Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf

Title: Little Mercies
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
ISBN: 9781743565469
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Published: July 2014

Synopsis:

Veteran social worker Ellen Moore has seen the worst side of humanity;the vilest acts one person can commit against another. She is a fiercely dedicated children's advocate and a devoted mother and wife. But one blistering summer day, a simple moment of distraction will have repercussions that Ellen could never have imagined, threatening to shatter everything she holds dear, and trapping her between the gears of the system she works for.


Meanwhile, ten-year-old Jenny Briard has been living with her well-meaning but irresponsible father since her mother left them, sleeping on friends' couches and moving in and out of cheap motels. When Jenny suddenly finds herself on her own, she is forced to survive with nothing but a few dollars and her street smarts. The last thing she wants is a social worker, but when Ellen's and Jenny's lives collide, little do they know just how much they can help one another.

My Thoughts:

Little Mercies is a book that once it grabs you does not let go. It tells of how one small mistake can change lives forever. I sped through this book, snatching moments to read a page whenever I could, the intense and emotional story compelling me to find out what happened next.
Ellen is a character that we can all relate to in these days of rushing here and there, and her story paints a vivid and terrifying picture of just how important it is to slow down and focus on the here and now.
Jenny is a child whose bravery and determination is outstanding, she lives a life that no child should have to endure but happens all to often and makes you want to reach out and help her. It is an insight into the lives of those that are less fortunate.
Little Mercies explores family bonds in the face of terrible and tragic events, and how society judges the people that make these mistakes. It is emotionally raw and very real. A book that stays with you long after the pages are closed.
Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.

Happiness Books

There comes a time in everyone's life when we ponder on what really makes us happy and if there is a way to expand or improve on this happiness. These thoughts have led to the writing and publication of many self-help and motivational books. I believe I already live a happy life, I am surrounded by family and friends, I have a job that I genuinely enjoy and I indulge in hobbies and past times that bring me immense pleasure, so these are not books which I normally read, but in an effort to broaden my reading horizons and perhaps make some improvements to my life (after all, you can never be too happy!) I have decided to venture on the happiness book journey. Here are the three books that are going to begin this journey:

These first two have been recommended to me and borrowed from a friend and work colleague.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Good Life by Hugh MacKay

This one I know is hidden in the cavernous bowels of the TBR boxes (yes, boxes not shelf or pile, boxes!)

The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama XIV

Have you read any books on happiness? Were they helpful? Are there any that you would recommend? Please let me know in the comments.

Under The Weather

Sorry for the lack of posts, I have been sick for the last few weeks so basically when I have not been at work I have been sleeping and I have not been able to concentrate enough to read or blog. Hopefully I will have some new reviews for you soon.

Outback Blaze by Rachael Johns

Title: Outback Blaze
Author: Rachael Johns
ISBN: 9781743565353
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publish Date: May 2014

Synopsis:

Ruby wasn't looking for love, Drew wasn't looking to stay...until they found each other. Can their fling survive the darkness of Ruby's past and Drew's desire to move on?

Ruby Jones was always an optimist, but the trauma of her past had made her wary. So when she flees to the small rural community of Bunyip Bay to start afresh, she has her sights firmly set on establishing her horse-riding business and rebuilding her life. The last thing Ruby wants is a romance. In fact, after all she has been through, she can't imagine she will ever believe in love again.

Police officer Drew Noble has no intention of staying in Bunyip Bay — he is just an outsider seeking temporary refuge. But as the charm of the town sways him, Drew finds himself increasingly drawn to the community and its inhabitants, as well as another newcomer, the lovely Ruby Jones.

When Drew investigates a suspicious fire at Ruby's parents' business, he finds himself feeling strangely protective of the girl with the flowers in her hair. As the details of Ruby's past emerge and she comes once more under threat, Drew realises he will do all in his power to save her.


Soon these outsiders discover they have both lost their hearts — not only to the town but to each other.

My Thoughts:

The fact that I loved this book will come as no surprise. Rachael Johns has fast become one of my favourite Australian authors and her books have introduced me to rural romance, a genre that I didn't normally read, now I can't get enough of them!

In Outback Blaze we return to the lovely community of Bunyip Bay to find out Ruby's story. Ruby has returned home to pick up the pieces after a failed relationship and get her life back on track, but a whole new set of problem occurs when her parent's business is destroyed in a suspicious fire. Tensions and gossip flare up in the wake of the tragic fire and police officer, Drew Noble is determined to find out the truth behind the fire, what he isn't prepared for are his feelings for Ruby.

