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I was drawn to this book as I’ve previously enjoyed Fool’s Gold and Diamond Geezer. I was completely captivated by the character of The Undertaker and his true identity. Although this has been solved by the opening to this installment, he has definitely left destruction in his path and there is also the question of: Who killed him?

Blurb:

Flawed, tough, unbreakable….

In the aftermath of her husband’s shocking murder, Patsy Diamond wants answers. Who was Nick really? Where is all his money? And who killed the man she once loved? Patsy knows exactly who to go to first – Nick’s pregnant mistress, Natasha.

Natasha might seem young and innocent, but Patsy’s certain the girl is hiding something. And the only way to find out what is to keep Natasha close and make her part of the Diamond family.

With the two women forming an unlikely bond, they begin to dig deeper into Nick’s secret life and discover things that shock…and terrify them.

Because Nick Diamond played a deadly game and if the women in his life want payback, then they are going to have to follow his rules – or break them and make their own.

But the strongest diamonds are created under pressure and these women are no exception…

My thoughts:

Despite being an installment of a well established and engaging series, there is adequate back story provided in each book to ensure that they can be read as standalone if desired.

I loved that it was the women who took centre stage in this story. Natasha, Patsy, Beryl and Victoria are all strong women who value loyalty, honesty and women that you do not want to mess with! I have had a great soft spot for Beryl from previous installments, and she continues to show her ruthless side here.

The women unite, with the help of some friends, to uncover more about Nick’s past and this is an enthralling and exciting journey that takes all over the UK: from Glasgow to Dorset and some places in between. This, along with the complexities of their situation has sent my head spinning but ultimately had me hooked.

There is a wider cast of characters who threaten their plans and further keep them on their toes. It is very clear that the gang war has not died with Nick and the fight for power and leadership will not be an easy one.

This book answers a lot of questions about Nick’s death eventually, but it also digs up some new queries about Nick’s identity. This leaves the book open to another installment, which definitely left me wanting more.

This book is not for the faint-hearted but much of it is focused on solving the mystery of Nick’s murder and the secrets he left to uncover, so this book and series would be a great starting point for any crime thriller fans thinking about going over to the sometimes darker genre of gangland!

I highly recommend this series to fans of Kerry Kaya, Heather Atkinson and Alex Kane.

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I knew I had to read this book after being instantly hooked into a previous installment in the series. The covers are gorgeous, gentle and cosy, and this reflects a lot of what you find inside these books!

Blurb:

Welcome to Pepper Bay. A small close-knit community where you’ll find chocolate box cottages, quaint shops, love, drama, and a happily ever after.

The Pepper Bay books are standalone stories, best read in order, that intertwine with recurring characters.

The Post Office Shop: Tilly Sheridan is fifty, perimenopausal, a widow, and pretty much lives in dungarees. Her daily life consists of running her family’s small shop on Dreamcatcher Farm, where not much goes on. The last thing she expects to happen in her life is to fall in love with an ex-criminal.

Rory Murphy has just finished a fifteen-year sentence for robbery, but he is not the man who first walked into that prison. With the help of a mentor, he changed his life whilst still behind bars, and now he has been given the opportunity of working on a farm to help him integrate back into society. He’s expecting early starts, long days, backbreaking work, and lonely nights, but he finds friendship, family, and love in Pepper Bay. Is it possible for him to finally have a good life? Not if his past has anything to do with it.

My thoughts:

Though this is clearly part of a well developed series, I do personally think these stories work better as standalone books than you find in some series. Though there is the familiar, wonderful setting of Pepper Bay and the familiar recurring characters, this story takes on a life of its own as it explores the growing connection between two characters: longstanding resident Tilly, and newbie Rory.

K T Dady has a talent for creating highly original and sympathetic characters, providing their backstories with impact and purpose, without overwhelming the plot or the reader. In this case, we meet Tilly, who lives a seemingly cosy, simple life in Pepper Bay, but slowly but surely reveals past traumas and current concerns. Rory appears ti be a completely changed man, wanting to put his criminal past behind him, make roots and make a difference. But it is really that easy for them to escape their past and move forward?

