BLOG TOUR: Let's Make a Scene - Laura Wood

Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real...

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There is only one problem... Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship...and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.

Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?

 

What did I think?

Oh my goodness, I absolutely LOVED Let's Make a Scene!  Although it is linked to Under Your Spell (that I haven't read yet), it is a completely standalone story and it's one that gets your pulse racing, your breath catching and (in my case) the tears falling.

I applaud Laura Wood for writing a dual timeline and dual point of view novel as it is flawlessly written.  It is told from the points of view of Cythie and Jack who met 13 years ago on the set of Cynthie's first film.  A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since and Cynthie's career took off at lightening speed but as the saying goes: "the higher you climb, the harder you fall" and a scandal sees Cynthie returning back to where it all began.

It is clear that Cynthie and Jack have History (with an intentional capital H) and I couldn't read fast enough to discover what went on 13 years ago that drove this clearly meant-to-be couple apart.  To save Cynthie's career she agrees to a fake relationship with Jack but the line between real and fake is very blurred.  There are so many heartbreaking misunderstandings and guarded feelings as the will they/won't they storyline plays out.

As it's set in the film industry, Laura Wood touches on the #MeToo movement in a sensitive, respectful and powerful way.  Friendship is another strong theme as Cynthie has an amazing friend support network.  The romance is exquisite though and if you thought The Notebook was a tearjerker, be prepared to reach for the tissues when reading Let's Make a Scene! 

Bursting with romance and sizzling with sexual tension, Let's Make a Scene is a compelling page-turner that had me on the edge of my seat as I prayed for a happily ever after for Cynthie and Jack.  You'll just have to read the book to find out whether I got my wish or not.

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: Sun Trap - Rachel Wolf

BE CAREFUL

Ellie has wanted to be an actor since she was a child so, when a role in a blockbuster film presents itself, she grabs it.

WHAT YOU

On the plane to Abu Dhabi to begin filming, Ellie overhears something she shouldn't - two people discussing plans for murder.

WISH FOR

Unsure if it's a misunderstanding, and not wanting to ruin her big break, Ellie remains quiet. Then ten members of the cast become nine...

Ellie needs to be careful - it's more than just her career on the line.

Because she isn't who she says she is.

And liars are always the prime suspect.

 

What did I think?

Sun Trap is a very addictive book set in the stifling desert heat of Abu Dhabi, where a movie is being filmed.  With a group of actors as the main characters, you are never sure who is being sincere and who is hiding something and this book is filled with secrets and lies.

Ellie and Phoebe look so much alike that people mistake them for twins, although they are not actually related.  Is it pure chance that the pair meet at an acting class or is something more sinister going on?  That's the hook that kept me riveted throughout the book as I wanted to know why they looked so similar that one could step into the other one's life.

It's like all of Ellie's dreams have come true when Phoebe is too sick to travel to Abu Dhabi for her debut acting role and Phoebe asks Ellie to take her place.  My spidey sense was tingling at this fortuitous coincidence that Ellie happened to be in the right place at the right time.  Although how right that place might be is thrown into doubt when the bodies start piling up...

The shocks and surprises keep on coming as the pages turn as fast as you can read them.  I was completely hooked and incredibly entertained throughout this wild rollercoaster ride of a book. 

Gripping, addictive and surprising, Sun Trap is a page-turning thriller that is well worth a read.  

I chose to read a digital ARC for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Great Circle - Maggie Shipstead

 

I WAS BORN TO BE A WANDERER

From the night she is rescued as a baby out of the flames of a sinking ship; to the day she joins a pair of daredevil pilots looping and diving over the rugged forests of her childhood, to the thrill of flying Spitfires during the war, the life of Marian Graves has always been marked by a lust for freedom and danger.

In 1950, she embarks on the great circle flight, circumnavigating the globe. It is Marian's life dream and her final journey, before she disappears without a trace.

Half a century later, Hadley Baxter, a brilliant, troubled Hollywood starlet is irresistibly drawn to play Marian Graves, a role that will lead her to probe the deepest mysteries of the vanished pilot's life.

