hawthorne, she thinks she may have hit the jackpot. But is Seth the man she thinks he is?

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 26, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 25, 2009 6:31 PM

BOOK NEWS: Molly's Millions

Ever wondered what you'd do if you won 4.2 million pounds in the National Lottery? It's certainly something that we've all thought about. And in Victoria Connelly's new book, Molly Bailey is about to scoop the jackpot...and then try to get rid of it.

Molly's Millions has already been released in hardback. I can't wait to read it, but for now, here's the info...

Hard-up florist Molly Bailey has just won £4.2 million pounds in the National Lottery. And she needs to get rid of it - fast!

Tom Mackenzie is on the verge of losing his job. He needs one hell of a story if he hopes to secure his future in journalism.

With Ebenezer Scrooge for a brother, and a strong belief that sharing her good fortune is the only way forward, Molly unwittingly becomes the most sought-after person in the country as, in true Robin Hood style, she distributes her wealth to the masses.

With only her terrier pup, Fizz, for company, Molly embarks on the journey of her life, crossing the country in her trusty – or should that be ‘rusty’? – yellow Beetle. But with Tom Mackenzie hot on her heels and the nation on the look-out for her, Molly must outwit them all if she’s to achieve her grand finale.

Will she succeed before her family and the media catch up with her? And with Tom leading the pack, would that really be such a bad thing?

To find out more about the author, and to read an excerpt of Molly's Millions, head on over to Victoria's site.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 25, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Perfect Fifths

For the closet (or not so secretive!) teen-lit fans, here's some news on bestselling YA author Megan McCafferty.

Perfect Fifths, Megan's final novel in her Jessica Darling series, will hit US shelves on April 14th.

Here's the blurb:

Old flames are reignited in this eagerly awaited fifth and final book in the Jessica Darling series. Captivated readers have followed her through every step and misstep, from a tormented, tart-tongued teenager, to a college grad stumbling toward adulthood. Now a young professional in her mid-twenties, Jess is off to a Caribbean wedding...

To continue reading (with spoiler alert! Am refusing to take responsibility for ruining the plot for anyone here...) head on over to Megan's site.

We'll keep you updated!

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 25, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 20, 2009 3:30 PM

BOOK NEWS: Michelle Harrison scoops Children's Book Prize

Michelle Harrison has been named winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, for her debut novel The Thirteen Treasures.

29-year-old Michelle started to write the book, about a teenage girl called Tanya who can see fairies, at university in 2002. She picked up the award on Wednesday at Waterstones in Piccadilly.

To view the 2009 shortlist, check out the Waterstones website .

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 20, 2009 in Book News, Debut Novels | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 18, 2009 8:34 PM

BOOK NEWS: Girl From Mars

Julie Cohen writes brilliant books for Little Black Dress so I am excited to see she has a new one out in May called Girl From Mars. The blurb is below, but if you want an excerpt then pop on over to her website.

“I, Philomena Desdemona Brown, do solemnly swear to forsake all romantic relationships. There. Do I really have to repeat it in Klingon?”

It’s not like the vow, made by Fil and her two nerdy best male friends so they’d always stick together, was a big deal at the time. Frankly, Fil wouldn’t know romance if it hit her in the face anyway. Her one true love is her job as the artist for the famous comic Girl from Mars. Just like the comic’s alien heroine, Fil’s never had or needed a love interest—just her best friends.

Until one of her friends breaks the vow and falls in love, bringing her smack back down to earth. Could it be that romance is in the stars for Fil after all?

Related posts: Book Review: Honey Trap | Book Review: One Night Stand

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 18, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 16, 2009 8:01 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Little Stranger

Remember we told you a while ago about a new Sarah Waters novel called The Little Stranger? Well, now I have the blurb,

In a dusty post-war summer in rural Warwickshire, a doctor is called to a patient at Hundreds Hall. Home to the Ayres family for over two centuries, the Georgian house, once grand and handsome, is now in decline, its masonry crumbling, its gardens choked with weeds, the clock in its stable yard permanently fixed at twenty to nine. But are the Ayreses haunted by something more sinister than a dying way of life? Little does Dr Faraday know how closely, and how terrifyingly, their story is about to become entwined with his. Prepare yourself. From this wonderful writer who continues to astonish us, now comes a chilling ghost story.

If you go to Virago's website, you can take part in their competition to win a hardback proof of the first chapter.

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 16, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

February 11, 2009 8:30 PM

Julia Gregson Wins Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2009

East of the Sun by Julia Gregson has won this year's Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Her novel, described as a novel to cherish is about friendship, love and adventure in 1920s India. You can read more on the RNA website.

India Grey won the romance prize for Mistress:Hired for the Billionaire's Pleasure. The judges were impressed by the sheer verve and style of her novel.

Congratulations, Julia and India!

 

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Isabel Bookbinder sequel

For those who loved Holly McQueen's The Glamorous (Double) Life of Isabel Bookbinder, here's some good news – Isabel's back!

Yep, the funny, ditzy daydreamer (who yes, I'll agree, is a lot like Shopaholic's Becky Bloomwood) is returning for a sequel, The Fabulously Fashionable Life of Isabel Bookbinder, due to be released this April.

