The Dating Game - Sandy Barker

 

‘Hilarious and highly original’

Julie Houston, bestselling author of A Village Affair

Once upon a time, twelve women joined the hottest reality TV show looking for love. Except one had a secret identity . . .

Abby Jones is a serious writer. Or at least she will be, one day. Right now, she spends her time writing recaps of reality television under a secret identity.

When a recap for The Stag – the must-watch dating show – goes viral, her editor thinks she should be on set, writing the drama as it happens. The good news: the next season will be filmed in Sydney. Sun, sea and a glamorous trip abroad, this could be Abby’s big break.

The bad news: the producers don’t just want Abby to write the recaps, they want her to be on the show. Abby can’t think of anything worse than being undercover and followed around by cameras. But her career depends on it, and when she meets gorgeous producer Jack, Abby begins to wonder if this job might not be so bad after all . . .

My Review:
Sandy Barker always gives us such interesting, fun reads. They are brilliant!

Abby, writer and scathing critic of a reality dating show finds herself as a contestant on that very programme so to ensure her witty reviews score even more publicity for the show. Reluctant is not the word to describe how she feels about this but we see her take it on and fair play she handles everything far better than I would.

Her hilarious recaps of the show are what really kept me entertained throughout. I enjoyed seeing how Abby developed as a character, unsure at first the more she settled into the more she seemed to discover herself.

What a bunch of characters though; some to love and some most certainly to hate. They are all very well written and part of the fun!

I liked how the romance element was slow and steady, who would have thought in this nightmare scenario she would end up falling up for one of the show’s producers. Could love to put a spanner in her dream career plans?

Full of fun, wit and laughter. A great read, very well written. Highly recommended. 

Purchase Links

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dating-Game-romantic-comedy-Santorini-ebook/dp/B096TBRT6B/

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-dating-game/id1571261358

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sandy_Barker_The_Dating_Game?id=iwQyEAAAQBAJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dating-game-sandy-barker/1139650830

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/the-dating-game-30

Author Bio

Sandy is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of her travel adventures have found homes in her novels. She’s also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. She lives in Melbourne Australia with her partner, Ben, who she met while travelling in Greece. Their real-life love story inspired Sandy’s debut novel One Summer in Santorini, the first in the Holiday Romance series with One More Chapter, an imprint of HarperCollins.

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Will They, Won't They? - Portia MacIntosh

 

When life goes off track sometimes the only thing you can do is go back to where it all began...

Emmy Palmer is the star of Bragadon Forest, the biggest fantasy series on TV; adored by the public, living the life of glamour and luxury in London.

But when scandal strikes, Emmy must escape the city and return to her seaside hometown to lie low and wait for the storm to pass.

Emmy's agent decides it would be a good look to star in the community Christmas pantomime, but who else could be playing her leading man but her ex-boyfriend who she may or may not have ditched to move to London a decade ago...

As the show approaches, love and friendships blossom and the real question is - Will they? Won't they?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3x2wjCR

My Review:

Portia MacIntosh is one of my go to authors. Her books are romantic, funny and perfect for some light hearted reading. This latest novel is no exception, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Emmy is a famous actress in a popular fantasy TV programme. Following a few rumours, she has been given the chop (quite literally – her character was beheaded!) and finds herself at a loose end. Following a family tragedy, she returns home to the Yorkshire village she grew up in. Soon immersed in the lives of her crazy family, she finds herself getting roped into a local production as well as renovating a house! Her agent thinks a local pantomime may just save her career and encourages Emmy to take part, although not everyone is happy, she is about to star in the show. She also revisits past relationships and friendships, realising some are happier to see her than she is to see them. With the truth always managing to come out, can Emmy repair her career, or does she realise her priorities are now elsewhere? A crazy bunch of characters, I liked them, although randy Aunty Vee may have been a bit much for me, I felt that I knew each one and they all played a specific part in the story. Plenty of laugh out loud moments in this one and although for once I wasn’t sure who the romantic interest would be, there is plenty of romance too. Highly recommended for a great end of summer read.

