How I Lost You by Jenny Blackhurst

I have no memory of what happened but I was told I killed my son. And you believe what your loved ones, your doctor and the police tell you, don't you? My name is Emma Cartwright. Three years ago I was Susan Webster, and I murdered my twelve-week-old son Dylan. I was sent to Oakdale Psychiatric Institute for my crime, and four weeks ago I was released early on parole with a new identity, address, and a chance to rebuild my tattered life. This morning, I received an envelope addressed to Susan Webster. Inside it was a photograph of a toddler called Dylan. Now I am questioning everything I believe because if I have no memory of the event, how can I truly believe he's dead? If there was the smallest chance your son was alive, what would you do to get him back?

My Thoughts

What a page turner!  I enjoyed the twists and turns of this story and it held me interest from beginning to end. 

This to me is a mother's worst nightmare - being set-up and having your baby stolen from you.  Then the police tell you that you killed your own newborn baby.  What?  And you don't remember and have no proof to tell them otherwise. 

That is exactly what happened to Susan Webster, she served her time, was released and is now living under a new identity in a new town as Ms. Emma Cartwright.

Then weird/sinister things begin to happen - a picture shows up of a 4 year old and it has your son's name, then his baby blanket and a baby brush (just to name a few)...What is happening?

Is this an awful trick or is Dylan really alive?

Drink Selection

I'm going to pair this book with Pimm's Iced Tea, delish!

Rating

I would rate this read 4 wine glasses our of 5. 

About the Author

Jenny Blackhurst grew up in Shropshire where she still lives with her husband and children. Growing up she spent hours reading and talking about crime novels - writing her own seemed like natural progression. The Night She Died is Jenny's fourth novel.

Link to Purchase

Amazon

Cover Reveal - Messing with Matilda by Cat Lavoie

Happy Cover Reveal Day to Cat Lavoie! Enjoy the cover of MESSING WITH MATILDA, coming April 4, 2018!

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Messing With Matilda by Cat Lavoie
Published by Cat Lavoie on April 4, 2018
Genres: Chick Lit, Romantic Comedy

As a professional organizer in New York City, Matilda Hart wages war against chaos and clutter on a daily basis for her clients—and she vows to never let it invade her own well-ordered world. 

But when her boyfriend decides to deviate from the path she’s been planning for them, Matilda's perfectly structured life begins to crumble. She reluctantly finds herself back in the tiny hometown she fled a lifetime ago—determined to lay low and avoid running into anyone she used to know. So why is she reconnecting with her former best friend and putting up with the bridezilla antics of Amber, her high school nemesis? 

When Matilda is tasked with keeping the bride-to-be’s heartbroken ex away from the ceremony, she discovers she has history with the man who’s trying to sabotage the wedding. Matilda quickly realizes that teaming up with cute and quirky—but hopelessly devoted—Silas Flynn could be mutually beneficial. He needs help wooing the woman he considers the love of his life and Matilda can't pass up the chance to finally get back at the meanest of the mean girls by assisting Silas in his attempts to disrupt her wedding. 

Will everything go according to plan for this mismatched pair? Or will working so closely together make uptight Matilda and laid-back Silas lose sight of their common goal? 

One thing's for sure—things are about to get messy.

About Cat Lavoie

Cat Lavoie is a chick lit writer from Montreal, Canada. She loves writing fun and quirky romantic comedies and is the author of BREAKING THE RULES, ZOEY & THE MOMENT OF ZEN, PERI IN PROGRESS and MESSING WITH MATILDA.

A fan of all things feline, Cat loves cats and hopes to someday have a house full of them in order to officially become a crazy cat lady. (But one or two cats will do for now.)

If she isn’t reading or writing, Cat enjoys listening to podcasts (mostly comedy and true crime) and watching way too much TV. She fell in love with London many years ago and hopes to go back one day. Cat is currently at work on her next novel.

To connect with Cat and find out more about her books, visit CatLavoie.com and follow @CatLavoieBooks on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Cover Reveal Organized By:

Still Me (Me Before You, #3) by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark arrives in New York ready to start a new life, confident that she can embrace this new adventure and keep her relationship with Ambulance Sam alive across several thousand miles. She steps into the world of the superrich, working for Leonard Gopnik and his much younger second wife, Agnes. Lou is determined to get the most out of the experience and throws herself into her new job and New York life.

As she begins to mix in New York high society, Lou meets Joshua Ryan, a man who brings with him a whisper of her past. Before long, Lou finds herself torn between Fifth Avenue where she works and the treasure-filled vintage clothing store where she actually feels at home. And when matters come to a head, she has to ask herself: Who is Louisa Clark? And how do you reconcile a heart that lives in two places?

My Thoughts

Book 3 did not disappoint.  I LOVED it!  I'm not going to lie, I would love to read a #4!  Just saying.

