The Beach Reads Book Club - Kathryn Freeman

 

Welcome to the Beach Reads Book Club…where love is just a page away…

When Lottie Watt is unceremoniously booted out of her uptight book club for not following the rules, she decides to throw the rulebook out the window and start her own club – one where conversation, gin and cake take precedent over actually having read the book!

The Beach Reads Book Club soon finds a home for its meetings at Books by the Bay, a charming bookshop and café owned by gorgeous, brooding Matthew Steele, and as the book club picks heat up, so too does the attraction between Matt and Lottie.

If there’s anything Lottie has learned from the romances she’s been reading, it’s that the greatest loves are the ones hardest earned.

A love letter to chicklit, romance, romcoms, whatever you want to call them!

Purchase Links

UK AMAZON https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0931Y5W12

US AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931Y5W12

My Review:

For book lovers and readers of all kinds, here we have a dream book – a wonderful romantic tale that really does celebrate books, book clubs and genres that do not get the true recognition they deserve.

I loved the book club in this book and wish I could be part of it; I also enjoyed the fact they talked about books and authors I love.

Lottie is a girl with gumption, and I think she’s absolutely brill. Bored of the stuffy book club lead by the seemingly miserable and stuffy Eve, she decides to start her own. Returning a book to the local book shop, she meets the new owner and slowly but surely a plan is formed!

Such a lovely compliment of characters, the book club members form a great friendship and that is a key part of the story – how much they help and support each other in difficult circumstances.

Matt is the new owner of the book shop, determined to keep his family together following a loss, he has his work cut out to make everyone happy. He is smart, well mannered, and not exactly in his comfort zone. Matt has built up his defences, but I knew from the start Lottie could be the one to break them down.

A lovely romance, their budding friendship and relationship grew on me the more I read. Is it predictable and cute? Yes – nothing wrong with that at all. Isn’t that the point of the book club anyway…

It’s well written, funny and entertaining (Audrey is so funny!) but it has a little drama; nothing ever runs smoothly does it!

Highly recommended for book fans and romance lovers. Perfect summer read! 

Author Bio:

A former pharmacist, I'm now a medical writer who also writes romance. Some days a racing heart is a medical condition, others it's the reaction to a sexy hero. 

With a husband who asks every Valentine's Day whether he has to buy a card (yes, he does), any romance is all in my head. Then again, his unstinting support of my career change proves love isn't always about hearts and flowers - and heroes come in many disguises.

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://kathrynfreeman.co.uk

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

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KathrynFreeman1

       

Who Do You Trust? Kirsty Ferguson

 

A perfect sunny day, a family celebration, a heart-stopping hour that changes everything...

Dana has all she ever wanted – a husband she loves, her four-year-old daughter Kelsey who is the apple of her eye, and another baby on the way to complete her perfect family.

But then the worst fear that Dana has, comes true, and everything she thought she knew, she now starts to doubt. As her world comes crashing around her, who can Dana trust?  

Her husband Logan who seems to be getting worryingly close to Dana’s best friend Pippa?

Her new friend Melanie who has a sinister habit of turning up in the strangest places?

Her parents and her sister, who Dana knows are keeping a terrible secret from her?

Matt, who says he’s Dana’s friend, but sometimes she’s not so sure?

Or will Dana discover that it’s a dangerous mistake to trust anyone…

Join Kirsty Ferguson on this heart-stopping, plot-twisting, roller coaster read, perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Adele Parks.  

Purchase Link -  https://amzn.to/3ojpSH4

My Review:

Dana, Logan, and their four-year-old daughter Kelsey attend a family BBQ.  Tragedy occurs when Kelsey’s favourite bear goes missing and the family must keep going despite Dana’s world blowing apart around her and her realising, she doesn’t know who she is able to trust.

From the start, the book is an emotive read. It is very dramatic – so much relationship, friendship and family drama in one book. I will say I was kept interested because I wanted to see how it all would turn out.

I found the book is well paced and quick to read, it held my attention well enough to power through in one sitting.  

Whilst I didn’t personally gel with the characters, I could feel for Dana and how everyone else was towards her. The point is that you aren’t supposed to like all the characters I guess, so in that the author has done well. I think the dislike of characters means you are suspicious of them all, which for this style of book is great.

Although it wouldn’t be something I would read again, as a psychological thriller I felt it delivered some interesting twists along the way. 

Author Bio:

Kirsty Ferguson is an Australian crime writer whose domestic noir stories centre around strong women and dark topical themes. Kirsty enjoys photography, visiting haunted buildings and spending time with her son. Her first book for Boldwood was Never Ever Tell published in June 2020.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kfergusonauthor

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

Newsletter Sign Up Link: https://bit.ly/KirstyFergusonNewsletter

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kirsty-ferguson

Just Bea - Deborah Klée

 

Sometimes you have to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be yourself 

Bea Stevens and Ryan O Marley are in danger of falling through the cracks of their own lives; the only difference between them is that Bea doesn’t know it yet.

