Good evening everyone today on JoJo Recommends I’m featuring Blindside which is the new ep from Jennifer Jess.

Jennifer is a pop singer songwriter from Atlanta Georgia. Her new EP Blindside is made up of five songs each very different from each other. There’s some really nice dancy ones and some beautiful soaring ballads. The favourite in our house is I Got me which is very catchy and has got stuck into my head so that I keep singing it at random moments.

Jennifer is also a twitch streamer and although she normally streams too late for me I always enjoy her streams when I can catch them. She has the most beautiful, clear voice with a fantastic range which is wonderful to listen to. The last time I made her streams she was live learning Hotel California and absolutely killed it.

Jennifer was kind enough to answer some questions for me so if you’d like to find out more about Jennifer from the lady herself do read the interview below.

If you’d like to follow Jennifer on social media or twitch click on the links below.

How To Listen:

Jennifer’s music is available on all major streaming platforms which I have linked below. For your convenience I have included the official music video for my family’s favourite I Got Me and one of Jennifer’s most recent covers.

Interview:

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am a full time pop singer-songwriter and recording artist from Atlanta, Georgia. I also stream part time on Twitch TV.

What first got you into music?

Growing up, my love for music grew as I listened to my mom and dad’s cassette tapes and CDs. I would look around me and notice that I was a bit more “into the music” than everyone else. I would listen to a song and say “Wow! Did you hear that song, that was so good!” and those around me would nod their heads. I began to realize that my enthusiasm for music was a bit above average. At this point, I knew I wanted to become some kind of performer- then eventually I discovered singing was my ultimate passion.

Who inspired you to make music?

I’m not sure if anyone directly inspired me to be a musician, but I definitely think my mom had a play in it. She would dance around the house singing–always singing. She has an incredible voice to this day. That definitely inspired me.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I love pop music. I think I’ve always loved it since I was young. I love the energy it brings. However, I’ve been inspired by all different genres and artists and I think they are all a part of me in a small way. 

What is your creative process like?

My creative process usually begins with a melody. I let the melody drive the song. If music were a painting, I think the melody decides the colors for the painting, and the colors represent the mood of the song. After the melody, I add the lyrics and sometimes they just come to me. Other times, I have to think about them a little bit more. Once I have the song ready, it’s time to record and begin production.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

If I could collaborate with anyone it would probably be Paul McCartney and if he’s not available (lol) then I think a collaboration with The Weekend would be incredible.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

Honestly, I would love to open for Coldplay because I think they have some of the most amazing concerts and it would be so cool just be a part of the atmosphere.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

My message to my fans would be: You are stronger than you imagine, you are loved and you are important. Also, thanks for listening to my music! 

What is the most useless talent you have?

My most useless talent is that I can fold my fingers into different shapes. They are extremely bendable.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Oddly enough, I don’t sing in the shower that much. At most, perhaps a hum. I would probably hum whatever catchy song was on my mind at that moment. My shower time is my thinking time. Occasionally I play music when I shower.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

If it wasn’t for my music career, I would probably be pursuing acting hardcore or opening up a bakery because I love to bake. 

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Honestly, I haven’t explored the live music scene as much as I would like. I’ve performed at Smiths Olde Bar, Eddies Attic, MadLife stage and studios and more. I think Eddies feel so cozy and comfortable, so at this moment that’s probably my favorite. I do not have any upcoming shows at the moment, but I am live virtually on Twitch TV three times a week.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

I think the internet has impacted the music industry in mostly a good way. Making connections is easier than ever in my opinion and its easier to get your music out there to your fans and potential listeners. However, I think my most lasting work relationships and connections have come from meeting in person.

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favorite song to perform at the moment is a recent song I wrote called “In the Rain”. Its a super heart wrenching break up song. I have yet to record it, but I hope to soon!

Which famous musicians do you admire?