Louisa Clark heads to NYC to start her new life after Will.  Will her long distance relationship with Sam last the with her across the ocean?

  Her newest adventure is being a personal assistant to Agnes Gopnik who is very needy.  Louisa wants to make the most of this experience and her goal is to be the best personal assistant she can.

But there are times when Agnes crosses the line and Louisa has to compromise her judgment to be able to follow through - funneling money out of the account or sending outrageous gifts to another country without Leonard's knowledge.  But Louisa does as she's told and it doesn't end well for her.

Then she meets Josh.  I personally don't like him, he's very city and his ambitions are to climb the corporate ladder, not build a meaningful relationship.

Louisa runs into many challenges in this third book - lying, backstabbing, dishonesty, will she make it through without a mark or will one of these take her down?  She also makes a few great friends, meets a pretentious dog, and tries to befriend a recluse named Margot from the fashion world of years past.  If anything she hopes to grow from all of these experiences - good and bad - and become a better person which is what Will had hopped for her.

Drink Selection

A perfect selection for this book would be a Martini with Vermouth! 

Rating

I loved this book from beginning to end, 5 wine glasses hands down!

About the Author

Jojo Moyes is a British novelist.

Moyes studied at Royal Holloway, University of London. She won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to study journalism at City University and subsequently worked for The Independent for 10 years. In 2001 she became a full time novelist.

Moyes' novel Foreign Fruit won the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) Romantic Novel of the Year in 2004.

She is married to journalist Charles Arthur and has three children.

Link to Purchase

Amazon

The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

Lucy is faced with a life-altering choice. But before she can make her decision, she must start her story—their story—at the very beginning.

Lucy and Gabe meet as seniors at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Together, they decide they want their lives to mean something, to matter. When they meet again a year later, it seems fated—perhaps they’ll find life’s meaning in each other. But then Gabe becomes a photojournalist assigned to the Middle East and Lucy pursues a career in New York. What follows is a thirteen-year journey of dreams, desires, jealousies, betrayals, and, ultimately, of love. Was it fate that brought them together? Is it choice that has kept them away? Their journey takes Lucy and Gabe continents apart, but never out of each other’s hearts.

My Thoughts

I can honestly say that a book has never saddened me and well as gave me so much joy to read.  There is such an intense shift of emotions throughout this entire novel.  You won't truly understand until you read Jill's book for yourself.  The book description doesn't do it justice. 

Lucy meets Gabe and is in love/lust at first site one day at Columbia, that day would be September 11th when the towers fell. 

Those emotions only last for a fleeting moment when his ex-gf calls and needs him and he takes her back. Months and semesters past and graduation arrives.

Then life in NYC begins as adults.  One night she runs into Gabe years later and cupid strikes again.   Should she trust him or will he break her heart all over again?

But the job of a lifetime (in Gabe's eyes) comes up and he takes it without even thinking about Lucy.  He breaks her heart and her world.

Lucy chooses to move on when it becomes apparent that their worlds will never be one and 13 years go by - great jobs, bf's, gf's, fiances, children, etc. yet they still remain in random contact.

The question then comes to mind - can you ever forget your one true love no matter how great your current life is?

I will not reveal anymore details but I beg you to read this book, be happy, cry a few tears and learn from the love that is Lucy and Gabe.

Drink Selection

I am going to use a popular drink from the book, the Appletini.  Delish!

 

Rating

I would give this book 10 wine glasses if I could, 5 wine glasses for sure all the way!

About the Author

Jill Santopolo is the author of the The Light We Lost, the Alec Flint Mysteries, the Sparkle Spa series, and the Follow Your Heart books. She holds a BA in English Literature from Columbia University, an MFA in Writing for Children from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and a certificate in Intellectual Property Law from NYU. Jill is also the Editorial Director of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group. When she’s not writing or editing, Jill is a thesis advisor at The New School in their MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is on the faculty of the Columbia Publishing Course. Jill has traveled all over the U.S.—and to Canada and Europe—to speak about writing and storytelling. She lives in New York City.

Twitter: @jillsantopolo
Instagram: jillsantopolo
Facebook: /jillsantopoloauthor

Link to Purchase

Amazon

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times--and spying on her neighbors.

Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother, and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble—and its shocking secrets are laid bare.

What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.

My Thoughts

What an AMAZING read!  I couldn't put this book down!  A.J. Finn truly has a gift with words as well as suspense.  Is the next writer to watch and I can't wait to see what he comes up with going forward!

The entire book literally revolves around Anna Fox living in her home in NYC and she is unable to go outside.  She will literally lose it if she opens a window and feels the breeze.

Her days consist of watching her neighbors (documenting their every step), drinking and watching black and white movies.