When her world is shaken like a snow-globe, Bea has to do what she does best; adapt. Homeless man Ryan is the key to unlocking the mystery of her friend Declan’s disappearance but can she and Ryan trust one another enough to work together? 

 As the pieces of her life settle in new and unexpected places, like the first fall of snow, Bea must make a choice: does she try to salvage who she was or embrace who she might become?

Just Bea takes the reader on a heart-warming journey from the glamour of a West End store to the harsh reality of life on the streets and reminds us all that home really is where the heart is.

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

My Review:

A charming, raw yet feel good story that tackles important social issues and misconceptions. It is a story of believing in yourself but importantly also about looking past first appearances and not judging a book by its cover, it’s about putting your trust in others as well as yourself.

At first, I wasn’t sure I would be able to warm to Bea, I thought she was cold and awkward but boy was I wrong. Throughout the book she grows as a person, learns to be more open and able to trust in others; she demonstrated a belief in people that many don’t have and displays a can-do attitude when most may have just given up.

She handles things with care and surprised herself, but I love to see this kind of character development. She is a quirky character but by the end she is utterly endearing.

This book does show just how fragile circumstances can be, you may have everything you need one moment but then the next it can all fall away. The relationship between her and Ryan is special, he does as much for her as she does for him and it’s great to see that these two souls can support each other.

Such a clever, emotional read that entertains and informs. I was really impressed by this author and will look forward to reading more. 

Author Bio: 

Deborah has worked as an occupational therapist, a health service manager, a freelance journalist, and management consultant in health and social care.

Her protagonists are often people who exist on the edges of society. Despite the very real, but dark, subject matter her stories are uplifting, combining pathos with humour. They are about self-discovery and the power of friendships and community.

Just Bea is her second novel. Her debut The Borrowed Boy was published last year.

Deborah lives on the Essex coast. When she is not writing she combines her love of baking with trying to burn off the extra calories.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.abrakdeborah.wordpress.com

Twitter @DeborahKlee

Facebook Deborah Klee Author

A kiss in the Snow - Rosie Green

 

After a cruel twist of fate sends her hurtling into a black hole of despair, Carrie is absolutely dreading the festive season - especially with sister, Krystle, being even more demanding of her time and energy than usual. But then friend Maddy offers Carrie a lifeline: the chance to get away from it all in a holiday cottage in the gorgeous little village of Silverbells. Deciding that a few weeks of tranquillity - reading, baking and going for long walks in the countryside - might just restore her mood, Carrie is quick to take up the offer. But on arriving, it very soon becomes clear that this break is going to be anything but peaceful!

An unwelcome houseguest proves unsettling enough - especially one who whistles loudly first thing in the morning and is far too cheerful for his own good - but finding herself drawn into the spooky mystery of her missing neighbour means there really isn't much time for personal reflection. And then love comes knocking, and Carrie is forced to decide exactly where her heart lies.

Will this festive season be the disaster Carrie predicted? Or will Santa be good to her and deliver her heart's desire? One thing's for sure - this will be a Christmas Carrie will never, ever forget...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/32VMJjD

My Review: 

There will never be a time when I don’t love reading the latest release from Rosie Green. Find her series of novella’s was such a great moment, I jumped in and haven’t looked back. This is the 13^th release in her series, but like each of the other 1-12 it can be read as a standalone. Each time I write a review I implore readers to read the others anyway because they are just wonderful stories with a great collection of characters – and this time is no exception. Treat yourselves to the delights Rosie Green has brought to life.

This time we follow Carrie’s story, whilst she has appeared a couple of times in other books, we don’t really know her or much about her so it’s brilliant we get to discover more now. Also, we are in a whole new village – Silverbells, which sounds dreamy and an ideal place for festive shenanigans to me.

I’ve really enjoyed meeting new characters in the residents of Silverbells and I hope we get to revisit them at some point in the future, they definitely seem like they have stories to tell.

As always, the storylines are ones that make you feel emotionally up and down, your heart is taken in many directions but you always want the best outcome for all involved, even if that isn’t what you expect at the start.

Carrie decides it is time to move out of her twin sisters shadow, she needs to something for herself and ease the ache in her heart. A chance meeting with a mysterious stranger brings many a surprise for Carrie, if she just allows herself the opportunity to see what might just happen if she does what she wants for once.

Prepare to fall in love, with Carrie, Silverbells and Rosie Greens wonderful storytelling.  

Author Bio:

Rosie has been scribbling stories ever since she was little. 