I admire so many musicians and its hard to name just a few. However, I grew up listening to Celine Dion and singing her songs for hours in my room. Sometimes I joke that she taught me how to sing, because I would try and copy her voice and eventually I learned how to belt out notes that way. I also admire the Beatles. Their songs will always be a part of me. Currently I’m really digging the music of a South Korean singer by the name of “Key”.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

The best advice I’ve ever been given is to “never, ever give up”. It seems like such a simple concept, but it was said to me by a high ranking military veteran. He looked me in the eye and said it with such an intensity during a conversation and I will never forget that moment. I think the statement meant more to me coming from him.

What’s next for you?

I have a brand new single coming out within the next couple months called “Imagine You”. There will also be a music video releasing with it as well. This song will be upbeat and fun with some nostalgic vibes.

Thanks for answering my questions Jennifer!

Playlist:

You can now listen to Jennifer and all previously featured artists on a special playlist I’ve created on Spotify.

Jojorecommends on Twitch:

JoJo Recommends is now featured on Island Vibing’s podcast on twitch. The podcast is on every Thursday 3am GMT/ 10 PM EST/ 7pm PST, but you can catch up with the sacred vod anytime!

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

Book Synopsis:

A mother.
A daughter.
A secret waiting to be discovered.

For too long – since the sudden death of her mother as a teenager, since the birth of her daughter, Em, when she was just seventeen – Delphine has been unable to let go of the past, obsessed with protecting Em and clinging to a secret that could ruin everything. She’s been living life in safe shades of grey.

The day that Delphine finally stands up for herself is the day that changes everything.

Delphine begins to remember what it’s like to want more: rediscovering her singing voice, opening herself to friendship, and reviving not only her mother’s roots, but her mother’s memories. As her life begins to fill with colour, can she be brave for herself and for Em? And what would happen if she finally told the truth?

A big-hearted, hopeful novel about finding second chances – and taking them.

My Review:

Em & me is an uplifting, heartwarming read about friendship, love and growth.

In this book we follow Delphine a young, single mother who is working hard to ensure her daughter has a better life then she did. Delphine is a very relatable character who I loved following throughout the book and watching her grow in confidence as she gets the opportunity to explore new things. Her relationship with Letty was particularly brilliant and it was very enjoyable to watch it develop. Letty is a fantastic character who I quickly fell in love with. I loved her attitude and some of her antics made me laugh out loud as I read.

The story is told mainly from Delphine’s point of view with flashbacks to her past so the reader is able to learn more about her. It was very interesting to learn about the secrets everyone was hiding and seeing Delphine come out of her shell a bit. As a mum myself I know it’s easy to lose a bit of your ambitions when you have kids so I found it reallyy uplifting to be able to watch Delphine realise hers.

I felt very sad to finish the book and leave all the characters behind. I’m hoping there may be a sequel as I’d love to be able to spend more time with all of them.

Huge thanks to Harper Fiction for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book!

About The Author:

Beth Morrey was inspired to write her debut novel while pushing a pram round her local park during maternity leave. Getting to know dog owners, joggers and families, she began to sow the seeds of a novel about a woman saved by her community, strangers who became friends.
Previously Creative Director at RDF Television, Beth now writes full time. She was previously shortlisted for the Grazia-Orange First Chapter award.
Beth lives in London with her husband, two sons and a dog named Polly.

Book Synopsis:

A DEVOTED MOTHER
Sam Cooper has a happy life: a good job, a blossoming relationship. Yet, there’s something he can never forget – the image seared into his mind of his mother, Laurie, dying when he was a child. His father allowed his grief to tear them apart and Sam hasn’t seen him in years.

A LOVING WIFE
Until an unexpected call from Firwood hospital, asking Sam to come home, puts in motion a chain of devastating events. On his deathbed, Sam’s father makes a shocking confession.

A LIAR?
Who was Laurie Cooper? It’s clear that everything Sam thought he knew about his mother was wrong. And now he’s determined to find out exactly what she did and why – whatever the cost.

What happens if you discover you’ve been lied to by your own family for twenty-five years?

Sam Cooper is about to find out.