Last time Isabel, determined to become a famous novelist, spent so much time daydreaming about becoming a rich author that she forgot to do what novelists do. You know, writing an actual book.

However, this time around Isabel has traded in her writing dreams for new aspirations in the fashion world. For more info, read on after the cut...

When aspiring designer Isabel Bookbinder bags a job with Nancy 'Fashion Aristocracy' Tavistock, she's sure her career is finally on track. Dazzlingly glamorous, this is a career that she can feel truly passionate about - after all, she knows her Geiger from her Louboutin, her Primark from her Prada, and she's always poring over fashion magazines. Well, ok, the fashion pages of heat. So, learning from the very best, the future's looking bright for Isabel Bookbinder: Top International Fashion Designer. Within days she's putting the final touches to her debut collection, has dreamt up a perfume line, Isabelissimo, and is very nearly a friend of John Galliano. And on top of that she might even have fallen in love. Yet nothing ever runs smoothly for Isabel, and fabulously fashionably as her life is, it soon seems to be spiraling a little out of her control.

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 11, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 10, 2009 9:07 PM

Cheryl Cole to be next celebrity author

Thanks to a link on Freya North's blog I see Cheryl Cole has just signed a multi million pound deal for four or five romantic novels. A source says, at the moment Cheryl can do no wrong. Whatever she touches turns to gold.

Apparently she hadn't previously thought of writing, but she's come around to the idea(!) and has been told to emulate the style of Marian Keyes. Hmm. Well. I'd like to see anyone emulate Marian Keyes, never mind Cheryl Cole. [via Bookseller.com]

Related posts: Fourth Jordan Biography | Coleen's Style Tips - a bestseller?

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 10, 2009 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (1)

BOOK NEWS: Secrets

Good grief. 2009 is turning out to be a great year for new releases from the big chick lit names. We have told you about Marian Keyes and Lisa Jewell and now I have just seen that Freya North, probably my favourite chick lit writer ever, has a new one called Secrets. It is available in airports now and on general release from May 5th.

I thought I'd pop over to Freya's website to find out more only to see she has a fab new website and blog. Go check it out.

Click over the cut for the blurb on Secrets.

They drive each other crazy.
And they both have something to hide.
But we all have our secrets.
It’s just some are bigger than others…

Joe has a beautiful house, a great job, no commitments - and he likes it like that. All he needs is a quiet house-sitter for his rambling old place by the sea. When Tess turns up on his doorstep, he’s not sure she’s right for the job. Where has she come from in such a hurry? Her past is a blank and she’s a bit of an enigma. But there’s something about her - even though sparks fly every time they meet.
And it looks like she’s here to stay…

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 10, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 8, 2009 9:59 PM

Writing a book? Here's how NOT to do it...

So, for all the aspiring authors out there...what writing guides do you swear by?

Posted by Elle Symonds on February 8, 2009 in Book News, Inspirational | Permalink | Comments (3)

February 6, 2009 6:35 PM

Black Boxes Competition

The fantastically talented writer, Caroline Smailes, is launching a competition to celebrate the paperback version of Black Boxes. To enter you have to "spot" a copy of the book at any retailer and take a photograph. As Caroline says on her blog, The most creative photograph wins. Simple.

The competition is sponsored by Think Parents and there is some cool stuff to be won, like a WALL.E backpack! To enter check out her blog for more details.

Caroline has an extremely original voice with Black Boxes described as heartbreaking but impressive. The details are over the cut.

Meet Ana Lewis. She is 37 years old and lives with her two children, Pip and Davie. She has just taken an overdose of pills.

By the end of this book Ana will be dead.

Black Boxes follows the final hours of Ana’s life, recording her thoughts and memories. As the drugs start to kick in, we discover the awful sequence of events which have brought her to this moment.

We also get to read pages from the diary of Pip, her teenage daughter, which reveals another side to the story and, just perhaps, a small glimmer of hope.

The second novel from the acclaimed author of In Search of Adam is a heartbreaking but impressive work, from one of the most original voices in modern fiction.

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 6, 2009 in Book News, Competition, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

February 5, 2009 3:38 PM

BOOK NEWS: Tell Me Something

The paperback version of Adele Parks' latest, Tell Me Something, has just been released. I'm not normally a big fan of her book covers as they feature women's legs but I am loving this cover (and I love the advert for it even more).

Elizabeth has wanted two things her entire life to keep her happy and fulfilled - an Italian husband and lots of rosy-cheeked bambini. The first is ticked off now she's bagged dark and sexy Roberto, the second is proving harder to achieve. But when Roberto loses his job and decides to leave London for Italy and the family business, Elizabeth hopes the change in lifestyle might help her relax and boost her chances of conceiving. Except, no matter how much ice cream she eats in the sun-drenched piazza, it's impossible to relax when her wily mother-in-law (the original black widow) seems hellbent on destroying her marriage. The language barrier is tricky, as is Roberto's beautiful, significant ex who practically lives next door. Is Elizabeth's desire for a baby enough to hold her marriage together or is it ripping it apart? And why is she suddenly craving the company of a gorgeous, blond American stranger? Her filthy, flirty thoughts about him are totally inappropriate. Yet undeniably temperatures are rising ... and it's nothing to do with the Mediterranean sun.

