Love Blossoms at Puddleduck Farm - Della Galton

How can life be too busy for love?

Phoebe Dashwood is living the dream. She’s running her own successful vet practice, Puddleduck Vets, alongside her grandmother’s animal sanctuary.

She’s also dating the gorgeous, yet slightly broken Rufus Holt, the most eligible bachelor in the New Forest.
So why isn’t she blissfully happy?

Both Phoebe and Rufus are consumed 24/7 by their own commitments. Their relationship is always last on the list.
Phoebe juggles quirky, yet demanding clients and their pets whilst widowed Rufus is consumed by his anxieties, responsibilities of fatherhood and the unenviable tasks of being a Lord in waiting with a huge estate to manage.

Phoebe knows that when you’re a vet, there isn’t always a happy ending. But will there be a happy ending for Phoebe, Rufus and everyone else at Puddleduck Farm?
Is it ever really possible to have it all?

Purchase Link https://mybook.to/loveblossomssocial

My Review:

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Della Galton. This is the third book in the series although you could read it as a standalone (I recommend the other books though – they are wonderful!)

Finally, Phoebe and Rufus have got together, after an instant attraction they took a long time in actually making a go of things. I do like this coupling; I was hoping they would be together and all would be well, but we realise throughout this book that life just gets in the way. Both are guilty of prioritising other things and not committing to the relationship enough for it to work. I was massively disappointed, even though it makes complete sense, I just feel like their attraction could have developed into something amazing. Phoebe does make some romantic decisions and honestly, I think it was the easy way out. I will probably be in the minority, and it will be an unpopular option but to me it felt like she took the easy option.  

As always there are funny moments that had me giggling as I read, Saddam is hilarious really and I’d welcome hearing more of his crazy antics! Will anyone ever be able to tame that cat!

It was lovely to see some of the other characters developing and having wonderful things happening – proposals, pregnancies and business success.

A great read, a chance to escape and catch up with lovely characters. Highly recommended read.

About the Author:

Della Galton writes short stories, teaches writing groups and is Agony Aunt for Writers Forum Magazine. She lives in Dorset.

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The Beach House - Nina Manning

 

It should have been the perfect weekend…

Work colleagues Nicole, Margo, Paisley and Audrey all appear to be looking forward to a weekend away at Nicole’s luxurious beach house on the Dorset coast. It should be a chance for the women to kick back, relax and regroup after a stressful moment at work.

But this is no normal girls’ getaway. And the beach house is no normal home. This place holds dark secrets for Nicole, which threaten to be revealed when its doors are opened.

And unbeknownst to host Nicole, each of the three other guests all have secrets of their own…and some of them could be deadly.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/beachhousesocial

My Review:

When a group of employees plan a weekend away to “brainstorm” ideas to save the business, something a little more sinister is afoot. A group of people, each with their own secrets, some wishing to reveal all whilst others desperately hoping to keep theirs to themselves.

Honestly, none of the characters were that likeable (which added the intense atmosphere), all are very selfish in their own ways, all in it for their own benefit, although there is one who you may be surprised with by the end, I genuinely didn’t have them down as doing something to help another. I couldn’t really see a genuine friendship connection between them, even for a group of employees – it read as them being awkward around each other, which added to the tense and uncomfortable feel of the book.

The story was told from multiple points of view, which I like and really brought the story to life as each character gave a different twist on what was playing out.

I found the story played out quite slowly, it took quite a while for anything to really happen but once it did everything started unravelling quite quickly, culminating in dramatic events.

I wasn’t overly surprised with the outcomes, the clues are there all the way through, but I did like how it was put together, how the setting enhanced the mood of each character.

An interesting, tense read.

Author Bio:

Nina Manning studied psychology and was a restaurant-owner and private chef (including to members of the royal family). She is the founder and co-host of Sniffing The Pages, a book review podcast. Her debut psychological thriller, The Daughter in Law, was a bestseller in the UK, US, Australia and Canada. She lives in Dorset.