Author Bio:
Portia MacIntosh is a bestselling romantic comedy author of 16 novels, including The Plus One Pact and My Great Ex-Scape. Previously a music journalist, Portia writes hilarious stories, drawing on her real life experiences.

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The Juggle - Ellie Barker

 

Married couple Molly and Dan are forced to swap lives. But will it bring them closer together or drive them even further apart?

It was only a blip. Just a little mistake. But in the world of television, Dan Whitehead’s little slip could cost him his career.

His only chance is to swap roles with his wife, Molly, who also works part-time, behind the scenes at the show. It’s just for a couple of months. Easy. What’s so hard about looking after their twins and taking a step away from the limelight for a bit? Only, it’s not quite as simple as Dan may think.  With more time, his past begins to haunt him. Then, when a friendly school-mum offers him the comfort he needs, is she everything she seems?

Meanwhile, Molly is more than happy in her sweatshirt and leggings. Why would she want to go back on-screen when she doesn’t even like leaving the house? But she needs to save her husband’s job. After all, it is her fault.  Then, when she’s offered an exclusive interview on the other side of the world, her life in Cherry Blossom Park is under threat. Why is she the only person to ever be offered this interview?  Dan must never know the truth. 

The Juggle is more than just a story about parents keeping everything in the air. It’s about secrets from the past and hopes for the future.

It asks the question – is a marriage every big enough for two dreams to come true? 

 

My Review:

This is the authors second book, and I admit I hadn’t read the first. Saying that – nothing took away from my enjoyment of ‘The Juggle’ at all, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Cherry Blossom Park is one of those typically wonderful book locations I’d love to be.

I enjoyed that the story was told from both Dan and Mollys point of view. I think it’s always interesting to see things from other perspectives.

I think the reason I enjoyed this book was that it was relatable – be it in the fact that often married couples do feel like the spark and chemistry leaves the marriage after life and children take over. Days can seem repetitive and the same for everyone. Sacrifices are made and that can have a big impact. It takes a step back, and a wake up call, to change unless it is too late. No good comes from secrets - or does it?

Well written, with enjoyable characters- some more than others though. A fast, fun read that will leave you eager for more. I will definitely look out for the next one by this author. 

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Juggle-Cherry-Blossom-Park-Book-ebook/dp/B099ZXRDM6/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Juggle-Cherry-Blossom-Park-Book-ebook/dp/B099ZXRDM6/

Author Bio:

Ellie Barker is a television reporter and presenter. The Juggle is her second book. You can find out more about Ellie at https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

Social Media Links:
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Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café - Jessica Redland

 

Welcome to The Starfish Café - where you will find stunning views, delicious food and lifelong friendships.

Two broken hearts.

Since she inherited The Starfish Café, Hollie has poured her heart into the business, striving to keep her mother's traditions and warm-hearted spirit alive. But behind closed doors Hollie is searching for true happiness, as she grieves the tragic loss of her family who were once the beating heart of the café...

An unexpected meeting.

Jake lives by two rules: don’t let anyone get close and don’t talk about what happened. Little does he know that a chance meeting at The Starfish Café, facilitated by a fluffy lost dog, is about to turn his world upside down...

The chance to love again.

Can Hollie and Jake break down the barriers that have been holding them back from finding love and happiness, before Christmas comes around? Afterall, with courage, nothing is impossible...

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/34I47Zk

My Review:

As a huge fan of Jessica Redland, I couldn’t wait to start this wonderful, festive romance. I have to admit there is seems to be an awful lot of tragedy and heartbreak in this story, I was concerned there would be no happiness or romance at all, but I didn’t need to worry. Although Snowflakes Over The Starfish Café is a great portrayal of loss, it is a glorious story of love and overcoming challenges and fears in order to achieve your dreams or mend your heart. A classic tale of finding happiness, or love, where you least expect it.

