A Villa with a View - Julie Caplin

 

Escape to the Amalfi Coast and feel the warmth of the Italian sun on your face, hear the sound of the turquoise waves crashing on the beach and fall in love with a new enemies to lovers romance!

Lia Bathurst had always dreamed of escaping to the white sandy beaches and turquoise blue seas of the Amalfi coast – but that dream hadn’t included meeting her real father. A father she had never even known about until a few weeks ago! Yet here she was, standing outside the gates of a gorgeous pink villa being refused entry by the insufferable – and insufferably handsome – Raphael Knight, her father’s business manager.

When an old black and white photo proves Lia’s claim to be true, Raph is determined to make sure this stranger, with her long caramel waves and infectious smile, doesn’t have an ulterior motive. Even if that means not letting her out of his sight.

As temperatures rise, and not just from the heat of the Mediterranean sun, could Lia and Raph’s forced proximity lead to something more like… amore?

Purchase Link - https://bit.ly/47kOw0a

My Review:

Julie Caplin, oh how I adore the books you bring us! As a long-time fan, I eagerly await each one, anticipating glorious settings, warm, likeable characters, emotional storylines and always some mouthwatering foods and drink references.

I always want these books to last as long as possible but I cannot help but get so engrossed in the story I read through it in no time.  

A Villa with A View blew me away; I wanted to be right there, glorious location, weather and in the heart of a loving, busy family. The characters, well, could Aurelia get any more wonderful; welcoming, generous, a sprinkling of mischievous matchmaking and everything you’d want from a long-lost fathers wife! Ernesto is a funny character, the heart of the family, cheeky, charming and not at all what you would expect from someone so famous.

 Lia is our leading character, she’s had life changing news, it questions everything she is and knows. The time away is meant to put space between her and the family she thinks have lied to her for her whole life. I love her, she’s fierce and willing to stand up to anyone, no matter who they are or how much they push back.

A quick mention for Leo, what a lovely guy, more of him please! He clearly holds on to some heartbreak but manages to bring a smile to those around him.

I was on an emotional rollercoaster, I desperately wanted Lia to find the answers she needed whilst realising the power of love, both from those who are your family and the romantic kind. I have to admit, I shed a little tear at the part Lia was speaking with her Dad.. it takes a lot for me to cry but the emotion just pours from the page.

As always I was rooting for the romance, Lia and Raph have an instant spark, although they fight hard against it for quite some time. Both are passionate, both care deeply and think they know best; they have met their match in each other.

I could rave on and on… I loved it. I cannot recommend it enough for anyone looking for a brilliant, sun shine filled read. Those who love to travel via their comfy chairs will love A Villa with a View.

I look forward to the next one Julie 😊

Author Bio :

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold over two million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliecaplinauthor/

The French Chateau Dream - Julie Caplin

 

The French Chateau Dream

When wedding planner Hattie signs up for her dream job, organising her cousin’s wedding in France, it offers the perfect escape from a relationship that’s been going south for a while.

Unfortunately when she arrives at the idyllic Chateau St Martin, not everyone is as enthusiastic about the forthcoming wedding, including Luc Bremont, son of the owner of the chateau. 

Luc has finally been given the chance to make his own champagne at the family vineyard and everything rests on making it a success, the last thing he wants is the distraction of a big wedding at the chateau.

Will Hattie be able to build bridges between the inhabitants of the chateau in order to allow the wedding to go ahead?

My Review:

If I need a book that will lift my spirits, fill me with dreams of beautiful settings, give me mouthwatering descriptions of foods and drinks and of course, fill my heart with romance, I know I can do no better than pick up one of Julie Caplins romantic escape books. The French Chateau Dream is the 10^th in this series and if full of sunshine, dreams and of course, romance.

Hattie, oh Hattie, is a great character. We briefly met her in ‘The Christmas Castle in Scotland’ and now she’s heading to France to a Chateau as a wedding planner for her cousins upcoming nuptials. Fresh from a relationship break up, Hattie really wants to prove she is capable of planning this wedding, keen to establish her business she is determined to make this a success.

