Summer Reads: The Pretty Delicious Cafe & Lyrebird

Happy New Year to all my book lovers out there! Over summer I am going to be highlighting some fantastic books I think everyone should add to their must read list.

The Pretty Delicious Cafe - Danielle Hawkins (RRP:$34.99 )

I'm sure I've said this a few times now... BUT KIWI AUTHORS RULE!

Set in the Northland town of Ratai, Lia and her friend Anna run a cafe with the focus on real, homemade goodness. With the busy season upon them and Lia's twin brother, Robin, about to marry Anna, Lia finds herself in a funk. Connected to Robin by that cliche 'Twin Sense', Lia has no idea that a late night visitor will change her life forever.

Lia knew not to keep reading this cereal killer novel, yet here she is, 11pm at night and still reading it. Upon hearing footsteps outside her house, Lia screams bloody murder. After an embarrassing reaction to a handsome man in need, Lia is even more embarrassed when her twin brother Rob shows up with a shotgun in hand.

Jed's new in town. After getting a flat tyre late at night outside a cafe, he is relieved to spot a light still on at the back of the cafe. Trying his luck, he walks up the drive, only to scare the living day lights out of the woman there. He has no idea how much worse the night can get, until Rob shows up with a gun in hand.

Brought together by their wild first meeting, Lia and Jed can't seem to stay away from each other. Will Jed have a chance with Lia when she finds out about his messy past?

The Pretty Delicious Cafe is a fantastic summer read. I once again found myself smiling and remembering the many towns mentioned that I've visited. Whangamomona being one that holds great memories for me. Nothing brings me closer to a book than sharing an experience or town with the story.

Lyrebird - Cecelia Ahern (RRP:$34.99 )

Lyrebird's are from Southern Australia and the male Lyrebird's have an amazing ability to mimic noises in their environment, all in the hopes of attracting a mate. Don't believe me? Click the link to watch! Lyrebird

Laura lives alone in a cottage on a Irish farm, hidden away from the world. Her amazing ability to mimic noises isn't what has kept her hidden. Her late mother and grandmothers secrets are what keeps her here. At age 16, Laura meets her father and for the last 10 years, he has been her only visitor and her only friend. Laura's life of seclusion has suited her, until she meets a film crew who are documenting her father and his twin brothers life.

Upon discovering Laura's ability to mimic any sound she hears, the film crew want to make her famous. They enter Laura in an Irish talent show that quickly takes over Laura's life, and changes it rapidly.

Solomon knows he shouldn't be thinking of Laura the way he does. He has an amazing girlfriend already, even if his family doesn't agree. Yet he can't help it, Laura is the most amazing person he has ever met. She uses her sounds to show her feelings and when Solomon hears Laura mimic his laugh, he knows she feels the same as he does.

I loved Lyrebird. I couldn't put it down. The way Cecelia describes the scenes makes you feel as if you're almost a part of it all. I could almost hear the noises of her forest home and imagine myself enjoying a life like that.

I hope you all enjoyed the first post in my Summer Reads series!

What books have you read this summer (Or winter if you're a northern reader!)?

Camille x

*Thanks to Harper Collins for providing us with these fantastic reads