Well, no. There won’t be any real spoilers here but I will say there were parts of the story that completely blindsided me, and others that caused me to have my heart in my mouth and to feel like I simply had to keep reading until I knew the outcome.

Despite being a little bit younger than the character of Tilly, I really related to her self-confidence issues and her worries about her having too much ‘baggage’ to find happiness at this time in her life. Once again, it was heart-warming and refreshing to see a middle-aged woman (though I hate that term) take centre stage in a story.

I loved the way K T Dady was able to describe their dialogues so clearly that I felt like I could hear them speaking to each other as I was reading. The story, and the series as a whole, seems to lend itself well to on-screen adaptation due to this.

Another gorgeous and heart-warming read by K T Dady, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Camilla Isley and Maddie Please.

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I absolutely love Drew Davies’ books and although all his books are five star reads for me, the one that has the biggest part of my heart so far is definitely Dear Lily. However, I had high hopes and expectations for this one as it felt like it had been a long wait for it! The title is obviously reminiscent of lockdowns during the Covid pandemic, but the premise to this story is far more original and engaging.

Blurb:

At the grand old age of eighty-two, Esther Saul has just one regret in life. Today, she’s going to change that.

For decades, Esther has barricaded herself in her vine-covered manor house. She spends her days tending to her rose-filled garden, glued to the pages of her favourite books, and listening to her beloved records. But, one spring morning, Esther wakes up and realises that time is running out.

Forty years ago, the love of her life betrayed her – the only man she allowed herself to trust. Where is Thackeray, the handsome Scot with a devilish smile and piercing blue eyes? Will she ever learn the truth? Will she ever understand why he lied to her? Esther has to find out. If she doesn’t act soon, her one regret will haunt her forever…

But she’ll need some assistance. That’s where Bruno comes in. After Esther places an advert in the local library, seeking internet lessons, the eighteen-year-old knocks on her door. Esther can see how out of place Bruno is in their sleepy village, and that the paid position could be his one-way ticket out of there.

An unexpected friendship forms between the two strangers, who have nothing in common except that they have spent most of their lives in hiding. It’s the beginning of a journey – featuring a secret motorcycle ride, an escape plan, and a garden party with whisky, apple pie, and dancing the jig. Along the way, can a locked-away life finally start living?

Just as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming, this utterly gripping page-turner is for anyone who has ever felt left behind, came close to giving up, or needed a friend. Perfect for fans of Sally Page, Ruth Hogan and Mike Gayle.

My thoughts:

I love the layers contained within this book that relate to the title. There is the physical containment of Esther’s house and the fact that she rarely leaves it and Bruno’s feeling of being constrained within society as a traveller who has settled in a small town. There is also, at the heart of this story, the focus on unlocking your past and your true identity, in order to find peace and happiness.

Esther and Bruno are both beautifully built, complex, likeable, original characters and I have loved following both their journeys. It really is quite a journey they take you on too: one of self discovery as well as one that takes you far outside their little town.

There is a deeper, social message to this book about equality and treatment of others. If serves as a strong reminder that there is still a way to go as a country if we are to see true equality between all ages, heritages and sexualities. I have massive respect for Drew for managing to deliver such a strong social message whilst never compromising on the plot and often the beauty and lightness of the story and the friendship at its heart.

There are some unexpected twists and some moments where my heart had almost escaped through my mouth because I was in so much shock about what was unfolding. I found the scenes about Esther’s declining health, as well as her strength, determination and bafflement at technology really touching and it reminded me of my own Nan’s tenacity, as well as things she said, like when she thought Facebook was an actual book that I read for university.

All of this just proves that Drew is able to write believable, sympathetic characters and bring them to life. This book has had me shedding tears and crying with laughter. It is a new favourite of mine from him.