Arriving in France, Hattie meets Luc who lives at the Chateau and is keen to start making champagne again. He isn’t altogether on board with the wedding but knows they need the money if he is to make a go of things at all. Hattie is a force to be reckoned with in her own way and I admired her tenacity, especially when she comes up against sabotage. It is evident who is to blame but Hattie can more than handle herself.

Hattie falls for the chateau, is quite keen on the gorgeous Luc and starts believing that she could achieve what she has always wanted but knows her time there is limited especially when a face from the past pulls on her heart strings once again.

I absolutely adored reading this one, location, characters, storyline – all fantastic. I didn’t want to put it down but didn’t want it to end. I love this series as you can read any one at any time, but for those, like me, that love to read things in order you will spot the cameos from previous stories and it is great to catch up them even for a moment.

There would never be a time I didn’t champion any book by Julie/Jules – an author that enables the reader to have a true connection to the characters, where we feel like they are just like any of us and that we want the best for them – like a friend.

Julie/Jules’ books are familiar, like a comfort blanket or a ray of sunshine on a grey day. The French Chateau Dream is a gorgeous read, perfect for this summer by the pool, in the garden; highly recommended.

Author Bio:

Julie caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the highly successful Romantic Escapes series which have hit the best seller charts in Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic and have sold a million copies worldwide.

The first book in the nine strong series,The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/juliecaplinauthor/

The Summer Fair - Heidi Swain

 

Join Heidi Swain back in Nightingale Square for a sunshine and celebration filled summer....

Beth loves her job working in a care home, looking after its elderly residents, but she doesn’t love the cramped and dirty house-share she currently lives in. So, when she gets the opportunity to move to Nightingale Square, sharing a house with the lovely Eli, she jumps at the chance.

The community at Nightingale Square welcomes Beth with open arms, and when she needs help to organise a fundraiser for the care home they rally round. Then she discovers The Arches, a local creative arts centre, has closed and the venture to replace it needs their help too – but this opens old wounds and past secrets for Beth.

Music was always an important part of her life, but now she has closed the door on all that. Will her friends at the care home and the people of Nightingale Square help her find a way to learn to love it once more.?

My Review:

Heidi Swain stole my book heart many moons ago with her fantastic characters, wonderful communities and stories that warm even the coldest of hearts. With each book we fall more in love with one of her fictional settings and have another character to adore.

A little biased you may presume, but honestly, Heidi never delivers a book I don’t love. I know exactly how I feel by the end – like I’ve spent time with a really good friend.

The Summer Fair is fantastic, another trip to Nightingale Square and back to catch up with friends of old. We also meet Beth, who has shut her beloved music out of her life as it is too painful to hear. She is a broken woman who is desperate to forget her passion for music because it brings back memories. She wants to move on from the past but her arrival in Nightingale Square might mean that is going to be more difficult than she ever thought.

Oh how I felt for Beth, I was willing her on at every opportunity – at work, getting away from awful housemates and once she settled into Nightingale Square. I could empathise with her aversion to shut out parts of her past, but she didn’t make it easy for herself at all.

As Beth works in a care home (you may recognise a certain someone there) and what a brilliant, often funny, inclusion – full of funny, quirky characters. This is also where we see Beth come into her own and blossom.

Eli is a great character and although he had his own thing going on, he helps Beth more than he realises ay first. He is an important part of helping Beth heal and believe in herself again.

Music is such a powerful and emotional tool in terms of mental health. It can break us down or build us up and this is a theme that is woven into this story.

Heartwarming, charming and probably one of Heidi’s best, I cannot recommend The Summer Fair enough. What a treat!

Until next time Nightingale Square….

Treat yourself with a copy of 'The Summer Fair' - Available - HERE!

 

PUBLICATION DAY: The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim - Jules Wake

 The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim

She’s trying to figure out her future.

He’s trying to forget his past.

But with the help of some unlikely friends, young and old, and a scruffy dog who just can’t help getting into trouble, a new community is formed – just when they all need each other the most.

