Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The Bad Girls' Club - Author "Chic" Chat!



Synopsis (from Amazon): The Bad Girls' Club: it's about sex, it's about dares, but most of all, it's about friendship! 

Imogen, Juliette and Beth have had a gutful of the manipulative Poppy so, when they are seated together at her wedding, their resentment not only unites them but pushes them into a risqué prank 

Their problems go much deeper though. Imogen has major body issues and a lousy track record with men, Juliette is stuck in a dead-end relationship with her dead beat boyfriend and Beth is so busy trying to impress everyone else, she's got no idea what she really wants.

It's time to take drastic action.  It's time to rebel.  It's time to become Bad Girls.

They band together to form the Bad Girls Club and, through a series of brazen dares, push the limits of their sexuality.

But are the girls ready to finally take the final leap that will have them branded as bad girls for real? To save the club, and each other, they each have to publicly acknowledge their darkest secrets.

Join the bad girls in this steamy yet snort-laughingly funny chick lit adventure.


Meet the Author:  Kathryn O'Halloran was told to write what she knows; despite that, she now writes erotica. She finds the research gruelling but she goes at it with guts and determination. 

Her chequered work history includes time as a computer programmer, a phone psychic, a mystery shopper, a community television star, a maker of psychedelic fake fur handbags and wielding a machete on a vegetable production line.

I am so excited to share a "chic" chat with Kathryn below!

What is your favorite summer treat (can be anything)?
I love cutting up grapes and soaking them in Cointreau in the freezer.  Super delicious!

Anything excited planned for summer?
Nothing at the moment. (SBN forgot it was winter in Australia!

I love getting pedicures, especially in the summer, are you a pedicure or manicure girl?
I love getting manicures and pedicures yet rarely have them done.  I should go more often, it's such a nice treat.

What is your favorite summer product?
The sun here is so harsh that I really need a good sunscreen in summer just for everyday.  I love Korean BB Cream because it's got like factor 50 sun protection.


Favorite color, food, drink and animal?
Favourite colour - red, preferably red with white polka dots.  I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite food, there are just too many.  Favourite drink is a margarita - I love the sour/salty combo.  And animal, at the moment, I’m obsessed with polar bears.  They are just too cute!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Well apart from writing, I like watching dramas and occasionally going to karaoke.  I don’t sing well but I sing loud - and that’s the most important thing.

When/Why did you start writing?
I’ve been writing for so many years.  I started sending things out seriously about 10 years ago and had some short stories published.  Then, about six years ago, I started studying Japanese and took a break from writing because I couldn’t fit both Japanese and English words in my head at the same time.

What is your favorite writing spot?
I usually sit on the couch with my laptop on my knee, which is terrible for my posture and gives me really sore shoulders.  I have a desk but hate using it.

Do you have writing routine?
Not at all.  I try to fit writing in around my day job and am often too brain-fried to write after work.  I keep thinking I should wake up early and write before work but I hate mornings.

Can you read other books while writing your own?
Definitely.  I can’t sleep without reading a bit.  I do try to read in other genres so I’m not being too influenced by what I’m reading.

What are currently (or last read) reading now?
I’m reading The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley.  I read it years ago and wanted to reread it.  It’s a story of a group of cousins in London during WWII.  

What is your favorite genre?
I skip between genres a lot.  I pretty much read anything except fantasy/sci-fi.  A while back, I had a real fad on samurai detective novels - who even knew such a genre existed!

What is your favorite(s) song/movie/play/TV show?
Again, too many to pick.  I’m a huge fan of Supernatural and have been watching since it started.  It’s probably the one show I never miss.

If you could go anywhere for vacation/holiday, where would you go?
At the moment, I’m planning a trip to Japan.  I’ve been a few times but I’ve been working on a novel set in 1860s Japan so want to do research.

