Posts

I love Camilla’s books. Her covers jump off the shelves and I have repeatedly said that she is one of the few ‘romantic comedy’ authors I’ve read who write books which are genuinely, properly funny. I love her that much, I agreed to break all the conventions and read a Christmas book in February. Guess what? I loved it!

Blurb:

Would you share a bed with your enemy to save Christmas?

Down with a bad case of writer’s block, Riven has escaped to a mountain cabin for a prolonged writing retreat. The last thing he needs this Christmas is for his family to invade his sanctuary away from LA. What he needs even less is for a family of strangers as large and boisterous as his own to also be stuck in the same house after a double-booking disaster.

Especially when he ends up having to share a bunk bed with Wendy – a gorgeous, feisty New Yorker who quickly learns how to get under his skin.

Sharing a room with her is sweet torture, and Riven isn’t even sure what he dreads more: that every passing day brings them closer to saying good-bye or that they have yet another night to spend together…

Home for Christmas is a full stand-alone novel, perfect for fans of One Night on the Island by Josie Silver.

My thoughts:

Everything you might think to say negatively about a romantic fiction book, such as it’s cheesy, clichéd, far-fetched and so on, Camilla Isley manages to somehow turn into a positive aspect of her books. They are completely addictive and endearing.

Once again, she has created two main characters, each with a certain level of depth and complexity, whilst providing a fun and light-hearted insight into their unlikely Christmas scenario.

I wouldn’t describe Wendy and Riven as enemies, but they do have their differences which make them an unlikely pair. Wendy is a night-owl while Riven appears more of a morning person, and of course there is the slapstick comedy of the practical jokes they play on each other in a flirtatious and fiesty tit-for-tat.

There are a couple of twists which mean that the storyline extends beyond the Christmas season, meaning that it is an entertaining read for any time of year.

This was an easy and quick read, with a setting that I found easy to picture and a group of likeable characters which I enjoyed getting to meet. Overall, another fantastic read from the very talented Camilla Isley.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am becoming big fan of Beth Moran’s books and I have really enjoyed her previous two releases, We Belong Together and Take A Chance on Me.

Blurb:

A novel about friendship, romance and learning to love yourself – just the way you are.

When Olivia Tennyson – or Ollie to her friends – was sixteen, she wrote a Dream List of all the things she wanted for her life, including a happy marriage and a family. But at twenty-nine, Ollie is single, living at home with her over-protective and manipulative mother, and is feeling like her dreams are getting further out of reach.

It’s time for a change. 

It’s time to take matters into her own hands. 

Without telling her mum, or more importantly, asking her permission, Ollie finds the perfect place to start her new life. End Cottage has a duck-egg blue front door, a garden that leads to acres of forest, and definitely counts as her dream home.

Now all Ollie has to do is complete the rest of her list and find out who she really is, before she can imagine any romance coming into her life. After all, how is she going to find her dream man in the middle of a forest… 

Reading Beth Moran’s gorgeous novels makes every day better. Uplifting, smart, with unforgettable characters and gorgeous settings, it’s impossible not to fall in love with a Beth Moran story. Perfect for all fans of Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan. 

My thoughts:

I was hooked into this book from the beginning. The opening of the book made me think that Ollie’s relationship with her mother was unusual, possibly even toxic, and that her mother showed elements of Munchausen Syndrome. I was definitely intrigued as to how this relationship would develop.

Ollie is an amazing, multi-faceted character. She is brave, resilient, independent and probably the most endearing thing about her is the way that she doesn’t see, or believe, her own strength and beauty. I have loved following her story, watching her step out of her mother’s shadow and grow. I particularly loved the “Dream List!”

Beth manages to weave a few interesting story lines and relationships together without making the reader feel overwhelmed. We really get a 3 dimensional look at how Ollie is as a friend, neighbour, love interest, daughter and so on.

There are some light-hearted moments and some serious moments but overall the book provides a life-affirming and heart-warming experience for its readers. I recommend this book and author to fans of Milly Johnson, Jessica Redland and Mary Jayne Baker.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am very excited to share the cover for this upcoming release by the ever wonderful Julie Shackman. Having thoroughly enjoyed her escapist read that took me to Scotland, I am looking forward to this one! Look out for it from 22nd April 2022!

Blurb:

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer…

Pre-order the brand new Scottish romance from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape

When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen.

Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique.

And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure.

The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley.

I am very proud and honoured to be a part of a small group of female book bloggers who work hard to support and promote indie authors! We have very varied tastes so don’t often do blog tours so when we do, it feels extra special. My only regret with this book is that it’s been on the list a while & it took me this long to get round to it!