Families move in and move out and she thinks nothing of it until this family, The Russells moves in across the park.  Strange things start to happen and then wait...did that just happen?  Anna isn't sure if it was real or if it was the wine talking!

Anna's world is now turned upside down.  Will it ever be right again?

Drink Selection

I will pair this book with a Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum, fitting for this selection I believe!

Rating

5 wine glasses hands down!

About the Author

A. J. Finn has written for numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and the Times Literary Supplement (UK). A native of New York, Finn lived in England for ten years before returning to New York City. 

Link to Purchase

Amazon

The Secret To Southern Charm by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Leaving fans “practically [begging] for a sequel” (Bookpage), critically acclaimed author Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with the second novel in her beloved Peachtree Bluff series, featuring a trio of sisters and their mother who discover a truth that will change not only the way they see themselves, but also how they fit together as a family.

After finding out her military husband is missing in action, middle sister Sloane’s world crumbles as her worst nightmare comes true. She can barely climb out of bed, much less summon the strength to be the parent her children deserve.

Her mother, Ansley, provides a much-needed respite as she puts her personal life on hold to help Sloane and her grandchildren wade through their new grief-stricken lives. But between caring for her own aging mother, her daughters, and her grandchildren, Ansley’s private worry is that secrets from her past will come to light.

But when Sloane’s sisters, Caroline and Emerson, remind Sloane that no matter what, she promised her husband she would carry on for their young sons, Sloane finds the support and courage she needs to chase her biggest dreams—and face her deepest fears. Taking a cue from her middle daughter, Ansley takes her own leap of faith and realizes that, after all this time, she might finally be able to have it all.

My Thoughts

This is the second book in the Peachtree Bluff series and Kristy does not disappoint!  I loved every page from beginning to end and have already inquired with Kristy when #3 will be out! 

Sloan's husband is MIA and at the start of this novel she is inconsolable and hasn't left her room for weeks.  If you were in the same situation, would that be you?  I believe that I would follow the same pattern.

Little by little her mother and sisters try to get her out of her shell and her niece breaks through at one point and that was the push that she needed.

Her mother, Ansley, on the other hand has her own demons that she has to figure out and muddle her way through. 

But she realizes that it never seems to be a good time to go down that path - with her mother's illness and Sloane's husband MIA and Caroline's husband fooling around, when will these poor woman get a break to breathe and rebuild!

Little by little they start to find their way and they leave you wanting to know more by the end!

Drink Selection

I located the PERFECT drink - The Southern Charm  - a little bourbon, a little Southern comfort (and a few other details and there you have it! 

Rating

5 wine glasses all the way!  No explanation needed!

About the Author

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She blogs at Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life and loves connecting with readers at kristywoodonsharvey.com. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's school of journalism and holds a Master's in English from East Carolina University. She is a regular contributor for The Salisbury Post, Domino magazine and Houzz. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three-year-old son.

Link to Purchase

Amazon

Spring in Lilac Glen by Angie Ellington

Julianne Baker seemingly has it all. Working for a nationally published nature magazine in Manhattan and leading a glamorous life in the Big Apple....or is she? Julianne returns to her hometown of Lilac Glen, Georgia to complete an article on family-based nurseries and floral businesses; something she already knows plenty about.

Julianne meets Tucker Case, a handsome investor and real estate manager who is trying to fit in as a farm owner in the town he now calls home. As days get longer, and spring starts to reawaken, will flowers be all that bloom?

Join Julianne as she opens her heart to new possibilities while learning to take life a little slower down back roads; bending with the curves instead of against them.

My Thoughts

Can I first start by saying, how gorgeous is this cover?  It was the first thing that caught my eye and I couldn't wait to dive in. 

Julianne seems to have it all - her dream job (sort of) and a life in NYC, what more could a girl ask for?

Then the magazine sends Julianne home for a story that involves her families nursery.  What perfect timing for a week vaca away from the office, and with maybe a little work involved.

Then Julianne meets Tucker, as the week (and she falls deeper) goes on she wishes she hadn't because she has to return to NYC.

Big news then arises with her job at the magazine and she may have to move to CANADA.  Will Julianne pack her bags and head north or will all road lead back to Lilac Glen, GA?

Drink Selection

What a perfect drink to fit the theme, a Lilac Lemon Drop Martini!  Delish!

Rating

It was a quick fun read, 5 wine glasses for sure!

About the Author

Angie Ellington writes contemporary women's fiction...a cross between sweet romance & chick lit. If you're a fan of Hallmark Channel, Angie's books may be just what you're looking for!

A Moonlit Hearts Romance Standalone Series
*Christmas in Fair Bend (2017)-Available
*Autumn at Apple Hill (2017)-Available
*Spring in Lilac Glen (March 2018)-Preorder Available
*Summer at Carlisle Cove (2018)

Link to Purchase

Amazon