Which would you pick:
Ocean/beach or pool - beach for sure.  I grew up near the beach and love it.  
Coffee or tea - coffee, I’m totally addicted.
Fruit or candy - candy, although I do eat a lot of fruit.
A book or e-book - I find it hard to read paper books since I got my kindle.  You can’t change the font size or anything.
Computer or tablet/smart phone - both, I’d love one of those thingos you can change from a laptop to a tablet.  
Camping or Hoteling- hotel for sure.  Having a thin bit of canvas between you and wild animals is not a good idea, right!
Driving or Flying - I actually love trains.  We have crappy trains here in Australia but when I travel, I love going by train.  Flying is fun but so much palaver nowadays with all the security.  Driving takes too much concentration though you do have the advantage of being able to sing (loudly).

Connect with Kathryn: You can connect with Kathryn online at her website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and GoodReads.

Purchase: You can purchase The Bad Girls' Club online from Amazon for $4.99.



Monday, July 22, 2013

Kitchen House - ROC Book Club



Synopsis (from Amazon):  When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family.


Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master’s illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction. Lavinia finds herself perilously straddling two very different worlds. When she is forced to make a choice, loyalties are brought into question, dangerous truths are laid bare, and lives are put at risk.

The Kitchen House is a tragic story of page-turning suspense, exploring the meaning of family, where love and loyalty prevail.


My Review: 

Favorite Character(s):  How can I have just one favorite character with this book?  I can't.  I loved Lavinia, Belle, Mama, Papa, Uncle Jacob, Ben, and Will. Belle is just a like a mother to Lavinia and a big sister to everyone else.  She is the Captain's daughter and when his mother passes away is forced to move out of the Big House and going the slaves at the Kitchen House.  Mama, Papa, Ben, and Uncle Jacob always put everyone else first and were so thoughtful.  They also were so smart and knew what to say to their owners (Captain and later Marshall).  They knew everything that was going on too.  Will was the good master, who respected people regardless of color.  A true gentleman!

Characters I didn't like....Captain, Marshall, and Rankin.  I really liked Captain at the beginning and what he did for Lavinia, but I came to not like him when he continued to do the wrong thing or not stand up and do the right thing.  He seemed weak overall to me.  Marshall and Rankin....I can't say or I will give the whole book away....you will know exactly why I don't like them when you read the book.  Just remembered the Tutor too....that man should have been punished.  

Setting:  LOVED it.  I usually really enjoy stories set in this time period.  The hero(s) are so strong.  I could picture the plantation, the Big House and the Kitchen House as if I had been there before.  Bravo to author Kathleen Grissom for writing so clearly that I felt I was right there with them all going through their struggles.  The characters and setting just make The Kitchen House so great.

Fast read/slow read:  Super fast read from the start! Hooked from the first chapter.

Cover:  I like it, but look at these other covers I found.  I really like them too.





One (or more) Sentence Summary:  The Kitchen House is the 1790's version of The Help plus Uncle Tom's Cabin.  Honestly, I couldn't get enough.  I absolutely loved the characters, the setting, the story (lots of twists and unpredictable events), everything. I am having huge withdrawals.  I want more!  Another amazing selection by my ROC book club! The Kitchen House is going on my "Top Favorite Books" list!  I loved it that much.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author:  Yes, absolutely, anytime, any day!  LOVED her!


Meet the Author:  Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Kathleen Grissom is now happily rooted in south-side Virginia, where she and her husband live in the plantation tavern they renovated. The Kitchen House is her first novel.


Connect: You can connect with Ros online at her websiteTwitter and on Facebook.

Purchase it:  You can purchase The Kitchen House online at Amazon for $16.00 ($9.35 Kindle version). It will be worth every cent.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Lessons from a Kindred Sister - Interview with Author, Neeta Nahta





Synopsis (from Amazon):  A delightful tale of dishy drama, feel-good inspiration, and sassy humor.

Intelligent, fun-loving Sarah Evans is in need of a glass of wine.  After all, being unceremoniously dumped by your fiancé who leaves you with a ridiculously expensive apartment that makes you even more of a slave to a job you hate can really put a damper on things.  (If you think that last sentence was a lot to take in, try living it...hmmm, better make that two glasses of wine.)  As her sips turn to gulps, Sarah receives a journal from a mysterious Parisian woman known only as a 'kindred sister'.  What lies inside has the power to change her life forever.  Before Sarah's world can begin to sparkle like champagne, things take a decidedly vinegary twist when she learns of a dear friend's horrible betrayal.  Will the journal be enough to keep Sarah's life from fully uncorking, or will her glass of cabernet be relegated to being forever half-empty?


