Janet Jackson’s Yorkshire B&B - Becky Papworth

 

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

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

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

Purchase Links

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Author Bio:

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

Social Media Links

https://twitter.com/beckypapworth1

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

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

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

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

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Let It Snow - Beth Moran

 

When your heart's broken, all roads lead home...

After the end of a long-term relationship, local weather girl Bea Armstrong has been avoiding her family, and their inevitable ‘I-told-you-sos.’ But with Christmas fast approaching, she is finally on her way home to Charis House, the school in Sherwood Forest that her mum and dad run in their old family home. And to top it all off, the insufferable Henry Fairfax – who her parents have always wanted her to marry – has also been invited.

Relief comes in the shape of a last minute interview for her dream job. There are just a few minor problems… The interview is in Scotland, Bea has no car, and the snow is falling already. The only solution is for Henry to drive her – could this Christmas get any worse…

But during an unforgettable two day interview, a stay in a log cabin and a nightmare journey through the snow, Henry turns out to be nothing like she thought.  And when Bea’s first love and recent ex shows up, Bea has a difficult choice to make…

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/39tHspS

My Review:

A light hearted, fun and festive read that will entertain in many ways. I must admit, that living close to Sherwood Forest myself added to my interest as it I could really place myself in the setting. I even loved the Mansfield mention too!

We meet weather girl (fanatic) Bea Armstrong who is wanting to make her own way in the world and within her career whilst also determining who her heart belongs too – a long time love who consistently let her down or a surprising someone who has been in front of her all along.

Going home for Christmas is a family holiday nightmare for Bea, it has been planned like a military operation for reasons unknown to Bea, but she risks her mother’s wrath as whilst she wants to be with family an opportunity arises she cannot miss. Heading off for the interview of a lifetime with an unlikely ally, Bea soon discovers the parts of herself she’d long forgotten and following many incidents, she realises where her passion, and talent, lies.

A wide variety of characters that are funny and quirky in their own way, I enjoyed getting to know more about them all.

Cosy and cute, a perfect read this Christmas time. 

Author Bio:

Beth Moran is the bestselling author of romantic novels including Christmas Every Day and Just The Way You Are. She regularly features on BBC Radio Nottingham and is a trustee of the national women’s network Free Range Chicks. She lives on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest.

Social Media Links:

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

Twitter https://twitter.com/bethcmoran

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

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/BethMoranNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-moran

REVIEW: I Heart Hawaii - Lindsey Kelk

Available Here

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

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

My Review:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comfy Rating:

👍👍👍👍👍

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

One New York Christmas - Mandy Baggot

Available to buy here

Confession time. This is my first Mandy Baggot book – although upon checking my TBR pile I notice I have a couple of others stowed away there, so let’s say they have been bumped up the pile towards the top (I can’t be the only one that piles her TBR pile in an order that she usually ignores right?)

One New York Christmas
Lara Weeks is looking forward to Christmas with her long-term boyfriend Dan until he drops a bombshell.

When best friend Susie persuades Lara to head to the Big Apple for a festive trip, will Lara find the answers she has been searching for and will she be ready to break-up or breakthrough this Christmas? Will Lara get her happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams?

What a treasure this book is! Set in ever exciting and completely entrancing New York, Mandy Baggot transports us via her descriptive writing and charming characters. If, like me, you’ve had an opportunity to explore NYC you will be taken back, recalling what its like on those tourist filled, busy streets, remembering the sounds and smells as well as those iconic views. If (like main character Lara) you haven’t yet adventured to New York this book will have you yearning to go!

Lara, our truck driving lead is comfortable with her life and her boyfriend Dan, but as Christmas approaches, he drops a bombshell that leaves Lara feeling not so merry and bright. I like Lara immediately – she’s direct and straight to the point, fearless but afraid in equal measure.  Lara is pretty kick ass really when I think about it – she flies off to somewhere she has only ever dreamed of, is left to her own devices A LOT in this massive, strange city, she climbs trees, rescues animals and stands up for the things she believes in. I related to the way Lara fell in love with NYC and her desire to explore more of the world in any way she can.

Our main male lead Seth is an actor, having known success (Lara is a fan before New York is even mentioned) he is now a jobbing actor on the hunt for his next big role and has his sights set on a role that is perfect for him. His best friend, now acting as his agent, starts something on Twitter that has unexpected consequences for all involved. Seth is kind, caring and gets swept away in Trent’s crazy, but well intended plans that lead him to a chance encounter with Lara. The connection between the two characters is instant, although they are from two completely different worlds. I enjoyed seeing how they developed and hoped that we could see each character get the happy ending they deserved. 

