What a year 2018 has been, hectic is an understatement. I’ve once again been privileged to work with many amazing authors, blog tour organisers and publishers. As always I am eternally grateful for the opportunities. I’ve been part of over 155 blog tours, cover reveals, spotlights, promotions and of course reviews!
Now for my 2018 line up and my hot list for 2019!
Where do I start! It’s been really difficult to reduce my list of best reads to just 10 this year so I’ve decided to post 11.
I’ve chosen all of them because they have whisked me away to that wonderful fictional place where all of my real life stresses have disappeared, for me that’s the sign of a good book.
Drum roll please ……
It’s a wonderful night by Jaime Admans
This was definitely a book I will read every Christmas, the story flowed beautifully and had warmth and depth. It tackled the subject of men’s mental health beautifully. It’s full of magic and love.
Read my Review here
My next top read is …
Mavis and Dot by Angela Petch
Oh my goodness, 2018 was made so much better for me when Mavis and Dot entered my life! They are the most unusual, glorious and funny duo. Their antics made me laugh out loud. All proceeds from Mavis and Dot go to cancer research.
Read my Review here
The Best Boomerville Hotel by Caroline James
A cast of unforgettable characters, this had love and mystery in abundance! I was left with the Boomerville blues when I’d finished.
Read my Review here
Prosecco And Promises by A.L. Michael
I adore the Martini Club series and this one is my favourite, it’s whisks you off to Italy and I didn’t return until the last sentence, perfect for a cold Autumn read.
Read my Review here
A Magician’s Curse by Linda G Hill
Oh my, this book blew me away, it was intense, sexy and all consuming. A must read for any lover of paranormal fiction!
Read my Review here
Spring At Lavender Bay by Sarah Bennett
Another fantastic cosy read full of warm characters, a gorgeous storyline and the major feel good factor.
Read my Review here
The Cheesemakers House by Jane Cable
Another amazing read that combines mystery, romance and a touch of paranormal magic. This had me intrigued until the final sentence.
Read my Review here
The Development by Jackie Kabler
My first introduction to Cora Baxter and definitely not my last. This was one of my first cosy crime reads. A great read with a fab twist!
Read My Review here
The Old You by Louise Voss
A chilling story with a major twist. Be prepared to be consumed for a day or two.
Read My Review here
fatal Inheritance by Rachel Rhys
Any book by Rachel is always on either my top ten book list or in my top future reads, this was no exception.
Read My Review here
Valentina by Cristina Hodgson
The Chantelle Rose series is an absolute corner, this was my favourite so far!
Read My Review here
My 2019 reads
2018 has certainly taught me lots, one thing is I need to start pacing myself! I think its so easy to get caught up in the possibility of endless books to read and review, but in doing this I’ve found that reading has sometimes become more a chore than an enjoyable hobby. Because of this I’m going to pace myself in 2019, i’ll still be on regular book tours but I want time to read books on my TBR pile, I want to enjoy reading and not stress because I’ve booked myself onto 3 blog tours in 2 days! I also, and most importantly for me do not want to let people down! So here’s to 2019 and a more calm and happy me!
Now for the top reads on my TBR
The Truths And Truimphs Of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris
I have eagerly been awaiting the publication of this beaut and now I don’t have to for much longer!
Publication date – 10th January 2019
Between the simple melody of running her violin shop and the full-blown orchestra of her romantic interludes in Paris with David, her devoted partner of eight years, Grace Atherton has always set her life to music.
Her world revolves entirely around David, for Grace’s own secrets have kept everyone else at bay. Until, suddenly and shockingly, one act tips Grace’s life upside down, and the music seems to stop.
It takes a vivacious old man and a straight-talking teenager to kickstart a new chapter for Grace. In the process, she learns that she is not as alone in the world as she had once thought, that no mistake is insurmountable, and that the quiet moments in life can be something to shout about …
Anstey Harris
Anstey Harris teaches creative writing for Canterbury Christ Church University and in the community with her own company, Writing Matters. She has been featured in various literary magazines and anthologies, been shortlisted for many prizes, and won the H G Wells Short Story Award. Anstey lives in Kent, UK and is the mother of the singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan.
The Day We Met by Roxie Cooper
Another gem from Roxie Cooper
Publication Date – 1st February 2019
Stephanie and Jamie are meant to be. The problem is they’re both with other people…
Stephanie doesn’t believe in fate, true love or living happily ever after. She’s content enough being engaged to Matt. But then she meets Jamie, who understands her more than anyone else ever has.
Jamie is happily married to his childhood sweetheart Helen and believes in everything Stephanie doesn’t. So why does he have such a strong connection with Stephanie?
When Stephanie and Jamie meet one fateful weekend in 2006 it will change everything…
Ten years. Two people. One epic love story.