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 5, 2009 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 4, 2009 8:01 PM

BOOK NEWS: How To Be Single

Liz Tuccillo, who co-wrote He's Just Not That Into You, has produced a solo effort, How To Be Single.

Following a disastrous night out that began with steaks and martinis and ended in a trip to A&E, Julie Jenson decides that she and her four single friends are doing something wrong. Between them, there's more dysfunction and disappointment than she can handle. So Julie quits her job and sets off to discover how women around the world deal with the dreaded phenomenon of the Single Life. From proud Parisiennes to intense Italians, from ice-cool Icelanders to brazen Brazilians, Julie attempts to learn the secrets of these women's success. Will she come back with the answers? Or will her journey of self-discovery take her in another direction entirely?

The book cover on the left in the US version with the one on the right being the UK. I know which one I prefer (clue it's not the cartoon one with a woman cut in half).

Posted by Helen Redfern on February 4, 2009 in Book News, Book covers | Permalink | Comments (2)

February 2, 2009 10:19 AM

YAY OR NAY: Pride and Prejudice and... Zombies?

Did you ever read Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice? 

Did you delight in the tale of plucky, picky heroine Elizabeth Bennett and her on/off passions for the brooding Mr Darcy - but felt that something was missing from the story?

Was it zombies?

If so, then make sure you pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, "reimagined" by Los Angeles-based writer Seth Grahame-Smith to inject "all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie action" into the cherished classic.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy will continue their courtly mannered sparring, but Elizabeth will also be waging war against the legions of undead rising from their graves as a mysterious plague turns the residents of Meryton into flesh-eating monsters.

Yes, I am serious. No, it isn't the 1st of April.

Grahame-Smith's previous novels include How to Survive a Horror Movie and The Big Book of Porn, so it's safe to assume that his tongue was lodged firmly in his cheek when he wrote this:

'Complete with 20 illustrations in the style of C. E. Brock (the original illustrator of Pride and Prejudice), this insanely funny expanded edition will introduce Jane Austen's classic novel to new legions of fans.'

Of course, references to Jane Austen spinning in her grave would be entirely appropriate here, but thankfully I have too much taste to make them. 

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies will be available from Quirk Books from the 15th of April 2009.

Posted by Robyn Wilder on February 2, 2009 in American Authors, Book News, Classic Novels, New Releases, Yay or Nay? | Permalink | Comments (9)

January 26, 2009 7:22 PM

BOOK NEWS: The Secret Shoppers Unwrapped

Anyone who is a fan of Kate Harrison (like me), particularly her latest book, The Secret Shopper's Revenge, will be delighted with the recent announcement on her blog, that she is currently writing the sequel, The Secret Shoppers Unwrapped. Kate says,

It’s set over Christmas and New Year. It follows Emily trying to put all her secret shopping knowledge to good use in her new store – and facing the credit crunch head on. Meanwhile Grazia is out in the dating world, getting her share of attention from toy-boys. Sandie is struggling to juggle family and relationship dramas with running her own business (and drafting in her grandmother as the oldest mystery shopper in the UK). And the mysterious Charlie is out there somewhere, desperate to get his own back. The book also introduces a brand new secret shopper with an extremely murky past…and there are lots of great assignments, like Operation Grotto Fabulous (checking up on Santa and his elves).

Related posts: The Secret Shopper's Revenge Book Extract | The Self-Preservation Society Review

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 26, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

January 23, 2009 11:38 AM

BOOK NEWS: Do Not Disturb

With a newborn in the house sometimes you need a bit of escapism, which is why I jumped on Do Not Disturb by Tilly Bagshawe when I saw it in the book shop yesterday. Passion, adultery and revenge - not something I have the energy or inclination for at the moment - so I'll look forward to reading about it instead.

What would you give for one night in the world's most luxurious hotel? Now imagine you own it. Honor is trying to save the family hotel that shares her name. Palmers, a beautiful old jewel of a building nestled on the coast of the Hamptons, used to be the most glamorous destination in the world. Now Honor wants to restore its reputation, its glitz and its guestlist. But there's a new boy in town with a different plan. Lucas Ruiz is manager of the new hotel on the block, and wants to bring modern boutique-chic to the States. As Honor and Lucas prepare to go head to head to get the rich and famous checking in, the locals are busy checking out the backstairs gossip. Blackmail, adultery and the dirtiest of dirty tricks are all in a day's work behind the scenes of the five-star facades.

Related posts: Adored Review | Yay or Nay Wednesday | Glamour by Louise Bagshawe

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 23, 2009 in Bonkbusters, Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (1)

Richard & Judy Book Club 2009

The Richard & Judy Book Club has now begun on the Watch channel. Every Wednesday the couple will feature one book, leading to a public vote for Best Read Award in April. [via The Telegraph] I've already bought myself a copy of December by Elizabeth H Winthrop.

Has anyone read read any of them yet? What did you think?