Mandy Baggot’s writing is descriptive and draws you in but it did take a few chapters to be fully invested but, once I was there was no stopping me - I read quickly as I was so keen to see how things were going for both Lara and Seth. The additional characters in this book are funny and you will like them – Susie and her boyfriend; Kossy, all the characters from the shelter, Trent; each adding something interesting to the story and helping Lara and Seth discover themselves (and each other!)  I feel like I would have liked to hear more about some of them, not a criticism more of me being greedy to have more.

I giggled a lot reading this book, especially thanks to some interesting animal escapades and was enticed to consider many new holiday destinations. I found it emotional in some places, especially in terms of Seth when he was searching for answers, not fully knowing if he really wanted to discover the truth. One New York Christmas is a fantastic read that will leave you feeling all warm and happy, it’s one book you need on your festive to read list. 
Thanks to Penguin Random House UK & Ebury Publishing for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review. 

Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square - Heidi Swain

Available on Amazon here 

Kate is almost-divorced and desperate to keep as far away from her ex-husband as possible. He is determined to have her back but she has found the perfect place to hide away. Kate finds herself besotted with a house on the historical Nightingale. The residents of Nightingale Square don't take no for an answer so Kate soon finds herself pulled into new friendships and adventures.

Kate soon finds herself campaigning the council to turn the green into a community garden, whilst all the residents are horrified to discover that the Victorian mansion on the other side of the square has been bought by developers. Concerned for the preservation of their small community they begin to worry all hope is lost until the arrival of a handsome stranger looks sure to turn things around!

You know a book is good when you simply cannot pick up another for a couple of days… that is exactly how I have felt since finishing Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square. Heidi Swain (@Heidi_Swain) has yet again given us an array of wonderful characters as well as creating a fantastic setting– Nightingale Square sounds like the type of place I would love live; where something is always happening, people take you in and make you part of a great group of friends and neighbours forming a real community - looking out for each other and their local area.  This book simply captures your heart and leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling – I couldn’t stop imagining what these characters would be up to next.

Our leading lady, Kate, is a charming character that we learn has been treated poorly by a cheating husband and now believes the only life for her is the single life! Kate keeps things to herself but we  do eventually discover that she blames herself for the husband being a cheater and also that he gave her more than she bargained for in more ways than one.

The Nightingale Square characters have brilliant and individual personalities - busybody Carole, struggling first time mum Heather and the bolshie, loud but absolute sweetheart Lisa – all play an important role in supporting Kate in the local campaign but also in replenishing her faith in people and love. 

If you are already a fan Heidi’s books (and of Wynbridge) you will be happy to know that, whilst this novel is set in Norwich, there is a brief visit to the much-loved market town. Kate is originally from Wynbridge and is related to one of Heidi’s much loved characters. 

I love Heidi’s style of writing; it flows very nicely and fully engages you throughout. I devoured the book in one sitting, as I was engrossed and didn’t want to stop. With all stories, especially if you read a lot, you can predict what will happen, I don’t say that to be negative as I always enjoy to read how the story actually blossoms but with Sunshine and Sweet Peas in Nightingale Square there are added ups and downs that do keep you on your toes, the will they/wont they romance; the added surprises you wouldn't predict– all will keep you hooked until the end. 

This is a great story of how one woman rebuilds her life, her heart as well as her trust in other people. It is a story of true friendship and community- finding things where you least expect them.  If you haven’t had the sheer pleasure of reading any Heidi Swain books before – then you must, you will not regret it. In fact, like me, you’ll be eager to devour as many as you possibly can.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Big Dreams Beach Hotel - Lilly Bartlett

Available here on Amazon 

Leaving a flourishing career in New York, Rosie never imagined she’d come back home nor that she would be managing a faded Victorian hotel in Scarborough.

As the hotel comes under new ownership, their vision is not received well. Cultures are clashing and the hotel’s residents decide to stand in the way of the developers’ plans.  Rory comes to the hotel to ensure the changes are made smoothly, although that is a task that may prove difficult if Rosie has anything to do with it.

Lilly Bartlett (pen name of Michelle Gorman) gives us a funny, upbeat story about following a dream and moving on.

Firstly I adore Scarborough – it’s a seaside town that has coloured my childhood and I have amazing memories of the place so to find the book set there is brilliant. (I adore it when books are set in places other than the norm).  Most the book is set within the hotel itself, I would have perhaps liked some more ventures into the town or descriptions of the local area so many of us are fond of with anecdotes or titbits of information.