You Never Said Goodbye is available in ebook and hardback on the 17th February 2022. You can pre-order your copy using the links below.

My Review:

You Never Said Goodbye is a tense, action packed thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and I thought impossible to put down.

Firstly I’m a huge fan of this author as I have enjoyed all his previous books so I was hugely excited to be invited onto the blog tour for this book. This story gripped me from the start as there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. I kept promising myself I’d read one more chapter and then look up to realise two hours had past.

The story is told in multiple timelines. One follows Sam as he tries to discover his family secrets and the others, set in present day UK and the US help give the reader some background to the story and helps the reader understand more about why Sam finds himself in his current situation. I really liked Sam who was a very determined character who I thought showed a lot of strength and bravery throughout the book. Honestly I think I’d have run away crying from alot of the situations he finds himself in but he faces them incredibly bravely which made me warm to him more.

Overall I really enjoyed this book which oozed with atmosphere and tension from the start . There was lots of twists and misdirection which took me by surprise and I found myself unable to predict which way the story was going to go.

Huge thanks to Jenny Platt from Hodder for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book.

About The Author:

Luca Veste is the author of several police procedurals and standalone crime novels including The Bone Keeper and The Six. He is the host of the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast and the co-founder of the Locked In festival. He plays bass guitar in the band The Fun Lovin’ Crime Writers. He lives in Liverpool, with his wife and two daughters.

Book Synopsis:

If you had to make an impossible choice to save your long-lost daughter, you would… wouldn’t you?

It’s a warm early summer’s evening when Mia’s doorbell rings. She opens the door to see a teenage girl standing in the shadow beyond the porch light—and in an instant she knows who it is. Daisy, the daughter she gave up as a baby. Daisy steps forward, as she says tearfully “I’m sorry I didn’t call first. But something happened. And I really needed… you.”

Seventeen years before, knowing she couldn’t possibly give her beautiful little girl Daisy the future she deserved, Mia made the hardest decision of her life—to give her up. And Suzanne seemed the perfect adoptive mother: calm, stable, and full of love for the daughter she’d always dreamed of having.

The two mothers promised to keep communication open, so Daisy could have Mia’s love and support along with Suzanne’s. But as the years passed, Mia moved away, and their visits happened less. Now Daisy is almost a stranger to Mia—angry, closed and broken—nothing like the tiny girl she once couldn’t bear to say goodbye to.

But now Daisy has arrived on Mia’s doorstep, and she says she has a terrible secret. One she can never tell Suzanne. And she believes the only person who can help her is Mia. Her birth mother.

Mia, however, has secrets of her own. Ones she is afraid to let Daisy or anyone else know. And while Suzanne desperately seeks a way to bring her child home, can Mia overcome her past to help the girl they both call their daughter in her darkest hour before it’s too late?

Totally gripping emotional women’s fiction from the author guaranteed to make readers cry. Kate Hewitt’s story will grab you by the heartstrings and never let you go. Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain and Jojo Moyes.

The Child I Never Had is available in ebook and paperback using the links below.

My Review:

The Child I Never Had is a highly emotional, absorbing book that made me think about a difficult subject.

Firstly as a mum myself I found this book very emotional. I can’t imagine giving my kids away, even for the reasons Mia does, so I felt the situation keenly as I felt I could understand what she was going through. The author has taken a fascinating, sensitive subject and written about it beautifully so the reader can see it from both sides. It was interesting to learn more about adoption and to explore what being a mum can actually mean.

I thought this book was well paced as there always seemed to be something happening that kept my interest. I liked being able to follow both Mia and Suzanne throughout the book and thought it was clever how the author managed to give different voices to the two of them. Of the two I much preferred Suzanne who came across as a very sympathetic character who’s feelings for her adoptive daughter’s were beautiful to read about. Although I did understand Daisy’s need to connect with her birth mum part of me felt angry with her for leaving Suzanne too.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in future. It was one of those books that I was constantly thinking about when I wasn’t reading and one which I found myself discussing with friends to find out their views. For this reason I think it would make a great bookclub read.

