Tour Post: What Would Mary Berry Do?

Today I have something really exciting for you! Okay so we're going to take a smooth side step away from YA and enter the world of chick-lit but this book is so funny guys, you're going to love it! 

SO here is everything you need to know about What Would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy

WHAT WOULD MARY BERRY DO?

by Claire Sandy

Pages: 350

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: July 31st 2014

ISBN: 9781447253495

Received from: Pan Macmillan

Summary

"What Would Mary Berry DO? is the funniest, loveliest book I've read in ages. With a cast of fantastic characters and a laugh on every page, reading the novel is like eating the best cake ever: you won't want it to end." - Lucy Diamond.

Marie Dunwoody doesn't want for much in life. She has a lovely husband, three wonderful children, and a business of her own. Except, her cupcakes are crap. Her meringues are runny and her biscuits rock-hard. She cannot bake for toffee. Or, for that matter, make toffee.
Marie can't ignore the disappointed looks any more, or continue to be shamed by neighbour and nemesis, Lucy Gray. Lucy whips up perfect profiteroles with one hand, while ironing her bed sheets with the other. Marie's had enough: this is the year it all changes. She vows to follow - to the letter - recipes from the Queen of Baking and at all times ask 'What would Mary Berry do?'
Husband Robert has noticed that his boss takes crumb structure as seriously as budget sheets and so puts on the pinny: serious redundancies are on the horizon. Twins Rose and Iris are happy to eat all the half-baked mistakes that come their way, but big brother Angus is more distant than usual, as if something is troubling him. And there is no one as nosey as a matching pair of nine-year-old girls...
Marie starts to realise that the wise words of Mary Berry can help her with more than just a Victoria Sponge. But can Robert save the wobbling soufflé that is his career? And is Lucy's sweet demeanour hiding something secretly sour?

 Review

I'm actually a little bit in love with this book! What Would Mary Berry Do? is a fun and quirky story that doesn't sugar coat a single damn thing... well other than the cakes that is! It's laugh out loud funny in places and 100% unputdownable with a heart-warming and stereotypically British family at it's core.

Marie Dunwoody is a working mum of three (Angus 15 and brooding and the twins Iris & Rose, 9 and mischievous) with a full-time job and a husband to boot. She doesn't exactly have time to be housewife of the year as well, meaning her culinary skills are a little on the mediocre side. That is until her darling daughters forget to inform their mother that she has to bake the Show Stopper for the school fete. With no time to spear Marie pops into the local shop and buys the first thing she sees and it doesn't exactly go down well with the schools PSA. The book follows the Dunwoody family over the next year as Marie promises that next years fete will be better. But with her husband Robert having problems at work, her children constantly up to something and an arch nemesis of a neighbour will Mary Berry be enough to help her get ready for her next Show Stopper challenge?

The only negative note I did have bout the book was having the main character as Marie and her constantly referring to Mary got a little on the confusing side. But, I mean, how tiny an issue is that?

I felt like I was part of the family, and the third person perspective made it all the more enjoyable. As a reader you are able to engross yourself into the Dunwoody dynamic. I loved the fact that this family wasn't portrayed as perfect or completely falling apart. They were the right blend of reality and their flaws only made them all the more endearing.

With The Great British Bake Off just around the corner (in fact I believe it starts tomorrow EEP) this book is exactly what I needed to get me in the mood. With a serious case of Berry loving and the constant thought of who would kick whom's arse - Marry Berry or Mr Hollywood - I'm totally stoked and ready to bake!  Intriguing characters and a heart-warming story that shows one family's journey to the perfect baked goods, What Would Mary Berry Do? Is the PERFECT summer read.

I recommend you read this book with a cup of tea and a rather large slice of cake. Your choice, but I'd go with the Victoria Sponge - keep it classy.  

**I received this book as an ARC from Pan Macmillan to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Future Favourite #2

Damsels in Distress

By Laura Kenyon

Publication date: Mid August 

About the Series

“If you are looking for a fun and gossipy story to satisfy the holes left when Sex and the City and Desperate Housewives had their series finales (or even if you’re going through Once Upon a Time withdrawal come season finale time) look no further than Desperately Ever After.” 

 ~ Chick Lit Central

Imagine what might happen if our most beloved fairy tale princesses were the best of friends and had the dreams, dilemmas, and libidos of the modern woman. How would their stories unfold after true love’s kiss? Set in a fictional realm based on New York City, the Desperately Ever After series sprinkles women’s fiction with elements of fantasy, and encourages readers to rethink everything they know about happy endings. 

“Laura Kenyon makes happily ever after desperately delicious!” 

~ Stephanie Evanovich, New York Times bestselling author of Big Girl Panties 

“An explosive cocktail that will have you laughing out loud and wanting more and more!”