This uplifting, heartwarming story with a wonderful social message and friendship at its core is a perfect addition to your summer reading pile, especially if you are a fan of Mike Gayle, Graeme Simsion or Rachel Marks.

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P.S. I love you Drew 🤣

I love all the books I’ve read by Daisy but I genuinely think that this series has been my favourite. This is a review of mixed emotions for me, as I am thrilled and saddened to be reviewing the final book in this gorgeous series.

Blurb:

When Abbie Coleman is asked to organise a Dance & Desserts retreat for a group of exhausted schoolteachers, she decides to pull out all the stops. With line dancing, flamenco and the Charleston on the agenda, along with a whole host of delicious, themed desserts, it’s her chance to prove to everyone that she has – at last – gained the skills needed to be an accomplished hotelier. This time she’s determined there will be no “unfortunate incidents” that make the Hummingbird Hotel look like Corfu’s Comedy Central.

With her wedding to the gorgeous Nikos Angelopoulos only three weeks away, will she finally be able to deliver a retreat without the habitual chaos and calamity the hotel has become famous for? Can she turn a clunky chicken dance into a classy Charleston and a boogie-woogie into a beautiful ballet? Or will she be boot scootin’ it back to London and life as a floundering florist?

Let Daisy James whisk you away to sunny Corfu with a feel-good holiday read filled with sun, sea and a sprinkle of romance. Perfect for fans of Mandy Baggot, Sue Roberts & Sandy Barker.

My thoughts:

I absolutely adored this series from start to finish and this final installment was no exception. I felt like I was travelling back to a well loved and frequently visited holiday destination, and meeting up with old friends!

Daisy, as always, uses her wonderful writing talents to create a unique and multi-sensory experience where it becomes easy to transport yourself to the beauty that is the Hummingbird Hotel. In this book, where this is a lot of talk about futures and moving forward, I particularly enjoyed descriptions of the views and vistas which allowed the characters, and the reader, to be in the moment and just enjoy what was in front of them. I was definitely left wishing that this was a real place that I could visit, especially as I have been to Corfu a couple of times and think it is beautiful. The Hummingbird Hotel fits well into my own memories of Corfu.

I also loved the fun and vibrance that is brought to the book, and the Hotel, through the retreats that are run. A dance and desserts retreat is definitely my sort of vibe! The descriptions of these events are really lively and a lot of fun.

However, there is a more serious side to the story which includes financial struggles, focusing your hopes and dreams, and ensuring that no loyalties or friendships are lost or broken in the process. Through this thread of the plot, Daisy showcases Abbie’s growth and determination. I also loved how the story built up to the anticipation of the wedding.

“She had realised that confidence wasn’t handed over on a silver platter, it took work and courage and forgiveness of the past, and a strong determination to move fo4ward and embrace the future.“

Despite the challenges faced by Abbie and the hotel, which definitely make this a dramatic and page-turning read, it is clear that the overall message is one of hope, confidence, trust and acceptance. This has been an absolutely gorgeous series and definitely one of the best romantic fiction series” I’ve ever read. The books do work as standalone, but I just don’t see how anyone could pick up one of these books and not want to gobble up the rest!

I have to admit crying at the end! It was very touching but I was also quite distraught that my ‘holiday’ at the Hummingbird Hotel was over, too. I cannot wait for more by Daisy James and definitely recommend her books to fans of Sandy Barker, Jaimie Admans and T A Williams.

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I love Bella Osborne’s books. She is one of my favourite authors in this genre and would now describe her as a ‘must read’. I was so excited to read this new one from her, as I’d not read this when it was in serial form. The cover is warm and gorgeous. I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.

Blurb:

Escape to Sandy Cove, where the scent of summer and the sound of wedding bells is in the air!

Ella is in the business of making brides’ dreams come true with yards of white tulle, delicate lace and sparkly sequins.