I enjoyed this new setting and all the characters and hope we will return, although fans of her previous books will not be disappointed as there may just be some familiarity.

Hollie and Jake are interesting, complex characters, both understanding and connecting through loss and pain. With some mystery as to what Jake gets up to on a Monday, his reason for it is incredible. There is so much packed into this book, you’ll get swept away by Hollie and her commitment to what her Mum started, bowled over by Jake and his determination.

Be prepared with some tissues for this emotional ride. Highly recommended!

Author Bio: 

Jessica Redland writes uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community set in Yorkshire where she lives. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast and her Hedgehog Hollow series takes them into beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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We Belong Together - Beth Moran

Eleanor Sharpley has been living a lie...

Needing to escape her London life quickly, Eleanor throws her things into the back of her car, and heads to her erstwhile best friend Charlie’s family farm.

But Charlie isn’t there. Instead she finds Charlie’s grieving brother Daniel, her eight-month old daughter Hope (a daughter Eleanor had known nothing about), and a crumbling and unloved Damson Farm.

Damson Farm lies at the edge of the village of Ferrington, with the river Maddon flowing at its heart. But Ferrington is a village divided by more than just a river - it is split in two by an age-old feud – between the Old Side and the New Side. Eleanor has run from her problems, straight into a family and a world that has problems of its own.

But Damson Farm has magic too, and as winter gives way to spring, the old farm starts to come to life under Eleanor’s love and care. The orchard starts to blossom with daffodils and bluebells, and the sound of bees busy in their hives fills the warming air.  Can Eleanor bring Daniel and the feuding village of Ferrington back to life too, or will her secrets catch up with her first?

Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3g55WF3

My Review:

A jam-packed romance with characters you will love and root for every step of the way! It is a story of personal growth, discovering yourself and dealing with tragedy and adversity. Heartwarming and endearing.

Eleanor is a great character, she is far from perfect, but she is likeable. She faces a lot of challenges and decides to ‘run away.’ Doing so means discovering fresh heartache but also new opportunities and we see how Eleanor makes the most of things, supports herself and takes care of those around her. She builds relationships within the (divided) community in Becky and Alice and makes it her mission to reunite the town and stop all the madness she witnesses during her stay.

Daniel is a brilliant character – he’s grieving and still puts others first. His dedication and love for baby Hope is so sweet. I love the way he helps Eleanor and gently nudges her in the right direction. It isn’t a story about love at first sight by a long way. It’s fair to say things are a little awkward at first but before long Daniel and Eleanor have a lovely bond and easy friendship and have created a great care system for baby Hope. As Eleanor works on making dreams come true, Daniel allows her free reign to do what is needed. How supportive!

When her past starts to catch up with her, Eleanor’s new life may be in jeopardy and the relationships she has nurtured during her stay may be torn apart.

I loved it... and I never read a book set fairly locally (although the town of Ferrington is fictional it is based locally) and there was even a mention for the mighty Mansfield Town FC (Come on you STAGS!)

Cleverly written and nicely paced, there Is so much happening but I felt the story played out in a nice way and I didn’t discover everything all in one go. As a story with multiple threads, they are cleverly woven so that I was always interested and wanted to read more.

I’ve never read anything by this author but I shall be rectifying that pretty quickly. I definitely recommend this fantastic story; romance, drama, humour with a little bit of mystery involved. What’s not to enjoy! 

Author Bio:

Beth Moran is the author of three previous romance novels, including Making Marion. 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. Beth’s first novel for Boldwood, Christmas Every Day, was published in September 2019.

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The Heights - Louise Candlish

He thinks he’s safe up there. But he’ll never be safe from you.

The Heights is a tall, slender apartment building among the warehouses of Shad Thames, its roof terrace so discreet you wouldn’t know it existed if you weren’t standing at the window of the flat directly opposite. But you are. And that’s when you see a man up there – a man you’d recognize anywhere. He’s older now and his appearance has subtly changed, but it’s definitely him.