Brutal Art by Jesse Kellerman
Suspicions of Mr Whicher by Kate Summerscale
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
The Bolter by Frances Osborne
Netherland by Joseph O'Neill
The Luminous Life of Lilly Aphrodite by Beatrice Colin
December by Elizabeth H Winthrop
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway

Related: More Richard & Judy Posts
 

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 23, 2009 in Book News, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (2)

January 21, 2009 11:07 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Brightest Star in the Sky

December was a bit of a busy month for me, so I missed Marian Keyes' latest newsletter. In it she excitedly says her next novel, The Brightest Star in The Sky, will be out in Ireland and UK in October 2009, in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in December 2009 and in Canada and US in Feb 2010. At the moment she is trying to rewrite it and make it perfect and lovely, which I am sure it will be. (Thanks to Little_King for the heads up.)

Related posts: Spotlight | Marian Interview | This Charming Man Review

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 21, 2009 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (3)

January 20, 2009 9:53 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Truth About Melody Browne

I mentioned yesterday that Lisa Jewell has a new book out in April this year, and here it is with a rather beautiful looking cover. It sounds intriguing. I can't wait.

When she was nine years old, Melody Browne's house burned down, taking every toy, every photograph, every item of clothing and old Christmas card with it. But not only did the fire destroy all her possessions, it took with it all her memories - Melody Browne can remember nothing before her ninth birthday. Now in her early thirties, Melody lives in a council flat in the middle of London with her seventeen-year-old son.

She hasn't seen her parents since she left home at fifteen, but Melody doesn't mind, she's better off on her own. She's made a good life for herself and her son and she likes it that way. Until one night something extraordinary happens. Whilst attending a hypnotist show with her first date in years she faints - and when she comes round she starts to remember. At first her memories mean nothing to her but then slowly, day by day, she begins to piece together the real story of her childhood. Her journey takes her to the seaside town of Broadstairs, to oddly familiar houses in London backstreets and to meetings with strangers who love her like their own. But with every mystery she solves another one materialises, with every question she answers another appears. And Melody begins to wonder if she'll ever know the truth about her past.

Posted by Helen Redfern on January 20, 2009 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (2)

November 28, 2008 11:01 AM

BOOK NEWS: Rumour Has It

Here is a book to look forward to in the new year. Rumour Has It (not to be confused with the film of the same name) by Jill Mansell is out in February and has a gorgeous cover which I can't stop looking at.

When newly single Tilly Cole impulsively quits her London job for a fresh start in the small town of Roxborough she finds she's arrived in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue and rampant rivalry for the most desirable men. Tilly has no intention of joining in – she's just happy with her new Girl Friday job. Then she meets Jack Lucas. Jack is irresistible… and he's got his eye on Tilly. But there are shocking rumours about his wicked reputation. Tilly doesn’t want to be just another notch on anyone's bedpost. But is she being mature and sensible – or is she running away from the love of her life?

Related posts: Book Cover: Jill Mansell's Kiss | Review: An Offer You Can't Refuse | Spotlight: Jill Mansell

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 28, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (5)

November 25, 2008 10:53 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Secret Shopper's Revenge

The Secret Shopper's Revenge by Kate Harrison which, incidently, I loved - is out in glittery paperback this week.

According to her blog, if you buy your copy from Asda you will also get extras with special material from my three secret shoppers – a guide to luxury on a budget from Grazia, advice from Emily on how NOT to be treated like dirt by shop assistants, and a shopper’s guide to spotting the best stores by Sandie.

You can read an extract here.

Related posts: Helen's Heroines: Emily Prince | Review: The Self Preservation Society | Spotlight: Kate Harrison

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 25, 2008 in Book News, New Releases | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 19, 2008 12:27 PM

BOOK NEWS: Crossed Wires

I loved Rosy Thornton's More Than Love Letters and I love the sound of her third book, Crossed Wires.

This is the story of Mina, a girl at a Sheffield call centre whose next customer in the queue is Peter, a Cambridge geography don who has crashed his car into a tree stump when swerving to avoid a cat.

Despite their obvious differences, they’ve got a lot in common – both single, both parents, both looking for love. Could it be that they’ve just found it?

Crossed Wires is an old-fashioned fairy tale. It is about the small joys and tribulations of parenthood; about one-ness and two-ness; about symmetry and coincidence; about the things that separate us and the things that bring us together.

Rosy Thornton, you had me at "Old-fashioned fairy tale"!

Related: Rosy Thornton interview

Posted by Keris on November 19, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 18, 2008 4:14 PM

BOOK NEWS: 10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love

Opinions of Linda Green's debut, I Did A Bad Thing, were mixed. Her follow-up, 10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love, is out in January. What's it about?

Jo Gilroy is done with love. And who can blame her, after her partner Richard walked out on her on their son's first birthday? Richard, unfortunately also Jo's boss, is now happily ensconced with the station's stick-thin weather girl. And what's more, he's demoted Jo, an award-winning news reporter, to covering the fluffy 'And finally' stories at the end of the news. Can the humiliation get any worse? But then Jo meets Dan, a mysterious balloon sculptor, whose creations enchant her son Alfie. Jo is determined not to lose her heart again - but she may have just met her match...

Will you be reading it?

Posted by Keris on November 18, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 17, 2008 12:21 PM

BOOK NEWS: Love and Other Natural Disasters

Because I am an extremely lucky duck, I received a parcel of books last week and I got completely overexcited. Not just because they were matching proofs and the looked so pretty, but also because one of them was this book, Love and Other Natural Disasters by Holly Shumas.

