Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comedy. Show all posts

Tuesday, 27 June 2023

The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane - Laura Biggs

 

Young and quiet, Lucy Granger leads an introverted life in Reading, living in a flat and working in design at a graphics company—until it is upended when she both sells her idea for a mobile game and suffers an unexpected medical diagnosis shortly afterwards.

Facing a mandated medical rest period, she decides to use her windfall earnings to take a year's holiday, renting a farm on New Moon Lane in a country village in Yorkshire. As Lucy settles into her holiday home for some tranquility, she soon learns that she is not the only tenant, when a llama named Llarry strolls out of the farm's supposedly-derelict barn. He is shortly followed by others in a menagerie of abandoned animals left behind—from a sickly donkey who likes eating crisps to a flirtatious cockerel sleeping in the back garden.

To Lucy's consternation, no one is willing or able to take them on, leaving her with a strange mix of furry and feathered friends to find homes for. Reluctantly adapting to her circumstances in order to deal with this problem, Lucy will discover other surprises about the animals in her care, and the place she is temporarily calling home. About herself, as well.

Will her ordinary life ever be the same after her experience on New Moon Lane? More importantly, should she really want it to be?

Purchase Link -https://mybook.to/newmoonlane

My Review:

I was expecting something quirky and different, that’s what I read. Introverted Lucy, who I initially didn’t think I’d gel with, needs a change following the successful sale of an app and a serious medical diagnosis.

Settling into her new countryside, temporary, abode she is met with creatures – great and small. A poorly donkey, a noisy cockerel, some llama to the mice in the kitchen, she seems to be stuck with them and to give her credit she does what she can for them. Local postie is always around to provide advice or spread information, soon the vet is popping in to check on the donkey as well as the mother and son who seem to stop by and enjoy the animals whenever they get chance.

Lucys world seems to be busier then ever, but in all the best ways. As the donkeys gets better, we notice Lucy has a brand new lease of life. It looks like the move was possibly the best thing for her.

Her stay is only supposed to be temporary but as each day passes it looks unlikely Lucy could return to life as it was.

A very sweet read, I enjoyed Lucy discovering parts of herself she’d hidden and was blossoming thanks to this “new life.” I wanted to know more about her, see how her fledgling friendships develop and how life with the animals continues.

A short, but well written read. 

Author Bio:

Laura Briggs is the author of several feel-good romance reads, including the Top 100 Amazon UK seller 'A Wedding in Cornwall'. She has a fondness for vintage style dresses (especially ones with polka dots), and reads everything from Jane Austen to modern day mysteries. When she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, caring for her pets, gardening, and seeing the occasional movie or play.



Social Media Links –

Author Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1JjeMoI

Author Twitter: http://bit.ly/1ME9ivJ

Giveaway – Win an e-copy of The Llama Farm on New Moon Lane (Open Internationally)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Janet Jackson’s Yorkshire B&B - Becky Papworth

 


Yorkshire lass and dental receptionist Janet Jackson has just taken a big risk. Using all her savings, she’s turned her spacious garage into a Bed and Breakfast, slapped a sign on it and without any experience at all, is now awaiting her very first guests.

With a moody teenage daughter and a crazy sister to contend with she’s already got her work cut out. The trouble she soon discovers, is that guests have undesirable habits, annoying pets and endless demands. ‘Is it bloody worth it?’ she asks herself a dozen times a day. Janet gradually learns her trade - but not without being tested to her limits. The question is: will she come through the experience with her bank balance, cottage and her sanity intact?

Hugely entertaining but a word of warning: if ever you’ve thought of running a B&B, read this hilarious debut novel first– you might want to think again! 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Janet-Jacksons-Yorkshire-B-ebook/dp/B0B77SK3QK/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Janet-Jacksons-Yorkshire-B-ebook/dp/B0B77SK3QK/

My Review:

A refreshing, quirky book that kept me thoroughly entertained. I really didn’t know what to expect next! Fun and light-hearted reading at its best.

When Janet decides to open her ‘Annex’ as a B&B she really doesn’t know what she has let herself in for, especially when she is surrounded by people who demand quite a bit of her time and energy! Us readers are almost like her confidantes and it’s like she is confiding her inner most thoughts to us in a chatty, friend like way.

With each new booking Janet learns something new, but we also get to see how her relationships change, how her family has it’s ups and downs and how she survives and thrives.

It is funny and full of humour but it does have a warmth that is pretty unique. Janet seems just like your run of the mill woman, trying her best in every area of her life – yes she sometimes gets it wrong but she has every good intention. She is such a likeable character, surrounded by a whole host of characters who each bring their own unique voice.

