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

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

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.

A Cornish Summer Holiday -Little Duck Pond Cafe by Rosie Green

The Little Duck Pond Cafe girls are looking forward to a well-earned break in the Cornish seaside town of Pengully Sands, where Sylvia’s sister, Aggie, owns a holiday home. With the glorious golden sands, sparkling azure sea and an ice-cream parlour only yards away, it seems like the perfect location to relax and watch the surfers riding the waves (and maybe even have a go themselves). But when they arrive, the girls find it’s not quite the seaside idyll they were expecting. The house is less ‘holiday home’ and more ‘creepy, dilapidated haunted house.’ Gracie, who runs the ice-cream parlour, has problems of her own and the last thing she needs is a bunch of high-spirited girls arriving to disturb the peace and isolation she craves. And when a handsome stranger looks set to destroy her livelihood, it seems like the last straw. Will Gracie get her happy ending - and maybe even make friends with the girls next-door? This wasn’t the relaxing break the Little Duck Pond Cafe girls were expecting, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be the holiday of a lifetime!


Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/

My Review:

I adore this series; I have raved about it with every new release, but it’s the truth. It always shoots straight to the top of my reading pile.

A Cornish Summer Holiday at the Little Duck Pond Café is the tenth book on the series (wow!) and it is just as special as the others. If you haven’t read any of the series so far, you can read this as a standalone very easily, but I do recommend you catch up with the others. This is the first in the series that is not set in our favourite little community -the girls have decided to take a holiday.

Pengully, Cornwall is our setting and we are introduced to Gracie. The story is told from her point of view as well as the Little Duck Pond Café Ladies, which I really enjoyed.

Gracie is going through a difficult time and, as many of the ladies from the café have had to do in the past, she needs to figure out who she is and what she needs to do moving forward. Things have not been easy for her and the arrival of the café ladies is not a welcome addition.

As the story progresses, we see our favourite ladies do their best to renovate their holiday home, look after each other through problems as well as befriending and supporting Gracie.

I love the different characters we have grown so used to over the series, each are different yet complement each other – forming a formidable friendship group who stick together throughout anything.

Rosie Green writes in such a lovely way, we connect with each character, laugh along with their fun but really feel their pain too. Easy to read, with fun and heart-warming moments throughout.
I already look forward to the next in the series – long may it continue!! 



Author Bio:

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little.

Back then, they were rip-roaring adventure tales with a young heroine in perilous danger of falling off a cliff or being tied up by 'the baddies'.

Thankfully, Rosie has moved on somewhat, and now much prefers to write romantic comedies that melt your heart and make you smile, with really not much perilous danger involved at all - unless you count the heroine losing her heart in love.

Her series of novellas is centred around life in a village cafe. The latest, ‘Lemon Drizzle Mondays at the Little Duck Pond Cafe', is out now.

Rosie is currently writing a full-length book, ‘Lucy’s Great Cornish Escape’, which – in a fun twist – will feature favourite characters from the Little Duck Pond Café series.


Follow Rosie on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Rosie_Green1988

Clover Cottage - Christie Barlow

A page-turning new cosy novel in the bestselling Love Heart Lane series – perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson!

Love Heart Lane – where friends are there for you no matter what.

When Vet Rory Scott inherits ramshackle Clover Cottage in the quaint village of Heartcross, Allie MacDonald just knows this is their happy ever after. A place to call home with the man she loves – it’s her dream come true!

Until Rory drops a bombshell. He loves Allie but he has dreams of his own to follow – to live and work in Africa. Clover Cottage will have to wait just a little longer…

Allie can’t imagine life without Rory, but she loves him too much to hold him back. And as he embarks on his adventure, Allie begins to rethink her own plans. She loves Rory and knows she wants him in her life, but maybe she can follow her own dreams too?

And always there, nestled in the beautiful village of Heartcross, surrounded by the people she loves, will be the place that will always bring them back to each other. Their forever home, Clover Cottage.

My Review:


I absolutely love this book series. From the moment I first read about the wonderful Heartcross community I was hooked so it’s great to be back for another visit. A great chance to catch up with the familiar friends we have already read so much about.


This time we concentrate on Allie and Rory. Rory is a vet, working with his father and Allie works at her parents pub. Rory’s parents decide to sell the house he currently lives in and gift the couple Clover Cottage. This is the start of a very emotional journey that leaves Allie and Rory looking at the future in very different ways.


Christie has given us a community full of heart – it is one I would love to be part of. The characters are so well written, with strong personalities that leap from the page. I always get so absorbed by their lives, I feel their pain and hurt, I am sad when they are sad, and I celebrate their happiness and successes.


