Competitions

Blog Tour: The Shape of Lies by Rachel Abbott

Black Dot Publishing, February 2019

Hello today to Rachel Abbott and the blog tour for her latest novel, The Shape of Lies. Are you ready to play The Shape of Truth and Lies game and potentially win a signed copy of the novel? 

This is Rachel’s ninth novel and it follows respectable mother, wife and head teacher, Anna Franklyn, who is driving to work when a voice on her favourite radio phone-in programme shatters every hope that she has escaped her dark past. The caller on ‘The One That Got Away’ claims to be her ex-lover, Scott, and in less than a week, he will expose her truth on air. But how is that possible when Scott is dead?

Meanwhile, Abbott’s much-loved detective, Tom Douglas, needs to find the killer responsible for two brutal murders and unravel Anna’s web of lies to discover what connects her to both bodies.

 

The Shape of Truth and Lies Game

To celebrate the publication of The Shape of Lies we are playing a game of truth and lies. Play along, follow the blog tour to collect all the truths and you could be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of The Shape of Lies.

 

How to play:

Rachel Abbott has come up with two big lies and one absolute truth about her life. Can you channel her beloved detective, Tom Douglas, and detect the one truth? Pick carefully, then follow the blog tour to collect all the truths and enter the prize draw. Once you have all seven truths email your answers to rachelabbottcomps@gmail.com.

Full T&Cs can be found here. The next round of The Shape of Truth or Lies continues over on www.noveldeelights.com tomorrow.

Now, read on to play The Shape of Truth and Lies game and be in with a chance of winning your very own signed copy.

 

Health

  1. I suffer from sleep apnoea – which means I stop breathing in the night. My husband shakes me to make me breathe again
  2. I suffer from somnambulism – sleep walking. I once woke up trying to get into my brother-in-law’s bed (I was honestly asleep).
  3. I have visions when I sleep – vivid images of things that are about to happen. When I wake up, I take a moment to review them for premonitions of deaths. If there are none, I get on with my day.

 

Which one is truth? A, B or C? Keep your answer safe, collect all seven truths and send to: rachelabbottcomps@gmail.com (see the blog tour banner below for details of the blogs taking part in the game.)

Remember to head to www.noveldeelights.com tomorrow for the next stop of The Shape of Lies blog tour and the next game of The Shape of Truth or Lies.

 

 

 

My verdict on The Shape of Lies:

Anna has secrets and a past; things her husband Dominic knows nothing about. Secrets she wants kept hidden.

When her past threatens to ruin her present, Anna can feel it all beginning to fall apart. She is not sure what to do to stop it.

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Blog Tour: Giveaway and Review of Gravity Well by Melanie Joosten

gravitywellcoverA lovely welcome to the blog today for Melanie Joosten and the tour for her new novel, Gravity Well which was released by Scribe on 10th May 2018. 

Thanks to Scribe and Melanie, I have two copies of Gravity Well to give away. 

If families are like solar systems ― bodies that orbit in time around one another, sometimes close and sometimes far away ― what is the force that moves them? And what are the consequences when one planet tugs others off course?

Lotte is an astronomer who spends her nights peering into deep space rather than looking too closely at herself. Returning to her hometown after years abroad, and reeling from a devastating diagnosis, she finds that much has changed. Lotte’s father has remarried, and she’s estranged from her former best friend, Eve. Initially, Lotte’s return causes disharmony, but then it is the catalyst for a much more devastating event ― an event that will change Lotte and Eve’s lives forever.

How to enter: THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

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Competitions: Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights Winner

Carole Matthews is back with Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights which was released by Sphere on 19th October. 

Thanks to Carole and Sphere, we had ONE SIGNED COPY to give away to one lucky winner.

Well done to Julie Roberts who has won herself a signed copy of Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights.

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it’s all Fay’s ever dreamed of. But she left everything – including the delightful cake shop she used to run – to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call from her friends, a call that sends her back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn’t it?

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Competitions: Win a Signed Copy of Christmas Cakes & Mistletoe Nights by Carole Matthews

christmas cakes and mistletoe nightsCarole Matthews is back with Christmas Cakes and Mistletoe Nights which was released by Sphere on 19th October. 

Thanks to Carole and Sphere, we have ONE SIGNED COPY to give away to one lucky winner.

