A Little Place in Prague - Julie Caplin

 

A Little Place in Prague

It's been years since Anna has seen Leo Knight. And of all the apartments in all the cities in all the world, he just happens to walk in to her cosy new attic home – as her new housemate.

As the two walk the cobbled streets of Prague, taking in the sights and sounds from Wenceslas Square, frosted with snow, to the soft glow of candlelit Charles Bridge, the enchantment of the City of a Hundred Spires soon starts to work its magic on them…

Purchase Link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Place-Prague-swoon-worthy-must-read-ebook/dp/B0CW1F5HX8

My Review:

Honestly, I could rave about Julie Caplin all day long, an absolute “ go to” author for me (as both Julie Caplin and Jules Wake) – I look forward to the next book from the moment I finish one. No pressure to write any faster at all 😊

A little place in Prague whisked us off to yet another brilliant location; these ‘Romantic Escapes’ books have allowed to travel all over the world from the comfort of your own armchair, I adore each of them. This isn’t a series where you need to have read previous books at all, each work as standalones but I cannot stress enough how great they all are and that you should read them. If you have read previous books you will spot little cameos from characters we’ve met before.

Supposed strangers, Anna and Leo, are thrown together in a flat share whilst competing in a beer brewing competition, each keen to learn and develop techniques for producing their own beer. This may be a strange set up for some but not for people that already know each other and have a significant history.

I adore their story; it’s testament to people wanting to change and better themselves, learning from past mistakes and showing that time can allow people to really change. Of course this story has ups and downs, neither character is perfect but they work well together; the chemistry is incredible.

It’s a gorgeously cosy read, perfect for the cooler days and dark evenings. As always there is a wonderful cast of characters that are entertaining and some that are infuriating as well as mouthwatering descriptions of delicious local food dishes and drinks. A thoroughly gorgeous read.

Having visited Prague very briefly many years ago, this book was a lovely way to reminisce about that trip although I now realise I barely touched the surface of what Prague has to offer! What is very clear from reading A Little Place in Prague is Julie Caplin’s love for the city, she is shining such a spotlight on to the culture, architecture, foods etc that I wouldn’t be surprised if most readers would love to have their very own escape to Prague.

Another fantastic read – already looking forward to the next! 

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/

A Taste of Greek Summer - Mandy Baggot

 

Next summer, on the Greek island of Corfu, sparks will fly as dreams come true...

Lydia Broom is living her second-best life. With her dreams of being a chef left in the dust she instead finds solace writing about the dishes she wished she created. When Lydia's sent to Corfu on an assignment, she's excited to see what culinary delights the island has to offer, but nothing seems to tickle her fancy - until she tastes the creations of local cook, Thanos Nicolaidis.

After one sizzling afternoon in the kitchen together, Lydia and Thanos both allow themselves to dream of the futures they desperately want. And as they grow closer, sharing secret ingredients and family recipes, Thanos begins to realise he has to show Lydia the parts of him he's done so well to hide..

My Review:

Just when I needed a sunshine filled escape along comes Mandy to whisk me away to sunny skies at Corfu. Perfect reading by the pool, or for those just wishing they could be. Any book by this author is guaranteed to take you to sun drenched villas, with mouth watering and local food descriptions, atmospheric and exotic – an armchair holiday for all.

Enchanting and a foodies delight, A Taste of Greek Summer was full of comedy, adventure and of course romance.

This book includes an interesting mix of characters, some wonderful and some very frustrating; Lydia is a little bit lost, after losing her mentor and realising she had a relationship built of lies; she has become disillusioned with her passion. Thanos is skilled and could go far as a chef but has certain responsibilities he will not relinquish. He doesn’t know what to do or believe he is able to achieve his dreams. A meeting of minds in many ways their chemistry is instant and leaps from the page.

Follow the rocky ups and downs that come their way. A gorgeous summer read that will entertain and bring the sunshine into grey miserable skies!

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

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.

My Greek Island Summer - Mandy Baggot

Two weeks. One unforgettable trip to Corfu. A chance to change her life.