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

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

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

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

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

‘A pure delight’ Debbie Johnson

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

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

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

Purchase Links –

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

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

Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis

“A delightful story about how the things we imagine to be best for us usually aren’t. The reason you will love Dear Emmie Blue is because you’ve probably *lived* Dear Emmie Blue, in some small part of your own journey to adulthood.” —Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming and poignant novel, teenager Emmie Blue releases a balloon with her email address and a big secret into the sky, only to fall head-over-heels for the boy who finds it; now, fourteen years later, the one thing Emmie has been counting on is gone for good, and everything she planned is up in the air.

Emmie Blue is about to learn everything she thinks she knows about life (and love) is just that: what she thinks she knows. Is there such thing as meant to be? Or is it true when they say that life is what happens when you are busy making other plans? A story filled with heart and humor, Dear Emmie Blue is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Evvie Drake Starts Over.

My Review: 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I am so thankful I did. What a gorgeous read. To my detriment I had not read the authors debut book so I went in with anticipation. By the end of that first chapter I knew I would love it and that Emmie would be a character I take to my heart.

Emmie is the kind of character I would imagine being friends with, she puts her all into friendships and relationships of all kind, she has heart and spirit even if life hasn’t always been that kind. I think all the characters are well written and love how they change and develop throughout the book – the ones I thought wouldn’t be good turned out great and the ones I had all my hopes pinned on didn’t really become the characters I initially thought.  

Rosie and Fox are the fun characters bringing some light and perspective for her. I loved their relationship from the start, they are really good friends to Emmie and provide some lovely comedic moments.

It is beautifully written and I sat for hours taking in every page. I could not put it down, wanting to see Emmies journey through and discover that her ending would be.

I think we all have sent secret messages out into the world at some point, haven’t we? Notes on balloons or messages in bottles? What a cute, simple start to this story but a truly significant symbol of following your destiny and that things may happen for a reason.

I loved this one, it’s emotional, endearing and a rollercoaster ride of opinion. An absolute delight of a read that I am so grateful for getting the opportunity to read.

One that will not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Purchase here.

Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay - Katie Ginger

Grab your strawberries and cream and get ready to return to the beautiful Swallowtail Bay!

Summer is in full swing and the locals are getting excited for the launch of the Swallowtail Bay strawberry food festival. But will all run smoothly when festival organiser Hetty’s heart is torn between lord of the manor John Thornhill and successful bakery owner Ben?

Purchase Links

UK Amazon ebook: https://amzn.to/3bGn0yi

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

My Review:


This is the second book in a gorgeous new series from Katie Ginger (who I am a big fan of). The first visit to Swallowtail Bay – ‘Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay’ was a delight so I jumped at the chance of reading this next book, ‘Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay’.

Although it does mention characters, we have grown to love from the first book, this is written so that it can be read as a standalone book.

With this trip to Swallowtail Bay, Hetty wants to reinvigorate the strawberry festival famed but comes up against an extremely reluctant Lord of the Manor. Will she make turn her plans into a success and help the failing Thornhill Manor and will her love for ex-boyfriend Ben be reignited?

This is an adorable love story that will leave you with a smile on your face and characters that have a place in your heart. The characters of Hetty and John are brilliant and the relationship they have is fantastic; she is bright, confident and does not back down easily and he needs that kind of firecracker to break down his defences.

I love books with a strong sense of community and supporting each other and this book has it in droves. The setting is so well written, I can clearly imagine the whole town as well as the Manor and from the beautiful descriptions I wish I could live there! It sounds a gorgeous place to be.

This book is an absolute charm, I laughed along, I smiled and felt every emotion for Hetty, by the end I was so happy for everyone. I read it in no time, I just didn’t want to put it down but then I was gutted to finish it and not be able to go on being part of that community anymore.

I have enjoyed everything Katie Ginger has written but this series is something very special.


About the Author:

KATIE GINGER lives in the South East of England, by the sea, and she really wouldn't want

to be anywhere else. Summer Strawberries at Swallowtail Bay is her fifth novel. The first, Spring Tides at Swallowtail Bay is available now. Her debut novel The Little Theatre on the Seafront was shortlisted for the Katie Fforde Debut Novel of the Year award, and her stand- alone Christmas novel Snowflakes at Mistletoe Cottage was a US Amazon bestseller.

When she's not writing, Katie spends her time drinking gin, or with her husband, trying to keep alive their two children, Ellie and Sam. 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

Instagram: @katie_ginger_author

Just My Luck - Adele Parks

It's the stuff dreams are made of - a lottery win so big, it changes everything.

For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. Over dinner parties, fish & chip suppers and summer barbecues, they've discussed the important stuff - the kids, marriages, jobs and houses - and they've laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything more than a tenner.