 

Fay and Danny are madly in love and it’s all Fay’s ever dreamed of. But she left everything – including the delightful cake shop she used to run – to be with Danny on his cosy canal boat The Dreamcatcher. And as she soon finds out, making delicious cakes on the water isn’t always smooth sailing!

Then Fay gets a call from her friends, a call that sends her back to her friends and the Cake Shop in the Garden. It will be hard being away from Danny but their relationship is strong enough to survive . . . isn’t it?

Fay soon falls happily back in love with her passion for baking – especially now she’s on dry land again! – and starts to wonder if she ever should have left. With Christmas around the corner, Fay is determined that her friends will have a very merry time, but does that mean even more time away from Danny?

 

How To Enter: 

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Competitions: Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook Winner

Bloomsbury, July 2017

Bloomsbury, July 2017

The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is the indispensable book for writers and we have a copy of the 2018 edition to give away to one lucky winner.

Congratulations to Vicky from Worcestershire, who has won a copy of the current edition of The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. An e-mail is on its way to you.

The latest edition was published by Bloomsbury on 27th July and includes a foreword by David Lodge.

The yearbook has been helping writers get onto the publishing ladder for over 110 years.

The 2018 edition also includes some fantastic new content and has over 4,000 listings of contacts across media and the publishing world.

Eighty-two articles from fifty authors means that it is packed with advice, inspiration and practical guidance to navigate the publishing industry. Poets, screen and stage writers, novelists and journalists have contributed.

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Competitions: Win a Copy of The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2018

Bloomsbury, July 2017

Bloomsbury, July 2017

SORRY, THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. 

The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is the indispensable book for writers and we have a copy of the 2018 edition to give away to one lucky winner.

The latest edition was published by Bloomsbury on 27th July and includes a foreword by David Lodge.

The yearbook has been helping writers get onto the publishing ladder for over 110 years.

The 2018 edition also includes some fantastic new content and has over 4,000 listings of contacts across media and the publishing world.

Eighty-two articles from fifty authors means that it is packed with advice, inspiration and practical guidance to navigate the publishing industry. Poets, screen and stage writers, novelists and journalists have contributed.

This year, the book includes articles from Tom Holland, Anita Bean, Diana Athill, Kimberley Chambers, Alison Branagan and Harry Bingham.

To enter to win a 2018 edition of The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook…

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Competitions: All The Good Things Winners

Viking, June 2017

Viking, June 2017

It’s time to announce the winners from our All The Good Things competition. 

We had three copies of All The Good Things (which was released on 1st June by Viking Books) by Clare Fisher to give away.

Drumroll….well done to Jo Martin from North Yorkshire, Helen Yendall from the Cotswolds and Derek Norton from Co. Durham who have all won a copy of this fantastic book.

What if you did a very bad thing… but that wasn’t the end of the story? 

Twenty-one year old Beth is in prison. The thing she did is so bad she doesn’t deserve ever to feel good again.
But her counsellor, Erika, won’t give up on her. She asks Beth to make a list of all the good things in her life. So Beth starts to write down her story, from sharing silences with Foster Dad No. 1, to flirting in the Odeon on Orange Wednesdays, to the very first time she sniffed her baby’s head.
But at the end of her story, Beth must confront the bad thing.

To read my review, click here.

 

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Competition: Win a Copy of All The Good Things by Clare Fisher

Viking, June 2017

Viking, June 2017

Hello to Clare Fisher and the blog tour for her novel, All The Good Things which was released on 1st June by Viking.

What if you did a very bad thing… but that wasn’t the end of the story? 

Twenty-one year old Beth is in prison. The thing she did is so bad she doesn’t deserve ever to feel good again.
But her counsellor, Erika, won’t give up on her. She asks Beth to make a list of all the good things in her life. So Beth starts to write down her story, from sharing silences with Foster Dad No. 1, to flirting in the Odeon on Orange Wednesdays, to the very first time she sniffed her baby’s head.
But at the end of her story, Beth must confront the bad thing.

This competition is now closed.

We have three copies of this fantastic novel to give away. 

To enter, comment on this post. Tell us who you are and roughly where you are. The closing date for comments is Sunday 11th June 2017 at 23.59. The three winners will be picked at random from the entries and announced on the Novel Kicks blog on Monday 12th June 2017.