Interview with Author:   I am excited to bring you an interview with author of Lessons from a Kindred Sister, Neeta Nahta, aka The Smart, Sassy Goddess, uses the term Chick-Sass Lit to represent her genre of fiction - a combination of Chick Lit Women's Fiction and Personal Development. Her writings interweave whimsy with wisdom, indulgence with introspection.  They also feature some pretty kick-sass women! Her first novel, Lessons from a Kindred Sister, is the first volume in her Sisters in Life Series. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I have a very wide range of interests.  These are just a few (apart from writing, of course)

·      Reading: I am a voracious reader.  My husband and I actually don’t have traditional TV (just streaming in case we want to watch a movie from time to time), as we both would rather invest that time reading.

·      Art: My mother was an artist and I grew up coming home to her painting in her studio.  I guess I inherited that gene because I now have my own in-home studio.  My paints of choice are oils and acrylics, and I mainly enjoy painting landscapes and the occasional still life. 

·      Socializing: I also am a very social person and love spending time with family and friends.  I’m very lucky to have a strong group of amazing people in my life. 

·      Exercising: Finally, Running/working-out helps to keep me (relatively) sane, especially when life gets overly busy. 

When/Why did you start writing?
I started writing about five years ago.  I was at a point in my life where I was incredibly happy as a result of having grown into and really understanding myself.  This was not something that came easy to me (gah, I used to be one hot mess!).  Because of this, I wanted to write a book that is now morphing into a series about a woman whose life was loosely based on my own and so many of my friends.  Of course, I took extreme poetic license in writing the story and included a few fantasies along the way, but over time my first novel was born.  After that, I was hooked and am now working on book 2 of the series. 

What is your favorite writing spot?
I love writing in my studio.  It faces east so it’s perfect for writing in the early morning time.  Between the writing and the painting, it also holds this amazing creative vibe.  It’s my sanctuary. 

Who are some of your favorite authors? 
I have a wide range of tastes.  Sophie Kinsella, Kathleen Tessaro, and Madeline St. John have all written books that have inspired my writing.  I also enjoy (geek alert) reading personal development books that cause me to be introspective.  I think those types of books actually makes me a better writer, and definitely a better person, in that the more I can connect with myself, the more space I have to connect with the characters I am writing about.  (If that makes sense without going too deep into some sort of esoterically enlightened area J).  I also love books with feel-good endings.  There can sometimes be so much negativity in life, and I enjoy reading things that leave me with a positive outlook (which is why I write in the same vein). 

Can you read other books while writing your own?
Apparently no.  I hadn’t realized this with my first novel, but as I have been writing my second novel I have come to the conclusion that I can’t do both at the same time.  I’m not sure why, perhaps it’s the same the reason I can’t type and talk at the same time. 

What are you currently (or last read) reading now?
Just finished Lauren Weisberger’s Revenge Wears Prada

If you could go anywhere for vacation/holiday, where would you go?
New Zealand.  I’ve actually been there already but would go back in a heartbeat, especially the South island.  I absolutely loved the untouched aspect of the country.  It looked like an artist had taken a paintbrush and painted the landscape. 

Which would you pick:
Ocean/beach or pool: Beach!  There is something very freeing about the ocean, plus I love the smells and sounds. 

Coffee or tea: Tea, I drink it the Indian chai way – with milk and spices such as ginger root, cardamom, and cinnamon. 

Fruit or candy: Vegetables… but if I had to choose, then fruit

A book or e-book: Book!  I actually don’t own an e-reader, which is especially interesting since I have a high-tech background.  I love the feel of a book in my hand. 

Computer or tablet/smart phone: Both.  No ereaders, but our household has 5 computers, a tablet, and 2 smart phones … and there are only 2 of us!  We’re both techies. 