Purchase Link - http://mybook.to/WednesdayWildS

My Review:

There isn’t a Jules Wake book that I don’t rave about – I can’t help it; I genuinely love them all. Jules has such a great style of writing, realistic and combining humour and wit with a down to earth feel. This allows us to relate to the characters, love them and take them to our hearts.

The Wednesday Morning Wild Swim is quirky, jam packed with great characters and a heart felt story of acceptance. Accepting who you are, accepting the challenge of moving past your fears and accepting that you are enough.

If you are a fan of Jules’ books, you may remember (one of all time favourite old ladies) – Hilda. She was a force to be reckoned with in The Saturday Morning Park Run and here she is again, being her fabulous self.

Ettie, our dynamic main character, has stumbled from career to career, not fully settling. When her latest job blows up she returns home, back to her family. Finding work locally at a soon to open hotel, Ettie soon finds the pull of the lake calling her. Swimming helps her mentally and she soon discovers that others have that same desire too. Wild swimming is new to Ettie but soon becomes something she craves – and she isn’t the only one. Unfortunately, it’s banned and the owner is absolutely against anyone swimming in his lake.

As Ettie settles into her new role she finds herself getting closer to her new boss, she starts to understand why he doesn’t want anyone near the water. Will Ettie and her new friends be able to curb their desires or will Ettie make him change his mind. When Dominic discovers the biggest lies are the ones told by those close to him, he really sees no way back to trusting them again.

Ettie is a breath of fresh air; funny, random and really not afraid to put herself out there. She is a little economical with the truth, but not in a malicious way, in fact it’s usually to help others. She learns a lot about herself as the story progresses, but she is also instrumental in helping others do the same. She is kind, considerate and a little bit sassy.

Dominic sounds dishy, he’s been through a lot and doesn’t suffer fools. He isn’t overly impressed with Ettie but her confidence and charm win him round to giving her a chance. Ettie surprises him a lot, it’s clear he struggles to hide how entertaining he finds her but he is holding back some truths of his own. I loved seeing him start to open up and I always believed he would end up doing the right thing by everyone around him.

Reading this book has been the highlight of my week – its full of friendship, romance and humour. A feel good story that will leave you with a smile on your face. Great characters and superb writing, I highly recommend to all.

Author Bio:

Jules Wake is the internationally bestselling author of over ten books including The Saturday Morning Park Run. She also writes as Julie Caplin and her Romantic Escapes series has hit the bestseller charts around the world.

After reading English at the University of East Anglia, Jules Wake worked in PR where she honed her fiction writing skills on press releases.  She’s now a full-time author and what better job is there than making stuff up! It certainly beats housework.

Social Media Links – @Juleswake Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/

Instagram: juleswakeauthor

Underneath the Christmas Tree - Heidi Swain

 

***The sparkling new Christmas novel from the  Sunday Times  bestselling author Heidi Swain!***

Wynter’s Trees is the home of Christmas. For the people of Wynmouth it’s where they get their family Christmas tree, and where Christmas truly comes to life.

But for Liza Wynter, it’s a millstone around her neck. It was her father’s pride and joy but now he’s gone, she can’t have anything to do with it. Until her father’s business partner decides to retire and she must go back to handle the transition to his son Ned.

When Liza arrives, she discovers a much-loved business that’s flourishing under Ned’s stewardship. And she’s happy to stay and help for the Christmas season, but then she has other plans. But will the place where she grew up make her change her mind? And can it weave its Christmas cheer around her heart…?

Underneath the Christmas Tree is the perfect festive read, promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking seasonal romance. Perfect for fans of Milly Johnson, Carole Matthews and Cathy Bramley.

PUBLICATION DATE: 28th October 2021 - PREORDER HERE

If ever a book was destined to be made into a cosy, heart-warming, fabulous, Hallmark Christmas move it’s this one. Heidi Swain delivers Christmas in true style here, I have to say it’s one of my favourite festive reads this year and one I know I will read again closer to the big day.

Wynter’s Trees sounds brilliant, and although I completely understand why Liza hasn’t wanted to be around, she’s missed out on so much. The festive magic is in the air, and it leaps off the page!

