A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson - BLOG TOUR

I am delighted to be today's stop on the BLOG TOUR for Miranda Dickinson's A Parcel for Anna Browne, which is being published on 24 September 2015 by Pan Macmillan.

A Parcel for Anna Browne
By Miranda Dickinson
Published by Pan Macmillan (24 September 2015)
ISBN: 978-1447276050

Publisher's description
Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .
When a parcel addressed to Anna arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.
But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

My verdict
A Parcel for Anna Browne is a gorgeous uplifting story written with warmth and gentle humour.

Anne Browne works on reception in the offices of a major newspaper. No one really takes much notice of her, as the journalists and publishers go about their busy lives. But everything changes when she receives a gift from a mysterious benefactor. Let's face it - who doesn't love a present? Especially when it's unexpected. At first, she keeps these gifts to herself, but then her story becomes big news.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is more than just another chick lit read, as there's a mystery to solve. Who is sending Anna these gifts and why? Each present brings back memories of her not-so-happy childhood and her difficult relationship with her mother.

There are many contenders for her secret benefactor. I did guess their identity correctly quite early on, but this didn't detract from the story at all. It was like reading a fairytale, watching an ordinary woman learn to shine. This is a Cinderella story that makes you think about whether you are achieving your own potential. And if not, whether there's anything you can do to give yourself a boost towards your dreams.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is a great comfort read, an ideal book to curl up with at any time of the year, alongside a glass of wine and plenty of chocolate and cake.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Follow the Blog Tour

Stirred With Love by Marcie Steele

Stirred With Love
By Marcie Steele
Published by Bookouture (3 September 2015)
ISBN: 978-1910751381

Publisher's description

Sometimes the best friends can be found where you least expect them …

Still grieving after the loss of her beloved husband, Lily Mortimer is determined to do something with the time she has left.

After the end of her fairytale marriage, thirty-something Kate is trying hard to mend her broken heart.

Chloe, a young woman with the world at her feet, is struggling to know what to do with her life.

When Lily embarks on a new venture in the picturesque town of Somerley, the three women come together to open The Coffee Stop, the most charming café for miles around.

But opening a coffee shop is never as simple as it seems, especially when you add neighbouring competition, local heart throbs and heartbreak to the mix.

When tragedy strikes, can the three women pull together to make the new business fly, or will Lily’s last chance disappear down the drain along with yesterday’s coffee grinds?

My verdict
Marcie Steele is actually the lighter floaty romantic alter ego of author Mel Sherratt, who is well known for her gritty realistic crime novels. So I knew this book would be well written and well plotted before I started. I just wasn't sure how much I would like it, as I don't always enjoy chick lit these days. But I discovered that Stirred With Love provided a lovely relaxing break from all the crime/thrillers I usually read.

The story flows well, with snappy dialogue and a fast-paced plot. It focuses on three very different women, Lily, Kate and Chloe, all of whom have life-changing decisions to make. Kate and Chloe are brought together by Lily, who wants to reopen her café as a coffee shop.

As expected with chick lit novels, there are disasters, romances and adventures along the way. The book is warm and humorous and a lovely holiday read.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.