Camping or Hoteling: Hoteling…unless the tent is inside

Driving or Flying: I prefer the destination and whichever will get me there fastest. 

Connect:  You can connect with Neeta on her blog, The SSGs, Facebook, FB Page, Twitter, Pinterest and GoodReads

Purchase:  You can purchase Lessons From a Kindred Sister online at Amazon for $13.95

Friday, July 19, 2013

Fish Out of Water

~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~


Synopsis (from Amazon): Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum meets Splash in a sexy, smart-talking debut about a mermaid in a desert, a city under water, and the secret that no one is supposed to uncover.

Dirtwater's straight-talking Deputy Sheriff Rania Aqualina has a lot on her plate: a nicotine addiction that's a serious liability for a mermaid, a soldier-of-fortune ex who's hooked on her Mum's brownies, a gorgeous, naked stranger in her shower, and a mysterious dead blonde with a fish tattoo on Main Street. 

Heading home to Aegira for a family wedding, Rania has a sinking feeling that's got nothing to do with hydroporting seven miles under the sea and everything to do with the crazy situation. Now, if she can just steal a corpse, get a crazy Aegiran priest off her case, work out who the hell's trying to kill her, and stop sleeping with the fishes, she might be able to unravel the mysteries. And maybe even save her own ass while she's at it.

Fish out of Water is Stephanie Plum meets Splash, and the first book in a trilogy about Aegira, an underwater kingdom based on the historical Norse legend of Aegir.


My Review: 

Favorite Character(s):  It is a tie between Rania and her mother.  I really liked them both in there own "kooky" way.  They balance each other perfectly.

Setting:  It was very cool!  I loved the underwater kingdom.  The 

Fast read/slow read:  Fast read from the start!

Cover:  I like it, but I would love to see a picture of the kingdom!

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Fish Out of Water is no doubt, Stephanie Plum meets Splash. I really loved the underwater kingdom, especially the dolphins!  

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Yes, and can't wait for the sequel!  Yes, there will be a sequel as Fish Out of Water is the first of a trilogy.  


Meet the Author: Ros writes fresh, funny, genre-busting fiction. She digs feisty heroines, good friends, quirky families, heroes to make you sigh and tingle, and a dash of fantasy from time to time. 

Ros has been writing since she was eight and penned a whimsical series of short stories about a race of tiny people who lived on a rainbow. While they were a hit in the playground, a few things intervened - including a career in social policy and four noisy children.

Ros started writing again in earnest three years ago. In that time, Ros has secured a two-book deal with Harper Collins Australia, published Sister Pact (a romantic comedy co-written with her sister Ali) and Fish Out of Water (Escape Publishing on 1 April), been a contributing author to the e-anthology URL Love, and finaled in the STALI competition.

Ros also runs a successful business consulting to government and the private sector. She teaches professional writing skills and has authored a writing guide, Clarity.  Ros lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband Blair, four small but very opinionated children, a neurotic dog and nine billion germs. 
Connect: You can connect with Ros online at her website, Twitter and on Facebook.

Purchase it:  You can purchase Fish Out of Water online at Amazon for $3.99.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Interview with Author of Vacation!



You might remember my review of Vacation, but if not, click here.  I really enjoyed the book.  Below is an interview with the author!

Synopsis (from Amazon): Dr. William Koval, a pragmatist with little faith in humanity, prefers to dwell in the eerily comforting microscopic realm, where he is master of his domain. But his worldview is upended when he decides to go on the English walking tour his wife had been planning before her murder three years earlier. Only when William confronts his past, including his troubled marriage, will he find a way to rejoin the living, to move forward, and perhaps love again. The real journey, he discovers, lies within.