I will also contact the three winners via e-mail so please do check your junk folders. Open to UK only. (Prize coming directly from publisher so allow a few days for delivery.)

Good luck everyone.

 

My verdict on All The Good Things…. 

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Competitions: Winner of a Signed Copy of French Kissing by Lynne Shelby

Accent Press, 2015.

Accent Press, 2015.

Lynne Shelby is the author of French Kissing (released by Accent Press in 2015.) 

Lynne very kindly gave me a signed copy of her fantastic debut novel, French Kissing to give away to one winner. If you like romance, then this book is perfect.

Congratulations to Mary Lewis who has been chosen at random in our draw. I’ll be e-mailing you soon, Mary.

About the book:

Anna Mitchel has been writing letters to her French penfriend, Alexandre Tourville, for fifteen years, but hasn’t seen him since they met as children on a school exchange trip. When Paris-based Alex, now a successful professional photographer, comes to work in London, Anna fails to recognise him. Instead of the small, geeky boy she remembers, he is tall, broad-shouldered and gorgeous.

Anna’s female friends are soon swooning over Alex’s Gallic charm, and Anna’s boyfriend, Nick, is becoming increasingly jealous of their friendship.           

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Competitions: Win a Signed Copy of French Kissing by Lynne Shelby

4

Accent Press, August 2015

Lynne Shelby is the author of French Kissing (released by Accent Press in 2015.) 

Lynne has very kindly given me a signed copy of her fantastic debut novel, French Kissing to give away to one winner. If you like romance, then this book is perfect.

About the book:

Anna Mitchel has been writing letters to her French penfriend, Alexandre Tourville, for fifteen years, but hasn’t seen him since they met as children on a school exchange trip. When Paris-based Alex, now a successful professional photographer, comes to work in London, Anna fails to recognise him. Instead of the small, geeky boy she remembers, he is tall, broad-shouldered and gorgeous.

Anna’s female friends are soon swooning over Alex’s Gallic charm, and Anna’s boyfriend, Nick, is becoming increasingly jealous of their friendship.           

When Alex has to return to Paris to oversee the hanging of his photographs in an exhibition, he invites Anna to accompany him so that he can show her the city he adores …

How to enter: 

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Competitions: Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses Winner

Carole-in-blackThis week, we’ve been celebrating the paperback release of Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses by Carole Matthews with a very special competition. 

We were holding a paper chain of thanks. It was your chance to nominate someone who you thought deserved a copy of Carole’s new novel, whether it be yourself, a friend or a family member.

Congratulations to Louise who was nominated by her friend, Sarah Prescott. A copy of Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses will soon be on its way to you.

 

About the novel: 

Christie Chapman is a single mum who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It’s not an easy life but Christie finds comfort in her love of crafting, and spends her spare time working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed cards to personalised gifts, Christie’s flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it’s not long before opportunity comes knocking.

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Blog Tour: A Paper Chain of Thanks with Carole Matthews

Paperhearts and Summer KissesPaper Hearts and Summer Kisses is the new release from the lovely and brilliant Carole Matthews and we HAVE ONE COPY TO GIVE AWAY. 

This book is released today by Sphere and I am so happy and excited to be kicking off this very special blog tour.

Christie Chapman is a single mum who spends her days commuting to her secretarial job in London and looking after her teenage son, Finn. It’s not an easy life but Christie finds comfort in her love of crafting, and spends her spare time working on her beautiful creations. From intricately designed cards to personalised gifts, Christie’s flair for the handmade knows no bounds and it’s not long before opportunity comes knocking.

Christie can see a future full of hope and possibility for her and Finn – and if the handsome Max is to be believed, one full of love too. It’s all there for the taking. And then, all of sudden, her world is turned upside down. 

Christie knows that something has to give, but can she really give up her dreams and the chance of real love? Will Christie find her happy ending in . . . Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses.

To celebrate the release of this gorgeous book, we are creating a paper chain of thanks.

Carole-in-blackThis is a chance to win a copy of this book for someone you want to say thank you to. Maybe a parent or a friend? A teacher? A neighbour? It can be anyone you like. Maybe you want to simply say thank you to yourself for a job well done?