I loved Holly's debut, Five Things I Can't Live Without and so I can't wait to read this. It's out in January. (I know I can read it sooner, but I have to read books in order, you know!) Read all about it here.

Posted by Keris on November 17, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: Fourth Jordan autobiography

Well she might be training for an olympic gold, the London Marathon and launching countless branded items, but Katie Price still has time to "write" her fourth autobiography. She is also penning her fourth novel as well as a style guide. [via The Sun]

There really is no stopping her. She even made it onto Meg Cabot's blog (near the bottom if you are looking).

Related posts: Is There No End to Jordan's Talents? | Jordan Outsells The Bookers | Yet Another Jordan "autobiography"

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 17, 2008 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 13, 2008 2:25 PM

BOOK NEWS: Stick or Twist

Goodness, this book sounds so very, very chick litty it makes even me cringe a leetle. Check it out:

Name: Anna Christie Age: Very, very early thirties Marital status: Living with boyfriend Sex: It’s been a while. Maybe six weeks? Career: Crafting sparkling features for magazine Casual Chic such as ‘Man Boobs: Why No Marriage is Safe’ Current dilemma: What to do when your much loved boyfriend of ten years gets down on one knee and pops the question you’ve been secretly dreading?

Options: Stick – say yes, jump on the marriage bandwagon, accept that babies are now standard issue and always wonder if the grass is greener ... OR Twist – walk away, move onto your best friend’s sofa, pine for your ex but perk up once sexy and seemingly perfect Harry comes breezing into your life… Hilarious, romantic and painfully honest, Stick or Twist proves that sometimes the most unlikely man turns out to be the One.

What do you think? It sounds a bit more 1998 than 2008, no?

Posted by Keris on November 13, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 11, 2008 12:52 PM

BOOK NEWS: Oscar Season

I love the Oscars. Everyone does, don't they? So when I saw this book - Oscar Season by  Mary McNamara - I was surprised that there haven't been more chick lit books featuring the most glamorous awards show in the world.

The Pinnacle is the place to stay during the Oscars, and this year the pre-Awards crises have reached fever pitch: a very recognizable body is found in the pool, Hollywood's leading man is secretly holed up in the Presidential Suite, and the larger-than-life producer of the Oscars will stop at nothing for higher ratings.

A consummate professional, the hotel's PR manager Juliette Greyson must do a careful dance to save the hotel while somehow sparing herself and her famed clientele in the process. But first Juliette must figure out what is real and what is staged? Who is lying and who is acting? And when does murder stop being murder, and start becoming damn good publicity?

Sounds fab to me. (The cover's a bit disappointing though, isn't it?) What do you think?

Posted by Keris on November 11, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ways To Live Forever Wins Prize

Sally Nicholls' debut Ways To Live Forever which Keris found moving, but also sweet, charming and funny, has been awarded the Glen Dimplex New Writers Awards 2008. [via Booktrade]

The young adult book, about a boy dying of leukaemia, was written when Sally was 23. Her second novel, Season of Secrets, will be out in April next year.

More Book News

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 11, 2008 in Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 10, 2008 4:18 PM

BOOK NEWS: This Year It Will Be Different

If you have never read any Maeve Binchy before, but would like to, then this selection of short stories is an ideal introduction to her work. The book evokes the lives of wives, husbands, children, friends and lovers, all set during the one holiday when feelings cannot easily be hidden. Christmas.

I have got a copy and will review it soon. I've been warned however, that if you have read some of her short stories before in other collections they may be repeated in here.

Related posts: The Maeve Binchy Writer's Club review | Heart & Soul review

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 10, 2008 in Book News, Irish Authors | Permalink | Comments (2)

BOOK NEWS: What My Best Friend Did

I haven't read Lucy Dawson's debut, His Other Lover, but I do like her covers, despite the whole decapitation aspect. It's just nice to see a bold photo instead of a pastel illustration, don't you think? Anyway, her second book, What My Best Friend Did, is out in February.

When Alice meets Gretchen for the first time, it feels a bit like falling in love. Life's got a bit boringly grown-up of late: weekends at weddings and baby-showers, celebrating friends' transitions to a life she isn't quite up for yet, and, at home, a sweet-and-stable boyfriend she suspects she's outgrown. Gretchen Bartholomew, with her air of impulsiveness and intuitive style, is that rarest of things: a proper, new friend who knows how to have fun.

Even the added complication of Gretchen's gorgeous brother, Bailey, might actually be just what Alice needs. Before she knows what's hit her, Alice's brilliant new best friend is turning her world upside down. But Gretchen has a dark secret, which - like a grenade ticking in her hand - won't stay hidden for ever. The explosion may teach them both more than they ever wanted to know about how female friendships can go wrong.

Okay, glossing over the truly dreadful "a grenade ticking in her hand" simile (a grenade ticking in your hand is, in no way, hidden), it sounds interesting, don't you think?

Posted by Keris on November 10, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 7, 2008 12:45 PM

Richard & Judy Christmas List

Eep, sorry, two Christmassy posts in a row, it wasn't deliberate, honest!