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Another Time Another Place - Jo Lovett

 

Has someone ever come into your life and you thought, what if you’d had the chance to get to know one another better? Would we be together?

When Liv finds herself locked in a shed with handsome stranger Ben (after both trying to rescue the same cat), the instant connection they make feels like fate had a hand in it. Has Liv finally found her perfect match?

But everything about the timing means there’s no way they can be together. Not least because Ben has a girlfriend and Liv is moving to Paris the next day.

Over the coming years their paths weave in and out of each other’s lives – together, but always fleetingly.

If only they could stop missing each other, who knows what fate may have in store for them…

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/anothertimesocial

 

My Review:

An adorable rom-com that actually pulls an emotional punch every so often. With a funny “meet-cute” (sounds like a nightmare but with added good looking benefits!) we chart the ups and downs of the lives of both Ben and Liv. We see how their stories play out, charting disappointments, highs and low. With both characters moving forward over the following months and years, we see how friendships, love interests and careers change. At various, random moments they come across each other, a bar at New Years, a work meeting; the connection and chemistry is electrifying. Something is holding them both back and timing always seems to be off, maybe both should forget the other and the connection they seem to share. 
The story plays out from both characters perspectives, we know that they are both not entirely being honest with the other. Drama, longing, missed chances all play a vital role in this story. It’s well written, and the pace is good so much so you won’t realise just how quickly you are reading, you will be so engrossed in the characters and the will they wont they plot. 
A cosy read, heartfelt yet funny – I could see it play out as a film!

Author Bio:
Jo was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping/ Orion First Novel Competition 2018 and shortlisted for the Comedy Women in Print Award 2019. She lives in London with her family. She started writing romantic comedy when she realised that she was regularly begging her oldest son to let her do his English homework but wasn't actually very interested in haunted houses or Macbeth analysis. When she can escape her laundry mountain, she enjoys reading, tennis and wine

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The Nurse - Valerie Keogh

 

Do No Harm…

Bullied, overlooked and under-appreciated, Lissa McColl learns at an early age to do very bad things.

As a nurse, she is respected and valued for the first time in her life. But Lissa hates her job and the selfish, rude and inconsiderate people she has to deal with.

But being underestimated in this job had its advantages. Lissa can get close to people, find out their secrets… sometimes with deadly results...

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Thenursesocial

My Review:

Dark and fascinating to read something from the point of view, and the understanding of a killer. I wasn’t sure I would get into this but how wrong I was, hooked and didn’t want to put it down.

Lissa is our killer, premeditated murderer, clever young lady and actually quite a messed-up person that does have feelings (in some ways!) and actually isn’t a killer for killings sake.

Bullied at school, not seen by fellow students unless it is to mock or tease, Lissa quickly comes to realise her intelligence can help change the situation, she doesn’t want to be popular, she just wants a level of respect that all young girls should receive. She formulates a plan and sees it through with ease, no suspicion of wrongdoing at all. This gives Lissa a strange sense of power that we see stay within her as she gets older.

Lissa’s home life isn’t always great, neglected at times and almost forgotten by her parents, her dad works away and her Mum cannot handle being without him. When their lives change and the truth causes repercussions for all, Lissa must be the one to find solutions – no matter what it may take.

Lissa trains as a nurse, she works hard because she has responsibilities, but she hates rude, inconsiderate people. Lissa uses her intelligence and thirst for knowledge to her advantage; she has a great way at discovering secrets and those often can reap benefits for her.

I actually quite liked Lissa, she is a murderer, she has done very bad things but she feels justified in doing so, she is quite outraged by any suggestion she kills for the love of killing.

The story is fast paced, addictive and dark. You cannot trust anyone or anything. Added little twists at the end always spice things up when you think you have it all guessed, I enjoyed that we were still kept on our toes.

The first time I have read a book by this author but it will not be the last.