To enter – simply tell me in the comments below your name and the person you’d like to nominate to win this book whether it be you or someone else and why you think you or they deserve a copy of Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses.

Make a comment below by the closing date of Thursday 13th April 2017 at 23.59.

A winner will then be selected by me from the entries and announced on the Novel Kicks blog on Friday 14th April 2017.

(The person who entered will also be notified by e-mail. UK only.)

 

Our verdict on Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses…

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Competitions: Winner of February’s Blind Date with a Book

rp_IMG_0017-e1486575740708.jpgThe end of February is here and so it is time to announce the winner of this month’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that this book was about a boy and a girl, looking to the future and trying to escape the past. Learning how to let go and live. 

Congratulations to Christina from Surrey who has won this month. I hope you enjoy your literary blind date.

March’s competition will be coming soon.

 

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Competitions: February’s Win A Blind Date With A Book

IMG_0017

*** This competition is now closed.***

A blind date with a book is a great way to discover new books, authors and genres. 

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. The cover is the thing that initially catches our eye in the book shop. It can sometimes completely sell the book or make you walk by it without giving it a chance. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover or the author. All I will reveal is that this is a story about a boy and a girl, looking to the future and trying to escape the past and then learning how to let go and live. 

This month’s book really is a cracker.

How to enter… 

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Competitions: Blind Date With A Book – January’s Winner

img_2495It’s time to announce the winner of January’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that the themes included ‘obsession, relationships, secrets and loss.’

Congratulations to Kerry Parsons from Staffordshire who has won this month’s competition. I hope you enjoy your book.

February’s competition will be coming soon.

 

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January: Win a Blind Date With A Book

img_2495It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. The cover is the thing that initially catches our eye in the book shop. It can sometimes completely sell the book or make you walk by it without giving it a chance. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover or the author. All I will reveal is that it the themes include ‘Obsession, Relationships, Secrets and Loss.’

How to enter: 

All you have to do is comment below with your name and county (although county is optional.) The closing date for entries is Monday 30th January 2017 at 23.59. 

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Competitions: Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham – Winner

Virago, December 2016

Virago, December 2016

Talking As Fast As I Can is the new book by actress and author, Lauren Graham who stars in the Gilmore Girls. It was released on 6th December by Virago Books.

We had one copy of Lauren’s new book to give away. Congratulations to Laura Jones who has won a copy of the book. 

In this collection of personal essays, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood reveals stories about life, love, and working as a woman in Hollywood-along with behind-the-scenes dispatches from the set of the new Gilmore Girls, where she plays the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore once again.

To read about my favourite Gilmore Girls moment, click here.

 

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Blog Tour: Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham

Virago, December 2016

Virago, December 2016

Paragon Studios, Warner Bros. Television and Netflix.

Paragon Studios, Warner Bros. Television and Netflix.

My favourite Lorelai moment and WIN a copy of Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham. 

This blog tour is to celebrate the release of A Year in the Life (four new episodes of the Gilmore Girls)  but also the imminent release of Lauren Graham’s new book, Talking as Fast As I Can: Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls and Everything in Between which is available from 6th December 2016 (from Virago.) I am so excited to be a part of this tour. I have a copy of Lauren’s new book to give away (details further down,) but first, my favourite Lorelai moment.

I am very new to The Gilmore Girls. I am not sure how this brilliant TV show passed me by but all I can say is thank goodness for Netflix.

I have been pretty much binge watching this for the last few weeks; sneaking in an episode whenever I can. I am a little torn actually. I want to get to A Year in the Life as I don’t want any spoilers to ruin it (curse the internet,) but at the same time, I don’t want to get through it too quickly as I want my viewing of Gilmore Girls to last as long as it can. I want to go and live in Stars Hollow (or Rosewood for Pretty Little Liars fans.) Can I go and live with Lorelai and Rory?

There is something magical about this series. It’s funny and warm.

I have been asked to talk about my favourite Lorelai moment. How do I pick? There have been many scenes where I have laughed and felt sad for the characters. I want to go and be a part of those town meetings. They look so much fun.

There have been many episodes that I could have picked and I am nowhere near the end. For example, the many exchanges between Lorelai and Emily are just brilliant.

However, there was one scene that has seemed to stand out for me.