David, and son Ned, have been taking care of everything at the Christmas Tree farm since Liza’s Dads death but now with retirement in mind, David is keen to move on and let Ned buy his share. Liza is keen to move on also, and with a plan she finally returns, hoping to convince Ned to buy her share as well so she can fulfil her travel and career plans.

David and Ned are reluctant to have Liza sell, they truly believe she doesn’t want to really, deep down and set about making her realise what she will be losing. Magic must be in the air as slowly Liza is pulled back into the festive atmosphere; she genuinely starts to see the beauty of the season again and just how special Wynters Trees is.

Liza took a bit of warming up too, although I understood her reasons, I thought she was perhaps a little immature and hasty, and blinkered in her views, unwilling to listen to those that genuinely cared for her. She seemed very determined, but I liked that she met her match in Ned. The chemistry between the two was instant and undeniable.

I loved the craft huts and the great community it created – what a great idea and took me away to all the fabulous Christmas markets and craft fairs we see pop up in the run up to the season. Always nice to see some old characters pop up again, although it is completely a standalone book.

I could honestly rave about this all day; an absolute delight as always. You know you are in a safe pair of hands with Heidi; never failing to bring us wonderful characters, emotional heart warming stories with romance, community spirit and the ability to leave us feeling all warm and cosy.

A festive hug in book form... I cannot recommend this one enough!

Sunday Times Best-selling author with a passion for vintage, hearth & home.

Creating wonderful communities and characters. Find out more -

Website: https://heidiswain.co.uk/

Check out the blog: http://heidiswain.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterHeidiJoSwain

 

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland - Julie Caplin

 

Snuggle up in your favourite armchair and take a trip across the Irish sea for comfort food, cosy cottage nights and a heartwarming romance…

Talented lawyer Hannah Campbell is after a change in her workaholic Manchester life – so on an uncharacteristic whim she books herself a place at the world-renowned Killorgally Cookery School in Country Kerry. But on her first night in Ireland, sampling the delights of Dublin, Hannah can’t resist falling for the charms of handsome stranger Conor. It’s only when Hannah arrives at her postcard-pretty home at Killorgally for the next six weeks that she discovers what happens in Dublin doesn’t quite stay in Dublin …

Nestled amongst rolling green hills and breath-taking countryside, the cookery school throws Hannah and Conor together – for better or worse.

Purchase Link - mybook.to/CosyCottageEB

My Review:

An utterly charming and cosy read for this autumn. Julie Caplin is whisking readers away to the Emerald Isle with a story of romance, following your heart, taking chances and getting out of your comfort zone. The eighth book in this ‘Romantic Escapes’ series is set in beautiful Ireland, closer to home but still had me aching to get on a plane! If you haven’t come across this series the books are written as standalones, although connected through characters to previous books. I would implore you to read the rest of the series though, some of my favourite locations, characters and mouthwatering descriptions of food and drink you’ll read!

The Cosy Cottage in Ireland had me hooked from the first page, and I read in one glorious sitting. I loved the setting, the characters, and the story. Hannah is the sister of a character from the last book, she has been risk averse all her life and we meet her taking a leap of faith and doing something very out of character. Before heading to a world-famous culinary school, she meets a handsome, charming stranger and that meeting is the start of a whirlwind of ups and downs for her. Hannah is out of her comfort zone in so many ways, but as the weeks progress and as relationships with her fellow students develop, she starts to feel like her life is need of change and that perhaps Ireland holds the key.

Conor has given up a life others could only dream about, supporting his Mum with the culinary school is enough and creating dream cottages on their land is fuelling his creativity. He worries about getting close to people, he has been used by most people in his past and he is determined it will never happen again.

The chemistry and attraction between these two characters just cannot be denied, jumping off the page. They compliment each other perfectly, even when they don’t realise it themselves. Hannah is the most unromantic heroine and Conor is quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. When they need to work together, can they put differences aside?

LOVE LOVE LOVE. I was charmed by the descriptions of Ireland but the descriptions of the food, wow. I enjoyed the cast of characters, the humour (seriously couldn’t we have had a grand total of that swear jar ha!) and the heart that comes through the authors writing.
I have an idea where we may end up next, or at least some time in the future and I cannot wait. That being said, I hope we get to hear about a few of these characters again… (Please!!!!)