Huge thanks to Sarah Hardy for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Bookouture for my copy of this book via netgalley.

About The Author:

Kate Hewitt is the bestselling author of many novels of both historical and contemporary fiction. She particularly enjoys writing contemporary issue-driven women’s fiction, and her novels have been called ‘unputdownable’ and ‘the most emotional book I have ever read’ by readers. An American ex-pat, she lives in a small market town in Wales with her husband and five young(ish) children, along with their two Golden Retrievers. Join her newsletter for monthly updates and giveaways at http://www.kate-hewitt.com, or be part of her Facebook groups Kate’s Reads, to discuss all manner of books, movies, music and cooking.

Book Synopsis:

One forgotten discovery will change three women’s lives for ever…

Robin hasn’t been home for decades. After running away to London, she never expected to see her cantankerous mother, Faye, again. But when Faye has a fall, the two women are thrown together once more.

The years apart have not made their hearts grow fonder and the ground between them is unsteady. Then Robin finds an unopened scroll – the last of the treasure hunts her much-missed father used to take them on every Sunday. A hunt he believed might change everything.

Yet, not even this gift from her beloved father can smooth the way until Robin’s daughter, Amber, arrives to meet her grandmother for the first time. Amber is determined that the decades-old mystery be solved.

Can a 30-year-old treasure hunt really ‘change everything’?

My Review:

Under One Roof is a heart warming page turner that made me laugh one moment then cry the next.

One of the things that really stands out about this author is the way she can write about complex family relationships so well. I really felt that I was actually there in the house with the three of them at times and therefore felt very involved in all that happens. It was fascinating following the three women as they try to live together and try to work through everything that’s happened in the past.

The three main characters were interesting creations that I enjoyed getting to know throughout the story. It took me a while to warm to them as none of them were particularly pleasant characters but I slowly did as I began to understand what each of them had been through.

Overall i really enjoyed this book which had a good pace to it. I had lots of theories about how this book was going to unfold but was proven wrong about most of it, with some of the twists taking me completely by surprise. I loved the nostalgic climpse into the 80’s this book gives the reader and I especially enjoyed the beautiful treasure hunt the three go on which was wonderful to read about.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for my copy of this book and to Boldwood for my copy of this book via netgalley.

About The Author:

Samantha Tonge lives in Manchester UK with her husband and children. She studied German and French at university and has worked abroad, including a stint at Disneyland Paris. She has travelled widely.When not writing she passes her days cycling, baking and drinking coffee. Samantha has sold many dozens of short stories to women’s magazines.She is represented by the Darley Anderson literary agency. In 2013, she landed a publishing deal for romantic comedy fiction with HQDigital at HarperCollins. In 2015 her summer novel, Game of Scones, hit #5 in the UK Kindle chart and won the Love Stories Awards Best Romantic Ebook category. In 2020 her novel Knowing You won the RNA’s Jackie Collins Romantic Thriller Award.http://samanthatonge.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaTongeAuthorhttps://twitter.com/SamTongeWriterInstagram: @samanthatongeauthor

Book Synopsis:

London 1958

Life has moved on since the war and the youngsters of Mulberry Lane are growing up fast.

Peggy’s Ronaski’s family is struggling with growing pains but she is always there, strong, reliable and ready to help whenever a crisis hits.

Meanwhile, Maureen Hart has family problems of her own to contend with.

Together they will work hard to conquer all of what life has to throw at them…

Join Peggy and Maureen as their siblings embark on life’s new adventures and try to forge a partnerships for success.

What does the future hold for the families and friends of Mulberry Lane?

A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane is available in ebook and paperback now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.

My Review:

A New Dawn Over Mulberry Lane is another fantastic addition to the Mulberry Lane series. I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the start and I am always amazed how the author keeps it so fresh and interesting.