Richard & Judy, with their new programme Richard & Judy's New Position on the Watch channel, have revealed the first twenty books of their Richard & Judy Christmas Presents book strand.

The categories include Coffee Table Books, Cookery, Serious Non-Fiction, Stocking Fillers, Children's Books and Celebrity Autobiography. See over the cut for what is in each category. The feature begins on 19 November. [via The Bookseller]

Coffee table books:
The Half by Simon Annand
The Book of Islands by Philip Dodd/Ben Donald
Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman
UltraLuxe Hotels

Cookery:
Cooking for Friends by Gordon Ramsay
Bake by Rachel Allen
Ripailles by Stephane Reynaud
Venezia by Tessa Kiros

Serious non-fiction:
Dr Who: The Writer's Tale by Russell T Davies/Benjamin Cook
Mckie's Gazetteer: A Local History of Britain by David McKie
Homework for Grown-ups by E Foley/B Coates
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami

Stocking fillers:
Ladybird Pack For Boys
Harry Hill's Whopping Great Joke Book
The Mighty Book of Boosh
Love Letters of Great Men

Children's books:
Pink! by Lynne Rickards
This Dinosaur is So Big by Nick Sharratt
Spells by Emily Gravett
Dogfish by Gillian Shields

Celebrity Autobiographies: To be announced

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 7, 2008 in Book News, Richard and Judy | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend

Goodness, Jenny Colgan seems to be very prolific lately, doesn't she? She's got yet another book - Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend - next year.

Sophie is a girl about town - living the party lifestyle with Daddy footing the bill. But when she gets embroiled in a scandalous affair, she is thrown out of home and left to fend for herself on the mean streets of London. Scraping a living as a cleaner in a photographic studio, living in a bedsit on the Old Kent Road, eating baked beans from the can - this is one spectacular fall from grace.

On top of that, she is papped by photographers every time she leaves the flat, with her so-called friends laughing at her downfall. But stepping in to solve a crisis at the studio, Sophie discovers that she is also quite handy with a camera, and a new career behind the lense is born. But when she is hired as the photographer for a society wedding, Sophie is thrust back into her old lifestyle, and discovers that perhaps money can't buy you happiness after all ...

Are you a Jenny Colgan fan? Will you be reading it?

Related posts: Do You Remember the First Time? review | Talking to Addison review

Posted by Keris on November 7, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

November 6, 2008 12:19 PM

BOOK NEWS: New Ellen Meister

I loved Ellen Meister's first novel, Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA and I'm currently enjoying her second, The Smart One. I've just read that she's moving to a new publisher for her third, The Silver Line, which tells the story of a suburban mom expecting her second child who discovers that she might be able to slip through a wrinkle in time and return to her single life.

It sounds great, but it also sounds uncannily like the book I plan to read next, Allison Winn Scotch's Time of my Life.

[via Publishers Weekly]

Posted by Keris on November 6, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 5, 2008 11:38 AM

Romancing the Credit Crunch*

It may be that the country is sliding into negative equity and more and more of us are shopping at the cheaper supermarkets - but there is a company that is doing very well, thank you very much, during these dark and dismal times.

Mills & Boon. Yup, the publishers who are celebrating their centenary this year, could be having their best year yet. It appears that women are cheering themselves up and escaping the economic mess with titles such as The Italian's Captive Virgin and Mistress: Hired for the Billionaire's Pleasure (both by India Grey). [via Scotsman]

*Apologies for the use of this phrase, I know certain people hate it.

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 5, 2008 in Book News, Romance | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Being Nikki

I LOVED Airhead, the first in Meg Cabot's, er, Airhead series.

The second, Being Nikki, isn't out until May 2009, but I thought I'd tell you about it anyway, because I'm excited. Are you? (Read more about it over the cut.)

Related posts: TV & Movie News: Meg Cabot | Meg Cabot interview

Things aren't pretty for Emerson Watts. 

 

Em was sure there couldn't be anything worse than being a brainiac the body of a teenaged supermodel.   

 

But it turned out she was wrong. Because that supermodel could turn out to have a mother who's gone mysteriously missing, a brother who's shown up on her doorstep demanding answers, a former best friend who's intent on destroying Stark Enterprises to avenge the death of his lost love, and a British heartthrob who's written a song about her that's topping the charts.

 

How can Em balance all that with school, runway shows, and weekend jaunts to St. Johns - especially when she's got ex-boyfriends crawling out of the woodwork who want more than just a photo op; a sister who is headed to the high school cheerleading championships; a company she represents that seems to be turning to the dark side...

Not to mention trying to convince the love of her life that models aren't really airheads after all...especially one model in particular.

 

But then, nobody said it was going to be easy being Nikki.

Posted by Keris on November 5, 2008 in American Authors, Book News, Young Adult | Permalink | Comments (8)

November 4, 2008 11:30 AM

BOOK NEWS: Very Valentine

We have very mixed feelings about Adriana Trigiani here at Trashionista. Two of our worst ever reviews were for her books, but her Lucia, Lucia is probably one of my top 10 novels of all time.

And she has a new book - Very Valentine - coming out (appropriately enough) in February 09 and I'm almost afraid to read it. It's the first of a trilogy featuring Valentine Roncalli, a contemporary New York shoe designer whose family company makes custom wedding shoes.

