Sunday 30 August 2015

The Secret of Midwives – by Sally Hepworth

Original Cover
My own story

The blurb:

A novel about three generations of midwives (a woman, her mother, and her grandmother) and the secrets they keep that push them apart and ultimately bind them together

THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES tells the story of three generations of women devoted to delivering new life into the world—and the secrets they keep that threaten to change their own lives forever. Neva Bradley, a third-generation midwife, is determined to keep the details surrounding her own pregnancy—including the identity of the baby’s father— hidden from her family and co-workers for as long as possible. Her mother, Grace, finds it impossible to let this secret rest. For Floss, Neva’s grandmother and a retired midwife, Neva’s situation thrusts her back 60 years in time to a secret that eerily mirrors her granddaughter’s—a secret which, if revealed, will have life-changing consequences for them all. Will these women reveal their secrets and deal with the inevitable consequences? Or are some secrets best kept hidden?

My Opinion:

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Three generations of women, three midwives, three stories. I really liked the concept of this story from the start. The three women took turns telling the story, so the chapers were dedicated to one, moving on with the next chapter and the next woman.

Neva Bradley is the youngest. When the story starts she is already 30 weeks pregnant and finally has the courage telling her parents. Of course her mum Grace is curious about the father, but there is no father, at least that’s what Neva says. A mystery and one I was really curious about. I kept speculating throughout the whole story, I had my suspicions, but of course I got surprised with the actual “father”. Neva is much closer to her dad than to her mother Grace, which was shown pretty clearly in this story.

Grace, is of course also a midwife. She is dealing with her husband Robert, who might lose his job and their relationship seems tense. Then there are these allegations made against her, because of a risky home birth. She might lose her job, which would be really bad for her and Robert.

Floss is a retired midwife and also Floss carries around a secret. This secret is intense and will have a lot of impact on all their lives.

In Neva’s life there is Patrick. He went through a lot and always found help in Neva. He stays with her half the time and is very surprised when he hears about her pregnancy. His reaction is the best though and with his feelings for her, it really made me happy. They are made for each other and had shared some wonderful moments and scenes in this book. Patrick is such a gentleman and just so attentive, sweet and caring! I have to say I fell for him as well! It’s hard for him, the story with the unknown father comes between them of course and when someone he knows as well could be the father, he is so torn. I was just hoping for them and wanted them to find a way!

I really liked that all three women were taking turns in telling the story. The storyline flowed beautiful and the transitions from chapter to chapter ran smoothly. Sally’s writing is very gripping and engaging, the scenes felt so real and authentic and I loved how all three of them had their own story to tell and it still felt like one big piece. I enjoyed Neva the most and felt like her feelings came across beautifully.

A fantastic read, with great characters and riveting storyline! I’m really looking forward to reading more of Sally’s stories.

Rating:




My possible cast:

Neva: Rebecca Rittenhouse
















Grace: Julianne Moore


















Floss: Senta Berger














Patrick: Eric Dane 



Sally on Twitter: @SallyHepworth
Website: http://www.sallyhepworthauthor.com
Goodreads - Amazon UK - Amazon US

Saturday 29 August 2015

Books of my Childhood

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Next to the books I blogged about last week (…) the following ones, were a great part of my childhood.

Max and Moritz

Max and Moritz (A Story of Seven Boyish Pranks) is a German language illustrated story in verse. This highly inventive, blackly humorous tale, told entirely in rhymed couplets, was written and illustrated by Wilhelm Busch and published in 1865.
The pranks are just so funny and hilarious and I loved the illustartions.


Pippi Longstocking

Pippi Longstocking (Swedish Pippi Långstrump) is the protagonist in the Pippi Longstocking series of children's books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Pippi Longstocking lives with her horse and monkey (Mr. Nilsson) in Villa Villekula. She is strong and independent. With her friend Thomas and Annika she goes through many adeventures. I remember my mum telling me the stories, never read them myself, but then I saw all these TV adaptions, just loved it!


Fairytales – The Grimm Brothers

I was a big fairytale fan as a child, probably still am.
Cinderella, Snowwhite, The Frog Prince, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel etc. The Brothers Grimm (or Die Brüder Grimmor Die Gebrüder Grimm), Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786–1859), were German academics, linguists, cultural researchers, lexicographers and authors who together specialized in collecting and publishing folklore during the 19th century. They were among the best-known storytellers of folk tales,

Harry Potter

And last but not least Harry Potter of course. This is the reason I love reading so much! This magical world and the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione are just AWESOME!!! I don’t think I have to tell you about these books, so that’s it.


Friday 28 August 2015

Terrific Two - Happy 2nd Birthday to Sky's Book Corner


Hey my lovelies!!!

I can't believe it's been two years since I started this blog!I started small with a few reviews, it has grown into a lot of reviews, guest posts, author interviews and also Lifestyle posts. I love books and reading, but I also wanted to share other things - traveling, music, my hobbies, interests etc. This past year I've started some new features like Bookish Discussions, inspirational posts and more... What I've also discovered this year are Twitter Chats, they are great to interact and meet new bloggers - there are the #bookbloggers #lbloggers or #ltbloggers chat, of course there are many more, but these are my faves, I was even able to host a #ltbloggers chat, which was fab!