Blurb:

One tiny moment in time can shatter your whole world.

A family beach vacation turns to tragedy and Marissa must find a way for her and her traumatized eight-year-old daughter, Maisy, to move forward and heal. But memories of what she lost surround her, threatening to take her to a dark place; a place she can never go again. 

When her brother extends an invitation for her and Maisy to move in with him on Princess Island, Marissa thinks it might just be the fresh start she needs. But can she really find hope and healing on an island surrounded by the same ocean that broke her heart?

Where Hope is Found is an emotional drama about love, loss, and healing. 

My thoughts:

I have to say that, though beautiful, it wasn’t really the cover that drew me into this one. After reading, the importance of the landscape it depicts becomes very clear.

I loved the title and hoped this book would have some uplifting elements to it. It certainly did.

In fact, this is my ideal sort of read. A domestic drama of the finest sort, it is absolutely jam-packed with different issues and events that have a devastating impact on a single family, but Rebecca somehow manages to balance this whilst being able to maintain excellent character development, especially of the four main characters: Marissa, Maisy, Owen and Charlie.

My heart went out to all these characters at certain points and I absolutely loved the fact that this story had no obvious hero. Each character displayed heroic or likeable traits, but my favourite characters were probably Owen and Howard, each one showing a softer side and becoming a huge lifeline and support for Marissa and Maisy.

This is an emotional book, and if it doesn’t make you cry you may need to visit the doctor to see if your heart still works 😅♥️ It has provided a beautiful bit of escapism, with the island setting and all the descriptions of Marissa’s outings as she tries to make peace with island life. The book provides a strong message about forgiveness and focus, reminding us to be grateful for what we have and live in the moment, not in the past.

I would recommend this book to fans of some of my favourite authors, including Emma Robinson, Sam Vickery, Caroline Finnerty and Jodi Picoult.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I have dipped in and out of this series, and as a relative newcomer to the cosy mystery genre, I have always found Helena’s books to be hugely entertaining and enjoyable. The title and opening of this one is reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express. Can amateur sleuth Kitty Underhay and her fiance catch the killer?

Blurb:

All aboard a train bound for… murder.

Kitty Underhay is looking forward to a week of long lunches and wedding planning with her husband-to-be, Captain Matthew Bryant. But the plan is derailed when he is called on to collect a former comrade-in-arms, arriving on the 15:50 from Bakerloo. As the train bearing Simon Travers pulls up to the platform, a piercing scream rises over the screech of its brakes. Travers is dead in his seat, a dagger in his heart.

Who gave this defenceless man a one-way ticket to the next life? And why? And could Matt’s close connection put him at risk? Only a few individuals had access to Travers’s compartment, and Kitty must find out which of these seemingly benign passengers is in fact a cross-country killer.

But when Kitty’s prime suspect, the travelling salesman with no merchandise, is found murdered, she is stumped. Until she makes the connection between the two victims and realises that this murderer has an even more deadly destination in mind. Can she stop them before they strike again? Or will Kitty’s own next stop be the graveyard?

A pitch-perfect and totally gripping Golden Age historical cozy mystery! Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey and Lee Strauss.

My thoughts:

This has been another enjoyable and atmospheric read by this author. You are immediately pulled in and not left waiting for the incident or “mystery” to happen.

Once again, I have enjoyed witnessing Kitty at work and seeing how she fits her sleuthing into, and around, her mostly very normal life. This makes her a relatable, likeable and believable character.

There is a vibrant and intriguing cast of suspects, who all have question marks over their heads to begin, and I enjoyed witnessing how they were dealt with.

There were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming, and some other characters, such as Mrs Craven, who I also thought were very well developed.

Overall, an entertaining and easy read, perfect for cosy mystery fans and fans of Agatha Christie, Victoria Walters, Katie Gayle and Verity Bright to name but a few.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love Sandy Barker’s books so I’m excited to be on the blog tour for another of her releases. Once again, she’s presented us with a gorgeous and distinctive cover that definitely feels warm and beautiful, much like I imagine Bali itself to be.

Blurb:

Home is where the heart is . . .
 
When Jaelee Tan leaves her high-flying PR job in Miami for a sabbatical in Bali, the last thing she expects is for it to become permanent. But when her boss demands the trip be cut short, Jae does the only thing she can think of and quits on the spot.
 
With two months in Bali, a new group of friends and the gorgeous scenery and beaches, Jae is determined to make the most of her new-found freedom. And when she locks eyes with hunky Scot, Alistair, Jae wonders if she’ll lose her heart to more than just a Balinese sunrise.
 