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Competitions: Winner of September’s Blind Date With A Book

September Blind Date With A BookIt’s time to announce the winner of September’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that the themes included ‘childhood, siblings, friendship, family, triumph and tragedy.’

Well done to Carol Peace from West Yorkshire who has won this month’s book. The new competition for October is coming soon.

 

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Competitions: September’s Blind Date With A Book

IMG_7913It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. The cover is the thing that initially catches our eye in the book shop. It can sometimes completely sell the book or make you walk by it without giving it a chance. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover. All I will reveal is that the themes include ‘childhood, siblings, friendship, family, triumph and tragedy.’

How to enter: 

All you have to do is comment below with your name and county (although county is optional.) The closing date for entries is Thursday 29th September 2016 at 23.59.

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Competitions: August’s Blind Date With A Book – Winner

It’s time to announce the winner of August’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition.

IMG_7335It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that the themes include secrets, lies, murder mystery and betrayal.

Well done to Christine who has won this month’s book. Keep your eyes peeled for September’s competition which will be coming soon.

 

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Competitions: Five Copies of Ready Steady Mo! -Winners

Ready Steady Mo!Thanks to Hodder Children’s Books, we had five copies of Ready Steady Mo! to give away. All you had to do was answer the following question;

What sport is this book about:

A) Cycling

B) Running

C) Swimming

And of course, the answer was B, Running. 

Congratulations to Susan Dias, Maryanne Pike, Naomi Farquharson, Katie Skeoch and Charlotte Rooney who have all won a copy.

Ready, Steady Mo! is a fun, action-packed rhyming picture book that will get kids reading, and running too.

Run on the pavement

Run on the grass

Run in the playground

Perhaps not in class!

 

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Competitions: Five Copies of Ready Steady Mo! To Give Away…

Ready Steady Mo!

Hodder Children’s Books, 26th July 2016

Ready, Steady Mo! is a fun, action-packed rhyming picture book that will get kids reading, and running too.

Run on the pavement

Run on the grass

Run in the playground

Perhaps not in class!

 

To Enter:

We have 5 copies to give away. To be in of a chance of winning, answer the following question before the closing date of Sunday 21st August 2016 at 23.59: 

What sport is this book about:

A) Cycling

B) Running

C) Swimming

The winners will then be picked at random from the correct entries and announced on the blog and contacted via e-mail on or after Monday 22nd August 2016. UK only.

Good Luck.

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Competitions: August’s Blind Date With A Book

IMG_7335I hope everyone is enjoying their August. It’s time for this month’s Blind Date With A Book.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. The cover is the thing that initially catches our eye in the book shop. It can sometimes completely sell the book or make you walk by it without giving it a chance. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover. All I will reveal is that the themes include ‘secrets, lies, murder mystery and betrayal. 

How to enter: 

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Competitions: Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2017 Winner Announcement

WritersandArtistsyearbook2017The best-selling Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is back for 2017 and thanks to Bloomsbury, we had ONE copy to give away.

WELL DONE TO PIPPA GOODHART FROM CAMBRIDGESHIRE WHO HAS WON A COPY OF THIS YEAR’S EDITION. CONGRATULATIONS.

This book is an essential guide to all things media and publishing. It’s in its one hundred and tenth printing and it was released by Bloomsbury on 28th July 2016.

The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook is an indispensable guide to all areas of publishing. It has plenty of advice and guidance for writers and is packed with guidance of whom to contact if you’re wondering what to do next with your novel and looking to get published.

It’s 816 pages and it has over 4,000 listings including publishers and agents.

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Competitions: Win a Copy of The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook 2017

WritersandArtistsyearbook2017THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

The best-selling Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is back for 2017 and thanks to Bloomsbury, we have ONE copy to give away.

This book is an essential guide to all things media and publishing. It’s in its one hundred and tenth printing and it was released by Bloomsbury on 28th July 2016.

The Writers’ & Artists Yearbook is an indispensable guide to all areas of publishing. It has plenty of advice and guidance for writers and is packed with guidance of whom to contact if you’re wondering what to do next with your novel and looking to get published.

It’s 816 pages and it has over 4,000 listings including publishers and agents.

The new content in this edition includes advice from Maggie Gee, Mark Billingham, Martina Cole, Alexander McCall Smith, Claire McGowan and Kate Harrison.