Purchase: You can purchase Vacation online at Amazon

Interview with JC:

I take you have been to England - did you do the walking tour similar to Vacation?  I love London and would think I would really enjoy the walking tour.
My husband, Greg and I have been fortunate to enjoy two walking tours of rural England, the Cotswold Villages and the Shakespeare Way. For Vacation, I drew upon the visually striking landscape, getting lost in many sheep paddocks, and the mental and physical challenges we encountered. Brits have a unique style when giving directions, lending a comic element to the novel. I chose to drop poor, introverted William in the middle of a group tour, complete with quirky characters, because I wanted to create tension for him.
Our walks were unlike William’s, since we were entirely on our own. Following written directions, we picked our way to our next night’s lodging—a working farm, a B&B, a pub or hotel. Glorious.          
 
I highly recommend the experience. There is nothing like entering a village on foot; you don’t miss the fine details. With many footpaths, The UK is a welcoming haven for walkers. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
 
Do you live in the pacific northwest?  I have ALWAYS wanted to visit Seattle.  Where would recommend for a vacation spot in PNW?
I live in Sonoma County, know as “wine country.” We are about one hour north of San Francisco. Think oak woodlands, vineyards, rolling hills.
The Northwest region has much to offer visitors, it is difficult to know where to start. Between the redwoods, the rugged coastline, and vibrant cities, you can’t miss. Portland is a great city. It’s the perfect town for walking. I also adore Seattle and the surrounding island communities, like Annie’s Vashon Island.
You should come!
 
I am so jealous of authors - did you find it difficult to find time to write and to get published?
Writing is the fun part.  I am the kind of person who solitude and fairly large chunks of time to make progress, and it can be difficult to make that happen. About five years ago, I quit working full time, and writing became a priority in my life.
 
It would take a few dozen pages to adequately cover the many pitfalls for authors, so I will spare you. I was listening to a radio interview with an established author. He was asked to share advice with young writers starting out. He said you need about 25 years to work, a high threshold for rejection, and the ability to spend many hours alone.
This sums it up nicely.
 
Did the twists in vacation just come to you as you wrote or did you have it all plotted out?
Both.  In the beginning, I try to write freely, keeping my inner critic at bay.  After the first draft, I outline, look for holes, weave the threads, and pull loose ends of the story together. I enjoy both processes.
 
Are you currently writing a new novel and can you share anything about it?
One theme in my writing is human transformation.
I have two other completed novels “in the drawer,” looking for homes. 
The To-Do List, I started many years ago. This book holds a special place in my heart. Every woman who knows the exact number of calories in a Snickers bar will recognize Ginny, my protagonist.
My most recent work, Believing in Bigfoot, tackles our cynicism and limiting beliefs that stand in the way of true happiness.
 
I am also the author of On the Brink of Nora, published in 2009.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I do love to travel, but I also love spending time at home with friends, family and beloved pets.

What is your favorite writing spot?
I have tried many spots, including a very private studio. I hate to admit this, but I prefer to write in bed, preferably in jammies.

Do you have writing routine?
I am most productive from about 5:30 am until around 11:00 am.

Can you read other books while writing your own?
I am constantly reading.

What are currently (or last read) reading now?
Lately I have been favoring non-fiction. I am working my way through Bill Bryson.

What is your favorite genre?
I adore page-turning fiction, books that make me laugh and weep. The real gems are the ones I never want to end.

What is your favorite(s) song/movie/play/TV show?
I am a fan of serialized television, with strong character development, Madmen. But I also like Project Runway.

If you could go anywhere for vacation/holiday, where would you go?
Provence.

Which would you pick:
Ocean/beach or pool - Ocean/beach
Coffee or tea - Coffee
Fruit or candy - Depends on my mood, time of day and how good the candy is
A book or e-book - E-book
Computer or tablet/smart phone - Computer
Camping or Hoteling - Hoteling
Driving or Flying - Driving

You can connect with JC online, Facebook, GoodReads and Amazon Author Page.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Gone GIrl



Synopsis (from Amazon): Marriage can be a real killer. 
   One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. 
   On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? 
   As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
   With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around.


My Review:  I listened to Gone Girl (audiobook).

Favorite Character(s):  My favorite supporting character goes to Margo, Nick's sister.  My favorite "crazy" character goes to Amy - no doubt!  For some reason I found myself cheering for Nick to figure it out, since we readers know Amy is alive.