Outback Blaze is more than your typical rural romance, the mystery/suspense element makes this book a genuine page turner. I loved the relationship between Ruby and Drew, it was not rushed and was realistic.
Outback Blaze was a great read, definitely my favourite Rachael Johns book so far, her books just seem to be getting better and better. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of her next book, Outback Ghost!

Just a final word of warning, if you are a bit of a softie like me, you may need some tissues while reading this book!

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.

Time Will Tell by Fiona McCallum

Title: Time Will Tell
Author: Fiona McCallum
ISBN: 9781743565308
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publish Date: April 2014

Synopsis:

Emily Oliphant has made some major changes in her life. After leaving an abusive husband, moving house and starting her own jam-making business, things are looking up. But the last thing on Emily’s mind is a new relationship...no matter who’s vying for her attention.

After receiving an offer from the elderly owners of the property she’s renting to purchase the land and house, a hopeful yet nervous Emily feels herself taking another step in the right direction. She’s unsure where the money will come from, but the offer is too good to refuse, and the property too perfectly suited for the B&B she dreams of opening. Unbeknown to her, the button jar Emily holds dear — a gift from her recently deceased Granny Mayfair — could contain the solution to all her problems...


Just when things are finally beginning to go Emily’s way, everything takes a turn. Soon she’s involved in a romance she’s not sure she’s ready for, dealing with the shock of three unexpected deaths, and being forced to make some difficult decisions. With her finances, property, friendships and budding relationship now in limbo, Emily is once again drawing on her inner-strength to overcome this new set of challenges.

My Thoughts:

Time Will Tell is the perfect continuation of Fiona McCallum's 'The Button Jar' series. Emily is a strong willed character and despite being unsure of some of her choices she has the strength and courage to stand up for herself and fight to overcome the challenges that life throws her way.
Time Will Tell captured my heart with it's lovely country setting and heart warming relationships between the characters. It was hard to put down and I can't wait for the next book!

Thanks to Harlequin Australia for the ARC.

Books Recommended To Me #1

Working at a bookshop involves recommending books to many different people but occasionally the customers come in and recommend books to me. I love it when this happens. I love that someone has enjoyed a book so much that they come back into the bookstore just to let us know.
Sometimes they recommend books I have read or are on my TBR list and sometimes they are books that I have never even considered picking up and are completely out of my comfort zone. It has really helped me broaden my 'reading horizons' as well helping me become a better bookseller as I can recommend on a broader range of genres when the opportunity presents itself.
So I would like to say a big thank you to all the readers out there who go into bookstores and libraries and share their reading experiences with the people who work there.  I would also like to share a few of the recommendations that I received this week.

1. The Divergent Trilogy

by Veronica Roth

I admitted to someone that I had not yet read this series and was promptly informed that I must read it as soon as possible. I will admit that I have been meaning to read it for a long time, I just haven't gotten around to getting a copy.

2. Eleanor & Park 

by Rainbow Rowell

Recommended by someone who hasn't actually read it yet but we both think it sounds pretty amazing.

3. Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

I am beginning to see a bit of a trend here, this one also sounds amazing.

4. The Shark Net

By Robert Drewe

This one was a little unusual. It was recommended by my boss, she actually found she had two copies so she gave one to me and told me to read it because it was very interesting, so it has joined my TBR pile. 

Which books have been recommended to you lately?

The Queens Choice by Cayla Kluver

Title: The Queen's Choice
Author: Cayla Kluver
ISBN: 9781743566169
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Published: January 2014

Synopsis:

Magic was seeping out of me, black and agonizing. I could see it drifting away. The magic that would let me pass the Road to reach home again.

When sixteen-year-old Anya learns that her aunt, Queen of the Faerie Kingdom of Chrior, will soon die, her grief is equalled only by her despair for the future of the kingdom. Her young cousin, Illumina, is unfit to rule, and Anya is determined not to take up the queen's mantle herself.


Convinced that the only solution is to find Prince Zabriel, who long ago disappeared into the human realm of Warckum, and persuade him to take up his rightful crown, Anya journeys into the Warckum Territory to bring him home. But her journey is doomed to be more harrowing than she ever could have imagined.

My Thoughts:

The Queen's Choice is like a long stroll, a fantasy adventure novel that is more about the journey than the destination. It is not jammed packed full of action but instead meanders at a somewhat slow but steady pace introducing the reader to a beautiful world of fairies and magic.
The Queen's Choice is a beautifully written novel with stunning world building and strong, well written characters. It is a lengthy and descriptive read which will not suit all readers as the pacing is slow, sometimes too slow. But I found it to be well worth the extra time it took to read. It really was an enchanting read with an unexpected ending that has left me eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
Thanks to Harlequin Teen Australia for the ARC