There are also articles on being a debut novelist, self publishing dos and don’ts and marketing yourself online.

TO WIN A COPY:

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Novel Kicks Competitions: July’s Blind Date With A Book Winner

rp_FullSizeRender-300x257.jpgIt’s time to announce the winner of July’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that the themes include ‘solitude, loosing yourself, keeping belief and survival. 

Well done to Polly Bartlett from Poole. I hope you enjoy your blind date and I will be in touch via e-mail shortly.

The new competition for August will be posted soon.

 

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Competitions: The Choice on DVD Winners

The Choice DVDIt’s time to announce the winners of our competition. We had three DVD copies of the film adaptation of The Choice to give away. 

Congratulations to Cheryl Hadfield, Alexandra Crisp and Martin Turner who were picked at random and have all won a copy. An e-mail from me will be on its way shortly (make sure to check your spam folder.)

When feisty medical student Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) moves in next door to perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw (Benjamin Walker), it sends them both on a romantic journey neither ever dreamed possible. After a whirlwind courtship, Gabby and Travis wed and build a family together, making every decision hand-in-hand until one of them is forced to make the most important choice of their life alone. A poignant and life-affirming celebration of love, marriage and family that explores the most heart-wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

(The Choice, adapted from the novel from Nicholas Sparks was released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment on 4th July 2016. It stars Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace, Tom Welling and Tom Wilkinson. Certificate: 12.)

 

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Competitions: July’s Win A Blind Date With A Book

FullSizeRenderIt is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. The cover is the thing that initially catches our eye in the book shop. It can sometimes completely sell the book or make you walk by it without giving it a chance. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover. All I will reveal is that the themes include ‘solitude, loosing yourself, keeping belief and survival. 

How to enter: 

All you have to do is comment below with your name and county (although county is optional.) The closing date for entries is Saturday 30th July 2016.

I will then pick out a winner at random and will announce it on the Novel Kicks blog on Sunday 31st July 2o16.

It’s not needed to enter but if you wanted to have a go at guessing what the book is too. UK and Ireland only this time around. Good Luck.

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Competitions: Win a DVD Copy of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

The Choice DVD

*** Sorry, this competition has now closed.****

We have three DVD copies of the film adaptation of The Choice to give away. 

When feisty medical student Gabby Holland (Teresa Palmer) moves in next door to perennial ladies’ man Travis Shaw (Benjamin Walker), it sends them both on a romantic journey neither ever dreamed possible. After a whirlwind courtship, Gabby and Travis wed and build a family together, making every decision hand-in-hand until one of them is forced to make the most important choice of their life alone. A poignant and life-affirming celebration of love, marriage and family that explores the most heart-wrenching question of all: how far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?

The Choice, adapted from the novel from Nicholas Sparks was released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment on 4th July 2016. It stars Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer, Maggie Grace, Tom Welling and Tom Wilkinson. Certificate: 12.

We have THREE copies of the DVD to give away.

To enter: 

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Competitions: June’s Blind Date With a Book Winner

IMG_5783It’s time to announce the winner of June’s Win a Blind Date With a Book competition. 

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I didn’t reveal what the title was of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal is that the themes include ‘Family, Mystery, Secrets and Sibling Relationships.’ 

Well done to Jessica Askew from Essex. I hope you enjoy your blind date and I will be in touch via e-mail shortly.

The new competition for July will be posted soon.

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Competitions: A Family Holiday Tote Bag Winner…

image1To celebrate the release of her new book, A Family Holiday (read my review here,) we had a limited edition A Family Holiday tote bag to give away.

Well done to Wendy Jones who has won herself that tote bag.

About A Family Holiday:

She’ll do whatever it takes to keep this family together…

As the nanny to four quirky but loveable children, Charlie French has learnt that if there was ever a cement shortage Weetabix would be a viable substitute and that YouTube videos can go viral in seconds, much to her horror. But, most importantly, she’s learnt that whatever happens you stick together as a family.

102715-0 A family HolidayWhen tragedy strikes, Charlie is forced to decide whether it’s time to move on or fight to keep the children she loves. With the distraction of the children’s gorgeous Uncle Felix and the chance of a holiday in stunning Antigua, she’s left wondering if turquoise seas can wash away their present troubles. Is the pull of white sand beaches too tempting to resist or will paradise fail to keep them all together?