Setting:  I liked it.  I can't remember any other book I have read that took place in Missouri.  I am sure I have, but can't think of any right now.  I found it nice to visit somewhere different!

Fast read/slow read:  I think this was an "in-between" read.  It wasn't fast or slow for me.  I wasn't finding excuses to run errands to listen to the next chapter. I had too many people telling me about Gone Girl, that it spoiled the "I have to listen to one more chapter" impact for me.  Too many spoiler alerts, spoiled the book for me.

Cover:  Give the twisted path we go down following Amy through this madness, it works.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Gone Girl is one twisted book.  If I hadn't heard so many details about the book, I really think I would have loved it.  Without all the spoil alerts I would have never, ever figured out what was coming next.  Too many spoil alerts, spoiled the book for me.

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Yes.



Meet the Author: Gillian Flynn (born 1971) is an American author and former television critic for Entertainment Weekly. As of 2012, she has published three novels: Sharp Objects (2006), Dark Places (2009), and Gone Girl (2012).

Connect: You can connect with Gillian online at her website and on Facebook.

Purchase it:  You can purchase Gone Girl online at Amazon for $16.99.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Saving Saffron Sweeting

~ I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author to facilitate this review.  I received no compensation and opinions are 100% my own or my family. ~

Quarter finalist, 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

Synopsis (from Amazon): Grace Palmer's British friends all think she's living the American Dream. But her design business is floundering and when she discovers her husband is cheating with her best client, she panics and flees home to England. 

The tranquil village of Saffron Sweeting appears to be a good place for Grace to lick her wounds, but the community is battling its own changes. Reluctantly, Grace finds herself helping her new neighbours as they struggle to adjust and save their businesses. However, not everyone has the same opinion on what's good for the village. The charismatic new man in her life may have one speculative eye on Grace, but the other is firmly on profit. How will she navigate the tricky path between her home and her happiness? 

With gentle humour and generous helpings of British tea and cake, Saving Saffron Sweeting explores one woman's need to define herself through her career and community, before she can figure out who should be by her side.


My Review:  I enjoyed reading Saving Saffron Sweeting!

Favorite Character(s):  Hmm.  I am not sure I have a favorite character.  There were several I liked....Grace, Jem, Amelia, Nancy, Mary Lou.  I felt the women really bonded well and supported each other.  The comment connector was Grace. They seemed very believable and their relationship with each other seemed very real.  

Setting:  The book primarily takes place in Saffron Sweeting, England.  I LOVE England and books that take place there.  If I could move to London, I would in in heart beat!

Fast read/slow read:  I think this was an "in-between" read.  It wasn't fast or slow for me.  It was interesting enough to keep me engaged.  

Cover:  I didn't really care for the cover - it works with the book, but I would have liked to seen either the cottage where Grace lived, or the bakery.  More "England" looking.

One (or more) Sentence Summary:  Saving Sweet Saffron was a great read.  The first chapter hooked me.  Even though the topic is not funny (cheating husband) the way it was written was pretty funny.  I immediately took Grace's side and was cheering her on to do the right thing.  When she goes to England, I loved how she picked herself up and got on with life.  I was surprised by who Grace is with at the end of the book. For some reason, I was rooting for Scott-probably because of his life-style.  

Would I Read Other Books by the Author: Sure would!






Meet the Author:  British by birth, Pauline Wiles moved to California eight years ago and, apart from a yearning for afternoon tea and historic homes, has never looked back. Her work has been published by House of Fifty, Open Exchange and Alfie Dog Fiction. Saving Saffron Sweeting is her first novel.

When not writing, Pauline can be found getting the steps wrong in a Zumba class or calculating how many miles she has to run to justify an extra piece of cake. Her ambition is to sell enough books to cover the cost of flying herself and a reader to London for tea.

Connect: You can connect with Pauline onlineTwitterGoodreadsFacebook and Pinterest.

Purchase:  You can buy Saving Saffron Sweeting online at Amazon for $10.99 (Kindle version $2.99 - GREAT PRICE!)