Perfect for cosying up and devouring in one go!

Author Bio:

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links – @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

Ice Creams at Emerald Cove - Holly Martin

 

Escape to the Cornish coast this spring with a trip to the beautiful Emerald Cove, where the sea sparkles in the sunshine, the sand glitters like gold, and true love is in the air. From the bestselling author of Sunrise over Sapphire Bay comes this gorgeously romantic and uplifting tale.

Skye Philips and Jesse Hamilton have a complicated relationship. They’ve been neighbours, best friends and even briefly married. But ever since Skye returned to the beautiful shores of Jewel Island to help her sisters Aria and Clover run their family hotel, she doesn’t know where she stands with Jesse.

When they’re together the chemistry between them sizzles, but with Jesse living in Canada and Skye on the Cornish island she calls home, they’ve kept things casual. Till now…

Jesse is coming to Jewel Island for the annual Pudding Parade and Skye knows this is her chance to tell him how she really feels. But putting her heart on the line isn’t easy when it’s been broken in the past. Will Jesse return her love? Or will she lose him for good?

Everything she's ever wanted can be hers if she's willing to take the chance, but is Skye brave enough to risk her heart once again?'

Set sail to the Cornish coast where sunshine, laughter and romance awaits. This stunning love story is guaranteed to steal your heart this summer; it’s the perfect read for fans of Sarah Morgan, Veronica Henry and Jill Mansell. 

My Review:

I am a big fan of Holly Martin and this book is another smash! An absolute pleasure to be back with sisters Skye, Aria and Clover. You may have read the previous two books about these ladies so will enjoy the catch up of familiar faces but please be assured you can read this as a standalone. Enough detail is included to bring you up to speed but not too much for those that have read to feel like it’s repetitive. I couldn’t read this one fast enough, I always dive straight into any of Holly’s books without any waiting. Hooked from the start, I didn’t want to put it down – especially this time with so many delicious sounding goodies making my mouth water. Be transported to Emerald Cove; there is a nice gentle pace, but it is full of emotion and heart. You get ample enough drama met with heart warming and tender times. You will be rooting for the best for everyone. It’s a brilliant community feeling, I love catching up with Island life and wish I could go there myself. Great characters, well written storylines, and an inviting setting, you don’t need anything more when you want to cosy up with a fantastic read. I hope we get to visit the Island again soon…

The Little Swiss Ski Chalet - Julie Caplin

 

It’s time to pack your bags and head to the breath-taking, snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps for velvety hot chocolates, delicious cheeses and a gorgeous love story…

Food technician Minna has always believed that chocolate will solve everything – and it’s just what she needs when her latest relationship mishap goes viral!

So with her bags packed and a new determination to sort her life out, Minna decides to drown her sorrows with the best hot chocolate in the world at her godmother’s cosy Swiss chalet. Chocolate: yes. Romance: no. Until she has a run in on an Alpine train with a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous stranger…

Purchase Links

http://amzn.to/3jU2lKy 🌎 http://mybook.to/SwissSkiChalet

My Review:

This is a gorgeous book by one of my favourite authors; Julie Caplin (alter ego of the wonderful Jules Wake) never fails to whisk me away to somewhere new and make me believe if I open my front door I’d be right there. Bringing to life another stunning location, this is a fantastic addition to a series of romantic escapes. There is something very comforting and familiar about these books, each with their own story and in a different place across the globe, some characters may overlap and make appearances, but they are all standalone books – each very special in its own right.

This time we are whisked to the Swiss Alps with Mina, a food technician who’s love life has just taken a nosedive and so she decides to visit her godmother Amelie who owns a wonderful ski chalet. Thanks to Minas adventures and escapades in this book I feel like I’ve had my own personal adventure on the Alps, and that isn’t something I would really do. I feel I’ve lived vicariously through this down to earth, funny and caring character, Mina.