It’s brilliant and I highly recommend; well written, moves along nicely and is easy to pick up and enjoy.

Author Bio:


Becky Papworth has spent 20 years making people laugh as a TV Producer on shows like Have I Got News For you, Rab. C. Nesbitt and Citizen Khan. She’s hoping to entertain some readers with this account of running a B&B, much of it based on her actual experience, she’s not saying which bits…



Social Media Links

https://twitter.com/beckypapworth1

https://www.instagram.com/beckypapworth/

Giveaway to Win a Lottie Shaw’s Seriously Good Hamper (Open to UK only)

For full information and extra photos of this hamper please look at https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lottieshaws/product/fabulous-treat-hamper

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, 3 July 2020

A Sunset in Sydney - Sandy Barker


How far would you go in the name of love?

Sarah Parsons has a choice ahead of her. After the trip of a lifetime she’s somehow returned home with TWO handsome men wanting to whisk her away into the sunset.

Pulled in two directions across the globe, it’s making life trickier than it sounds. Her gorgeous American, Josh, wants to meet Sarah in Hawaii for a holiday to remember. Meanwhile silver fox, James, plans to wine and dine her in London.

It’s a lot to handle for this Aussie girl, who had totally sworn off men!

Join Sarah after her adventure in One Summer in Santorini, for the heart-warming and uplifting third novel in The Holiday Romance series.

My Review: 


I have read the previous two books in this series and was delighted that we would now get to find out which way Sarah would finally decide to go. Her previous adventures have been fun and matters of the heart left her in quite a predicament.

You could read this as a standalone, it covers in brief detail what has previously happened but I would recommend reading the other books, they are really good and take you on such fun adventures.

In this third instalment we follow Sarah, figuring her way through an international love triangle. This book will have you rooting for one man over the other – will you be a James or Josh fan?

Split into three parts you get to see Sarah spend time with James. He is older, successful, wealthy, and keen to commit to Sarah; he is also in London and Sarah lives in Sydney. I admit I was not overly keen on James at all. He seemed full of himself, overly confident and just, in my mind, a bit smarmy.

You then get a part that is Sarah meeting Josh for New Years in Hawaii. Now this was my favourite part. Great locations wonderfully described so you can imagine being right there. Josh is younger than Sarah but has the same adventurous spirit. The trouble is he does not seem in a rush to commit, and Sarah doesn’t really know where she stands.

Oh, to be in Sarah’s position; two gorgeous men chasing her! I won’t spoil anything, but she does have to decide at some point... where will her heart take her?

Well written, with fun characters you can’t help but adore. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of this series and the adventures Sandy has taken us on.

I highly recommend this fab summer read, perfect for some escapism right now.

Purchase Links

About the Author:
Sandy Barker is an Australian writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list
and a cheeky sense of humour. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob.
Many of Sandy’s travel adventures have found homes in her writing, including her debut novel, a contemporary romance set in Greece, which was inspired by her true-life love story.


Social Media Links –

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sandybarker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandybarkerauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandybarkerauthor/
Blog: https://sandybarker.com/




Thursday, 31 October 2019

BLOGTOUR: A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall BY Jane Linfoot


A December to remember…

Christmas in a Cornish castle? Sign Ivy Starforth up! Hired to kit out the holiday rental as the world’s most Instagramable festive dreamland, there’s only one thing standing in the way of her hefty paycheque – the lord of the manor.
Bill Markham could give Scrooge a run for his money but Ivy is firmly #TeamChristmas…even if her handsome host seems to be doing everything he can to sabotage her staging. Maybe she shouldn’t have stumbled in on him starkers in the hot tub?
As the temperature outside cools, things inside the castle heat up. It’s been a long time since Ivy allowed herself to give in to temptation…surely one little kiss under the mistletoe won’t hurt?

My Review:


An absolute charm of a book from the brilliant Jane Linfoot. It’s a gorgeous, festive treat that will have you feel all warm and fuzzy for days after the end. Jane is always one of my go -to authors and this book is just as wonderful and every previous offering. I adored this book, I couldn’t read it fast enough and I know it will be one I go back and read again.

Wonderful to be back in Cornwall and around St Aiden again; if you have read any of Jane’s books you may recognise a few places. There is no cross over with any of the other stories though so don’t worry if you are new to Jane’s books.

A Cosy Christmas in Cornwall gives you everything you need in a book – humour, heart and a healthy amount of drama; you’ll be laughing one minute and feeling emotional the next a wonderful, heartfelt story.