Which makes no sense at all since you know he has been dead for over two years.

You know this for a fact.
Because you’re the one who killed him.

My Review:

The Heights is a fascinating psychological thriller based on how the effects of one incident can tear people apart and how the sense of overwhelming despair and grief can turn into obsession, compulsion and become a desire for the ultimate revenge. It’s dark, emotionally charged and crikey it’s addictive reading, I couldn’t put it down for a second.

The characters in The Heights are intense, but understandably so, I think they were excellently written. Ellen is consumed by the need to have revenge on the person who took away her son. She is a mother on a mission, and I understand her motivation. She is determined to do whatever it may take; her family is the most precious thing to her, and she will not have anyone get away with ruining it.

This story is mostly narrated by Ellen in the form of a memoir, and this really engaged me with how she felt, her side of things whereas just telling this story – I may not have felt so strongly about everything she does. Her ex-partner Vic is also introduced as a second narrator and this allows us to see not only what happens from a different point of view, but we see a different perspective of Ellen.

This book takes you on your own moral journey, looking at what you think is right, fair and if justice is ever deemed as done in a victim (families) eye. Would you be happy with any sentence, would you be compelled to seek your own revenge? Would your emotions drive you to the point of obsession?

The author is a firm favourite of mine, I eagerly await how she is going to thrill us next. I enjoy the characters she creates, the twists and turns she cleverly orchestrates into each storyline so to ensure nothing is ever as straightforward as we assume.

'The Heights' is a fast paced and dynamic, you will be captivated from the start but will be taken on quite the ride. It’s an intelligent, twisty, thriller – I highly recommend, you will not be disappointed.

Patience - Victoria Scott

If you were offered a chance to cure your child's disease, would you take it?

The Willow family have been through a lot together. Louise has devoted her life to her family and raising her disabled daughter, Patience. Pete now works abroad, determined to provide more, even if it means seeing less of those he loves. And Eliza, in the shadow of her sister, has a 'perfect' life in London, striving to live up to her mother's high standards.

Meanwhile, Patience lives her life quietly, watching and judging the world while she's trapped in her own body. She laughs, she cries, she knows what she wants, but she can't ever communicate this to those who make the decisions for her. Patience only wants a voice, but this is impossible.

When the opportunity to put Patience into a new gene therapy trial to cure her Rett syndrome becomes available, opinions are divided. The stakes are high, and the Willow family face an almost impossible dilemma.

And what is a 'normal life,' anyway? Is Patience about to find out...?

Available to purchase - HERE

Incredible.

What a wonderful debut from Victoria Scott, it blew me away. We are taken into the world of Patience, a young lady with Rett Syndrome who needs 24-hour care, having a caring, compassionate family and support network. This normal, run of the mill family face some of the most difficult challenges in caring for Patience and eventually realise they are struggling to give her the quality of life needed. An opportunity presents itself that tears the family apart, each wanting what is best for Patience but each seeing things from a different point of view.

A chance of a cure via gene therapy seems like a miracle and Patience’s’ Mum is passionate that this is what they’ve been waiting for; her dad however questions if the risks are worth it; he is sure Patience is happy and they are managing.

What a challenging, heart-breaking decision to make. The characters were all so engaging, especially as we knew the inner thoughts of Patience and had that special unique insight her parents etc didn’t. Each character has their own struggles on top of caring for Patience, that adds extra pressures to their lives but also extra complexities to this story.

This book is at times heart breaking but thought provoking, it provides an honest insight into those living with severe disabilities and those who provide their care whilst challenging the perception of what a “good life” may be.

There are moments of light, laughter, and lots of love of all kinds. Victoria Scott has written this with intimate knowledge of living alongside this condition and I know it will provide education for others, like me, who knew very little of this syndrome. Her writing has compassion, heart and humour and it captured my attention from the first page.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.