 ~ Lost in Chick Lit 

Summary 

After watching her fairy tale go up in flames, Belle is finally starting over. With a baby on the way, a business to run, and a new love interest she just can’t shake, things are finally looking up. That is, until she learns her independence might revive broken curses the world over. Could “happily ever after” really mean staying with her unfaithful husband? Or will Belle and her steadfast friends find another way?Meanwhile, Dawn still longs for the life she had three centuries earlier—before her sleeping curse ended in two kids, an unfamiliar era, and a husband she barely knows. So when she encounters the childhood sweetheart she believed to be dead, Dawn must suddenly choose between the past she once wanted and the present she never knew she did.As both women struggle between love and obligation, they fail to see a great danger brewing in the capital–one that could change everything forever.Damsels in Distress takes a whimsical look at our most beloved fairy tale characters several years down the road. Part Sex and the City, part Desperate Housewives, and part Brothers Grimm, it’s ultimately about a group of friends coming to terms with how their lives have turned out. They just happen to live in castles.

For an excerpt CLICK HERE and it will take you to Laura Kenyon's blog. 

Check out my review of Desperately Ever After by clicking on the cover bellow and to see my Q&A with Laura click on the lovely photo of Laura. 

    

You're The One That I Want

You're The One That I Want

by Giovanna Fletcher

Publisher: Penguin 

Publication Date: 22nd May 2014

Received from: NetGalley

Summary

Maddy, dressed in white, stands at the back of the church. At the end of the aisle is Rob - the man she's about to marry. Next to Rob is Ben - best man and the best friend any two people ever had.And that's the problem.
Because if it wasn't Rob waiting for her at the altar, there's a strong chance it would be Ben. Loyal and sensitive Ben has always kept his feelings to himself, but if he turned round and told Maddy she was making a mistake, would she listen? And would he be right?
Best friends since childhood, Maddy, Ben and Rob thought their bond was unbreakable. But love changes everything. Maddy has a choice to make but will she choose wisely? Her heart, and the hearts of the two best men she knows, depend on it...

Review

Lets begin shall we?

By now you lovely people know how much I love Mrs F's debut novel Billy and Me, so it's not really going to be much of a surprise that I had high expectations going into You're The One That I Want. First off I'll admit I'm not a massive fan of the love triangle. It's an over used plot line that can be monotonous and cliché. However, that being said, Giovanna has managed to produce a sweet, interesting and at times heart wrenching story that is just as good as her debut.

You're The One That I Want is told through two different character point of views. Firstly there's Maddy. The redheaded, photo-snapping centre of out little love triangle. You follow her story as she starts a new school and befriends our two book boys (Robert & Ben), as she falls in love, as her feelings are constantly challenged and as she ultimately finds the man she'll spend the rest of her life with. For Maddy it's a story all about love and the constant battle going on in her heart.

Secondly there's Ben. Oh, this poor sap. Ben is another point of the triangle (the third and final point being Robert) and he's one of the sweetest and unluckiest - when it comes to love - character's I've read in a long time. His part of the story shows how he deals with being in love with his best friends girl. How he tries to fix his heart when everything he knows is called into question. He has a fragile strength making him a refreshing change from most book boys. Even if he does make a couple of REALLY stupid choices along the way.

It really is a sweet story, a bit of a slow starter, but once it got going I couldn't but it down. I usually like there to be something more the a story that just the relationship, and with this there really wasn't much else going on. That being said, it was in no way boring, there were plenty of bumps in the road when it came to these three.

The story felt honest and raw. It didn't idolise any particular character or sugar coat they're personalities, and yet I think that it made them all the more endearing. I wanted to shake Ben at times and slap Robert at others. I wanted Maddy to see what was in front of her and I wanted her to chose differently. But I think the fact that I wanted all of these things is a testament to the writing, because it made me care about these three people. And maybe it's just me, but I think that's the most important part of a story.

Also can I just point out that when you read this - which of course you will - this is how you write an Epilogue! I'm not going to tell you anything about it because that would just be cruel and, you know, spoilers, but I wanted to get in on recored that THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE!

Overall I loved this book. You're The One That I Want was in no way a disappointment to my unrealistically high expectations. For the whole last quarter of the book my stomach was in knots. It will leave you with a smile on your face and an ache in your heart. It's the perfect summer read and I whole heartedly recommend it.

PS. The Doctor liked this one too!

**I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

If you haven't done so already check out my review for Giovanna's debut Billy and Me by clicking on the cover bellow! 

Bloggers' Pick #1

With every new season comes a whole pile of new and exciting books to add to our shelves, but with so many choices how do you decide what to read? Well don't fret because that's why you have us, your trusty Book Bloggers. At the beginning of each season we're going to give you a helping hand, and with Summer on it's way, here are your bloggers Most Anticipated Summer Reads. 