Rosie Cooper
Roxie Cooper lives in Yarm, a pretty little market town in the North-East. After reading Classics at Newcastle University, she realised she needed a break from studying Latin, Ancient Greek and all that serious stuff, so naturally, she became a dancer in a nightclub (à la Coyote Ugly) for a few years before going to live in Australia. When she returned, she swapped dancing on a bar, to practising at the Bar, and became a barrister for 7 years. Twitter/Instagram @toodletinkbaby.
The Magicians Bloodby Linda G Hill
Second book in the wonderful Great Dagmaru series
Publication Date – 10th August 2018
Herman Anderson, assistant to The Great Dagmaru, returns to her hometown—the first stop on their magic tour. Her family has moved without a trace.
Stephen Dagmar, a powerful stage magician, sets out to live his dream … until Herman’s father makes a prediction and resolves to come between them.
Darkness descends when the reality of the Dagmar’s incubus bloodline surfaces for the first time in over a generation.
And the consequences may be deadly.
A Gothic tale of beauty and intrigue, this sequel to the award-winning novel “The Magician’s Curse” will chill you and leave you breathless for more.
Escape into the twists and turns of this extraordinary romance.
*18+ Contains explicit scenes.
Linda G Hill
Linda G. Hill was born and raised an only child in Southern Ontario, Canada. She credits the time she spent alone when she was growing up, reading books and building worlds and characters of her own to keep her company, as the reason she became a writer. A stay-at-home mom of three beautiful boys, Linda is a graduate of the Writing Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville, Ontario. Aside from caring for her family, she enjoys traveling the world, eating trout cooked on the barbecue, and, of course, reading.
Isabella by Cristina Hodgson
Book 3 in the captivating Chantelle Rose series.
Publication Date – 26th September 2019
Who is Isabella Gravachi, and what’s the mystery behind the trail of heartbreak left in her wake?
Having lost her mother as a child, Chantelle is desperate to trace this side of her family and confront the ghosts of her mother’s past. So when a surprise invitation arrives, promising to take her to the place that holds the secrets to both Isabella’s past and Chantelle’s future, she doesn’t hesitate.
But unravelling this Sicilian mystery that’s been locked away for centuries, under the guard of looming Mount Etna, will test Chantelle in ways she never imagined.
As new love challenges old, and bonds are formed and broken, will Chantelle’s quest for the truth destroy everyone she loves or will it bring her peace at last?
Cristina Hodgson
Cristina Hodgson, mother of two, born in Wimbledon, London, currently lives in southern Spain. Cristina had a long career in sport, reaching national and international level and still actively participates in Triathlon races and enjoys outdoor activities. In her spare time she also enjoys reading and writing. She won a sports scholarship to Boston College. After a period in Boston, she returned to the UK and graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Sports Science.
A Little of Chantelle Rose is her debut novel. Amazingly, it has nothing to do with running!
Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon
I was lucky enough to listen to Joanna at the Derby book festival and this gorgeous book has been on my TBR pile ever since, its now right at the top!
Publication Date – 11th January 2018
84-year-old Florence has fallen in her flat at Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly. As she waits to be rescued, she considers the charming new resident who looks exactly like a man she once knew – a man who died sixty years ago. His arrival has stirred distant memories she and Elsie thought they’d laid to rest. Lying prone in the front room, Florence wonders if a terrible secret from her past is about to come to light …
Joanna Castle
Joanna Cannon graduated from Leicester Medical School and worked as a hospital doctor, before specialising in psychiatry. Her first novel The Trouble With Goats and Sheep was a top ten bestseller in both hardback and paperback and was a Richard and Judy pick. She lives in the Peak District with her family and her dog.
Sticks And Stones by Jo Jakemen
Another author I had the privilege of did overtime at the Derby book festival
Publication Date – 12 the April 2018
Imogen’s husband is a bad man. His ex-wife and his new mistress might have different perspectives but Imogen thinks she knows the truth. And now he’s given her an ultimatum: get out of the family home in the next fortnight or I’ll fight you for custody of our son.
In a moment of madness, Imogen does something unthinkable: she locks her husband in the cellar. Now she’s in control. But how far will she go to protect her son and punish her husband? And what will happen when his ex and his girlfriend get tangled up in her plans?
Jo Jakeman
Before I end my 2018 round up i’d like to give a special shout out to Trigger Publishing.
I’ve been privileged to review a few of their books this year. They are an amazing publishing house who work with authors to publish their stories and helpful insights of mental health.
If you haven’t heard of them head over to their web site and have a little look 💙
Wrong side of forty 
Thank you so much for including my books, Lisa! I’m honoured! You’ve given me a whole load of books to add to my TBR list. 😀
All the best to you and yours for the new year! ❤
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You’re welcome, I’m in the midst of The magician’s blood… Heaven! I love it x
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I’m so glad! 😀
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