Ivy is a wonderful character, fierce yet vulnerable. She has no qualms about speaking her mind all whilst she hides her own insecurities. Being hired by her best friends’ sister to “style” an instagramable Christmas in a hired castle, Ivy has perfect opportunity to use her creativity to make this festive season bearable.

Bill the Castle’s caretaker knows Ivy from years earlier and it is evident he was fond of her previously. A lot has happened to both characters in the time since, both have things they keep to themselves for various reasons. Bill is very anti-everything Ivy tires to do but he does reluctantly help her out. He is a puzzle; I was on his side throughout and knew he would be good for Ivy if she could learn to let him in a bit but couldn’t figure out what he was not telling her.

As the book progressed, we learn more about the lives of our characters, more about their problems and there are revelations that may change their relationships forever. There are a lot of characters involved in A Cosy Cornish Christmas and it does seem very chaotic, but I really think this adds to the story, it adds some comedic fun.

I really cannot recommend this delightful book enough, its perfect to cosy up and read. It has everything you need and more. Another masterpiece by Jane Linfoot; I’m already looking forward to more. 


Purchase Links

Author Bio: 

Jane Linfoot is a best selling author, who lives in a cottage on a Derbyshire hillside with her family and their pets. Although she loves seeing cow noses over the garden wall, she’s happy she can walk to a supermarket.

Jane grew up in North Yorkshire where she spent a lot of her childhood avoiding horizontal gales blowing off the sea and wrote her first book by accident. While she loves to write feel good books that let readers escape, she’s always surprised to hear her stories make people laugh, admits to (occasionally) crying as she writes, and credits her characters for creating their own story lines.

Jane’s garden would be less brambly if she wasn’t on Facebook and Twitter so often. On days when she wants to be really scared, she rides a tandem.

Her recent stand alone novels are all set in and around the (imaginary) seaside village of St Aidan in Cornwall. They are: Ivy’s Cornish Christmas, Edie’s Browne’s Cottage by the Sea, The Little Cornish Kitchen. Her four book Little Wedding Shop series are standalone stories, also set in St Aidan. They are: The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, Christmas at the Little Wedding Shop, Summer at the Little Wedding Shop and Christmas Promises at the Little Wedding Shop. They are all published by the Harper Impulse and One More Chapter imprints of Harper Collins.

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

Giveaway to Win a signed Jane Linfoot Book and some chocolate (Open INT)

A Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

Sunday, 2 June 2019

REVIEW: I Heart Hawaii - Lindsey Kelk

Available Here
Join Angela and Jenny in the series finale of the bestselling I Heart books…

When Angela Clark’s best friend Jenny invites her to join a press trip to Hawaii, three days of sun, sea and sleep sounds like the perfect antidote to her crazed life.

 
At work in New York, she’s supposed to be the face of Having It All. But the only thing Angela feels she excels at is hiding in the printer cupboard, eating Mini Cheddars and watching Netflix on her phone and if this is living the dream, she's more than ready to wake up.
 
A few days away with Jenny sounds like exactly what she needs but Angela’s talent for getting into a scrape guarantees nothing goes to plan – and not even the most beautiful beaches, blue skies and daiquiris will get her off the hook…

My Review:


Ten years – I can barely believe it! I’ve loved this series of books from the moment I got my hands on I heart New York (I got my first, very original copy with a magazine, can anyone remember which it was?) But I was hooked and an instant Lindsey Kelk fan.

I know many of us feel so invested in Angela and friends, and to think this would all be over with this book was truly a saddening moment, but I knew that Lindsey would do it in style and we’d have fun and adventure in I heart Hawaii. As it comes to endings, I think this book gave us the perfect one, very emotional, like a rollercoaster of feelings. From the prologue, where I was pretty concerned and quite upset if I’m honest, to the final ‘The End,’ I heart Hawaii gave my hardened heart a battering.

I’ve always loved the mixed bag of characters ‘I heart...’ gives us and Angela is one of my favourite characters ever- funny, loving, spirited and well just blooming ace. Jenny, well there aren’t really words to describe her sass and epic coolness, we could all do with being a little bit Lopez. Alex is the epitome of leading men, he’s gorgeous, a cool superstar and just the right person to balance Angela. Tip of the iceberg with great characters though. After all they have been through, all the characters have matured over the series and yet they are still the same characters we fell in love with. How I wish I could be in their friendship group!