This year has been a great blogging year! The friendships I've built have grown and I've met some more wonderful people. It's awesome to share things and talk online. I had also a lot of connections with publishers building up. A year ago I got sent a book once in a while, this year I'm on several lists and they are also sending books to Switzerland. I was never the ape who emailed every single publisher asking to be on their list, I just took opportunities when they came up. I've been able to host some fabulous blog tours and I'm really grateful for that. There are a lot of wonderful people I'd like to thank for their incredible friendship and support. I'd would take me too long to name everyone though and I'd be afraid to forget someone - you all know who you are! LOVE YOU ALL!!!

In March I finally went to my first book event in London. The UK is not around the corner, otherwise I'd would go to so many bookish events ;) Rebecca Raisin invited some bloggers for some drinks, fun and Afternoon Tea, I had such an amazing time. I was able to meet Rebbeca, also talk to Karen Aldous and talk to some wonderful bloggers, it was so great to meet in person. In October I'm going to another launch party, really excited already.
In July I finally met up with my bestie Maryline in Berlin. We were fellow bloggers at first, but developed a deep friendship and it was awesome to meet in person. 

There are some people who deserve a special thank you:

- Aven Ellis: Thank you for always being there for me, it's so much fun with you! Thanks for being an amazing friend!
- Maryline: You're the best! I'm so grateful for your friendship!
- Holly Martin and Rebecca Raisin: You ladies rock!!!
- Jenny, Alba, Becca, Isabell. 
- Pat Elliott, Ellen Faith, Hilary Grossman and Karen Aldous: Thanks for everything ladies!

Now, it's time for the giveaway - Thank you to all the bloggers and authors who offered a prize. The ebook giveaways are INT and most of the other giveaways are EU, unless it says otherwise. GOOD LUCK!!!!

***

PRIZE 1 - The Sun in Her Eyes by Paige Toon - EU
Paige Toon is one of my favourite authors and her latest book The Sun in Her Eyes is fab! There is also a cute notepad with the Harrods dog for you and a bookish bookmark. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 2 - The Love Shack by Jane Costello - EU
The Love Shack by Jane Costello, her latest release. She's a great author! With the book comes a "Read Me" bookmark and a Harrods notepad. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 3 - The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood - EU
The Vintage Guide to Love and Romance by Kirsty Greenwood is one of the best books I've read this year! It's hilarious, gripping and just awesome!! With this book you can also win magnetic NY bookmarks and the classic Harrods notepad. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
PRIZE 4 - The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond- EU
Here is your chance to win a Lucy Diamond book, another fab author! I also have a "book" bookmark and a notepad from Harrods for you. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 5 - Choose between two fab Aven Ellis bundles - INT
One of my fave authors and dear friend Aven lets you choose. Do you the bundle around her Dallas Hockey Hotties or would you rather be in Chicago with William, Deke and Jack?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 6 - Fairytale Beginnings by Holly Martin - EU
Holly Martin has offered a paperback of her latest novel: Fairytale Beginnings, where fairytale meets chicklit. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 7 - Book sculpture made by Ann Troup - INT
Ann Troup made a wonderful Little Red Riding Hood book sculpture and also added a charm of her book The Lost Child, I think it's gorgeous!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 8 - How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie by Gina Henning - INT
Gina Henning kindly offered the audio book of her novel How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 9 - The Heavenly Italian Ice Cream Shop by Abby Clements - EU
Laura from Laura's Little Book Blog has offered this wonderful Abby Celements book. I've read it and The Heavenly Italian Book Shop is really heavenly, heavenly wonderful! ;)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 10 - Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon - EU
My bestie Maryline has kindly offred a copy of Thirteen Weddings by Paige Toon. She really liked the story and so did I!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 11 - The Out of Office Girl by Nicola Doherty  - EU
Nicola Doherty offered a signed copy of her book The Out of Office Girl.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 12 - Love Like the Movies by Victoria VanTiem - EU
Another signed copy at grab! Love Like the Movies by Victoria Van Tiem is fab, so take your chance!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 13 - Gut Feeling by Victoria Browne - INT
Victoria Browne has offered two prizes. The first one is a paperback of her first book Gut Feeling.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 14 - Third Time Lucky, The Honey Trap by Victoria Browne - INT
Victoria's second prize is her second book. Third Time Lucky - The Honey Trap. 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 15 - True Colours and Best Friends...Forever? by Krysten Lindsay Hager - INT
Krysten Lindsay Hager offered her two books: True Colours and Best Friends...Forever?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

PRIZE 16 - The Language of Spells by Sarah Painter - EU
And last but not least there is a signed copy of Sarah Painter's The Language of Spells up for grab!
a Rafflecopter giveaway