Amelie herself sounds truly special. I wish I could take a visit to her Swiss Chalet. She has the knack for seeing what her guests need and matching them up to create new friendships that nurture and encourage the best out of them. Everything about the chalet sounds wonderful – how cosy it is, what special friendships are forged and how delicious the food sounds. I mean who wouldn’t want a time each day dedicated to cake!

With mouthwatering descriptions that will soothe the weariest heart, The Little Swiss Ski Chalet, is a soul soothing and heart warming read. Yet another great escape in a time where we are all keen to ignore reality, Julie Caplin creates a home away from home in book form, with a warm, family feeling community of characters.

Curl up, be transported to the Swiss Alps, and enjoy. I cannot recommend this book enough – or any by Julie Caplin/Jules Wake. 

Author Bio:

Julie Caplin, formerly a PR director, swanned around Europe for many years taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. 

These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for her Romantic Escapes series which have been translated into fifteen different languages.

The first book in the seven strong series, The Little Café in Copenhagen, was shortlisted for a Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Social Media Links:

 @JulieCaplin Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor/

Instagram @juliecaplinauthor

The Little Teashop in Tokyo - Julie Caplin

The Little Teashop in Tokyo

Grab your passport and escape to a land of dazzling skycrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses paid trip, it looks like her dreams are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, bustling Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, can Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently?

Purchase Links

UK - https://amzn.to/39JCFL9    

US - http://amzn.to/39QbGhh

My Review:I am always happiest when I get to be whisked away to another fantastic location by Julie Caplin. This series of books is a wonderful mood booster, a great source of happiness and the stories are always fun and full of heart. This latest book, The Little Teashop in Tokyo, lives up the same wonderful standard as it’s predecessors. If you haven’t read any of the others in this series, do not worry. They can all be standalone books; the characters sometimes appear in other places, but the stories are different. (Please do go and read the others though - they are fab!)

Here we have Fiona, who wins the chance to go to Tokyo and experience the Japanese culture whilst being mentored by a top photographer. Cue some changes and she find herself in the very capable (but familiar) hands of famed photographer Gabe. The sparks fly from the off between these two characters and it was fun to see how they pushed each other’s buttons.  I have to hand it to Fiona, she certainly gave as good as she got in many ways!
Each location is beautifully described, as I read sat out in the sunshine, I could imagine myself in Fiona’s shoes; gazing at the cherry blossom or being wowed by Mount Fuji. I have never really had any interest in Japan/Tokyo, but I found myself being pulled into wanting to know more about the culture and traditions and Julie incorporates so much of this into the story.
Haruka is possibly one of my favourite characters; fiery yet calm, smart and sensitive – not one to cross, as Gabe found out. If I was to go to Japan, she is exactly the type of person I would like to meet.
This is a story of self-discovery, moving forward from the past and embracing what is meant for you. It shows how to see things from new perspectives, and I think it is a wonderful way to escape the current anxieties and worries.
I cannot recommend this one enough!! Author Bio

Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury brands, taking journalists on press trips to
awful places like Turin, Milan, Geneva, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and occasionally losing the odd member of the press in an airport. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to eat amazing food, drink free alcohol, hone her writing skills on press releases
and to research European cities for her books.
She writes best-selling warm-hearted contemporary fiction for HarperImpulse.
Under her pen name, Julie Caplin, her thirteenth novel, The Little Teashop in Tokyo will be published in ebook and paperback this June.
Social Media Links :
www.twitter.com/juliecaplin
@Juleswake
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JulieCaplinAuthor

The Minute I Saw You - Paige Toon

The brand new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author Paige Toon. The perfect summer read for 2020!

Some people believe that it’s possible to fall in love simply by gazing into another person’s eyes . . .

When Hannah and Sonny meet, a spark ignites that is hard to ignore and impossible to forget. Weeks later, their paths cross again, but Sonny appears distant and reluctant to meet Hannah’s eye. It soon transpires that Sonny is at a crossroads. He’s committed to making serious life changes – ones that can’t and won’t include romance.

Hannah has her own reasons for wanting to keep their budding friendship platonic. Plus, she’s only in town temporarily, housesitting for her uncle. But as the summer hots up and the chemistry between them intensifies, Hannah and Sonny discover that there’s more to each other than meets the eye...

