Victoria Walters's Blog, page 26
July 2, 2019
2019 Books: June
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I only managed to read four books this month as I’ve been busy writing and editing my own! I read three novels and one non fiction book – a funny memoir by comedian Jack Whitehall and his dad.
I picked up The Little Cafe in Copenhagen because I love all things Danish and it’s a cosy, cheerful escapist read.
Marlena is a story of an intense teenage friendship and how it changes both their lives. It’s a dark story, one of addiction and a bleak small town, but there’s hope at the end and it’s beautifully written.
My pick of the month though is this book:
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The Queen Of Bloody Everything is a Coming-of-age novel, about a mother and daughter who move to the suburbs and become entangled with the family living next door. Although it deals with dark subjects, there’s also a fairytale like feel to it as the main character likens her life to characters in books. Her voice is what you connect to and you root for her to find that much sought after happy ending.
What did you enjoy reading in June?
Victoria
xoxo
June 25, 2019
Coming Home to Glendale Hall
I am so excited to announce my new novel and reveal the cover! Coming Home to Glendale Hall will be published on 25th September and I’m delighted with its gorgeously festive cover.
Ta da! …
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No matter how far you go, home is where the heart is…
Beth Williams hasn’t been home for ten years. After falling pregnant at sixteen, she ran away from the imposing Scottish estate where she grew up rather than risk her family’s disapproval, working hard to build a life for herself and daughter Isabelle – but now she’s finally returning to Glendale Hall.
As Beth tries to mend her broken family ties, and fights to bring the community of Glendale back together, she realises that the story she has told herself for a decade might well be a very different one from the truth. Even though she ran from Glendale it has never left her heart. And, she soon realises, neither has Drew – Beth’s first love.
Will Beth be able to forgive her mother and grandmother (and herself) for what happened ten years ago? What will Drew say when he discovers the secret she’s been keeping from him for so long? Can a festive trail bring the village back together?
Will Christmas work its magic on Glendale – or will Beth be forced to run away from it all over again?
A charming, uplifting novel that will warm your heart – the perfect read to curl up with this autumn. Fans of Trisha Ashley, Debbie Johnson and Cathy Bramley will love this gorgeously romantic read.
You can pre-order a copy right now for just 99p!
What do you think of the cover?
Victoria
xoxo
June 19, 2019
Paperback release news
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I’m so excited that my novel Summer at the Kindness Cafe is now available as a paperback! You can grab a copy of it at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waterstones, your local bookshop, and all online book retailers too.
I signed copies in my two local Waterstones stores, which is always fun and hopefully a nice bonus for readers too.
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I have been so grateful for all the support I’ve had so far especially the lovely reviews up on Amazon so thank you everyone who has been buying and championing the book. Keep spreading the word!
I was also excited to find a Kindness mug for a celebratory cup of tea:
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If you do pick up a copy, I’d love to see a photo and please do leave a review so I know what you thought. I really hope you enjoy reading this one as much as I enjoyed writing it!
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Victoria
xoxo
June 4, 2019
2019 Books: May
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The past month seems to have flown by! I’ve been writing a new book and editing my next one so I only read three books. The Seven Sisters was really long though so it was probably the equivalent of four.
I really enjoyed all three actually and would recommend them but the one I loved reading the most was this:
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It’s my second book by this author and I love how real her characters feel. It’s like reading a biography and I was completely immersed in the world of this book. Definitely check out this novel if you can!
I bought my copy damaged in the sale, by the way, in case you think I destroy my books 
May 1, 2019
2019 books: April
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In April, I read five novels. I didn’t manage to get to any of my non-fiction pile but never mind!
I’d had The Rosie Project, a Big Bang Theory-esque rom com, on my to- read shelf for ages so I’m glad I finally got to that. I also picked up two YA books – Eve of Man and Save the Date.
My next choice was Murder at the Mill, which was a really good read. I do enjoy a cosy crime so please do let me know if you have any you’d recommend!