Becky Rose has just landed her dream job house-sitting at a top-end villa on the island of Corfu. What could be better than two weeks laying by an infinity pool overlooking the gorgeous Ionian waters while mending her broken heart.

Elias Mardas is travelling back to Corfu on business whilst dealing with his own personal demons. Late arriving in Athens, Becky and Elias have to spend a night in the Greek capital. When they have to emergency land in Kefalonia, Becky's got to decide whether to suck up the adventure and this gorgeous companion she seems to have been thrown together with or panic about when she's going to arrive at Corfu...

Finally reaching the beautiful island, Becky is happy to put Elias behind her and get on with her adventure. Until he turns up at the villa...

My Review:


I am honoured to be kicking off the blog tour for this book, especially on publication day! I am a massive fan of Mandy’s work, a Corfu wannabe (I will get there one day!!) and an absolute lover of the wonderful scenes and characters created.


So, My Greek Island Summer - what a gorgeous book. Mandy never fails to deliver especially where Corfu is concerned. With its gorgeous locations described in dreamy detail, I felt like I was right there with Elias, Becky and Petra. What an absolute adventure they had before they even reached their destination. I wanted to pack my case and head off and see these places myself. With current circumstances it is the perfect way to escape, a read that can transport you away from all the anxieties and worries we find ourselves living through.


A classic Mandy Baggot book with much talk of wonderful sounding foods, so well described my mouth was watering! Whether it was Becky thinking about sandwiches or Eleni preparing food, I was hungry throughout.


Becky lands a great job house sitting in Corfu. She wants to relax, enjoy some luxury, swim and hit the beach for two weeks. She meets Elias and neither are quite as honest as they should be; if only they had the opportunity to get to know each other some more.


I love the characters, a variety of people who are funny or stubborn, selfish or immature, carefree and stressed. All looking at making more of themselves, being happy or needing to see ways to change. So much can happen when people learn to accept the past and look forwards.


A read that transports you to another place, with people you’d love as friends. I couldn’t put this one down! You can feel the sun on your skin, hear the noise of island life; Mandy’s love for this special place shines through and just makes this an absolute smash.

I cannot recommend highly enough – enjoy! 

ORDER HERE:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/390yIkN

Kobo: https://bit.ly/31gYsH5

Google Play: https://bit.ly/2tfyjMi

About the author

Mandy Baggot is an international bestselling and award-winning romance writer. The winner

of the Innovation in Romantic Fiction award at the UK's Festival of Romance, her romantic comedy novel, One Wish in Manhattan, was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year award in 2016. Mandy's books have so far been translated into German, Italian, Czech and Hungarian. Mandy loves the Greek island of Corfu, white wine, country music and handbags. Also a singer, she has taken part in ITV1's Who Dares Sings and The X-Factor. Mandy is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Society of Authors and lives near Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and two daughters.

Follow Mandy:   

Facebook: @mandybaggotauthor
Twitter: @mandybaggot

BLOGTOUR: Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage - Katie Ginger

On a grey, London day, Esme’s world crumbles around her when she loses her glitzy job on a top TV programme, her gorgeous, city-slicker boyfriend and her stunning apartment, all in one fell swoop just before Christmas.

Esme is forced suddenly to move back to her sleepy hometown of Sandchester, and despite the snow blanketing the roof and the fairy lights that twinkle in her rustic little cottage, everything is looking bleak. That is until she reconnects with an old crush and finds herself unexpectedly getting swept away.

But Joe, handsome and charming as he is, is not all he seems. Esme soon realises that he has a tragic past which he just might not be able to overcome…

Surrounded by her loving, if harebrained, family and with the support of her hilarious friends, Esme is determined to have a go at forging her own path, even if it all comes to nothing. But one question still lingers in her mind: will she find someone to kiss under the mistletoe this Christmas?

Purchase Links

Amazon UK ebook: https://amzn.to/2NL7fhq

Amazon UK paperbook: https://amzn.to/2Y51uPP

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2LP8Ujm

Amazon US ebook: https://amzn.to/2XHxFR1

My Review:

What an enchanting, captivating story! I loved every moment of this gorgeous, romantic and funny read from Katie Ginger. This is definitely one book that will fill you with festive cheer.