I loved that other characters from some of Lindsey’s books popped up in I heart Hawaii; with this being the destination I hoped there would be a little crossover from another series, and I was not disappointed. I did also like the references to other authors’ characters too. See if you can find them 😉

I Heart Hawaii finds Angela trying to juggle motherhood with a new job, then the guilt at leaving baby Alice with Alex for 5 days while she heads off to basically unwind and have fun. I believe we see Angela at her very best in this book – motherhood is suiting her but it’s nice we get a glimpse of the Angela we all love so well when she goes to Hawaii.

As with any I heart book, this is full of fun and adventure. There are some hilarious scenes (the horses!!), real laugh out loud moments and everything we expect from this bunch of characters but, as with every one of the books, it includes some sensitive, serious, heart-warming moments, that show the depth and strength of true friendship.

I have always enjoyed Lindsey’s writing style, chatty and animated and naturally very funny; she can evoke emotion at just the perfect moment though so watch out for surprise tears. The books are easy to read but that never takes anything away from the wonderful stories being told. I read I Heart Hawaii in a few hours – mainly because I couldn’t put it down, I wanted to see how it would end yet I never wanted it too either.

If you haven’t read any of the I Heart series, then I would suggest going back and reading the others before this one simply because THEY ARE BRILLIANT! I’m sure it could work as a standalone book but it’s hard to tell when you’re already so involved with them isn’t it?!

I don’t want to spoil or lead anyone in any direction with the review, so I don’t really want to say too much about what happens. I think people need to go into this without knowing what will happen at all. I will say it’s a beautiful end to an incredible series.  

Thank you, Lindsey Kelk, for creating wonderful stories with great characters that we have grown to love like our own friends. Although it’s hard to know we won’t get any more ‘I heart’ books I’m sure we can all imagine what they’re all getting up in the future.  Great things must come to an end (*cries*) but I know Lindsey will have brilliant things for us in future.

Anyone for an ‘I heart’ film or TV series?

Comfy Rating:
👍👍👍👍👍

Meeting the lovely Lindsey with  the equally wonderful Paige Toon - 01/06/2019


Saturday, 27 April 2019

If We're Not Married by Thirty - Anna Bell


BLURB:

Lydia's not exactly #LivingHerBestLife. She never imagined she'd be here at thirty - newly single, a job that's going nowhere and her friends all winning at life when she's still barely taking part. So she jumps at the chance of a free holiday and jets off to sunny Spain. 
Then, out of the blue, she bumps into her childhood friend, the handsome and charming Danny Whittaker. She's always had a crush on him and they soon enter into a passionate holiday romance. 
But this relationship could be more than just a fling. Years ago they made a pact that if they were still single when they turned thirty they would get married. But noone really follows through on these pacts . . . right?
Could Lydia's back-up man really be her happy ever after?


My Review:

I've really enjoyed Anna Bells previous books - The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart and It Started With a Tweet and 'If we're not married by Thirty' is yet another fun,will they/won't they romantic comedy. It  is a light hearted, enjoyable story that will take you on a journey of friendship and romance. The funny adventures of the characters in this book had me chuckling away throughout, definitely a book to put a smile on your face. 

She is a great leading character. I liked that she was relatable  – she is creative and hard working yet waiting for that next step in her career, she lives in her sisters basement but like anyone she has her flaws. I loved the scenes that show her getting into embarrassing situations such as when she thought she was going on a date that wasn't a date or when Danny's Mum walked in on her. Anna Bell wrote those parts so well, I was cringing as I read.

Now, Danny. I have to admit I wasn't totally bowled over by him. I thought he was a bit arrogant, show-offy, selfish and to be honest I didn't think he was very trust worthy or in fact the best match for Lydia. I was expecting some big reveal was going to happen and that Lydia would find her way back to her ex. 

I like the style of writing, I quickly got into the book, loved the descriptions of all the different places we found Lydia/Danny. I wasn't expecting massive, shocking twists but I knew there would be plenty of hiccups, ups and downs and misunderstandings that would ensure the path of true love didn't run too smoothly.

I would definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of a light hearted, fun little rom-com. It's perfect for a quick read around the pool.

Comfy Rating:👍👍👍👍

Monday, 4 February 2019

Tell me a Secret - Jane Fallon

Available here 


Goodreads Blurb:
Holly and Roz spend most of their days together. They like the same jokes, loathe the same people and tell each other everything. When single mum Holly gets a shot at her dream job after putting everything on hold to raise her daughter, she assumes her friend will be dying to pop the champagne with her.
But is she just imagining things, or is Roz not quite as happy for her as she should be? As Holly starts to take a closer look at Roz's life outside their friendship, she begins to discover a few things that don't add up. Who is the woman who claims to be her ally? 