An enthralling journey over oceans and continents and a drama of exhilarating power, GREAT CIRCLE is perfect for book clubs and fans of William Boyd and Donna Tartt.

What did I think?

I had to stop and gather my thoughts before writing my review of Great Circle as it's quite a chunky book with a lot to take in.  It's quite dry in places, as historical fiction often is, but I think it is well worth persevering with if you find you're struggling.  With a wonderful map in the opening pages, this is the story of female pilot Marian Graves and her mysterious disappearance which later becomes the subject of a Hollywood movie.

Although it did manage to hold my interest throughout, the book has its peaks and troughs.  The beginning is breathtaking as we are introduced to Marian and her twin brother Jamie in incredibly difficult circumstances which sees them cruelly separated from their parents.  I enjoyed watching the twins growing up, or dragging themselves up as their uncle doesn't put himself out for them.  Marian and Jamie are perfect opposites: Marian is an adventurer and risk taker whilst Jamie is artistic and compassionate.

Hadley is the actress who has landed the role of Marian in a film and to be honest I found Hadley to be selfish and shallow, however, I think these characteristics could apply to many in the film industry as it's such a cutthroat business.  I never really warmed to Hadley despite seeing the seedier side of movie making and what she is forced to do to get a starring role.  It all felt rather flat and I didn't look forward to Hadley's chapters at all.  Talking of Hadley's chapters, hers are numbered whereas Marian's are not and I found that having several chapters between numbered chapters really interrupted my reading rhythm.  I am very particular about numbers so this was probably only annoying to me.

Marian's compulsion to fly is beautifully portrayed.  Needing to fly higher, faster and farther is a complete addiction for her; like an alcoholic needing just one more drink, Marian will never be able to slake her thirst for flying.  I don't think she was looking for fame, she really was born to be a wanderer.  Jamie's story is beautifully written too; he is definitely my favourite character and I experienced a wealth of emotions as his story played out.

Whilst Hadley brings authenticity to Marian's story, Marian is a fictional character but there are some real life heroines mentioned in the book.  I didn't realise that there were so many women pilots during WW2 as I raced off to google Jackie Cochran.  I love books that lead me to discover fascinating facts and I can't believe that I hadn't heard of Jacqueline Cochran before.

I could write so much more about the book as there is a lot covered but it's well worth discovering these elements for yourself.  Filled with adventure, Great Circle is an epic historical fiction novel spanning both decades and the globe.  I'm really glad that I read it.  

I received a gifted copy as part of a Tandem Collective Readalong and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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Always the Dead - Stephen J. Golds

 

Los Angeles, California. 1949.

Scott Kelly is a World War Two Marine veteran and mob hitman confined to a Tuberculosis sanatorium suffering from consumption, flashbacks and nightmares from his experiences of The Battle of Okinawa and a botched hit for Bugsy Siegel.

When his movie actress girlfriend disappears, he bribes his way out of the sanatorium to search for her.

What follows is a frantic search, a manic murder spree, stolen contraband, and a briefcase full of cash.

A story that stretches from the war torn beaches of Okinawa, all the way to the playground of the rich and famous, Palm Springs, California.

An exploration into the depths of L.A crime, PTSD and twisted love.

A semi-fictional novel based around the disappearance of Jean Spangler.

What did I think?

I discovered Stephen J. Golds books when I was drawn like a moth to the flame to the cover of his brilliant novel Say Goodbye When I'm Gone but I have to say that the postcard cover of Always the Dead is absolutely breathtaking.  Always the Dead has the same vintage thriller feel to it and although it is a little darker, I consider it to be his best book yet; I've honestly never read anything like it before.

I don't know how he does it, but reading Always the Dead is like watching an old black and white movie with a New York twanged narrator.  I was absolutely flabbergasted that such authentic vintage scenes could be conjured from such very well chosen words, which is solely due to the immense talent of Stephen J. Golds.