But Ella’s own love life couldn’t be further from a fairy tale. Recently dumped by her boyfriend and with her best friend’s wedding only months away, Ella feels more alone than ever so she finally accepts her friends’ offers to set her up on a blind date.

But a mix up on the night throws her into the path of Kit, instead.

Kit is most definitely not the man she was supposed to meet, but he could end up changing her life in ways she never thought possible…

A perfectly funny, feel-good summer romance that will whisk you away to sandy beaches and a seaside wedding. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Katie Fforde and Milly Johnson will adore Bella Osborne.

A Wedding At Sandy Cove was originally published as a four-part serial. This is the complete story in one package.

My thoughts:

I actually really liked the fact that the four distinct sections or parts to the story were kept, as each one propels the story forward but also allows us to pause and reflect on the story’s development.

Throughout each section, what definitely shines through, is Ella’s development as a person. She goes from a woman with a safe, secure job, happily tolerating her horrible boss and looking up to her parents’ relationship as a lifetime goal. As the story develops, Ella finds her inner strength, and what her friends describe as her ‘self esteem’, as well as discovering that all is not as it seems when it comes to her parents’ relationship.

Kit and Ella are thrown together in unique and unusual circumstances, but Bella ensures that the development of their relationship is organic, believable and most of all touching. Kit is the kind-hearted, hard-working, reliable soul that Ella deserves, but can she put her hurt to one side and trust him?

Something else that shines through in this story is the importance of family and friends. As they discover more about each other, it is clear that both Ella and Kit are not willing to embark on any sort of relationship that requires them to compromise on the fact that family and friends are priorities to them.

Overall, this is a gorgeous and uplifting read. It was also really refreshing to read a book with the word ‘wedding’ in the title that was not solely focused on the preparations for a wedding. Though, of course, that is still integral to the story, mainly due to Ella’s job…

I would highly recommend this book and author to fans of Milly Johnson, Sandy Barker, Holly Martin and Cathy Lake.

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I adore this writer’s books and Life After You is actually one of my favourite books of all time. I’ve bought it for quite a few friends now who have experienced loss or grief. Sian’s books often deal with difficult topics but they are definitely what I would describe as ‘uplit’ due to being so uplifting and heart-warming.

Blurb:

Do what you love. Love what you do…

After a whirlwind courtship, Roisin Kelly ignored the sceptics and objectors and married aspiring novelist Brody Brady.

Fast forward one year and Roisin’s honeymoon is well and truly over. Brody has become her reclusive, freeloading lodger whilst he pens his masterpiece and she walks on eggshells.

Working in the Council Planning office, Roisin dreams to escape the mundanity of her life. Her true passions are cooking and entertaining her family and friends but she lacks the confidence to take it any further. When a charity supper club is suggested by best friends Jools and Richard, Roisin has no choice and is reluctantly swept along to be head chef for the fundraiser.

With the help of her friends, Roisin starts to believe that there is more to life that moody writers, hamsters and poor hygiene and that maybe she has a few dreams of her own.

And that just when you think life has nothing left to give, your whole world can change.

My thoughts:

I really liked the character of Roisin. She is a likeable, empathetic character due to her situation, but also her humility and her generally kind, caring and giving nature. She reminded me a lot of myself and my past relationships in the way she found herself struggling to deal with the lack of ‘happy ever after’.

I really disliked Brody and I felt respect for Roisin and how she handled him. I felt like I might have blown my lid much earlier in her position, but also know what it feels like to bite your tongue and let yourself be convinced by them. The hamster scenes reminded me of the times when my ex brought home a dog and at one point even a snake as a “surprise gift for us”.

I loved the community spirit in this book and there is definitely a vibrant and diverse supporting cast. I loved the notion of the ‘supper club’ and this provided a great focal point for the story and its message of new beginnings and taking risks. I found the scenes with Roisin’s neighbour Harry particularly touching, proving that there is a lot for both parties to learn from befriending an elderly neighbour.

