Wednesday 23 September 2020

Stuck On You - Portia Macintosh


Could a post-it note really lead to love...?

Sadie doesn't have time for finding love. She's too busy as PA for famous artist Damian Banks. When she's not arranging exhibitions, she's organising his dry cleaning or dumping his never ending stream of girlfriends.

But when she strikes up an unusual friendship with her desk share buddy, she finds a confidante and a new potential love interest. Problem is, they've never actually met...

With Christmas just around the corner, can Sadie put herself first for a change and find what she's been looking for all along?

The brand new romantic comedy from top 10 bestseller Portia MacIntosh. Perfect for fans of Sophie Ranald, Mhairi McFarlane and Zara Stoneley.

My Review:

I’m going to start by saying I absolutely loved this book. As a fan of the author I’ve read a fair few now and this is probably my favourite. I couldn’t put it down. So entertaining and fun, a perfect read to cosy up with an escape the outside world.

I love a book with something quirky to entertain us – the post it relationship between Sadie and Adam is that perfect something. Mystery and the hint of a blind date style romance is really entertaining, I looked forward to the next Adam note, although I had suspicions about him and did wonder what would happen if the two were to actually meet.

Sadie is such a lovely character and I warmed to her straight away. Her boss, Damian sounds like a nightmare to work for, at first I really wasn’t sure what to expect from him or if I would warm to him. I’m really pleased that by the end my thoughts on him were completely different and I was a fan of his.

A real turning point is when Sadie and Damian go to her family home for Christmas. Its so cosy and fun sounding, I wish my Christmas entailed all the fun and merriment they have in that community. We see a definite change in the relationship between the characters during this time and see that actually what Sadie needs is in front of her.

I can’t recommend enough, wonderful cosy, heart warming moments, gorgeous characters and a real festive feel.  

Purchase Link - buff.ly/3f9Yy8M

Author Bio:

Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 12 novels, including It's Not You, It's Them and Honeymoon For One. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

Social Media Links:

Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/PortiaMacIntoshNewsletter

https://portiamacintosh.com/

https://www.facebook.com/macintoshportia

https://twitter.com/PortiaMacIntosh

http://instagram.com/portiamacintoshauthor

http://bookbub.com/authors/portia-macintosh

 

Monday 21 September 2020

Accidentally In Love - Belinda Missen

 

Accidentally In Love

Don’t miss the new laugh-out-loud rom com from the author of One Week ’Til Christmas!

Perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Rosie Walsh and Josie Silver.

In the space of a week, Katharine Patterson has quit her job, decided to move back home, and broken up with the guy she thought was the one.

No big deal.

Because Katharine has a plan. She’s going to open her own art gallery, just like she’s always wanted. What she’s not going to do is worry about boyfriends.

Then she meets Kit, a handsome and talented local artist. He might be the most stubborn person Katharine has ever met. He might also make her feel like no one ever has before.

And Katharine might be about to fall accidentally in love…

My Review:

Not entirely what I expected. I thought this would be your normal, fun filled, rom-com – easy enough to read, enjoyable and light, and it was but then it as so much more too.

Katie is a fab character and I like that we really got to know her well early on. She is strong and independent, coming from a good family and a Dad who made me laugh, although unintentionally at times. He is intent on making a match with Kit, even if this seems a mile off from ever happening!

Katie and Kit completely get on each others last nerve and just clash, but there is a spark. With definite enemies to lovers vibes, Accidentally in Love, our characters work through their issues and things move in more a romantic direction.

A great little pick me up of a book, a recommended read from me! 

Purchase Link - books2read.com/AccidentallyInLoveBM

Author Bio: 

Author and sometimes foodie, Belinda is a ridiculous romantic who met her husband after being set up by a friend two states away.

Residing in country Victoria, surrounded by books, cat-fur, and half-eaten cake, Belinda divides her days between writing rom-coms, baking, and indulging her love of comic books.