A gorgeous summery beach read, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Jill Mansell.

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Blog Tour: A Family Holiday by Bella Osborne

Bella Osborne 102715-0 A family HolidayI am extremely happy to be welcoming Bella Osborne back to Novel Kicks and her blog tour for her new novel, A Family Holiday.

She’ll do whatever it takes to keep this family together…

As the nanny to four quirky but loveable children, Charlie French has learnt that if there was ever a cement shortage Weetabix would be a viable substitute and that YouTube videos can go viral in seconds, much to her horror. But, most importantly, she’s learnt that whatever happens you stick together as a family.

When tragedy strikes, Charlie is forced to decide whether it’s time to move on or fight to keep the children she loves. With the distraction of the children’s gorgeous Uncle Felix and the chance of a holiday in stunning Antigua, she’s left wondering if turquoise seas can wash away their present troubles. Is the pull of white sand beaches too tempting to resist or will paradise fail to keep them all together?

A gorgeous summery beach read, perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Carole Matthews and Jill Mansell.

I’m reviewing the book below and we also have a great competition (details of which are also below,) but first, we chat to Bella about her favourite holiday themed films (which features some excellent choices). Welcome back, Bella. It’s so good to see you…

Hi Laura and thank you so much for having me on the Novel Kicks blog it is brilliant to be back! My latest novel is ‘A Family Holiday’ and as you may be able to guess a holiday is rather key to the story. So that got me thinking about what were my favourite films that featured a holiday as a key part of the plot and here they are:

My Top 10 Favourite Holiday Films

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Competitions: June’s Win A Blind Date With A Book

IMG_5783It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Our competition is one with a twist. It’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover. All I will reveal is that the themes include ‘Family, Mystery, Secrets and Sibling Relationships.’ 

How to enter: 

All you have to do is comment below with your name and county. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 29th June 2016.

I will then pick out a winner at random and will announce it on the Novel Kicks blog on Thursday 3oth June 2o16.

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Competitions: Winner of March’s Blind Date with a Book

IMG_4135It’s time to announce the winner of March’s Blind Date With a Book competition.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. I didn’t reveal what the title of this month’s book was nor did I reveal the cover. All I did reveal was that the themes included ‘friendship, love, relationships and missed opportunities.

Well done to Wendy Janes from London who has been picked at random from our entrants. Your book will be on its way to you soon (e-mail on its way) and I hope you enjoy it. Thank you to all who entered and April’s competition is coming soon.

 

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Competitions: Winners of a Copy of Shylock is my Name

Hogarth, February 2016.

Hogarth, February 2016.

Shylock is my Name is a modern retelling of The Merchant of Venice and is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series. Thanks to Hogarth, we had three copies to give away.

Congratulations to Rhoda K, Jinger and Caron Edwards who have all won a copy. An e-mail will be on its way to you all shortly (be sure to check the junk folder.)

About Shylock is my Name….

‘Who is this guy, Dad? What is he doing here?’ 

With an absent wife and a daughter going off the rails, wealthy art collector and philanthropist Simon Strulovitch is in need of someone to talk to. So when he meets Shylock at a cemetery in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle, he invites him back to his house. It’s the beginning of a remarkable friendship.

Elsewhere in the Golden Triangle, the rich, manipulative Plurabelle (aka Anna Livia Plurabelle Cleopatra A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever Christine) is the face of her own TV series, existing in a bubble of plastic surgery and lavish parties. She shares prejudices and a barbed sense of humour with her loyal friend D’Anton, whose attempts to play Cupid involve Strulovitch’s daughter – and put a pound of flesh on the line. 

Howard Jacobson’s version of The Merchant of Venice bends time to its own advantage as it asks what it means to be a father, a Jew and a merciful human being in the modern world.

 

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Competitions: Win a copy of Shylock is my Name by Howard Jacobson

Hogarth, February 2016

Hogarth, February 2016

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to the lovely people at Hogarth, we’ve three copies of Shylock is my Name by Howard Jacobson to give away.

This book was released by Hogarth on 4th February 2016, is part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series and is a retelling of the Merchant of Venice set in the modern world.