Katie has written a story to warm the coldest heart with well-developed characters that you will love. Esme and Joe have gone through so much that even though they get on instantly, they’ve both endured enough misery to put them off any further romantic endeavours; but sometimes feelings can not and should not be ignored.

Esme is such a nice character; I really was on her side from the off. She deserved a better go at things in London but I am so glad we saw her go back to Sandchester and her wonderful, quirky family. I LOVE her Mum and Dad – they add some very funny moments, as do her wonderful friends. I want friends like hers – always having her back no matter what.

This is beautifully written and gives us humour, love, romance, festive fun and a heart-warming tale of moving forwards and working hard to get the happy ending you deserve.  I do love the inclusion of her blog, vlog adventures etc as it felt up to date
.

Love a happy ending? Then I cannot recommend this delightful read enough. 

About the Author:  

KATIE GINGER lives in the South East of England, by the sea, and apart from holidays to very hot places where you can sit by a pool and drink cocktails as big your head, she wouldn't really want to be anywhere else. Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage is her third novel. She is also author of the Seafront series - The Little Theatre on the Seafront, shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and Summer Season on the Seafront.

When she's not writing, Katie spends her time drinking gin, or with her husband, trying to keep alive her two children: Ellie, who believes everything in life should be performed like a musical number from a West End show; and Sam, who is basically a monkey with a boy's face. And there's also their adorable King Charles Spaniel, Wotsit (yes, he is named after the crisps!).

For more about Katie you can visit her website: www.keginger.com, find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KatieGAuthor, or follow her on Twitter: @KatieGAuthor.

Sunset over the Cherry Orchard - Jo Thomas

AVAILABLE HERE

Goodreads Blurb:
It's time for Beti Winter to dance to her own beat.
 
After three failed engagements Beti is in desperate need of a fresh start. What better place than the sun-drenched hills of southern Spain? But it's not all sangria and siestas. Beti finds work on an old Andalucian cherry farm where there are cherries to be picked, trees to be watered and her fiery boss, Antonio, to win over.
As the sun toasts her skin, Beti finds herself warming to the Spanish way of life. Embracing the art of flamenco, she discovers there is much to learn from the dance of passion. She just has to let loose and listen to the rhythm of her heart.

My Review:
I've got to start with the cover – how stunning, The gorgeous colours are eye catching, its definitely what got my attention and compliments the setting of the book.

Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard is a fabulous story about having dreams, big, lifelong ambitions and not being prepared to settle for anything less, not giving up and working towards your goal no matter what. It is a tale of believing in yourself, believing you are good enough if you are happy to put yourself out there and face all life has to throw at you.

This was my first read by Jo Thomas (Where have I actually been?!) and was pleased to discover a story full of humour, fun and some special, tender moments. I found surprises littered throughout; with quirky characters (who could have their own stories to tell), unexpected friendships and blossoming relationships.

One of my favourite elements of the book was the descriptive, inclusion of flamenco, reading how Beti learned and felt impassioned by it was inspiring, I was all for booking a flight and heading off for my own flamenco adventure! Let's also praise the mouth watering foods mentioned throughout.

Beti is a wonderful leading lady; she's not had much luck and in typical fashion for this style of book, at first it doesn't seem that a move to Spain is going to be the happy ever after she wants. I liked how she developed, her outstanding work ethic and I was rooting for her to get the happy ending.

I loved how Sunset Over the Cherry Orchard transported me on a gorgeous, sun kissed adventure. A wonderful story, that's very well written. I was engrossed and finished almost in one sitting. I have already read another by Jo Thomas (review to follow) and can firmly say she is now amongst my favourite, must read authors.

Perfect read for those looking for adventure and love.  

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Little Cafe at the End of the Pier - Helen J Rolfe

Available Here 

Goodreads Blurb:

When Jo's beloved grandparents ask for her help in running their little café at the end of the pier in Salthaven-on-Sea she jumps at the chance.