Social Media Links

www.belindamissen.com

facebook.com/BelindaMissen

twitter.com/belinda_missen

Instagram @belinda_missen


Sunday 20 September 2020

The Cottage of Curiosities - Celia Anderson

 

 

Return to 59 Memory Lane with a new novel from the Kindle Top Ten bestselling author Celia Anderson!

’A brilliantly original and enchanting tale’ Sun ‘Wonderful characters make this a great read’ Good Housekeeping ‘Truly unique…unforgettable’ Woman’s Weekly

Grace Clarke is shocked to learn at the age of fifty-six that she’s adopted – it feels as though her whole life has been a lie. But it also explains a lot of things for Grace too. Including the gift that has plagued Grace since childhood – the ability to feel other people’s memories.

Could this gift be something she shared with the woman who abandoned her – the mysterious May Rosevere?

And as Grace travels to the small coastal village of Pengelly to find the answers she craves, she feels her gift growing stronger. As though May is somehow calling her long-lost daughter home…

My Review:

Having read and adored 59 Memory Lane I could not wait for this return to Pengally. I do think if you haven’t read 59 Memory Lane you should read it first (a) because its wonderful and b) it will give some clarity to this story. 

Celia Anderson is brilliant; her writing is gorgeous and the way she tells these stories, brings her characters to life is wonderful. I feel so involved with these stories it takes me days to be able to move on with another book. Ultimate book hangover!

With ‘The Cottage of Curiosities’ we have a lovely tale of self discovery, love, hope and acceptance. Friendships and relationships play such important roles within this story.
We meet Grace who is searching for information on her biological parents, and finds herself heading to the coastal village of Pengelly. Here she effortlessly fits into the community, making friends as she uncovers the truth about where she came from. All of that on top of managing and utilising an extremely special, maybe magical, skill to help those she gets close to. 

An absolutely heart-warming and uplifting book, a real curl up, get cosy kind of read. I cannot recommend this enough. One of my favourites of the year. 

PURCHASE HERE


Thursday 17 September 2020

A Summer to Remember in Herring Bay - Angella Britnell

 

A Summer to Remember in Herring Bay

Essy Havers is good at finding things. Her company specialises in helping clients track down anything, from missing china pieces to rare vintage clothing. But now Essy has something more important to find: herself.
Essy has always been curious about her mother’s secret past and her Cornish roots. So, when the opportunity arises, she hops on a plane in Tennessee and ends up in Herring Bay in Cornwall; the village where her mother grew up.
But once there, she’s mystified by the reactions of the villagers when they realise who she is. Was Essy’s decision to visit Cornwall a mistake, or will it lead to a summer she’ll never forget?

My Review:  

A fabulous tale compromising of family secrets, old wounds and larger than life characters. A romance with extra drama and intrigue added, what more do we need? Oh did I mention its set in a small seaside community! Great book for a little bit of escapism!

Colourful character Essy has wanted to know more about her Mums background, she never lets on much about her life in Herring Bay and the reason she left for Tennessee. Grabbing the chance to visit she stays with her Aunt. She soon discovers that her mum is very much remembered by the locals, and she isn’t thought of fondly at all. Essy is determined to find out more.

With some help from an unlikely source, Ruan, they work together to uncover the truth. An opportunity to right old wrongs, mend a community and heal those wounds, this story is heart warming and sentimental.

It was fun to discover secrets from the past, surprised are plentiful and it kept me reading eager to know more. Sometimes our initial ideas and thoughts don’t turn out to be what’s real and I think the same of this book. It isn’t what I originally expected when I started to read but I loved it all the more.

Relatable fun characters, and a community I would like to see again. Highly recommended! 

Purchase Link - https://smarturl.it/ff87oe

Author Bio:


Angela grew up in Cornwall, England and returns frequently from her new home in Nashville, Tennessee to visit family and friends, drink tea and eat far too many Cornish pasties!

 A lifelong love of reading turned into a passion for writing contemporary romance and her novels are usually set in the many places she's visited or lived on her extensive travels. Thanks to over three decades of marriage to her wonderful American husband she's a huge fan of transatlantic romance and always makes sure her characters get their own happy-ever-after.