The collection of characters in this book are mad! Totally eccentric and a real eclectic bunch. Narcoleptic Peter with Barry is a stand out for me, but you do adore each of them for the comedic elements they bring. Our lead, Rosie clearly gone through something in New York and this is interwoven within the book, for me it was obvious what had happened to her but I didn’t feel like it ruined the book but it did make me eager to see how she would now move forward and how she would change when the hotel had new ownership. It was also interesting to see how her past would affect the relationship she would have to build with Rory, both professionally and romantically.

I do really like Rosie, I think she could be a little bit feistier and stand up for herself some more. I admit I didn’t warm to Rory that much. He seemed nice enough and he obviously liked Rosie, he wasn’t a pushover and yet he seemed to be too dominant, too quick to dismiss Rosie’s concerns on occasion. He started to grow on me more towards the end of the book and I was pleased they both got to be happy together and in their careers.

‘The Big Dreams Beach Hotel’ had a lot laughs and charm, it was an enjoyable and funny read but for me, I felt like I expected something more. Some big event, some massive twist or something to shock me.  Maybe I’m too used to something like that happening it the books I read.

I did enjoy the book, I would recommend it if you wanted something quick and positive to read. It is the first book I have read by Lilly Bartlett and I would look to read more in the future.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍

Summer at the Little Wedding Shop - Jane Linfoot

Available on Amazon here 

Having only recently read (and loved) the first book in the Little Wedding Shop series – The Little Wedding Shop by the Sea, I was delighted to dive in and catch up with some of same characters I felt like I'd left behind. I often find myself missing characters and wondering how they get on and so getting a little glimpse into what is happening for them now is really a nice touch.

Although part of a series, these books can be read as a standalone. I have missed the second book (it’s on order at the library though so I will get my hands on it soon!)  but I don’t feel it matters too much. If you are reading this and have no previous knowledge of the other books you are quickly brought up to speed by JaneLinfoot, but not in such a way that you wouldn’t want to go back and read the ones you had missed. Summer at the Little Wedding Shop gives us Lilly - this time around it is her turn to take centre stage, but I was thrilled that the other girls I’d previously adored reading about still play a big part and are around to support our lead girl.

When the owner of Brides by the Sea offers Lily a job as their new wedding stylist she worries that she can’t rise to the challenge. Before she even gets chance to get used to her new role Kip Penryn hires her services he’s opened an exclusive wedding venue in direct competition to her friend Poppy. Lily feels like a traitor working for Kip, he has no idea what he is doing but is determined to succeed and everyone knows Penryn men are gorgeous but unreliable.
The thing I love most about these books is the characters Jane Linfoot creates for us. They are well written and very likable. You believe in their friendships and relationships, I for one wish I were part of their group. They do go through a lot and always have each other’s back, no matter what they are there for one another and in times of doubt they really do rally and ensure their friends happiness/success. I love all the women of Brides by the Sea and enjoy reading about their lives, which Jane Linfoot brings to us in a light-hearted and romantic way.

I must admit there were similarities between this (Lily’s story) and the one I previously read (Poppy’s story) BUT I didn’t particularly mind, it didn’t take anything away from my enjoyment of reading about Lily and how she was slowly overcoming personal issues to move forward (and yes even love again!).

Lily really has two romantic possibilities in Fred and Kip. I was dead against Fred from the start – I knew he wouldn’t be right for Lily at all, he didn’t have much appeal beyond the description of how attractive he appeared to be i.e. his six-pack. His general attitude and way he pursued Lily just made me switch off from him completely. At first I was also Anti-Kip. I’m certain it was intentional by the author though and throughout the book you see little chinks of his true character which makes you reevaluate and consider him as a love interest for our girl.

Our main girl - Lily is insecure about being able to do a good job, although she really is brilliantly creative and very confident in many ways. She can be rather spiky and not afraid of saying just what she thinks - well with certain people who rub her up the wrong way. Lily (just like the others) is always there for the people who need her and would try and move mountains to ensure everything works out well.

Jane Linfoot brings us into the Brides by The Sea world and give us lovable characters and well written and descriptive locations. This world is brought to life with enthusiasm that means you can’t help but root for them in their search for love and success.

I enjoyed this so much, I have ordered the ones I haven’t read yet at the library – I’m so keen to jump back into their stories ASAP. These are light hearted, fun and romantic tales and such a lovely read. Oh, and if you are sweet toothed like me , the descriptions of the wonderful cakes and treats available (via Poppy) will have you reaching for your very own slice.