Escape to Bali in this uplifting novel full of friendship, laughter and romance, perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Julie Caplin and Holly Martin.

My thoughts:

My knowledge of Bali is extremely limited, so much so that when I started reading this book I had to Google where in the world it actually was.

However, after reading, Sandy has definitely made me feel like I’ve been on a holiday and adventure of my own as I’ve watched and witnessed these wonderful characters. The descriptions of the settings portray a detailed knowledge or at least picture of the island and its landscapes. The description of the sunrise was definitely one of my favourite in the book, where once again Sandy showcases her literary talent in an accessible and understated way.

The concept of being a ‘digital nomad’ was completely original and brought this timeless story of friendship, exploration, growth and romance into the 21st century, as well as giving it an original spin. After reading, I can definitely see the appeal of this lifestyle choice, even if it is for a short period.

I definitely warmed to Jaelee as a character quite quickly, though I hadn’t read the previous book that features her with her friend Cat.

Overall, a warm and wonderful escapist read from one of my faves. Perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Lucy Coleman and Julie Caplin.

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I previously read A Midwinter Match by this author and I’m pretty ashamed to say that was my first read by her. I absolutely adored it from cover to cover, and I immediately had those high expectations of her writing that often lead to a small sense of disappointment. This book couldn’t possibly be as wonderful as that one, could it?! (Spoiler alert: It definitely was!)

Blurb:

Cottage Two, Bracken Ridge Farm sits at the end of a pitted track, with the glorious Yorkshire moors stretching behind it.  

Just a simple two up, two down, the cottage holds the promise of a new start for two very different women, but it is also full of secrets. 

Fifty years ago, newly-wed Stella is relishing making the little cottage a happy home. But for all the lovingly handmade curtains, and the hot dinners ready on the table for her husband, Stella’s dreams of married life jar painfully with the truth.

Fifty years later, the cottage is a new beginning for Tamzin. Determined to get away from her previous life, she makes the move to the wild and vast Yorkshire countryside. 

When Tamzin finds a sepia photo of a woman, Stella, standing in the cottage’s garden, there’s a sadness in her eyes that Tamzin recognises.  As the cottage reveals more of its secrets, Tamzin is desperate to find out whether Stella got her happy ending.  And as she gradually makes new friends, and starts to win over her mysterious neighbour Euan, Tamzin dares to dream about her own happy ending too… 

Escape the rat race with this heart-warming, page-turning new novel from Jane Lovering. Perfect for fans of Julie Houston, Beth O’Leary and Kate Forster

My thoughts:

Do not let the idyllic landscape on the cover of this book fool you. There is a huge amount of heart-breaking and emotional depth to this story that I did not forsee.

I was absolutely hooked in to the story from the opening pages as Jane introduces two very different, yet empathetic and believable characters. In some ways their lives are very different, in other ways, their lives carry stark and shocking similarities.

The book continues with a primary focus on the main plot of Tamzin’s courageous move to the countryside, but also continues to develop our understanding of Stella’s story. It is a huge risk, in my opinion, for any author to handle a dual timeline like this but Jane pus it off like an absolute pro. I cannot say that one story drew me in more than the other, nor can I say that one story carries more importance. In fact, it is probably the fact that both can, and are, told together, that carries the most significance and the emotional weight of this book.

There is a wider cast of some likeable characters including Euan, Jill and of course Tamzin’s not so wild companion, Brack. The depths to which the writer goes to really build and explore their connections with Tamzin really brings an unexpected sense of community and strength to the book.

It is very hard to write a review of such an impactful book without spoilers, so I do absolutely feel this is one that you will have to pick up for yourself in order to see what I’m making such a big fuss about.

It is completely gripping, mature and original in style, it beautifully covers all shades of light and dark, and overall leaves you with a heartwarming sense of faith and real vivid reminders of the importance of self belief.

An absolutely stunning spring-time read, I would recommend this book and author to fans of Milly Johnson, Jessica Redland, Jenny Hale and Shari Low.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Let me be clear. I love everything about this series. I love the location, I love the bright and breezy theme of the covers, I love the characters and I love the way Daisy James continues to pique my interest with each new installment she creates. Thinking back, I wasn’t a massive fan of romantic fiction until I won Daisy’s book, Wedding Bells at Villa Limoncello back in 2019. It was that book that kicked it all off! Therefore, I had high hopes for this one.