I loved that Sian left a few surprises until the end as I really wasn’t sure what the outcome of the supper club trial or the issues with Brody would be!

Overall, a wonderfully uplifting and heart-warming story full of spirit and fun. I would recommend this book and author to fans of Holly Martin, Faith Hogan and Julie Butterfield.

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I am a big fan of Nina Manning’s books. I have read lots of them now and I always find them enjoyable and unputdownable. My favourite is probably The Bridesmaid, so if you haven’t read that one, do check it out. I was looking forward to this one. Once again, this one has an intriguing title and dark cover! Would it live up to previous reads?

Blurb:

Waitress Kit Lowman knows that people look down on her and the job she does. But being anonymous offers Kit safety and security and allows her own terrible secrets to remain hidden.

And then Kit’s luck changes, and she suddenly faces a terrible dilemma: reveal her true identity and accept that life will never be the same. Or stay in the shadows…where she hopes she’ll be safe?

But secrets can’t stay hidden forever. And the more Kit tries to hide away, the more someone makes it clear that they are going to make her pay for what she did.

My thoughts:

Something Nina does really well in this book is to create a slow paced story to begin, with a seemingly stable environment for a main character that definitely seems to be, for some reason, teetering on the edge and not quite able to enjoy her newfound wealth and her stable job. Nina constantly places seeds of doubt in Kit’s mind, and additional ones in the narration, that all is not as it seems.

This was definitely not a case of who can you trust, because I definitely had my suspicions about all the characters that kept popping up: Courtney, Maisie Blake, Hendrick and then of course Kit revealing that she also cannot be trusted and is harbouring some dark secrets.

The two timelines are effective but they are very jumpy to begin with, which may well have been done intentionally in order to maximise the tension and intrigue.

I personally could not predict where this one was going but I knew I had to find out. This is another great psychological thriller with a unique main character, perfect for fans of Arianne Richmonde, Miranda Rijks and Mary Grand.

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I am a huge, huge fan of Jaimie Admans. Her Christmas books are usually my favourites, but all of her books showcase her talent and unique style within this genre. I absolutely love the colour and feel of this cover, as well as the title giving a unique sense of place and a sense of originality, as I’ve only read one book with a ‘beekeeper’ as the main character before!

Blurb:

Having moved into her mum’s spare room after a disastrous break-up, Kayleigh Harwood is desperate for a fresh start. When she sees an opening for a new beekeeper at Elderflower Grove she jumps at the chance – despite not knowing a thing about bees…

The abandoned manor house holds a mystery of its own – the previous owner vanished years ago – and locals have been inventing stories about the manor ever since. Unable to resist the urge to look around, Kayleigh is shocked to find drop-dead-gorgeous gardener Carey living inside!

Carey explains that the house and surrounding land is at risk of being demolished, endangering the bees, and he has been staying there to protect it.

Convinced the secret of the house holds the key to saving Elderflower Grove’s bees, Kayleigh is prepared to do everything she can to help. But is she ready to find her own happy-ever-after too…?

Escape to Elderflower Grove with this heart-warming summer holiday of a book! Fans of Heidi Swain, Trisha Ashley and Tilly Tennant will love this heart-warming read.

My thoughts:

This is a great read with a unique sense of place, likeable characters and a whole heap of mystery sprinkled in! Elderflower Grove is dilapidated yet endearing and intriguing. Despite the obvious work that needs doing to the place, I definitely felt a connection with the place early on and I was hoping that there would be a positive outcome in terms of the house being taken over, renovated etc.

Jaimie is absolutely brilliant at creating a crystal clear picture of a unique and unfamiliar setting. I don’t expect many of us have been up close to , and especially not inside, an abandoned mansion or a fully functioning set of honeybee hives, yet throughout the book Jaimie’s descriptions make this setting easy to visualise and immerse yourself in.