She is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, the Romance Writers of America and the Music City Romance Writers. Her first novel ‘Truth and Consequence’ was published in 2006 and she’s now had over 30 novels published internationally and several short stories in women’s magazines.

 If you'd like to find out more of what Angela gets up to (Advance warning: this may include references to wine, dark chocolate, Poldark and the hunky Aidan Turner) check out www.angelabritnellromance.com  or follow her on www.facebook.com/angelabritnell , www.twitter.com/angelabritnell and on Instagram as Angela Golley Britnell.

 


Sunday 13 September 2020

Autumn Skies over Ruby Falls - Holly Martin

 


Get swept away to the sparkling Cornish coast with the stunning new novel from bestselling author Holly Martin. Autumn Skies Over Ruby Falls is the perfect romantic treat to snuggle up with this autumn.

Clover Philips is exactly where she’s meant to be – back home on Jewel Island teaching dance to the guests at the beautiful Sapphire Bay Hotel that she co-owns with her sisters Skye and Aria. Her life is complete, except for one thing…

When Clover left London she also left behind a devastating betrayal. She hasn’t been able to date anyone since, let alone allow herself to fall in love. What she needs is a casual fling to ease herself back into romance. And as luck would have it, the very handsome Angel Mazzeo is back in town.

The chemistry between Clover and Angel has been undeniable ever since Angel first arrived on Jewel Island six months ago. And though content to be her friend till now, Angel is more than willing to help Clover find her dating feet again.

It should be easy to keep things carefree when love is off the table, but when every moment is magical what started as casual soon becomes something much deeper. Will Clover and Angel find the courage to tell each other how they really feel? And is Clover ready to do the one thing she swore she’d never do again, fall in love?

My Review:
A complete joy to be on Jewel Island again, especially at the Sapphire Bay hotel. I enjoyed meeting the characters previously and was happy that this time we focus more on Clover. The setting sounds absolutely stunning, I wish we could take a holiday right here!
Clover co-owns the hotel with her sisters and is now back on the island teaching some dance classes. She is a loveable character and we know she has been badly treated by an ex, which has left her damaged and reluctant to trust again especially romantically.
We do, however, know she really likes a certain someone and that its entirely possible the feeling is mutual. Angel is full of wanderlust, loving to travel and see as much as the world as he possible can, he doesn’t tend to commit which sounds ideal to Clover when the sparks start flying between the pair. Angel knows her history and is perfect – he is patient, caring, understanding and just dreamy if you ask me.
Holly Martin gives us the romance, to warm and fuzzies but also a bit of drama to add some excitement. I love all Holly Martin books, they are wonderful and charming, with characters you get to understand and take to your heart.
We see Clover really come into her own in this book, she understands herself and her feelings and allows herself to be open to change. I didn’t necessarily bank on the happy ending or fairy-tale romance ending for this one (although hoped for it because Angel sounds perfect) but I think the most important part of this story was how she learned to trust again.
You can read this as a standalone but please treat yourself to all of Holly’s books too, never disappoints and perfect for snuggling up to read.

Available to purchase HERE

Monday 7 September 2020

Hopeful Hearts at Glendale Hall - Victoria Walters

 

What happens when love takes you to unexpected places?

Heather Douglas appears to have it all. But living on a farm in the Scottish Highlands with her partner, Rory Fraser, all while bringing up their adorable toddler, Harry, isn’t easy. As a former librarian, Heather is worried that she’ll never fully fit into life on Fraser Farm. And after the death of her beloved mum five years ago, Heather feels lost, as well as guilty for holding back accepting Rory’s marriage proposal because she can’t imagine her wedding without her mother.

So when ex-boyfriend, Stewart, appears in the village of Glendale, it’s a shock to the system. The man who broke her heart years ago now has big plans for the neighbouring farm and wants Heather to be part of the development. Knowing that she’s living a very different life to the one they had planned at university leaves Heather wondering if she has made the right choices since she and Stewart broke up. Especially when things start to go very wrong on the farm ...