For more information on each book just click on the covers and it will take you straight to Goodreads. 

The YA's Nightstand

For me this is an easy question. The book I can't wait for this summer is The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness. It's the third and final instalment of her All Souls Trilogy and I'm so excited to see how Harkness concludes this story. So far the series has been an intelligent and exciting take on the supernatural culture we've all come to love. It's the perfect read for those of us who love a vampire but are fed up of the twilight kind. If you haven't read this series yet then I suggest you go get reading because The Book of Life hits shelves July 15th.

Tween 2 Teen Books

Isabel couldn't make up here mind - and who can blame her - so we have two choices from Tween 2 Teen Books!

Okay, Push by Eve Silver and Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout! 

Push is the sequel to Rush and is in a new kind of world that at least I haven't read about before. It manages to merge aliens and video games and still make it sexy.
Opposition is the final book in the Lux series! Considering the major cliffhanger of the previous book, this is a must have! It's about aliens, something not super popular with YA, which makes it even better!

Books - A Novel Idea

Books: Sister's Fate by Jessica Spotswood (the last book in the Cahill Witch Chronicles - first book: Born Wicked)

Release Date: August 14th

I'm super excited about the release of Sister's Fate because it's the last book in what has become one of my favourite series. Considering that the second book ended with was too many feelings and lots of tears, this one promises an epic conclusion and (hopefully) lots of answered questions. Also, there's guaranteed to be more Finn and -swoon- that's never a bad thing! I've been preparing for this book (physically, mentally, and emotionally) for a long time and just thinking about its release gets me all pumped up. So friends beware, you're not going to want to talk to me on August 14th - I'll be too busty hanging out with the Cahill witch sisters!

Divergent Gryfindor

I can't wait to read On the Fence by Kasie West this summer! I loved The Distance Between Us, another contemporary romance written by the same author, so I have a feeling that I'll love this one too. Like the main character, I'm a not-so-girly-girl myself, so I have a feeling that I'd be able to relate well. Also, I just love boy-next-door romances! It's like this book is jam packed with awesomeness! Plus, don't you just love the cover? :)

Everyone should be excited about On The Fence! It's another one of my top reads for the summer as well! ~ Mily

Emma Louise Book Blog

My most anticipated book of the summer is The Teashop On The Corner by Milly Johnson.

The reason why I'm excited for Milly's upcoming book is because she's fantastic. Enough said really. The last book I read of hers was It's Raining Men and it was one of the very first books I read for my blog. With Milly's characters, they have a lovely and heartwarming connection. She invites you warmly into their lives, you go on their journey with them and before you know it, they've grown into incredible people right in front of their eyes. Milly is a wonderful author and person. For me, she doesn't get enough praise and I absolutely can't wait for this book to come out. I may squeal with joy when I open the parcel. 

I highly recommend that you read Milly's books because they truly are incredible. 

You can find her  on Twitter @millyjohnson

Reviewed The Book

Sophie also couldn't make up here mind, so we have two choices from Reviewed The Book!

First one is The Life You Left by Carmel Harrington. I love Carmel's first novel Beyond Grace's Rainbow! It was my book of 2013 and I've had the feeling ever since I read it that I will love anything Carmel writes. I pre-ordered The Life You Left as soon as I could and have been counting down the days until it arrives on my Kindle ever since! The cover is gorgeous - really summery too and the book just sounds amazing! So, if June 19th isn't a lovely summery day for me to sit out in, start (and finish) The Life You Left, I'm going to sulk.

My second most anticipated book is a lot different - Homeroom Diaries by James Patterson. Early reviews for this Young Adult book haven't book great but having read virtually everything he's written, I'm yet to find one I didn't enjoy. The plot sounds quirky and original and Patterson can write anything. Got to wait until mid-July for this one though!

Reading is My Treasure

Gates of Thread and Stone by Lori M. Lee (release August 5th, 2014 by Skyscrape)

I am so, so excited to read Gates of Thread and Stone! I've been intrigued by this one ever since I discovered it. A fantasy with a super creative and cool sounding title? Yes, please. Then there's the author blurbs... five are listed on Lori's site, and they are just incredible.They're enough to make anyone read the book! Everything about this book just seems like one I would enjoy, and I can't wait to read it.

For the record I'm also really excited about this one! ~ Mily 

Jess Hearts Books

Since You've Been Gone By Morgan Matson

Morgan Matson has written some of my favourite summer contemporaries and so the book I'm looking forward to the most this summer is her new book Since You've Been Gone. For the most part her books are a lot of fun and very cute but they also usually have some important issues there which I really enjoy reading about. Since You've Been Gone sounds like it's a book about friendship, epic to do lists, and an unforgettable summer. It's received glowing reviews from a lot of my blogger friends already and now that it's officially out I'm going to have to order a copy!