Clover Cottage is a story about working together, communicating and supporting those we love even if it hurts us to do so. It shows that a little bit of selflessness goes a long way and for the greater good, sometimes you need to just let go.


I cannot recommend this enough, romantic yet full of depth and emotion it is so much more than a fluffy rom-com or anything like that. You don’t have to start at the beginning but I highly recommend reading the other books too, you will love this community as much as we do.


Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07S7TBKP2/

US -  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S7TBKP2/


Author Bio: 

Christie Barlow is the international bestselling author of A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother, The Misadventures of a Playground Mother, Kitty's Countryside Dream, Lizzie's Christmas Escape, Evie's Year of Taking Chances, The Cosy Canal Boat Dream, A Home at Honeysuckle Farm, Love Heart Lane and Foxglove Farm. Her writing career came as somewhat a surprise when she decided to write a book to teach her children a valuable life lesson and show them that they are capable of achieving their dreams. The book she wrote to prove a point is now a #1 bestseller in the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.

Christie is an ambassador for @ZuriProject raising money/awareness and engaging with impoverished people in Uganda through organisations to improve their well-being.


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christie_barlow/?hl=en

Website www.christiebarlow.com 

Twitter @ChristieJBarlow 

Facebook page Christie Barlow author

COVER REVEAL - The Secret Seaside Escape by Heidi Swain

It is an absolute pleasure to be able to reveal the cover for the upcoming release from the ever-so wonderful, Heidi Swain. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, here it is - The Secret Seaside Escape.

How gorgeous is this cover! I cannot wait to read this one. 

Following a shocking revelation within her family, Tess Tyler is looking to escape her hectic city life – and where better to hide than Wynmouth, the seaside town she visited as a child, with its sandy beaches, stunning rock pools and welcoming community. But little does she realise, Wynmouth isn't quite the haven she remembers it to be, and her real life is still threatening to catch up with her . . .
Also returning to Wynmouth is Joe. Having fled over a decade ago after an accident that changed his life forever, he’s back and is determined to face his demons. But, like Tess, Joe realises that the town is nothing like he remembers and quickly his arrival brings old tensions to the surface.
As the pair begin to familiarise themselves with the town they once knew, they each realise that the secrets they carry are becoming harder to conceal – but will revealing them bring the answers they’re looking for? Will Tess and her new friends finally get the second chance they’ve been hoping Wynmouth will give them?

PRE-ORDER NOW:
Links to Amazon

Paperback

E-book

Audio

Heidi Swain is the Sunday Times bestselling author of nine novels. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, two allegedly grown-up children and a mischievous black cat called Storm. She is passionate about gardening, the countryside and collects vintage paraphernalia.

To find out more, follow Heidi on twitter @Heidi_Swain or visit her website: www.heidiswain.co.uk.

2019 Round Up

Hard to believe 2019 is almost done. What a year. What a fantastic book filled year. I admit I set my Goodreads target low but wowzers...

There are many many books I loved this year. There are characters that I adore and places I wish I could live. I didn't want to to a 'Top 10 of the Year' but I do want to sum up some special reads.

Beth O Leary – The Flatshare: 

The whole premise of the book is wonderfully bonkers; but it works. I assumed this would be a light hearted, simple but lovely read but it is emotional and thought provoking - far more than the romantic comedy books we all love. Touching on some serious issues that will resonate with many readers; the serious moments were cleverly balanced with comedy that had me laughing out loud






 Heidi Swain – Poppy’s Recipe for Life and The Christmas Wishlist:

A whole host of fun and quirky characters await you in Poppy’s Recipe for Life, all so lovely in their own way and bringing different elements to the story. It's an eclectic bunch of residents in Nightingale Square that I hope we will learn more about in the future.

Heidi writes with such care for her characters and settings. You think of them as friends, and Poppy is now amongst them. A firm favourite for her positive outlook on life. I love Heidi's feel good style of writing and I often wish I could live in these fictional places. 

This book is a pure uplifting, romantic comfort read. A hug in book form!




The Christmas Wishlist:

With themes of friendships, being true to yourself and embracing the things that happen to come your way, this is a read that will stay with you for quite some time.

Festive feelings galore, if you love all this Christmas then this is for you; if you are yet to get in this festive spirit then you should give this one a read. It left me with the warm and fuzzies for a very long time after I’d finished reading. I absolutely loved it.



This is a very special book and will be one of my ‘must read’ festive books every year.

Caroline Roberts  - Rachel’s Pudding Pantry and Christmas at Rachel’s Pudding Pantry:

A delicious treat of a book from Caroline Roberts. Warning: you will scour every kitchen cupboard in sight for some kind of yummy goodness whilst reading this book. I loved how descriptive this book is, whether about the tasty delights being created, the idyllic countryside setting or the increasing pressures of running a farm. Caroline's easy, flowing writing style made this a delight to read, it was a pleasure to sit and devour it in one sitting.