Firstly it was great to be back in Mulberry Lane, catching up with all the families there. Things have moved on a little from the war years and it was very interesting to see how much things had changed there. In this book the reader gets to catch up with old favourites like Peggy and Able as well as seeing how the younger generation have grown up. I found this both fascinating and quite emotional as a few of the younger characters had now moved away and started families of their own. However I liked the way that the author manages to include them into the story, updating the reader as to what is happening with them. I felt this helped show the sense of family that the Mulberry Lane books are all about

This book drew me into the story quickly and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. As you can probably expect life doesn’t go smoothly for the residents of Mulberry Lane and it was fascinating, though poignant to go on the journey with them. This book is part of a series and I definitely recommend reading then in order. It’s going to be exciting to see what happens next and I hope we don’t have to wait long for the next book in this fabulous series.

Huge thanks to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Boldwood for my copy via Netgalley.

About The Author:

Rosie Clarke is a #1 bestselling saga writer whose most recent books include The Shop Girls of Harpers and The Mulberry Lane series. She has written over 100 novels under different pseudonyms and is a RNA Award winner. She lives in Cambridgeshire.

Good evening everyone and welcome to another jojorecommends. Today I’m featuring The Nook by Michael Barnum.

Michael was one of the first music streamers I found on twitch, after a friend recommended him,and I quickly fell in love with his relaxed streams. He’s on in the mornings for me and his chilled music is a great way to wake up. He always sings Joanna from Sweeny Todd when he greets me in stream which never fails to make me smile.

Michael is an American Filipino singer living in California. The Nook, his first single in two years, is a beautiful love story that really took me on a journey with the couple. Michael’s lyrics are incredibly vivid and helped me picture the story he’s trying to tell in the song. I felt I could actually see The Nook, based on a real air B&B home, in my mind and made me want to search for it on the web. I love the striking end to the verse and how effective the word no in this context.

If you would like to follow him on social media or watch him on twitch please click on the links below.

How To Listen:

Michael’s music is available on all streaming platforms as linked below. I’ve linked the YouTube video and one of my favourite covers by Michael below.

Playlist:

You can now listen to The Nook and all other previously featured artists in a special playlist I’ve created on Spotify.

Thanks for reading and happy listening!

Book Synopsis:

A gripping, emotional book that asks the question: What does it take to be a parent?Brand new from the bestselling author of The Last Days of UsIn one split second, Aidan Whelan’s perfect world is changed forever when his wife Rowan and three-year old daughter Milly are involved in tragic accident.Helena O’Herlihy and her husband James have been struggling in their marriage but a knock on the door telling her that James has been involved in a car crash, has Helena rushing to his side.When Aidan and Helena bump into each other at Dublin City Hospital, they soon begin to wonder if it’s more than just coincidence that brought them there. Why were Rowan and James in the car together on that fateful morning?Through their pain and tears, they form a bond as they try to piece together what really did happen on the morning of the crash.As the lies begin to unravel and secrets are uncovered, can Aidan save what’s left of his family and Helena her marriage?

A Mother’s Secret is available in ebook now. You can purchase your copy using the links below.

My Review:

Oh wow this was such a beautiful, emotional and poignant book which will definitely be staying with me for a long time. As a parent myself I think it’s had a profound affect on me as I felt I could really emphasize with the characters and could easy imagine myself in that situation.

I quickly found myself drawn into the story and into the lives of the characters. The author has a beautiful way of writting so that the reader feels like they are actually there watching everything unfold. The characters seemed very realistic,almost like old friends which meant I felt very involved in the story and felt every twist keenly.

The story unfolds at a great pace and I felt there was always something happening to keep my interest. I quickly found I couldn’t out it down as I desperately wanted to find out what would happen next though also not completely sure I wanted to find out. I often found myself getting teary as I read, it’s definitely a story that will stay with me.

Huge thanks to Boldwood for my copy of this book via netgalley and to Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me onto the blog tour.

About The Author:

Caroline Finnerty is an Irish author of heart-wrenching family dramas and haspublished four novels and compiled a non-fiction charity anthology. She has beenshortlisted for several short-story awards and lives in County Kildare with herhusband and four young children.