I would like to thank #BoldwoodBooks for my ARC of #TheNurse in exchange for an honest review.

Author bio:

Valerie Keogh is the internationally bestselling author of several psychological thrillers and crime series, most recently published by Bloodhound. She originally comes from Dublin but now livesin Wiltshire and worked as a nurse for many years. Her first thriller for Boldwood will be published in August 2022.

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The Start of Something Wonderful - Jessica Redland

 

Autumn Laine has lost her creative sparkle. After losing her grandad and her job as an illustrator in quick succession, she is at a crossroads in life and needs a break. Spending time with her parents in Paris, even in the artistic community of Montmartre, doesn't appear to be the answer.

So when her penpal, Rosie, invites her to stay in the Lake District, Autumn jumps at the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. After all, where better to re-discover her creativity than the place which inspired her heroine, Beatrix Potter?

Arriving at the picturesque lakeside village of Willowdale, Autumn is swept up by the beauty and magic of the stunning landscape. Welcomed into the community with open arms, she slowly starts to feel like herself again as her creative instincts re-ignite.

But when she meets Dane, who has escaped to the Lakes for his own reasons, will Autumn's walls come down to let someone in again after so long? Or will the secrets of her past continue to hold her back?

A new beginning is a daunting prospect, but could it be the start of something wonderful too..?

Join million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland for a brand new series, full of love, friendship and community.

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Startsomethingsocial

 

My Review:

Jessica Redland is one of my “go to” authors, I have loved every book, every series, all the characters and locations, so I was really looking forward to getting stuck into another series in a brand new setting!

This new series, set in the Lake District, has started strong, I loved getting to meet new characters, fell in love with the locations (as always Jessica describes it wonderfully) and couldn’t put it down once I started!

Autumn is our leading lady, but we also get to know Dane, Rosie and Alice well too. Beatrix Potter has clearly been an influence as this book is littered with references to her life and work; which is something Autumn and Dane bond over. As you read more about Beatrix, her story is mirrored in some ways by Autumns – it’s hard not to draw comparisons.

As an Illustrator, the Lakes give Autumn inspiration but she feels something is missing, Dane is also looking for some creative inspiration and so the pair agree to help each other.

Rosie has been Autumns penpal for a very long time, having her nearby has only helped strengthen their friendship. We were given tiny glimpses into her life, but I feel (and hope) there will be more to learn about Rosie.

It’s a story with ups and downs; long lost love, poor timings, heartbreak and pain but also hope, a fresh start and new chances.

Autumn is a lovely character and I hoped her time in the Lake Distract would be the start of great things for her. I’ve never been to the Lake District but I felt like I could easily imagine the village, the walks etc.

Great start to the series, I cannot wait for the next book!

Author Bio:

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

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A Midnight Kiss on Ever After Street - Jaimie Admans

A picture-perfect town; a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street...

Will a kiss at midnight change her life forever?

Sadie Winters has spent her whole life doing as she’s told. But when her overbearing aunt forbids her from going to the farewell ball at the beloved local castle, Sadie has had enough!

One magical makeover, one midnight curfew, and wearing a dress of her own creation, Sadie is unrecognizable as Ever After Street's shy seamstress.

Sadie might dream of meeting a handsome prince but the only person to cross her path is Witt – the slightly awkward estate agent intending to sell the castle and dash Sadie’s dreams forever.

As the clock strikes midnight, Sadie and Witt share a magical kiss and Sadie knows her heart is in serious danger. Surely Witt must feel the same way…? Sadie can't hang around to find out.

But as reality dawns the next day, and fate brings Witt to Sadie’s door again, Sadie realises that her mystery estate agent prince has absolutely no idea who she is!

Sadie can’t forget their midnight kiss, but is she brave enough to change her life and find love along the way…?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/AMidnightKisssocial

My Review:

What an enchanting tale from Jaimie Admans, who never fail to capture my heart with her romantic, magical tales. This is a charming read, suspend reality and enter the fairytale world of Jaimie’s creation, where magic, fairytale endings could exist.