A very lovely return to Rachel’s Pudding Pantry. Caroline Roberts has a lovely writing style that is easy to read, nicely paced as nothing feels rushed or prolonged. The story is heart-warming, you feel comfortable with the characters and that you take them to heart. I think there is the right balance of humour and tension throughout the book with a copious amount of festive frolics to really get you in the Christmas spirit.



 

Christie Barlow – Love Heart Lane:


A gorgeous tale of renewing friendships, accepting situations beyond our control and fighting hard for those you love. With plenty of drama, some laughs and a long lost romance, I know Heartcross is going to be a fabulous setting for some great stories. I look forward to finding out even more about the other characters of Heartcross.





Celia Anderson – 59 Memory Lane: 

Absolutely beautiful. This book was in my mind for days after I finished it. I loved everything about the story, the characters and they way Celia wrote this for us. Wonderful and highly recommended.









 

Jane Linfoot – Edie Browne’s Cottage by the Sea:


I adored everything this book is and what it stands for – acceptance, perseverance, following your heart and being true to yourself. I love how Jane combines the highs and lows of their journey; one moment I was laughing, the next feeling quite emotional.  Well written characters who you fall in love with, root for and would love to meet again.

Lisa Jewell – Watching You:

Compelling and a book I couldn’t put down (then again anything Lisa writes has me from page one!) A brilliant array of characters with intrigue, mystery and drama. A definite must read from me.

Eliza J Scott – A Christmas Kiss:


A Christmas Kiss is a cosy, feel good romance that will have you yearning for log fires, snowy days and a special someone to snuggle up with. It has a beautiful storyline that will warm the cockles of your heart this festive period. A very special read, perfect for the changing weather. I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t read it quick enough.

Jules Wake – Notting Hill in the Snow:

Genuinely, I am not sure anything I could write would do this beauty justice. I had THE biggest book hangover from Notting Hill in the Snow. I found it to be far more emotional that I anticipated, and I admit it nearly got me a little teary and that NEVER happens.

With a lot of really laugh out loud funny moments, gorgeous festive shenanigans and wonderfully developed relationships Jules Wake has given us something very special.

I am such a huge fan of Jules Wake in every guise, I know that any time I open her books I will be transported to an amazing place with gorgeous characters who will imprint on my heart. I’ve loved every book from Jules and when written as Julie Caplin – really check them all out.



The Secret Cove in Croatia:

A range of quirky, fun characters encapsulated on a yacht was such a fun mix – each added something different throughout the book. Julie has, yet again, whisked us away for a romantic treat. A gorgeous read that will not disappoint. I cannot recommend it enough for you travel, escapism and romance fans.

Mandy Baggott – A Christmas Star

Packed with genius comedic moments, this book will have you laughing your socks off, but it will also have your heart full and your emotions singing. Such a gorgeous festive treat, it isn’t all fluff, tinsel and turkey, there are some serious moments and issues addressed... I love how Mandy can take something and interweave it in a happy, love filled read.

With the most amazing festive atmosphere being created, I'm almost ready to get my Christmas Tree out now! I cannot recommend this superb festive, feel good smasher enough.



Oh 2019 I have loved thee...

I have loved far too many books to mention in this very short summary. I could rave about them all. I’ve found some incredible authors that take time to support us bloggers and give us such wonderful books.

Authors to adore (amongst others)


Rosie Green and the brilliant ‘Duck Pond Café’ series is one you MUST get into. They are funny, charming tales of a gorgeous community of characters. I always love a visit and will never tire of Rosie’s writing.


Jo Thomas is just incredible at taking us to amazing destinations and feeding our souls with mouth-watering, tasty treats in book form. Every book is special, with amazing characters who you will adore.


Holly Martin has given us Happiness in village form. A couple of absolutely smashing visits to a community I wish I could join. Fun, caring characters with lots of heart.


Lucy Knott – Given us some gorgeous books, wonderful characters and Is super nice. I can’t wait to read more.


Anstey Harris is loveliness personified and I loved Grace Atherton, more more more please Anstey.


Lindsey Kelk is a longtime favourite. I’ve loved her books forever – well ok for as long as she’s been writing them. I mourned the end of the I Heart Series, but I cannot wait for more from Lindsey. I even got to meet her and Paige Toon this year – finally!


Paige Toon is another superstar to me. Her books make me cry, well very nearly, and that’s quite an achievement. Always guaranteed a gorgeous read.



There’s so many I could rave about. Bring on 2020 with more reviews, my ramblings and my ravings on the authors that bring us fabulous books!