My Review:

I am a big fan of Jane Fallon's books; they are easy to read and definitely good for a brilliant binge read on a Sunday Afternoon just like I did. (I sat with a big hot choc and just read it in it's entirety). I've only read a few of Jane's books (the rest I have now quickly ordered) and love her style. I loved how this book wasn't based on romance but on friendships and competition within a work environment. 

Tell me a Secret focuses on office rivalry and sabotaging others to get what you want. We discover how looks can be deceiving and that the friendships we cherish aren't necessarily as solid as they seem. Can you really believe everything you are told and should you always watch your back when promotions are on the table. 

Holly, our main character, is being given the chance to prove herself in a new role and definitely doesn't expect her closest work friend to be trying to sabotage that. Holly is confident and likable, wanting to be liked and determined to do the best job she can. I was relieved she had some common sense and could tell that someone had it in for her, I'd granted her more intelligence and was right - very pleased Fallon didn't portray her as some useless 'victim' that couldn't see what was blatantly in front of her face. I know she came across as nervous at first but her change in job role is bound to affect relationships with colleagues but these nerves are quashed as the book progresses and we do see Holly turn into a confident and well liked manager. This shows how much the character develops throughout the story.

The side characters were fantastic, well written and all adding something important. Roz was a wonderful 'villain' in this piece; I didn't like her from the off. Loud, overbearing and a bully, Roz manipulates others especially if she sees them as weak. Towards the end we learn of a  version of Roz, an explanation as to why she does the things she does - nothing excusing what she has tried to do but an opportunity to see that people may have things happening in their lives they want to keep quiet. 

Although quite a serious take on rivalry between colleagues/friends there are many moments of comedy, especially through Holly's best friend Dee and her husband. They get involved and seem to relish the opportunity to spy on people and go on fact finding missions. Dee is a great character and a brilliant friend.

If you have read Jane's books before you won't be disappointed. If you haven't then you need to brace yourself for laughs, gasps and shocks - I've even been known to shed a tear . It's a fast paced read, Jane doesn't hang around - which I like. It's cleverly written to make you want to keep reading, so make sure you have time as you will not want to put this down!

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

Monday, 21 January 2019

The Flatshare - Beth O'Leary

Available to order here 

Goodreads Blurb:
Tiffy’s been dumped by her cheating boyfriend and urgently needs a new flat. But earning minimum wage at a quirky publishing house means that her choices are limited in London.Leon, a palliative care nurse, is more concerned with other people’s welfare than his own. Along with working night shifts looking after the terminally ill, his sole focus is on raising money to fight his brother’s unfair imprisonment.
Leon has a flat that he only uses 9 to 5. Tiffy works 9 to 5 and needs a place to sleep. The solution to their problems? To share a bed of course... As Leon and Tiffy’s unusual arrangement becomes a reality, they start to connect through Post-It notes left for each other around the flat.

My Review:

The Flatshare was far more than I expected. I imagined it would be your typical, run of the mill rom com (which isn't a bad thing for me) but I was pleasantly surprised at how this book gave me a little bit more drama/comedy.   

The whole premise of the book is wonderfully bonkers; but it works. The shared bed situation is unique and the way our protagonists forge a relationship is brilliant. Notes between the two move the story on well and add some real funny, quirky moments. Starting off quite innocently with messages about bins, food etc its interesting to see how they develop a level of intimacy the longer the notes continue - talking about themselves, their lives and their feelings.  I think the balance between using the notes and not to tell the story was just right. 
The story moved along at a good pace - with some unexpected plot points - I was really surprised by some developments. (I don't want to ruin it for anyone but I like how we were not given the whole picture from the start).
 
I loved Tiffy - who appears to be loud, proud and confident. You definitely know there is a soft, vulnerable side, something you cannot quite fathom and you see how Tiffy has certain realisations regarding her past. Leon is different - quietly confident, self assured and wanting the best for those he cares for. Hardworking and loyal - I was rooting for him all the way.  His back story, being told slowly throughout the book is indicative to why he chose the caring profession and why he has a strong connection to Tiffy. I also love the quirky/fun 'best friend' character in these types of book and was not disappointed by the varied characters we meet in this story. 

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

Having heard and seen so much about this book I was so pleased I got to read this now. I highly recommend. 
An e-copy of this book was kindly provided to me by the publisher, Quercus, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Comfy Rating:👍👍👍👍👍