And, finally, this was my favourite read in April:
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The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is an excellent rom com about a man and woman who end up sharing a flat and bed despite having never actually met. It’s a will or won’t they treat – lots of fun with bags of romance too. A great, quirky premise that’s a must read if you like a feel-good story!
What did you enjoy reading in April?
Victoria
xoxo
March 29, 2019
2019 books: March
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I read four novels and one non-fiction book in March.
Conversations with Friends is my second Sally Rooney book – a story of relationships between two best friends and an older couple they become entangled with. I did prefer Normal People, her second book, as I connected with the characters in that more.
Summer of No Regrets is a contemporary teen novel written by one of my writer friends and would definitely appeal to fans of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.
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Hashtag Authentic is a lovely coffee table book about Instagram, which as you know I love (follow me here). Lots of usual tips and gorgeous photos to enjoy inside.
How to be Happy is a moving story of a women who befriends Polly who has terminal cancer. A reminder to find joy in everyday moments.
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My favourite read in March was The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle – a murder mystery, time loop story, which will make your head hurt as you try to work it all out! Complicated with lots of twists and turns, it’s long but compelling from the first page and a really original story. I really enjoyed the ride!
What did you enjoy reading in March?
Victoria
xoxo
March 22, 2019
New Book Deal!
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I’m very excited to announce my new book deal with Hera Books! You will be able to read two new books from me very soon hurrah 
February 27, 2019
2019 books: February
February has gone by in a blur and as it’s a shorter month, I read four books in total:
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More Than We Can Tell is a YA contemporary romance; The Hunting Party is a murder mystery set in an isolated Scottish lodge; and The Furies is a book about teenage girls out for revenge with a hint of witchcraft. They were all enjoyable reads but my favourite was this brilliant book:
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Daisy Jones is a fictional biography of a band and it’s written in a really interesting interview style. I loved the characters and the music scene and it felt as if you were reading about a real band. I thought it was great and would really recommend it! 
What did you love reading this month?
Victoria
xoxo
February 14, 2019
Top Ten Love Stories
Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate, I thought I would share my favourite romance reads with you although I’m nervous about limiting myself to just ten!
Bridget Jones’s Diary
A book to make you laugh along with the romance. Bridget is unlucky in love and a heroine you can’t help but root for. A modern day update of Pride and Prejudice, I’m still waiting for my Mark Darcy!
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Pride and Prejudice
This will always be my favourite book. Enough said.
Anna and the French Kiss
YA does romance so well because first love is always intense and this gorgeous book set in Paris is just a lovely read from start to finish. If you’re looking for a comfort book, this is it.
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Jane Eyre
Probably my second favourite book of all time. Essentially a Coming-of-age story, for me it’s as wonderful to follow Jane as she learns to love herself as it to watch her fall for her employer.
The Fault in Our Stars
A weepy one! I cried so much at the end of this. First love and the utter heartbreak when it’s over. Read with tissues!
The First Last Kiss
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This is an epic story of a couple through the years, how they fall in love and are torn apart. I cried reading this and it still has a place in my heart years after I first read it.
Twilight
I fell hook, line and sinker for this book, reading it furiously into the early hours, unable to help myself.
Easy
This is set at university and I wish more books were. It’s a passionate love story that I loved so much that when I finished it, I re-read it straight away.
Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda
What I love about this YA book is it’s such a modern story, the main character falls in love over email, but it’s just so romantic at heart. Left me with a huge smile on my face when I finished it!
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North and South
Another classic story about a family who move to North England and the trials that greet them there. At heart though it’s a love story that takes time to develop as all the good ones do, and is as much about how the main characters help one another become better people as it is about their romance.
And if you’re looking for a new romantic book to add to your collection, my novel Summer at the Kindness Cafe is just 99p to download – just click HERE!
January 30, 2019
2019 Books: January
I can’t believe it’s time for a new book tracking year! I’m going to do what I did last year and list all the books I read each month and then pick a favourite out.
I’d love to know what you guys are reading and if you have any recommendations for me so please do comment below 