Related posts: Home to Big Stone Gap review | Queen of the Big Time review

Posted by Keris on November 4, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

November 3, 2008 12:02 PM

Coleen's style tips - a bestseller?

We reported a while back that Coleen (now wife of footballer Wayne Rooney) had a five book deal with HarperCollins for a reported £2 million. However, even though Welcome to My World went straight to number one, her follow up, Coleen's Real Style, about make up and stuff, has only sold fewer than 10,000 copies. [via Mail Online]

Could it be the trend for celebrity books is slowing down? (Or do we just not want make up tips from a footballer's wife?)

Related posts: Coleen Style Queen | Yay or Nay Big Advances for Celebritites

Posted by Helen Redfern on November 3, 2008 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 31, 2008 11:22 AM

BOOK NEWS: sTori Telling

I'm only really featuring this book because the title made me laugh (also because she was Donna! In 90210!). Tori Spelling's got the perfect name for a memoir, no? I haven't seen such a perfect title since Keith Chegwin's story of his alcoholism, which he wanted to call Cheggers Can't Be Boozers, but his killjoy publishers wouldn't allow it...

Anyway, in sTori Telling, Tori reveals all about "her decadent childhood birthday parties, her nose job, her fairy-tale wedding to the wrong man, her so-called feud with her mother." Sounds fabulous.

Related posts: My Booky Wook by Russell Brand | Madonna and Me by Nikki Racklin | Growing Pains by Billie Piper

Posted by Keris on October 31, 2008 in Book News, Celebrity Authors, Memoirs | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 29, 2008 10:14 AM

BOOK NEWS: Everyone is Beautiful

I've finally read Katherine Center's debut novel, The Bright Side of Disaster and I loved it just as much as I thought I would (review coming soon). The timing is perfect, since I've also just read that her second, Everyone Is Beautiful, will be out next year.

Lanie Coates just piled everything she owns into a U-Haul and drove with her husband, Peter, and three boys (all under four) across the country. She’s left her helpful parents, her mom-friends, and the comforts of home behind—all because Peter got into graduate school. Even though Lanie wants to help him follow his dreams, she suspects that she’s ignoring her own. If only she could remember what they were.

Lanie can’t shake the feeling that important things from her pre-mom life have gone missing: her marriage, her ambitions, her body. She feels homesick, capsized by motherhood, and just dead certain that she is no longer fabulous. Not even close.

When another mom humiliates her at the park, Lanie decides it’s time to retool her life. She sets change after change in motion, hoping to recapture her lost self. But she also creates ripples that will come to threaten everything she holds dear. In the end, Lanie must figure out once and for all how to find herself without losing everything else in the process.

Related: Bright Side of Disaster covers 

Posted by Keris on October 29, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 24, 2008 9:55 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Penny Pinchers' Club

I think I've mentioned before that I can't stand the phrase "the credit crunch", but I'm already seeing its influence in forthcoming books.

Mostly non-fiction*, granted, but I also spotted (in her recent newsletter), that Sarah Strohmeyer's next novel has a timely subject matter.

* Like The Credit Crunch Cookbook and         Love Food Hate Waste: A Cookbook to Help You Munch Through the Crunch

"I'm putting the finishing touches on my next book - The Penny Pinchers' Club - about a woman who stays with her husband to 'save up for a divorce' only to find their finances are so dire she has to save her family, first."

The first of many "crunch lit" books, no doubt...

Related posts: Sweet Love | The Sleeping Beauty Proposal review

Posted by Keris on October 24, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Martine McCutcheon to publish novel

Martine McCutcheon (star of Love Actually) has finally found a publisher for her debut novel, The Mistress. Pan Books will publish Martine's book at the end of May next year. Said to be the first of a trilogy it is rumoured in The Daily Express to be directly based on her own experiences with a certain chef...

The second title is called The Actress and Martine will be writing the books herself. The book might not be out until half way through next year, but I have found the synopsis on Amazon. It's over the cut.

Mandy is turning 30 and has a lot of love to give, but that special person has so far eluded her. Then, at her birthday party with close friends at the Wolseley, Cupid strikes from across a crowded room. It's love at first sight, but Jake, the man she's fallen for, is happily married. Mandy is determined to stick to her principles and not enter into such dangerous territory, but her resistance is to prove futile. But can she make it as a mistress? Can it work for someone to love two people? A romance with a twist, "The Mistress", has an unusual, modern take on what women want. It's a warm, fun, highly commercial novel by one of Britain's best-loved actresses.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 24, 2008 in Book News, Celebrity Authors | Permalink | Comments (0)

October 23, 2008 11:35 AM

BOOK NEWS: Succubus in the City

No, I don't usually like pun titles, but this one is so blatant that it made me laugh out loud!

Lily has what looks like the perfect life: a fabulous day job at a fashion magazine; a killer figure she can literally never lose; and a great group of girlfriends who are always there for her. Oh, and she also just-so-happens to be a succubus: an immortal demon who draws her power from other men's pleasure. Although working for the Devil does have it's perks, Lily's realising that serving up bad boys to the fiery pits of Hell is just getting ...well, lonely. Just once, Lily would like to wake up in the morning to something more than a pile of ashes but, contractually bound to Satan, she will only be released if someone truly loves her.