How to enter:

Comment on this post by the closing date of Sunday 20th March 2016 at 23.59. Three winners will then be chosen at random from the entrants and announced on the Novel Kicks blog on Monday 21st March 2016. UK and Ireland only. Good Luck.

(The winners will also be contacted via e-mail so be sure to check your junk folder. The prize is being sent directly from the publisher so allow at least fourteen days for delivery.)

 

Jacobson Howard 2014-Keke Keukelaar LOW RES (2)About Shylock is my Name….

‘Who is this guy, Dad? What is he doing here?’

With an absent wife and a daughter going off the rails, wealthy art collector and philanthropist Simon Strulovitch is in need of someone to talk to. So when he meets Shylock at a cemetery in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle, he invites him back to his house. It’s the beginning of a remarkable friendship.

Elsewhere in the Golden Triangle, the rich, manipulative Plurabelle (aka Anna Livia Plurabelle Cleopatra A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever Christine) is the face of her own TV series, existing in a bubble of plastic surgery and lavish parties. She shares prejudices and a barbed sense of humour with her loyal friend D’Anton, whose attempts to play Cupid involve Strulovitch’s daughter – and put a pound of flesh on the line.

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Competitions: Winner of the Signed Copy of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

51apxj+IVRLTo celebrate the release of the film tie-in for The Choice, Sphere has given me a signed copy to give away. The person picked at random from all the entries was IAN YATES. Well done, that signed copy will be on its way to you shortly.

About The Choice: 

Travis Parker has it all: a good job, loyal friends and his dream home in North Carolina. The last thing he’s looking for is a serious relationship. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

Despite Travis’s attempts to be friendly, the alluring redhead simply will not warm to him. But Travis feels compelled to get closer to her, leading them both down a road where they will face tough decisions, shocking revelations and devastating consequences.

To read my review of The Choice, click here. 

The Choice was released by Sphere on 11th February 2016 and is available in most UK bookshops.

 

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Blog Tour: Review and Win a Signed Copy of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

51apxj+IVRLREAD IT BEFORE YOU SEE IT: WIN A SIGNED COPY OF THE CHOICE BY NICHOLAS SPARKS…THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED.

I’m very happy to be part of the blog tour for the film tie-in release of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks. I’ve reviewed the book below but first, thanks to the lovely people at Sphere, we have a signed copy of The Choice to give away to one lucky winner.

Travis Parker has it all: a good job, loyal friends and his dream home in North Carolina. The last thing he’s looking for is a serious relationship. That is, until Gabby Holland moves in next door.

Despite Travis’s attempts to be friendly, the alluring redhead simply will not warm to him. But Travis feels compelled to get closer to her, leading them both down a road where they will face tough decisions, shocking revelations and devastating consequences.

How to enter:

Comment on this post by the end of day on Thursday 10th March 2016. I will then pick a winner at random using random.org and announce on Friday 11th March 2016. UK and Ireland only. (The winner will also be contacted via e-mail so don’t forget to check your junk folder as well as your inbox. The prize is coming directly from the publisher so please do allow at least fourteen days for your prize to arrive.)

Good Luck.

My verdict on The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.

If you’ve been following my blog for a while then you will know that I am a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks so I was excited when Sphere asked me to be a part of their blog tour for the release of the film tie-in for The Choice. It was not one I had read before.

Travis is a popular, successful guy who is not looking for love and is seemingly happy with his life. He doesn’t feel that he has a lot lacking until Gabby Holland moves in to the house next door. Gabby also isn’t looking for a new relationship. She has a boyfriend and a job she enjoys. However, after spending the weekend getting to know each other (after some reluctance from Gabby,) Travis soon realises that Gabby is someone he can’t be without and that he has fallen in love with her.

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Competitions: Blind Date With A Book – March

IMG_4135

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

It is very easy to judge a book by its cover. I know I do it. Here’s your chance to win a blind date with a book.

I’m not going to reveal what the title of this month’s book is nor will I reveal the cover. All I will reveal is that the themes include ‘friendship, love, relationships and missed opportunities.’ 

How to enter: 

All you have to do is comment below with your name and county. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 30th March 2016. I will then pick out a winner at random and will announce it on the Novel Kicks blog on Thursday 31st March 2o16. It’s not needed to enter but if you wanted to have a go at guessing what the book is too. UK and Ireland only this time around. Good Luck.

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