The café is a hub for many people: the single dad who brings his little boy in on a Saturday morning; the lady who sits alone and stares out to sea; the woman who pops in after her morning run.

Jo soon realises that each of her customers is looking for love  and she goes about setting each of them up on blind dates - each date is held in the café, with a special menu she has designed for the occasion. But Jo has never found love herself. She always held her grandparents' marriage up as her ideal and she hasn't found anything close to that. But could it be that love is right under her nose...?

A quick note:

A Year at the Café at the End of the Pier is the collected Café at the End of the Pier novellas. If you have already read and enjoyed the novellas then you have already read A Year at the Café at the End of the Pier.

My Review:

Rather ashamedly I admit this was my first book from the always lovely Helen (@HJRolfe) but it definitely will not be my last.

When Molly and Arthur realise they need a change of pace, they ask granddaughter Jo to come back to Salthaven-on-Sea and help run the cafe. The book takes us through her first year of running the much loved, community focal point and chronicles the ups and downs of not only Jo's life but also of the friends and regulars at the café.

We see Jo struggle initially - a complete change of pace to her former life of being a teacher, it seems that she may have bitten off more than she can chew. Her fears and doubts are increased by the less than enthusiastic insistence from her Mother that she is wasting her life back in Salthaven. This is all Jo needs to fuel her determination and she sets out to prove her wrong.

As we go through the seasons and special occasions of this first year, we see Jo's character bloom and grow in confidence, this in turn is reflected in the success of the café. I loved Jo's attempts at playing Cupid - she seriously seems to have a knack for match-making. Jo soon realises that she herself has a secret admirer and I for one was as stumped as Jo at who it could be.

I loved the mystery of who had fallen for Jo- as I thought all of the characters set up as potential love interests could have been great matches for her. I couldn't figure out which man it would be - even right to the last few pages and I love that I was kept guessing. I was definitely happy with the end result though (for Jo and for other characters involved).

A great cast of characters with their own little stories created a real sense of community, I loved their individual personalities and what they all added to the book. Written with wonderful detail, including some absolutely mouth watering food descriptions, this book was a real pleasure to read, fun and full of emotion and suspense.

I would highly recommend The Little Café at the End of the Pier for a cosy, snuggle up and binge read book. I look forward to catching up on more by Helen J Rolfe too. 

Comfy Rating:

👍👍👍👍👍

A Year at Castle Court - Holly Hepburn

Available here

Goodreads:

Sadie is a single mum, nursing a broken heart. Her best friend from childhood, Cat, is burned out from working long hours as a chef in Paris. In need of a change, they decide to invest in their dream – running their own handmade biscuit shop in gorgeous Castle Court, a three-storey food court tucked away behind Chester's bustling streets.

They soon discover that Castle Court has its own community –  but not everyone welcomes the new business. Luckily, there's support in the form of the delectable Jaren, who owns the Dutch waffle house opposite Smart Cookies, and Swiss chocolate-shop owner, Elin. And if all else fails, the friends can drown their sorrows in Seb's cocktail bar on the third floor!

My Review:

Split into four parts, this is an easy-going and enjoyable read that is well written with characters you will adore (and some you will not). I wouldn't say it is a totally predictable read but with experience comes the knack of being able to correctly foresee who Sadie and Cat would end up falling in love with. I don't think this is a really bad thing though as the story to get there was not straight forward, it had surprises that I did not expect.

The friendship between Sadie and Cat is brilliantly written, it is easy, loving and realistic - with each character going through ups and downs and finding constant support in the other. The sense of community at Castle Court is another strong theme throughout the story - I actually would love to find somewhere like Castle Court as it all sounded divine. 

As mentioned, things were not always going to plan with their shop 'Smart Cookies' or personally for Sadie or Cat, it makes you wonder how many 'mini disasters' some people could put up with but with their friends, they seem to sort any issue out very quickly. 

Holly's writing is bright, cheerful and very enjoyable, this book was a lovely treat to snuggle up with. Just a bit of a warning - you'll find yourself searching for some biscuits or other edible goodness after this!

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for something easy going, relatable characters and smiles along the way. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