Kayleigh is a likeable and empathetic character. What she does in terms of taking on the role seems a little bit insane to be fair, but something about her just made me want her to succeed at it. I really felt like she needed this chance to explore her identity and rediscover her self worth. I found myself slowly warming to Carey, despite despite him at first seeming a little closed off and quite mysterious.

I was totally drawn into the story of three levels: firstly the blossoming relationship between Carey and Kayleigh and whether it would any further than ‘flirty banter’, secondly the history of Elderflower Grove and the mysteries surrounding Josie’s disappearance, and Carey’s family. Finally I was surprised to find myself fascinated with the bees and their importance and worth. This was helped by Jaimie providing key facts and information at the beginning of the chapters.

I was completely engrossed and captivated by this book and did not want it to end. I think this may be a new non-Christmas favourite for me by Jaimie! I hope you pick I up and enjoy it as much as I did. 😊

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I love Shari Low’s books. A big regret of mine is definitely that it took me until its 25th anniversary edition to read What If? I have since read quite a few of her books, and she has definitely confirmed and earned her place as one of my ‘must read’ authors.

Blurb:

As a flight to St Lucia leaves the runway, four passengers meet for the first time.

After escaping her controlling husband, Bernadette Manson is taking the first extravagant holiday of her new life. But when her best friend cancels, will she be strong enough to fly solo?

Tadgh Donovan is about to jet off to his destination wedding when he sees a shocking text. Has his bride-to-be written her wedding vows… or already broken them?

Hayley Ford is the wife of a top fertility specialist yet her battle to get pregnant has almost broken her marriage. Can a trip to the sun heal their relationship or should she brace for a crash landing?

Dev Robbins is crossing oceans to track down the woman he fell in love with at first sight. Will it be a one way trip to happy ever after or a return journey to singledom?

My thoughts:

Wow. Shari Low is a queen of heart-warming, uplifting yet realistic and dramatic romantic fiction. She has outdone herself once again and I’m going to say this is a new favourite of mine.

Romantic fiction is such a crowded market, it is always a pleasant surprise when an author manages to deliver something original and refreshing, yet Shari manages to do this every single time.

I loved how the majority of the book took place over a very short time span and in a rather claustrophobic atmosphere of a plane. This definitely heightened the drama and the raw emotions we witnessed by each of the characters.

The multiple perspectives and the personal flashbacks also help to provide context and backstories that create empathy for the characters. For me, I particularly felt for Heather but I absolutely loved hearing from Tadgh, and his unique connection with Lizzy.

I’m sure there will be people who read this book and are able to predict the ending. I couldn’t, and to be honest I didn’t even try. I was so engrossed in the story and how it unfolded that I think I just simply read it, enjoying the page numbers creeping up but also wishing that the ending wasn’t getting nearer. I felt like a fly on the wall of the aeroplane, and I loved having that closeness with each of these wonderful, likeable characters.

Overall, a gorgeous and wonderful read by a very talented storyteller. This book, and author’s work in general, is perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Mary Jane Baker.

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I am so excited to be sharing the cover for this new installment in this lovely, uplifting series by someone who is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I love stories with an element of romance AND mystery, so I am looking forward to reading this one! Check out the beautiful cover and blurb below ❤️👇

Blurb:

When Leonie Baxter finds herself out of a job and out of a relationship, she’s at her wits end. Her life has just been turned upside down and she needs a plan, fast.

By chance, on a walk with her rescue puppy, Leonie stumbles across a striking house in the woods; fully furnished but unoccupied. As a journalist, she is determined to find out more, after all, reporting is in her nature.

But her attempts are thwarted by Lily Cruickshank who lives in the cottage next door. Why won’t Lily help Leonie? And who is the mysterious Flynn Talbot, whose letter Leonie finds inside the house?

And in uncovering the secrets of the abandoned house, will Leonie open her own heart and let love back into her life?

The brand new escapist story from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape and A Scottish Highland Surprise, for fans of Jo Thomas, Trisha Ashley and Cathy Bramley.