My Review

Breathtakingly heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Paige Toon just melts my heart every single time. I absolutely adored this latest release from Paige. 'The Minute I Saw You,' had me from the very first word, I couldn't put it down - not that I even wanted to!

I enjoyed the bubbling chemistry between Hannah and Sonny, from the moment they met it was clear there was something special between them and that made their second meeting all the more surprising as something had fundamentally changed. 

Both characters have led lives that would set them apart from others, both are hurt, living with scars from traumas that are very different. Hannah and Sonny are struggling with their own secrets but feel so drawn to one another. The blossoming friendship is a joy to behold. 

I enjoyed watching Hannah and Sonny get close, seeing their friendship grow and evolve throughout (without them realising how close they were actually getting). I loved the rest of the additional characters – Bertie for one will having you laughing but Matilda and Archie will prove extra special too. 

I don't want to talk about the story too much, it is so special that I want you to discover Hannah and Sonny's history for yourself. I will say my heart broke a little, the secrets and surprised were not what I expected. I think we all try to guess what may happen, or what the dramatic twist may be and I hadn't predicted this at all, well not completely. 

I love that Paige doesn't shy away from things, takes something so unique and creates a beautiful story that is empathetic yet enjoyable. She writes with such delicate care and consideration. 

 The Minute I Saw You is a very poignant love story. It was funny, romantic, frustrating but essentially very moving. Every aspect is written sensitively and ensured I loved both Hannah and Sonny equally. 


I cannot recommend it enough. Paige Toon never fails to deliver an absolute beauty of a book. 

Escape to the French Farmhouse - Jo Thomas

Can she find her recipe for happiness?

Del and her husband Ollie moved to a beautiful village in Provence for a fresh start after years of infertility struggles. But six weeks after they arrive, they’re packing the removal van once more. As Del watches the van leave for England, she suddenly realises exactly what will make her happier… a new life in France – without Ollie.

Now alone, all Del has is a crumbling farmhouse, a mortgage to pay and a few lavender plants. What on earth is she going to do? Discovering an old recipe book at the market run by the rather attractive Fabian, Del starts to bake. But can her new-found passion really help her let go of the past and lead to true happiness?

A heart-warming tale about reclaiming your life, set amongst the lavender fields of Provence. Perfect escapism from the author of Late Summer in the Vineyard and The Honey Farm on the Hill.

My Review:

A wonderfully enchanting adventure in an idyllic, dreamy French setting.

Jo Thomas is one of my absolute ‘go-to’ authors, I’m always swept away to a glorious destination with fantastic characters, and a heart-warming tale – oh some of the most divine, mouth-watering foods and drink.

Escape to the French Farmhouse is uplifting, emotional and a delight to read. I devoured it in almost one setting and it the story stayed with me for days after I’d finished. Jo Thomas transported me and the writing evoked emotion and I could feel the sunshine, smell the lavender; I could believe I was there and with Del & Co.

What a woman Del is, driven daring and compassionate, I really admired her. I marvelled at Del’s progression throughout the book, her courage rewarded, and confidence restored. Her ability to make people feel better whilst trying to heal her own wounds is lovely, she builds her own family and deservedly finds the community, love and life she craved.

Such a great cast of characters, I was laughing and gasping throughout, a smile on my face one minute but then upset the next, I really did buy in to the emotions of many characters.

I always love the descriptions of yummy treats, foods, and drinks and this did not disappoint, I was intrigued using lavender in so many ways and would love to try some myself now.

I couldn’t recommend this one more if you are looking to be whisked away, escape from current times and take in the delights of this French community. An uplifting, romantic tale that does not disappoint.


About the Author:
 

Jo Thomas worked for many years as a reporter and producer, first for BBC Radio 5, before  moving on to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and Radio 2’s The Steve Wright Show. In 2013 Jo won the RNA Katie Fforde Bursary. Her debut novel, The Oyster Catcher, was a runaway bestseller in ebook and was awarded the 2014 RNA Joan Hessayon Award and the 2014 Festival of Romance Best Ebook Award. Jo lives in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband and three children.