The main character of Scott Kelly is one that you simultaneously fear yet root for.  Scott is a war veteran, clearly suffering from PTSD, but it's his tuberculosis that sees him confined to a sanatorium.  With inner demons waging war inside his head, it's a wonder that Scott can function at all but it's thoughts of his girlfriend Jean that keep him going.  Jean isn't a traditional girlfriend and I found her to be something of an enigma, wondering if we ever see the real side of her.  When Jean disappears, Scott sets off to look for her, settling a few old scores along the way. but his physical and mental health deteriorate rapidly.

It wasn't until after I finished reading Always the Dead, that I found out that it was inspired by the true story of the disappearance of Jean Spangler.  Off to google I went and, as I often say, I love books that send me off researching fascinating stories or facts.  Jean being a real actress makes this book even more authentic and it would make an amazing movie, in black and white of course.

Brilliantly written with a vintage feel, Always the Dead is dark, gritty and compulsive reading.  Stephen J. Golds is a hugely talented author and definitely one to watch.  A well deserved five stars and highly recommended reading.

Many thanks to Stephen J. Golds for sending me an early copy to read; all opinions in this review are my own.

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BLOG TOUR: A Song of Isolation - Michael J Malone

Film star Amelie Hart is the darling of the silver screen, appearing on the front pages of every newspaper. But at the peak of her fame she throws it all away for a regular guy with an ordinary job. The gossip columns are aghast: what happened to the woman who turned heads wherever she went?

Any hope the furore will die down are crushed when Amelie’s boyfriend Dave is arrested on charges of child sexual abuse. Dave strongly asserts his innocence, and when Amelie refuses to denounce him, the press furore quickly turns into physical violence, and she has to flee the country.

While Dave is locked up with the most depraved men in the country and Amelie is hiding on the continent, Damaris, the victim at the centre of the story, is also isolated – a child trying to make sense of an adult world…

Breathtakingly brutal, dark and immensely moving, A Song of Isolation looks beneath the magpie glimmer of celebrity to uncover a sinister world dominated by greed and lies, and the unfathomable destruction of innocent lives… in an instant.

What did I think?

Any story involving child abuse is difficult to read, but Michael J Malone turns the subject on its head in A Song of Isolation by focussing on a different side of the story: that of the person accused of these terrible acts.  Michael J Malone leaves no stone unturned as the catastrophic effects of such a damaging accusation are portrayed.  It's a book I couldn't put down and I felt simultaneously completely devastated and absolutely furious by events in the story.

Amelie and Dave are reevaluating their relationship when Dave is arrested for child abuse.  Amelie is a film star, but her career was cut short after a stalking incident which made Amelie decide to leave the bright lights behind and move to Scotland, where she met Dave.  It is devastating for Amelie to hear the accusations levelled against Dave but she decides to stand by her man during the court case, despite the vitriol that is aimed against her by the public and the press.

Dave's guilt or innocence aside, there is another victim in this story: Damaris, the 11 year old neighbour of Amelie and Dave.  Whether Damaris was telling the truth or not became irrelevant for me: either something terrible had actually happened to her or she was made to believe something had.  Either way, her life was changed irrevocably and she has to live with it for the rest of her life.  Although it's such a difficult storyline, Michael J Malone handles it sensitively whilst not shying away from the subject matter.

Heartbreakingly devastating and completely compelling, A Song of Isolation is another outstanding novel from Michael J Malone.  Very highly recommended.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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About the author:

Michael Malone is a prize-winning poet and author who was born and brought up in the heart of Burns’ country. He has published over 200 poems in literary magazines throughout the UK, including New Writing Scotland, Poetry Scotland and Markings. Blood Tears, his bestselling debut novel won the Pitlochry Prize from the Scottish Association of Writers. His psychological thriller, A Suitable Lie, was a number-one bestseller, and the critically acclaimed House of Spines, After He Died and In the Absence of Miracles soon followed suit. A former Regional Sales Manager (Faber & Faber) he has also worked as an IFA and a bookseller. Michael lives in Ayr. 

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