This Christmas, Heather will need to face her fears and let go of the past or risk losing everything. She will need love, faith, and a whole lot of hope!

Return to the beautiful Highlands village of Glendale with the latest book in the bestselling Glendale series – the perfect cosy, uplifting, romantic read for fans of Heidi Swain, Milly Johnson and Holly Martin.

My Review:

It’s always a pleasure to read the next in a series you have grown to love. Here we are with book 3 in this charming series by Victoria Walters, and Glendale is a community that I feel right at home in. This visit focuses on the story of Heather, who we have come across in the books. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading them, don’t worry it can read as a standalone, but you’d enjoy catching up on the action from the first two so I highly recommend.

Heather, Rory and their gorgeous son are quite the adorable family unit. Heather is growing used to life as a farmers ‘wife’ and living on the farm, mucking in and helping out more and more. She is a full-on worrier, and it often weighs heavy on her; thinking things will fail, or that the worst will always happen.

I do love Heathers character but I often found myself so frustrated with her, I wanted to just reach out and tell her to open up, communicate with those she loved more and it would help no end. She is a great character though and you can’t help but love her for finding her inner strength and showing those around she is indeed tough enough and has got what it takes.

There is drama, suspense, an absolute stinker of a bad guy who could do with being taught a thing or two. I was captivated by the ups and downs of Heathers story, life certainly isn’t dull and especially not on this farm.

As with any book series, it was great to revisit old characters and see how they were getting on, it does feel like seeing old friends.

Such a charming feel to these stories, and this book is perfect for cosying up and enjoying. I read in a couple of sittings as was so involved in the story. It is such a feel good story, a lot of drama to keep you on the edge of your seat! I admit I had moments where I thought Heather was going to do something I wouldn’t be able to forgive her for.

Showing that you can push yourself and step outside of your comfort zone to find what you truly want and what can make you happy can be the last thing you think it would be. This book is a well written and heartful story that I would recommend for this upcoming season. 

Purchase Links

Amazon https://amzn.to/2Y6P1dt

Apple https://apple.co/3emKwBn  

Kobo https://bit.ly/37AMc7D

Author Bio:

Victoria Walters writes up-lifting and inspiring stories. She's the author of three novels, THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE, SUMMER AT THE KINDNESS CAFÉ, and COMING HOME TO GLENDALE HALL. She has been chosen for WHSmith Fresh Talent and shortlisted for an RNA award. Victoria was also picked as an Amazon Rising Star, and her books have won wide reader acclaim.

Victoria is a full-time author. She lives in Surrey with her cat Harry, and loves books, clothes, music, going out for tea and cake, and posting photos on Instagram.


Find out more about Victoria by following on Instagram at @vickyjwalters, on Twitter at @Vicky_Walters or by visiting her blog at:https://victoria-writes.com/




Sunday 6 September 2020

Our Story - Miranda Dickinson

 An epic and modern love story for our times, this isn’t a will-they-won’t they story. It’s a why won’t they? Perfect for fans of Lucy Dillon and Rosie Walsh.



Otty has just landed her dream job. She's about to join the writing team of one of the most respected showrunners in TV. And then the night before her first day, she's evicted from her flat.

Joe has been working with Russell for years. He's the best writer on his team, but lately something has been off. He's trying to get his mojo back, but when his flatmate moves out without warning he has other things to worry about.

Otty moving into Joe's house seems like the most obvious solution to both their problems, but neither is prepared for what happens next. Paired together in the writing room, their obvious chemistry sparks from the page and they are the writing duo to beat. But their relationship off the page is an entirely different story, and neither of them can figure out why.

And suddenly the question isn't, will they, or won't they? It's why won't they?

An epic and modern love story for our times, we will all see ourselves reflected in Otty and Joe. We are our own biggest barriers and this novel explores what happens when we get out of our own way. And it is glorious

My Review:

This is Miranda Dickinson at her very best. What an absolute delight ‘Our Story’ is; well written, fun, dramatic and with charming, endearing characters. This is the kind of book that ‘played’ in mind like a film as I read, I could picture it up on the big screen… I just wonder who would play our brilliant Otty and Joe.