Between The Lines

My most anticipated book of the summer, is Take Me On, by Katie McGarry, which isn't far from realising. Its release date is May 27th, which makes it more of a spring release than a summer one, but I can't wait to read it. Take Me On is the forth book in the Pushing The Limits series. I have currently only read the first book, Pushing The Limits, However it was one of my all time favourite reads. I picked this as my summer read, because I'm not going to get round to it until then, I have to catch up with the other 2 books in the series before I can get started. I loved Katie McGarry's writing style in the first book, and can't wait to get my hands on it. Over the summer I will be reading all 3 of the books, and getting myself into a Katie McGarry bubble, and I'm really looking forward to starting.

The Pushing The Limits series, follows sets of teenagers as they deal with personal, and family issues, covering a variety of areas. The main plot lines in the books, is how the 2 main characters find each other, how they help, get to know and eventually fall for the other. Take Me On, will be following the characters West and Haley, while they fight their secrets and try to keep their relationship in the ring. 

A Kernel of Nonsense

One book that I'm really excited about is The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles, #1) by Mary E. Pearson. Release date: July 8th.

To defy your fate and by default relinquish all the advantages of your station, and follow a path with no predetermined end takes courage and humility. This is what Princess Lia does when she refuses to marry the man her family has chosen for her. To find yourself confronted with the path you refused to follow, makes for an excellent adventure and why I am looking forward to reading The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson this summer.

Laura's Little Book Blog

The book I am extremely excited for this summer is Landline by Rainbow Rowell. I am a massive fangirl of her books. Her writing is incredible. I always get completely swept away by her books and when I read and review her most recent book Eleanor and Park, I said I really wanted it to be make into a film and literally a few weeks later, there was a big announcement about it being turned into a film! SO SO SO excited! So yes, CANNOT WAIT until Landline is released in July :D.

Who doesn't love a bit of Rainbow Rowell? Still fangirling over Fangirl! ~ Mily

My Fantabulous Bookshelf

This is a collection of short stories from Four's perspective. From Divergent to Allegiant, we've seen how Tris has grown, both mentally and physically, and I think it's only fair that we see Four's growth. I'm excited to see Four from Abnegation boy to Dauntless leader. We can see his transformation in parallel to Tris's and see how she changes his mind set. I always find it incredibly interesting to read companion novels from other characters' perspectives. As sad as I was to see this series end, I'm excited that it's not completely over. Not just yet.

Mab is Mab

Say Her Name by James Dawson (released June 5th)

I have a special place in my heart of ghost stories, and so any new YA that comes out featuring ghosts already has me excited! I'm especially looking forward to this book, though, as it takes the legend of "Bloody Mary" - a legend I'm sure no sleepover had ever been without! I remember daring friends to say her name in the mirror and being terrified to do it myself. I think Say Her Name will be the perfect nostalgic ghost story for me, though perhaps not the typical "summer-y" reading choice!

The Book Corner

My most anticipated read of the summer is: What a Girl Wants by Lindsey Kelk

I love Lindsey Kelk, she has a way of putting a smile on my face at any time of the year, however lately her summer reads have been THE thing I need to take on my travels with me. Last year when About a Girl came out I was unsure about it as I loved the I Heart Series and was worried it wouldn't live up to expectations. I was wrong, it was fantastic and even better that it was set in Hawaii. I fell in love with the characters just as I had down with Angela in the I Heart series. So when I found out there was going to be a sequel to About A Girl I couldn't wait. So I am waiting very patiently for July to roll around so I can get my hands on a copy of What a Girl Wants. 

Dystopian Books

Most Anticipated Summer Read: The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings

I am a complete sucker for books with gorgeous covers so of course I had to check out The Murder Complex when I first saw a picture back in 2013. From the first sentence of the description I was HOOKED, it's full of action and chills. The Murder Complex is set in the future when the murder rate is higher that the birth rate, 15 - year old Meadow Woodson has been trained to fight and survive in any situation. She lives with her family in Florida, a state that  is controlled by The Murder Complex, an organisation that tracks the population. WOOOOOW and I'm very serious right now, it sounds pretty awesome. This action-packed thriller comes out June 10, 2014 and I look forward to reading it during the summer. 

So that's what we're looking forward to this summer! There's something for everyone, from Contemporaries to Thrillers, Ghost Stories to Romance & a lot of YA goodness. A BIG thank you to all the wonderful bloggers that took part and PLEASE don't forget to head over to their sites and check them out, you won't regret it! 

See you all again in the Fall for another Bloggers' Pick

As we're celebration all the new and exciting books to be hitting the shelves this summer I though we'd have a little Giveaway. Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski was one of the books to be lucky enough to celebrate it's publication birthday this Spring and we have one copy to giveaway! 

(UK only due to postage)

a Rafflecopter giveaway