Then the devilishly handsome PI Nathan Coleman enters her life and Lily begins to wonder if he might be the man she's been waiting for. He wants to ask Lily a few questions about a missing man, but suddenly someone ? or something ? wants Lily and her demon friends dead, and Nathan seems to know more than he'll admit to. Can a sweet-talking mortal and a girl from Hell ever really find true love?

I haven't read much paranormal chick lit yet, but I think this one could be the one. Sounds very Buffy-esque, no?

Related (kind of) posts: Rex and the City by Lee Harrington | Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson

Posted by Keris on October 23, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (2)

October 22, 2008 12:02 PM

New Sarah Waters Novel

Exciting news that I have been waiting for, for what seems like ages.

Sarah Waters is writing a new novel called The Little Stranger which will be released late in the Spring of 2009. After the critically acclaimed The Night Watch she is staying with the 1940s, setting her story in rural Warwickshire, in a crumbling country manor house haunted by a dying way of life - and perhaps by something more sinister... Ooh, Sarah is writing a ghost story, brilliant. [via Little Brown]

Related posts: Thursday Trailblazer: Sarah Waters | Fingersmith

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 22, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: The Importance of Being Married

I don't know anything about Gemma Townley, except that she's Sophie Kinsella's sister. I never see or hear anything about her books and I've always wondered why her publishers haven't given her a bigger push, considering the family connection. But her latest book, The Importance of Being Married, has a shiny new cover design, so will it be the one to propel her into the big time?

Jessica Wild isn't big on commitment. 'Don't depend on anyone' is her motto. But her friend Grace, a sweet old lady she met in her grandmother's nursing home, can't believe that Jess is truly happy on her own. Eventually Jess caves and tells Grace she's got a boyfriend: her glamorous boss, Anthony Milton.

When in time her fantasy boyfriend becomes her fantasy husband, Grace is thrilled for Jess. So much so, that she leaves Jess an inheritance. But there's a snag. It's in the name of Jessica Milton. Grace trusted Jess to look after the house she adored. If Jess is to keep that trust, it will mean turning her Little White Lie into a Big White Wedding - and getting Anthony to fall in love with her and pop the question for real.

With the help of her formidable best friend Helen and Gloria, a Russian escort experienced in the ways of men, Jess reluctantly learns the art of flirting, seduction and playing hard to get. But just when it appears that Operation Marriage is a success and Anthony is about to ask the million-dollar question, Jess wonders if it's right to say 'I do' for all the wrong reasons...

Sounds interesting, don't you think?

Posted by Keris on October 22, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (5)

October 20, 2008 10:33 AM

BOOK NEWS: The Cradle Snatcher

Tess Stimson's been around for ages - making her one of them there chick lit veterans (Soft Focus was published in 1995) - and yet I haven't read any of her books. Will The Cradle Snatcher be the one?

Clare Elian has always known the risk of being married to a rich, handsome younger man like Marc. She just never thought she'd be the one to bring the danger home. But when she gives birth to two gorgeous babies - one of each, naturally - she discovers motherhood isn't quite the cinch she'd expected.

Desperate to escape back to her chic chain of boutique flower shops, she hires Jenna, a confident, efficient nanny keen to escape a relationship that has gone horribly wrong. Before long, a deadly rivalry emerges for control of the nursery. And as events spiral out of their control, both women find themselves forced to make wrenching decisions about love, loyalty and motherhood.

Um, possibly not. What about you?

Related posts: The Adultery Club review | More book news

Posted by Keris on October 20, 2008 in Book News | Permalink | Comments (1)

October 17, 2008 2:37 PM

The Wonderful Weekend Book

Since January this year, when we decided to get the builders in, until very recently when the last of the decorators finally finished, weekends in our family have been Hectic. Yup, Hectic with a capital H. Oh and of course, I've been pregnant for a lot of this time too. So when I saw this book, The Wonderful Weekend Book by Elspeth Thompson, on Jane Brocket's blog, I actually heard myself exhale, then relax. Why? Well, read the blurb below.

Elspeth Thompsons original and inspiring book shows we can reclaim the weekend by re-charging our batteries and relationships through enjoying the simple pleasures in life. That means no more builders! (For more see over the cut.)

For too many of us the weekend has become just another overcrowded couple of days dominated by duties, traffic jams, hassle and expense as we dash from supermarket to superstore catching up with the weeks chores. But it doesnt have to be this way. From watching the sunset and the stars, making chutney and writing proper letters to borrowing a dog, going to dance classes and using the internet inventively, The Wonderful Weekend Book is packed with ideas that will help restore the balance in our lives, reconnect us to the seasons, and quite literally not cost the earth.

Posted by Helen Redfern on October 17, 2008 in Book News, Non Fiction | Permalink | Comments (0)

BOOK NEWS: Love Struck

How do you feel about live swap books? There've been loads now and I think I've enjoyed most of them, but do we need more? Melanie Rose's debut, Love Struck, does sound a little more interesting... because there's lightning! 

When Jessica Taylor is struck by lightning one afternoon, she has no idea how dramatically her life is going to change! Lucky to survive, Jessica wak