Their story is powerful but not in an over the top, hearts, and flowers predictable way. Both characters have faults and problems, both aren’t entirely truthful with the other, both learn as the story develops and seeing how it plays out is captivating. I wanted them to find what they were looking for whether that meant they could be in each other’s lives or not. I was hoping both would be happy and especially happy for the other character. I couldn’t put the book down; I was all in just because both characters got under my skin and meant so much to me. By the end I was gutted it was over and had a book hangover, I couldn’t touch another book for a couple of days.  

I was fascinated by the inner workings of the writers room of a popular TV show, it had a very fly on the wall sense about it, I could imagine this was how all our TV favourites come into fruition. I don’t want to go too much into the story or how it all ends, as I think it’s always best to find out for yourself, but I was entertained and unsure of how it would end all the way through.

Miranda Dickinson creates such gorgeous characters that you take to your heart. The story is well paced and written in a great style typical to the author. I love that it isn’t just a romance story, it’s about finding yourself and following your own dreams.

I want to read more, I wish I could follow Otty and Joe’s story…

I cannot recommend this highly enough. One of my absolute favourite reads of the year.

PURCHASE HERE

Thursday 3 September 2020

Love at the Little Wedding Shop by the Sea - Jane Linfoot

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson

Return to your favourite little wedding shop by the sea for love, laughter and a romance to sweep you off your feet!

It’s the most romantic day of the year but the girls aren’t just gearing up for Valentine’s Day and a busy wedding season ahead, it’s also the 10 year anniversary of their beloved shop!

Jess is planning the party of the decade and with the champagne and cocktails flowing, sparks are going to fly…and not just from the fireworks display!

Purchase Links –

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Little-Wedding-Shop-Sea-ebook/dp/B084L7SJJV

US - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Little-Wedding-Shop-Sea-ebook/dp/B084L7SJJV

My Review:

I discovered Jane Linfoot two years ago thanks to a quick stop at our local library where I found one of the wonderful Little Wedding Shop by the Sea series. Enthralled by it, I soon caught up on the whole series plus every other book I could. The Little Wedding Shop has always firmly remained in my heart.

Imagine my absolute delight to discover we were going back to St Aidan, to the gorgeous Cornwall village I’d become so fond of.

Although part of a series, you could read this as a standalone, you’d not be confused or be wondering about anything at all. It may just spur you on to want to read the others though.

This time we meet Milla who is using this time in Cornwall as an escape; her ex and her business partner are now together and to make it worse are having a baby! Wronged by those she was closest too she has come away to ‘hide’ from what is happening, but instead of hiding she fully gets involved in things in The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea.’ Of course, if you have read any books from the series you know that this is very typical, and we have seen how that shop has a way of getting under everyone’s skin.

I loved Milla. She is quite the character and I felt really sorry for her, she is also quite clumsy and that provided some funny moments. Her interactions with Nic are amusing, if not frustrating. Nic comes along at the perfect time, whether it is for a cheeky kiss or to give Milla the boost she needs – professionally and personally. He is quite the confident and charming character I think. He sounds delicious!

As I read through, I was captivated by our characters, new and old favourites alike, their story and the atmosphere created by the location. Jane’s writing really captures this beautifully. I enjoyed seeing how Millas character developed and evolved. Slower paced than some other romantic fiction books, I like the way we get to know each character and connect with them.

It’s a heart warming, funny and romantic story. Jane Linfoot is an author who is always on my must read list.

Thank you to Netgalley, Jane Linfoot and One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author:

I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart. Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up a mountain road in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the domestic chaos. Happily, we're in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things french. When I'm not on facebook, and can't find an excuse for shopping, I'll be walking, or gardening. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

Social Media Links – Follow Jane on Twitter @janelinfoot, or find her on her Author Page on Facebook. She’s also on Instagram, and has lots of Pinterest boards relating to her novels.