Blurb:

When Corfu’s newest hotelier Abbie Coleman is asked to host a Bakes & Beaches retreat for a group of Bake Off enthusiasts from a regional TV and radio station, she knows she needs as much help as she can get. Baking is not her forte, and with cupcakes, traybakes, pastries and showstoppers to co-ordinate – along with a whole host of terrifyingly high-octane water sports – she’s worried that her guests’ culinary creations will be more ‘curdled catastrophes’ than ‘tasty triumphs’. For any successful enterprise, preparation is key, so, along with her new assistant manager and all-round astrological guru Felix Morgan, Abbie sets about preparing a long and detailed To Do list.

But this is the Hummingbird Hotel, and the words ‘straightforward’ and ‘drama-free’ do not feature on the menu. So, when the salted caramel cupcakes are heavier on the salt than the caramel, and a guest’s expensive watch takes an unscheduled dip in the pool, Abbie must once again join forces with chef-turned-vineyard owner – and now fiancé – Nikos Angelopoulos, to unravel the mystery and maintain the hotel’s reputation for delivering beautiful bakes instead of mayhem and mistakes.

Can she turn burnt buns into sumptuous soufflés? Or will her future on Corfu be over before it’s begun?

My thoughts:

I devoured this one very quickly. As I’ve said in previous reviews of this series, Corfu is one of the few places I’ve been more than once in my life and I absolutely adore being transported there in Daisy’s series.

Daisy is absolutely superb at writing escapist and charming fiction. When I read her books, I forget where I am and am immersed in her setting. In this case, the wonderful Hummingbird Hotel.

Daisy’s character development, plot twists and inspired retreats are all excellent and unique, yet they feel absolutely effortless. I loved following Abbie’s journey and this book certainly has a lot to say about self-acceptance and confidence. There is a mystery brewing in this one too, which certainly kept the pages turning for me.

When I got to the end of this book, I was torn between feeling full of warmth and satisfaction at the way Daisy had once again met my needs as a reader, and a little sad and bereft that my time at the Hummingbird Hotel was once again over. Imagine my excitement, then when Daisy reveals the title for book 5! Unfortunately it’s not out yet, but I for one am eagerly anticipating its release. The next retreat sounds like a lot of fun, but also providing a lot of potential for mayhem!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Once again, putting this beautiful and innocent looking young girl on the front of the cover, along with that intriguing tag line, have drawn me into another book by this author. I loved her previous release, so I hoped this one would be on a par.

Blurb:

In 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?

My thoughts:

I absolutely flew through this book, finishing it in two short sittings. Caroline writes gripping, emotional and believable domestic drama, which is absolutely my favourite reading genre.

I did feel one particular strand of the story was quite predictable, and I did figure that out quite early on, but that did not impede my enjoyment at all. I was still absolutely hooked as I followed these two broken families on their journey for answers and solutions, to two situations which in all honesty could happen to anyone in isolation but the unique set of circumstances tying the two storylines together is very unique and clever.

This book tackles huge issues in an accessible and yet still touching way. I find Caroline’s books both easy to read and devastatingly emotional.

This has been a difficult review to write as I really don’t want to give anything away. Throughout the course of the story, I developed sympathies for all three of the main characters: James, Helena and Aidan. I also thought the strand involving Callum was an important one to explore.

Overall, an emotional and important portrayal of family life, being grateful for what you have and building yourself back up from devastation. I have loved this book and will be sure to read more by this author in future.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am a huge fan of Samantha’s books and usually find them addictive and difficult to put down. Therefore, I had high hopes for this, her latest release! The cover and title suggests that at the heart of this story will be the theme of family, and possibly a quite dysfunctional one…

Blurb:

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 thoughts:

This has definitely been a heart-warming and engaging read, which I have found myself struggling to put down/switch off from, and thinking about when I’m not reading.

There is an original story line with a sense of adventure and mystery. At its heart though, is an intriguing and a dysfunctional family with a unique set of circumstances. The exploration of family dynamics and how history and our own parenting affect our parenting styles and relationships, is rich and effective.

There is a cast of vibrant, believable and relatable characters. I found myself being able to relate to Robin in her role as “helicopter mum” and the way she is trying to find her feet and rebuild her life following a difficult couple of years. I also found myself being able to relate to Amber because she was such an openly warm and kind-hearted character. The character development of all three main female characters is brilliant.

It is rare to see a book with three lead female characters, though Robin’s deceased dad and her ex partner have a certain level of influence over the plot.

This has been a touching and gripping read encapsulating a delicate balance of romance, family dynamics and self-discovery. This is possibly my favourite read by Samantha Tonge so far!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

L