But then, one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There's a rift in the group. Someone doesn't tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever.

Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it.

Sunday Times bestseller Adele Parks returns with a riveting look at the dark side of wealth in this gripping take on friendship, money and betrayal, and good luck gone bad...

My Review:

They say, ‘be careful what you wish for’ and this book encapsulates that perfectly. This twisted tale of greed and betrayal will have you on the edge of your seat, highlighting the appalling lows that some people would stoop to because of greed.

You would thinking hitting the jackpot would bring you endless happiness and you wouldn’t have to worry about a thing ever again – how wrong this can be,

Full of backstabbing, this group of characters are willing to pay each other off, lie, cheat and steal to get their hands on what they believe is rightly theirs; years of friendship and loyalty goes out the window and leaves some wondering who they can actually trust anymore. I enjoyed how it made you think, asking yourself those moral questions that if you were in this position how you would cope.

I liked Lexi; she is calm, not wanting to be extravagant and mindful of others. She wants to use the money to help others, selfless and not at all greedy unlike those around her who get carried away very quickly. Jake seems to change for the worse instantly, flashing the cash and showing off.

There is so much to this story, I had some ideas of what could happen as I read through, but I wasn’t expecting the darker twists along the way, with some dramatic, emotional scenes.

As with all of Adele Parks’ books the writing keeps you engaged, it’s full of emotion with characters you feel strongly about. I think at times you get swept away with the lavish lifestyle that the money can create, so the inclusion of Toma and his story balances perfectly. He is suffering, handling loss and grief, desperate to find justice for his wife and child.

A surprisingly dark tale spun from what many may dream to be the best moment of their lives. I recommend this one completely. An Adele Parks fan, I never fail to enjoy her writing, this is her 20^th book in 20 years – an amazing achievement and testament to her storytelling skills. I look forward to what will come next.

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

It started with a secret - Jill Mansell

The feel-good novel of the year from the Sunday Times bestselling author of MAYBE THIS TIME. Everyone has a secret - and there's no knowing what will happen when those secrets start to come out ...

The trouble with secrets is that you can't guess what the consequences will be . . .

Lainey has just lost everything. Luckily one little fib (OK, quite a big fib) helps nail her dream job. Soon she's living in a stunning house by the sea, fending off obsessed fans for a retired - if far-from-retiring - actor and organising his charming but chaotic family. Yes, everyone thinks she's part of a couple and it's tricky keeping this secret. But at least she's not looking for love: with her disastrous relationship history, men are definitely off the agenda.

Except Seth, the actor's grandson, really is very attractive. There's growing chemistry and a definite connection between them. What would happen if he knew the truth?

But Lainey's not the only one with a secret - it seems everyone has them! And they're all about to start unravelling... 

My Review:

Jill Mansell has been a long-standing favourite of mine. Getting to cosy up with another book is a pleasure, an even bigger pleasure is to be able to be part of the blog tour for her latest release.  There has never been a Jill Mansell book that doesn’t draw me in and keep me hooked from the first word right until ‘The End.’

'It started with a secret' is another example of this. I was hooked as soon as I started reading, not wanting to put it down for a second.

I loved the fabulous array of characters, such a wild and varied bunch that gel together so

well throughout the story. Lainey and her (gay) ‘boyfriend’ arrive in St. Carys to work for a family, comprised of an older famous film star, his daughter in law, adult grandson Seth and several children. Here the adventure really begins and the lovely Lainey, who is managing this household, has her work cut out for her.

With some hilarious moments between Lainey and Richard, I really enjoyed their relationship. Her attempt at improving how well he treats his fans leads to a surprise discovery but a tender, life changing moment. I also found some of Majella’s dating disasters incredibly funny – that poor woman, putting herself out there only to end up opposite some real duds!

Lainey has a very special relationship with each member of the family, knowing each of their secrets and helping them along the way, whilst following her own heart. She’s one special lady. She brought out the best in each character.

I enjoyed how the threads of this book were interwoven into a beautiful tapestry, with so much happening it would be easy to get complicated or confusing, but Mansell executes it with ease.

The only disappointment? That it had to end. 

A wonderful read that I am sure will delight fans of the author and those who have yet to discover the delight of her work.  

About the Author:

Jill Mansell is the author of over twenty Sunday Times bestsellers including The One You

Really Want and Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay.  Take a Chance on Me won the RNA’s Romantic Comedy Prize, and in 2015 the RNA presented Jill with an outstanding achievement award. 

Jill’s personal favourite amongst her novels is Three Amazing Things About You, which is about cystic fibrosis and organ donation; to her great delight, many people have joined the organ donor register as a direct result of reading this novel.

Jill started writing fiction while working in the field of Clinical Neurophysiology in the NHS, but now writes full time. She lives in Bristol with her family.