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

The Perfectly Imperfect Woman - Milly Johnson

Available here on Amazon

I am a huge advocate of visiting and using your local library. My earliest memory is being taken to the library and thumbing through the children's books - taking great delight in selecting which I would take home with me. This excitement has never lessened and now as an adult, I love being able to take home more than I could when I was a child. I can never come away with just a couple. 
'The Perfectly Imperfect Woman' by the marvelous Milly Johnson (follow her on twitter @millyjohnson) is what my library classes as a '7 Day - Chart Topper'  meaning you can take it out but must return it within 7 days and you cannot renew it. Its like some kind of exciting reading challenge I guess. I needn't of worried - it took me less than 24 hours to read this wonderful tale...

Marnie Salt has had a difficult life, mostly due to things beyond her control. After years of continually being made to feel unloved and always at fault she has often made bad choices that seem to end in bigger problems. The lack of love within Marnie’s life is apparent from the outset, adopted by a woman who never shows her love or attention but blames her for everything that goes wrong. We are given glimpses into Marnies’ beginnings but jump to her as a successful,if not lonely, woman. Marnie has worked hard and has a great career, she is successful and has aspirations about continuing to do well but it’s evident she has not had the same success in her personal life. Friends that have abandoned her, failed relationships with the totally wrong types of men leaves Marnie spending many a weekend alone and getting far too drunk. This is how she meets Lillian - an old lady causing a storm on a cheesecake chat room. Marnie, in a drunken stupor, bares her soul to Lillian, divulging her innermost thoughts and feelings. This is the beginning of an amazing friendship that is bound to change both their lives. After a crisis, Marnie needs an escape and Lillian is more than happy to provide this. Marnie is welcomed into Lillian’s life and village -Wychwell- with open arms just not by all that live there. Village folk are suspicious and Marnie in turn feels that maybe this is just another place she doesn’t belong and through the events that suddenly transpire, that it may be time to leave and look for another escape. Marnie soon comes to realise that Wychwell has taken her for its own and knows in her heart of hearts that she must to do what is best for the village, her new friends but most importantly for herself. She discovers that it’s fine to be imperfect, to have the cracks and bits missing that make us unique individuals. Marnies story resonates so to look at yourself and embrace who you are and know that what you consider to be flaws, loved ones will look past and see you for exactly who you are. The people that truly love you will see always see the true you. A magical tale of friendship, self-belief, community and true love.  I am a huge Milly Johnson fan and yet again I was taken to a little place that I just wished I could be part of. I was mesmerised by Marnie, Lillian and the village. I swooned at Herv and adored Emilie too - I found myself to be surprised and even heartbroken at some of the little twists in the story (that doesn't happen often). I thought I could predict what would happen, and yes for some things I was right - but there was definite curve-balls to keep me on my toes. I always look forward to reading Milly's books and hope in the future we can learn more about the people and the goings on in Wychwell but also pay a visit to lovely Marnie and see what happened after 'The End.' Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍

Faking Friends - Jane Fallon

Available to order here on Amazon 

Amy, on the verge of a dream wedding to her long-distance fiancé Jack, thought she knew everything about her best friend Melissa. Paying a surprise trip home to London Jack is out, but it's clear another woman has been making herself at home in their flat.There's something that feels oddly familiar and then it hits her, the other woman is Melissa.

Instead of falling apart, she's determined to get her own back, after all putting her life back together will be no where near as fun as ruining theirs - will it? .
For a story based on deceit, betrayal and revenge, this book is enjoyable - full of humour and perfect comedic moments that ensure the reader doesn't get all dark and 'twisty.' I liked how Fallon explored the theme of relationships, especially the toxic variety within the story shown in Amy's romantic relationship (Jack) and in friendships (Melissa). 
Definitely a book for chick-lit genre fans but this has a darker edge. Revenge tactics and what Amy chooses to do to those that have wronged her make this so much more than your typical woman wronged chick-lit tale. I found I just didn’t want to put it down. I was entertained by the relationships between the characters, and found myself pleased with how some of them played out
I was waiting for a twist and there are several surprises that await the reader. An interesting change from the norm is switching the 'teller of the tale' from Amy to a different character. This definitely adds an extra aspect to the book and is quite the revelation. I think Jane Fallon shows the contrasting viewpoints of the characters brilliantly and keeps an element of suspense.

With twists and turns (possibly predictable), it may not have been overly dramatic but I was more than happy with how it resolves in the end. 

I would recommend this book, a nice take on the genre with humour and revenge thrown in. 

Comfy Rating: 👍👍👍👍