Whilst it feels very familiar in theme, you will pick up on the Cinderella-esque storyline, it is modern, full of funny and lightheaded humour as well as being romantic and a cute tale of girl meeting boy, overcoming some issues and trying to each find their own happily ever after.

Sadie is our modern day Cinderella, a great character with a heart of gold. Life hasn’t always been great to her and she dreams of being able to follow her mothers path, creating wonderful dresses in the shop she owned. Unfortunately she has an Aunt, who isn’t quite “wicked step mother” but isn’t exactly helpful nor appreciative of Sadie’s talents. Throughout the book Sadie gains confidence, belief in herself and in how she must do what is right, follow her dreams and show she is willing to leave the community she adores if it means doing the right thing.

Witt is our ‘prince’, I guessed the “revealing” information about Witt pretty early on but I loved how Sadie didn’t work things out. He is another character that has much to overcome, painful memories and personal problems. He may have no confidence himself but he certainly helps Sadie gain hers.

A romantic tale I didn’t want to finish, happy ever afters are all well and good but I would love a return to Ever After Street and more magical, fairy tale fun. 

Author Bio:

Jaimie is a 37-year-old English-sounding Welsh girl with an awkward-to-spell name. She lives in South Wales and enjoys writing, gardening, watching Hallmark movies, and drinking tea, although she’s seriously considering marrying her coffee machine. She hates spiders, hot weather, and cheese & onion crisps. She writes quirky and uplifting romantic comedies and loves nothing more than escaping into a good book, whether by reading them or writing them!

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Happy Ever After for the Cornish Midwife - Jo Bartlett

 

The emotional finale to the bestselling Cornish Midwife series! Get your tissues ready!

Midwife Jess is so used to helping other mums achieve their dreams that she’s put her own hopes of motherhood firmly on hold. After having her heart broken once before, Jess is determined to focus all she has on her small family and stepson Riley and make sure he feels safe, happy and loved.

But when Jess is asked to care for a tiny baby and new mum in need of support, she’s torn. Jess wants to help, but she isn’t sure her battered heart could cope with saying goodbye to another baby she’s fallen in love with.

Jess knows this could be the happy ever after she’s always dreamed of, but what if it costs her more heartache along the way? Is she brave enough to take one last chance at motherhood?

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Happymidwifesocial

My Review:

I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the beginning, a wonderful setting, a great cast of characters, storylines that have taken us on emotional journeys for each of the midwives. Although I hate to say goodbye to any series, I can have hope they may appear one day in the future in some way shape or form, I feel we’ve become friends and I should like to know how they are doing from time to time.

Happy Ever After…the ultimate ending for all, but I can honestly say there were times reading this I was not altogether sure that would be possible. As always, emotional twists and turns along the way, our lovely Jess, who we have seen endure so much, takes one of the central roles this time and we learn what more Jess must face. Times to make your heart ache but also moments that fill it with pure joy. I love Jess’ character, she is inspirational in how she continues to support so many others when she herself is in pain.

When an opportunity presents itself, Jess is worried at first, is she able to take risk in order to get what she has always wanted, even if it may end up breaking her heart just a little more.

We also have Megs story, which is very surprising. She is put through the ringer too, it’s very emotional and difficult times for her but with every dark cloud comes some sunshine, and after a big shock, Meg comes to the realisation that she cannot be the one to solve every issue and that her priorities must change.

I loved our final visit to the to midwives, I love Jo’s writing and I look forward to whats to come. Happily Ever After for the Cornish Midwives is a great read, I highly recommend, but I do suggest reading the others first – it’s worth it!

Author Bio:

Jo Bartlett is the bestselling author of over nineteen women’s fiction titles. She fits her writing in between her two day jobs as an educational consultant and university lecturer and lives with her family and three dogs on the Kent coast.

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